1/30/24

Mary Ann Massie laid a TD track for us. Really beautiful farm.

I was trying to be confident in myself and River. It went ok from start. She was out to left of track slightly but came back on it. Then, I looked up and saw what was the double lineup. I wasn't trying to but it was there. Onward and River pooped, so told her to track. She went left which was correct. I was just watching her and all was good, then I glanced up and when I saw what was the lineup and lost my focus on River she noticed. She went off to the right which was before the right turn. I honestly didn't think we had gone far enough on the leg, but she pulled and then it was becoming an acute angle turn and I knew we were done. I hoped she'd start to circle around me, but Mary Ann said we were too far off. We went back to the track and from that point River did better and likely due to me just letting her go.. Third leg she was off too the right side of the track consistently and air scenting.. She did air scent on the right turns. On final left turn and leg she was perfect. Mary Ann suggested that I do lots of food on the track and not let the line out far in order to get River to work the ground scent and not air scent. See post of the track photo below. River path in blue. This will be our focus until next Tuesday. I do think that part of the problem is me. If I allow any tension from me she reacts and this can keep her from moving on the track...sigh. So, for me, practice enjoying the track as I used to, smile and breathe, focus on River.

As another perk from working with Mary Ann, I learned how to be a cross track layer, which is good as I really am not a good tracklayer. Duck enjoyed the track I laid for him, all was good except for having to. Work through an underground mouse challenge section. Used some hot dog pieces to get him to move ahead of this area. He is definitely not pulling crazy as he did last year. Maybe, as he is 6 or maybe the food drop pattern from last spring succeeded and is continuing to keep him at a nicer pace.