Lesson with Janine

was great. Tia and I needed to go back to basics to improve sideways... yes I know it's driving game that really needs some work first!
We started off with simulations, not ones I had done before. Laying the cs down in front of you, just holding the popper and flicking to get the cs to land behind you, progressing to catching the stick. Next was using the 12ft line, letting the rope slide through your hands and putting the pressure on slowly with each finger, progressing to power position so you can't be pulled off balance.
First task with Tia was to rub her all over with hands or cs while she stood still. I knew this would be difficult for her, so I set it up for success and used my hands, Tia being her lbi self kept trying to repoisition me to rub her itchy spots! very funny but not what was required, so this task took some time to achieve, I had to keep repositioning her with out moving my feet. We did manage it eventually. Next was to pick up each foot and place it back down where I wanted it! sounds easy but I knew it wouldn't be! again this took a while especially on her right side, she genrally doesn't like me to be on that side. Massaging legs first Tia would pick her foot up nicely and it wasn't till her right back leg that I really started to have problems and had to change from asking her to stand still to going with her when she stepped away. I didn't think about if it was ok to change but Janine was happy that I did, cos it helped Tia understand what I was asking her to do. Ta da! we got it done in the end but my back was killing me!
Next was to rub Tia on her withers then walk aroud the front of her to the other side and rub again. Tias responsibility was to stand still, which of course she couldn't do to begin with. Bumping the rope as I walked helped and eventually I could run round at the end of the line while Tia stood still. I will get fitter one day! All this was to teach Tia that I could put her feet where I wanted them and it was her job to stand still until asked to move.
Janine asked if there was anything I wanted to work on... sideways and yes I told her I knew it was really driving game, so she had us driving from zone 2/3 to differant obstacles. Not too bad on her left side, we had been doing this the day before, but from her right side she planted her feet and went rb, not blinking couldn't move. I called to Janine and explained and she asked if it wasn't me that had gone rb!!! ooohhhhh yes I had because I was expecting problems! Janine said I needed to improve my focus to prove to Tia that I was a good leader and had me following her around keeping my eyes on hers and driving Tia when she was in my way, that was fantastic, Tia just walked with me so calm and moved away so easily. (Bugger I know all this... why doesn't it stay in my head, why do people have to keep reminding me!)
We went on to sideways Janine suggested I use the window wiper technique and I don't have a neutral!!! yes Cathy is always telling me that but I think I've eventually got it and how necessary it is. Sorry Bonny I nagged you all the time!
So side ways is improving and just needs more time with driving game.
It was lovely to see Janine again, she was lovely and soft and firm with Tia when necessary. Just what I would expect from her, she should become a great Parelli Professional and I hope I can continue to have lessons with her and Cathy. With them both supporting me just think what Tia and I can do in the future.