The lateral work also seems to get her 'up' in the shoulder a bit more
Shoulder fore works really well for this with my mare.
Sounds like you're farther along the journey than we are, interesting to hear about flying changes helping the medium trot (we get flashes of this now and again but it's not something we're actively working on at the minute). It's this connection between all the movements and exercises that fascinates me, how one can ultimately improve another and how they're all interlinked in some way. I think the people who simply learn enough to get through a dressage test at their chosen level miss out on this, and the benefits in terms of strength and suppleness for their horse, and it's a real shame.
I wish there were more instructors who looked at why a horse resists rather than assuming they're being naughty
So do I! My current instructor isn't an instructor in the usual sense of the word as she only teaches a couple of us at the yard, has no formal teaching qualifications and works full-time in a very different job for a living. She is far and away the most knowledgeable person I've had the pleasure to be taught by though, is endlessly patient (which I must try on a regular basis) and really understands horses. She's also got the best results from me & my horse that anyone ever has and my mare moves and looks better than ever thanks to this.
