Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The day passed with paralytic slowness. I was so excited to get my saddle. I should have known it was too good to be true. No word before leaving so rushing home to find an email that says tomorrow would work out better. DARN, DARN, DARN! I just hope my girths fit otherwise more expense will be incurred. I think I would go to St. Croix Saddlery. I haven't been there for quite a while and I think they would have the most choices.

Turns out my garage door is broken. I figured the sudden looseness of the cables on either side was an indication of garage door gone bad. Speaking with D, contractor of Team Johnson, confirm it. He explained the big spring and said to look at it. Yup! Broken in two. I was lucky to get my SUV out this morning. No using the door until we get 'er fixed. Of course, the weather is taking a turn for the worse again. Good chance to clean all the sand out of the garage. Gotta look at the positive.

Headed to CC, trying to beat the rain. Josie was dry so no worries. She has become much more tolerable in the cross ties. Much praise and treats when standing still. She wasn't as dirty as she has been - thankfully. Wyatt opted to sit in the truck early so Pix was requested to keep him company. It was 40 some degrees so sitting in the rig is the best place for them right now. Easier for me - less things to haul in. Can't wait to be able to prepare Josie down at the Red Barn and ride up to the arena. For that matter, ride outside.

Josie had to be moved around a bit as she wouldn't stand still in the arena. Little begging going on there. Only one other rider tonight - awesome!

I wanted to take it easy tonight as it was really warm. Her coat isn't as long as last year but it is thick. We practiced forward walking today. Two laps in both directions. I worked on halt to trot transitions. I need to learn how to halt better. More reading required. I spent some $$ today on two books - 101 Schooling Exercises and 101 Jumping Exercises. Josie is going to be the BEST all around EVER!

I also worked on using my calf better for requests. I am getting better responses from her when asking her to move away from my left leg.

Gosh, I just keeping thinking of the new saddle and all that we can do. Yippeeeeee!

Canter departs tonight were very good. M's exercise from G has helped a lot. No more anticipation. Circle and as you head back to the rail ask for the depart - slick as snot you get it.

We worked on her chewing the reins in walk. Very nicely done. All in all a very productive ride tonight. I am making no changes until after the show.

I also spoke with J as I was worried about the upcoming Cleon clinic and needing to keep Josie there overnight. She said I will have no problems. There will be horses right there, she doesn't press on the fence and she isn't a nervous nelly. Main thing to worry about is her drinking water. I have a shopping list for Fleet Farm. Get some electrolyte paste, apple juice to get her to drink and a muck bucket for water. She also gave me a tip to keep the water from freezing too quickly. Put a rubber pan upside down in the bottom then fill with water. The air trapped under the pan keeps it from freezing so quickly. The clinic is March 7 and 8 so it will probably not be too cold.

I am almost ready to submit my entry. Must finish tomorrow night. I need to get rolling with Spring stuff too.