Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Hope is a great word and thought to keep in mind. When I think of hope I think of hope for a great ride, hope to be cancer free, hope to have a wonderful day, hope to be smarter than my Jack Russell's, hope for a friend to call or email, hope the weather is good, hope the dogs will be good, hope just continues on and on. To remind me to keep hope close to me I purchased a ring with Hope engraved on it. I hope it works - tee hee.

I couldn't have hoped for a better ride. Josie was not as dirty as I expected. There definitely was the potential with the 4 inches we had received having melted with temps up to 40 today.

Josie was a bit ill mannered in the cross ties but tuned up nicely. The youngster tests again. I had a plan of what I wanted to work on and was even able to stick to it. After a little warm up, we practiced halt to trot transitions (after a don't think so response from Josie followed by a louder ask with my calves, followed by another I don't thinks so, she got smacked with the whip and proceeded to respect my requests afterwards) and the usual bending. Whatever I am doing I have improved her weird head tilt. I did a few circles to make sure we could make circles. Tonight I asked for canter transitions going into the corner but I used the opposite corners from the test to prevent any anticipation on Josie's part. I felt like she jumped into them and wasn't flat. The test results will tell the tale.

The ride was so good I quit way early as a reward. Her being done with the work and me for not having a totally sweaty horse.

I am slowly but surely getting gear piled up. Dog food and treats bagged to make it over night. Every time I think of something onto the pile it goes. Tomorrow night will be toenails, bath and flea protection - this would be for Wy and Pix.