Reached 500 Hours for the AQHA Riding Program

Whoot! Hooooooo!

We did it. Josie and I have 500 hours under saddle (and bareback). I had messed up and didn't get my times submitted before the end of the year. I knew I was really close. I heard back from Wendy at AQHA requesting I fax them to her so she could enter them. I noticed on January 3, 2010 I reached the 500 mark. It use to be that I would have gotten our picture in The America's Horse magazine but the response was too great so we will be on the web.

Today was a trot pole session. The temps were up so the pups came along for the outing. A much needed release for them. They were really getting on each other's nerves.

I love this time of year (that is with snow on the ground), Josie is usually clean and is quick to get ready.

H set up a course of 6 fences, bloks with two poles on the ground, later to make X's. We had a few stalls which were and almost always are my fault. I knew I needed to stop doing what I was doing. I had been being better about keep my upper body up/back - do not jump ahead - let your horse do the jumping and come up to meet you. I know this but . . .

This lesson was excellent!The next fence would come up quickly so I kept my leg on Josie "GO!" and telling myself, "Wait, wait, wait" and we had a few very nice jumps once H made them into the bigger X's. I was very pleased and my confidence is coming along nicely. There is nothing like being told "it is dangerous to let your horse stall out in front of a fence" - I am throwing my heart over now, without jumping ahead. It was much easier after that. We had a nice tempo and it was much easier to ride it.

I can already tell the difference in my legs. It was only my right burning today and after two rounds it was gone. Josie was very pleased with herself and so was I - in her and myself.

Life is totally awesome today!