Sunday, January 31, 2010

I planned on a nice, easy bareback ride. Turns out I ended up with the arena to myself. Unlike last week's chaos, this night was extreme bliss. We warmed up for a while and just relaxed, reveling in the solitude. Josie was very responsive and obedient. I am sure it was my relaxed state playing a big part. I have noticed if there isn't a horse in the arena she will glare at herself in the mirror - Josie you so funny! We worked on bend and counterbend. We practiced some halts and halt/trot transitions. I could power up into a nice forward trot and bring her back. Our canter departs were good - if I remembered to sit back. We did the most lovely canter circles and then did a simple change from left to right. Got it within two steps. It was awesome. We walked a bit and finished after that. I wished I would have brought some beer for us to share. We soooooo deserved it.

The harmony and bliss we experienced is what I strive for and due to circumstances beyond my control - which is my big problem - I am not always able to achieve. I wish Josie could understand what I mean when I say, "I am trying Josie" or "I am sorry Josie". Luckily she has a good work ethic and actually a sweet disposition.

Now Sunday was a totally different ride. I don't know what I was doing wrong. It wasn't overly busy, we were in our jumping saddle which she loves. I have gone over and over it but just feel we were clashing for some reason. I tried to do everything I had done the other night but she was just irritated. I had noticed it when I was getting her ready. She was in a mood. Let's get it out of our systems and be ready for the show.

Believe me there was a lot of "I'm trying" being said. I didn't work out before hand and had slept wrong and had a lot of tension at the bottom of my neck and into my shoulders. I should have taken some Ibuprofen. It really made me appreciate the ride on Friday. Sorry Josie, I will try harder.

As you can see Josie's mangled ear has healed very nicely. Perhaps flies won't be an issue come summer.

The Victory V from the front



Back side of Josie's ear