Thursday, February 4, 2010

Wow! Quick week. Most busy at work. Never did hear whether we are getting 6 more weeks of winter. I think in Minnesota it is a mute point. Tuesday's ride we had a bit of redemption. Still seeking the bliss. I am trying to "engage" my core more - also known as "suck in the gut". This seems to help with my sitting to far back on my bum.

I brought the pups along for a much need yahooing. Pixie got her hair done by Sidney. One of these days I will have to take a picture. It is just too cute. Sid used the moisture from Wy's blanket to shape Pix's hair. I miss Pix's eyebrows. They are still there but not as defined as they use to be. Snow and ice give her a trim as she digs for creatures. Speaking of which we haven't found a one. I haven't been encouraging it due to the thickness of the ice. This has been our best year for Pix not having cuts all over her paws.

Tonight I bit the bullet and drove so I could ride. Josie had her nose buried in the feeder. She lifted her head to acknowledge me but then buried it again. Sorry Mare, we have work to do.

After a good warm up I started asking her to spiral in and out so we would make round circles. These helped. It gets me using my legs and hips instead of my hands to turn. We had a few head strong moments. Sometimes Mare can be a bit stubborn. It was like a victory when she decided to do what I was asking. It is not as much work girlie. Still working on transitions - halt to trot and trot to halt. Being these are the first and last things the judge sees it is very important. If I have her into the bridle they are much better. I will still need a good hour warm up before we do our tests for the North Run Schooling show.

She is responding well to canter aids. I overheard a lesson and I like the idea - "Think trot and then trot". By thinking trot you automatically half halt which balances your horse which makes for a better downward transition.

I took my name off the next two weeks of trot poles. I really want to focus on our dressage for the tests. Found out ST will be the judge. I am a little worried about riding for her. Heck, I worry about showing period!

The CC Schooling show is set for April 24 - darn it! Horse Expo weekend. I have decided not to attend the HE. I ended up spending too much money anyways. I wonder who the judge will be.

So many things to do before the show. Josie has hoof medication stains on all her socks. I am going to try to scrub them up this weekend. The snow has helped a bit but she needs a soaping for sure. I may even get a much needed tail wash in. Last time I conditioned she was a bit flaky on her dock (actual tail bone). I want to get my gear ready so it is rubbed out and just need a wipe off. Good thing I am anal about cleaning up my gear after almost every ride.

I have been thinking about my next ride and am looking forward to it. I hope Friday is quiet so we can run through the test. I keep working on bits and pieces but would like to run through especially Training 2 as I don't know it as well. I must sit up, be firm, yet relaxed, half halt to balance, ask softer but clearly. We will be just fine. We will have our best tests ever!!!!!!!

May the force be with you!