1001 Voyeurs!

Am I my own best visitor? Hmmmm . . . Thank you constant readers - I couldn't have done it without you :)

Proud to say I have fit into a pair of my not-so-fat pants. Yippee!! I haven't worked out for at least a couple of weeks. Must get back into the life style.

The snow is fading fast. More rain today.

As I have two little white dogs, I am leaving them at home so they stay that way. I bet the farm is NASTEEEE!

I have been looking forward to my ride all day. The Mare was very wet but happy to see me. I so love it when I don't have to slog through the mud to her. Hair is coming off by the curry comb fulls. I was surprised that she was losing hair on her belly. Last year there were areas she saved until last and that was one of them. Maybe this is just an initial release. She was not happy to have her wet hair brushed. Out of understanding I didn't do too much detail work. Her rubber bell boots are staying on. These ones are very hard to get on and off so I am leaving them.

There was only one other rider in the arena - yes! I opted to forget my riding boots this time. I remember thinking no, not the Ariats I just had stretched out and then didn't grab the other pair. I had to ride in my Mountain Horse paddock boots. These have a good inch sole. Too lazy to shorten my stirrup leathers must be punished for lack of memory. It is minor things like this that can have a big affect on your body position. I was surprised they fit into the irons (the boots are pretty wide). I thought I was going to be riding without stirrups but no worries.

We did our new warm up. Guess it isn't so new any more. I am liking it. We both get warmed up, energized and reach a nice forward tempo. I was a little hesitant to ask for canter as she had a wet back and can be a little cold backed in this situation but we had not an issue. It really reinforces my sitting up and back when I think there might be a buck in it for me. Josie had dried quite a bit by this time and the trick would be not to get her soaked so I wouldn't have to dry her. She would definitely get a chill in these weather conditions. I also forgot my hat hmmmm I worry about me sometimes.

I did some spiral in and out. I worked on using my left leg less and my left rein more to get her to respond by moving into the outside rein. It went pretty well. I still have some residual tightness/soreness in the muscle or tendon. It is a pretty good indicator that Mare is blowing me off and I am letting her when I feel it. I switch tactics and she responds very nicely.

In efforts to cut down my 10+ years to AQHA's 5,000 Hours Buckle, I have been extending my riding time. I sure wish I could just ride all day. My riding would progress so much faster. My legs would get stronger. I would be so much happier. Of course, not just Josie but other horses. While I am dreaming I might as well add more horses that would be mine. What the heck!

Josie felt wonderful today. She is giving me more at the leg yield. I am really seeing cross over (in our good direction). I figure any movement off my left leg is a plus. I am getting better at asking with my leg, not enough response then asking with whip and leg. Yes, that gets her over and saves wear and tear on that tendon.

Have I said lately how much I love my Josie girl? Beauty, brains and a heart of gold (most of the time), that's my Mare!

Life is much better when you are over your cold and getting a chance to ride . . .