I got the fever!

Friday's ride was wonderful. We warmed up indoors. There were two other riders, one was in a lesson. After warming up, I over heard they were going to practice tests. It was so nice outside, so I decided to give the updoor a whirl (hoping not literally). Josie was very, very good. We practiced pieces of our test. The Mare was obedient and again nicely forward but under control. The canter felt awesome. I could feel her coming underneath herself behind. She is really paying attention now that NDM is at the helm. I know she is on and I am on when I make a small request and she responds immediately. This indicates to me she is through and balanced.

Sunday's Trot Pole Lesson was awesome. I asked H about the show and how she judges the cross rails. We do not have to salute, do the courtesy circle and then start. It is judged on time and number of rails down.

She had us doing figure eights today. As we finished going through in both directions a few times, she put them up a notch. Going through a few times after that the bloks were set on their ends so they were at their tallest. This will be about the height for the schooling show except standards will be used.

When I was questioning H she said, "You could do the 18" vertical class." My response was, "Not until I have a private lesson." This caused me to note my confidence level. I was ready to be first going through after H made changes to the course. I am keeping my upper body in position better. I am staying with Josie no matter what she does. I want more. We are ready to jump! I was tempted to take Josie out in the field after and see how we did over the little jumps but will wait until I get some instruction. I don't want to mess up our progress. Plus, Josie was good she deserved a hack out on trail.

Wyatt and Pix are liking this routine of going for a trail ride after being stuck in the rig while I ride. So many sights and sounds and foremost SMELLS!

As we reach the boat landing we come across a rider and a pedestrian. This is really good practice. Josie likes to stop and I am working on keep her moving toward things she questions. The other horse and rider are young so I do my best to keep the pups close but the smells, oh, the smells . . .

We made our way to the water crossing. I hadn't made my mind up as yet whether I would cross. I just keep going a little further to see. Josie was handling so well I decided to go for it. There is standing water which I allow her to sniff and move the water with her nose twitching it back and forth. We went across the swollen deep crossing. Josie takes a drink about a quarter of the way in. As we reach the middle, I felt the water come up over my toes, I pulled my feet up Josie's side. I must have tickled or surprised her as she surged forward a bit. The water was up to her belly but not at swimming level.

Pix was taken down stream a bit but she doesn't panic. Wyatt ends up about two feet farther down from where he starts, where Pix ends up 20 feet from where she starts. We pull up to wait for her. She comes crashing through the brush to catch up. Josie was eager to go forward but she needs to learn to stand still and be obedient. Her training has been really showing through lately. The crossing has the dogs wet and squirrely. So many dead fish to roll in and so little time. There were coon tracks every where in the mud. Easy pickings for the eagles and coons.

There is standing water about four inches deep through which I ask for trot and get it. Good girl! Josie likes to avoid mud so I make a point to have her go where I want. Not to mention I have good breeches on and do not want them snagged. She is dutiful and appreciates the breaks I give her. We practice leg yielding left and right. Very responsive and in the bridle. She has thick foam lipstick as she absentmindedly chews the bit as I follow her walk motion with my hands. I concentrate on keeping my thumbs up. As Bruce Davidson would say, Taking the reins is like shaking some one's hand".

I have Josie walk up the first big hill. The dogs are running point up ahead. Walking produces better fitness and gets her butt and back working. With her ears pricked forward we continue along the trail. It is about this time I notice that Josie has a three foot, about the width of your thumb, stick stuck in her tail. I think hmmmm this isn't bothering her maybe she would be a candidate for a cart. I then begin to take Josie off road to get the stick off. We turn left, we turn right, we go over a log, we walk through some growth. It keeps following us. Maybe a little speed will help so we pick up trot. Nope, even crossing the water again won't dislodge this stick. Josie is a tail clamper, feeling that is her private area so I can't reach back to lift her tail to get at it. I decide to forget it maybe that will get the stick to let go.

This water crossing I got my feet wet. I was hesitant to bring them up as we were headed home. Josie likes home. Home is good food, rest, water, relaxation and a good roll.

After crossing the rail road tracks Josie, I, Stick, Wyatt and Pix turn left to cross more standing water. Josie was a little preoccupied by it when we originally walked by. I have been all about pushing it lately. That NDM is wonderful to ride with. I ask for trot to get Josie using to splashing water. She is game for it - that great mind coming into play again.

No eagle sightings for me. Others see them all the time. Why don't I. I haven't bucked up enough courage to ride with my camera yet. The pups run off most critters and Spring blooming while started isn't in full swing.

Death of a second horse to the same family at the barn. About ten days ago this family lost a horse. Autopsy at the U revealed a hole in the stomach which the intestines had made there way through. There was talk this can happen to geldings. Another reason to be glad I have a mare. He had this for quite some time. You would think there would have been symptoms along the way. I feel very bad for the horse. What a horrible way to die.

Their second horse just turned 19 and was found dead in the shelter. It is sad and reminds one of their own losses and the frailty of such large animals.

Pups reluctantly got their fish smell removal baths and I a cold beer.

Monday I was tempted to go ride but decided to get chores done to take advantage of the better days ahead.

Tuesday I receive an email that the VoIP project is starting soon. It hurts, the SX2000 has been my baby for almost ten years now. So far I know I have a job until it is completed. There is a lot to do and I hope I don't lose my summer because of this. I can feel emotion bubbling in me but joke about the dooms day clock has officially begun to tick to help me deal with it with laughter.

I had a full body skin check today. I pass - no cancer looking skin spots and questions answered about spots I was suspicious of - yahoooooo! I have taken to wearing Oil of Olay's lotion with sunscreen on my face. I need to get my outdoor survival kit together. Mine and Wyatt's sunscreens, bug spray, hankys, etc.

Josie was dirty but cleaned up easily. Tonight I am breaking in those Ariat Field Boots - do or die trying! The second stretching and wearing them for about seven hours while doing chores has them started nicely. Thin breeches and those nylon stockings will do the trick. I am surprised they were so much better than the previous painful attempt. I ended up with only two serious rub spots under the knees. As the boots break in they will drop down and it won't be an issue. I took a few walk breaks with my feet dangling but made it through walk, trot and canter and a run through of the tests as I had the arena to myself. Another high point of nice weather is there is much more room to ride.

It is so nice to be having so much fun with Josie. We can risk a little bit more each ride. Our canter in the updoor was an excellent example.

It is official - I have two private jumping lessons scheduled with H. I told her not to be surprised if I show up in my eventing safety vest. I know I will wear it at the show - too many factors there.