Saturday, August 13, 2005

First,to set the stage let's mention I don't usually ride this early and it is a cool day. I did my staging in the short aisle. Several trips with my gear and then off to get PJ. Caught PJ in the field, the farthest corner. He comes up to me those last 20 feet - oh how generous. Tilly use to come at a back paddling trot, after pooping and peeing. Got an idea of what kind of mood he was in right away as he tried dragging me down the hill. A few corrections on the halter and a small tap with the lead rop on his behind settled him so we could get to the barn.

Meanwhile, back in the kennel, Wyatt is barking. Me - No Bark, there is quiet so I say good then Wyatt - Bark, Me - No Bark, Wyatt - Bark, Bark. So I take him out but keep him in the bathroon - he plays with toys and his most happy. Went through our check list - check, check, double check. Another indication of things to come, while tightening the girth, Lena is pitching an alpha mare fit outside which causes PJ to spin - had a big butt in my face for a few seconds, before making my way to the door to be ready to escape if he should go totally mental. Didn't have the girth tight but the saddle stayed. PJ settled quickly so I finished girthing. Went to the indoor. J and I had discussed riding outside earlier and I had said okay (was I nuts!). So bring PJ to the large mounting block. Small child waving broom and sweeping - cowboy up TJ the world won't stop revolving when you ride. So I mount, barely settled in the saddle when Lena comes in through the old barn pitching another fit (small child may have been on the assist once again). PJ is facing the door to the new barn when the monster track comes through. That is it - totaly melt down. Thought we were going to trip and fall over the small mounting block. Guess that wouldn't have been an issue if I would have used that instead?!?! We spin around with PJ's head shaking - gonna explode, gonna explode. I slid gently off having decided to lunge first. Self preservation is pretty high on my list. After, muttering to J - I AM NOT RIDING OUTSIDE! I go outside as I don't want to upset Buster, figuring PJ would buck like a saddle bronc. PJ immediately settles down - hmmm . . . is he just setting me up? So I lunge both ways. Several transitions - no bucks. As he was being so good I decided to mount and see how he was - no problem. Considered asking someone to let J know I was outside but didn't want that to scare PJ so I ride figuring J will figure it out when I return or come to check for the remains. She comes out after while and we both had an excellent ride. I cantered both directions, trotted the entire brown arena. I even cantered down the long side. Moving better off my right leg today.

With the cooler weather I just brushed PJ off and returned him to the herd after several good boy pats and treats.

Off to watch dressage at Pine Meadow. Wyatt was very well behaved. I saw a few riders I knew. I really have the bug to show. Not to brag but PJ and I would have done okay once I got him settled. Went back to BW to feed supplements and run Wy down