Thursday, January 22, 2009

Oh, it is deliciously warm out. Short lived but gives one the strength to go on. The bonus was sunshine Wednesday. The pups and I headed out to hunt on Wednesday, the only thing we found was bunnie and deer poo. We had a great time anyways. There is more vole activity than I had anticipated. I point to a hole and say check it out and the pups do. Pixie with a lot of enthusiasm - the hole is totally obliterated. Wyatt with care and a snuff. I am going to start criss crossing across the field as the voles seem to like to cut across my tracks. We will get them by hook or crook.

It was still light out when I went to get Josie. She was enjoying her hay with great intensity. I hate to pull her away from it but the sooner we get finished the sooner she can get back to stuffing her face.

I am planning on another schooling show February 28 and pulled out her Coggins paperwork to find it was February 28, 2008. I am emailing the show person to see if this is okay. I sure hope so. This show keeps getting more and more expensive. I am renting a stall in case of the weather being one extreme or another.

Josie warmed up nicely. She and I are creatures of habit and warm up pretty much the same way each time. The arena was crowded so I planned on working on halt transitions. The first one she took like four extra steps. The next two were much better. I can't do too much of any one thing as she is a good study and anticipates what I might ask. I am asking her to be more forward and more responsive to my aids. She isn't bending so well to the left still. Again, I can't fee anything off. I haven't been doing my exercises so it could, and probably is me. I hope the arena is quiet tomorrow night.

We had much better canter departs. Again, I am looking for a quicker response. I am milking her off the 1, 2, 3 (now). Giving 3 half halts and asking for the canter. I have to be prepared when asking her for more as she gives it and I need to stay with her.

My goal tonight was good work without her getting overly sweaty. I did a pretty good job. My head was soaking wet when we finished. I am riding the entire ride now. I also concentrated on keeping my head steady. In the mirror it looks like my position is better. Not perfect but better. Can't change everything at once.

P went on a trail ride today. I am most jealous. It is suppose to be cold this weekend so I won't even attempt going down the lane. Already time to leave a check for the farrier. I wonder if he will replace the pad that has a crack in it. We'll see.