Sunday, February 15, 2009

Thank goodness V-day is over. I am single and happy don't make me feel less of a person because I don't have a man in my life to love me, wine and dine me and shower me with flowers and candy. I have failed at love and am not ashamed to admit it. I will attribute some of it to my upbringing but must admit I am a bit selfish, okay a lot selfish. I love my animals unconditionally and they love me and that is all I need. So enough of that crap until next year.

Friday night I raised up my stirrup leathers. I was very pleased as I did it while mounted. Josie has matured over this year. Previously, that would have freaked her out. I know this doesn't mean we are ready for the red saddle bags yet but closer. The trust is there. So back to the change of stirrup leathers - it made quite a difference in my position and low and behold, Josie responded to canter requests. I was pretty worried with the impending show as I am doing two training level 1 tests which require canter. It is important to me that I do well. I am a achiever. I put my mind to it and want to do it well. Josie couldn't give a snit and would rather be stuffing her face. I worked on bend and getting her off my left leg.

Saturday I had an unbelievable ride. The horse god shined upon us. I worked on quite a few canter departs. I want to think canter and for Josie to step into it. I was mindful to give her walk breaks and praise frequently. She does try, no matter what she tries. The trick is to keep her relaxed. I was eyeballing her while she stood in the cross ties and I think she is even right now. I sure hope this stays. It will make jumping a lot easier. Speaking of which where the hell is my saddle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One thing I realized with this wonderful ride was I rode from within. Hard to explain but I didn't think just did.

Both nights there were dogs (NOT MINE) on the corner bleachers which we successfully navigated past. Each time getting easier. Must remember can't mold the world to satisfy my horse.

Sunday, I watched several riders, of varying skill levels, ride for Nancy Porter. She has an excellent eye for horse and rider. I took away two things from this clinic and am dying to try them. Once is while cantering imagine being on a trampoline. Besides letting your hips/pelvis go with the motion, don't pump with your shoulders, but go with the up and down as well. The second item is the square and doing a quarter turn on the forehand. This will help with my aids ability and Josie's acceptance to moving off my leg. I also want to watch if I keep my outside hand down in the canter.

On the way there, as soon as we went through Loretto, Wyatt and Pix started building excitement. They knew where we were going. I drove along listening to whine yips. In the back commands were issued several times with command breaking happening just as much. Two little puppies may have to ride in the kennel next time.

The pups had a great time even with being kenneled while I watched. We did a pasture walk with Henry and Luke (Luke, I am your father). Wyatt was convinced he found a creature in the jump pile but everything is frozen so we couldn't get at it. He didn't want to leave. His powerful gaze is very instructive to me. Hey! There is one in here, we can't leave and you must move everything so I can get it.