Thursday, February 12, 2009

Gee! Middle of February already and it is a short month. Yikes! Where does the time go? We had a rainy start to the week. I declined to ride Tuesday as Josie isn't too fond of a saddle on her wet back. Judging by last night's ride this was actually a great decision. I had an excellent ride. I listened to the lesson being given and focused on what I was hearing as it totally pertained to what I have been trying to achieve. More bend.

If you don't ask for it you won't get it

- quoted from Raf, former Olympian whom I have had the great fortune to see several times as a clinician at CC. Can't afford to ride for him but I can watch for free. I LOVE free!

I have been having problems getting Josie off my left leg. This use to be no problem back in her youthful days of 2 to 3 and a half. I remain constantly alert to whether I am doing the same things or not but just can't figure out what is going on. I just need to flex her more to get less (hee, hee, hee). With the extreme cold temps, her short stepping for safety outside, I think it has tightened her up. As I know from the ground, she also has a sassy side to her and this could be her being sassy under saddle.

We worked a bit on canter departs and have run into problems - crap! The show is two weeks away. I had lengthened my stirrups a notch and this could change my position - do I suck up and keep trying or go back to the previous hole? What to do, what to do!

I am hoping my jumping saddle is in transit - going trans-Atlantic as I write. I just can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Took the pups hunting this week. We had fun but didn't find anything. Wednesday night Wyatt was definitely on something but never got it. Pix was just along. BTW her STD test turned out negative. She is ready for breeding. Well, when she comes in season. I must shave her so I can see her changes better.

Suppose to be a nice weekend. Intensive training to get ready for the show. Hopefully I will be able to run through the test a few times. Going to watch a clinic on Sunday. More ideas and more confirmation of good riding/position.