Thursday, March 12, 2009

I don't know if it was daylight savings or post clinic but I was wiped on Monday. I wanted to go out to move Josie around but just couldn't do it.

Tuesday, we got another freakin' snow storm. At one point it stopped so I thought oh, I will go drive there. Then I look out a few minutes later and it is snowing even heavier. I had a runny nose all day so I decided to take it easy. I got a few things done and then sat down with FB and it was over.

Wednesday, it was brutally cold and high winds. I am so sick of winter, it just doesn't want to end this year. I left the pups at home. It was 3 degrees by the time I pulled up to the barn. I had left my grooming bag outside when I brushed Josie out on Sunday. I had visions of it filled with snow and ice. Someone had kindly brought it inside. Josie met me part of the way. She still loves me ;)

I am riding in my jumping saddle as much as I can. I need to get it broke in so we can jump and JA can make sure it fits well and decide where to flock it.

I turned Josie out in the arena and boy did she ever make good use of it. She started trotting around and then she galloped along the long sides and kicked up her heels. I was glad to see her get it out of her system before I got on. Not sure if I could have rode through a couple of those bucks. She did this quite a few times and then trotted up to me with an expression that said, I feel so much better now and I am ready for you to ride. I think I can control myself now.

I rode a bit harder than I planned and shame on me didn't practice any two point. I was reveling in the fact that I have right bend. There was only one other rider so I could go where ever I wanted except for the 20 meter circle she resided in. Sweet.

Hair dryer had to come out. A horse at the barn tried to scalp itself. I got the horse for the vet and watched a bit while Josie was cooling out after the ride. Man, did he do a number. The vet was a bit surprised the horse didn't have a concussion.

Thursday, Josie came a few feet towards me, leaving her hay. We walked up the treacherous driveway. I have always made it a point for her to walk beside me and lately she keeps trying to be behind - am I the test dummy for footing?

We have been working on manners much more consistently. She did need one smack on the area behind the shoulder as she was a bit mouthy today. Again, I didn't practice two point. I had a great ride. We did a walk canter transition that went pretty well. I did need to tap her lightly with my dressage whip. I believe I gave her a verbal command also with my leg aids. I want to be as clear as I can of my intentions. After warming up walk laps in both directions without stirrups, I trotted without stirrups. She was just motoring along. I took up the irons and posted and took up contact. I was rewarded with her reaching to the bit. I get it now. I feel it and I get. We did a few 10 meter circles to refresh the bending. She did very well. It looks like I need reference points to do the half circles down the centerline. I guess in some fashion they resembled half circles but they definitely were not uniform. This will come with time.

Wyatt and Pix were ever so happy to be at the barn. There was much boot scooting running going on. No, Pix hasn't come into season YET! GRRRRRRRRRRRRR! The one time I want it to happen and it just ain't happening.

When I took the saddle off there was a puffy area on the left side of her back behind the wither. I am contributing it to the pad for now. I can't wait to get the one I ordered. I think it is scheduled for Tuesday delivery. Just in time for my Tuesday night ride. I will ride in my dressage saddle until it arrives.

I have already decided to take Friday night off of riding and clean. My house is totally disgusting. I can't stand it any more.