Tuesday, March 3, 2009

We took our time getting to the barn. I assumed it would be packed but it wasn't overly busy.

Josie was doing her vacuum cleaner impression when I went to get her. Boy! Does that little girl put away the groceries.

Tonight I practice two point. I started out with the stirrups at regular length and after warming up I raised them two notches. My saddle feels wonderful but the front part of my legs were screaming towards the end of our session. I was going to put the leather around her neck to aid in maintaining balance but she has a smaller neck then Tilly did and the excess looked like it would snag in the reins. I ended up bridging my reins and holding onto some mane. This might help thin out Peanut's thick mane - twofer. She really moved out at the trot. You can really tell how much sitting on a horse affects their motion as where two-point lets them move everything. I worked hard on keeping my legs in the correct position and could really feel my ankles, knees and hips acting as shock absorbers. A few weeks of this and I should be able to ride without press into her neck so much. Secure leg will help with upper body ability. I rode longer than I thought I would. I am going to start timing my two-point practice.

I was very proud that I could make my stirrup adjustments from the saddle. I could have probably tightened the girth but we will wait a bit for that. The billets are really stiff yet. You can tell I am not comfortable with getting the saddle in the right place. Josie is not happy with my continual adjustments before tightening the girth. I did try for her not to be such a brat when it came to putting the bridle on. I need to spend time just putting it on and taking it off. I noticed after bareback Sunday she really likes her western headstall best - hardly anything to it.

Pix still hasn't come into season and it turns out breeder is going on vacation. Darn it! I still have to call her - hopefully tomorrow night to work out Plan B.