Thursday, April 9, 2009

Pixie is not liking wearing her little panties. It gets harder and harder to get them on her. I will be glad when she is spayed.

The Updoor is open!!!!!!!!!! I walked around and the footing has never been so good. Glad it paid off for them to redo it. I tried to get ready in time to meet M but she was down at my barn youhooing before I even had the saddle on. I really thought I was moving along. At least I already had my boots, etc. on.

M and I warmed up inside before heading to the updoor. Josie seems to be in like with Moe. Why not? He is a handsome fellow, rather dashing. Warm up went well. The triple rider lesson was going to start so we headed out. All went well in the Updoor. I didn't canter - I had already did that in our warm up. Outside I just wanted her in the bridle and listening to me. She focused a little bit on the family coming up the drive but I concentrated on having soft eyes and looking where I wanted to go.

After a bit, we went and got the pups so they could enjoy themselves on trail, too. We decided to walk down the lane, once we crossed the tracks I asked if M and M wanted to cross the water. So we get down and I put myself in the lead as Josie will cross. With a bit of coaxing we made it and were joined by the pups. Moe had a different agenda - NOT to cross. Rather than force the issue we were going to head back. Ya! No problem Josie crosses water fine - WHAT THE heck she doesn't want to.

To describe there is a narrow muddy path with sides to it. She kept stepping from one side to the other, wouldn't put her feet down in the path. I kept saying I do not want to get off and cross. I tried keeping her head pointed at where I wanted her to go (in mental review on the way home I think I was looking down at the mud sometimes and not across to where I wanted to go). She was chomping the bit a little and I try to give her enough rein to do what she wants but don't want her going to where there are drop offs into the water. I am fluttering my legs to encourage her forward but keeping her pointed as best as I can. I even tried going along the edge but there was drop offs all the way. I probably would have tried in my western saddle but I had my dressage saddle. I took her down the trail a couple of times to give us a bit of relaxing and to get her to use the trail. With a final snort of the area she crossed with me rubbing her neck and telling her what a good girl she was.

I felt very victorious afterward. I must say very good riding for the most part on my part. I stayed in her center and stayed out of her way but also didn't let her get away with not going where I didn't want. Little did we know the excitement would continue. Wyatt crossed right away but Pixie didn't want to get wet again. We kept going and she decided to cross and join us. I think this is what made Moe nervous and he rushed forward. We moved to try to stay out of the way and all was good.

I was a bit tense at this point but was trying to ride with a long rein. The ride back Josie was a little hot. I tried staying in a shoulder fore which helped a bit. When I could I let M and M lead. The pups were running ahead being squirrely and it seemed Josie wants to keep up with them. Next ride will be in full western gear - I will be trail riding extreme! My confidence is doing pretty good but I do have to admit I did do a little singing before we swapped spots with M and M.