Time off was harder on me

Blu had 6 days off during the holidays and while I worried about him I should have been more worried about me. Yesterday we went back to full work and while the ride was great, I paid dearly for it. I slept restlessly, could not find a comfortable spot for my aching body. After 4 ibuprofen I took myself to the barn and did not relish the prospect of riding. Linda came by to give me a lesson but I asked her to warm him up. It worked out very well in that she got to feel Blu from the start and she said he felt terrific and I had obviously done a good job the day before for him to feel so good from the get go. Yay me! Yay Blu!!!

After she rode, I got on and got to feel some pretty awesome stuff. After my body let go, we worked on the canter -- working pirouettes, up in the bridle, canter half-pass to some pretty good flying lead changes. He is getting stronger and instead of propping up behind when changing from right to left he is giving me a much cleaner change. Linda also gave me the very best of compliments... She said I was really following with my hands and not holding... AT LONG LAST!!! How many years have I been riding? Blu is such a gift... he allows me to let go!

Linda did some trot lengthenings on him that were the best I had ever seen. He really lifted in the front... He was just spectacular. I really think we are on the right track. You can see he feels good and he is very happy.

Finally, I was informed by several people who work at the barn that Blu was selected as "Best Horse" in the barn for his handsome face and his exceptional personality... They fight to take him in and out to the paddocks... He really is special!