Time for a change

Spring is springing and so are we! A beautiful weekend was finally ours. No more freezing weather, soaking up the warm spring rays while rolling in the mud has to be on the top of any self-respecting horse's wish list. Blu is no exception and for once during the long winter season I am thrilled that Blu has a turn out sheet on. Still there is caked on mud and I get down to the dirty work before I am blessed with a ride. So dust, dirt, grime and of course hair all fly. Blu just loves the vigorous curry he receives and as always lets me know which spots need tending. It has been a tough couple of weeks due to some unexpected health issues but with those behind me it is time to amp up the game yet again. Practicing the difficult parts of the 2nd level test -- the simple change -- has been mastered on two adjacent 10m circles at the canter. The task on keeping the geometry, the tempo, canter to walk, change the bend and strike off to canter is a challenge but poetic when done correctly. If I can get the simple change in this exercise then any simple change in a second level test becomes child's play right???? Time will tell. We also continue to school transitions. They are our friends... That is also interspersed with changes of bend and really asking for the bend.... no faking it. Blu must step under himself and give in his neck and poll. When he does it feels like buttahhhh. Outside for our first hack this weekend. While other horses were acting up my dear boy just went out and enjoyed the scenery. He is such a pleasure to be with every day!