Wouldn't that be a dream? Too much time in the saddle so not enough time to wax poetic? I wish this was the case. The truth is that I continue to ride as work allows and that is usually a 4 day per week minimum. My riding has definitely improved and the magnificent Blu just becomes more magnificent.
We started on our next phase -- horse shows. We went to our first this beautiful sunny hot and humid Memorial Day weekend. He was just the best show pony anyone could ask for. The day started perfectly when I walked into the barn in the morning and he did not have a manure stain on him!!! He stood patiently while I braided him and they came out perfectly. He loaded like it was yesterday that he stepped on the trailer. He was quiet in the trailer for the 1.5 hour ride and then stood patiently while we got set up. Off he came without a snort or a whinny. Blu had arrived and he was ready to show!
Second level test three was made for him. He did flawless simple lead changes and his counter canter was perfection. He did not rush and if I could learn to ride a bit more forward we would knock the ball out of the park. Why is it that I ride like a girl gone wild at home but can not replicate that in front of a judge? Frustrating indeed but maybe with time I will give that bit of nonsense up. The show nerves I have exhibited in the past were far better than I expected -- all due to the marvel of Blu. He never put a foot wrong -- even when the wind was gusting and the low bushes by the ring were being tossed around, he went about his job taking care of me. He is the $50 million horse!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Enjoyment in every ride
Tired and feeling just a bit sore from yesterday's ride I had to push myself to go to the barn. I just did not want to leave the comfort of home, go out in the rain and feel the dampness seep into my bones. Blu was waiting and I knew he would probably be in because of the down pours that kept creeping back into the day. Off I went and as predicted Blu was waiting in his comfy over bedded stall with a nice snack size pile of hay laying at his feet. He seemed quite content but thrilled to have his mom pay him a visit. There are treats in my pocket after all...
He just feels better with each ride. He is strong and he is much more uphill in his balance. My trainer sees it and the barn manager commented today on the improvements she has seen Blu make in the past month. Yes, he has yet another fan club. How can you not enjoy every moment with this wonderful horse?
We are preparing for our first show on Memorial Day weekend with a Ride-Critque-Ride this coming weekend. We will do 2nd-3 and see what we have. I am exhausted just thinking about the week to come but it is filled with anticipation as I take my relationship with Blu to the next long awaited level.
He just feels better with each ride. He is strong and he is much more uphill in his balance. My trainer sees it and the barn manager commented today on the improvements she has seen Blu make in the past month. Yes, he has yet another fan club. How can you not enjoy every moment with this wonderful horse?
We are preparing for our first show on Memorial Day weekend with a Ride-Critque-Ride this coming weekend. We will do 2nd-3 and see what we have. I am exhausted just thinking about the week to come but it is filled with anticipation as I take my relationship with Blu to the next long awaited level.
Monday, May 9, 2011
It is tough to get old.
No posts for awhile since my riding has been terribly lack luster. My back/ hip issue had returned with a vengeance to the point where I broke down and went to see a sports medicine physician. Sometimes it is wise to leave the diagnosing to trained professionals but then again that means giving up control of the situation. So this control freak let go and the good news is that the issues can be fixed. The tough news is that it will take some pain and some time. Oh well, as long as it can be fixed.
So my riding is now augmented by twice a week physical therapy, daily stretching and strengthening exercises. Once a week I submit to Linda's instruction, working my body overtime and coming away with improving results.
Tonight I continued with left hip/ buttock pain but said "screw it" and kept on with the lesson. Focusing on a horse who was firing off his hind legs and coming up and into the bridle helped me forget about any discomfort I was feeling. We worked on canter half pass to leg yield, simple changes, canter halt. It was all good work. After about 40 minutes I ceded the reins to Linda and she finished the ride. He was magnificent-- the best I had ever seen.
Linda provided words of encouragement even said she thought PSG was in our reach within the next year.... OMG... can you even imagine that. It may be tough to get old but the old are getting tough!!!
So my riding is now augmented by twice a week physical therapy, daily stretching and strengthening exercises. Once a week I submit to Linda's instruction, working my body overtime and coming away with improving results.
Tonight I continued with left hip/ buttock pain but said "screw it" and kept on with the lesson. Focusing on a horse who was firing off his hind legs and coming up and into the bridle helped me forget about any discomfort I was feeling. We worked on canter half pass to leg yield, simple changes, canter halt. It was all good work. After about 40 minutes I ceded the reins to Linda and she finished the ride. He was magnificent-- the best I had ever seen.
Linda provided words of encouragement even said she thought PSG was in our reach within the next year.... OMG... can you even imagine that. It may be tough to get old but the old are getting tough!!!
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