Validation is a wonderful thing

So I have been off on a business trip for two days and just feeling so excited about the ride I had on Blu this past Sunday. The plan was for Linda to ride during my absence. On my way home today I just could not take it one more moment and I called Linda to check in and see what she thought about her rides. She agreed that Blu was the best she had ever felt. He was up through his back and happy in his work. She broke out the double bridle and he accepted it with little issue. She then did some fly lead changes and she said they were down right perfect... no hopping into the change croup high! She said that my assessment was spot-on and she was thrilled with the changes she felt. Oh my, does life get better?

Maintenance continues

Between the pain in my neck and Blu's stiff hocks, we both required a bit more maintenance. While mine took the form of anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and physical therapy, Blu was treated to hock injections. We are both in working order again and it culminated in the most joyous ride last evening.

We just passed out of a nasty heat wave -- temperatures above 100 with a heat index even higher. After a few days off, it was back under saddle and of course he was fresh :-) It was great! Up the road we went to the outdoor arena spooking at the bushes, the barn, Abbey working out of the back of her car,
let's not forget the big card board box. By the time we walked into the arena he was on his tip toes. After a lot of suppling at the walk we went off to trot and for Blu it felt pretty good -- a bit tight but good-- lots of energy... More suppling at the trot along with transitions then off to canter... sublime...

I really wanted to spend some time at the trot because he has been running onto his forehand so we worked thousands of transitions and our final work was the best trot work I have ever had -- truly using his hind end and light in the front. I concentrated on feeling his hind legs and following with my seat bones. If he got heavy we did a down ward transition then back up to trot. It worked!!!! I love when I actually feel like I am making progress on my own with the assistance of a trainer. It is about time after how many years? Let's not count them ...

So off on a business trip for two days. I can not wait to get back and see what I get!

What are you thinking?

More profound words have never been spoken. After an AWESOME ride on a forward, ground covering horse who was using his back and could not be mistaken for lacking impulsion, I got off and started to think "what just happened?" I mean the horse I felt and rode at the show vs. the horse I rode tonight were polar opposites. I took Blu for his shower and talked with our very wise barn manager and asked the question out loud. With great wisdom she simply asked "what were you thinking when you got on him at the show?... At home you get on and think 'let's go!' at the show do you think "what's he looking at... what's he going to do?" While I may not be outwardly nervous, I become a different rider mentally. Blu is smart enough to pick up on that caution and just slows the whole thing down to a level he thinks is manageable... He is the smart one, not me. So thank you Suzy for that "AHA" moment. Now to figure out how to change that internal message loop... yet another lesson to be learned all because of the most fabulous Blu. I just need to stop and listen to what he is telling me.

Good ride... tough score

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a horse show but the weather gods must not have been smiling on the judge. She has her own little rain cloud hanging over her head and she shared it with the rest of us... I thought I had given my best ride (if you exclude the fabulous flying lead change during our counter canter half circle ... thank you Blu :-) ) only to find out I performed the worse this season. I was stunned and then I was mad and then I allowed myself to feel hurt. I kept questioning "why do I do this?" Over and over again I asked myself the question. I think at this point it is because I never give up... NEVER. I set my sights on a bronze medal over 15 years ago when I turned from hunters to dressage. Now my question is "When is this going to happen and now what do I have to do to get those scores?" All I know is when it does happen, there is going to be one big fat ass celebration!

As usual Blu was perfection. I love this boy more with each passing day. How can that be possible? Here is a picture to display his magnificence. Thanks to my friend Stephanie from Dexterpix for such a terrrific shot. He truly is a blessing. Never mind what that judge says...