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!