Best.Ride.Ever

I love those moments in riding where everything comes together and just feels perfect , when your horse is totally with you and anything is possible.

 I've had many of those moments here and there over the years. With Ginger, when I'm riding well and she's through, the lateral work in particular just feels effortless.  It could be just for a stride or two, or it could be for a few minutes, but those moments are completely addictive and something I try to achieve in every ride. With Ginger, it's working towards stringing those moments into something bigger, with the lesson horses the fun is more in just finding the key. 

Best Pony

My lesson today was once again on Splash. I was happy about that, since I feel like we have a bit of an understanding these days. The warm up was the usual routine - lots of two point alternating with sitting with no stirrups. Splash is a big comfy couch, and his saddle doesn't fit me overly well, so I actually prefer riding him without stirrups (don't tell! :) Also, since he wants to go super hollow with his head in the air, it's much easier for me to get him forward and working from behind when I'm sitting. 

I just want to take him home. I am such a sucker for a big white blaze.

We spent a lot longer jumping today than normal. We were inside due to some surprise nasty weather, so our instructor felt a bit bad we didn't get to ride the elaborate course she set up outside. Since we were moving up a bit in height, we each took turns popping over a vertical, then an oxer, before doing the whole course. Splash was a little backed off over our 'test' jumps, so I knew I was going to have to work to get him forward enough for the strides in the full course. Course straightforward and was as follows:

 I'm actually paid to draft legal surveys in real life, but apparently those "talents" don't translate to Paint ;)

It was a small course, but went so, so well. You know how I was blabbing on earlier about those perfect moments? How bout an entire course...just flowing and perfect. My mind was officially blown. I wanted to hop off right there and bask in the awesomeness of it all (before I could somehow screw it up). But you know what? Second round was even better (I know, I know there is nothing better than 'perfect' - just trust me on this, if I thought the first round was perfect, and I was happy, the second round redefined my expectations for perfect :) Splash was with me the entire way - I even got a little cocky and set him up and asked for a fancy-schmancy dressage-y flying change across x the second time round. Pony said "No Problem" and rocked it, shocking all bystanders with his awesomeness. So. Much. Fun. 

Best ride ever, although I wish our coach could hide the surprise in her voice a little better when she compliments us :)

Getting a little rock star treatment in thanks for a job well done