Wobbly

Thanks for the positive thoughts re: our crazy fire season this year. Our local one is still growing, but the winds are currently in our favour and driving it away from homes :)

With the advantageous winds blowing most of the soot and smoke away from our area, I got out for a ride last night. I'm noticing we're really going through a wobbly, wiggly kind of stage. Last week, I attributed it to New Barn Syndrome (so much to look at!), but I'm starting to feel it's a little bit of a thing lately in general. Our forward button seems a little intermittent/slightly broken, and my outside aids are largely being ignored in favour of attempting to look outside the area. She's also been a bit rude and impatient on the ground and acting a little herdbound.

Of course you can never really know what's going on in those pony minds, but I'm fairly certain this is just Bridget attempting world domination. We've been here before and I'm sure we'll be here again in the future. She's still trying to figure out her place in the new herd and currently she sits at the bottom. That makes it extra special important to her to be the boss of SOMEONE. She's got bite marks all over her showing her recent snarky mare efforts aren't productive as far as her herdmates go. I'm sure her little mind is thinking "why not try that person who shares her food with me?".

"Talk to the hoof, human"

So, we're back to being super fussy about ground manners, and really being on top of the "forward NOW", "turn NOW', "Whoa means whoa" basics. It doesn't feel pretty, and I'm hoping my barnmates aren't horrified by the frequent reminders needed with my stick,  but on the plus side EC seems to keep half an eye on us even outside lessons and will call out the odd random tip or encouragement. I miss our old peaceful and quiet ring, but have to admit the input is very helpful and that this seems like a good path to getting a better trained Bridget.

We need to teach B what that hose is for. She's never had a bath before!

Since EC and barnmates are away at another horse trails this week/coming weekend, our next lesson isn't until Monday. That leaves lots of time for me to squash the hostile takeover Ms B is planning, although I may mix arena rides with being non confrontational and heading out for a trail ride or two in an attempt to get her on side again!