Today, feeling rather stiff and sore (- side note: I average about 1 fall a year, always somersaulting off over the shoulder. The answer is simple, I need to keep my heels down and my butt in the saddle. Apparently that is a concept I do not grasp. As a further countermeasure I am considering signing up for vaulting class* with the sole purpose of learning how to do a forward flip off a horse and land on my feet - because seriously, the awesomeness of that move would totally outweigh the shame of falling- ) and not wanting to risk lightning striking twice, I took Bridget for a short visit with Mr Round Pen.
The Devil Pony pretty much instantly revealed herself. So much rudeness, so much anger that she wasn't getting her way. Good thing I brought a long longe whip. I might need to look into a part time job as a lion tamer or something ;) A little while later, the devil pony was exorcised and a reformed, polite pony followed me out to the arena.
I got on, and...nada. Literally, nothing. She could barely summon the energy to trot, let alone jump. Like a toddler after a tantrum, Bridget was ready for nap time.
 |
| Rolling here, rather than sleeping, but you get the idea |
Back to the barn I went and grabbed my spurs. And viola, we were back in business. I started out riding too defensively and my timing felt really off as a result. Bridget wasn't really taking me to the jumps, either, which felt weird - it's been a long time since I've felt like I needed to really ride her forward to them. Luckily, we picked up momentum as the lesson went on and finished with a couple of small courses that felt really good.
In virtual news, we've added another 2 weeks of miles. Our tally so far for 7 weeks of riding is 31 hours in the saddle and 313 km estimated distance. I'm OK with that given my work schedule and the fact I didn't ride for 2 of those weeks due a plague virus!
 |
| This looked like a nice field to place our virtual campsite in |
I'm feeling a little more optimistic that we'll survive the weekend. Seems like lots of bloggers are getting out for shows this weekend - best of luck to everyone and see you Monday!
*Provided I can be exempt from wearing spandex suits. Cause those are a total deal breaker for me.
Sounds like a great improvement! You two will rock it at the show :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm so freaking nervous right now I can't even function :)
DeleteGood luck at the show you two :)
ReplyDeleteI am impressed that you can perform pony exorcisms! You should go into business. It would be never ending, I am sure.
ReplyDeleteIt's a secret talent lol! I should video sassy Bridget some time, the twisting the head in various weird directions while simultaneously making mean faces totally reminds me of the scene from the movie!
DeleteFor some unexplained reason when I come off a horse I land on my feet 90% of the time- usually holding one rein. I have no idea how it works but I don't think on it too much because i don't want to mess it up. I love the idea of the vaulting somersault though- that would be cool.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a blast this weekend!! As crummy as it is to have bad rides (and esp a fall!), I kinda appreciate when they happen right before a show bc they remind me to be active and participate, lest the worst happens haha. Hopefully the demon pony exorcism holds!!! ;P
ReplyDelete