Horses make it better

My funk was getting quite well established this past week. I think it was a combination of just being way overtired, catching a stupid virus, and also having far too many commitments on the go.

I took Monday and Tuesday off from my real job, and cancelled my lesson Monday night. I slept in between binge watching all things Netflix.  Wednesday, I resumed real life and work, but was exhausted. G called at lunch and was encouraging me to skip the barn/lessons after work, but I was like "If I was going to just do one thing today it would have been the barn. Priorities!"


That night I had a jumping lesson on Bridget. The first half was wonderful amazing awesomeness,  the last half was tired behind the leg awkwardness. Oh well, I was tired too. Next up, I tacked up C's friendly dinosaur Q mare for a short hack to stretch her legs prior to their leaving Thursday for their event this weekend. Q mare is going to totally keep me sane. She's got all the forward and just powers up the big hills, no asking required.  Just point her where you want and she takes you there, terrain is no issue for that big walk.  I caught myself wishing for a Q mare in a Bridget sized body, then quickly cut those thoughts short.  I'm very lucky to ride two such good horses, and Q's extreme forwardness comes with its own set of things to work on,  I have faith that with continued work B will improve...look how far she's come already!

B says 'Who needs a fitness plan? I'm looking fab!"

Thursday, I tacked up my little Bridget mare with the intent of rehashing the jump course from the day before with a fresher pony (and rider!) Sadly, she was tired and even though she was super honest about staying in front of my leg she was huffing and puffing quite quickly again. I'm all worried about the COPD thing even though the more likely reason is our lack of over fences work of late. After reading Megan's blog mention of meandering hacks, I opted to finish off by taking the pooped out pony on a 30 min trailventure, just wandering along on the buckle. Hills are good pony fitness even if I let Midge pick the pace, and I think it's a good mental health choice for both of us to head out now and then with zero goals or purpose. I was a bad person and also returned some phone calls at the same time. Midge is of course easy like that, and neck reins just fine so even trot and canter sets on the trail have been done with one hand holding the phone. I have no shame :)

Sad that the sun is setting so early, but it does make for beautiful rides.

I'm feeling refreshed. Just in time to welcome the weekend! I'm sad I'm not going to the final event of the season this weekend, but I think lots of barn time and not much of anything else to do will be better for my health. Priorities :)