We're Back (Sorta)

I haven't ridden in a week! I can't even remember the last time that happened. I have a lesson scheduled for tomorrow and I suspect I might be feeling the pain after.

Swimming spot, also suited to swimming with your horse. One thing I really love about this area/province - the vast majority of land outside the cities is owned by the crown and publicly accessible, and almost all the ocean and lake shore is public - private beachfront, roads , or trails is not really a thing.

I hadn't even seen Bridget or been near a horse in a week and B let me know that I was missed by being super affectionate this morning. Cute pony. I have big plans of keeping her as a pet in my backyard when she retires. (The yard is large and has a barn and paddock, don't worry, much as I'm sure she'd love to be a house pet, we've got pony appropriate accommodations waiting for her!)

Went a little crazy with the potted herbs and veggies this year

We both had a week off because I was feeling burnt out and Bridget was feeling a bit back sore. Originally I was told that it was due to the borrowed saddle being slightly too long for her, but the bit of sensitivity behind the saddle wasn't going away with the new one, so I felt a bit of time off couldn't hurt. (For the record, it's very, very minor and consistent with the saddle fitter's opinion or I would have had a vet take a look before now!) Fingers crossed the time out has helped and we're both feeling loose and relaxed again! I know I loved my time off - I spent most of my days either gardening or floating around a lake in an inflatable chair. FYI - that balance and strength you build up riding is pretty handy for remaining dry while navigating large bodies of water on a pool floatie - untapped random talent right here :)

Beach, also one you can ride on when the tide is out

I've got a few options coming up this month competition wise, but the only thing I've committed to for sure is a XC school mid month at the place we'll be competing at in August. I missed the closing date for the next horse trials on our calendar (seriously, the entry window was like 5 days over the long weekend, why?), but my gut reaction was relief when I figured it out, time and horse money being in short supply right now. So maybe things are working out as they need to and we'll stay on track for an August event :). We remain on our twice weekly lesson schedule, which I still feel is better value for my money than entry fees, if that choice has to be made. There is a multi day dressage show at the end of the month I'd love to attend, but I need to have a chat with EC first. I'm the last person who feels strongly about winning anything, but I do get pretty sad if I feel like I wasted my money....like at our last dressage show! Also, I need a proper coat if I'm going to go to a rated show, and the coast and options are slightly overwhelming. First world problems!

Super low tide

Horses also give you the balance to safely navigate sketchy homemade 'docks' on this lake

Coming up next, since I loved my time out so much, I'm heading back for another long weekend of non competitive lake floating. My favorite swimming lake is the same one I used to take Bridget to, and it seems weird to go to the lake without her (if you're new here, I currently work on the southern coast during the week and both horses are living there with my coach - awesome opportunities there!) I don't know what the future will bring, but I'm thinking more and more it's time to move back home full time....the small town, more relaxed lifestyle is calling my name again!