In Which I Just Ride My Horse

I grew up on the periphery of the horsey crowd here. As an adult, I have spent several years off and on here. Sometimes I'm more involved than others, but normally I'm pretty independent and preoccupied with my own goals.  That continues to be the case. I'm apparently so determined to keep Midge fit that I had a nightmare the other night where we were given 150 time penalties on XC, even though I was kicking every stride.

I've been riding in the dark, in the wind and rain, in an effort to get our dressage back to a happier place. I'm pretty sure my (lovely) barn mates think I'm nuts. Midge is pretty sure too, but since she's remarkably brave about hacking out after dark, we persist.

Worth noting: riding in the dark is excellent for feeling exactly what's going on underneath you. I actually think our best ride last week was when I took B for a good canter round the giant outdoor to start. I never did move inside where there were lights because things were going so well and I was really focusing on the important stuff for a change.

I did go to a social event the other day, where it was 50% wonderful to catch up with old friends, and 50% awkward. Why, why, WHY are horse people so nutty about talking the talk and pretending to be experts/better than everyone on all things horse? Message received guys, I'm on your turf again, I get it. But you are threatened (?) by an overweight adult ammy on a pony, WHY? Why am I even on your radar? I'm not sure I'll ever have patience for social games.

Midge continues to be an absolute star in the indoor arena. I'm not sure yet if it's because there are no distractions, or because the footing is so nice, but she's way more willing to relax over her topline and push from behind. Way more willing in that I pretty much never have her working that well elsewhere, and yet in the magic indoor it's rare she's NOT working through. Maybe I need to consider some shoes for her as a start?

Magic Indoor looks just like any other indoor

Today is supposed to be our jump day, but currently the wind is howling and the rain is pouring down. Fingers crossed, the storm passes before dark, the outdoor drains sufficiently, and we can fit in some jumping. Otherwise, the magic indoor is calling :)

I miss EC and the barn crew down there, but it's so, so nice to be home, even part time.