Not A Unicorn

Aww, turns out Sovie isn't a perfect unicorn after all! :) We've had some pretty yucky weather so she's been in at night and only out in a small round pen during the day, so she' got a bit of excess energy right now! The barn owner told me she was a bit naughty to handle this past week, and I got to experience a little drama too. She's been out for a couple more walks and had her feet trimmed too - all very exciting for her I'm sure. She's very, very good, but the 2 second attention span combined with a bit of boundary testing keeps it real. Farrier was like " She's really sweet, but a bit of a drama queen, yeah?" Yep, I think so :) She's just feeling good and a bit more confident in her new home, which makes me happy.  Fingers crossed it dries up a bit and she can go out in her big paddock more regularly.

Still looking a little like a unicorn, tho.

Despite all the great things happening right now (job promotion, 4 day work week coming soon, NEW PONY!) I've really been struggling mentally, particularly with my riding. News flash: Bridget is also not a perfect unicorn! And I am not a master unicorn rider/trainer either :) We have gone through some really rough patches before, but I've had EC around to help keep me encouraged and motivated (and to also trade horses with temporarily when I'm feeling like I need a time out from pony drama). Being on my own a lot more, it's a lot harder to be positive and motivated when the rides aren't fun. Because we are in the mother of all rough patches right now. The forward into contact is broken...again. The work ethic from the winter is gone. And I don't know if I have it in me to keep repeating this same cycle over and over. Quitting is not something I'm great at, though.

Sleeping and eating is more her speed.

I've had a few long chats about my future plans and goals these last few months and I think I need to have a few more. I've recently been gently reminded that I'm maybe not as bad at this as I think...that just maybe Ms B is not meeting me halfway and maybe she would even like a different job. Maybe that this isn't the greatest fit anymore. Which, is not the first or last time I'll probably hear that with her, but it's the first time I'm feeling defeated enough to consider it seriously.

So, you'll have to excuse me while I drag out my western saddle and spend some time on the trails pondering. There are of course so many ways forward, and it always seems like some nice days on the trail are just the ticket for letting go and visualizing next steps.

Lots of grooming required right now too! They are both shedding like crazy. I've also been busy researching nutrition, Sovie arrived a little thin and tucked up which I attributed to her journey, but it's been a couple of weeks now and I think she could look better.