Days 17-22: Challenges

We've all had them - those weeks where everything just feels a little off kilter, a little more difficult than it should be. My board increased with a day's notice, the hay thing happened (and to add insult the people claim I didn't return one of the bales and owe them $12!) my halter and fly spray went missing, and Sophie smashed a fence and the barn owner is unhappy with her. Hopefully this string of (minor in the grand scheme of things) inconveniences is through now and normalcy can resume.

On to our daily recaps:

Days 17-20: Basically, it was hot and I really wasn't feeling well. So, between work, keeping up with the garden, the hay fiasco, and general mucking out and barn chores the only "add ons" I accomplished were giving both ponies a good grooming and trimming Sophie's feet one evening.

Day 21: This day was...a challenge. I got to the barn in the morning and was told Sophie ran through a fence the night before. She was unscathed, and happily living with Bridget. The barn owner was understandably unhappy though. The backstory is that another horse on the property smashed multiple fences the other day and the barn owner is just over it, so Sophie's jailbreak was extra unwelcome. After begging forgiveness and offering to put time in fixing fences, off we went to an in hand trail challenge I signed up for.

Farmer's market season is apparently back in full swing, which can be challenging at the best of times. Everyone parks on the road and kind of meets and chats there before they head into the market grounds. The only way to get to the equestrian grounds is to thread the needle through all those people and parked cars on the road. I was proud of Sophie for trusting me enough to brave that excitement!

The trail challenge itself went alright. It was advertised as a fun day, but people showed up ready to compete like it was a show! Plus, there were a number of spectators. A great thing for the club and organizers, not so much for me with my baby horse just wanting some experience. Since it ended up being a timed event, the couple of things Sophie wasn't 100% confident about (a tarp and a plastic kids pool) I just gave her a big pat for sticking a foot on or in and called it good. Baby steps. We didn't do the pattern of poles you were supposed to side pass through at all. I've only just cracked moving her shoulders and hind end around! 4 wheel drive sideways is beyond us right now, lol.

On the good side, she stood around for a really long time (2+hours waiting) and was decent about it. She was cool with almost everything on the course. Bridges, a giant inflatable ball, a couple of small jumps, some hoops on the ground, etc. The stuff she wasn't sure of, she still gave a decent try. What more can I ask?

As it was apparently  "serious" competition, there were some unwanted opinions and suggestions expressed over my handling of her/lack of attempt of some of the obstacles/Sophie's lack of experience given her age. Since I try to be honest here, I'll admit that took the fun out of the day for me despite logical me feeling good about my life choices. The comments came across as judge-y and condescending rather than helpful or genuine. I admit to not having a huge interest in groundwork or natural horsemanship games, but you can trust me when I say S politely stands and leads and wasn't causing anyone any trouble. Yes, we kind of sucked if you're keeping time and scores, yes, as always we have lots to work on. Yes, some people's 2 or 3 year olds could eat that course up. Maybe under saddle too. But, I'm proud of her and comfortable with my choice of leaving her alone to grow up. I'm disappointed in myself for letting a few rotten apples eat at me and take away my enjoyment of the day.

Loving my garden right now as an alternate happy place when the barn is challenging. I have cute helpers too.

Back home we went, and Sophie got a big pile of hay and a fresh bucket of water...in her jail cell. Poor pony, back to life in the round pen until the fencing is deemed pony safe (the electric might be on the fritz, which would explain a lot!)

Onwards we go. I look forward to a nice outing this evening.