One Month/Small Wins

Today marks one full month of having Sophie back "home" and really focusing on giving her a good start in her working life. So, I thought I'd replace my usual monthly "Small Wins" post with a quick recap of what we've done with Sophie in the past month. If you're new here, basically these small wins serve as a progress marker for me, and a kindness to myself by reminding me of all the things that were fun or that are going well, rather than the challenges I might be apt to focus on otherwise.

- I feel like the most obvious win was bringing Sophie back to Bridget's boarding barn and having her settle in without too much drama.

- Related news: I'm getting a lot more comfortable with the whole trailering thing.

- So much progress made with Sophie. She leads politely again, she's started longeing, she wears tack like a big girl now.

- She's been on a lot of outings, including a swim at the lake and a trip through an in hand trail course.

- My summer work schedule seems to be a success so far - I'm keeping up with the chores associated with having both ponies self boarded, still fitting in regular rides on Bridget and outings for Sophie, and having a tiny social life too.

- Sophie's been much more patient about standing when tied, and is getting to be super easy for me when I handle her feet.

- I got a spot for the groundwork portion of an upcoming clinic in July and plan to bring Sophie. A win because spots fill up fast, and we have no local trainers. It will be a good opportunity to check in.

- She's growing and filling out and generally looking pretty good. I need to measure her to know just how much, but the idea of riding her sometime in the near future without squishing  her seems like it could happen.


Non Sophie related wins:

- The new camera. I still can't thank you guys enough for your input. We're two months in and I am growing ever more obsessed with photography tutorials and videos. I think I've discovered a new hobby! Not to mention that having new pictures of my horses pretty much any time I want them (which, let's be real, is always :) is pretty wonderful.

- Bridget is doing really well. Although a little fat due to too much pasture time and not enough exercise, she is happy and definitely feeling good and enjoying a little vacation from work. She deserves to be spoiled a little bit now and then.