Happenings

 The last couple of weeks have definitely felt like spring is coming, but we're in for some freezing temps for a few days this week. Since most of the ground is still very wet and likely to freeze solid, I expect the ponies will need a day or three off from riding. Which is fine, we've been taking advantage of the trails and arena the last couple of weeks and are slowly getting back into the swing of things.

Bridget's up to about an hour's walking on the trails and we did a short arena ride this weekend too. She feels like a total mess in the ring, but what can I expect - we haven't taken anything seriously there for a while. It's a bit sad, but on the other hand it's interesting to me to compare Sophie pony who is the opposite and wants to carry herself forward and in balance, despite being younger and far greener. B is Best Pony Ever, but she does not find it so simple.

I wish previous me understood that better - logically I knew I was working very hard with Bridget, but at a base level I always thought I wasn't doing it 'good enough' because so many others seemed to have such an easier time of it with their horses. It was very easy to get discouraged with my riding. While I am sure there is some truth to that (I am lucky to know some very talented ladies) I think I need to give myself a belated pat on the back - B really makes you work for it!

 I'm just trying to keep her at a base level of fitness this year so being in foal isn't too hard for her. I have no plans on setting the show world on fire and the appalling flatwork will improve again as we both gain fitness. 

So cute tho

She's been very excited to be out and about and pony prance is a thing a lot of days so perhaps fitness will come sooner than expected ;)

Sophie has been fantastic. She's walking with a bit of trot in the arena now and has come back ready for it. She's filled out a bit over winter and generally seems to have continued to mature mentally. I hop in the saddle these days and am very happy with how she feels.

Happy ears <3

I had a 'cowboy clinic' penciled in to the calendar for Sophie in March/April, but we've since changed that to a two week visit, likely mid to late March. The 'cowboy' has access to extensive trails and they go out in large groups. They also hold busy events at their barn. Our quiet little lifestyle and rocky, walk only trails don't compare so I think two weeks trail riding and living at their barn is going to be excellent mileage for her and a good prep for life in general. A friend is sending her young horse too. We're hoping to get over there for a couple of long weekends of riding (it's on Vancouver Island so a bit of a journey for us), otherwise the crew there will be getting them out for us.

I'm pretty excited for this - we can do all the clinics we like but it would be hard to round up a group of people here to go for a gallop or even a more adventurous trail ride. I feel like this will translate really well to busy warm ups, cross country schooling, showing in general and of course having a solid trail horse! 

I would like to have Sophie quite fit prior to her going so that's adding to my motivation to get her out often this next month or so.