Getting From A to B

 Things have been progressing well over here. The big thing that has helped so much was being able to walk for a reasonable amount of time. Walking makes everything feel better physically and mentally. Some days are still very much a struggle but I'm getting good at recognizing the boundary of pushing through for long term benefits vs 'you've made a terrible horrible mistake you're going to regret later!'

Getting back to regular riding is very much on my mind, and with some hard conversations being had, I have to agree Sophie is not an appropriate mount for where I'm currently at. I mean, she's obviously an angel, but that means she does sprout wings now and then ;)

I swear B enjoys toying with her. Sophie gets a bit worried when B leaves, so of course B plays hide and seek around this corner whenever I groom her.

I have had all the time on the world lately to process all those regrets I would have had if riding was going to be limited. So, the target of where I want to get is clearer than it's even been. How to reasonably get from my current Point A to the envisioned Point B is the question.

I know a bunch of you are reading this going "Slow down, you're only just getting better, don't rush any decisions!" because I've had some real life friends with the same (valid) input. On the other hand, there is a lot to be said for having a path to start on and some goals to work towards (gradually!)

So, Bridget is getting a full lameness work up tomorrow. If nothing else, just to give me a baseline for what is fair to ask of her and what our current options are. I have a feeling this appointment could go either way - she's dropped fitness since she's had time off and honestly that's really not helped anything. It would be nice to have her back in a higher workload for a while to help me get back to where I want to be as a rider, but her wellbeing comes first and keeping her as my trail pony is great too.

Don't let her fool you, I had to resort to using a training aid (I know, I know, humor me because this is a temporary keep-my-back-safe thing with ponies suffering Spring Fever) It's as loose as it goes and prevents her completely getting her head up and bolting off when I'm actually just wanting some walk trot around the arena.

We are all obviously very attached to Sophie. Sophie is quirky, but far from difficult and I think it's far too soon to put long term limits on my riding aspirations. Sophie fits in perfectly with some of those Point B goals I have. Any decisions regarding our partnership will wait longer term.

Also wearing the longeing aid of shame last night. She was actually an angel though and didn't need it, unlike her big sister