Solid

 On my last post Linda shared her trainers belief that if you leave something solid the horse will pick it right back up after a break. And she's right. I have been able to ride a few times since getting back and it's proving itself to be true. 

My plan with Quaid was to review everything before riding for the first time this year. I told myself to not push and it was okay if it took a couple weeks/ multiple sessions before he felt ready.  It took literally 4 sessions. I probably could have got on during the third session but it was cold and windy and I decided to not. But when I got on it was literally no big deal.  He stood very still and seemed to be saying 'finally'. 

his forelock is out of control

Quaid is going to be 5 this year and I've been seeing some signs of feistiness. I've been expecting some 'you're not the boss of me'.  He got a little resistant earlier this week. When we were walking up to the ring  he kept wanting to graze and got a little pissed off when I wouldn't let him. Then during our ride he protested going past the gate after a bit. Nothing major, just baby horse stuff. Yesterday I was doing groundwork and he was really relaxed so I took off his halter to put on his bridle and he pulled away and started running around the ring playing 'can't catch me' . 

I was annoyed but not. If that makes any sense.  Most of my annoyance was directed at me for not recognising that he wasn't fully engaged in the groundwork. On the other hand I had the sense of 'ah there it is' and I'd much rather deal with this on the ground than in the saddle. After he had careened around and got his sillies out I was able to go up to him and put the halter back on and  we did more ground work.  Then I got on and we went to work. It was our longest session but he was really good under saddle. 

let me break up this wall of text with 
the most adorable photo of Cordelia
and Raven sharing a moment

Quaid has definitely grown and feels more substantial when I'm riding. The stuff that was solid when we stopped is right there and the stuff that wasn't is still wobbly. I need to make sure that I don't keep thinking he's still a baby and treat him like a horse. 

I've been having some really good rides on Carmen too. When we left off last year we were still working on keeping a steady rhythm. Clearly it was not solid and it shows. So I've been focusing on keeping her straight and rhythmical. It's been interesting because while she initially was not a fan of me rating her paces I notice that she relaxes a lot sooner in our rides. 

I have left her largely unblanketed this winter and
she has learned to love the mud. Sigh. 

What I've been really happy with is that, no matter what her mood, I've been riding her the same. We're not hiding from any part of the ring and I'm not worried. It felt like I was much steadier in keeping contact but not holding. I also seemed to be more aware of how she's carrying herself. 

Yesterday I had our first lesson of the year. I decided it would be Carmen and I was excited. It was late afternoon and, while the morning had been sunny and calm, the clouds rolled in and the breeze picked up before our lesson. Carmen is also not a fan of late afternoon rides (neither am I if I'm honest).  All that to say that even last year, this would have guaranteed a spicy ride. Instead she was right with me. Jane had us do this exercise to help her get off the forehand: a turn on the forehand at the walk. We're on the circle and, without stopping, we turn around the forehand and go the other way. At first both Carmen and I were like 'what is this' but I loved how it made me stay very aware of each hand and leg aid and where she was in space. We had some lovely transitions and really good work. Even though it was probably the hardest she's worked since getting back to it she didn't really try anything. Instead she just tried to figure it out and stayed with me. 

Jane commented that I doing really well with my hands and elbows. She also noted that I have much better body control and it's paying off. I also feel that and it feels great. 

It feels like we have a lot more trust in each other these days. 

Such a good girl

I'm Back (and in the Saddle)

 Ed and I just got back from our vacation.  It was a lovely time, with the first part just the two of us in Sedona.  It was a bit cold and we ended up hiking in light snow. Which was kind of hilarious.  Fortunately, it didn't stick around (which is what happened there later in the week). 

the sun came out later

After Sedona we headed south of Phoenix and stayed with Ed's brother and his wife. They were lovely hosts and it was wonderful to spend time with them.  It was an 'easy' vacation with hiking and other activities but not go-go-go. I was able to hike in the desert and enjoy time in the sun.  It's amazing how moving south and to lower elevations makes a difference in temperature. 

After 10 days away we headed home feeling rested and recharged. I was happy to see that, while we were gone, all the snow and ice had disappeared. And even happier to see that my ring was in great shape.  I've been able to work with the horses twice since we arrived home on Thursday. This is the longest time I've spent not riding. Usually I can get a few rides in over the winter. 

Carmen was absolutely filthy. It took a long time to change her colour from mud to yellow tinged with some darker splotches. I didn't mind though. When Carmen first came she hardly ever rolled. I believe that she's feeling happier and confident so comfortable to roll and get muddy (don't burst my bubble). 

I lunged and did groundwork with Carmen first and she was fine but it was clear that she felt a bit tense. I found myself feeling fine about mounting though. So I got on and, while she thought about things, I was able to be calm and clear and she was fine. It was a short workout because we're just starting. 

Me: yay!
Carmen: Oh. this again. 

It felt so good to just settle in the saddle. 

I've done a lot of thought about getting Quaid going again and I decided to review his training before getting back on. Not to take the same amount of time but I want to review his knowledge and not just jump on. Sort of like a back-to-school review.  He really enjoyed the grooming. When I was lunging he got quite excited so we needed to work through that.  But then he was very responsive and when I brought out the mounting block he  was all 'I remember this! and lined right up. I finished up with that. 

Cordelia: horse training is boring

Quaid is definitely filled out over the winter. I think he's just at 15'2. I'd like him to be a bit taller but it doesn't matter. I'm not going to get all hung up that I need a taller horse. 

my handsome baby genius

I gave them Saturday off so I could go to my bootcamp and karate classes. I had already missed when I was away.  Today, Sunday, was another lovely spring day. Carmen was a lot more settled and we had a nice ride. I think that my confidence in my riding is really making a difference. 

After I put her away I felt like I was being watched. I turned around and there was Quaid in the stall looking at me. It's my turn!  I got him ready and we went back to the ring.  He was a lot more settled. I put on his bridle and we worked a little on responding to steering. It was pretty easy to be honest. 

Quaid: this is best way to use the ring

It was a lovely way to get back to work.  I'm hoping to get a lesson next week. Fingers crossed that the weather cooperates.