I mean, it’s not like we’re doing nothing. I can certainly stand more of this.
I have set up two wee jumps- one on the straight and one on the diagonal. I have been weaving them into our rides. I remember reading Walter Zettl’s book and how he said that jumping and dressage were intermingled. Not that either my dressage or jumps will ever be at his level. Sunday I was pleased when we leg yielded, picked up a canter, headed straight down the ‘spooky’ side, popped over the X and then halted. I decided to end it there.
Wednesday I had to drive to a conference in the next province. I wasn’t planning to ride but the morning was so lovely I decided to saddle up for a short ride. Normally I don’t ride Carmen if I don’t have time - just in case I get into trouble. I decided, then that perhaps I shouldn’t leave it up to Carmen to decide how the ride show go. Maybe I should make that decision. So I did.
Guinness supervised and as I was riding around the rail I spied our kitty, Willow hanging out. She seemed quite intrigued with what I was doing and decided to stick around.
Carmen: I’m not so sure about this.
Honestly, Carmen felt pretty good. I could feel her back up under me and she felt good. Willow decided that us trotting was very exciting. She would watch and as we got close she would duck under the jumps or brush and then leap out as we passed.
It went better than you might think. Carmen would cock an ear, I would tell her ‘yes, that’s Willow’. Carmen scooted a coupe times but nothing major.
Don’t be fooled. She’s not innocent
I stopped after 20 minutes and dismounted. It was a great way to start a day.
The clocks rolled back on the weekend. Which makes riding after work a lot more difficult. Sigh. I hate it.
The horses are not fans either.
It sounds like you've been having fun rides. Willow was probably just bored and thought she'd add a little excitement to everyone's morning! I'm proud of Carmen for not over reacting to her. Riding before work is a great way to start the day too. I hate the clock change too and wish they would stop it.
ReplyDeleteI really wish that they would stop the time change. It serves no purpose (IMHO). I find Carmen pretty good if she knows what it is making the noise.
DeleteThe two black barn kitties at the facility I trailer I to love to do that. It freaks me out but I guess it is good desensitization work.
ReplyDeleteIt is good but can be a bit nerve wracking.
DeleteRiding after work has turned into "putting a head lamp on and wandering around looking for my black looking horse in the dark". I can never find him!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL, you need a gray! they show up in the dark (and look good in purple too).
DeleteThe only time I fell off Mag was cuz of a cat!
ReplyDeleteOh! Darn cat!
DeleteOh my, I would have spooked sideways at the kitty. :-)
ReplyDeleteLOL she's pretty cute though.
DeleteThis dark at 4:30 nonsense is the worst. Glad you had a nice morning ride though!
ReplyDeleteI hate it so much. there won't be too many mornings where it's nice to ride so I'm glad I was able to take advantage.
DeleteCats can be so hit or miss in the arena - I've had some that decide it's prime time to pee in the arena sand as I'm doing a 20m circle. Like, get outta here, kitty cat!
ReplyDeleteI also despise the time change :(
LOL, peeing while you're riding! That is a funny picture.
DeleteSome of my favourite rides have been the ones where I was super tired and had no agenda for a quick ride and they've turned out to be awesome rides.
ReplyDeletePhantom always gives the mountain lions the side eye after one jumped up on the fence next to us years ago. Mountain lions cannot be trusted.
That is true about the mountain lions!
DeleteSounds fun. A good time of year to mix harder stuff with some play.
ReplyDeleteExactly.
DeleteHa I love the supervisor kitty ;)
ReplyDeleteShe was cute.
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