Opposite Day

It's nice to be getting into consistent riding. Without regular coaching I hope that we're progressing, or at least not going backwards.  Carmen has been working really well. 

hey, do you have any carrots? 

Earlier in the week we had a glorious day of sun with temperatures in the high teens (Celcius). As I worked in my home office I could see the horses out basking in the sun. When my work day was over I quickly changed and headed out to enjoy the end of day sun. Carmen felt really mellow. Like really mellow. In the ring she could barely put one hoof in front of the other. 

I don't mind quiet but this was verging on the ridiculous. We were going around the ring and I was trying to create energy without getting into an argument. We were going down the long side in what can only be described as a western jog when she gave a spook and began to canter towards the gate. 

Me: YES, let's go

Carmen:  EEEK... wait, what? 

Me: let's canter away

Carmen:  I don't think that it was that scary

Me:  oh yes, it was terrible. All fangs and scales.

Carmen:  that trot was nice or we could stop

Me: no WE MUST FLEE. 

Carmen: BUT I DON'T WANT TO

Me: sure, better safe than sorry I always say

Carmen: no you don't. You NEVER say that

Me: Sure I do. Remember? Anyway the answer is to go fast and save our lives!

Carmen:  I hate you right now

After that we had a pretty good ride. The next time we went by that spot she looked at it

Me: should we flee again?

Carmen:  nope, I'm good. 

That was the last day and really nice weather. The next day was sunny but blustery and cold. 

nothing like the wind up your tail 

I am trying to ride two days and take one off. I figured that I would tack her up and see how she was. I was expecting her to be riled up. But she was not. Not as a slow as the day before but still pretty quiet.  It was a good ride. Probably not anything special in terms of any skills but we had fun and we were working as a team. 

Saturday was quiet and cloudy. Carmen was definitely more forward and a bit spooky but nothing major and we had some great work. She was a bit tight and the work focussed on getting her to stretch over her back and use her core. I could feel her starting to let go and understand the stretching out felt good. 

That afternoon I made some cupcakes as the rain/snow came down. OMG, they were so good- rich and chocatey and, frankly, dangerous. I had some frozen Bailey's Irish Cream buttercream frosting and I used that instead. 

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I am enjoying the quiet pace, but perhaps not as much as Carmen. 

Carmen's life goals right here

Let me end with a PSA from Guinness: he wants to remind you all to wash your paws and keep your things clean.