Getting to know you

Unfortunately for me it's been back to work for the rest of this week. While it is fun to pretend to be a woman of leisure for a bit I do actually work a full-time job to support this mare of mine. So back in the lab and back to science instead of the dressage ring and half-halts.

Science!

Back at the ranch 'Dea is no rest for the weary with Pam's wonderful working students. I pit-stopped by after work to see how things are going. Not to sound like a total mother hen but I can count on one hand how many people have been on her in her entire life the few handful of times. And well, she is a bit of a mare. Other than the normal 'come to jesus' moment that I completely expected to happen things are going well. They have a handle on her quirks and are very positive about her work. There is some musical bits going on, which I have done in the past but am interested to get some different perspectives. I don't think I've seen anyone with more bits than them! Can you fill a Rubbermaid container with bits?

Improvement was made between yesterday and today within the canter and general going toward the contact. My guess is now that they know each other a bit tomorrow will be even better. The rain had momentarily stopped enough that they took a stroll outside to the outdoor. If this monsoon weather ever stops hopefully we'll get out there more often.

I am really pleased to have someone knowledgeable work with her. From backing her to being her primary rider for the past 5 years we definitely compensate for each other. Perhaps in some good ways but mostly bad I think. One of my goals for this experience is: stop being a reactive rider to becoming a proactive one. I want to be able to fix things for the better instead of just trying to cover for them.

'Dea was a bit tired after today's work, I had told her boarding school was going to be tough stuff. Luckily she is no stranger to naps and I'm sure she's taking advantage of her nice big fluffy stall there as she does at home.

4pm is nap time