Dressage, Blah, Blah, Blah

So, Frankie got two days off. He hasn’t had that in a while. But, my shoulder needed a rest from Saturday. Frankie was a little irritated at my timing. Dinner was going to be served as we walked up to the ring. Inside today, even though the weather was beautiful. Why? Because we had to practice the stupid dressage test. 10 minute warm-up and let the test begin…. Frankie doesn’t do well with two days off, so our first two or three runs sucked. I don’t... Read More

Schooling Cross Country at Far Out Farm

Okay, so the trip was a little longer than anticipated because I forgot my boots at home. Oops. But we got there and Frankie was very relaxed. I hacked in the outdoor then headed out to the fields. It was a little wet in spots and Frankie wasn’t very happy about it. He didn’t seem to trust the ground. As though it wouldn’t hold his weight. Pausing at spots at the walk, trot, and canter. He was still very relaxed, just uneasy of the footing. I cantered... Read More

Thunder Boost

The sun was out and there was thunder. But, I really needed to boost my confidence over fences after my icky ride on Wednesday. I knew Frankie had had it with dressage. I know, I need to work on round, long and low. But, today just wasn’t the day for either of us. I got to the barn set up an X, a 3’3″ vertical, a 3’6″ vertical, and 2 3’9″ verticals. I just wanted a relaxing positive ride. I need some encouragement and I can only... Read More

Today, With a Plan

Today, I had a plan. But, no jumping. I memorized training level dressage test B last night. So, I’m ready to practice. I actually don’t know the letters yet, but know the pattern. Good enough for now. The sun came out just as I drove up to the barn after work. How perfect is that. Too bad I have to ride inside to practice stupid dressage. Frankie seemed pleased to see me. A little nonchalant, not terribly unusual for him. Tacked up and headed inside. I had... Read More

Working Indoors

So, it was a long day of driving before the ride. I got out to the barn later than I would have liked to. Still crappy, rainy weather outside. We got out the barn ready for a nap. The blood started flowing again after I changed into riding gear. Frankie must have gone outside today by the looks of the mud in his feet. Unfortunately the barn was busy. Josh went down to check and there were many lessons going on in the outdoor. It was misting outside anyway so I figured inside... Read More

Tonight Sucked

Okay, so tonight sucked. First of all, poor Frank hasn’t been outside in a few days due to the crappy weather. So, he has super ADD on top of his already super ADD. But, he was happy to see me. Not really interested in getting groomed. He just wanted to stretch his legs. I wanted to ride outside, but didn’t really want to get soaked. Had a long day at work and was feeling a bit like a baby. We went in the indoor and started working. He was really good and trying... Read More

Jumping Day

Today was a jumping day.  Planned out.  We are gonna jump 4’3″.  A set of fences, all singles, all verticals.  Looking for soft, quiet, steady. Josh and I got in the ring and set out where the fences were going to go.  4 verticals, three diagnols and a straight fence.  Plus a warm up X.  I left to go tack up while Josh finished setting fences. Frankie seemed happy to see me.  A little bored in the pasture.  Tacked him up, he didn’t act girthy today which... Read More

Ride

I ride. I ride at least six days a week, and I ride seriously. By seriously, I mean when I get on, I’m not just lackadaisically roaming around the ring for 15 minutes and hopping off. I get on, I work my horse, I work myself, and we usually both get sweaty. Even when it’s 20 degrees. I find though, most people whom consider themselves riders, don’t. Whether they own a horse, own multiple horses, lease a horse, compete, or just ride to have fun, a majority... Read More