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 get that from myself and my horse.

I figured if things went like Wednesday I’d head inside and work on the stupid dressage test.

I decided to go with the three ring. But, I added a rein directly to the bit with a “curb” rein on the third ring.

Frankie seemed lazy, but the humidity had to be at 200%, so I don’t blame him.

We geared up and headed to the outdoor.

5 min walk warm-up. He was marchin’ around the ring. 10 minutes of trot that was lazy, relaxed, and of course as Frankie likes it best…..somewhat inverted. The canter was equally as lazy. But, I didn’t mind. We were both relaxed and happy to be moving.

I trotted over the X a few times. Good boy.

Then cantered the 3’3″ vertical. Lazy, quiet, loose rein – he knocked it down. I wasn’t mad. He actually jumped well I should have set up a 3′ warm-up when he is this quiet.

I moved on to the 3’6″ vertical, he cantered down, loose rein and popped over it even adding a step without me asking! Did the 3’6″ one more time and added one of the 3’9″ verticals. HE WAS PERFECT. Loose rein, quiet, round, happy. I was done.

Short ride, but didn’t want to punish him with dressage and didn’t want to jump him too much.

25 minute ride.

Woohoo!