The weather is amazing and when I heard it was supposed to be in the 70′s last weekend I was psyched! Saturday was going to be my day back in the saddle as long as Frankie’s stomach agreed.

Not so lucky. Grrrr.

Frankie was vaccinated on Thursday so he had a reaction to the vaccines and his legs blew up. No riding on Saturday, the edema had gone down, however I wasn’t going to take any chances with Mr. Sensitive.

Luckily Sunday was our day and it was fantastic. Gorgeous weather, Frankie was raring to go. Since he has been off for so long now I’m bringing him back gradually. It wasn’t a super fun, accomplished, hard ride. It was a ride and that in itself was superb!

Monday I was apprehensive since our luck has been so bad lately. I went out to the barn and walked in with one eye closed half expecting to see Frankie bleeding profusely because our luck is just that. I was able to open both eyes to a healthy, non bleeding horse. Another great ride Monday, Tuesday, and today!

I don’t think it is going to take too long to get him back in shape because he was in excellent shape before the time off. I’m still going to take it slow so Mr. Sensitive doesn’t react poorly to ANYTHING!

Plan:

Week 1 – 25 minute ride; 5 minute walk warm up, 15 minute trot, 5 minute canter and 5 min walk cool down
Week 2 – 35 minute ride; 5 minute walk warm up, 20 minute trot, 10 minute canter and 5 min walk cool down
Week 3 – 45 minute ride; starting to incorporate circles, transitions, lateral work
Week 4 – Normal including jumping again, of course starting small and working back up…

I am having a hard time planning for several reasons:

1. I have a fear that something else is going to go wrong with Frankie
2. These set backs have made me think about what we are going to do competitively this summer. Eventing was so much fun, but didn’t fit Frankie. Showjumping is a challenge of perfection and both Frankie and I have been out of the ring for a long time so it will be a BIG challenge. Problem is, financially, showjumping is scary. I just don’t know what we are going to do.

One day at a time, that’s just what I am going to have to do.

On another note, I have tried some new products and will share with you my thoughts soon.

Let’s just hope the only hurdles Frankie and I are up against this summer are big fences!