Not so Fast

Well I guess I got ahead of myself. I rode That Mare (Holly) on Saturday and it did not go as well as I hoped it would. Now, I don't know if it was my fault, or if it is because Holly and Maybe are both badly in season. I am leaning towards the latter but I believe that my riding contributed to the awfulness. She was much too forward and seemed bouncier than usual which made it hard for me to sit quietly. My bouncing in turn, I am sure, contributed more to her swiftness and it was just a vicious cycle. I did use the gag bit but it really did not seem to help. We cantered even though the trotting had not been pleasant. Happliy the canter was much better. She was not relaxed but at least didn't rocket off like at the trot. When I first got on she wanted to go visit Maybe and did not want to go into the field. During the ride she kept pulling towards the gate whenever we neared it and that is not normal for her. As soon as we were done and exited the field she nickered at Maybe and beelined straight for her. That was my clue. They are in love with each other when they are in season, which is every three weeks. I will ride her again soon to see if I can determine if that is what's making her so fussy at times.

Till next time.

Progress!

The last two days I have been riding the leftover glow of what turned out to be a wonderful weekend. Not only did I manage to get aboard a horse, I rode three times! I finally managed to get on Maybe, the old mare, and she was fun. I hopped on her bareback on Saturday night for just a few minutes. She was very comfortable but is just as pushy under saddle as she is on the ground. I rode her again with a saddle on Sunday before letting my niece get on her. Unfortunately even that small amount of riding made her sore. She has arthritic hocks and needs to be on injections. She hasn't had them for months and I needed to get syringes so I could start her back on them. That has been done now so hopefully she will not be sore next time.

I also managed to ride the Princess once or twice, also bareback, and she was brilliant! I couldn't have been happier with her. She was relaxed and happy and we were even able to canter calmly. We haven't cantered on purpose in a long while so this is great progress. I only hope she will continue to be this wonderful. I am sure if I keep riding bareback for a while I will be able to keep my balance and ride much more confidently under saddle, which should make her Highness happy. I have picked a date for a local show I would like to take Holly to at the end of June. If all keeps going well [fingers crossed] then I think we will be able to do it!

Had a short morning ride today!!! It was a last minute decision made when I was about to get dressed for work. I should do this more often, my thighs were burning! Why is Holly better bareback with halter and lead ropes than saddle and bridle? We trotted slower and longer than we have under saddle in a looong time. She did get quick but was easily slowed down. Is it my saddle? The bridle or bit? Or is it because she knows she is not going to have to do much when we ride bareback? Something for me to ponder, but in the meantime... I'm SO happy I rode!!!