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!