Updates

I know I know, shame on me for not posting for so long. The horse show on May 24 was a success. We came home with two blue ribbons, one second, and one third...not too shabby for our second time out (and a slew-foot that just turned four on May 14!). We rode the two USDF Intro tests, scored 64% on Test A and 60.5% on Test B. Also rode the two GLASS-ED (our local USDF GMO) tests, scored 62% on Test 1 and 61.3% on Test 2. Some good comments were "lovely steady mover", "elegant horse", and solids 7's on gaits. The main thing that they wanted to see us work on was better flexion and bend to the right (she has developed a marked stiffness in that direction). I plan on waiting to make another public appearance until we are solid at the canter and ready to do Training Level (hopefully sometime in July!). I have been working Mattie on the longe at the canter, starting to develop her balance, some work with side reins at the trot (not quite strong enough for SR at the canter yet). No attempt at the canter under saddle since the launching incident a few weeks ago, planning on having someone longe me at the canter before we try it again loose (I know, I'm a wimp, but hitting the ground hurt!).

Phenomenal

What a fabulous ride today! Todd and the kids came out, he read the four tests to me that I will be riding on Saturday. Mattie was absolutely incredible. I am so excited for the show that I might burst!

Lovely Weather

...ok, a bit breezy but sunny, so that's all that counts. A good ride today in the outdoor arena. Took a bit to get her settled in (wanted to go out back where the rest of the horses were and wasn't taking no for an answer, yeah, steering is a good thing) but once she got over it she was really quite sensible. Also rode Quinn today and he was charming as usual (thanks Cheryl!). Counting the days till the horse show Saturday!

Sassy Pants

A decent ride today after three days off over the weekend (I confess, I was occupied with yard work, terrible horse mom). She has aquired the "having you on my back is really old hat now so I am going to see what I can get away with" attitude...looking around at everything, "no, mom, I really do not want to go on the bit in a frame", oh and lest we forget the infamous "I'm on the down swing of my first heat and you really can't tell me what to do because I am WAY stronger and super sexy". Wondering what will happen Saturday at our first show, but hopefully she will be better than at home in different surroundings (as they usually are...looking to mom for support and confidence). Working on trot-walk transitions, trying to keep her on the bit and moving forward in the walk instead of losing it altogether. Think like a FEATHER! (With this horse?!?)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Mattie turned four years old today! A decent ride today, considering she hasn't worked much in the past couple weeks. Back at it tomorrow to get back in shape for our first show of the season on May 24th.

Back to work

After a little over a week off, back at it today. Mattie is out of heat now (thank the lord). A bit of longeing today and then some horsie beautification...clipped her bridle path and the hair on her fetlocks (I was torn, now instead of looking like a Friesian, Cheryl says she looks Dutch! haha). Plan on riding tomorrow if all goes well.

All grown up

Well...Mattie is in the midst of her first heat. Tried to ride yesterday but she was pretty...um...shall we say...bitter. She was good for about the first ten minutes but then started the head tossing and refusal to go forward game. It is really frustrating for me and I tend to beat myself up a bit about it, because she was doing SO great until about a week or two ago. I have to keep reminding myself that she is still a baby (she will be four on May 14) because it is easy to "forget" because she is so big and well-behaved (normally). But on an exciting note...I AM GOING TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY ON SATURDAY!!! Can you tell I am excited? I have watched the Derby on TV since I was a little kid, but I've never actually gone. I am so elated I might weep! And I will be in the grandstands, not in the infield! How awesome is THAT?