So? What's the big deal?

To some, when someone tells them they’ve accomplished something their first reaction might be “so, what’s the big deal? I do that all of the time.” But for those who have accomplished it, it is a big deal for one reason or another.

Last night I had a “big deal” moment with Lu. It was 90 something degrees and muggy. The horses were sweating just standing in the pasture. MIL had drill practice and I really needed some me time so Lu and I decided to tag along. Typically when we go w/MIL to drill we don’t get much done because the only time the arena is “open” is when they are warming up or cooling down.

It was so hot that the team was just standing around their trailers when we pulled up so Lu and I were the first ones in the arena. She started off right on track! Head down, tucked and soft. She was moving very lightly and felt great. She still has issues staying on the rail but she’s learning to pick up her shoulder and move back over.

I decided to do a bit of cantering before leaving the arena. This is usually where our troubles come into play. She cantered off and stayed light in the bridle and was driving from behind. She wasn’t able to maintain this on a straight run but was able to keep it on a medium sized circle. When I took my legs off she immediately set back and stopped. I got a few compliments on her & how she was moving which of course always make me smile.

We left the arena so the team could do their run. By now the sweat was just pouring off of Lu anyways and I don’t need to kill her. I tied a rein around her neck and let her graze while we watched the poor hot ponies run. When I thought they were finished I hopped back on Lu to go back into the arena. They decided to cool off by walking the pattern so Lu and I headed to the dreaded puddle (mini pond) at the end of the drive. It took a few rollbacks but she finally went in so we rested in the puddle. We played in the puddle for 10 minutes or so and then went and stood next to the arena. She still can’t stand still! She fidgets. One foot forward, one foot back, flex to the right, flex to the left, pick up a hoof, put it down. It drives me batty but she is getting better.

When they were all done Lu and I went in the arena for a few more minutes. We’d gone counter clockwise prior to warm up so I wanted to go clockwise a bit. Her trot was lovely but she is a little more resistant to picking her shoulder up and moving over this direction. I decided a good lope and we’d go home. I got her to lope 3 consistent circles, clockwise, with her head down and tucked and driving from behind! When I sat and said “whoa” and took my legs off she sucked back and did a mini sliding stop! I immediately jumped off and called it good! Yeah I know – you are asking “so, what’s so special about that?” For starters clockwise has always been her bad direction at the canter. I’m lucky if I can get her to stay in it w/o cross firing or breaking gait so to be able to maintain it, while asking for collection was a HUGE accomplishment for us.

I wish I could have gotten video but the camera lens would have probably fogged over. MIL said everyone was commenting on how good she looked. I think the mix of road riding/training is helping her a lot more then I originally thought.