I love my pony!

I know, it is such a corny title but what can I say? I love my pony! It took 2 years to get 30 rides on Cat between my schedule, the weather and her abundance of injuries. I got the 30th ride in just a week before her fetlock injury. But you know what? I even after all of my inconsistencies, she still learned, she still retained and still has a good mind.

Tuesday was the first ride she’d had since the injury (ride #31). I stayed in the pasture and just walked and trotted around. I didn’t ask for anything special, I just wanted her to move with weight on her again. Last night I took her for a “real” ride (#32) down the road.

I’m not sure what happened up at ISU but her alignment was off a bit. She seemed to pull to the right so I had to make a few adjustments. She was a little close to the neighbors mailbox so I turned her into it hoping she’s bump her nose. She did but she also got her O-ring hooked on the thumb latch. Oops. After a few minor adjustments the rest of the ride was smooth sailing.

The best seat in the house

It is an awesome feeling to be able to get on a horse (any horse, let alone one w/only 30 rides) after 1 1/2 + months off and ride down the road on a loose rein. Once we crossed the highway I picked up the pace so I could do some ORS at the trot. It didn’t take long before she remembered to stop off of my seat.

I rode her down to the river. I haven’t taken her that way before. On the corner there is a herd of horses and they always spook the horse I’m riding because they come running up out of the trees. The horses can hear them but they can’t see them. Cat was spot on. She had a small jump when they blasted through the trees but then didn’t miss a beat as she continued on down the road.

Once we got to the river we crossed the railroad tracks and then headed out onto the bridge. She was nervous about the crack expansion joint on the bridge but after a few slow circles she decided to cross it. I took her partially out onto the bridge and then returned to the safety of the road. Then I took her out a bit further and then returned to the road. Each time I went just a bit further until we were approx. ¾ on the bridge. I wasn’t going any further then that because there are some real winners that drive up/down the road and the bridge is semi-hidden.

On the way home I loped her up the hill. She is definitely out of shape! I think we ended up going just a little over 2.5 miles. When we got back I trimmed up her feet. They’ve changed a lot since the injury and not for the better. I’m hoping it doesn’t take too long to toughen them back up.