Quickly
I just felt the need to point out that I rode Jessie the Sometimes Awesome and Sometimes Frustrating Percheron last night, and it went well. So I am feeling better about things with her, and less like she's being reprogrammed by Kristen, the new girl who is using different training methods with her. Because I asked Jenn the New and Seemingly Very Good Instructor last night, and apparently Kristen isn't planning on actually riding Jessie (at least it doesn't seem like it), so...I'm hoping we're good. I think the real problem is that I'm the only one really working her very hard, and when I can't get to it on a regular basis (at least once a week, but ideally twice), she gets squirrely again. But Jenn told me last night that she's been wanting to start riding Jessie, too, at least once a week, so that will help take the pressure off of me and let me get to some of the other horses I've had less time to ride, and also keep Jessie working regularly, so hopefully she'll flake out less.
And this has been your "Useless Stuff About the Horses I Ride" update.
Oh wait, I'm not done, either. Last night I sidewalked/led during two lessons (walked alongside the rider the first lesson, and then led the horse around the arena for part of the next lesson and sidewalked for another part). Nothing new there, except that this was my first time doing it with a broken toe, and it wasn't as easy as you'd think, walking around on sandy ground with a gimped-out toe for two hours. I was tough about it, though. I just had to walk a little funny at times and do my impression of a penguin running to catch up other times. And I forgot my riding boots at work, so I had to do the first lesson in the Doc Marten-esque mary janes I'd worn to work (with socks for added sand protection). So stylish, me. Luckily Kathy and I wear the same size shoe, and she rescued me with some old boots of hers for the second lesson (hence being able to ride later).
Okay, and that is officially it! See what happens when I update regularly? Tangents about boring crap!!
And this has been your "Useless Stuff About the Horses I Ride" update.
Oh wait, I'm not done, either. Last night I sidewalked/led during two lessons (walked alongside the rider the first lesson, and then led the horse around the arena for part of the next lesson and sidewalked for another part). Nothing new there, except that this was my first time doing it with a broken toe, and it wasn't as easy as you'd think, walking around on sandy ground with a gimped-out toe for two hours. I was tough about it, though. I just had to walk a little funny at times and do my impression of a penguin running to catch up other times. And I forgot my riding boots at work, so I had to do the first lesson in the Doc Marten-esque mary janes I'd worn to work (with socks for added sand protection). So stylish, me. Luckily Kathy and I wear the same size shoe, and she rescued me with some old boots of hers for the second lesson (hence being able to ride later).
Okay, and that is officially it! See what happens when I update regularly? Tangents about boring crap!!