Kid is afraid of the round pen

I rode Kid in the round pen this afternoon for about 15 minutes. He has always been afraid of certain area/objects surrounding/in the pen including trailers, buckets, woods and pylons. I was able to keep him moving in the directions I wanted despite a big, sideways jump/spook as we passed a white 2-horse trailer. I lost my right stirrup but stayed in the saddle with no problem.

We actually trotted a bit which has made the tailbone hurt a bit, but that is getting better as time passes. His ears were in constant motion most of the ride which meant I was on constant alert for the spooks. I still felt relaxed but would have been interested to see if I looked relaxed.

Trail ride is planned for Sunday afternoon and I can't wait. This will be the longest ride since I started riding again after the fall. Woo hoo!

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for my family, friends, dogs, cats, and horses! I fly home from Virginia this afternoon and we will be headed straight to the barn to see Kid. I need some horsey kisses bad. No offense to Ares-pony, but you are not mine.

Saturday we are going to see Rupert and maybe ride him. He will be in training through the end of the year. I can't wait!

Getting on a Horse

I previously mentioned that I need to work on getting on a horse without someone holding the reins. A friend of mine got dragged by her horse this week because he does not stand when she gets on him (she's ok). Not good at all.

Kid stands 95% of the time. My goal now is 100%. I shouldn't expect less and will not settle. We always use a block when I get on because:

1. Chiropractor recommended it
2. I'm too big to get on him without it
3. Kid is too tall for my short legs

When we are done riding and get to the vicinity of the barn/block, I tell Kid to go to the "big, pink block" and he walks to it and circles around so I can get off. While we still might need to make adjustments, overall he has the concept down.

All of this being said, my friend was outside with no block at hand. I think she had knocked a barrel over so had to get off to right it. Note to self: Don't knock over barrels and/or poles. Easier said than done, I know.

All in all, I don't feel I should have to settle for bad manners from my horse. It is best for me and for him if he knows how to behave.

Why I Fell Off Rupert

After my visit to the cardiologist, we determined I fell off Rupert because I blacked-out due to low blood pressure. Go figure. Medication has been changed and hopefully problem solved. We will now venture forth!

I was checking my list of stuff to work on with Kid and we can now knock "riding like a car with frame damage" off the list. It looks like I've been hitting him with my spurs causing him to do exactly what I unknowingly ask him to do.

Today on http://wildponybeast.blogspot.com/, it has been decided to put Denali down. I have been following this blog for a long time now and even though I don't know the writer, my heart aches for her.

I won me a buckle!

Today I received my Champion buckle for the Novice group. It's beautiful!

6 Weeks is a Long Time

6 weeks ago tonight I fell off Rupert as he took off across the pasture. I'm pretty sure I passed out in fear since I knew I couldn't stop him. Bruised tailbone and related muscles are still sore and today is even worse, but it was worth it. I rode for the first time since the accident.

This afternoon, I saddled Kid up and rode in the same pasture. I was tense but that was more from being in pain than being afraid. After 15 minutes or so I was done but I am so glad I did it. Since trotting hurts right now, I'm going to use my time with Kid to start anew.

Rupert has been with a trainer since the accident and probably will remain for another month at least. I'm going to try to see him this weekend.

Playday Finals

I had a great time at the NARC&SP Finals in Bowie, Texas this last weekend. Kid was a jerk on Saturday so I didn't ride the first two events but the rest of my events went great.

Even though we loped quite a bit, I can look back and think of a few additional things we need to work on while riding:

1. Make horses stop walking like a car with frame damage
2. Become more comfortable riding with a crop or an over/under
3. Practice flags and golfette so I don't put my horse on top of the barrel and then kick it over with my foot
4. Trot and lope in the pasture
5. Get on horses without someone holding the reins. I do this about 50% of the time and the other 50% it's just easier to have help (sounds lazy)

Next playday is this Saturday in Keller if the arena dries out. I'm really looking forward to it.