As ready as we're going to be

I was able to ride Wednesday morning before our homeschool co-op; again Lance was spot on with the 'new world riding order' and responded near perfectly to light aids under saddle (on the lunge line I still have to regularly reinforce the rule that he must stay in the gait I ask for until I ask for something different).

Yesterday was committed to other stuff until late afternoon, when it started to rain – with much more in the forecast. I started to fret. I will be gone all day tomorrow; if I was washed out of riding today, Sir Lancelot would have three days off before his show debut early Sunday morning. Not a good set-up.

When I woke up this morning, it was windy but not raining. I hustled out to do chores, hoping the break would hold long enough to do something with Lance. Chores done, only occasional raindrops falling, I led him to the arena; I figured with a day off and the wind gusting, he'd be feeling frisky. I had my camera at the ready to record some action; instead I captured my big goober doing what he does best – moving away from me only reluctantly, and returning every chance he gets:




I should have known. This horse "joins up" like nobody's business; I don't know if his breeder worked on that concept or if Lance is just a big puppy in horse's clothing (I suspect it's the latter). After riding on Wednesday I pulled off his tack so he could roll in the wet sand (he's laid in his pee spot and gotten stinky again), but all he wanted to do was grub for blades of grass or follow me if I moved. I walked all over the arena in big and small serpentines to test him; he stayed right behind me. So I walked out the arena gate and back to the barn, leading him without a hand or strap on him! Heaven help my heart....

Anyhoo, we had a productive little schooling session this morning before the rain let loose again, and I'm feeling prepared for and relaxed about our walk/trot classes Sunday morning. I just hope that rain doesn't turn to snow up here on our hill!