Occupational hazard

Rick's work is slow, slow, slow right now, so he's taking advantage of it by practicing his advanced lameness diagnostic techniques. Oliver has been the ultrasound guinea pig:That's what happens when you're the vet's horse!

February update

Apparently February didn't get the memo - you know, the one that stated my order for dry Mondays and Thursdays so I can work my horse twice a week and oh yeah, add a third dry day each week of this month because I want to up my conditioning schedule.

I'm trying to be thankful that January cooperated perfectly and grab schooling/conditioning opportunities when I can this month. Rick's mom and rain were here at the beginning of the month. I finally got in a long-lining session last Friday, then rode Russell in the arena Monday and long-lined him again yesterday. This morning, days of rain moved in and my sister and her husband are arriving on Friday. Such is life; I will persevere in finding time for Russell and me when I can. He's starting to shed; spring is coming!

Still on track

I was planning on long-lining today (amazing how every Thursday this month has been dry!), but Brian wanted to go on a long bike ride so Russell got another road ride/schooling session instead. We went about three and a half miles, most of it up and down hills. We did lateral work, a wee bit of passage, some trot and canter (got a perfect flying change each way!), and lots of walking. This was the biggest workout Russell has gotten this year - even his "eyes" got sweaty
Now that we've managed two workouts a week for a month, I'm going to shoot for three per week in February. I'm not sure how, but there it is. I'll keep track of how we do here....

Rainy days and Mondays

No, I'm not "down." In spite of today's threatening clouds, Brian and I managed to get in a ride down the road before it started sprinkling. I couldn't get Russell to think "forward" and Breezy was a naughty pony (she crow-hopped a little and Brian came off), but every day can't be a vision of perfect oneness like a championship ballroom dance. I am just thankful for a long-enough break in the weather to continue our slow conditioning process!

So far, so good!

Yesterday was a beautiful, sunny day, so in spite of a full schedule that included giving my friend her weekly lesson, I squeezed in a long-lining session with Russell. So far this year (I know - it's only JANUARY), I've managed to get in a long-lining session and a ride each week - a modest start to be sure, and a far cry from when I was training and competing TWO horses - one at Third Level and one at Prix St. George! Ah, those were the days I could crack walnuts with my inner thighs....