A New York Minute

MEGAN: Today was Rachel’s day off and Nikki took Michael Poulin to the airport, so I was in charge of meds in the Main barn and all the horses in the hunter barn. After doing turnouts and the arena, I was working on Simba’s stall when Lendon yelled from across the property, asking if I could ride immediately. I tacked Simba up and was warming up about 10 minutes later- my speed grooming is improving!! We had a good ride- Lendon discovered if I am very clear with the use of my leg and do not drop contact or hold the right rein, and she uses a lunge whip and taps the bottom of my boot, Simba will go. After a successful ride, I bathed Simba, hand grazed him until he was dry, and scrubbed my girth and Simba’s boots. Lots of laundry later, I cleaned my tack and carried boxes from the indoor to the Hunter barn. I worked Atticus in the field, and helped Nikki with bran mash. Emma and Ashley (from Bermuda) are here, so we were the main bran mash team tonight!! Though void of a classic bran mash fight, we successfully bran mashed the entire Gleneden equine population and cleaned up in Mica’s barn and the Hunter barn before heading home. I quickly washed my face and walked to church, which (like everything in New York) was celebrated in a New York minute. Then I did a workout, running over lots of hills in the meantime. After a quick shower, I served baked ziti and broccoli. It was very good, if I do say so myself. I did a core workout on the Total Gym and am now more then ready for bed. Before I turn in for the night, I want to thank everyone who has made this summer in paradise possible. I am having so much fun, and have had so many opportunities, mostly due to the generosity of people in Michigan and New York. You are all appreciated, and thought of often. Hope you are enjoying the blog!!

SIMBA: They certainly are creative. A lunge whip in a plastic trash bag- never seen that before! Mom tacked my up very quickly, but made up for it with a nice bath and long hand graze afterward. I am beginning to re-learn this whole forward concept, but I hope Mom understands that it will take time. She can’t just expect me to change overnight after all this time and everything I have been through. I think that she wants me to understand, and to trust that she will not overface me. I want to make her happy, and I can tell that she wants to work as a team. It may just take a little time. This is one thing that will not get done in a New York minute!