Closing In

MEGAN: As usual, taking care of Simba was the first thing on the list. When he was all set, I dressed the ponies to go out and turned out Chuck in Pasture #2, continuing on to rake half of the indoor after checking in with Heather about a few things for the fundraiser. Simba and I then enjoyed some grass out in the field- well, he enjoyed the grass and I enjoyed watching the adorable foals in Sunnyfield’s pastures. Later, I did laundry, set up cavaletti in the outdoor, cold-hosed Lucy’s leg and put clean saddle pads away in Mica’s barn and in the main barn. Then I tacked Simba up and had a great lesson with Annie, working on shoulder-in and counter-canter. Though there were moments in driving him forward in which I felt like I was flopping all over, he was very good and going much better than when we arrived. I have improved my position, bringing my elbows in, and keeping my hands soft, especially into the halt to prevent him from stepping backward. Adding leg into the half also helps with this issue. After bathing Simba (and scrubbing his socks so they were white once again instead of a dingy gray) Nancy Pine, a new boarder with a 5 year old Lusitano stallion named Zodiaco, took us to the Horse Connection to talk to them about the fundraiser. If I ever do this again, I will go to the local shops first. They were much more interested and willing to help than any of the other shops in Mt. Kisko. Upon returning to the barn, I worked on fundraiser stuff and cleaned saddles in Mica’s barn. I was responsible for turning Ivan out because it was Laura’s day off, so after doing that, I got on Simba again and we went for a 20 minute hack over hills. He was soooo forward, walking like he actually had someplace to go!!! This absolutely made my day, not to be constantly nagging him about moving in a forward manner. I quickly untacked Simba, groomed him and fed him for the night, then brought Ivan in and undressed him. After changing, Nikki took us to downtown Bedford to hit all the other shops before they closed. Two hours later (and a donation of $75 to a frame shop and 2 movie tickets) we were home, eating dinner and taking showers. I spent the rest of the night working on the fundraiser, which is now in a much better position than before. Sadly, I had to take today off running, but I have a great workout idea for tomorrow!! The fundraiser is so close, it is hard to believe it. Before I start worrying more about that, I am going to bed. Good night!

SIMBA: Mom rode me twice again today, really working me hard in the morning, then just walking in the afternoon. I am really starting to enjoy these little walks- we go through the woods and around the farm. The beauty and change of scenery is really nice, especially after being cooped up in an indoor alllll winter. Mom had to go somewhere, so I got my dinner early. You know, I think that she will turn out OK at the end of this summer. She is learning to ride me like an upper level horse, and I am sure making her work for it!!!