Study, Study, Study

MEGAN: Today, as usual, after the normal morning chores, I did my stall and water and took Simba out for an extra- long hand graze. Again, we practiced for the vet jog, and with a little tune-up tomorrow, we should be in good shape. I tacked up and went for a short hack, then cleaned Simba’s boots and saddle pads for the Festival. After most of his stuff was ready to go (including grain, which took a nice chunk of time), I did laundry in the office and packed some general show supplies. Around 12:00 I hacked Melos out in the field, and then after unsuccessfully attempting to help Mica scrub Eubie’s name off the front of his boots (where his devoted groom had wrote his name 3 times per boot with a Sharpie), hacked Deauville as well. With all the horses I rode today I worked on my position- Heels and Leg Down, Beach Ball Elbows, Hands Steady, Eyes UP! I think that I have replaced some of that bad muscle memory, but I will have to work at it for weeks to correct these flaws permanently. Rachel, Hannah, and I all cleaned out Fern’s trailer and carried tack down from the loft in the Hunter barn to be sold at the D4K Tack Sale and finished packing for all 5 horses going to the show. Apparently Lendon told Rachel that she and I are the most experienced and in charge- and the responsibility of packing (also known as remember everything you could possibly need for 5 horses 2 hours away from home for 3 days while you are judged on pretty much everything and under lots of stress) lies on our shoulders. Phew! After cleaning up the aisle and throwing 20 bags of shavings and 9 hay bales down for the next day, they went to ride a pony and I went home to run. After a tempo and running through my test- literally- in the outdoor, I showered, ate, and packed food and clothes for me. I am now off to fold laundry and study for about 3 hours for the written test- the prizelist, notes, and questions from Dr. Keener about her favorite topic, teeth! Yay! Thanks soooooo much Keener! Night all! Let’s hope my shoulders are strong enough to carry the weight of 5 horses, hay, shaving, wire cutters, a hose, grain, saddles, oh- bungee cords for fans…

SIMBA: We didn’t have to work in the arena today! Yay! Mom had to get me going forward even in the walk to start and I didn’t relax much because a big storm seemingly was rolling in, but the woods were nice and cool and Mom put my ear net on so the deer flies couldn’t eat me alive. Thanks, Mom. Well, I see show stuff again! Here we go Mom, off to strut our stuff in style. Better get some rest if I am expected to perform!!