Behind

I've been super behind on everyone's blogs. I apologize about that. At work they have this weird thing where they expect me to work and not read horse-related articles and blogs all day, and then I've been trying to make the most out of my evenings home. You know, I thought I'd ride instead of talking about riding.

And let's not lie. I've also discovered Fall TV, thanks to my gracious parents who offered to get their poor, literally starving daughter cable.

Anyway, I went out to the barn today even though it took all my energy to get out there. I'm telling you, these weekdays are killing me - especially the ones where there are lessons until 8 and I can't ride until after that. Apparently there's a rule where you can ride in the arena during a lesson, but Walker is a show stealer. I don't want to be responsible for a mass riot.

Tonight I rode the entire time without reins.  I sometimes put a little no-rein work in the way some people put in no-stirrup work, but today I just did everything without reins.  It's a great exercise to show you where you're lacking in your cues with your seat and legs.  For instance, I can get Walker to turn on a dime in either direction at the walk, but at the trot, he resists turning to the left more so than the right.  Instead, he sometimes speeds up when I apply leg even though I do the same thing going to the right without issue.  Clearly I'm being inconsistent - either in how I'm asking him to speed up or how I'm asking him to turn in that direction.  At the canter we didn't really have that problem as much since he's already naturally bent in one direction.  Although, I must say, I got a flying lead change out of him with no reins - proud mama!  Mind you, as I've said before, he just changes whenever we switch directions and he finds it easier for himself.  So don't read too much into it!

Other than that, I was heartbroken to discover that it is now getting dark around 8 PM.  I swear that last week it was light out until midnight - well, not midnight, but you get me.  I was also distressed that some people have begun blanketing their horses.  Hold on!  It's still only September.  If I blanket the little bugger now, he'll be a total princess by January.  My only concern at the barn is the timed lighting which, legend says, keeps the horses from growing as thick of a winter coat.  I like my woolly mammoth in the winter.  Saves me the cost of mending blankets.  Here's hoping I don't have to go out and buy more!