Deep Breath. Hello Horse.

this horse

After a schedule that looked like lesson Thursday, day off Friday, short ride Saturday, lesson Sunday, day off Monday, I was feeling really out of touch with Courage. I'm not used to having a lot of lessons and sometimes I just need to process and do homework and see how I feel and what my horse is saying.

Had the bodywork and careful rides eliminated the bolting or was he still feeling frustrated and overwhelmed? Or in pain? Or just being an asshole?

not perfect, but not bolting. I'll take it.

So I cancelled the lesson that was scheduled on Tuesday and just went out to ride on my own instead. Alyssa was slotted to come take lesson pics, and came out anyways when I told her it was off. Photographer friends are the best!

It wasn't an exciting ride and it wasn't our best work ever. We just slowed everything down and did a simple w/t/c both ways.

Yes canter to the right.

And guess what?

I had my horse back.

he can horse again

I feel a lot better now. Courage is very expressive about life and the little guy really does get to me. There wasn't a single whiff of the behaviors he was presenting before, which means we're ready to go back to work.






In fact, he was quiet enough that Alyssa got to hop on and take him for a little spin. I mean, she probably always could, but no one makes grabby hands over... well. You know. The stuff we were doing last week.

We have lots to work on and I'm glad we're ready to get back to it.

Though now I have to ask myself: sparkle dressage bridle or jump saddle lorenzinis????????

The struggle is real.