Domination. Belt buckles. Flowers.

on the other hand, this is adorable

Sometimes I think I have completely the wrong horse for me--Courage is a picture perfect event horse and well, I'm not an eventer.

But then I realize that if someone took Courage and stuck him in a program and drilled him every day, I think he'd flunk out. He abhors pressure, revolts against coercion, and is easily bored by repetition. He is perhaps the quintessential pro ride, in that he thrives on being ridden 2-3 days a week with lots of time to think and holds fitness easily, but no pro on earth wants a 10 year old OTTB with a stubborn streak.

one handed. oh yeah.

Which leaves me. Who is still not eventing.

I mean, we're chasing our dressage goals and planning some jumping domination less-suckiness and eventual lessons, right? A big obstacle I've identified to Courage progressing in dressage is that his overall balance is level and we need to shift it slightly uphill.

yeah he's dashing

So Friday was an intense (for us) dressage ride and Courage brought his A game. Which meant Saturday was a rest day and Sunday was (everyone's favorite!) western day!!

The whole point is just to walk on a loose rein, stretch out, and relax. While hacking around all the spooky spots on the property and over the mini ditches.

Oh, and conniving a way to win a belt buckle. That's another bucket list item for you. My latest plan involves joining the riding club about a half mile down the road that has gymkhana nights and trail competitions and most likely being kick ass at trail.

flowers? yes

I can justify it by saying that it's to get Courage more exposure and help build our trust/relationship, but let's be real: any excuse to dress this handsome blaze face up sounds like a good idea to me.

Frankly, I'm hoping he gets broke enough that I have an excuse to buy these sweet spurs I found...