I trotted my horse! For the first time in 7 years! Said that way, it’s pitiful. Nevertheless, Rodney and I trotted for the first time since 2010. I’ve had my eye on the dressage instructor Mr. E for a while. He seemed sympathetic to horse and rider. We (cough Greg cough) decided that now wasContinue reading “Rodney’s Dressage Lesson”
Category Archives: Riding
Rodney February 2017
Due to truck (yay! [Milton’s Chariot]), driving derby (yay!! [Show Report]), and several guest posts (yay!!! [Sights][Friendships][Why I Ride]), the home team was absent from the blog for most of February. The last Rodney post was on February 6 [Rodney Objects]. The last Milton post was at the end of January [Counterbalance], plus a mentionContinue reading “Rodney February 2017”
New Equipment: Britches & Boots
My first new britches – in contrast to jods – in a decade. My philosophy for schooling is to get as close to show attire as I can afford. Then, I don’t have any rude surprises in the show ring. Since Rodney has no shows on his horizon, I can go for as much comfortContinue reading “New Equipment: Britches & Boots”
Rodney on a Long Rein
A short-term goal for Rodney is to walk quietly on the buckle. You’d think this would be Horse 101. I’m not talking an animated walk, or keeping his frame without me holding him up. I mean a slow, gentle plod around the ring, and ultimately around the field. As with riding bareback, the goal isContinue reading “Rodney on a Long Rein”
Looking Forward, Rodney
So this happened. I have been riding sitting on Rodney bareback. One, to keep pressure off his back injury/scar, which is under the right-hand point of the saddle. Two, I like the idea of being able to slid off at the first sign of adversity. In a saddle, I tend to hang on until I’mContinue reading “Looking Forward, Rodney”
Headspace Update
I’ve been in a mood lately. Everything’s fine. I’m fine. Horses are fine. We’re fine. We’re all fine here now, thank you. How are you? Luke, we’re gonna have company… But I digress. I’m not depressed. No gray cloud hovers over my head. I’d say I was recuperating, if I had done anything to recuperateContinue reading “Headspace Update”
Back in the Saddle, November 2016
Saddleseat Wednesday Yesterday was my first lesson since Nationals. I went by the barn last week to help load for the show & to dispense peppermints. Otherwise, my November has been ASB-free, for a convergence of reasons. 1) Time off. Last year, I jumped right back in, going to the final show of the yearContinue reading “Back in the Saddle, November 2016”
Virtual Brush Box 