2016 "Show"

I had a lesson Saturday. It was flat work and lots and lots of circles to get Spyder moving off of my leg. Since we skipped jumping (he behaved),it was just 30 minutes. I worked on his canter to trot transitions in a circle in hopes of working on some dressage tests sooner rather than later. I couldn't decide if I wanted to do the open 4-h show the next day until the next day, but he was so good, I was really considering it.

Sunday, I woke up late, but I still got my butt and trailer to the barn to get Spyder out for a bit. I thought about doing some of the walk/trot classes, but instead, we just schooled. He was quite himself in the beginning, squirming and having his way with where he wanted to go, so I hopped off and got the crop. With a crop in hand, he threw one cow kick out but continued on as he was told. We even worked on some cantering at the fairgrounds (because usually he tried to pace when he's nervous). He held his canter and was calm as a clam. Good horse.

When I got home, I usually pull the truck and trailer around for my husband to park it, but this time, I decided it was worth a shot to back up for the first time. I have the basic concept down from years of going out on the boat and figured it was about time. Well, I did better than expected, and I backed the trailer all the way down the driveway without having to pull up and start over. I did all of this without hitting the grass, too! It's pretty straight! I love this little trailer! :)

Some Updates

So it's been a while. Grad work and some health issues have been getting in the way of my riding. When I do get to ride, I take it easy because of my leg (achielles tendonitis that's got me going to physical therapy) and Spyder's bad leg. Go figure, we both have a right leg issue.

Anyways, with the 30 mins of riding for pleasure and 2 lessons back, we started some moving forward exercises. Some small jumps with trot and canter poles have given us a lot to work on. We need rhythm and balance and it's getting there. We both are recovering from a long winter of nothing and injuries so we'll definitely be taking it slow.

I need to find some clinics and events to trailer to in the near future. We're ready to take our progress off the property and enjoy the scenery. 

Also, Spyder got his mane chopped off after his big day of little jumps. Haha. Pictures of him all bathed and the setup are below. Trot poles on the left, trot to canter jumps in the middle, canter poles on the right (which he can't handle, but tries).