A Routine?

Have I finally done it? Have I finally found a routine with this job? I think so.

Some days I work at 12pm, other days I work at 730-8am. Yes, I do run a split shift or half day once a week but those can be my "break" or "extra time" days. :) Days I have to be in early, Chevy jumps in the Jeep and we feed the ponies. Days I have to be in at noon I take the dog for a walk, 5:30am and go straight to the barn! That way I can get stalls done and work ponies without Chevy getting all worked up where he can't see me. Success! Yes, Chevy still looks at me sad when I walk in the house and I didn't take him but I can only do so much.

In other news, IT FIT! She only grinded her teeth a little but wasn't girthy like she has been (Pretty I mean, that rollie pollie Arab). I'm not supposed to use other equipment on her that does not belong to her which is some cases when you come from larger barns, I can understand. But I would hate for her owner to have to buy a third girth when she already had to buy a smaller girth last summer when she was "fit 'n trim". It would probably be a good idea just in case she moves her and I can't ride her and she gets chubby again. Hopefully not! She's 15-16, and it's just not good on her joints. She's not mine so I can only go so far.

I jumped on Pretty about 730am and she felt awesome. I've been working her slow in my barrel saddle because the girth fits better and she was getting nippy. I hate when horses do that, I'd be a hypocrite. Cantered her for the first time yesterday when Kate and I were warming up for Trail Ride #2. Unfortunately, no brains for either ponies so we didn't get to go out but we both ended on a good note. When brushing Pretty down I saw that something had rubbed right under her elbow but in front of the girth area. I felt crappy because I knew she felt funky and uncomfortable and against my usual better judgment, I just thought she was being spooky and flighty. Nope, cinch must of slid down her round belly and pinched her pretty good. Damn you Maddy... So I rode in the HDR. We had a really nice, consistent lengthy trot around the indoor as the snow began to fall. No spooks, some googley eyes, but no scooting or throwing her head up. We did a lot of easy direction changes across the ring. Over the summer I learned more about contact and it worked well for Pretty but when starting to work her again, I really like to let her stretch out her neck and let her trust her feet more... And me. We cantered a few times around, had to pick up some contact of course so she didn't go too crazy. Can't wait to see how she is tomorrow.

After putting Pretty away I carried my barrel saddle over to the main barn and tacked up Ms. Susanna and went for a nice little walk. I really would've loved to take her out on a little snow ride out on the trail. The snow was really starting to stick and she was calm and easy. Of course my phone died so if anything happened, I'd be screwed, so we walked for about 15 minutes in the indoor. When I started her over the summer/fall I really had a tight rein on her because that's what she was used to and what Prudy wanted me to do. Of course, when I ride alone, I do what I think I should and it worked out to my advantage. She stretched out her neck, she was less skiddish, less short, she really picked up her legs and walked out long. It was fantastic! Success!

Tomorrow is another noon day. Early morning. Then Thursday off... These days off? Probably will not get used to it. I think I'm going to make it "Maddy Plays w Doctors Day!" Think I can get into the dentist and my physician on the same day?