Tear Drop Winken: Proud Sister - A Sentimental Post

The last few days have been exactly what I needed after the last few months. Brantley and I are back to work on the ground, Pretty and I are back in the saddle, and the sun is shining bright!

Saturday, Sherry met me at the barn and watched me put her chubby pony to work. When she says she's impressed and the horse looks good (especially with 3-4 months off)... You know you're doing it right. I'm finally back sitting on my toosh and riding it out. On Sunday, I took Pretty out with Kid and Greg for a nice trail ride. Made her walk and use her hind-end up and down the hills. They finally cleared the Ryan Park trails so I get my big hill back! Yaaaayyyyy! I think she sweated more on that hour long ride than our trot work out with Sherry. I rode with K and Lu today and she was fantastic. We even had a nice little canter around the ring and she didn't go coo-coo. I got to jump on Lucy and did a little child-like jig in my head... It's so nice to get on a "life-size" horse. I trotted around a bit and it felt awesome. K has been doing some awesome stuff with her and she looks great.

Seeing my new made pony friends succeed with their horses really motivates me and makes me realize how much support I have in my training with Brantley. I love to read their blogs and see videos, even though I could just text or message them on Facebook. Lauren and Charlie look better and better every time I see them. Amanda and Image are building a huge bond I enjoy hearing/reading about. And by far, Kate and Lucy amaze me every day.

Story is, I've been working with Brantley in side reins with my barrel saddle and he really settles into his sidepull more and more, stretching his neck, and I already am starting to see a difference in him. The biggest difference is his tail. Ever since I've had him he's tucked his tail like a scared dog, I've never seen it up and relaxed... Or "happy tail" when it pops up a little. Especially when he's under saddle whether someone is on him or not. For the past few days, his tail has been up, head has been low, and any time he speeds up no matter what gait, his head stays below the "panic" position and he works it out. I am so happy and keep seeing forward movement in our training. Today I put a bit in his mouth and their was no change in his demeanor. He was low, steady, and working hard. Tail was up, eyes were bright, lower lip relaxed. He had the day off yesterday so I brushed him and put him on cross-ties, then decided to climb all over him... He was great. I rubbed my leg up and down his barrel, then up and on top of his butt, trying to be smooth but not on egg shells with him either. He was great, only picked up his head a couple of times, but then relaxed and released his lower jaw to chew. Long-lining again this weekend, taking a break from the side reins, but he's doing really really well. K and I talked about trying a neck stretcher on him. I want to do anything and everything with him... I'll probably go back to some "natural" stuff the beginning of next week just to keep him soft and supple. Flex flex flex.

I read a great article about building a horse's back strength - check it out if you have a moment!
http://en.tellington-ttouch.org/content/back-pain-horses-how-can-we-help#.UT07y1K3wPI.facebook

So other than pony stuff this weekend - I was a very very proud sister. Both of my brothers made their debut in the high school Spring musical, "Guys and Dolls". My oldest, Mikhail, who will be 17 in a few weeks, wow'd everyone who showed up. To the point that when he walked out after the show and made his way towards me, I turned into a blubbering mess. I cried and cried, I was so proud of him. Mason, my 14 going on 15 year old, danced his heart out as a "chorus" member and one of the gamblers... Both of them were stars. I can't even explain to you the joy I experienced when I saw them on stage singing and dancing... It's only their Junior and Freshman year, I can't wait until next year. Here are some pictures of the show: