An Exciting Phone Call

Last night after an interesting "Rabies Suspect" filled day, I received a phone call from CB about Brantley. Yesterday for their ride (I think we're on 4, today will be 5), he put a bit in B's mouth and went along in the round pen. Mr. Lazy Pants "troped" (trot/lope) around the pen lazily, even with CB trying to push him on. He decided to take him out to the outdoor arena and see how he'd be. He was a little reserved at first and trotted around the arena then decided he'd rather do large circles by the gate. CB let him do a few circles and then loped off around the whole of the arena, then let him do a few more circles at a trot and loped him off again. All-in-all CB said it was a great day and asked if I was excited about tomorrow. I'm excited, nervous excited. To the point my stomach hurts. I'm not scared nervous like I was the first time I got on him after my fall, more like a 1st date nervous. Butterflies and everything. Question is: Am I more worried about riding Brantley or people watching, especially CB.

After I was let out of work I met K at the barn and we went to go see Tess. I pushed her a little more this time and let her out on the 20' line right off the bat. A few more rears and a nasty face here and there, but she came down and remembered the things we did the day before. I only worked her for about a half hour and we got to the point where I could toss a rope over her head both directions, slap the ground with the lead, and throw the lead up over her back and flanks. She's still sensitive to being brushed and gives us the nasty "bitch" mare face but we got to brush her face, neck, and front legs. I think that's a good start. She's picked up a lot on my quiet cues and I think appreciates that I don't demand things out of her, more ask out of respect. I want her to like me, but I'm not looking for her to rub up on me and want to be with me all the time. More just respect what I'm there for. We will see.

I'm excited to ride B today. CB said he's going to start me in the round pen with a halter and lead which I'm completely comfortable with. I even want to suggest for him just to send me around without anything on Brantley's face but we'll see what he has to say.

Jen's Bachelorette Party is tonight... Should be interesting.