Good Work

Nana got me a hat... Brantley loves it...

Visit to FIVE GUYS with Deb.

Chevy was so happy to have me home!

So I went back to work today. Started at 7am and continued in boarding until about 1pm. Not too bad and at least being a boarding assistant is a little less stressful than teching upstairs. Easing my way back into work after this "vacation" week. Craziness! Usually I check in upstairs but honestly, I just wanted to get in, do my job, and then get out. It was beautiful today (if you didn't notice). First stop was home and a 1hr run around with my pup who has missed me all week. He won't leave my side now... Except to say hello to the neighbor dog and try to steal is ball. He's an ANIMAL! He gave it back and came back to play fetch. Love him.

Of course after I set him up for the rest of the afternoon, made my way to the barn. Nat was cleaning her paddock with her son and I grabbed her horse (that was running around frantically freaking out at the neighbor kids playing baseball). K had called to announce the outdoor looked fantastic and was ready for a christening. What better way than to take a spastic OTTB down and make him run around until he starts thinking about me and NOT the kids. Honestly, there were no issues. He cantered and cantered... and cantered... and cantered... And finally started to relax and listen. I pushed him on every time he got comfortable to make him "get up" a little bit more. I don't do this a lot, but for a horse who likes to get a little excited and kick out/crow hop, I try to entice the behavior. For once there was no issue... At all. Time to ride? I think so.

We had a really nice under saddle session. Serpentines, spirals, and some cantering. We only stayed on one side of the ring. Less to think about in one session. A little at a time doesn't do any harm. At least we're working outside! I started to really try and get him soft and we had a few good back ups so I thought I'd throw it together with the canter. Introduction to rollbacks? Yes please. We'd canter a few strides in a circle, back up a few steps, push his shoulder over to the outside, turn, canter off. For a 13-year-old thoroughbred who is very out of shape, he wasn't bad at all! Very impressed and hope his mom gets on tomorrow and has a good ride. We did more on-line work together last night. Good things to come!

Our new "Thinking Tree"

Amanda came out today (YAY!) and we ventured outside. Both slightly unsure about how they'd be, we started on the line. Brantley had his tail flagged and head held high. Lucy? Looked great. After a good work out we both grabbed rein, some mane, and threw our legs over. Good ride? How about great ride. B and I worked on our softness, Lu and A worked on their awesome-ness. Western jog? Western DRESSAGE job is more like it. I was really happy that Kate was there to watch. I yelled out, "Let's see your balls Amanda!" and cantered away they went. Awesome? Yes... Awesome awesome awesome! Couldn't say enough. Brantley and I had an awesome canter session as well. I thought he'd be a little more up and I held a little tight on the reins but as I realized that he wasn't going anywhere, I let go and we did a couple rollbacks. Yay B!

We took advantage of the light and hand-walked down the trail. How did that turn out? Well, my legs got tired and A's hands got tired... So we rode back. Hopefully we'll get out there tomorrow again.

What I missed today; my Dad playing the bagpipes in the Newport St. Patrick's Day parade, getting completely wasted with friends and people from work... Cons: I missed my Dad. Pros: Awesome day at the barn. Definitely happy with my choice (minus missing my Dad)... What he doesn't know? I hear him play ALL THE TIME AND HE'S AWESOME! Just wish I could've seen him in his kilt. 

So proud!