Corners & A Campout

Some things never change...

The picture on the left is actually from 10 years ago, before Facebook existed... My high school senior photo. A friend's dad shipped Lucky to my high school for me and we took pictures in the parking lot. A lot has changed since then, especially me as a person. Even in those short 2 years that I had had him, I totally spun 180 degree. I look to the right and there's B... Something I never expected to have again and once again I've completely changed as a person... In just a few weeks it will have been 5 years since my life drastically changed but honestly, I wouldn't have traded it for anything.

Speaking of new things... this happened. And Brantley didn't blink an eye. We had a lesson with K on Thursday now that he's been back on track and holding shoes... And she set this up. First go, and we nailed it... Unfortunately I can't seem to figure out a way to download a video editor for my new computer which I'm definitely depressed about buying at this point because I can't do shit... But here's this!

Obviously not perfect but I wasn't even worried about the height which I was sure I would be. We just trotted up and popped over it. There are things that Brantley and I have a difficult time getting through but it's worth the trade when he enjoys this. Or at least it seems like he does. I'm so lucky to have K to guide me through this new experience!

Another new experience? CAMPING! Wendy and I went for a one-nighter with the WGHA. We got there early and went out for a 16-mile ride through some new trails and we ended up riding from the midway to the end with the President of the club who everyone wants to grow up to be. Trust me.. If you met her you'd agree. Brantley got a little strong a few times with the new horse but luckily she was totally great about giving us our space unlike the woman from the hunter pace. It was seriously an honor to get to ride with her. 

Elijah and B had a moment though... Brantley was the caboose of for a bit and we all picked up a canter on a tight trail. Unfortunately before I had the chance to ask Wendy if we could squeeze by when there was space to pass, Brantley read my mind and just went for it. Elijah did not like that, threw a buck I've never seen before which made Brantley do a mini-rear and then Elijah proceeded to pop him one in the neck. We all survived and laughed about it for the rest of the day. No harm, no foul! It's always an interesting ride when we go out with someone new!

Brantley and Elijah were naturals at the camping situation... We definitely had a few really awesome laughs over the weekend and made a few new friends like usual. I honestly think that was the best sleep I had in a while which was awesome. I was definitely itching to go out for the next ride tomorrow. We decided to go for 12 mile but take a quick detour down to the pond for an illegal pony dip.

Now that I look at this picture he does look a little drawn in which could have been the cause for our Sunday ride incident. Never a dull moment. Long story short, we had a mini tack malfunction (thinking my cinch was a tad tight now) that sent Brantley into 2 meltdowns, the 2nd being worse. We were already 6 miles in with 6-8 to go... and he just lost it like a dog jumped out and was attacking him. I was able to calm him down and dismount after the second, but I didn't want to take the chance of another because I knew there was an 80-90% chance he'd do it again and I wouldn't be able to hang on. As we walked backed to meet a trailer (again), I tried to troubleshoot the situation because if I couldn't find a reason for the explosion, I knew we'd have a bigger issue...

Luckily but not luckily, I saw a welt on his side and the D-ring of his cinch must have grabbed him just right and when I touched the area and lept 8ft in the air. I felt AWFUL! He was super lovey and in my pocket the rest of the day which made me feel a bit better but... still...

We got back to the trailer and when I took off his saddle I noticed swelling on his lower back area... Awesome. He bottomed out when I touched him. I wanted to cry because... I'm emotional like that. Once again he nuzzled me like it wasn't my fault... I didn't really want to talk for the rest of the day because I just kept wracking my brain how I missed the whole situation before we went out. Ugh. He must've twisted just right during his "Airs Above the Ground" act but luckily, he's almost back to normal and seems eager to get back under saddle.

Chevy update... He's awesome <3 The end.