We’ve had some good rides since my lesson.  I don’t know if I ever wrote a version two of my recap (I think I did, and then the app on my phone ate the entire thing and I’ve been super-busy ever since), but I really was pretty happy with what I got out of it.  I can see changes in my position.  I can see a difference in how ‘Fetti responds to me when I am riding correctly.  I’m not delighted that this year went from ‘do rides!’ to ‘do lessons!’ but I am thankful that I continue to learn and grow.

We’ve had a few really shitty rides this week.  For whatever reason, her trail-confidence appears to be lacking.  Spooks, jumpiness, unsettled rides, inconsistencies.  All I really wanted was a few confidence-building rides for me to reassure me that we’re actually capable of completing a ride.  So much for that.

blurry super-worried pony

Warmups are becoming more important.  I can still see stiffness when she comes out, but as she works out of it, I am not worrying too much (yet).  She doesn’t feel 100% even all the time – I’m picky, what can I say – but there’s no sense moving forward with $$$ injections and x-rays at this point in the year.  Maybe next year, maybe not.  The concept of warming up out of stiffness has always been foreign to me; this will be a good learning experience.  How will we do it at a ride? I have no idea!  We’ll figure it out when we get there!

round pen warm-up

Her speed and stamina are still, generally, in place.  I’m not dissatisfied with what I have seen.  It would be nice if the heart monitor would work more than occasionally so I could get a better baseline.. but it is what it is, and that’s not part of the training plan right now apparently.  Some of what it would take to get her in better shape is within my control, some of it is not.  Learning, slowly learning.

classy bale bag fixes: four different paracord colors visible

A final note: apparently I jinxed the bale bag. Current status: seven holes, re-patching as she unties the paracord every few days.  I’m ordering a new one as soon as they’re back in stock.  Ponies!