Hello again everyone. I suck at blogging and I've been so busy this summer than I haven't been on top of my training log either. I've just been logging a few times each month instead of every ride. Oh well, no one else cares how often I track our rides other than me.
We spent a lot of the spring getting back to being sharp and fit. We had a lesson in May, two lessons in June, and a lesson each month following. We've done zero shows or clinics for obvious reasons. The shows have started back up recently, but I have pretty much decided to now show at all this year. I would be open to a clinic if I could find one this fall or winter. Really there have been three main highlights of my summer horse-wise so that's what I'll talk about to update you all.
Trail Ride:
Mort went on his first official off-property trail ride in June. My instructor/friend and I took both boys out on a quiet and easy trail about an hour and half south. Both guys loaded up and travelled well in spite of the route down there being a bit iffy with some crazy gravel roads (thankfully found a MUCH better way to take home). Both stood well at the trailer while we tacked up and got ready. I know having steady Blue was such a good influence on Mort.
We ended up doing more than 10 miles because we got a little lost. It was mostly steadily up and down hills with only a couple slightly steep areas. There were some rocks and creeks to deal with as well. And they ate it all up like champs. Blue was happy to follow along until Mort needed some bravery and needed to follow Blue around something scary. Both got a cool down in the creek at the end and enjoyed relaxing by the trailer for a bit while we packed up. Mort took a couple tries to load, but it still took less than 5 minutes. I was happy and proud to own two such wonderful horses. We do plan on going out at least one more time this fall. Blue would be happier with some hoof boots, so once those come in we'll be back out there.
Arena:
My arena is fully usable. It's a 200x80 beauty. We got the fabric and screenings down this summer and I've been riding on it regularly ever since. It seems to handle the dry and hot as well as the wet well so far. Thank goodness, since we spent so much time and money to get the base right. We're getting a heavy rain today, so we'll be able to see if there are any issues. But in the next month we'll get the sand on her and she'll be good. I'm excited to have a place to really get some training accomplished. And I'm beyond excited to have a place that will enable me to be able to ride more this winter.
She still needs a border on the low side to make sure we don't lose footing over time. And eventually we'll need lights to make winter riding even more of a possibility. But I'm fairly satisfied for now. I know a lot of horse people who have a lot less to work with and I'm one lucky lady.
Second Level:
No, we haven't shown second level and I won't this year. But I got the go-ahead from my instructor to call ourselves a second level pair. Mort and I have been working so hard on connection and relaxation. I've been working and struggling through better hands and seat and legs. All of those things will always have room for improvement. But we're at a place where we're confidently schooling all of second level and it's actually nice most of the time.
I've run through 2-1 twice now and there were no disasters. There are some stickier parts that I need to learn to ride better and how to prep for, but we are capable enough that I would definitely show second level if I were going to a show.
And when I'm not worrying about the test part of it, our quality is really nice. He's on the aids and forward while remaining super soft and supple. He trusts my hands and leadership. I just need to trust where we are and forever work on improving myself. Hopefully we'll really hone in on the 2nd level stuff this fall and winter and be able to come out kicking next spring. I know winter never goes quite as planned, but I can continue to build this fall and just maintain over winter and be happy as a clam.
Overall, it's been a nice summer. Work is unbelievably stressful and busy. The house and property are a never ending to-do list (though we did move in late June!). I can always complain about heat and bugs. But I have two wonderful and healthy horses. The pups, DH, and I take a walk most evenings and enjoy each other's company. Family and friends are healthy. There isn't a whole lot more I can ask for in a summer of a pandemic. I know it's cliché as crap, but when I get a chance to stop and reflect I feel pretty blessed.
