Keep it up

I've ridden Diesel three more times. It has been great. Every ride he gets even better. We've worked on his laziness and balance and transitions. I'm riding with spurs but don't have to use them but once. He gets it. Smart boy.

I've taken him out in the pasture to cool off twice. This is my problem. I have fear issues. The first day I took him halfway to the big culvert and turned back before I lost my nerve. Yesterday I took him to the first corner. This is about 1000 feet...not bad. My goal was to ride to the culvert and we went twice as far. He looked around but did not spook or rush. I feel safe on him.

I have a goal. I want to open him up by the end of June. This horse has power. I have never felt all of it. We have to get both of us in shape. He makes me look good.

Becca, on the other hand, makes me look awful. I rode her today for the second time this year. It was ugly. She remembers how to slide to a stop and that's about it. We weaved and rushed and her head was up and down and bent and it was not fun. She was worried...about everything. This is normal but the inconsistency is not. Gonna have to try this again.

I've ridden 3 out of the last 4 days. I hope to keep it up. It feels good. My life is blessed.

Perfection

Sometimes everything comes together and works. IT WORKS. I rode my lovely Diesel yesterday in raging winds. I found the time and the energy, quite rare for me. I am still high on that hour long ride. He was amazing. There might have been some shameless dancing involved last night...with the dog and cat...but we won't talk about that!

Diesel was solid and responsive and forward and it felt great. He didn't shy or spook or get lazy. I'm not saying he doesn't have lots of room for improvement, just that it was a vast improvement over our last few rides. I really enjoyed myself. I didn't want to end the ride.

Afterwards, he got a haircut and lots of hugs. He loves the attention. I am so proud of my little boy. His brain does not act like a 9 year old on the ground but he was all about business during the ride. Maybe someday he can be my Prissy. Gotta hit the trails if I want to get him there.

Priss is doing relatively well. She cannot go without her legs wrapped and is unstable but she is improving. She loves to go out to eat in the back yard where there is a bit more grass. Yesterday she trotted in. I hope she is not paying for it today. My life is blessed...by many.

Find Some Down Time

We are all busy. For me, it means no spare time as long as the sun shines. If I do manage to sneak a little me time in I like to fill it with a good book. This is my newly discovered treat:




Laura Crum has outdone herself again with her latest book, "Going, Gone". In this eleventh book of the Gail McCarthy Mystery series, Gail continues to grow with her family and explore even more creature relationships. This is a story everyone can relate to. Crum is inspired by real animals and portrays their personalities and quirks so well you think you know the animals yourself.

The mystery the Gail finds herself involved in is exciting and fresh with old characters involved anew. While vacationing with her family, Gail finds her friend and former boyfriend, Lonny Peterson, accused of a double homicide. Her childhood friend, Bret Boncantini, is caught up in the middle of this baffling mystery. Unable to resist, Gail follow the leads in the Sierra Nevada Foothills to her own Monterey Bay. As usual, there is excitement and insight along the way.

This is a series every animal lover should follow from the beginning. I became a fan just last year after discovering Laura Crum on the popular blog, "Equestrian Ink". I have read all of her books several times since. The release of this book is a much awaited treat for me. If you love a good mystery this is the author for you.