Timing

It has been some time since I checked in. This month has been packed full of activities. My neighbors threw me a "Welcome to Green Lake" bash and invited all of the neighbors. It was a stunning success. Crawfish are my new favorite food. *Gotta love living next to a crawfish farm.* Summer began 2 weeks ago. I've done work around the house that kept getting put off. I've done work out in the pasture. I've done fun stuff like paint the planter my mother restored as a house warming gift (Go Mom!). Scruff got heartworm treatment. Poor guy. He's handling it quite well. Very busy for not having to work.

Something I hadn't done was ride Bec. New place, old fears. Last week, I went to Houston for the dentist and stopped by the saddle shop. It was across town ;). I now have new Ariat field boots and breeches. I highly recommend the Kerrits Breathe Tights. Worth every penny and you are glued to the saddle without the restrictions of traditional full seats.

I have an excuse to ride. I'm pumped. Last night I lunged Diesel to feel him out before I ride. No go. Mildly lame. No swelling but definitely off. Priss deserves a break. Maybe next time. This morning I woke long before the alarm. I have a couple of hours to kill before heading to see dad and grandpa for Father's Day. I go out to feed. The need to ride is burning in me. So, I catch Bec while she is still engrossed in feed. She has learned that 25 acres is alot of room to evade me. She always gives up but it may take up to 10 minutes of calm persistence. I take her to the round pen and attempt to tack up. I am in my new get-up. Girth is too short. There is no way the saddle will work. I am not ready to give up. I head inside for the old, too small for my lard butt Blue Ribbon.

After alot of sweat and swearing I manage to squeeze her into it. Minus the riser pad that she needs. We gotta work on this. Regardless, we had a fabulous 15 minute walk-trot ride. I remember why I keep this tempermental, disordered mare. She has the greatest ride. Supple, responsive. She did great. We never left the round pen. Baby steps. The crazy thing is I had no nerves at all. It has been a year since I've ridden her. She is amazing. So it begins. Baby steps until I can ride her out on the property. We've done it before.

Diesel stood at the gate the entire ride and threw a fit. Pawing at the door, chewing on the panels. He's jealous that I wasn't riding him. It is clear on his face. His time is coming. Just as soon as he is sound we'll start with the same treatment Bec is getting. We are all going to get in a shape other than round. My life is blessed.