A Semblance of Normalcy

OK, as promised, today can go back to your regularly scheduled programming! Although the week didn't get off to a good start horse-wise (hair appointment and eye doctor appointment eating up all of Monday evening), the rest slowly transitioned back to something more normal.

Tuesday I made it out and actually rode Ruby. I made DH take a picture for proof. So there. Ruby was very relaxed and gave me nice W/T/C both directions, although we still need to focus more on reinstalling our left bend. One of the other boarders was out there and kept us company during my ride -- she has known Ruby since I started taking her out as a 2 year-old to show in hand. She had some really nice things to say about how far we've come, which is always pleasant to hear. In particular, her canter is getting very cadenced and balanced (especially considering the flailing legs everywhere we started with, lol). And she also added some comments about our obvious bond and how much Ruby clearly trusts me, which made me happy.

Wednesday I hustled and made it to the barn with daylight to spare -- the days are getting noticeably longer which is helping my mood. Always nice to be able to see my horses in natural light before I go to bed! Because I had daylight and the footing was dragged and pretty, I opted to lunge Ruby in the outdoor. I neglected to factor in the wind, and my ears were dangerously near frostbite by the end, but I didn't care. We also had some company observing our session! This was Ruby's second time in the Vienna reins, and I really like them, especially as compared to the traditional side reins I frequently use.

 

Last night was a little on the disappointing side. I was super excited to head out to the barn and ride, because my new teal tooled half chaps had arrived! I zipped up the left one only to have the zipper split (and they weren't too small or anything, it was clearly a design flaw). I wrestled it off, got it pulled apart, and did manage to get it on the second time. But the right one was a lost cause -- the leather at the top was cut incorrectly and blocking the zipper end, so you couldn't even zip it at all. I had two other people try just to make sure I wasn't a klutzy moron. So annoyed :( annoyed enough that I just went home without riding to drink wine and sit on the couch... and also send a curt email to the eBay store I bought them from, so hopefully we can come to a resolution....

Stock photo from eBay.

In person.

Although even if we don't, I might have impulse purchased another pair. Oops? #tackhopro

Sparkly chaps to match sparkly helmet!

It's supposed to be 60 today, and close to 70 tomorrow! I have some pretty exciting horse-related equine plans that will hopefully pan out, and then it's a state holiday Monday -- whoo hoo!

Also -- since I know Cinna has amassed quite a fan club.... my friend Tanya, who designed my blog header, painted this incredibly fun portrait of her using one of my photos as a reference. If you're interested in your very own 11x14 print of this piece signed by Tanya and shipped directly to your door, it can be yours for the reasonable price of $30! Contact Tanya at cute_iful85@hotmail.com if you're interested in ordering yours. I'm just waiting to get paid for some sold tack to acquire my own copy to display in my office!