Back in the Saddle Again

I was feeling devilish when I got to the barn on Saturday. I planned to ride Jaz, and used the occasion to mess with Poco at the same time. And why not? He messes with me all the time. I greeted Jaz first and with enthusiasm. There's heavy mesh on the top half of the stalls. Mr. What-About-Me pushed his face into the side of Jaz's stall and kicked the stall door. He got scolded twice for that. When I finally did walk in to visit him, he was more interested in the grain Heather was dispensing. You aren't getting any, Porco, but have it your way. Jaz got taken outside, groomed, cooed over, smooched, and told what a good boy he is. Poco was quite verbal in his pissiness. We all had an ongoing laugh at his expense.

I need to ride my Little Man more. I need him to reteach me all the stuff it feels like I've forgotten. My balance is off, my seat and posture downright ugly. Me and trot have never quite meshed, but this was even worse than usual. I am guilty of not riding enough to remember what I've learned, much less get better. I'm back to being all over the place. I do want to get better, but the important thing is that I'm having fun.

My sweet boy doesn't need a bit. We use the Dr. Cook's.

I've discovered a flaw to the hat helmet. You can see by Jaz's tail how windy it is. I am holding my head down because the wind kept catching the hat. Note to self: use conventional helmet when windy. Jaz sez, "Make sure you get my best side, Nita."

Isn't he the cutest thing?

Trains pass all the time.
The horses don't even flinch at the air horns.

I'm really glad Nita took this picture. See how my left hip is lower? I now realize I stand and sit that way too. I need to get out my balance ball.

Licking the sweat off my hands.

Nita said she wanted a smoochie picture.

After I tacked him down, I hand grazed him for the better part of an hour, including right outside the back of Poco's stall. Poco called out and carried on, and still we ignored him. We didn't get his butt today — we had his full attention. The cherry on top was Jaz and I sharing a nice, cold, sweet Texas Ruby Red grapefruit before he got put back in his stall with an extra flake of hay. Poco was an unhappy Appy. Mission accomplished.

Chillin'

I intended to post all the weekend news & pix this evening after I got back from the barn, but I ended up not going. We've had short light periods of drizzle, light wind, and the forecast says rain until Wednesday or Thursday. Yeehaw! I will make the most of this and all of the dreary, rainy days. Rain on me!

Who knew watching grass grow could be so exciting?
This is the best this place has looked in a long time.

But it's still fragile. We need more rain.

Ch-ch-ch-chia. If this makes no sense to you, click here.

The grass is hanging onto every tiny bit of topsoil it can find.
Look at these photos from five short weeks ago.

The dog yard is so lush, Mike had to mow it. Imagine that. I'll throw common Bermuda on this whole place as soon as night time temps are in the 70s. I hope this investment pays off someday when we sell this place to another small-time horse owner.

Hope y'all had a wonderful weekend with your ponies.