Catching Up

It's been ages, or so it seems, since I've posted anything. This is due in large part to the fact I haven't been doing anything.

Well, that's not entirely true. But what I have been doing is rather unremarkable. Nevertheless, here it goes.

I believe I mentioned that Cricket came back from camp "sore." No real idea what's bothering her but something just ain't doin' right. Friday I had my farrier pull her shoes and hoof test her right front. Nothing. She's got a touch of separation around her white line and maybe that's all it was.

Leading up to her farrier appointment, I had her on a course of anti-inflammatory meds. I played with her on Monday and she was short-striding but not off. She's always a little short out of shoes so maybe it's nothing major. And when we opened the gates to let them all out, she tore off at a mad gallop. Oh yeah, she's sore!

I've been spending the last week or so getting to know Bleu. She arrived at the barn last Sunday. I have her on trial until mid-July.

For the first few days, we did some pretty low-key stuff in the arena. She's a little worried about everything - the arena, the other horses, the whole change in her world. I've been playing a lot of "me & my shadow" and she really digs the game. We start out standing stock still and eventually her breathing deepens, she lets out a big sigh, followed by a big lick & chew. And then we're off.

I'm working on some circles with her. I want to build her confidence and balance so I can start introducing canter work. We'll get there.

Saturday I rode her for the first time since she arrived. She did great, all things considered. My plan was to extend "me & my shadow" into passenger game under saddle. Excellent plan! She was pretty concerned about being away from the herd and the passenger game allowed her to go back when she needed it. Eventually we walked up the middle of the arena and I dismounted and called it a day.

Monday I gave her a bath. Turns out her previous owner was big into "My Pretty Pony" - Bleu stood like an old pro. She's a bit touchy about her teats but she doesn't trust me all that well so it's no surprise.

My plan is to ride more this week and see how things go. I've already learned a lot about my own horsemanship in the brief time I've had Bleu. I promise to post something more introspective soon.