The Gods Adore Me

Today was a good day

After bitching for an entire post, my fortunes changed and the Verizon gods bestowed upon me an iphone 6 two weeks early. I almost cried with joy.

I honestly think I deserve a medal or an award, or an adult beverage, or at the very least a fucking cookie for enduring that nonsense. Never again. Thank you EDGE plan and Verizon.

That being said, you know what that means...pictures!

The camera in this 6 is pretty bangin, but thanks to my inability to set it out of direct light of the sun, the quality wasn't great. Regular photos were pretty stunner though, and they made B look fly as fuck. I'm more than a little excited.

At Rolex I obtained some pretty awesome deals, and now finally have pics to prove it! I've ridden in the tack 3 times now, &  I think I'm beginning to become obsessed with Stubben. The quality is amazing and I honestly really like the orangeish look. The breastplate is also so fugly its sexual.

Bacardi modeling breastplate and reins

 I also peruse Ebay constantly at work and found a super super expensive bit I've always wanted to try for less than $20. I obviously bought it.

Also, modeling BoT headband in addition to new bit

One of these days I will buy the PS of Sweden jumper bridle and it will all match. Tack whoring at its finest.

I'm still on the fence about the bit. Bacardi has always seemed to not quite like bits in general and always tosses his head at initial contact. Today seemed a little less than usual, but he was also fussy. Good, but fussy.

fatty

Considering this is our third "first day back" after winter/extended time off, I gave him the benefit of knowing he is VERY out of shape and slightly weak behind. He also hasn't shed out all the way and worked up a good sweat in less than 15 minutes. Can't blame him, it was almost 90 today (in May...what is going on!)

I started off with shoulder -in exercises and trying to have soft, following hands. He really likes being put to work right away. If we waffle about, I notice B works himself up, whereas if I give him "a job" he gets right to it. Handy.

Once We loosened up, I kept it simple. Trot circles, trying to maintain proper bend and cadence, with forward energy. Seems simple, but he was all over the place wiggly. Again, because fatty and out of shape, so I maintained even contact and kept my aids supportive & let him figure it out

A little downhill

A little behind the bit

A little racey

B was  obviously a little downhill, behind the vertical and a little rushy in places at first. But I concentrated on keeping my aids steady and asking him to work into the contact properly.

Asking for some push

After 5 minutes each way, he really settled nicely and maintained a semi-steady tempo and rhythm without too much loss of balance. Doesn't help that my lawn is extremely bumpy and wonky, but I considered it an extra challenge ;)

Fav of the day

Billowy shirt adds 10lbs

Look at dat trot doh

I wanted to try the canter, even though I knew it would be a mess, simply because I miss it. All those winter hacks, there was no cantering. Goals today were no popping shoulders and minimal head tossing. I knew contact and carriage was a little out of the question with him being so weak, but I just wanted the basics.

Not a horrible transition

I like that even though hes a bit weak, he still really steps under himself and listens to my aids when I ask him to move the shoulders.

Another fav

Lovely, good B

Looks like a wild man here. Letting his locks grow out

What a good baby

Bacardi was a little more wild to the left and I had to administer some pretty strong outside aids to keep him on a circle that resembled a circle. I could really feel the weakness to the left & here is where I encountered some protesting.

Overall, a good ride. I'm not sure how well that BoT headband is really working, but both times I've ridden with it, he's resembles an actual horse instead of a complete idiot. It also is not hot outside, so who really knows. I guess the horse gods have bestowed their mercy on me finally.

"Was I a good pony?"

Always more to work on. Especially now that most people have 2-3 shows under their belt and I'm not even close..but hey. Whatever, better late than never.

I leave you again, with good thoughts and an adorable picture of the Levi dog.