In Heaven

I hate posting from my phone because it messes the format up and the pics are all small and weird, but I can't wait until I have time to do so from the desktop. You all NEED to see Bacardi in his new barn. Obviously. 

He was wonderful on moving day. I was feeling a bit rushed because I got home later than planned. It was also storming off in the distance and the thunder was rolling. To top it off, it was opening day of dove season and the hunters were going wild. 

Wasn't really sure how well Bacardi would load, since is been about 5 weeks, but he took it mostly in stride. He was anxious, and I don't blame him, but after one lunging discussion ad about 12 min he hopped right on without breaking a sweat. Good man!

 

Luckily, minus running late, this was a very low stress move. We've been there several times for lessons and it's only about 15 min from my house. 

SCORE. 

My sweet nugget unloaded without issue as well, which is a HUGE step. Huge. 

My trainer made me feel so welcome, and had a stall all ready with a cute little sign. 

B settled right in, like literally right in. He dove right in to the hay pile. 

He explored a little and I left him to sniff around before I removed his boots. 

I felt very confident leaving him overnight & gave my trainer the go ahead to turn him out. 

His turnout buddy is a tiny spotted pony and they're alone in a big field with a run in shed. 

B escaped sassy pony with just a small bite mark on his butt, but otherwise unscathed. 

I returned the next day to ride (OMGYAY) and he was asleep. 

Okay I knew this was a good idea. He's so at home already!

Sexual horse is sexual. Look at him. Just look at him. 

He was also an absolute DREAM on our ride. 

We first went for a walk but then It was getting dark so I stayed inside even though it was humid (I rode after dark guys!)  

Really I just wanted to work on bending, impulsion and some transitions. Since he's just getting back into it I kept it short and sweet. 

He really delivered. 

Right off the bat he was relaxed and through the contact. He really marched up in the free walk and when I started asking for bend through his entire body, he really moved his rib age. I was so proud. 

I asked for a little bit of trot work, spiraling circles and serpentines, and even cantered one lap each direction. Not a super exciting ride, but fabulous nonetheless. 

His canter felt...quick. To be expected. I don't think I will do much with that for a while until he gets a little more muscle back. But overall, a truly wonderful ride. I can't even put it into words! 

We are back & I couldn't be happier to be writing that check each month to have this opportunity! 

On this three day weekend, I'm hoping to ride 2/3 days, drag the boyfriend out to video and maybe do a SMALL course of cross rails just to see how it feels. 

GAH I'm so excited.