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Wentworth Hunter Pace - June 6, 2021

After Margaret and I had such a fun time at the fall hunter pace, we opted to go again this spring! This time, while I rode Rejoice again, Margaret rode her horse Jester and had a friend ride Ladyhawke. All Kennebec Morgans!! Jester and Rejoice have the same dam and Jester and Lady share the same sire. Unfortunately instead of a lovely late spring day, we had one of the first intensely hot and humid days of the year. It was definitely a bummer, but the ride was mostly in the shade of the woods and we had a great time!  most of the fences were 3' coops but we found a small log and this hay to jump haha Until we didn't. 😑 We brought along a third friend who rode Margaret's older mare, Ladyhawke. She's a good rider but hasn't known Ladyhawke for very long and didn't realize how much of a cranky boss mare she could be at times. She kicked Jester right in the front leg just about halfway through the ride, and while the cut itself ended up not being a big deal in the

Riding at Different Times of Day

Yesterday morning my dad took C for the morning, so I was able to ride at 9AM. Dreamy loves routine, but I never gave this any thought when I went to ride. We usually have to wait and ride after dinner, so being able to ride in the morning sun was a treat for me.

Dreamy was SO UGLY at me. She would not stand on the crossties, she would not stand to be mounted, and was so foolish under saddle as soon as I mounted. So I figured we needed a fitness day anyway......we did trot sets and TONS of bending at the walk and trot. I made her snotty little self WORK and WORK SHE DID!

By 30 minutes into our hour long ride, she finally settled. As if to say, OH all right, I guess I can behave now. I finally did not have to DEMAND her attention, as she gave it willingly. It was a good ride eventually, but we both had to work hard to make it happen.

Then tonight.....I go out and ride at our usual time of 7PM. She was all lazy and statue-like on the crossties, had an easy warm up, and was completely paying attention. Now I realize horses can have off days and yesterday may have been her day.

BUT....I got to thinking that maybe it had something to do with the way Dreamy craves routine and get VERY annoyed when things are altered. This is weird to me, because Sparky is so laid back and new things/new routines do not bother her at all. Actually I think Sparky kind of likes new routines. Example: Sometimes I would switch the mares' paddocks for a day or half day. Sparky LOVED this and would explore the new paddock, eat the remnant hay that Dreamy deemed unsuitable for consumption, and generally have a perky attitude. Now Dreamy on the other hand, would get wound up and trot around the gate for a while, finally eat some hay but always have a nervous edge to her movements. She would keep her eye on Sparky and HER paddock. One horse was very obviously happy and the other was really annoyed.

Tonight we did some trotting poles and an easy gymnastic series. Dreamy LOVED that. I plan to do some more gymnastics with her this week and set up a full course to do on Wednesday or Thursday in preparation for this weekend's SPHO-ME show (June 1).

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