Snow poneh

35 degrees means I actually got to ride in boots and beaches and NOT my coveralls! You know you are in the dead of winter when THAT makes your day. :-)

When I got to the barn, it was like a riding party as 4 other people were also getting ready to ride. The big arena was plenty large enough for all of us and I really like riding Hampton around other horses as much as I can. He has never had a problem with it, but it's always a good experience.

The footing was decent, it was a bit deep but still solid enough for trotting and cantering. I only cantered one direction because Hampton started to get a little sweaty and I figured that working in the deep snow might make him muscle sore so I backed off. But he was brilliant. Forward, connected. We had some mild issues with bulging through the outside shoulder .. but I know it had to do with avoiding a deeper snow drift and nothing else. He also was a bit cranky about backing. Again, deep snow and I suspect he was getting tired at this point and it was just too. much. work. :-) He is just so freaking pleasant to ride. No lunging required. He will stop and stand. He will leave the group. I got him to stretch nicely while also trotting through the snow so his back got really swingy. He did everything I asked.

And now of course temps are going to plummet again so who knows when I'll get to ride again. I do think I am still going to aim for the dressage show later this month and pray the weather holds up. I think we can wing training level and I don't feel like it will be a disaster.

Famous last words?