Friday, February 3, 2012

There's a soft side to the beeeyotch

I don't know about you guys, but I love being the first to ride in the arena after it has been groomed. I don't know who did it, but when I arrived this morning the arena was beautifully worked and perfect footing. Like Christmas.

February in Indiana. I'll take it.
We did about 20-25 minutes of trotting yesterday and today. His cardio needs to improve before we really get into more frequent, intense lessons. So we work on stretching, rhythm, transitions within the stretch and obedience to my leg. I also took this opportunity to work on my self — right toe is behaving much better lately and points forward like a good little foot. I still catch myself gripping with my knees and "hover posting" every once in a while. Also, I have the bad habit of bringing my hands to my knees during stretchy circles. Hands should stay out in front.

What a relaxing, peaceful ride. Not a soul around. Just me and Hampton and all I could hear was his footfalls and some random birds. The weather has been amazing and I was riding in only riding tights and a sweatshirt (plus my boots with the fur knock offs ... oh and my helmet, duh). I could tell Hampton was enjoying the time, too. Ears perked, relaxed, rhythm was easy to find and keep. He certainly does not need every ride to be intense "oh my god I better leg yield or she will kill me" work. Next week we have 2 lessons (yay for furlough days) so I'm taking it easy on him this weekend. We might do a trail ride or something if it doesn't snow/sleet/crap on us over the weekend. It's good for both of us to forget about being round and on the bit sometimes.

Last year we were getting ready for our very first show. Today I was just in awe of him and how far he has come in just one year.

I know my instructor says he is in average and maybe he is to the outside world. But not to me. :) I have ridden literally hundreds of horses in my 22+ years as an equestrian and I can say that horses like Hampton do not come along very often. I am so lucky to have found him.

(ok, mush fest over now.)

Babeh Hampton

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9 comments:

  1. KateFebruary 3, 2012 at 10:20 PM

    I get so excited when the arena has been freshly dragged. It's like an open clean fresh canvas ready for a masterpiece.

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  2. Calm, Forward, StraightFebruary 3, 2012 at 11:24 PM

    I enjoy dragging the arena nearly as much as getting the first ride. It relaxes me before mounting up too.

    Don't let anyone tell you Hampton is "average" - that's just garbage. When you limit your thinking, you have average thoughts... :)

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  3. DebFebruary 4, 2012 at 9:58 AM

    I love a freshly-dragged arena, too! It's like an empty canvas or sheet of paper. It's also a helpful way to check up on your geometry.

    I doubt your instructor meant to be hurtful when she said "average," but its wonderful to hear your heartfelt thoughts.

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  4. CarolFebruary 4, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    Aww, so sweet. I can tell from here :) that Hampton is far above average.

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  5. KellyFebruary 4, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    Of course your horse is not average! Just look at that face!

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  6. Calm, Forward, StraightFebruary 4, 2012 at 10:37 AM

    Okay - so I read the previous post, and now I get the context of the "average" comment. At the moment his movement is average... goals to strive for...

    Handsome Hampton is definitely not average! ;)

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  7. ehardyFebruary 4, 2012 at 4:40 PM

    Ahh the rare ride when the footing is perfect and you don't have to share :) Hampton is such a handsome boy. Can't put a price on heart!

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  8. JessicaFebruary 6, 2012 at 1:00 PM

    Sounds like a lovely ride! Relaxed, birds calling, and warm weather.

    http://trailponyendurance.blogspot.com/

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  9. Boss Mare EventingFebruary 7, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    Nothing beats that freshly dragged arena!

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