Day 102

What a magnificent day!!!

I got my one wish so far: for Colin to see me ride Harry! My mom worked Harry first while I was working with Brie and my brother worked with Nina. Brie really wanted to walk, Whig was a surprise, and so we walked while mom worked. We were just finishing up our rounds of corto and largo when my mom asked if I was ready to ride Harry.

Boy was he phenomenal! We started out walking and I was working with reverses because he still doesn't like to give to the right side. We picked up a fino and went across the board: it was the tightest and loudest he's ever been! I could feel his joy as I rode and all I thought was "wow, I wish Colin comes back and can see" and no less than 10 minutes later he's back! We said hi and I took the board and it gave me so much gratification to know that Colin, Ray, and a new trainer were watching as I tore up that sound board. I only wish I had a camera so I could show you guys!

So after that they all left and I hopped back on Brie and we worked up to our canter. We're working in a large circle around the pole before I ask her to take the entire arena. I also want to get her to slow her canter down a little bit, because she will only go right into a largo if I ask her to slow down a little. Overall, I'm really pleased with our progress.

My progress, however, could use a lot of work. I didn't realize how little I knew about riding hunt seat and it drives both me and my mom insane. I have to really work on my form rather than worrying about teaching Brie because she will jump over anything! We went from a little X to a 1.5 ft today and she just took it perfectly. The only thing that looked ugly was my form! It's so frustrating! I'll just have to keep working on it. We also have to order boots for her, hopefully for Christmas when we order all of them leather name plate halters.

Nina? Well, hopefully I'll be getting to know her and work with her over the winter. I'm not even concerned with training Nina because my mom and brother have done a fantastic job. I just need to learn how to ride her.

I'm so happy with how this weekend went. It's been such a stress reliever, it's all that I needed after everything I've had to put up with since school started. I can't wait until next weekend! The farrier is supposed to be out on Friday.

Happy Halloween!!