THE MONTH OF MAY

(Betsy & Zoe @ Top O' the Hill Farm) This morning Zoe and I went for a quick ride for the first of May. We had already planned our route - over a trail we have not traveled in years. Part of it is a cross country ski trail, with some nice little bridges here and there and beautiful scenery and woods. I am not sure why this trail had become a forgotten memory.. but last week's adventure reminded us how beautiful it is....more

(Carol & Phantom) Well, I know there is a big difference between the trail and the ring.  Guess I was hoping some of our "fluid rhythm" would carry over into the woods.  Gads, was I in for a surprise!!   Wednesday evening Phantom and I and Tom and Ron(Tom's horse) attended a clinic and I couldn't have been more proud.  Our horses listened, responded, trusted us while others were fighting with their mounts, pulling on the reins and shouting, "stop it ,STOP IT, STOP IT!!!!!!! "   I felt badly for those who were struggling but they worked through it and with Austin's(our trainer) help they were able to move on and have a very productive evening.   Okay, now it is Thursday evening and the plan is to go out riding in the woods with two of our neighbors.  Tom asked, "Which horse are you going to take?"  I answered, "Phantom.  We have doing so well together I am anxious to get her out on the trail.  She has not had much trail experience and I believe she will do quite well."  I cursed myself with confidence!  Five minutes into the trail ride, it was if all training techniques were flushed!!  I forgot how to sit in the saddle.  Phantom wanted to move out fast then faster.  Gads!!  Where were the arena fences!!  Where was all of that fancy seat work I had been working on?  What the heck was happening with my leg cues?  Why am I jerking on the reins calling out( in vane I might add) "Phantom, PHANTOM, PHANTOM !!!"  Where my beautiful, well behaved, excellently cued Phantom??  Whose horse is this anyway??  You know when things like this happen I first try to look at what I am doing.  It is hard to process when you are on a horse that just wants to go forward and fast.  I remembered what Austin has often said, "As long as you are on the horse, you are alive."   Now I could have blamed the new trail adventure, the other horses, etc. but I can't do that with a clear conscience.  I had not best prepared Phantom for the adventure.  So,after a few one reined stops and backup movements, we were off again.  Another 5 minutes, the same thing happened but the good news is that it took less time to get back in the groove.  We went on to complete a two hour ride with only a few more forgetful moments. I love that girl and I hope she gives me another chance today.  Oh by the way, guess what we are going to be working on??????!!!!!!