Back to it

So it turns out that my sunburn is like a MILLION times worse than I initially thought. The first night I was incredibly sick- shivers, nausea, etc. Needless to say, I couldn't sleep, I got maybe 2 hours and spent most of the night playing video games and wishing someone was awake so I could complain.

The next day, boyfriend came to get me and we headed home. Did you know that a 6 hour car ride doesn't feel so good when your back is severely sunburned and sticking to the car seat? Well, it's true.

Today I woke up and luckily felt better, I got almost a full night's sleep (hoping that tonight is the night for sleep!). I managed to get a sports bra and breeches on and was ready to ride my horse!

This one

Rico was VERY good. Four days off and I was expecting him to be kind of an ass. Either high and wanting to get heavy or obnoxious thinking that he was finally retired. He wasn't either of those! He was happily forward and happy to work. I did a short ride, only a half hour. With the sunburn, I can't wear a back brace so I'm nervous about doing too much. I did manage to do some passage, a bit of piaffe, and a fair amount of canter work, including twos and ones (only 3 in a row, I wasn't going to push it).

Rico wanted to play so I let him run a bit. I don't turn him out (he lives in a HUGE paddock), but I'm happy to let him play while I'm on him since I think that's the safest for him (soundness-wise since we're in good footing, I can immediately re-balance him if he's going to get off balance, and I can prevent tight turns) and I don't mind riding out a few bucks. I know that sounds weird and mildly dangerous but come on, he's 18 years old and very well trained, if I tell him to buck, he bucks, if I tell him to stop, he stops. Never had a problem with him and I can sit everything he's got in him.

Anyway, I gave him the cue (letting him gallop and a special voice command) and he was SO excited. The first time around he just ran and struck out while shaking his head between his knees. The second time around he had a BIG buck to give me! I could tell he thought he bucked too hard, since he immediately slowed down and wasn't as enthusiastic from then on, but I'm glad he got to play.


This week we see Heidi on Thursday! Then it's two more lessons before the Intermediare II. I can't decide whether I'm more nervous or more excited, but it's definitely a little bit of both.

I may be heading down to the Monterey Aquarium this
week so more fishy pictures!