"back in the saddle again"

I used to have a teddy bear with one of those pull strings that got it to "say" things - one of its sayings was "back in the saddle again..." (sung)

I was away for a week: when I went away Fi was still very sore. When I came back she was much much better.

On Thursday I simply gave her a short "lunge". She was fine but *desparate* to do something. Friday she had her annual jags so again I just did a short lunge. She was still looking ok. So today I bunged a saddle on and hopped on - just walk and trot - but it was not bad at all.The transitions were quite abrupt but I think thats when it is moist sore, balancing the change in speed etc.

And she did not look too sore this evening as a result, so that is also a good sign.

At the same time as Fi getting her jags, we had the vet check all their teeth. Fi and Red needed no work. Rosie needed a little work... and objected. Dudley needed a little work and has objected before (and was not keen when just being checked) so he was sedated and then rasped. He was very cute when "under the affluence" - all dopey and not able to stand straight - like an amiable drunk ;)

3 wheels in my wagon....

...and I'm still rolling along...

only I'm not. Fi is lame. Not hopping, but clearly striding short and "ouch"ing when she hits uneven ground. Oh yes, and crooking the off-fore to take the pressure off it. I'm sure she's tweaked the tendon again but there is no heat or swelling that I can find :(

So - decent weather at last - and my horse needs rest. At least I feel I can't ask her to work, but she still feels able to trot and canter. She, of course, can stop any time it hurts or just limp for a few strides - which would be harder if I was working her (from ground or saddle).

Still, I wish I could explain to her to take it easy so she mended quicker :(

In the meantime we took Rosie to the new National Equestrian Centre for the Spring Show. She was 3rd in the Eriskay class. The centre have a lot of work to do as the parking was chaos and not adequate for the volume of traffic. We got boxed in and had to unhitch and get some help to move the trailer by hand in order to wiggle out.

Rosie was a bit concerned about loading on the way home. Loading on the way out is calm and no distractions, but I think she worries about what she can see behind her when we are at a shoe. She wasn't a problem, just didn't load first time in 5 seconds like I am used to *my* horses doing ;)

I think I need to do some work on her having things close to her sides - as her concern was greater when mum tried to bring the partition across to put the breeching bar up.

I also dug out the local riding club "walk and trot" dressage test (1). The idea is to set some new targets for mum and Rosie while schooling. Test 1 is a long test and has quite a long trot at the start - going right round the arena, 20m circle, change of rein, and then the same on the other rein before walking. Rosie was in shock ! :O

I've now looked out walk & trot test 2 as its a shorter test so should be faster to get to grips with.

I also had a sit and tried asking for canter. With Rosie at the moment it is as if her paces are a fruit machine with the paces tumbling round and round - you have to pick the right moment to say "stop - I'll take that one !" as canter comes past. One of the alternatives is a great trot - so its not too bad if you don't get canter at this stage.

Aims for Rosie are refining the steering, improving stamina, and improving "acceptance" (i.e. doing what she's asked to do !)

Dudley in the meantime is quite happy being Rosie's "uncle" and my substitute riding pony :D