May 16, 2004

Meanwhile, back at the ranch....
Wow. I have been working full-time at a hunter jumper barn for over a month now. I've been putting in long hours due to my training and just the basic horse management challenges transitioning from dry-lot turnout to pasturing. We've had lots of rain in this area as we had last year so it has been a difficult spring again for anyone involved in agrarian pursuits.
My horses have put on weight since they have been on pasture and look much better. I have a lot of plans for the summer--formal riding lessons for me, some saddle training for Lady--especially in the canter department--which means I need to find a trainer who won't cost me an arm and a leg--and just overall conditioning for both horses. I don't know how much I will accomplish with my new job eating up lots of time and energy. I may have to forgo lessons for myself as the big priority is to get Lady further along under saddle so I can enjoy riding her instead of worrying that she'll go into a bucking fit--she hasn't done that to me yet, but just the thought makes me nervous, which of course affects her confidence with me on her back. Getting a competent rider will help get through the basics without a wreck setting us back. KST