April 23, 2010

One Year Ago Today

Cindy headed over to the stables after work to meet Gary & LBR. She left work about 30 minutes late so it was nearly 7:00 p.m. by the time she arrived. Gary was grooming and tacking up LBR by then.

LBR was in an exceptionally mellow mood so we skipped the lunging. There were no other boarders at the stable so Cindy rode LBR in the dirt arena alone.

LBR did well Cindy worked with "leg only" at the walk. Cindy then trotted him for a while and he continued nicely - no bowing out today.

Cindy then cantered LBR both directions for a while. LBR LOVES to canter. After that, Cindy rode LBR through some patterns/courses. Unfortunately, as they approached the brush box on one course, LBR started to veer out. Cindy corrected him with her leg, but LBR turned his body sideways and took the jump crooked - almost like "jumping rope". Cindy was out of position (thumbs open) and jammed her thumb severely. Her right hand instantly swelled and turned black & blue.

Rather than quit on that note, Cindy took LBR back out to the rail and LBR did perfect flat work. They ended with a course that included the brush box which LBR took perfectly.

After the ride, Cindy groomed LBR and then they led him down near his paddock for some grazing before taking him back into his paddock.

It was the hottest day of the year so far...88F degrees and both LBR & Cindy were hot, sweaty and tired by the end of the night.