Not Ready

It's been another lazy week. Truby and I had a few nice trail rides, and a couple so-so arena rides. As I start expecting more work from Truby, I'm discovering she has Mare Opinions. Most of those opinions are about how she doesn't want to do things like work harder, and not jiggy trot near gates. 

I'm having a hard time explaining to her that it would be nicer if she did things like move straighter, yield away from pressure, and try to be supple. And that jiggy-giraffing near the arena gate has got to stop. 

Unplanned, bareback stroll down the backyard trail

So unplanned I forgot to put on her riding fly mask,

and had to grab her mask on the way to the mounting block

We're doing baby work. Little leg yields, little softenings. Trying to correct excessive crookedness (in both of us!) but not demanding perfection. Most of it is at the walk, and slowly adding in trot as she feels comfortable. Both of us are really increasing our fitness, and I'm remembering how to ride. I feel like I belong on a horse again. It's exciting!

She's thrilled

I've learned she likes little thumpthumps with my ankle, rather than a long press or even a thumpthump with my calf. She's learning to be chill as we walk up to a gate. I'm also learning to trust her to be enthusiastic approaching a gate and not assume she's going to get jiggy. Truby is learning she has to do a little more than plod along like a nose-to-tail trail horse.

We can still nose-to-tail plod on occasion

A few days ago we joined M and Cinco on the Loop. It was one of the first 90 degree days and we were all feeling a little blah. Cinco and Tru both delighted us with a lazy, head down, ears up, gentle stroll. They were happy, and happy to be totally chill. 

Leading on Lap 2

We ended up walking two laps. The last couple of times were went out, we walked an extra quarter around the Loop to drop L and Dixie off at their driveway, so Truby's learning that we don't always walk around once and then are done. She was a little confused that we were continuing around again, but was pretty game. Cinco stopped for some itchy time, and we got to venture by ourselves a bit. 

There was a ton of bunnies and quails and other flying birds, all out and about, but neither horses spooked at them, or even startled. So brave!

Truby was TIRED afterwards

This morning I hadn't expected to ride, but I beat the barn guy, so I hopped on Truby for some on the farm wandering. She strode out strongly, but not obnoxious. She didn't rush towards any of the gates like she had been, and we had a nice time going through the turnouts and down the backyard trail. There were lizards all over, and they would scatter from our path into the dried grass. Truby didn't even BLINK. Even when the chonky lizards went by. 

She's just so pretty

Of course, it's almost May in Tucson, which means it's basically summer. The flies are out. The sun is out. Humidity is gone. And it's getting hot. Last week was the first of the 90s, and while we barely avoided hitting 100, it should start happening later this week. 

I guess I might as well go back to work

if it's gonna be this hot

My plan this week is to get ready to return to work. I've been setting my alarm, getting up early and getting dressed and going out. Yeah, it's out to the barn, but I'm using it as practice. Still waiting for an official yay or nay on the end of the stay at home order. Definitely going to miss all my free time, and midday naps. And I'm also worried about Wave Two: The  Covid Returns. 

Truby and I are snacking on disinfecting wipes. 

At first it was to try to clean our insides, but they're kinda addictive

and we're snacky.