Is it Summer yet?

The weather has not been cooperating here in Wisconsin. I mean seriously….40 degrees? Are you kidding me? I’m used to weird and wacky weather in Wisconsin, but when it’s June and I have a riding agenda, I’m not as patient about weird weather it as I used to be.

Last Thursday the farrier put front shoes on Bug. It was funny because Bug held his foot there like, “Jeez mom, I was wondering when you were going to put these back on.” Hopefully that will solve a few feet problems. Because of our crummy, rainy, cold weather, I haven’t had anytime to practice, and Bug and I have another lesson tonight. I’m going to sneak home at lunch time, drag the arena, and hopefully the sun will obey the weatherman and peer out this afternoon. If not, there’s always a good ole ground work lesson, or perhaps go through a magazine or two with my instructor and circle the things I will need to buy within the next few months in order to prep for my first real test. I love buying horse things – would rather shop for horse stuff than go to a mall anyday. Don’t get me wrong – I’m a sucker for a great pair of shoes, and a comfy pair of jeans, but the stars have to be aligned just right for me to enjoy clothes shopping. I absolutely hate it.

Last night I went out to the barn after I put my son to bed, and I was feeding Bug his supplement. I was leaning up against him as he was munching on grain, and he was so warm and snuggly. I was surprised that he wasn’t covered in mud like my other two horses. Bug likes to be clean and slicked up – he loves a good grooming session. My other horse, Gunner – man, give him a groom and 2 minutes later he’s rolling - like clockwork. Anyway, as I was standing there, I thought a minute about how blessed I am to have a husband who allows me to be horse crazy, a son who tolerates putting his boots on hanging out at the barn sometimes (“Look mommy, horsey!), and three horses that nicker to me every single time I walk down to the barn – whether it’s dinner time or not.
Can’t wait for the lesson tonight even if the sun decides to stay in hibernation. Hopefully I won’t have to put a stick behind my back like last time – but I wouldn’t be surprised if I had to do it again. It really worked! Let’s see – I have to remember….shoulders back, sit up straight, hands back, heels down, hips up, look where you’re going, knees loose, absorb the shock, sit two, extend….what?!?! Practice practice, practice.