Bending and Braiding

Why I need to wear fleece at the end of June in Wisconsin is beyond me. I know Wisconsin has strange weather, but 50 degrees June 30th? Seriously? Bug and I braved the rain, the cold and the wind to take a much anticipated lesson with Billie. As Billie and I could talk all night long, we got right to the lesson and started to work on “the bend” again. “By George, I think she’s got it!” Finally I was grasping the concept - because not only was I seeing it, I could feel when he was bending. Practice Practice and more practice over July 4th weekend is what’s in store for us. After going around and around, and around at the bend, we did some trotting and cantering at the two-point and Billie could really tell that we’ve been practicing. Getting out into the field really boosted my confidence level, my balance, and projecting where I’m going. Can’t wait for the next lesson…Billie is going to jump on one of my other horses and we’re going out and trying the bend and two-point on a trail. Can’t wait! After Bug gave me a fantastic two-hour ride, Billie stayed and showed me how to pull a mane and braid to get it to lay down. Bug has a beautifully thick mane and tail, but it is really out of control right now. I believe Billie’s words were, “We have some work to do, girl.” So she started near his back and I stood on the tallest stool I could find and started braiding. My husband said this morning…. "What did you do to Bug last night? He looks funny.” Well, give it a week, a little elbow grease, a good pulling comb, and bath or two, and he’ll look great. Can’t wait to post pictures – a “before” and “after.”

And….about Bug’s health with all this new “work” he’s doing? All I can say is that he is a completely different horse. His joints used to click and creek when he walked, but now, he’s as good as new. He’s been on “Joint Armor” from Kentucky Performance Products for nearly 6 weeks and never been better. He walks different, he’s peppy, and he just seems to be in a better mood when we ride. Thanks KPP!!

I’m in the process of organizing a mini-clinic at my house, and looking forward to lessons this weekend if Billie is available. Last night my husband said he couldn’t have wiped the smile off my face when I told him about our ride. We're looking ahead to a show in August, Sept, and October. Wow...my dream come true.

Until next time, I will repeat to myself, “Inside rein, outside rein, inside leg, inside rein, over and over and over…..”