10/13

Today's Plan: ride
I had a lovely long lazy day catching up on my dvr'd series. Watched a little Marvel Shield, ran to town and got groceries. Watched a bit more Marvel (I had a lot of episodes), then vacuumed and did some rearranging of the house. Moved on to Bones (omg, they killed off Sweets!) and folded the laundry while watching. Started the pot roast while watching the last Bones.
Finally, I figured I better get out and ride before it got too dark and I didn't get out there. Charby is such a good horse. She is happy to see me, even when I pull out the saddle.  However, I think she needs a friend. She has always been so independent around other horses, but I think she misses the support.  She was fritzy as usual in the wind. I had to get down to straighten out a fence post, so I decided to do a perimeter walk with her. It is a good way to convince Charby that there is nothing out there besides us and the trees. Silly horse was crowding me, thinking that I was going to protect her.  A reason that I think she needs a friend. On the other hand, it's good that she thinks I'm herd and going to protect her.
Ten minutes into our ride, I took her out through the field and she showed me a new trick--for the first time in eight years, she reared on me. Just a jump and pop up. Every time she spooks and does something new, it actually increases my confidence.  There wasn't even a chance today that I was coming off, or even sliding a bit. That makes my reaction unruffled and Charby calms down quickly. I still made her work for another 20 minutes.  I'd like to say she was calmer, but no. She definitely needs more exercise. Not sure I do, but I guess I will be getting it.