The plan was to work on the horrid canter. Charlie was lovely and worked very well for Alastair much better than last week and he had some very nice moments. He is obviously weaker in canter with his right rein but neither was a disaster. Alastair followed up with some popping over jumps and now I see why I couldn't get jumping right. Over protective of his back he jumps like an ironing board. Still time being a great healer and all that I remember a time when he couldn't trot without tossing his head manicly.
I am beginning to feel that having a Ex KS Horse is a bit like a game of Snakes and Ladders and if I play it long enough I will win.
Today Thursday we had an early morning farrier and I planned to ride out in 'the field' post shoeing. Unfortunately I had a sudden and unexpected meltdown as all my gremlins turned up in my head at the wrong time and to say I was stressed put it mildly fizzy hands feet and tinnitus so I did the sensible thing popped the boy in his hotel room and went home.
Sunshine, painting in my studio and a cuddle from the cat put things back into perspective as did a double dose of Rescue Remedy.
I returned to the yard with a plan.
Get all tacked up Body Protector,reflective top etc so if I died they would find me.
Once tacked see how I felt, worst case scenario I could take him round the field in hand.
I was desperate not to have anyone say be careful before I escaped ,I lie the phrase is 'you go careful now', so Charlie didnt even have the bedding brushed out of his tail.
We did it! We rode down the track into the field and he worked beautifully. I didn't push for too much and was delighted with that offered including the constant relaxed 'wuffle' emitted from his nostrils.
Last time we schooled out here I felt pleased to have stayed on top as he napped strongly and went up a few times. He was relaxed, I was tense but managing the wooden buttocks and determined to keep my shoulders and arms relaxed.
The brilliant thing is he accepted my tension and worked nicely. No canter that would be pushing it but long and low trots changing the rein and bend with no whoopsies.
All this may seem dramatic to some but I have lost my nerve big time in the past with the horse from hell, think inability to put foot in stirrup, and I am at that wonderful age where the hormones have a habit of biting you on the arse when you think all is well.
So to finish a photo of Charlie Fatboy Poshcob doing what he does best.
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