And I lived...

I really wish I had a picture.

I got to the barn around 4 and no one was there but my trainer. I won't lie, my heart was in my throat the entire day. Ever have one of those days where you quickly read something or hear something and you can't remember later what is bothering you? That was today. I think it was my nerves about riding Denali, but who knows. I tacked up Denali and told my trainer that I was just going to lead her around the arena. May I just mention that Denali's girth is way too small now. I could just barely get the girth on!! It's on the bottom hole of the billets on each side. Yikes!! Someone needs to go on a diet!!

I took Denali in the arena and led her around for a minute or so. She seemed totally chill. I decided to try and get on her. She wouldn't stand still to save my life!! We had another "discussion" and I won. I put my right foot in the stirrup and stood up. She didn't budge. I laid across her, she seemed fine, and then I got on her the whole way. She didn't move.

I could totally tell that she was off. We were just walking, but Denali's walk isn't slow by any means. I put a little pressure on the reins, and she collected herself nicely. I kept telling her no collecting, dr.'s orders. After a few minutes, my trainer saw us. I think I gave her a heart attack. Lol, she wasn't expecting that I'd get on her, but I told her I needed to. I needed to prove to myself that I can still do this.

The ride ended uneventfully. Her "whoa" undersaddle is a little rusty, but other than that moved to pressure and did a good job. Hey, you can't do too much wrong in 5 minutes!

I've decided though that most of her rehab will be with long lines. I am feeling really confident, but I want to feel confident controlling her from the ground, JUST to make sure. It would piss me off to no end to go back to the chicken that I was!

After riding Denali (it is so nice to write that) I went and got the Morgan. I love that horse! She's just so cool to ride, she keeps me honest that's for sure. We had a really good ride! We finally got our long and low down (at least at our barn, at the dressage show I'm sure she'll throw hear head up and dive for the rail.) We did several near perfect (because I'm pretty sure nothing I do is perfect) 20 meter circles and some nice Trot/Canter/Walk transitions. It was a really good ride. She gave her all, which means the next time I will need to work for it!! ha!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!