Open Wide

Riva's favorite vet at work

 

 

Sleeping off the drugs

 

President's Day was spent hanging out at the barn in sunny 50 degree temps...Love!  Of course, it plunged to a high of 24 the next day.  Riva and Cheers got their Spring shots, Coggins, and dentals.  Riva's teeth were good - just maintenance floating.  Cheers, poor guy, had 4 hooks.  Should feel much better now - hoping his grumpy in general mood improves!

 

My vet was very happy with Riva's overall body condition.  Said her weight looks good and was impressed with her top line and muscling, esp in her neck.

 

I hung out at the barn until they both were fully awake.  Cleaned and conditioned my bridle and saddle - cleaned out my grooming box and straightened out the tack box.  Not hard for me to find reasons to stay at the barn most of the day!

 

Back out last night to much different temps.... Winter just needs to leave.  Horses got brought in early as the BO said they were all hanging out at their gates, looking miserable.  Riva was anxious to get out of her stall and to work - very forward and quick off my leg.  Had a really good ride - one of those rides where I leave the barn totally in love with that mare :)

 

Due to lots of indoor arena traffic, we did not get to work on our loop exercise.  Austen of  guineaforaguinness FB'ed me a great article from Practical Horseman that breaks down the loop and has super pictures.  Here is the link: http://www.laurensprieser.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/practicalhorseman.pdf  Thanks Austen!

 

But we did work on lots of transitions and had some nice canter work.  I could really feel Riva coming from behind and into the bridle.  Most times, at canter, I feel as if I am doing more work than she is.  Last night, she just carried me and it made me smile!