TOABH: Shining Star

It's that time again, where we celebrate Archie's imminent birthday with a blog hop post on our own special ponykins. I'm feeling very much on the same wavelength as Beka in this series - as today's answer is also something I've written about previously. But here's the perfect opportunity to add a little depth. 

Shining Star

Let's talk about the biggest achievements your horse has accomplished.  I'm not talking about you as a rider - I want to know what your ponykins has done to make you proud.  Is there a glorious satin collection, did he/she figure out some dressage movement that took months to learn, or are is it just a great day when your butt stays in the saddle?  

I could go on and on and on about how amazing Princess Isabel is... but today I'm going to stick to one very specific thing. Namely - my blog title: 'Fraidy Cat Eventing. 

That's pretty straight forward, right? I'm, uh, not the bravest rider. Conservative is a word I'd like to use, except I know perfectly well that my *ahem* fear can actually be really counter productive and self defeating. 

But confidence is a funny thing, and it CAN be rebuilt. Just takes time and patience... 

Meanwhile - I'm 100% guaranteed to be scared shitless of roll tops. I HATE them. They freak me right the F out. Coops and boxes? Nbd. Never mind that roll tops are actually easier for horses than angular jumps, since they mimic the arc of a horse's jump. Never mind that at all. Roll tops are terrifying and I'd be happy to never see another one ever again. 

But this is supposed to be a post about Isabel, right? 

So: I am so so so proud of Isabel for taking care of me. Period. 

We've still only jumped roll tops a handful of times... and really the only time that was actually quite nice was when the roll top was backwards (and therefore looked like a gate - easy peasy! video here - fence at 1:30). 

In fact, when I saw that #6 fence on our first ever horse trial xc course walk, I nearly melted down and questioned every single decision that had led me to that point. 

For the most part, I've just pointed Isabel at these jumps and mentally checked out. Completely frozen, holding on for dear life. ESPECIALLY the first two-three times (again, there's only been a handful or so). 

But Isabel has taken it all in stride (or, as best she could given my death grip on the reins) and made it a drama free, and - dare I say - enjoyable experience. In fact, I can confidently say that Isabel has yet to meet a roll top she doesn't like. 

first time!!

2nd time - clinging to that mane like it's my job

roll top at our first horse trial!

(we are jumping it backwards in this more recent shot, but what the hell, i'm counting it anyway)

It's pretty clear in the first two pictures - especially that second time - that I am in 100% passenger mode. And not even a particularly helpful (or balanced!) passenger. But Isabel's ears are pricked and happy exactly the same as when we nailed the fence in the last photo. 

Good good good mare! This is why she is my shining star :)