ride along

Feels like summer is here. It is HOT and BUGGY. I was thisclose to skipping riding altogether... Didn't want to school in the ring but did want some mileage. Our solo trail ride last week was awesome, but would it be pushing my luck to try again? Who cares,  #bossmareup amiright?

the fly whisk is indispensable in these parts

I broke out the ridiculous circus freak hackamore too since it hadn't made an appearance in ages. I love the idea of riding Isabel bitless... but like having brakes in the form of the curb chain if things go south. Except the nylon bridle has never fit the mare well (the cheek pieces go into her eyes when the reins are activated). This leads to much head flinging and displeasure (deservedly so) from princess.

toned down a tad? poor isabel looks miserable all the same tho lol

So I pulled out a spare horse-sized bridle that lives in the trailer (lest something breaks on an expedition). This one doesn't really fit either - her face is decidedly NOT horse-sized - but the leather's stiffness helps keep things in place. Plus the overall picture is maybe less ridiculous?

isabel was in paradise with all the grass

She seemed to love it tho. I made myself hold the buckle (these are pony-sized reins, so too short anyway) and martingale neck strap in one hand - leaving the other hand free for much fly whisking. I'm also a terrible enabler and let Isabel stop to graze every few steps along the fence lines on our way to the woods... 

fly whisk was in constant motion - except out in the field when the bugs left us alone

Once in the woods we just powered right on along. It was seriously glorious. Just over 3 miles of marching up and down hills, through stream crossings, a quick romp through a field next to a development and electrical grid, and other miscellaneous terrain. All on the buckle with me holding the neck strap.

still blurry. but still pretty!

Sure, I occasionally picked up a rein if I really strongly disagreed with Isabel's wish to trot down a rutted rooted steep hill... but generally I left her to her own devices. That curb strap tho - wow this mare RESPECTS it. Like, no question, no fuss, no nothing. A little rein and she WHOAs. 

But really it was so pleasant. So much so that I was comfortable enough to have a long-ish phone chat catching up with a friend at one point, and take videos on our way home. I figured our pictures always come out too blurry, maybe gifs would show the trails off better? 

Anyways fun times. I gave Isabel a few days off this week in an attempt to recreate that amazing looseness she had after the flu-related stall rest. Tho 3 days won't do as much good as 3 weeks... but it's something! Then dressage lesson later today and then into show prep mode for Tranquility the following weekend!

Hope you're all having a nice weekend!

**Also - I'm trying to update my 'stuff for sale' page with a few things that need new homes. check it out and let me know if anything looks interesting!**