getting our wings back

I was out of town most of last week for work. Not super duper ideal, but that's kinda just how things go sometimes, right? It was a good trip tho. Same conference I've been going to for something like the last nine years, even since before I changed jobs. Lots of friends and good professional acquaintances and peers.

It got a little dicey tho bc I hadn't been sure I'd be going this year. But meanwhile MCTA's Jenny Camp (which is being held at our home farm this year instead of at Shawan Downs!) was postponed back in May due to weather, and the rain date is TODAY.

Guys. Much excitement.

Even tho. Uh. Yea. I've kinda been away all week.... Oops. Luckily Brita kept the horse ridden for me during my absence. And after seeing him kinda run out of steam at Windurra last week, she actually stepped it up and offered to do trot sets and conditioning work with him instead of just the hacking I had asked. Nice!

this horse, guys <3 from our killer lesson yesterday

And. Uh. So. Maybe I should have Brita condition him more often lol bc he felt like one million dollars during our lesson yesterday. Obvi full post coming soon. But damn. Just look at him. He's such a fucking prince <3 <3 <3

Anyway tho. Back to the point. Today is show day. Actually it's entirely possible that by the time you read this, I'll already be finished my rides.

It's crazy to me how differently this year has played out vs my expectations. Can you believe we've only actually done three full events?? (And yea, that includes Plantation where we didn't even complete). It's been tough to reconcile all my hopes and dreams and plans and hard work against the reality that... sometimes horses are fragile. And sometimes riding is hard. You know how it goes.

But right now things feel really good. The horse feels sound. He feels like he's gotten his head back into the game post-Plantation. And I feel like I've learned a lot about the rider I need to be for him.

I've also been working really really REALLY hard on my attitude and perspective. Meaning: nothing depends on today's outcome. Today isn't a critical domino in a long line of intricate curves and turns. I'm not trying to get to T or anything, not trying to qualify for anything. Just out there trying to put in a good ride and have fun while I'm at it.

If we have a little trouble today, nbd. It's all good. Esp considering it's at our home farm (FINALLY I get to experience the joy that is doing a full event without trailering! Considering we've missed all our opportunities over the past year haha....). So it's really just hopefully gonna be a lighthearted, fun romp across the country.

Hopefully. Fingers crossed haha. Wish us luck and hopefully you're all having a fantastic weekend too as summer slowly winds down ;)