creating a NEW new plan!!

I reminisced a couple weeks ago about how great it was for my confidence to take two jumping lessons each week back in 2015. Ideally, that's the direction I'd like to get back to. In the meantime, tho, realistically I'll settle for even just more saddle time, independent of whether we jump or not. 

Y'all don't need me to tell you that life with Charlie requires many many starts and stops. The casual reader might be forgiven for thinking we're perpetually in the "getting started again / legging back up" phase of work, let's be real.

charlie is the best at making new barnyard friends <3 isn't Bess adorable tho??

To be perfectly honest, I've often considered (at times, very seriously) whether I might actually be able to swing two horses -- just to always have a back up for ye olde King of the Dings, Charles. 

Somewhat serendipitously, tho, an even better situation just popped up. You see, the owners at Charlie's farm have long felt like something's been missing. And they've been casually looking for a new barnyard resident. Finally, they found her: Bess. And guys, Bess ticks all the right boxes. 

she's really the friendliest tho

She's obviously super cute. But also super friendly, gentle, and people-oriented. Only issue is that she's still kinda young and doesn't have a ton of mileage yet. She's not ready for "prime time" in the school program yet, if ya know what I mean. 

So -- we ended up working out a win-win solution for everyone involved. I get a solution for filling the gap in my saddle time, giving me the opportunity to increase my fitness (and grow my skillset in new and different ways). And Bess gets the attention and experience she needs to be a productive member of the farm's society. 

haven't found a bridle that fits her yet (plus, omg, so downhill!) so it's a real test of my balance lol

And honestly, so far everything's been going pretty smoothly! She's obviously a very different ride from what I'm used to -- not even considering the conformation changes. 

And, lol, somewhat embarrassingly, she's already got a bigger better engine than retired racehorse Charlie.... Which honestly is a nice change of pace for me (lol puns) not feeling like I have to kick kick kick her along every step. Tho, uh, the lack of steering and downhill way of going has meant for some slightly dicey moments at times -- esp out in the open fields!

but she's got hops!! good 'nuff for me <3 <3 <3

Honestly, tho, Bess is SUPER fun. She's brave and game and so far has shown a shocking aptitude and talent for her new job. Idk how long the lease will last, to be honest, bc some of the more advanced lesson kiddos are already itching to get their chance with her too. 

But for now, I'm just taking my time and making sure we both get a lot of good positive experiences. So! There ya have it -- my new exciting partner in crime, with our lease starting today, April 1!! :)