The Best He's Ever Been - OTTB

I don't know whether it was the cool Fall breeze or that he getting fit, but Bouffe was better behaved today then he has ever been since I have owned him. Of course better behaved for him is much different than a lot of horses. Better behaved was the fact that he didn't plod along and strode out both at a walk and a trot, which was much better for me because I didn't have to tired my legs pushing him to go along. In fact he actually cantered for a few strides today, which was a first. 

We did our usual figure eights and serpentines under Eileen's watchful eye and completed them without too much difficulty (Bouffe did fine but I was slouching some and dropped my shoulder on the turns). But all and all it was the best lesson I have had. Bouffe did well and I still had some strength in my legs when we were finished.

Another Good Lesson - OTTB - Multiple Sclerosis

Bouffe and I had another lesson with Eileen this morning. She is such a good teacher and coach. I was able to get Bouffe to trot one complete circuit around the ring, which doesn't seem like a big deal, but since I couldn't get him to trot even half that far last week Eileen said it was a big improvement. I alternated between sitting and posting, which also went much better than last week. This was also my first lesson wearing the Tommie Copper clothes, which definitely made a big difference as my legs felt stronger.

This might all change when the Passier saddle I just bought arrives next week. Of course it is English and the one I owned before fit me and Bouffe perfectly and was the most comfortable saddle I had ridden in to that point. I will be interested to see if I still feel that way now that I am riding Western. 

Eileen rode Bouffe at the end of the lesson and he took it all in stride, just like everything else he has been asked to do. He is such a wonderful horse and definetly a spiritual being.

I Finally Got To Ride - OTTB

The weather forecast yesterday was for rain all day, but it held off until 10AM allowing me a chance to ride! Bouffe didn't seem to be as excited and gave me some trouble putting the bit in his mouth. But after several minutes of fighting with his swinging head I got the bit in and we walked to the outdoor ring for a lesson with Eileen.

This was my first lesson and the chance to really ride for several months and I could tell I was out of shape. Especially when Bouffe decided to be stubborn and I had to urge him on with my legs. Eileen is an excellent teacher. She pushed me some, but was very patient and said I did good for the first lesson. She had us trot quite a bit, which definitely was good for me but Bouffe wasn't so eager. I know now I will have to wear my spurs every time I ride him. I tried to ride with one hand on the reins, which for me was difficult; even though, surprisingly, Bouffe seemed to understand what I was doing.

Yesterday I rode Western, but still wore my English britches and riding boots, which are very comfortable and give me support. The Tommie Copper clothes I ordered will be here today and I am anxious to try them on and see how they feel. If all goes well I expect a big boost in my riding ability. Maybe Bouffe and I will make it to the big shows yet.

Another Sunny Day/Hippotherapy - Multiple Sclerosis - OTTB

It was another sunny morning and I took advantage of it and went to the farm early before my hippotherapy appointment at ten. Bouffe was unusually affectionate and lay his head on my shoulder as I stood at the stall door and talked to him about our plans for the show season. He has a serious look on his face like he was pondering what I had said about possible shows. I did get a lead from Robin about shows at Freedom Hills in Prince George's County, which would be an expensive trip so I have to make sure we are ready. I have a lesson scheduled with Eileen for Wednesday if it doesn't snow, there is a storm in the forecast. When is Spring coming?

I had another good hippotherapy session with Robin, Eileen and Roscoe, who behaved beautifully in the outdoor arena. Robin complimented me on sitting so straight. It was the best I had done in quite awhile and I think the new rollator has something to do with it. 

OTTB - It Wasn't So Scary After All

This morning Eileen and I decided we needed to make Bouffe's experience in the indoor ring a pleasant one right from the beginning; so, today's lesson was just for Bouffe. I really didn't have to do a thing as I watched Eileen work Bouffe on the lunge line, first one direction, than the other, until in the end, he was completely relaxed and followed Eileen around the ring after she took the lung line off. It looked just like something from a Monti Roberts demonstration! I was extremely pleased.

Next week we want to do the same thing plus have me ride Bouffe in the outdoor ring before we end the session. The following week the entire session will be indoors. It all sounds like a great master plan.

Hopefully, if the weather continues to cooperate I want to ride Bouffe again on Friday in the outdoor ring.

Multiple Sclerosis - "You Didn't Give Up"

"You didn't give up." Those were the words I heard from one of Robin's hippotherapy patients this morning, when she praised me after I had finished riding Bouffe. I didn't realize anyone was watching, as Bouffe and I shared the outdoor ring with Robin and her patient (I have to find out her name) for thirty minutes. As we were leaving was when the compliments came including, how well I was riding and what an inspiration I was, which she attributed to the fact that I didn't give up. She also asked about Bouffe as he stood there quietly. I didn't have much chance to say anything as Robin and Eileen spoke for me, praising  Bouffe. 

Speaking of Bouffe he really wasn't very interested in training this morning as the ring was thawing out and I could tell he hated the going. But at least it wasn't deep or slippery which I imagine it was by this afternoon as the temperature continued to rise. 

I mentioned Eileen in the previous paragraph. She is again working for Robin and is going to again be my riding instructor starting on Wednesday. Leslie just hasn't had the time to teach me and I am looking forward to lessons with Eileen, where I must remember to listen and cooperate. I made amends in a previous post and I must live up to what I wrote. I believe this too is God given and a second chance for me to become a better rider. I have Bouffe and now I have a instructor who I trust will give me every chance to achieve the goals I have for myself and Bouffe.