Something insane happened this weekend. It’s mid July and it wasn’t that hot. I am not even kidding. According to Accuweather.com it was high of 94 Saturday but when I rode at 9:30 for my lesson it maybe felt mid 80’s and there was a breeze, so really not terrible. Sunday morning was the real shocker though- amazing cloud coverage and a COOL breeze, it was actually pleasant!! With a high of 91, I swear the morning felt like 78-80, and the breeze made it even more pleasant. Sorry to brag but don’t get too jealous, the forecast this week is 99 or 100 each day so… I enjoyed it while it lasted.
Our lesson Saturday was phenomenal. We are continuing to concentrate on straightness and it is really showing. I can still feel him wanting to drift left approaching some jumps (especially in a line) and I am getting quicker about catching it. When I don’t straighten him, we pretty much have no prayer of landing the right lead. As if by magic though, a straight Rio is able to land the correct lead. WHO KNEW?
On Sunday we worked on a bit more flat work, incorporating lots of leg yields, and working more on collected/working/lengthen trot and canter. I KNOW that working with-in the gait should be something I do every ride, but I realized I haven’t been focusing on it as much as I should lately. Rio seemed to enjoy the variety, and was excellent all weekend.
Rio’s auntie (aka my BFF) gave him a new halter, so we also did a mini post-ride photo shoot. Again, the weather was so brilliant we weren’t in a rush to get indoors, otherwise these photos wouldn’t have happened.
Also, have you ever tried to ask a muggle to take a conformation picture? I had to explain like 5 different ways what a conformation photo was to my dear hubby and I am still not convinced he understands me. That’s ok though, he gets an A+ for effort because he took all these amazing photos and I am super proud of how good he is getting.
4 comments
Hahahahaha I can relate so much to the confo pic struggles. We’ve been doing monthly confo pics for like five years now and every time I end up yelling at Hubby during them.
When I want a specific type of shot and my DH is stuck as the photographer, I show him examples and say what to focus on. Like trot pictures, I show him an example and say “see how the horses legs are and that the rider is sitting” — THAT’S what I want. Also, sport mode is a god-send LOL
Good advice! I probably should take the time to better trainer said muggle husband and not just critique all his work LOL! Agreed on the post mode being a god send too.
I’ve struggled with actual horse people getting decent shots… so I feel you on the muggles! Lol!
You two look great, how nice to have a comfortable weekend of riding!