Winter has finally come to Texas

BURRR it’s finally cold in Texas! The high the last few days in the Dallas area has been hovering around mid 30’s. That’s pretty dang cold for us. Last week it rained on and off, so horses have been stuck in their stalls and we have been confined to riding in the indoor ring (snooze fest).

 

On Christmas Eve I went out in the morning to turn Rio out for a bit since it was finally dry enough, and the guys get a break for the holiday so there is no turnout unless you do it yourself. Rio was soooooo excited! I love love love watching him run and play, but I also simultaneously stress while thinking, “PLEASE don’t hurt yourself” on repeat. Sigh. It’s hard being a helicopter parent.

 

I brought him inside after he blew off some steam for a little Christmas Eve ride, and he was super as usual. Unfortunately I couldn’t make it out there on Christmas, or the day after. I finally made it last night, but not until 7:30 PM due to my work schedule. MM was the only other soul at the barn, and even though I didn’t have a lesson I am pretty sure she was there to make sure I didn’t kill myself. It was 35 out and I was determined to ride in the outdoor- first time since getting back from the show. Some people would probably have had the sense to lunge their horse first, but I have never been the type to do a lot of “prep” for my rides. 35 degrees and hasn’t been ridden in 2 days? No big for us. Rio was a total saint. I was a sack of potatoes with multiple layers of clothes and feeling very ineffective, but Rio acted like he always does and I couldn’t have been happier with him.

 

My phone simply cannot at night under the semi-crappy arena lights. Sorryyyyy

 

Feel free to watch the crappy videos (bad lighting so super poor quality) but I will warn you it is just some boring flat work. We didn’t do anything particularly hard, but I was really happy with what we did do, especially considering how little effort his rider was putting in. I just feel so freaking excited that my baby horse is now a grown horse. I feel like he has totally changed in the last 2 months- to a Steady Eddy super reliable type that really knows and loves his job. I still want to pinch myself, and I’m constantly wondering how I got so lucky.

 

Trot:

Rio12.27.17a from Kelly on Vimeo.

 

Canter:

Rio12.27.17b from Kelly on Vimeo.

 

Crazy props to all of you bloggers out there who live where it actually gets cold- I don’t know how you guys do it!!! Seriously, I don’t. I’m pretty sure 32 is my cut off LOL.

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7 comments

    1. You can do ittttt! That’s what I have to tell myself as I drive to the barn with my butt firmly planted on the seat warmer LOL

  1. I’ve been seriously looking around different areas to see where I want to move after graduating my program, and a big factor is the weather. I’m having a hard time dealing with the Summers here in Florida, but I’m also a wuss when it comes to the cold. Is there no perfect place with 70’s year round??

    Glad you were able to ride though. I bet its especially rewarding when you have all the odds stacked against you, and he’s a good boy 🙂 Love that!

  2. Kudos to you for riding outside. It’s quite cold here, so I become a wimp and head to the indoor… Rio looks awesome! Such a good boy!

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