Before 2011 finished, I had been quietly working on two things with Honey - 1: helping her lose weight & 2: walking her about in order to keep a consistent fitness level going. It's been tough work, trying not to jump ahead and start trotting early like we did last time, but keeping Honey sound is more important than being able to get going normally. With all the extra weight she was carrying made it harder for her to stay sound after we started trot work - it was simply just too much for her. So with a heavily monitored diet and light exercise, we've finally made it into 2012... and can now walk, trot and canter under saddle. I have felt a little worried that my last two rides have been a bit rough on her, but in actual fact she's been somewhat schooling me. Her fitness is at a level where she can handle what is coming her way, and isn't becoming stiff from her exercise - which was our biggest issue in 2011. I guess I'm just playing the overly paranoid Mother who doesn't want to be back to being out of the saddle again for a period of time. But the last two rides have been truly something amazing, and have put me in a permanent high.
Our first ride consisted of a lot of walking, as usual. It got to the point where I could feel she was ready for a trot - and boy was she ready! She was so excited to have a good amount of trotting, that she blew through a couple of aids - naughty. So I instantly reprimanded her for them, asking her right back to the walk and once she was listening, asking her forward again. After an argument we seemed to get going again, and it was just perfect. I enjoyed her lovely big trot, almost as much as she did. We had a pole out there propped up on some tires for lifting her legs, but Honey cheekily leaped it. So I went over it again, with every hope she'd leap it - I haven't jumped anything on this mare, let alone tried to. It was an amazing feeling, even if it was just a pole off the ground, it was another goal on my list of things to do. To top this ride off, my friend had a sit up on Honey and afterwards I popped up with no helmet on and went for a walk and a trot. It was just so relaxing, god I trust my Honey completely.
Our second ride was even better than the first. Walking and trotting went well. She felt consistent, which was great and not stiff at all, in fact she felt so good she broke into a canter at one point because she was so balanced on that corner. It was only a few strides, but she actually didn't just run. Intrigued by this, I asked myself for the canter on the same corner and she just skipped into it! Man I was so happy! To top it off she then came back down into a solid trot - no wobbles, no pacing!! I busted out in tears at that point, so proud and overwhelmed. Honey seemed to think she was darn special then and stood there quite chuffed with herself. Went around and tried it again and she held her canter longer than the last attempt.
It just goes to show to all those out there that had been thinking so poorly of my management and riding ability/horse ownership that good things take time, and I can now politely shove it in their faces. The nasty words I've received and the so called "support" from some have only been a fuel to my motivation to keep going along, hoping I can prove that me and Honey will meet all our goals and not be held back by limitations.
So my main goal of 2012 is to continue riding, and to continue improving. To personally lose weight, and to help Honey lose some too would be great!
Signing off,
Chelle x
