Rain rain I love the rain

I just wish it wouldn't keep me from riding! It has been raining & every thing is pretty wet. A few weekends ago we took Bella to Polocrosse. I was going to ride her around while Nina played polox with Blondie & if Bella did okay, I thought I might join in. Well.... things didn't go quite as planned. They seldom do with Bella. :)

Bella was fine until I put the saddle on her then she went all wiggy. I was trepidatiously  of getting on her while she was acting like that, so Patrick hopped on, no stirrups, no helmet. Bella tossed her head that way & her bottom the other way. Patrick had to swat her several time, vigorously until she calmed down, then he was ready to give her back to me --- no way Jose! Take her to Nina I said & Patrick did.

Well low & behold Nina, not knowing how poorly Bella had just behaved, hopped on her & they played polox like no big deal! I just don't get whats up with that horse.

I have to say, however, the last few times I have tried to get on Bella, since Patrick corrected her, she has been an angel! She hasn't tried to bite me, or walk off, or anything! I was shocked. At first I thought Bella wasn't feeling well. ha!

Last night even though it was kinda wet & icky, Nina hopped on Bella bareback. Bella was awesome! Nina did some walk, trot, canter with her just enough to say someone got on & worked with her. It is my opinion Bella is one of those horses that needs to be worked each & every day to keep her in check. We are going to try that & see what happens!

Friends Grand Kids

Miss. J and her friend brought their grand kids over to ride the horses. At first we thought we might get rained out, but it turned out after a few sprinkles, we were able to ride. Hayden hopped on Bella & she was terrific. He was trotting her around. We even put one of the little bitties on & he enjoyed his ride on Bella.

Popcorn was the hit of the day giving plenty of rides around the arena. she is such a sweet horse & is a great babysitter.

I hopped on Smokey bareback & really enjoyed my self. He is a lot if fun & makes me miss Sonny so much. Nina got on Smokes, & had one or two of the kids ride double with her.

Riding lesson!

Had my first riding lesson on Bella & my first riding lesson in.....years probably! I had such a good time. Kari is a great teacher. She taught the 19year old, then me, then the 8 year old. Not everyone can teach - well - across ages like that.

I was anxious at first, not wanting to look like a complete idiot, but I held my own -- I think.

Kari had me loosen my reins, a lot. I thought she was very intitutive, knowing that Bella doesn't like a tight rein. She put my stirrups up one, then had Bella zooming around the arena. Bella has a fast trot & Keri wanted me to let Bella trot at her speed. One of the reasons I was having problems with keeping Bella steady is because I was trying to keep her slower than her speed!

Well I felt totally out of control but I did have a lot of fun. I will have to practice riding Bells at her speed & with the longer rein & shorter stirrup.

Hayden did well on Popcorn too. Pop's was listening very well during the lesson. Hayden was able to complete a dressage test on her & Kari is helping Hayden keep Pops head turned in a little which is what I have been working with him on. Keep Pops bending through the circle. We know she is flexible because she can run around those barrles!

It was a fantastic day riding & I can't wait to ride again!