18 Days and Counting

I'm still a bit under the weather. Yesterday I had two round pen sessions with Phebes as I just didn't have the energy to actually drag my gear outside, let alone vigorously work my horse. We did some online exercises and some offline. Her free longing went really well. She made her laps, whoa'ed on cue, backed up on signal, and yeilded from my space by moving her hindquarters after one gentle reminder. The grass popping up was very distracting to her though, she just ravenously wants to get to the grass...As the days count down closer and closer I become more nervous about this debut ride. My friends as much as I love them all may need to understand if I just ride my own ride...ride off alone, in front, or behind to find my own little pocket somewhere on the trail. My plan is to get some slow mileage in this weekend, but a good trotting session is going to depend on me finding a training partner for this weekend. I'm not wanting to do a group ride right now as I'm still working on her rating. When it is good enough to suit me, then I'll try a group training session again. I've written to a trainer that may be willing to telephone conference with me on her needs and how I might address them. Hoping that works out. Not ready or willing to give up on my little Phebes. ~E.G.