December 26, 2009

Finally got a ride in today

It wasn't looking good on Christmas Day, raining, wet and cold. But today the sun was shining, it was cold and blustery but beautiful out if you bundled. So bundle I did and took Phebes out for a short ride. She was absolutely full of herself, she about unseated me in the field on the way back, but I managed to scrabble back up after hanging from her mane hair...As I was riding out there today I thought it a shame there aren't more winter endurance rides. It is a different set of challenges, but truly love to ride in the winter more than in the heat of summer. What was really wierd was she plunged her head into the cold creek and drank! What I couldn't hardly get her to do all summer. We walked, trotted, and even cantered a short stetch. I checked out half of my training loop. Maybe if I can get back out tomorrow I can check the other half of it and see if we are good to go. The wet leaves were sure slippery, even at the trot we'd slip now and then. We did our ride bare. ~E.G.

5 comments:

  1. I took the new gelding for a ride this morning. I almost came off as well. One spot birds flew up from under a rocky culvert and he spun around and I just about fell off. But I said there is no way I'm falling off on pavement and got myself pulled back up. It was a pretty scary thing to spook at I must admit. Rest of the ride was good. He's so out of shape though.

    Michelle

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  2. YAY for winter training rides! I got a short, very short one in yesterday... She looks great! i put some pics up on my blog...

    Happy holidays

    Zach :)

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  3. Michelle,

    I'm glad you survived your close call alright. Falling on pavement is NOT GOOD. I was hanging by a thread,all of me on her off side, my foot just clinging to the top of the saddle, head dangling below her chest... thinking.....I don't want to hit the ground. I still had the reins, and that is what saved me. Got me a handful of mane hair and literally clawed my way back up. We were trotting along at a good clip when she spotted my neighbor and a bonfire that wasn't there previously on our way out, she did a 180 degree roll back which is how she's unloaded me every time. If I can stay on between now and the New Year my record of 7 falls in one year will remain untarnished ;>) Phebes was phenominal though, you could just feel the energy rippling under the saddle.

    GSMFS (God save me from spooks)~E.G.

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  4. More winter riding today. I'm beginning to think there is crazy and then there is CRAZY! Since my neighbor was game we headed out for a ride this afternoon. Made it out 5 miles and it wasn't bad. But when we turned around for home the winds were in our face and the snow was a falling. By the time we got back we were white and the ground was almost covered. Had to close our eyes whenever we went faster than a walk.

    Michelle

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  5. I love riding with the snow whirling around me. Can be problematic if you wear glasses though... Glad to hear you are getting it done. Not getting much accomplished her on my end.

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