We're still working on her weight, but her butt's really filled out and she's looking a lot healthier than she was. Slow progress (ugh, TBs!!), but progress nonetheless! We're going to get her a super duper worming pack, too, which will most likely help pack some extra weight on her. Yay!
Yes, yes, still thin... but tell me she doesn't look better!
So, I've ridden her - really ridden her! - for the first time in a long time. The first time was Sunday, and we had a few "baby" moments, but they passed pretty quickly and she settled down at the end of the ride really nicely and we had some fabulous walk/trot work at the end there. It was also foggy, there was traffic, and I rode her at first in an open field she'd never been in before. I can't really fault her baby moments; it was a very spooky day!
Today, I rode at dusk, and she was even more amazing! She didn't rush her gaits at all and we walked, trotted, AND cantered! She was excellent (although slightly rusty on those canter departs! But we never had walk/canter departs down at all anyways). She even got her leads every single time!! When I let out the reins and asked her to stretch out and down to me, she did. Every time. I didn't think it would work, and I expected her to be confused and try to speed up instead, or at least take a little while to understand what I was trying to tell her. But it took her no time at all and she did it consistently and very relaxed! It was a fabulous feeling and I'm really glad I took the chance to push her training just a little bit.
I rode her while they were feeding the rest of the horses in the barn, and she acted like she didn't even notice. She was on her best behavior, stood perfectly on the crossties for me before and after our ride, and was very polite all night. Everyone was super impressed that she didn't get pushy or impatient after our ride for her dinner, but she was too busy snuggling me and enjoying all the attention she was getting, I think!
In any case, I'm so very proud of her and I can't wait to start really working her again.
