Rhythm Beads

17 minutes - 0.40 miles - Rhulain

Rhulain has been jumping sideways at rabbits on our rides lately.  I thought the rhythm beads might help in alerting the rabbits of our approach and thereby keeping her calmer.

So I tossed the rhythm beads on and spent a few minutes walking, trotting, and lunging so she could get used to the sound. We'll incorporate them into our next few walks and rides. Should help alleviate any drastic side steps :)

Trying Some New Things

80 minutes - 76 degrees!

Solo Ride

1) New rhythm beads

2) New "old" saddle

3) Walked beside her for the first 20 minutes of our ride

4) New commitment to 2 days work, 1 day off

4) Need to work on standing still for mounting

5) New saddle needs more flexibility

I made Morgan a new set of rhythm beads ... they're a bit too long, but that's an easy fix

I pulled out my Bona Allen saddle that I bought last year.  The right fender got a small tear near the stirrup, so I put the saddle away while I decided what to do with it.  I took it to a saddle shop yesterday to see about repairing it, and he said it could be ridden as is. So I did.

I walked beside Morgan for the first 20 minutes for three reasons. 1) I need to get in shape if I really plan to do endurance riding. 2) It seems to help her leave the rest of the herd. 3) I read that she should walk 20 minutes, then trot for 5 minutes, add a 20 minute walk as a cool down to help her get back into shape.

Also, no more riding once a week.  Her topline is losing definition.  Need to work on building that back up. 

I noticed we stopped jingling somewhere in the dunes, so I had to turn Morgan around and try to find them.  Took us 10 minutes, but here there they were.  

So, I dismounted and tied them back on Morgan's neck.  Then I tried to remount and Morgan was moving off before I could get sat down.  Four times.  We need to work on this, badly.  

It's totally my fault.  I need to be more consistent when I mount. Sometimes I let her move off, and sometimes I don't. Sending mixed messages doesn't do either of us favors.

This is Morgan's pissy face after our 15 minute "discussion" about standing still while I tried to mount.  Neither one of us was happy with me at this point.  I'm disappointed in myself more than anything.

I think the new schedule will really help us both. I noticed how much our rides improved in the summer when we had consistency and at least 3 days of saddle time a week.  My fault, but it's something I can remedy.

Jingling Along, Trotting Out A Merry Song

Wednesday, November 26th  45 minute ride 
Solo

Only had to work a half day.  When I arrived home I found one willing Morgan and sunshine ... which means, we snuck in a ride before Bill got home from work.

Look at those ears!  Pricked forward and ready to go!

Heading out down our familiar path with the sun creating interesting long-legged shadows of my favorite girl and I.

We deviated from our normal route and included an additional mile that we hadn't traversed in a while.  She was wearing her rhythm beads and they made a delightful jingling sound and we trotted along.

Home again and all smiles!  Love spending time with my Morgie!