6 1/2 weeks…
After 6 1/2 weeks – 2 injuries to 2 different feet, I am so happy that Alfie is healed, healthy and ready to ride. Driving to the barn today, I was excited and a little nervous, would Alfie be ready to ride, what if I get on and one of his feet bother him? Excitement and nervousness – emotions I know all to well when it comes to Alfie.
While tacking Alfie up tonight, I can see the excitement in his eyes as I get the saddle out of my tack closet. His eyes get wide and he automatically moves a few steps closer to me as I get into position to put the saddle on him. I get him bridled with ease and we are off. He stands at the mounting block perfectly still. I get on and he decides he would rather walk backwards – a move he’s done before, one that used to fluster me, but not tonight, I just kick him forward into the arena. A few adjustments to my saddle are made and our warmup begins.
As we approach the wall of the arena and turn left, Alfie breaks into a trot – easy there buddy, not yet lol.
I slow him down just a tad, and we power walk through the entire warmup. Our circles were good, not completely circular but they were fluid, and balanced. We crossed our diagonal and worked some more circles and even did a spiral in and out. We practiced some leg yielding and some shoulder work. All at that amazing forward walk pace. It was now time to trot.
My diagonals were off, I couldn’t get the rhythm but sometimes you sacrifice small things like that for the bigger picture – Alfie was moving, and feeling good.
Something I’ve learned about Alfie – when he gets tired, he breaks out his dramatic head toss. This made an appearance about 20 minutes into the lesson. I than began a nice 10 min cool down. I didn’t want to push him too much since this was his first ride in 6 1/2 weeks and we spent the majority of the ride trotting lol.
Our ride ended and all I have in my heart is happiness mixed with relief. Relief that he’s healed and happiness that I’ve got my dancing partner back. Team Braveheart for the win.❤️🐴
Confessions of an Equestrianoholic 