The Opposite of Sidetracked

Things are going along smoothly I have to report. Had some bumpy patches and stressful times, but it looks like the skies are clear and ready for sailing. Possum has just been great lately, and I'm not the only one who is noticing it. Since it's in the heart of winter up here I usually only ride about 2-3 times a week, just enough to keep us in shape and keep Possum relatively conditioned and working part time. Possum has been really responding to the work we're been doing in terms of our flat work and jumping. He is more contistently keeping a steady rhythm during course work, and in the flat we have been working on more self carriage, something that he always hates due to is build. Have also been working on really engaging that hind end and lifting the shoulders to create a more balanced and powerful stride, be that walk, trot or canter. Because my little appy gelding is not build like a dressage star this has always been tough for him to perform, but he is trying his heart out and progress is being made which I am more than thrilled with.

I think having some time off from showing and just the stress from showing is really helping us to get back to the basics and keep us focused on not just improving, but enjoying being with each other. I have a horse for a reason, and it's not to take me to the big hunter or equitation finals, it's because I love riding and being with him and just getting into adventures that we so often fall into. I have gotten some really good feedback from other riders at the barn that have noticed our progress, I have to admit that it makes me feel really good, cause both Possum and I have worked hard at this.

Onto the boy side of this blog. I can say with about 99% certainty that I WILL BE GOING TO ALASKA!!! Both Steve and I got the green light and the plans are being put into motion. I will be either going about the 21st of this month, yikes! or the middle of March. I am beyond excited. I am so happy to finally meet him and talk horses, and the outdoors and just to see day to day life out there on their rustic lodge. I am also happy for a vacation and a break in the day to day norms. I havn't had an official vacation since I was about 18 and it is looooong overdue. I have to admit that I'm a little nervous, but the feeling of excitement is far outweighing that. This news couldn't have come at a better time. Everything also seems to be falling into place, I have some extra $ from my income tax return to get out there, I have my parents and G to watch the dogs, so they will be more than taken care of, and Possum will not mind having about 10 days off, a little vacation for him too so to speak. Anyways, as usualy I will keep you all updated on my plans and ofcourse if I go I will take pics and see the horses at the lodge. I am basically jumping up and down just thinking of it.

Below and above are some pics, semi horse related hahaha that the roomie and I took one night before going out. We were just being silly and had not had even a drop of acohol, this was all sober folks! Enjoy and laugh, cause we sure did.