Only the Lonely

Well folks it's Valentines evening, and I am here in my pajamas sitting on the couch watching TV and typing on the computer surrounded by my dogs. I know I don't need a guy to make me feel good about myself, but really sometimes it's nice to have someone around.

As for today, it was a great day at the barn. I rode Moonsine first and she was OK. She was a little stiff, definately leaning in some around the turns and not as crisp in her downward transitions, especially in simple changes as she does not know how to do flying ones yet. We have a lot of work to do if we want to be show ready. I also took her over some small courses of jumps at about 2'3" and it went alright. Our spots were good but keeping her in the center of the jumps and straight after a line was a little worse than last year. It just means that we have stuff to work on. It also doesn't help that I'm really outta shape as well and need to get my ass in gear.

Afetr riding Moonshine I gave her a quick grooming and put all of her blankets on. A teenager offered to go bring Possum into the indoor and I went to go get his tack and brushed him up. It was later in the day and the indoor only had one lesson going on and it happened to be my roomie hehehe. I was just thinking of getting a little exercise in with Possum and maybe just a little dabble of jumping. Well Possum was amazing. He was calm and quiet and really listening to my aids. I was able to keep proper equitation and I think we probably looked really good because I didn't have to keep wrestling with him. I decided to trot some warm-up jumps and he took it all in stride. Then we started cantering lines and he was as easy as possible. Rhythm was there, impulsion was great and he was really listening and we were nailing our spots. I couldn't believe it. I told the barn owner that we just need to keep telling him that I'm going to be showing Moonshine and make him jealous so he really turns it on. I really don't have an explanation for how good he was, but I was thrilled! I gave him lots of kisses and some treats and tucked him back into all of his blankets and let him back out with his buddies.

We drove home and my roomie got ready for her date tonight. I took a shower and just hung out in my robe on the couch. Greg is having a rough couple of days and is really depressed and angry at his ex for how she is not only treating him, but also how she projects onto their 3yo son. So I'm all alone. I know this isn't a long term thing and I need to tell myself to enjoy the time I have for myself and let things happen as they will. SO I'm chillin out. Last night my roomie and I went out to eat and then looked at area jewelry stores just to see how the other half lives. I can tell you that tack stores excite me way more than jewelry stores. But we had a good time anyways. I have been OK with my food intake lately. Even though it hasn't been the healthiest, I havn't been eating as much.

This moring actually started out well. Greg called and woke me up and he had to make a removal in a couple towns from me and asked if I wanted to go. I got up and showered and dressed and we had a good time joking around in the car. It was good to see him lighten up and laugh. It's too bad that he had to get into it with his ex tonight and the power she has over how he feels. He really has a lot on his plate right now with work and his kid and dealing with his ex's crap.

So I think I'm gonna go down to the store and have them make me a chicken wrap and splurge and get a Pepsi and chill for the noght. I definately got a work out riding two horses today and it feels really good. SO have a good Valentines Day everyone and we'll cjeck back next year and compare posts.

Love My Horse

My horse is awesome in his own way. He is not super athletic or talented in any huge way. But he loves me and it shows and I love him. I went out to the barn the other night as it was a crazy heat wave of 45 degrees! I got him all cleaned up and shining as much as he can in a winter coat and tacked him up to play with in the arena. He did pretty well. He was especially stiff on his bad side so I tried some shoulder in's and 10 meter circles. After we had a solid flat warming up I trotted him over a few fences to warm up, nothing big or anything. He did pretty well and wa snot rushing anything too badly. It was kinda busy in the ring so we had to pick and choose when and where we were going to jump.

I have to admit that hsi downward transitions really need some work. He'll come down alright but he feels the needs to hollow out his back and stick his face out. Those old habits die hard. Other than that he was pretty darn good. I set one jump up to 3'6" to really work on his form and spots. He suprised me by doing really really well. We were even taking it off a roll back. He was listening reallly well and if I asked him to wait he would. Onle a few times did he rush a little. He was being so good that decided to push it and trot him over it. This was the real test because not only was it pretty high but it was also an oxer. The only time he messed up is when he tried to rush it and I held him back and before he knew it he was crashing through it. I gave him a reprimand of backing him up and making him stand and then fixed it and we hopped right over.

To coll him out I rolled up the stirrups and loosened the girth and took off his bridle and we walked around the arena together. He follows me wherever I go. It's really cool to have that bonding time together. Everyone laughs because when I start running he will too and when I jump over a jump on my feet he'll follow, I just need to make sure that he doesn't jump on top of me hehehe.

So Sunday my roomie and I are going to Dover to get her new saddle. She is pumped. We're going to the barn Saturday because she has a lesson and I'm going to ride Moonshine in the afternoon and start to get serious about the possibility of showing her this summer. So it should be a fun weekend, and plus I have Monday off so it will be extra nice.

Tubing Pics!!

Look at us go. Ride em cowgirl!!!!

Giving last minute instructions before going out.

Possum in a western saddle. Take a good look because it only happens once in a great great while.

Another non-horse day

Ho hum ho hum. It's just another day in the work week. I have a busy day of teaching and visiting schools with a small break in the afternoon for lunch. After work my dad is going to help me (do my) taxes so that leaves out the possibility of riding. The weather is also supposed to get really nasty this afternoon with snow and sleet and some ice, yippee!! I am so ready for winter to be over ao I can really start my life. My riding life that is, and also the life where I feel awake and energized as opposed to tired, cold and lazy. The next couple of days are going to be in the 40's and I am hoping to take advantage and ride Possum and maybe even Moonshine.

I had a pretty good time last night. I got home kinda late from the college where I do drop-in hrs and visited with my roomie for a bit. I then took Phinney and went over to Gregs house. His son was with his mother. Cause you know I am just such a bad influence on children, according to her. We hung out and watched TV. He was feeling sick to his stomach earlier so I offered to speep the floors that have gotten peppered with dirt from outside and also floating dog hairs. I didn't mind because I enjoy sweeping anyways. we watched one of my favorite shows which is Intervention on A&E and then watched 24 which he had DVR'd. While he was watching his show he was giving me the best back rub ever.

I'm just having such a hard time not being in a relationship. I have such strong feelings for him it's really quite crazy and alarming. I just have such a good time with him and joking and kissing and the like. I realize that he is getting over a long and bitter relationship and the last thing he needs right now is to jump prematurely into another one, but damnit the female selfish side of me is like chomping at the bit. I want him for myself and for him to proclaim his love to me. I am truely an idiot to the 10th degree. Why can't I just relax and live in the moment and enjoy what is in front of my face instead of dwelling on what I want and don't have. Soetimes I really want to just punch myself in the head.

But I like relationships, I really do. I like having someone. I like saying I love you and showering them with compliments (soemthing Greg is obviously not used to) I like knowing that I have someone no matter what. I love sharing my life with someone and them sharing their life with me. It's stability that I crave in my life and damnit I want it. (stomping feet and whining like a kid after a candy bar in the grocery store) I need to reel myself in and hold my horses. If I continue to act like this and put undue pressure on him, it will slowly push him away and put unnecessary pressure on your fun and relaxing relationship. Ok, take a deep breath Molly. I just had to vent and put the words that have been floating in my head out and onto something.

Oh and it also doesn't help the fact that "G" has been texting me and saying that he is realizing how crappy he treated me and his counselors are helping him to see this. why is it that I find guys that need me as their counselor instead of as their partner? Why do guys look to me to fix them and help them through life when it leaves me feeling empty and drained afterwards? Anyways, I'm off to have a quick lunch. Have a great day everyone and love your animals.

Skijoring but with Tubes??!!

Yes you heard right folks, I had a blast at the barn today. It was a temperate 40 degrees and even though the wind was whipping it was a good day to ride. I got Possum out first and did some warm-ups in the arena and jumped some jumps while there weren't many people in there and then got a few of the barn people together and we decided to go tubing while being pulled by a horse. Well the horse turned out to be Possum. He was a star!!! I made a little rigging and tied it to the stirrup loops which are metal on the western saddle on both side and then we clipped a fairly long line to that for the tibe. I wanted the pull to be even on both side and not just from the horn. So not only did Possum have a western saddle on, but he had a little makeshift harness on as well. He was absolutely great. I had someone walk behind us at first for him to get used to pulling something and he didn't even blink. Then I just had him pull the empty tube to get him let used to the noise, he was fine with that until the wond picked up and made the tube more like a kite. Now Possum rarely has any freak outs, but this sure made him act up. He was scared to death that it was a big monster coming at him, and the more he tried to get away from it, the more it kep following him. After the tube was under control and was no longer a monster flapping in the wind he was great.

After that we were ready to rock and roll. I first went to walking and having someone in the tube, and before long we were hand galloping up the long driveway. Possum had no issues what so ever with hauling a person on the tube, and never even once acted up with having the "harness" on him. We gave people a bunch of turns and then after a while I decided to give him a well deserved rest. I untacked him and put one of his blankets on and let him loose to eat the hay in the corner of the indoor. He was more that pleased with himself. It's just such a good feeling knowing that I can do almost anything with my horse. He may not excel in any one thing, but he's willing to try anything and that's all I ask of him. It's supposed to get back to sub zero temps again tonight so I bundled him up and turned him back out.

So it was a good day for animals. The dogs had a good time again and were really well behaved and got to visit with all their doggie friends which was nice. I also go to get out and get some exercise which is always a plus.

So I went over to visit Greg at his house tonight to watch TV and visit with his 3yo son. Well Greg and an his ex got into it on the phone because she wanted the dog for the night and he said no. Well she showed up and it was a mess. I tried to stay as neutral as possible. She looked right at me and said that she didn't have a problem with me, but did not want her son hanging around me. I reassured her that Greg and I were only friends and that is how their son knows us to be as well. She then went into a rage on Greg about other things and it was an aweful screaming match. I took their son out into the garage and even put him in the truck because they were yelling and screaming so bad. I finally had to tell them that this was enough and they cannot do this in front of their son. He was abviously upset by then. It was just a mess and after she left I left and still have yet to talk to Greg since he is putting the kid to bed now. I just really hate being in this situation and they were both equally at fault. He should have called the police as soon as she entered the home when he told her not to, and he should have not been yelling with her with their son in his arms. She was just really out of line and after all I have heard about her and now seeing her in action I am having serious thought that she has narcicistic peronality disorder. Anyways, so I'm waiting for Greg to call me so we can talk things over and come up with a strategy if anything like this ever happens again. It just wouldn't be my life without some drams. As soon as one part of my life gets good, another has to fall to shit. Ohwell, I have faith that it will all work out, but just needed to vent to my blogger friends. Have a good night everyone. Watching a scary movie with my roomie and then getting my lesson plan ready for school tomorrow, which is ironically based on healthy relationships.

Good Day of Riding

Had a great day at the barn. I woke up late because I was out at Gregs house until late and got home after midnight. I ate a quick breakfast of left over Chinese food and took a shower and got dressed in my riding clothes. As I was getting in the car I felt a little breeze in my crotch area. I looked down and sure enough a hole about the size of a quarter had minifested itself. Yes, the breeches were kind of old, but that is not an excuse for the weight that I have gained in the past few months. I have been eating like crap and been sitting on the couch like a bump on a log. I have been walking and running lately and then been doing some crunces and things, but I really need to adjust my diet. When I'm bored I eat. This winter has been hard on me, and I have been bored a lot!!!

So I got to the barn and let Possum out to pick loose hay around the farm, let the dogs out to play and then walked down to the indoor to watch what lessons were going on. It was very very busy at the barn so had to only do a few single jumps at a time. Possum was really good on the flat. When we were done int he ring I took him down the dirt road and let him fly. I let him gallop until he wanted to stop. It was awesome and took my breath away. As I was putting him away some barn people and I made a plan to go tubing with the horses tomorrow. Hook a line to a western saddle and pull a tube with someone on it. One person riding the horse and one person riding on the tube. I'm pumped. So stay tuned for some news on that. Well gotta visit with a person who just came over, but will check in on riding and tubing.

Horses and things.........

Not too much to update about. I havn't ridden Possum since last weekend but I do plan on riding tomorrow and Sunday since it's going to be in like the 40's which is practically a heat wave!!! I've been doing some thinking on showing this year. Since I am basically broke I have toreally make some choices. My goal this year is to compete in the adult medal at the Finals this year and Possum is just sometimes so hard and unpredictable sometimes. SOmetimes he'll be OK and others he just attacks the jump course at break neck speed. This is frowned upon by judges at a equitation final especially when I am working hard to keep him under control and not "equitatiing" like I should. The barn owners horse Moonshine who I have talked about before and is a gorgeous 7yo perch/TB cross who needs a little work but has the potential to make a great hunter and equitation horse. I am seriously thinking of turning most of my riding attention towards her inorder to show. Last year when I showed and worked with her she was perfect, no one could beat us. I'm not trying to toot my own horn or anything, but this mare is just that good. She needs more course work at 3ft and to nail her flying changes and if all that is accomplished she will be unbeatable. She has the look, a leggy dark brown horse with big soft eyes who has her ears pricked over every fence. She takes up a good leg and is almost push botton with transitions and will collect for you on a dime. Perfect to do testing with. Iam seriously thinking of using her this year to get towards my goals at the Finals. We'll see i guess.

On another note, my roomie is buying a new saddle!!!! This is such an exciting time for her. It's like buying a new car for horse people. She is getting the same exact saddle like I have. A Dover brand Circuit Pro. http://www.doversaddlery.com/dover%92s-circuit-pro-saddle/p/X1-15455/cn/92/

We are going down there next weekend and I think Greg may even go with us which is super cool. He'll get to see me salivate in a tack store and fall in love with all the merchandise. He can't believe I'm not a real shopper like most women, but he will soon see how much I love horse things. My roomie is totally excited and can't wait to trade her cheap ugle saddle for this one. She rides in mine whenever I'm not riding and has fallen in love with it. I'm so happy for her.

As for the guy front. Things have pretty much stayed the same. Greg and I are having a blast hanging out with each other and we have just so much fun. I didn't think it was possible to have so much fun with a guy and be completely myself. We joke around and make fun of each other and then profess how much we mean to one another. I guess I can only hope for the future to be as good as this. The dogs are also doing great. After work today I rolled up my sleeves and bathed each one of them in the tub. It killed my back, but it was worth it. Their all shiny and silky and so nice to touch. After giving them baths I had to take another shower myself because I smelled like wet dog, but that was OK. My roomie and I then went out for Chinese food and I drank enough tea to feed an army. I'm all buzzed on caffeine now.

As of Monday I will finally have health insurance again and am going to the doctors to have my back checked out. It still bothers me sometimes and I can always feel it which sucks, but most of the time I just push it out of my mind. Also since I broke my back I have gained all the weight back that I lost last summer. I have started walking and running some and really need to work out more and watch what I eat. It's not cool putting on pants that were falling off me last year that will barely button up now. I refuse to go up in size and need to do something about it ASAP.

Well I think that's about it for now. I'll have more to update this weekend with riding. Have a good night everybody. I'm staying up to make sure I watch the new reality series on Animal Planet, Jockeys. It looks super cool and seceretly I have always wanted to be a jockey.