Random Bits and Pieces & One Funny Story

This is one of those are you kidding me?  She's posting again?  Twice in one day?  Yes, I know, but I've got all these little bits and pieces floating around that I've just got to put out there.

First, I wore my show boots to work three days in a row last week and have them comfortably "broke in."  I rode in them for a few minutes yesterday and was delighted to discover that they'd lost the sensation of being a cement block strapped to my leg.  I wore them at today's lesson and was very pleased with how they held my leg in a straighter position.

Second, I have a great series of 5 or 6 posts coming on how to ride figures in the dressage court.  After bombing the serpentines with Leslie Webb, I realized I needed some more theoretical dressage knowledge.  So ... you get to share in what I learned.  I can hear you now, oh goodie!

Third, I also have a post coming about dressage pads for smaller horses.  Got my new pad this week and gave it a good trial today at my lesson - loved it!

And finally ... an update on the trophy.  No, I still have it (unfortunately), but I had a naughty thought today and secretly hoped it was going to be returned to Taz's Mom.  You see, she has taken a few dressage lessons with me and while she is a lifetime rider, she is new to English saddles.  Coach asked her to pick up the canter during the lesson today and she hesitated as she hasn't yet cantered in the dressage saddle.  Out of nowhere, a nasty little demon-Karen hopped onto my shoulder and whispered, "maybe she'll fall off in this nice, soft arena and you can give her the trophy back!"  I was horrified at the thought and quickly banished demon-Karen to a far away place.  Thankfully Taz's mom didn't come off and the lesson ended well.

On the way home, we had trailered over together, I shared with her what demon-Karen had suggested.  To my delight, she burst out laughing and said that she had had the very same thought, except that in her version it went something like this, "Crap!  If I fall off Karen is going to give me back that trophy!"

What are friends for?  Keeping us in our place, of course!