Spring Break

Today marks the first day of my annual Spring Break, and I have never needed it more than I do this year. I know I say that every year, but this time I really mean it which freaks me out just a little bit because that must mean that each year gets worse. What will schools look like in five years? Don't tell me, I can't handle it.

Pretty much.

It's only one week, but I've got plans. Not big plans, but I don't think I could handle big plans anyway. Today, Izzy and I are headed to Moorpark for a lesson with Sean Cunningham, owner and trainer at STC Dressage. I've ridden with Sean twice before and really liked both his teaching style and philosophy. Sean believes that "ANY horse can successfully advance and compete up the levels with correct training." Good thing because that's us.

I've committed to at least two lessons a month with Sean along with an additional lesson and coaching at a monthly show. We have a lesson today, another one next Monday, and a third lesson on Friday afternoon before the April show at SCEC. I'm a little nervous about showing someone "new" all of my bad habits, short comings, and inadequacies, but if I am not honest with him, I won't get any better. You wouldn't lie to the doctor, so why lie to the trainer? I am hoping Sean can get us actually performing at shows. I am a little tired of just surviving.

Sean Cunningham (Photo by Terri Miller-Steiner)

In between my lessons with Sean, Speedy will finally get back to work with his ladies. He's still a tiny bit sore from the abscess though. He jogged out beautifully on Saturday with a wrap, but on Sunday there was still something there. I jogged him out barefoot on the hard packed driveway though, so I am not surprised that he was still favoring it slightly. I wrapped his hoof with more Betadine soaked gauze, so hopefully that helps the sole to harden back up. As long as he's willing and not overly sore, he'll do lessons on Tuesday and Wednesday.

On Thursday, we're having a Girls Day at the ranch with lunch in our equestrian lounge. The horses at the ranch are getting their vaccinations (my two boys have already had theirs). While he's in the neighborhood, the vet will do several neighbors' horses too. Before the vet arrives, the ranch owner and DG will have a morning lesson, so we decided to fit lunch in between that and the vet visit. Once everyone has gone, I'll take Izzy out for an afternoon ride.

He just had to graze right under my feet.

Even though I am watching my pennies closely, or maybe as a result of watching said pennies, I was able to spring for a new half pad this weekend. My first choice was the Kavallerie 3D Air-Mesh Half Pad, but as luck would have it, it just sold out in black. When I messaged Kavallerie to see how soon it would be back in stock, I was told the wait time would be about three months. Well, that wasn't going to work, so I ordered the LeMieux version from Dover. With my USEF membership discount, I was able to get it for the same price as the Kavallerie pad, so that made me feel better. 

I have never purchased a LeMieux product that I haven't liked, so I feel pretty confident that I'll be happy with it. And if not, shipping is free both ways. If I hate it, I'll return it and wait for the Kavallerie pad to be restocked. I figure it will work out the way that it is intended to work out. Dover doesn't have the fastest shipping, so it probably won't arrive for at least a week.

LeMieux® X-Grip Half Pad

I have a few other things I want to get done this week like hosing out my trailer and playing around with Pivo Meet. My husband's birthday is also in a week, so we're looking for a way to celebrate. The problem with having a week jam-packed with non-work related fun is that it makes the days fly by. Since I don't have to be back to work until April 6, I am not giving school another thought.

Here's to a week filled with horses and friends.