Riding alone

Tonight Josh let me bring Hazel to the Clinton arena while he had a meeting there, and I had the arena to myself for over an hour. I had forgotten how much I enjoy riding alone. The orange sand/clay in the covered arena was very deep and freshly broken up. The lights were bright. Hazel had already been ridden once today, and she was pretty in tune and ready to go. The weather cooled off a little after dark. And there was no one to talk to- just me and Hazel, working on our horse-rider relationship. 

In one hour we worked on correct turns, stopping, loping, speed control, speed cues, side passing, opening gates, throwing a rope around her head, heels, and body, ground tying, flexing at the poll, and giving to leg pressure.

It was so peaceful- only an occasional semi truck passing by on the highway and the crickets singing.

Hazel was amazing. She is so eager to please. The deep footing wore her out quickly, so we took frequent breaks. 

She did great, but tonight was about more than that- it was a reminder that I CAN do this, and that I love to just ride. I CAN ride and work a good horse. And I love a break from my work that requires a different type of creative and analytical thought.

TM