I’ve been working from home nearly 3 months now with little “in office” time. That has changed now that the kids have camps they can attend…and it is weird being at home on rotation days when it is only us and the dogs! As of next week we all go back to FT in the office (with masks and other cleaning precautions). The fall however, is the unknown. We will enter Phase III here in VA on 7/1…will it last? Currently the schools are working on the various schedules and our choices are totally virtual learning or hybrid with some in days in school and some virtual, plus they have a delayed the start of school to after labor day now. We are opting for Hybrid at this point… 2020 has definitely shaped into an interesting year and will continue to pose challenges for the rest of it.

The last month has not been quiet 🙂 We have gotten out for a ride every weekend (thanks Doug!) and I continue tweaking and working on getting comfortable in the Nexus saddle. Sully is doing great, I’m the one having to change! lol For all he has done to me while out on trail, I haven’t come off like I did at the clinic 🙄 (these antics include bucks, jumps, side-steps and hip-drops). I’m not a fan of the leathers for bulk, but I feel I have better length dialed in vs. the webbers for my comfort. ugh! I guess I will add some fleece over the leathers and see where that takes us. I have also discovered how huge his back and hind end movement are in this saddle when hits that BIG move-out trot. Wow! I can totally feel the side to side and am re-learning to ride it.

We have been racking up some miles for our virtual challenges and in preparation for OD No Frills (LD) the weekend of my birthday. These are fun and I will collect the patches to add to a jacket, our crew-bag, or a blanket maybe (warhorseendurance.com).
He is looking fit, in good weight (almost too good!), and has been strong on our rides. We are still working on his space bubble, and he has picked a few horses we ride with often enough to allow behind him with little objection, and I know which horses he really doesn’t like behind. He for certain reacts to feeling trapped…we had one ride he kicked at other horses several times, but when analyzing why it was always while in some muddy spot. I have been putting him at the back often, and it is funny to see how he gets a mindset to go slower there rather than trying to speed up to stay ahead of another behind us. He takes full advantage some days with lolly-gagging and snacking while in the caboose position but always enjoys the opportunity to move out when it is given. This past ride we added on the sponge and I found a good way to attach that. Next I need to figure out how to carry spare boots as I don’t have loops on the rear to gear-tie them too anymore (love my gear ties!).
His shoes are still a learning curve for the new farrier. We’ve had some issues this cycle, but appears to be under control. He decided to be lame over the set of his RF for one ride (got a mile in, and then I hand walked him back) and then we found the Blue/softer Blue Pegasos shoes were too flexible for his hinds as he ripped those out in his twisting movement after 2 rides. We have also found a way to reduce the dramatic head tossing over flies (even with a bonnet), a Horse-hoodie! Unfortunately I discovered it makes it harder for me to grab mane if I need it, but hopefully won’t need to do too much of that once all the saddle stuff is dialed in.

Skyler has found another horse she enjoys riding for lessons, Phantom, and got to do a full week of Pony Camp this year. She rode Flicka for most of camp, but got to ride Phantom the last day while I was there helping (as it was only her 2nd time on him and never had ridden him in group). She has also mastered bike riding now, so I guess I will need to get a bike to go along with them! Or, ride Sully while they bike… Asher is excited to be back at camp and can’t wait till they are allowed in the pool later this week. He begged us to camp out in the front yard, and succeeded on his 2nd try with staying out all night alone. 🙂

Hope everyone has a safe and good Independence Day weekend!