Grrr...

In the words of Jim Davis.... AAARRRGGGHH!

Last weekend it was finally warm enough and dry enough to ride.  My sister in law was in town so she and my husband were baby-sitting Alex so I could go ride.  I get to the barn and as soon as I get on the owners light a trash fire right next to the arena.... thanks.

Dexter isn't a fan of fire and I'm totally fine with that.  I want him to have a healthy fear so if his barn/pasture starts a-blazing, he's smart enough to run the other way.  Ok so we can handle this, we decided to just stay on the other side of the arena.  Dexter wasn't super happy but he's listened for the most part.  We just had to cancel any canter work we were planning.  Probably for the best as neither of us are in all that great of shape.

So then the owner comes out to work her horse, sees the fire and says "Oh Sh**, there are spray cans in there."  Really? Really?!?  You have go to be kidding me.  Who does that??  So I ask how many (so I know what I'm up against).  She says 3, (I looked later, it was more like 6.)

As soon as she says that, one goes off.  I don't know how many of you have been around exploding spray cans (I'll assume not many,because, who burns spray cans?) but it sounds like a shotgun going off.  Dexter jumps ans spins but doesn't take off.  He does pretty well actually, but isn't going to calm down for the rest of the ride.  "Some thing's burning and now someone is shooting at us and you want me to practice bending to the left? No thanks mom." 

So our first ride in almost 3 weeks is cut short.  The owner's husband went and raked the remaining cans out of the fire, but the damage was done.  I was pretty irritated because its irresponsible regardless who's riding, but its not my decision to make. I was called a "chicken" for getting off and not riding through it.  Oh well, I rather be a chicken in one piece than a broken hero.

Its starting to warm up so maybe I'll have more drama-free opportunities to ride now... let's hope.

Dear Dexter - Revisited

Dexter,

I just wrote a raving review about how great you are being and how patient you are with your limited rides... and now you are making me look like a liar.  Whats the deal?

I know the weather makes you feel good and you have a lot of energy built up, so I understand a little buck hear and there.  But the bolting every time we go a certain direction and the rearing you did this weekend are really unnecessary.  Can't we use the energy in a more productive way?  You look so good when you get round and elevated, lets do that (without the buck).

I really don't want to lunge you before every ride, I unfortunately don't have the time and I know you hate it.  Plus you are so out of shape by the time you get into a good rhythm on the line you are pooped.  I'm not sure what we can do but we need to figure something out that works for both of us.  I know you don't hate our rides  You seem to enjoy getting out and getting some exercise, we just need to find a way for you to blow off steam between rides.  My time with you is supposed to be fun and calming, but when I feel like I'm on a shaken can of soda ready to pop, its a little unnerving.  I'd love to half lease you out, but there just isn't anyone around interested in dressage. 

For now I will have to do my best to carve out some time during our rides and between to get you some additional exercise, sorry to say it will probably be on the lunge line.  But anytime you want to settle down and get to work you let me know.  In the mean time, I will work with the horse I have and hold on.

Dear Dexter

Dear Dexter,

Thank you for being patient while our riding time has been put on hold.  Thank you for continuing to get excited the few times I come out.  Our visits have become very special to me, even if its a few minutes to check you over and give you treats.  Somehow your soft nose and warm body have a way of grounding me.  Reminding me that even though times are stressful now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and as long as I have you, I have some serenity in my life. 

Thank you for taking care of me as we start to ride together again.  For slowing down when you feel me loose my balance, and for picking up right where you left off even if I have a long way to go.  I appreciate that you did not forget you were a working horse and never offered to buck (yet) during these first few rides. 

Thank you for keeping your canter slow even on the straight aways.  I promise we will graduate out of the small pen and into the pasture soon.  The small pen is more for me than you.  I still need the security of it.  And thank you for pushing though with me as I try to get us both back in shape.  I know you've enjoyed your time off, but I can tell you are happy to go back to work.  And I can say I am happy to be working with you again. 

I know right now with the weather, and the baby and work we dont' see each other much.  I promise as Alex gets older and the weather gets warmer we will see more of each other, to be honest not as much as we used to, but we will make it work.  We will still ride and learn and show, I won't let all our hard work, your work ethic and talent go to waste... I promise.