SEPTEMBER

September 26, 2006

Wow, have I been bad about keeping up.  I've been partially busy and mostly lazy.  Let's see, I'll run through some news and happenings in no particular order.

Lori and I continue to have our fun.  Lately, we've been riding over to Compass Rose and using their ring, which is fabulous; a nice big ring that they keep well dragged.  Justin likes cantering in there best and it is nice to be able to really let him just cruise. 

Topper is really coming along for Lori.  She's been working with a new trainer and is very inspired and optimistic about his future as a jumper.  It's a job that suits him well and she should do well with him once she starts competing him in that discipline.  Topper is so eager to please and can jump the moon.

Paul put a nifty half wall up at the barn to keep the wind off the boys this year.  They had a similar set up last year but this is quite spiffy.  Plexiglas windows will fit in on the upper half so there is still plenty of light coming in.

I found someone to ride Justin for the days that I can't, which now with the change in daylight is everyday.  I can only get out there on the weekends, which is going to kill me to wait until the weekends to ride.  Justin's new rider is Katrina, who ironically knows Leah from years and years ago.  Katrina is a really upbeat and positive person and I love how soft a hand she has with Justin.  She's a busy mom so I hope she'll still be able to visit Justin while the weather is good.

Had planned on attending the George Morris clinic with Dani but just found out I can't -- have to sit at home that day to wait for installers.  Lots of projects around the house.  As much as I hate the waiting, I will love getting everything done. 

Sent my clippers and several sets of blades out for service/repair.  The whole deal will probably cost me a mint.  The clippers were a little sketchy ever since Fluffy tried to knock me out, knocking them out of my hand then stomping the cord like it was a snake.  They short out.  So, if I hold the cord just so, they run.  I had that down pat but I just detest things that don't work.  My guess is, they will replace that cord and the ol' Clipmasters'll be back to normal in no time.  Lori has made it clear I will be clipping the horses this year.  Yay.

Heard from Leah.  She's trying to get into vet school so I did a recommendation for her.  Hope she gets in.  Sam has had mono and has just now been able to ride her horse.  Got a funny phone call the other day -- Lindsay, who I met from doing the local shows, accidentally called me from her cell phone.  Called her a few days later to tell her about it and we had a good time catching up.  She's taken the year off from showing but plans on getting back into it next year. 

Chatted with Sabrina today.  We are in touch pretty often.  I actually rode at her barn not too long ago.  Went out on one of the weekends where Bob has reserves.  LOVE those weekends because I can be at the barn all day without guilt!  Rode at Sabrina's both days.  Got to putter around on some of the greenies.  Her stuff is always great.  They all jump and they all do their changes.  Love that.  Anyway, it was fun to jump around.

Speaking of jumping, have actually been jumping Justin over 18" - 2'.  We've kept a really close eye on his ankle and he is never off on it, nor is it ever hot or filled.  After talking with a few people that have horses with old broken sesamoid injuries and pins in their ankles I was encouraged to see how Justin would hold up.  He's fine.  And I love this part:  does his changes.  Never missed one this past weekend.  I don't need Justin to jump big.  2' is enough for me to try to sharpen my eye and to work on my position.  Plus, he has fun doing it. 

That's all I can think of for now.