Dressage, Birthdays and Fond Farewells

I had a Dressage lesson on Sunday, actually the first one in weeks. Just as I pulled up to the barn, I noticed that I had forgotten my helmet. BLAST! I definitely did not have enough time to go back and get it, so I hoped that T would just allow me to ride without one, or that perhaps she'd have a spare that I could use. Normally, I always wear a helmet, but they are not required at J's for adult riders, so on rare occasions I ride without...I know, I know. Anyway, T was incredibly kind because she allowed me to borrow her very expensive, fancy helmet. I don't know what brand it was, but it was light weight, and my head stayed cool even when my body was melting into an oozing mess on the floor (it was that hot)!

I rode C (Chessy is her nickname) again, and I really really enjoyed the ride. I don't know if it was the magical helmet and its fancy powers or what, but this was the first lesson that I truly felt like I connected with what T was saying. We did circles, shoulder in, leg yields, flying lead changes and extended trots across the diagonal (I can't remember what that's called - lengthening strides???). Usually, T has to slow me down so that she can explain something to me, but this time the lesson was fluid. I did fairly well with my aids and I was able to go from one thing to the next without stopping. It was cool, and I really can't wait until my next lesson, which is.....in........2....weeeeeeekkkkkksss....bah!

This upcoming weekend I will be camping. Unfortunately, I also have a birthday this weekend. It's my birthday, which is even worse. I will be 31 - thirty one!?!? I seriously still feel like an 18 year old in my head. I can't understand how 31 came so fast; one moment I was crying about turning 25, and now look at me! I'm still not over turning 25, and I'm 31. I need more time to get used to this aging thing - it's horrifying! Anyway, the weekend after this, I have a bachelorette party up north, so not much horse time on my agenda this month.


Bobby and I - I was 24 here - GASP - where has the time gone?

In other horse news though, both Bobby and Sid have left J's for a time being. They are both at a Jr. Rider's house where they are being ridden regularly. I've spoken about the Jr. rider before, but she has high hopes to take Bobby to Nationals this year, in Oklahoma. Very exciting! I made sure to give Bobby a big old smooch before I left the barn on Sunday evening. I don't know when I'll see him next and I'll miss him. Sid just needs the mileage - he's a good boy, and I know it will be good for him to be with Mar, the Jr. Rider. J says that both will be back at her place in the Fall (so long as they're not sold in the meantime). I love that old Bobby horse, but I am so thrilled that he is being used and put to work like he needs to be! I truly hope he finds himself a nice young girl to spend his days with.