Time

Now that I have two kids, time for "extras" (horses, working out, going out to dinner) is hard to come by. I have to constantly prioritize where my time is spent. I want to be with Elly and Clara as much as possible, but I know the value of not losing myself in this adventure of motherhood. For me, that means spending time around horses, and exercising.

I am usually able to exercise in the mornings while my girls are asleep. I love that because it doesn't take away time being spent with them. I try my best to go to the barn during naps, or while they're engaged in another activity so that they won't miss me. I still feel a lot of guilt leaving them for the barn, but I try to remind myself that I NEED that time to myself.

Since recently starting a new job at Equine Affaire, I have been riding on Wednesday evening, Saturday and/or Sunday. At my old job, I had a day off during the week and only worked half a day on Saturday. It was a little easier to manage getting to the barn, but the new schedule is working. It takes 2-3 hours, including drive time, on days I ride.

Saving time has been a major factor in deciding to move back to my old barn, we will call it SVS. It is only 11 minutes from my house. They also have great onsite trails, an outdoor arena, and round pen. There are plenty of people to ride with, which I have missed. I plan to move Drogo around the 1st of September. He will be on pasture board for the time being, and will likely move to a stall when one comes available. I am trying to convince my sister to also bring her Standardbred gelding, Miles, but it looks like he will be staying at our current barn.

In other news, Drogo and I had a great ride last night. I have been riding him in a S hack, which has been ok. We tried a new bit last night that I think we will stick with. He has a problem with getting his tongue over the bit and gaping his mouth open. His teeth have been recently floated and I believe it is an evasion trick. So, the new bit is a medium port hinged offset dee that doesn't allow him to get his tongue over it.

We did a lot of trot work, and cantered a couple of laps around the round pen. It's interesting because Drogo and I have both been hesitant to canter since I came off of him. When I would ask, he would stop and refuse to move. I think he is afraid I'll come off again. Last night, I just confidently asked him to canter, and he did. He got a lot of "good boys" and pats. We ended the ride with some basic lateral work and more pats and scratches.

I am so proud of how far this horse has come in the past 5 months.