We are alive!

Yes we are alive! Life gets in the way!

Sam is working well, we have had another lesson and it was in a new place. Scary place. The arena was surrounded by trees and shrubs but Sam worked well, of course. I had a small panic attack during the first canter but Sam looked after me and carried me around like a pro. My instructor was happy with our progress which is always fantastic. She did tell me suck it up and just ride. Sam is quiet and isn't going to do anything bad. I also have to be a bit tougher, not let him get away with so much. Because he is a lazy horse by nature when I let him get away with things - be sloppy through transitions - it is harder for me to get him to work when I want him too.

Poppy is improving as well. She is really starting to trust now and allows me to put her flyveil on without much fuss. She is doing well with her ground work and lunging. She is even jumping a small jump while on the lunge. She seems to enjoy this, kicks up her heels afterwards and squeals sometimes! I gave Poppy her first bath and plaited her mane the other weekend - she loved the attention! I love ponies!



I was able to head down to Melbourne for Equitana. My neighbour came with me and we shopped for ten hours straight the first day and about 5hours the second. I purchased two saddlecloths, some Eco2000 shampoo and Show off spray, a horse dressage head belt buckle, a polar fleece jacket, wormers and some white dressage boots (the fleece ones) for Sam. I was very controlled. Found some great info about fencing, working horses, generally looking after them. Next time it is on (in two years time) I am going to be organised and get tickets to some of the performances and clinics. My head was spinning for days afterwards with all the information - it was a bit of an overload! It really was awesome.

I got to pencil at the Wagga Wagga dressage Championships the other weekend. I have never done it before and had to pencil for the Grand Prix, and Intermediate tests but the judge was lovely, helped me out and we got through it. My friend Katie was competing and did quite well. I got a photo of Wilson. Wilson is smaller than Poppy and just beautiful. He has a huge character and does his job very well. He was bought to baby sit one of her big horses. He used to panic and scream and just be a ball of nerves at competitions when she took the other big horse away. With Wilson he stays calm, is happy to stand tied to the float and munch his hay! Happy horse, better competition results!



We are having terrible weather at the moment, a lot of unusual rain which is putting a dampener on our riding. I will be taking Sam to the indoor on Saturday and Sunday so we can do some solid work.

I have been reading all your blogs - keeping up to date with everyone. Sounds like you are all having fun even if it is starting to get chilly for you guys!

I promise to blog more often! I will try and get some up to date photos of Sam for you. He is looking good at the moment.