Kerrits

spurs, as it turns out, are small miracles. i took a trip to L.A. Saddlery to check out their selection. it's so dangerous for me to go in there..i could easily spend $5,000 without even blinking. The girl that works there knows me well, and knows my situation, so she was the perfect aid in my quest for a pair of spurs. there were many types/sizes/shapes; but the obstacle here was that i can't control my left ankle, so we needed something very "soft" so if my leg bumped the horse accidentally or repeatedly it wouldn't irritate them. but i needed something with a bit of length since i can't turn my toes out, so that simply moving my left leg back the horse would feel it and respond! i made it very clear that i do not agree with the spiked spurs, or sharp blade-like ones. so i ended up with a pair of blunt, medium spurs, and let me tell you; those babies take my performance up a notch! no more blowing off my leg. LUSCO, that means you!!

my swanky spurs!

obviously, i rode the charming Lusco tonight. Megan taught this one, and it's the first time i've seen her in many weeks. between wind, funeral, and work, my wednesday lessons have been slightly less than consistent. Megan wanted to know right away when i had last ridden; luckily it was just the saturday before last, so not like i've had months away. we warmed up by doing lots of bending, the usual stuff to establish a nice contact and suppleness. Lusco had quite a lot more gumption than he generally does (he's the sort to "run out of gas," once he feels like the lesson has gone long enough). tonight, he was very forward, and moved impressively in response to my left AND right legs. success! he gives me a fight going to the left; makes it nearly impossible for me to put him on the bit in that direction because it's not only my weak side, but his stiff side. megan really took it out of me tonight, and wouldn't let me rest til Lusco gave to my left leg, and outside rein..which meant we trotted for 20min+ and did several canter circles before we had a break. now that would be no problem, but add the fact that my entire arm is seizing up from exhaustion from working the bit forward and back. my wrist got charlie horses!! needless to say i am whooped now! i must have looked a sight, i know my face was screwed up in concentration and my tongue was out half the lesson. real attractive. but in the end we got it. a little. and happy days, Lusco didn't even think about quitting! those spurs were just the right thing. Megan said the first 2013 show is in 2 months, and likely i will be riding mr Lusco. if all goes well, i will debut this year at training level. but there's still quite a lot of work to do. i guess it's a good thing i got back on the roster at Mill Creek!! woohoo, i called them today and explained my absence and they put me in for friday. can't wait! #backinthesaddle