Angry Ears

It was a tough start to the week. Ringo had completely regressed back to the same guy he was during my first ride, somewhat disproving my theory that he was really into this work. What can I say, he is a horse, after all. 
Monday and Tuesday rides were quite similar I felt; Brendan thinks Tuesday showed slight improvement but the poor horse was more crooked than a crunchy pretzel. Not a soft-baked one mind, because that would insinuate some semblance of suppleness. Nope, crooked and  stiff as a board. I was semi irritated with him on Monday, because he a) blew through my shoulder-nothing like trying to stop an ex racehorse! And b) he was very dramatic about the whole scene. He made it known via angry ears and tail swishing exactly what he thought of hard work. I was affronted, really, because we'd made such big strides last week. Brendan thinks I was riding a bit too aggressively by rushing transitions and overcorrecting Ringo's behavior. I wasn't trying to do those things, I need to really keep it in my mind that the poor guy has zero dressage or even basic training and doing all this hard work probably makes him sore. I will try to stay more laid back and forgiving. Sometimes, because I know some horses will take advantage of my weak side, I tend to overcompensate by trying to push too much and ride too strong. I can't blame poor boy for getting annoyed! The trick is to tell myself at least I didn't punish him or hurt him. It's really important to me as a rider to be fair and remind myself the horse has shown himself to be open minded about doing the work, and I must match his pace. 
Now for the fun stuff-last night, Brendan and I went to dinner in "the City" to meet up with Hope Hand, president of the U.S. Para Equestrian Association (USPEA). It was time for those two to meet, and for all three of us to discuss the next steps in this crazy game we're doing. 
The meeting was a total blast! Not only really fun and great to catch up with Hope, but also great news and a game plan sort of started to take shape. Hope really liked coach, and thought his enthusiasm for starting with the para scene was awesome. She also informed me that she has started scouting and contacting people in order to find an FEI horse to be donated to me. I was so excited to know she's already on the lookout! No one can keep up with Hope. That lady is 5steps ahead of everyone. 
She told B and me that we will need to certainly plan on being in Welly for the CDI the first week of Jan; whether or not I have a horse to ride. There is a huge clinic the week after for all the trainers and riders and she said she really wants me to be there to network at least. And then she told Brendan to put me on SOMETHING that I can start competing with immediately, just to start putting out some scores. Ringo is not even suitable for training level at this point, which brings me to the best part (in my mind) o the evening:

that's code for Wednesday

There is this darling young horse at the barn named Cydrick who is four years old and is what we call a Frankinhorse. He has a lovely face, great neck, nice back and gorgeous legs, all from different horses. He is put together quite strangely, but I've been impressed from first watching him with his movement. He's got big swingy gaits, and just an all around sweet horse. Brendan's assistant trainer Hannah has been bringing him along, and I've been totally envious. Last night Brendan said it was time to put me on baby Cyd and just see what happens. For competition reasons! I'm pumped. Not sure when this will ensue, but I can't wait. Cyd will not be old enough to do the CDI with me, but he will at least be nice enough for me to get down centerline some more! He's a big boy, but he's light in the bridle and quite uncomplicated and I'm so happy that coach is willing to take that chance to see what we look like together. I think it'll go well! Off to ride, I'll update later!