> Meg,
 
> Well, today I rode Phoenix for the very first time.  I was so happy and
> proud!  I nearly cried with joy.  This day has been anticipated for over
> 3
> years!
 
> Let me tell you, this horse is a saint!  She's the best horse I have ever
> ridden.  I'm not kidding!  Since she has no bad habits and was started so
> gently, she's a DREAM to ride!  She is as light as a feather.  Right now
> she is working in a lindell (side pull with a jowl strap instead of a
> throat latch strap) and a balance rein around her neck.  She has started
> in
> a snaffle, but I didn't want to try her with that the first time.
 
> Anyway, if I think stop and shift my weight down and "out my knees,"
> while
> breathing out and set my hands lightly, she halts immediately.  (I've
> never
> had a horse with a good stop!)  If I breathe again and lighten my seat
> and
> give with my hands, she walks on.  A turn is as easy as thinking it and
> turning my shoulders.  She's even getting the idea of bending around the
> inside leg and responds to the very slightest leg pressure.  Her trot is
> beautiful and rythmic and takes a tiny bit of lightened seat, a "trot"
> thought and a tiny flutter against her sides with my calves. I didn't
> canter this time.  She's just getting into that now in the arena and is
> not as balanced as she will be.  My balance isn't great either, so we'll
> do that later.
 
> I was SO impressed with my baby.  She seemed to enjoy showing off for her
> mom today, too.  Today has got to be one of the highlights of my life.
> To
> think that the little tiny filly is now all grown up and carrying her mom
> is almost too much to imagine.
 
 
CONGRATULATIONS! :)
 
Tush isn't far behind.. ;)
 
 
 
                           BK 
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