Rode X this afternoon for almost 2 hours -- rode mostly in my round pen 
but
after that we rode in the pasture here.
    For the most part X was really pretty good -- I'd not really worked him 
for a long time (he's been pulling the carriage with Buddy most of the time 
now). BUT, I've decided I want to ride him in the Trail class at the next 
show (and, maybe walk/trot too) so I figured I'd better get to work on him 
and do some practice sessions.
    He walked AND trotted over the poles laying on the ground in the arena 
..... we trotted around cones ...... and did side passes too. He's "rusty" 
..... but then so am I .  He'd probably do better if *I* remembered to cue 
him properly.  We even "practiced" with me riding (no hands-no reins) - just 
putting him through his paces with leg and voice commands. He did pretty good 
all things considering.  This is really the first good workout EITHER of us 
have had in a long time.
    I'm feeling much better now - I'm trying to get over my "fear" but still 
am not ready to lope him yet.  I may NEVER get over it totally - and, in that 
case we'll just walk and jog .  My back is feeling better -- and, I've 
lost 22 pounds so far .... I'm determined to loose another 25 pounds.  I'm 
wearing clothes now that were REALLY too tight when I was showing before 
..... sure makes me feel good.
    My balance is better ...... I'm gaining some of my confidence 
back....slowly ........ but then I'll just take it slow and easy until I'm 
really comfortable.  I miss "Baby" like crazy .
The next show is a week from Saturday (the 11th of Jan). We'll see what
happens.
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