JP :>    Rode X this afternoon for almost 2 hours -- rode mostly
JP :>in my round pen but
JP :>after that we rode in the pasture here.
Good for you, Jean!!!  You are one gutsy lady!!
JP :>decided I want to ride him in the Trail class at the next
JP :>show (and, maybe walk/trot too) so I figured I'd better get
JP :>to work on him and do some practice sessions.
Just take it slow, and go in without any expectations.  More important for 
you two to have a calm, relaxed class than anything else!
JP :>We even "practiced" with me riding (no hands-no reins) -
JP :>just putting him through his paces with leg and voice
JP :>commands. He did pretty good all things considering.  This
JP :>is really the first good workout EITHER of us have had in a
JP :>long time.
JP :>    I'm feeling much better now - I'm trying to get over my
JP :>"fear" but still am not ready to lope him yet.  I may NEVER
JP :>get over it totally - and, in that case we'll just walk and
JP :>jog .  My back is feeling better -- and, I've lost 22
JP :>pounds so far .... I'm determined to loose another 25
JP :>pounds.  I'm wearing clothes now that were REALLY too tight
JP :>when I was showing before ..... sure makes me feel good.
WOW!!!!  Way to go!!!  The fact that you can ride him without reins just 
using voice and leg/seat aids is amazing!  I think you're doing a whole lot 
better than you think you are!
JP :>it slow and easy until I'm really comfortable.  I miss
JP :>"Baby" like crazy .
I know the feeling.  Don't know if you saw my post, but Richard gave me a 
headstone for Thistle's grave for Christmas.  It's really pretty..pink 
granite with a horsehead  and her name on it.  I cried and cried when I 
opened it!  It's on her grave now...we put it in the ground level with the 
grass so we can just mow right over it.  It's really pretty and makes me feel 
good to have something permanent there.
JP :>The next show is a week from Saturday (the 11th of Jan).
JP :>We'll see what
JP :>happens.
Just take it slow and easy!  Good luck and let me know how it goes!!
Meg  
 
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