So my last post had me anxiously awaiting ride time.  Lo and behold, we are back to somewhat of a schedule, so very thankful to be getting my lessons in once again.  Of course the first week that we started back I went for it!  Amazing how little my legs have left of what they had!  I rode three days in a row that week and my Trainer told me that maybe Showmanship practice would be best on that fourth day!  When you have no leg left those lope overs are pretty tough!

Of course “somewhat of a schedule” means a springtime in New Mexico show barn schedule!  And what that means is that on the days my Trainer is not on the road with the Big Dogs are the days we get our lessons.  Oh and Wind, yes springtime in New Mexico comes with big blustery wind!   And I do mean wind, full-blown 45 mph winds, blowing dust and tumbleweeds traveling at warp speed winds.  Those are days that no one wants to ride.  There are days that there is so much dust in the air that you can’t even see the Sandia Mountains.

The end of qualifying for the Amateur Select World is coming up at the end of May so the barn was off to the AQHA biggie in Las Vegas, Silver Dollar Circuit in March to chase those points.  Successful show it was with one client getting more than enough points to qualify for Select World, plus a Reserve Circuit Championship in Trail.

So we are back to riding.  I am so lucky that my weekday lessons are able to be squeezed into my lunch hour.  I work about 15 minutes away from the Barn so I can get there and get my fix.  My awesome Trainer has Gracie tacked up and ready for me when I get there and although I try not to do much socializing it is so hard to just ride and go!  I love being able to see my fellow barn mates and of course the kids.  More on those adventures later but suffice to say you can’t beat the warm welcoming sound of your name being shouted out when you pull up in your car!  and a little one running up to hug you!

I am counting my blessings for so many things these days, Spring, ride time, a job to facilitate this crazy horse life, kids and horses.  Yes, always horses.