Callie and I had a lovely ride today!

I had bought her a new girth since hers is magically too big- size 42 for my little mare.

We hopped on, did some warm-up, and I schooled Callie for a little while at the trot and canter. I'd really like her to use her hind end more, so we're working on that. We then started doing some figure eights with Sue and Dart at the trot, and then Sue cantered some figure eights! Callie doesn't know lead swaps yet so we kept it simple and trotted through the lead changes, but she did really well for never having attempted it before and did the simple change very well! I was quite pleased with her willing attitude today.

We popped over a few fences, as well. My form is..lacking, to say the least. I am NOT the rider I used to be but I am trying to work on my form, with use of Sue watching me and taking photos that I can review later on. Today, though, I felt very "connected" and never once felt left behind. I could count the strides easily between jumps and Callie was very collected and calm, like she'd been jumping well her entire life.

Today's ride was certainly a confidence booster. I felt so connected to my mare and it felt like we were reading eachother's thoughts.

After the ride, we galloped our horses up to the barn from the ring (not a great habit, but it's just so...fun...and they don't do it unless we ask!) and Callie got to enjoy the leftover cereal that Chad and I hadn't eaten.