Finally, for your viewing pleasure (and for mine, except for blinking eyes, the heels that aren’t down, and the poor hand position) … Ace under saddle!

Ben (my hubby!) and Dave took lots of pictures for me, but unfortunately they didn’t come out all that well. It’s soooo hard to get a horse moving at just the right moment. Plus, I think the flash was reflecting off the dust in the arena, and so most of the pictures have these weird, hazy bubbles all over them. Strangest thing. I digress.

I’m very proud of my boy after last night; he did exceptionally well when it counted … with my mom here to check him out! It was the first time she’d seen me ride him. And she got up and tried him out too. It was the first time he’d had someone other than me on him. It was fun to see him go under saddle.

I started out with a little groundwork to try to get him focused, but there were 7 people in the arena, barrels and cones set up, and two other horses out getting ridden. It was a little crazy and he was really distracted. I got a few good tries, gave up, put his bridle on, and went for a ride. Surpisingly, he was much more focused under saddle. He had great forward, he didn’t stall out on me (did it to mom only once), and went forward every time I asked. And it was the best ride we’d had yet! Amazing difference from just a week ago.

Mom did lots of trot work with Ace, which is good because he really needs the exercise. He had his trademark shell-shocked look afterwards. He got a good workout and had two people ride him. Quite a night!

Later we were standing around talking a bit and it was getting cold, so I decided to pull off his saddle and hop on bareback. Didn’t bother Ace one bit. I walked around for a little while and even asked for a little trot (which was very brave on my part, seeing as he’s a slightly boney, pretty bouncy thoroughbred). Very fun! I liked being that close and connected to him. May have to do a little more of that when it gets really cold. It’s good for both of us!