Endings

I've been gone awhile, haven't I? Lots of Netflix. I mean, big changes and all that. Moving and starting college has been taking up a lot of my time, but that's not the real reason I haven't been writing. I mentioned in the first post that I'd be leaving Deuce back home, and the reality of that hit me harder than I thought it would. Add the fact that he was so perfect on our last ride, and I was pretty messed up. He was so patient with the little girl who saw us from our porch, and fed him an apple and petted him. He agreed to trot down the road with no complaints, in both directions. His trot felt amazing - absolutely smooth and round and so easy to sit bareback. And just two days before I'd finally jumped more than about 18" with him. 2'2", actually. And it felt effortless. 

So you get the point. And now I'm going through withdrawal. I rode a friend's horse a few days after moving - about a week ago. First time in a dressage saddle and it went surprisingly well, although the length of the stirrups freaked me out at first. And her horse really progressed since the last time I saw him, about two years ago now.

There's surprisingly little equine industry here. With a large college, which includes a veterinary college, and the largest city in the state only 40 minutes away I expected more. There used to be one really nice barn, but I just learned they went bankrupt this winter. There are a two barns now that I know of and a few small boarding operations. The college does have and IHSA equestrian team, though! I'll definitely be joining that, and my horsey friend will be on it with me.

The other good news is that one of the few trainers up here is an eventer, and I've heard some good things about her. She also has special rates for students! I have a lesson with her Monday. I'll actually be having the lesson on a sale horse, so I may have my new horse sooner than I thought. Here's hoping he's as nice as he sounds!

 

 

Deuce at our last show.

He was super adorable, and usually a pretty chill guy.