Ginger's First Ride

 This afternoon, I rode Gingersnap for the first time.  We took our time grooming and saddling up.  I wanted to create a very relaxed mood and make sure Ginger was thoroughly comfortable with me and with her saddle.  She was a good girl, and she took everything well.  Momma and Annie came out to watch us and take pictures for me.



Saddling up

We moved into the round pen for some longeing and groundwork.  Ginger showed her bronco side for a brief second during her longeing session with a few fancy moves, but she quickly settled back down.  I put the bit in her mouth and worked her with it for a little while, and then I decided it was time to mount up.

I stood in the stirrup several times, then swung my leg over Ginger's back and settled into the saddle.  She was as calm as she could be, and she stood perfectly still.  I tried to get her to walk on by bumping her with my legs, but I changed my mind and decided to use the rein instead.  I picked up my right rein and held slight pressure until Ginger stepped to the right.  I then did the same to the left.  We worked on that for a bit, and then I noticed the neighbor's dog sneaking around in the bushes adjacent to the round pen.  Ginger thinks that dog is fun to run and buck with.  I didn't want to end our first ride by being bucked off, nor did I want Ginger to have a scare on her first ride.  Since we had done so well and achieved our goal of a safe first ride, I dismounted. 



After our ride

We continued to do a bit of groundwork, and after a while we called it a day.  I took Ginger back to the barn, removed her saddle, and hosed the sweat off of her coat.  I am very pleased with Ginger's behavior.  She remained so calm and happy throughout our ride, and and she almost went to sleep after I dismounted.  She is such a sweetie.  I can't wait to ride her again.  God really blessed us with safe and pleasant training session.  Ginger is a true gift from Him.

The Best Dog

My precious Abby

I have been inspired to write in praise of my dog, Abby.  In my opinion, Abby is the very best dog in the world.  For those who don't know her, she is a 12-year-old Golden Retriever.  Abby is my loyal sidekick, and her loyalty and desire to protect us is sweet.  She is my faithful companion wherever I walk, and she never fails to be with me as I go about my outside tasks for the day. 

During the summer, Abby stalks ahead of us into the blackberry patch and warns us of the presence of snakes.  It is understood that all the blackberries on Abby's level belong to her.  She eats quite a few berries in the path of duty. 

Abby is always patient with the young folks who come her way.  They can pull her fur, lay on her, and even cover her in sawdust, and she will never so much as growl.  However, if they have food, she will relieve them of it.  Abby considers it one of her duties to make sure that children on our property are supervised.  She has been known to sit beside a stroller all afternoon, and she will walk around with the smallest child on the property. 

I recently began running for exercise on a path encircling our land, and Abby does her very best to accompany me.  She delights in being with me, and I love having her by my side, though she tires quickly. 

She is gentle with our pesky cats, and she will even defend them from other cats if needed.  Abby has developed a particularly close bond with our oldest cat, Aaron.  You can often catch them napping together in the sunshine.  Abby is fond of rough-housing with her little sidekick, Bunny.  They play hard, and they are good friends.

Abby is also a good watchdog.  She is good at alerting us to "intruders."  Once we tell Abby that a visitor is friendly, she greets them ecstatically, but if a stranger approaches Abby puts on her scary dog face and barks and growls.

I cannot imagine what it would be like without that dog.  She is such a big part of my day, such a constant furry friend.  Sometimes, we allow her into the house, and she and I both enjoy that.  Abby is very good company.  If I call her name, she wags her tail and looks at me.

As far as I am concerned, there is no better dog anywhere.  I think Abby is great, and when the sad day comes, I hope I can find another dog half as good as she is.  Abby leaves love in my heart... and hair all over the floor.  What more can I say?  Abby, I love you!!

An Update on Ginger's Progress and Other Things

Our little project horse, Ginger, is doing well with us, and we have definitely become attached to her.  I am currently responsible for her care, and I just love her.  I have always enjoyed the company of mares, and Ginger is one of the most demonstrative horses I have ever met. 

We are all anxiously awaiting shedding season and its effect on our little painted hairball.  I think Ginger will be a lovely little mare when she finally loses her winter woollies.  Of course, we think she's pretty now...

In about three weeks, we'll be able to ride Ginger for the first time.  Her training has gone very well up to this point.  Annie and I have done some groundwork with the bit and bridle, and Ginger is quite accepting of her training sessions.  She can be saddled up, and she is comfortable with a rider standing up in one stirrup and even leaning over her back.

Our garden is not very presentable at the moment.  As usual, the weather this time of year has turned everything into thick mud.  We can't get out there to weed, so there are quite a few "extras" in among the desirable plants.  However, the strawberries are doing well and blooming, which means we have to be out there covering them every time it freezes.  I am looking forward to reaping the fruits of our labors come spring.  I am planning for our summer garden, and I have had great success with my seed-starting efforts this year. 

I started the program of study to become a NARHA certified therapeutic riding instructor, and I am really enjoying it.  Another girl is studying with me, and I am sure we will be good friends.  I'll have to pass a riding test to be certified, so I need a few riding lessons.  Peg and I need to improve our skills.

Speaking of Peg, he had been diagnosed with arthritis in his knees, hocks, and fetlocks.  The vet should be able to treat him and make him as good as new, which is such a blessing.  Peg did make a complete recovery from his hoof abscess, and I started him on his first allergy shots about a week ago.  He is taking that very well.

Annie is going to the Symphony this evening with her piano teacher.  She is excited, and I know she'll enjoy it.  It should be a memorable experience.

Driver's License Woes

On Monday afternoon, Momma and I went to town so I could take the driving test and obtain my driver's license.  Momma asked me if I was nervous, and I told her that I wouldn't become nervous until I was actually starting the test.  I was confident that I would pass the test, since I have been driving quite a bit. 

When I walked into the DMV office, I found that I would be tested by a lady who hadn't been particularly nice to me in the past.  In fact, she is rather gruff.  We headed out to our SUV, and I got into the driver's seat.  I promptly became very nervous, and I fumbled around with the keys.  My car companion wasn't helping me feel any better.  However, when I commenced driving, my nervousness quickly diminished.  It wasn't too hard, after all.  I attempted conversation with the lady sitting beside me, but she didn't answer.

As we pulled back into the DMV parking lot, I heaved a sigh of relief. I thought I had done pretty well, though I did not perform as well as I do with Momma or Daddy in the car.  Then came the crushing blow.

I was told that I lacked confidence, and that I had made a mistake right at the end without knowing it.  I was told that I had not passed, and the lady thought I ought to wait a month before I took the test over again.  I don't always take criticism very well, and I have to admit that I began to cry.  I was so disappointed.  The lady immediately became much more friendly and tried to comfort me.

After I managed to stop crying so hard, I drove to the pharmacy so that Momma could pick up some prescriptions.  Yesterday I drove all over the city of Zachary in the rain without any problems.  I am an able driver, as long as I am not nervous with that lady in the car. 

My motto is going to be "try, try again."  I think I will take the test over again in a week or so.  It can't be any worse than it was on Monday!