Journey to Rio

Paralympics 

Tomorrow I will know if the finance go through.. I pray that they do. 

Todays lesson was good with Marlo and my prince.  I had fun and I wasn't in pain from my injury to my cartilage in-between 3 ribs.  Thank you Lord and Dr. Pierce for helping me get better quicker!  

Today I came in a got Ari with halter and lead rope.  Put him in the cross tie and groomed him, it took a little longer.  I saddled him well and by golly I forgot how to put on the bridle. I was grateful for Marlo's help.  I pray I can remember how do work all the parts and how to handle Ari's halter and bridle at the same time.  I was 10 mins behind.  Its okay, I will master the bridle with ease and forgive myself if I don't understand it.  I can always ask for help. :-) I am working the saddle and girth with ease.  

Marlo warmed Ari up and I got on him with the lead rope.  I went through my exercises: rotate ankles, scissor kicks, frog legs, grab ankle and the other to rotate my thighs inward like a V making sure that my calves and ankles are out away from Ari's barrel. Then grabbed both ankles and made sure i was balanced in my salad bowl :-). Repeated exercises when Ari was walking. Feet in stirrups and walked halted.  Then at a posting trot. Balance was somewhat an issue and was reminded to belly button to spine, not grip with calves, use my thighs and core to balance!  Keep my feet away from his belly.  It helped and we ended with a great trot transition to walk - halt.  

I got off with out incident wit my ribs.  

Note!  Write down a list of things in order to do after I ride.  I forgot to wash bridle!! I was distracted, Ari was stomping and that usually and indication he needs to relieve himself.  

Marlo mentioned AZ and training Ari 5x a week.   I am excited to achieve and have fun at the same time.