January 2020

I can't believe that January has been and gone, it has flashed past and we are already half way through February - what's going on?



We had some good days this month but also a few days when I was not feeling great and some when Basil had a funny lump - so some days off.  We have been really lucky with the weather so far this winter as we have not had many really cold nights or any snow.  I have not had to break the ice in the trough many times.

We are looking forward to the spring.

This is how January looked:

1st - hack out today, really dull day so full Hi-viz. Not many cars but quite a few cyclists, good to get out though. 

3rd – lunged today, and Basil was really good.  Starting stationary exercises again today.

4th - hack out again today, really lovely ride even though the sun didn't come out. 

5th - arena today, Basil was a bit better than last time.  Put his hanging snaffle back on so that I could use the flash strap.  Some good walk and trot serpentines and circles and some nice walk spirals.  Cantered on right rein first but got incorrect lead first time, so circled and got it correct.  Fast but less nappy and more balanced than last time.  Canter left and he was really nappy in one corner but I pushed him on into canter anyway.  Too fast again but at least he went where I wanted.  Generally pleased with today's session.

7th - stopped raining so that I could lunge again today.  Basil was a bit distracted by something in the fence but was good until the end when he went really stupid.  Managed to get him back and finish with a couple of circles in walk.

8th - hack out again today.  Sun was shining and it was quite warm.  Lovely ride :)

10th - lunge today and Basil was fairly good.  Lots of rolling before we started (he has started to lose his winter coat) and then went well until out of the blue having a 'moment' .  Calmed down then and worked fine until the end.

11th - hack out, was a bit windy but Basil was really good so really pleased.

12th - arena today and Basil was not bad.  Some good leg yield in walk and trot which I was pleased with.  We managed to get the correct canter leads first time on both reins which was great, cantering a bit fast but no napping which is a step in the right direction.

15th - hack out today, pretty good although he wanted to turn around to come home earlier than I had planned.  It rained when we were nearly home so we got wet :(

18th - hack out , really sunny today which was great so we had a lovely time.

22nd - short hack today, but good to get out again.
Basil had a little lump, like a fly bite, on his back so no riding.

28th - lunged, sort of.  As expected after his break he was a bit silly today it was also a bit windy which often makes him silly.  Should be better next time!

29th - lunged again and a bit better today.  Just one silly moment.

30th - a very good lunging session today. Saddle fitter tomorrow.

Have you seen my latest vlog 'A Cold Day in January' on my You Tube channel, Horse Life and Love? Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

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Until next time!   

Jo