When to Say When

Knowing “when to say when” has been somewhat difficult for me in the past. I have always been “gung-ho” and basically fearless. Over the past few years, I have started stepping back from the “fine line between hard and stupid.” Last night was just such a step.

Last night’s lesson was much different than I expected. From the second I got Gryfon out of his stall, he was “extra spicy.” It wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle on the ground, but I was a little nervous about stepping into the saddle. I had to lunge him for a few minutes before I loaded him into the trailer so that made me a few minutes late. Once I arrived at the indoor arena where I take my lessons, Gryfon was a little calmer. I tacked him up and headed to the arena. CG, my trainer was just getting off the horse for the lesson before mine. My gut told me that he was still a bit too spicy for me to ride and I asked CG if she would at least warm him up for me. That turned in to a good call.

Almost as soon as CG stepped into the saddle, Gryfon was Super Spicy, and by that, I mean “Louisiana Diablo Hot Sauce” spicy! He threw a few tantrums and actually threatened to buck! CG worked on bending, moving off the leg, leg yields, picking up the correct canter lead, and more! She got him good and tired! You know what they say, a good horse is a tired horse. After the lesson I put him in the trailer and watched some of AK’s lesson. Her horse was spicy too! We deduced it must be “Naughty Pony Day.”

Once we got home. I gave him a good grooming and used the BEMER on him. I have rented an Equine Unit for 2 weeks and will let you know if it helps him!

“BEMER is a PEMF device that temporarily increases local blood circulation in healthy muscles. PEMF stands for Pulsed Electromagnetic Field. PEMF technology used for therapy produces electromagnetic fields with various waveforms and frequencies that stimulate healthy muscles in order to improve and facilitate muscle performance.” (from the website)

I am hoping for a break in the rainy weather so I can get some consistent work done with him.

For your viewing pleasure, I am including a link to my Intro Test B ride from the Summervale Show! (Pre Diablo)