Gert-A-Licious: Plans

For a while, I didn't really know what it was exactly that I wanted to do with this little ball of black fuzz that I named Gertie (Gertrud after my Great Grandmother who passed away before purchasing The Gert). Figured I had plenty of time while she grew up to figure it out.

Well now that time is here where I should really figure it out. I'm not a competitive person. I am, but not really at the same time. I like being the one in the backround making the decisions, doing the training... the behind-the-scenes kind of stuff. I'm not cut out to be in the spotlight--mostly because I get nervous and I'd end up embarrassing myself one way or another (which doesn't really bother me at all either). I figured we'll do some showing here and there for her sake (okay mine too) so she gets used to that atmosphere and she'll end up being my all 'rounder.

HA! Well, I'm not into Western disciplines and competitions, even though I grew up around all of that. The only western her and I know is slapping a western saddle on and trudging along. We're not into making our way around barrels, or chasing/pissing off cows, though it's entertaining for us to watch. So I guess all 'rounder is not what she will be. Though, she is good on trails, and likes to zoom all over the place. I'm sure she would succeed well at anything I or anyone throws at her. She likes a good challenge and is a very smart girl. Too smart...

After watching her grow, assessing her movement freely and while under lunge line, ground driving, seeing her jump things freely in the arena (with no direction from me, promise!), she pretty much showed me what she likes to do other than eat herself into oblivion. Eventing. Now, the toughest part of Eventing for us is going to be the Dressage part. Only because I lack the discipline and training--however, I understand how extremely important it is to learn and know to set yourself up a better foundation to any other discipline out there. I do plan on taking some Dressage lessons so it will benefit us in a positive manner. I need it more than she, but importantly so I can then train her "the ways." XC will most likely be our strong point. I love it and I know it's something she would just LOVE to do. Run her butt off and jump things. That's all that would matter to her. I don't think she'll care much for Show Jumping... so if Eventing turns out to not be our thing; I already know at least XC (cross-country) and Competitive Trail/Endurance would be great for us and something we would enjoy doing together.

Over the last three years, I've been setting her up for her undersaddle (U/S) training and learning to be a good and well behaved horse. She is a very good little filly for her age, very solid and has her basics and commands down very well. She just has an attitude problem that has reared it's ugly head (no pun) more frequently as of late. Hmmm, I wonder where she gets it from...........

Anyway, she's had most of the winter off, with being ridden maybe once a week. Her days consist of food, turnout, pooping, and more food. She's only 3 1/2 and still growing, so I don't want to do too much with her. I did slowly start riding her at a walk at 2, but mostly at 2 1/2 maybe once a month-if that. Many people prefer later in age, though I feel differently- as in my opinion, it depends on the horse.

Right now, since it's getting warmer here in Tucson, we're starting to get back into the swing of things, slowly. So far I've ridden her twice last week. The first day she did really well. We did some lunging, ground-driving (which I am WAY too out of shape for!), then u/s at just the walk and trot for about 10 minutes.

Yesterday. I probably could've killed her. Did a little bit of lunging (we normally don't do lunging before our rides) then I was going to work with her u/s for just a little bit, but she decided she would let me know she had an attitude. Trying to her put her head down, tossing it, tiny crow hops, etc. She's definitely been worse and I know it's not pain other than her being a pain in the butt. After working her for about 20min she settled down a bit, but only until she was soft, flexing, and responsive did we stop.

My goal with her right now is to work on our turning, bending better, engaging her hind end more(which we have improved with a less restricting saddle), and being soft. She is pretty soft and supple for the most part. Just lately she's been a pill and has her own idea of what we should be doing, so gaining her focus and concentration has been a challenge for me lately. Oh and I put my stirrup holes up 2 holes so I can practice a more forward position. Bad idea. Pain, lots of out-of-shape pain, and not to mention I put myself in a chair seat as my poor muscles weren't accustomed to the position. Oye.

Here are some pictures from our last good ride (before the other days')