All Is Quiet on the Eastern Front

I'm happy to report that we got through November break with no colics, injuries or other events that would worry, scare and or send me into a panic. The norm is, of course, to have SOMETHING happen when I'm not here 3-4 times a day to check that no one has died.

I feel kind of odd being on campus. There are two weeks and a few days of exams standing between me and the end of the semester from hell. The good news is I got a huge chunk of work down while I was stranded here the first half of break, so I have little to do during the week besides just show up in class. This leaves me time for other activities, namely pony butt whupping.

I got on Ernie for the first time in probably 3 weeks this morning. It was short and sweet, but I got done what I wanted and confirmed that, yes, this horse DOES still have go (lots and lots of it, we spent 20 minutes zooming around the ring at a nice, brisk trot) and yes, he DOES like having a job over not having one. He was ecstatic to be back and doing something, which he made very clear when he tried to pick up a canter at one point as I gave a half halt. It was so nice to see him forward and like his old self, even if he was pretty stiff and difficult to get bend from. But hey, this isn't about me anymore, is it? I've decided that I cannotcannotcannot go into rides with him anymore expecting anything, with any plan or ideas at all. I get what I get. If he's loose and supple and responsive, yay! If not, we'll see what we can get and end on a good note. This isn't about my needs anymore. It can't be, if I'm to keep him happy and sound and eager to continue on.

It's been a bit of a self-reflection: I've been asking myself a lot over the past few weeks: what do I want from this horse? Regardless of the answer, I can't think that way anymore. He is here, he is what he is, and he has needs that at this point are more important than mine.

It's been a rough few months, but things are looking up. I'm still scraping by money-wise, but I'm getting by, and I have help available to me if I need it. Two happy horses tells me I can't be doing too terribly in any department.