Spring 2014 - Off to a slow start.

The good news first:

All of the snow has melted, the corral is drying up, the grass is starting to turn green, and the horses are getting to the end of the shedding phase.

And now the not so great news:

The corral is still in need of a tractor and bucket to clear out the manure, there's even more yard work than usual after this harsh winter, and the horses are acting a little silly (as they usually do this time of year). And of course, they're still shedding, which means horse hair everywhere!

The biggest difficulty this year, however, is with me.  I've been really struggling to stay healthy for the last few months.  I blamed that harsh winter for wearing me out, but I'm having a hard time shaking it, and feel like I'm constantly fighting off a bug of some kind.  I can get the barn chores done, and I've been able to pull it together for the two - three lessons a week that I've been doing, but I feel pretty worn out on a regular basis.  As a result, I haven't been getting any rides on my horses, which is a problem because that's a very important part of my work.  I need to spend that time with them to work out any lazy or bad habits they might have picked up, see how they're doing in general, and get them physically conditioned for the upcoming season. We are very far behind, unfortunately.

I know a lot of you are wanting to get back in the saddle.  I expected to be totally ready to get back at it by now.  I apologize for the delay, and I ask that you please bear with me as I sort everything out.  I haven't forgotten about you!!!

I'm trying to gradually fill out my schedule in a way that won't tire me out, or ask too much of Copper and Phoenix, since they've spent a long time off as well.

All of you riders are valuable to me.  I am looking forward to a productive and fun-filled summer riding season.  It will happen.

Please feel free to contact me, about lessons or even just to say hello!