The swim today was so-so. I felt a little off on technique and a little sluggish at first, but soon got into the groove. I did note my lap times for the first time ever. Looks like I have about 20-30 seconds to take off my time to be at the competitive level for the swim in pentathlon...doable but still a goal that is going to be a challenge.
Had a great ride tonight. Sheila was on Pet and Vesty had already been ridden, so I rode Marya's Howie tonight. Howie is a big chestnut...BIG. A couple inches taller than Pet. Howie has the attitude of a lab, you best buddy, ready to go and wanting to please. Howie is also the one that told Joan, the horse communicator, that he liked being outdoors...another nature boy like myself.
As soon as my foot was in the stirrup, Howie was off like a bullet...the fastest walk I've ever experienced. Per Laura's instructions, I let him do his fast walk thing until he took a big deep breath and slowed down the walk. Then we went up to the trot...WHOA Howie. It took a lot of talking to his mouth to get him under control, but we did settle into a pretty good rythem. Howie is very sensitive to a riders balance and aids, so I really had to do my best to sit and give commands correctly. The trot felt great, the canter felt even better! Didn't have any problem keeping him under control at the canter, which was a surprise to me and Laura since he was so strong. Laura brought out the poles and we did a little pre-jumping workout...come into the poles at a trot, come out of them in a canter. Howie wanted to make the poles on the ground into jumps, but with a little communication, we were able to get into the groove here as well.
I had a great time riding Howie, we get along well. Since Marya moved to CA and won't be bringing Howie down for another couple months, Laura asked me if I wouldn't mind riding him more both to keep him exercised and to get me some more riding time...looking forward to it.
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