Howie countdown and short swim time

I did my Tuesday afternoon ride today, no lessons, just a ride to give me more time in the saddle to work on some things. I got to ride Howie again. A big chestnut...the kind of horse I will need to do the kind of jumps I watched at Evergreen this last weekend. Howie's actually done a few Grand Prix events, so he's a great horse to learn big jumps on. The ride on Howie went really well, he's back to the point where he responds easily and quickly to my aids...keeping his head down, slowing down to the pace I ask for, etc. Unfortunately, he's going to California this weekend to reunite with his owner. Everyone at the barn is sad to see him go. He's a great athlete, so he will be missed.

The swim went well later in the afternoon as well. Took two seconds off my 100m time which was pretty good considering I felt like I was putting in about 60%. Overall, my workout time has dropped about 10 minutes from when I first started. My workout now takes about 40 minutes. When I get back from Syndey and start working with a coach, I expect this time will go up. I discovered that of the lifeguards at the Y give private lessons. I worked on my flip turn a little with one of them today, but in October, when their summer schedule is over, I'll get some stroke skill work too.