What's Up Wednesday

 

The weather has been all over the place up here in New England. But I did manage to ride more days than not the past week, so that's been wonderful. The horses had Friday off. And this is kind of a funny story why. I was kind of humming and hawing on if I wanted to ride or not that day. It was cold. Like never got to 40 and it was damp and overcast so it felt colder. And then I got a text that they were coming to take a look at the driveway that got torn up last week. And in a shocking event that never happens they were able to come back same day and get to work. I figured I didn't need to ride while there was heavy machinery here so I just didn't. But I was very grateful for the excuse, because I really was having a hard time motivating. 

The driveway isn't done getting fixed yet, but it is at least safe again. So I'll take that. 

I also wound up not riding Saturday because the high was 36. But I did spend a good long time dragging the ring and getting the footing just right. And it was LOVELY to ride on it all freshly dragged on Sunday! My helper usually drags once during the week, but he likes to see how fast he can do it which leaves speed bumps and sometimes even ruts if he picks up a rock. Not to mention all the jumps he hits... I may take this particular task off his plate going forward. Anyway, it was nice to spend the time really getting it just right. 

We've had some really nice days this week which has been much needed though. It's been windy, but more like gusty rather that sustained winds. I'll be honest though, I wasn't sure Monday or yesterday if I'd get on Al. Monday because the neighbor... And yesterday because despite my kicking my worker out in the afternoon, no sooner had he left that the state showed up on the road to do tree work. I know I've mentioned before Al gets very bothered by chainsaw noise. Like he can hear it miles away and will stare very bothered out his stall window until it stops. So with it so close by... I thought our day might be ruined. In the past, he'd still be bothered even when it stopped, but I got lucky yesterday. Since I was late getting started, I didn't get on him until 4, and the trucks had already finished for the day. After a little ground work, I climbed on and had a wonderful ride on him. The neighbor even came out and started doing who knows what outside (I swear, he waits until he sees the dark horse come out) and Al just did his job. Both days actually. Which isn't to say he give me all of his attention the entire ride. He doesn't. It IS Al after all. But he's making a good effort, and I'll take what I can get. I really think the Back on Track cap is helping, but maybe that's just me drinking the Kool Aid. Regardless, it's been nice!

Things are going well with all of them in terms of getting back to work. We're trotting ten minutes now, so probably this weekend we'll start adding in canter too. I'm probably taking things too slowly, but they're all getting older and I think slower is always better. I think my body appreciates it too. I mean they're doing ten minutes of trot, but that means I'm doing 30. Ya know? 

Today there's a chance we get rained out, but I'm going to try and get as many ridden as I can. I also have to be done on the earlier side for Passover dinner, so I we'll see what gets done. They're going to have tomorrow off. Temps are tanking again and it may also rain some more. So a good rest day for them. I think we've been doing five days a week pretty consistently the last three or so weeks, so the extra day off tomorrow fits into that. Friday and Saturday, though cooler should be decent riding days. Sunday might be another rain out. But it's spring, and that's just how it goes. I'm taking my Monday regardless of what happens! 

But also, I'm trying to get less worked up about the horses' schedules. Ideally I want to ride six days a week, but if that doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. The horses are fine. They don't gain or lose all their fitness in a day or two. Lots of horses get ridden three or four days a week and still do great. We're not training for the upper levels. We're just trying to have fun and be the best versions of ourselves we can be. And that includes not feeling stressed about things that don't actually matter that much. 

I am still, however, having big feelings about my own availability. I went on and on yesterday about feeling annoyed by my schedule being disrupted. Adding fuel to that fire, my mom had scheduled Passover dinner with my brother's family without ever talking to me about it. So they all decided it would be tonight at 5pm. No one ever told me until I asked if we were doing it. Guys. My mom is 20 minutes from me, and my horses get fed at 5. Or later. Never before. Which my family should know since I bring that up every time we schedule something. Guess I'll just be late. 

Then I just got a text that they are stopping by to go over what else I want done with the driveway today. Like really? How about, are you free? Can we meet today? I do not have time for that today. But no response, so I guess we'll just see what happens. It's just so frustrating. Like no one considers me. Which is maybe a selfish thought, but I'm just tired I guess of being at everyone's whim but my own. 

On the plus side, at least I don't have to figure out dinner tonight, right? Sigh. Anyway, I'm off to try and get these horses ridden and fed before our Seder. Guess who's gonna smell like a barn at the dinner I'm late for?? I guess that will make us even. Their penance for not considering me is that they have to smell me. Heehee.