So Nikki, here is what I decided.  Committing to riding both on Sats and Suns.  I have the time, I just have to make sure that I have the motivation.   Cook will be Wed-Sat-Sun.  Miss will have Weds off and prolly Monday (whatever day rains, or I’m too tired).

I am making a pledge to be more dedicated to the horses I am responsible for.

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I hopped on Cook tonight.  I didn’t get very far.  We mostly walked for 30 minutes.  She was being very fussy when I tried to pick up the trot.  She was going into this weird combo gait of a trot-canter.  I don’t think she is hurting - I think it’s just been forever since I have been on her and she wanted to GO.   I didn’t feel like getting after her so pretty much I just let her walk, stretch out, and then made her do a bunch of listening at the walk - leg yields, serpertines, circles, bending.  She doesn’t have any particular place she has to be - so we can go slowly.   I may try and double ride her on Thursday night, just because I didn’t like how she was being so fussy.

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Funny how things change.

Then:  The barn used to be crowded.  way crowded.  Cross ties would be hard to get into and getting in and out, was a jigsaw puzzle.  Alot of people in the ring.

Now:  I’ve ridden by myself for 4 weeks.  Before the 4 week spell, I rode only with people on the weekends with Rachel.   I have been riding on the weekdays alone for even longer (~6 months).  Even more surprising to myself, is that I deal with it.  I wouldn’t go so far as to say I like it… ’cause I don’t.  I don’t get to jump nearly as much as I should, because I have to make sure the people that live at the house are home and at least, would see me if something happened and I came off.  Plus, I like being social during riding.  But, I have managed to find peace about it.