I had a pretty decent day today. J is really funny and we spend a great deal of time, cracking up and making jokes while going about our daily horsie activities.

I haven’t ridden very much in the past few days which stinks ’cause the weather has been pretty decent (except the rain). The boys have been in and out of town, which makes me and whoever is left… very busy.

I rode Ami today and he was … hmm… ok. He has an array of issues right now that are not his fault - gonna give him some time to heal and feel better. Then we will go back to work. In the meantime, I have more than enough other kiddies to play with, that I don’t feel pressure to get Ami in serious work.

About Miss - I haven’t ridden her in FOREVER. I have tried to get her moved over to the new barn - but the trailering issue just hasn’t happened. I will be happy when she is over. I miss her VERY much and am looking forward to her coming over. Ami and Miss need to be in the same place.

I did get to ride a different horse today. He was a lug. The best part was that J was very complimentary of my riding and bravery, but the horse himself wasn’t a fun ride. I don’t like to work that hard in the saddle to get a horse going forward. It’s annoying. My philosophy on horses is that they have a good life. I am only asking them to work 1 hr out of 24. Can you please show some effort please?

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J and B were on stallions, I was on Ami. Told them even against the stallions, I think I’m still on the sexiest horse out there. :-) :-) :-)  We have been calling Ami, “Brad Pitt of Horses”.

I was getting on him and J was watching…  said isn’t he just the most handsome horse?

I said yes.  :-)

I decided for my New Year’s resolution, like Beth, to blog a year in my life. Every day. It might be a marathon paragraph, it might be a picture, it might be song lyrics… but I will try my darnest not to break the streak of 365 days.

To start off the new year and to catch up lurkers / newbies…. What is this blog about?

This is a diary about a girl who desparately seeks stability and happiness with those that surround her. Those include her family (who can ‘at times’ be insane), her dog Birdie, her 2 cats, Little and Kitty and 3 beloved horses.

This will be an insight in the year of a life of a girl who is trying to figure out what she wants long term, both domestically and career-wise.

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I am grateful for the New Year, which is going to be new beginnings.

May everyone be blessed in the New Year.

With Love Always,

Crystal, Cook, Miss, Ami, Birdie, Little and Kitty.

Took a few pics of Ami today.

Here is Ami and me.

Nikki and Ami

Me riding Ami

friday was good at the barn.  uneventful.

Only rode Ami.  He was off (lame).   The boy is just a walking accident right now.  He has a cut on his right front.  A cut still healing and gross on his right hind.  Thrush.

The good news is that he was actually very well behaved.

Nothing else to report.  Saturday is gonna be a busy day from hell.

here are pictures of Cook that I like that I never blogged.

Here is Mere on a pregnant Tig and me on Cook riding together.

This was taken at a “Games Day” where I was doing barrels with Cook.

Cook was always nosy. (and looking for me to come get her).  I think Rachel took this picture.

More later.

I wasn’t very motivated today.  I didn’t feel well, and wished I had taken the day off.

I only rode Ami today.  It went so-so.  Granted, I have only ridden him 5-6 times… period.  I am still in the learning phase.  However, I am frustrated because I want to be be further along than I am.  I feel like I can’t ride him productively without them giving me a lesson and constant feedback from the ground.

He is a complicated ride.

It is going to take me a while to figure him out. Add to this, he still has thrush.  He seems to be footsore on the right front.

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There are a few reasons why I am frustrated.

One, I have been lessoning on others and I know my riding has improved hugely.  I have really learned to balance my seat and get horses off of their forehand.  I HAD to have this opportunity of working with J and B in order to have their training in order to get THIS FAR with Ami.  So I know it’s gonna pay off eventually but <sigh>.  I hate that I ride other people’s horses better than my own.  I hate for other people to watch me at the barn ride Ami because I know I’m not very good on him yet.

Two, I know in my heart, that I don’t aggravate J and B but I hate that I always need help, or teaching, or commenting on.  I love that I get constant feedback, but I hate that I need it.  Make sense?  They are super nice and super encouraging but I just want to get to the point where I am not so paranoid.  I think my past training history and how sour that went is also a factor.  I just want them to think I’m a good rider (and I KNOW they do, which is why its so stupid!!).

May everyone have a wonderful holiday and be blessed in the New Year.

-With Love,

Crystal, Miss, Ami, Birdie, Little and Kitty Friend.