I never get sick of colorful awakenings. Every one has its own character.
Today starts the lengthening of days!

Bella's Progression

We've had 3 lessons under saddle now with Bella progressing very well. I have changed her saddle to a lightweight synthetic black one that fits better and doesn't overwhelm her back.
Lesson #2 we walked out better and started figuring out turning and sometimes stopping at Whoa. Less time was spent on the lunge line.
Lesson #3 she really started listening to my requests to go, turn, stop. And we trotted. And we used the whole arena and moved through a cat fight right in front of us without being troubled more than stopping to look. I turned her in a few big circles and walked her over the poles I'd set on the ground.
We might try outside the arena next. I haven't had my camera since the first ride but will try to remember it next lesson.
I'm driving up to Tucson to pick up sister Barbie tomorrow and that means Bella's lessons will be limited for a week.

I never dreamed these lessons would go so quickly, but that's because I play these scenes out in my head and they always have unhappy endings. Reality is so much better than fantasy.

Bella Under Saddle

All of the right planets lined up on Wednesday in the proper order so that my confidence in Bella's attitude was perfect. Karen met us out at the barn to offer a friendly hand.

I saddled Bella over by her corral and then led her to the little arena. No complaints, all is well. 78 degrees and not a breeze to be seen. I asked her to lunge a little just to be sure there wasn't any hidden loose screws. Karen joined us and stood quietly by while I mounted and tried to sit deep and relaxed in the saddle. We petted a minute in that position. Then we asked Bella to follow Karen around the arena once to see if her balance was Ok with my weight on top. Still no feathers flew.

Back to the middle of our little lunging area and Karen asked Bella to go on out on the circle. Each of Bella's feet made their own deliberate step. There was no hurry. We went around in Pony-Ride circles both ways with me begging myself to relax and enjoy the moment.

Soon Karen thought we might try walking without the life-line lunge line. That stumped Bella. How to walk forward without a Mother's hand to hold. After we finally got a little movement we decided to dismount, pet and check saddle, and mount back up. This time we did more steps on our own and then dismounted on the opposite side.

She was a champ, my little girl.

I pulled the saddle while still standing there and she didn't have any dampness anywhere. Meanwhile, my bra was soaked.

I wish I had worn something a little more sparkly and photogenic, but it certainly wasn't about me. Bella takes good pictures under any condition.

Coconuts

I found these love-a-ly coconuts upon arrival in Mexico. The tree was busy all summer while I was gone. Now I'll need to open one and see if they are any good. It is the first real "crop" this 14 year old tree has produced. I'm so proud.


Bella has not forgotten her lessons from last Spring and seems ready to take on a passenger. As soon as I can pin down another horsey friend I will mount and have my friend on the end of the lunge line.
My little horse continues to lighten. I bought a yearling buckskin and now have a 3 1/2 year old light grey filly. Maybe I should ask for a refund.

We got down here before Thanksgiving but went right back up across the border to be in the US of A for the holiday. The weather is so perfect right now I don't want to go anywhere for awhile.