Today in my jump lesson my trainer and I discussed a plan to incorporate some longline days into Sam's schedule (my least favorite activity) to help his fitness.
Of course there will be days off, as the bullets at the bottom suggest it's only a 5-6 day work week. But I've put what I am able to do on each day, longline on the days I have less time. If life gets in the way, that will be day off and I'll just pick back up on the next day. If I fill the week with every day at the barn, then we'll take the next Sunday off so we max out at 6 days for that week.
This past weekend Sam and I entered a low key jumpers schooling show. We jumped an easy 18" and had clean rounds. We got to try gamblers in which I learned I should circle tightly to the left on Sam, not to the right, his stiffer side because otherwise we overshoot the next jump.
I knew going into the weekend that we were not in top form having reduced our ride days these past 3 months of winter. But we went well until class 6 which was a W/T/C Equitation and the judge was vicious by making us trot forever posting, then sitting and right into 2-point, each several large arena laps - in both directions. My legs were both burning and jello at the same times. By the time we got to the canter segment, of which we had a break since they divided us into two groups and my group got to rest first (THANK GOODNESS) I was wiped and so was Sam.
We cantered his easy way first to the left, including a few laps of extended canter (at noobie rider level?!). When we went right, a few strides after I asked, Sam put up a little fit and tried to run out left in the big curve while humping a bit nearly pinning a large grey horse and his rider into the wall. Sam was breathing quickly and loudly... I didn't blame him, I was too! We managed to regroup and finish, but I knew we definitely were going to have be penalized for the outburst. We took 4th out of 10 riders.
Sam was sweaty around his ears (he rarely ever sweats) and we were both kaput. We scratched our last 7th class which was a gambler round at a larger height.
We had fun, was late for the first time to a class (Sam had a muddy potty escapade) and I managed to feel in control even though Sam was strong to all the jumps. :D
Here's a video of one of our rounds. I thought we were going a pretty good clip while I was riding but watching the video, I can see why we do hunters and not jumpers :)
Tredstep Donatello Field Boot
Available @ SmartPak
Show season is nearly here and this year I've finally invested in tall boots. I seem to have short legs from knee to ankle but wider calves, so based on measurements I could never find anything off the shelf. But recently, based on outstanding reviews, I ordered Tredstep Donatello Field Boots.
At most, I thought they might be too tall. But with the lifts that come with them and some breaking in that will drop them a bit, I think they might be just fine. :D So don't be afraid to take a chance, esp with SmartPak's awesome return policy. I never would have guessed an 18" tall boot would work on my measured 16.5" - so something's not perfect about the system. I thought maybe they measured from the spanish top, but it's 18" from the inside.
I plan to start riding in them this week since my first show is only 2 weeks away. They are fabulous walking around in my house. The leather is very nice and I'm a leather snob. I can also tell they will break in very easily which must have something to do with that flex area build into the ankle. Love them already - but riding will be the real test :)
Kensington SmartBlue® Boot Bag
Best part is I used a gift certificate I got for Christmas to help defray the cost. But even so, they seem well worth the price point. Two boot bags should arrive this week. I'm hoping the Kensington SmartBlue® will be tall enough, reviews weren't specific on the exact height but it should be a close fit.
Update: The Kensington bag was a perfect fit for my boots, which was awesome because it matches the rest of my 'travel bags' for shows.
