Sweat and Tears

My first post and I already have writer’s block! I decided a blog would be an easier way to share some pictures and thoughts with friends and family, near and far-flung. I enjoy taking pictures, especially of the horses, and enjoy sharing said pictures, even more!

I’m also embarking on a fabulous journey with my heart-horse, Baronessa (aka Ness aka Nessie aka Nester the Molester aka the Loch Nessie Monster). After being out of the saddle for many months related to back surgery and then a car accident which injured the same general area, I am finally recovered enough to resume my dressage endeavors. While I was recuperating, Baronessa has been learning even more then I could’ve imagined. My job is to catch up with her a little!! I have lofty riding goals to match Baronessa's lofty gaits. Fortunately, with wonderful instruction for me and training for Baronessa, the sky’s the limit!

We just started competing in the Para Equestrian (disabled rider) classes. I'm classified as a Grade IV, Profile 19b rider. Grade IV riders are the highest functioning and usually only have one limb that is impaired. For me, that's my left leg. Baronessa and I have a lot of folks supporting our efforts to compete in the Para Eq and able-bodied competitions. I hope to use this blog to document some of the great instruction I'm receiving. And if anyone can get me doing better half-passes, I am all ears!! My poor instructors--I get it one day and lose it the next. That is dressage--whether all your body parts are working or not!

Here are two recent pictures of me riding in my outdoor arena, taken a few weeks ago. A few “before” pictures to document where I begin my journey. Siobhan Byrne, snapped these. "Shiv" is such a talented dressage rider/trainer--she makes sure Ness doesn't forget any of her old training and is teaching her lots of new stuff, too.

Dressage is hard work for the human-half of the team, too, despite some non-riders' opinions that the horse is the one doing all the work.

Merrily we canter along.

Our attempt at "half-steps," which are the first steps to piaffe..