The Best Policy

Is honesty always the best policy? Do blog readers really want to hear moaning, grumping and feeling low? I am not sure. I like an uplifting blog, a motivational verse. Something that makes me grin or shake my head in agreement and mirth.

However when I started this blog I made a promise to myself to be honest and true. Hopefully with a grin and a shrug but not to try to sugercoat life either.

The truth is, that it's been a tough few weeks. Our family are going through some stuff. Visas, work, legal crap, stuff I can't go into here right now, but stuff we are just about surviving as a family.

Axel is my escape, my breath when my chest feels heavy, my laugh when the giggles are sinking. No matter what I adore this horse. This week however I logged my first bad ride on him. He was of course wonderful as always, I don't blame him for a thing and any failures always will stem from me always. This ride was to be our last before the show. Of course, as per the law of sod, we just were not in harmony. Deep down I am still concerned about his physical comfort and during the warm up it just felt that he dibbed when I dabbed and ducked when I swayed. For the first time it felt like I just wasn't speaking his language and boy did I feel bad about it. I hopped off and had my gorgeous Sara ride him for a while. She felt some of what I felt but got him back in tune. After a little dance and spin with a good dance partner for Axel, I hopped back on and once again, we seemed to hum the same ditty. Now who knows what was happening, a little tense from me? A little hot from him? I don't know and need to not overthink.

Today we spent some time just chilling (both of us), grazing (him mostly) and packing (me mostly). Tomorrow we ship to the show, beautify (both) and play in, see, and ride around the arenas (hopefully both bahaha).

No matter what, he gets to see a big show, gets confidence and a fantastic experience. This is more important to me than anything else. So, thought, and care will go into this weekend and whatever my boy needs at that time to make him confident and happy he will get. I have a brilliant support team in my family, great barn mates and and amazing friend and trainer in Sara.

Tack is clean, boots are not polished yet, but clean enough and piles and piles of horse stuff is ready to go. Our aim this weekend- have a blast!

Axel and Jinx (Scott and Saras barn doggy)!

Tack room? Nah lounge at home haha!

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