Dressage on a Racetrack

It really has to be one of the oddest places I've ever horse showed: Sunland Park, NM, but really almost El Paso, a few miles from the old Mexico.

Across a very refreshing looking (90 degrees today) rather large pond that takes up the infield (complete with fountains-good for some horse lookies, for sure) is the Sunland Park Casino. The warm up? On the racetrack. A little tilted, but good for practicing balance. Lots of very nice horses and riders checking out the flapping tents and the general vibe of the place this afternoon. I always forget that El Paso isn't that far from Arizona, and that it's a pretty big town in its own right, and so naturally there's a very nice turnout. The barns are lovely, spacious and efficient and pleasant, and there isn't too much of a horse racing vibe to the place.

Baleno had a massage--we're hoping that might help him feel better, and the masseur showed me the places he was tight. Later on I rode him and he was tense, and a bit of a nut in the beginning, and then he settled down and we have a very nice workout. He feels up and ready to go.

More tomorrow.