First Ride On Our NEW HORSE

Okay. We finally had to sit on her. On Friday night, we were lunging Missy with the saddle on, and she was behaving so well that we decided to put some weight in the stirrup to see what she'd do. Using a bucket, Doug stepped up a few times, and finally, he was up and over! I led Missy around the roundpen twice, and then he got off. She was good! She was blowing a little bit, but not too badly. He walked with her, naturally VERY elated and was praising her profusely. Then he tried again. No problem. So, of course, I had to get on, and he led us around the roundpen once, and she was very good. I got off then, and we both praised her and untacked her, and led her to the pasture for a few minutes before dinner.

Missy feels wonderful. Even though I know it will be a while before her riding muscles are fully developed, I can feel the power of her stride. And boy, is she BIG.

We spent a lot of time at TSC and ate at Ryan's to celebrate our small victory. On Saturday morning, equipped with our new Kimberwicke snaffle bit (we have yet to get the nice black Dressage bridle I have been drooling over- in the meantime, we are borrowing a bridle) and Doug's new helmet (mine did not fit) which we got on sale-YIPPEE!, we did the same thing over again with her. No problems, although she was still blowing quite a bit from nerves, I suppose. We didn't ride her on Sunday, although we did lunge her again.

Well, I'm off to see my baby!