Going Out with a Bang, Not a Whimper

Angie and I both decided that we would throw caution to the winds and go out with a bang on this RAC November Team Challenge, so we did a Team Ride with Me last night in the dark. It was beautiful in Maine last night! Sure was dark...Angie told me she was taking video for me as we spoke, well, I can't wait to get a load of THAT! The video I took doesn't have much visual detail, that's for sure.We took Harold along for the ride. I must say...I have ridden more in the dark and/or in the rain for this challenge than I could have foreseen, and it really is kind of interesting! By the time I get out of work during the week this time of year, it is basically pitch black, so I had to use that to my advantage in order to keep up with my TX partner. Another thing I have made good use of during November is my nice wide barn aisle.Along with our usual backing and give-to-pressure exercises, this month we used the aisle for practicing neck reining, pivots and side passing. We got stuck on the side passing earlier when I was setting Ah-D's face next a retaining wall. Seems the green grass growing mouth-high on the other side of the retaining wall was too tempting, and I was ready to give up on teaching Ah-D this skill. But I discovered the barn aisle worked great for the lessons, especially since there aren't any of the distractions that are present outside during the day. I also used the aisle corners to practice pivots.

Denise, having the challenge during November definitely inticed me to spend my horse time more wisely and to spend much less time bemoaning the fact that it was hunting season. And also, thanks to Harold, my Maine Gaines partner Angie, and our competing teams for adding so much fun through all of our Cowgirl Tryouts. I come away from this "competition" rich with Curly friends and as a better partner to my very special Curly partner Didder.