One month till Christmas Eve!

Wow, just four weeks to the Big Day. I had better get organised and figure out presents, wine, etc etc.

I haven't even thought about what I want to put on my suggestion list. But there were a few things in the latest catalogue:

• Roma padded jacket and saddle bag (already have the boot bag)
• IRH Pro Velvet helmet
• Dublin Airflow Body Protector

Of course, I do have other interests apart from horses. There is a permanently growing list of books. I wouldn't say no to a new laptop. Not to mention the ute for towing the float. (Well, a girl can dream, can't she?)

LOG: Walk roadwork for an hour + in bareback pad. Still spooky but controllable. Worked on relaxation and keeping her head down. She didn't spot the llamas, so that's a plus! Some short bursts of trotting (no stirrups!) - next time bitless, bareback and barefoot!

Bareback!

We now have a bareback pad - second hand from my friends at the RDA. No excuses now for having to use the saddle when she's a bit sore. This is the Best Friends pad - I thoroughly recommend them.

Log: Wed 18th
Rode in bareback pad + bridle.
45 mins of slow, long and low walking around orchard.
Started out spooky with high head carriage and rushing. Gradually calmed down, got some nice stretching downwards. Did need constant half halts to slow her as the natural inclination is to walk out quickly.
Hock still puffy and warm. Finished with leg stretches and tummy lifts.
Note - need to do more massage.