The weather has definitely improved. Clear, sunny days with just a hint of crisp fall air. This is going to be a very fun Autumn for Team Brego.
Brego loves the change in the weather. Nothing saps him more than humidity, and with the dry air and reduced temperatures, you can see the relief on his face. He got a bonus day off yesterday because I was on the hunt of yet another elliptical trainer (stupid craigslist junk). So today, when I pulled him out of the field, he was coasting on three full days with no work. His right hind leg felt exactly as he left.
I tacked him up and we just went for a ride around the farm. The amazing barn owners had mowed down a field as a track so I would have a place to condition him outside of an arena. I can't believe how lucky I am to be at such a wonderful barn where my every desire is met. Although most of the riders there are hunters, they indulge my bizarre whims to help me improve in my sport, letting me put out dressage letters, mowing out a track for my conditioning, not panicking when I jump up their landscaping like it's a bank, etc. Eventer's paradise.
Anyway, Brego and I just played around in the fields, walking and trotting. I brought him into the arena only to let my jumper trainer watch him trot and canter. He felt lazy and stiff through the neck, but even. He looked great from the ground.
So another week or so out of the sand and, if his leg remains unchanged, I will start jumping work again. I am still working on the chiropractor, I do want him looked at no matter how good he is moving. Better safe than sorry.
I don't have any shows coming up, so we're taking a break from the dressage and jumping and just working on conditioning and riding out. This weekend, I will be riding to the hounds in New Hampshire, second field if The Brego is up to it (I can gap the fences if needed). Then next weekend, I have another clinic with Steuart Pittman. It will be cross country on turf, so I am sure Brego will be in good shape by then. And then, in mid September, I've got a little schooling 3 phase, which is very little pressure.
So now is the perfect time to build back up and get our bodies and brains excited about work again.
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