Spring Break

I am on Spring Break this week and let me tell you I have never looked so forward to it. I am sad to say that it is already Thursday evening but I love teaching so this too shall pass. On Monday D and I had our lesson with Kim which went very well and he was decent despite his lack of focus and the windy conditions. At one point he had an in place bucking temper tantrum which decided we would wait on canter. However, we did some decent (Kim said) figure 8's and I felt good about his energy and ride-ability level. Tuesday I came out to ride and timed it perfectly with camp girls coming out of the arena. D and I essentially had it to ourselves and with the jumps being mostly out it seemed we had TONS of room. D was happy and attentive and willing to move and so, we cantered. Just on the left lead, just for a few strides, just asked him on two occasions but he did it without an explosion, without bucking me off, without being able to see, really... that's the first time under saddle in several (dare I say 6) months.
I felt like my face was going to split in two.
Baby steps, learning everything new. So grateful that my big, huge, blind thoroughbred is willing to move forward... I remembered how much I loved cantering and can't wait for more...
We haven't had a chance yet, he was too unfocused yesterday and today he had spring shots and his feet trimmed so I didn't bother, but I feel certain we are just beginning and that is indeed exciting!!
I've included a picture of D's delight in the new sand. :)

Its been a year...

A year ago, April 5th, it was a Monday D and I made our way, accompanied by the Sayer family, to NC State to figure out what exactly was going on with him. I remember riding the day before not sure when I would ride again and feeling hope that maybe they wouldn't find anything or find something easy. Roger generously drove and Shady helped me keep my head. Jacob didn't have much choice :) but was a trooper napping whenever he could.
We have made it through the year with quite a few bumps and bruises and many tears on my part, but D is whole and healthy and adjusting to life without site relatively well for an 11 year old thoroughbred with excess energy. :) Just this week D was cast in his stall and scraped up his right front leg and above his left eye which is essentially dead anyways. As is usual for my horse, treating his leg was extremely stressful for him but his eyes were no big deal at all. Try putting medicine on his leg and he panics, above his eye, all is well- what a goober. :)He likes to nap during the day and doesn't usually get cast but he is large, cannot see and has Grace to think about. We're not sure if its Gracie's fault or not, we'll see...
I am grateful for his health and all the people who add to his longevity. We shall see what this next year holds...