I rode Lily yesterday for the first time since the start of winter. When I went to call her out of the mare field, she craned her head and looked at me quizzically, instead of galloping down the hill with a sliding stop inches away from the gate. The sliding stop is impressive, but scary, since I am always afraid she will misjudge the distance. She walked down to meet me when I went out to catch her, so I decided she was just feeling exceptionally mellow.
I tacked her up with her western saddle, and then decided to ride her without longing her first. Why wake her up when she was in such a relaxed mood? Besides, watching Lily on the longe line has been intimidating me. She is no worse than Hap at that age, but I was a lot younger then, and in theory at least, bounced better.
We didn’t do much: a friend was working her young Arab/Percheron cross, and I wanted to stay our of her way. However, I was once again amazed at Lily’s sensitivity. I joke with my trainer that Lily’s philosophy is “we don’t need no stinkin’ aids.” She wants a very light, very consistent feel on the reins, and a very light, very consistent leg. Turning and transitions should all be done with minute shifts of the rider’s weight. I think she plans on teaching her riders to communicate with telepathy next.
Elaine, I’ve tried to send e-mail to you, Catherine and Kay regarding our workshop at the journal conference and both addresses I used bounced. I can’t find a Contact Me at this site, so I’m going to copy the message here and then you can delete it. Please send your correct e-mail.
Elaine and Catherine, is there some way we can set up a conference call for the three of us to discuss what we want our panel to be at the journal conference? I’m not very techy when it comes to something like this. I thought originally it was going to be about blogging, but I think Kay is seeing it more as an evolution of all of our years together on lists. Or maybe it can be both. I’m hoping we can come up with an outline and since AV is so important, maybe a little projected Internet on writing on lists and blogs. I would also like to do some handouts. I can be reached at the numbers below. I’m at work on Tues., Wed., Thurs., otherwise at home. Any ideas about how we can collaborate? I know Kay needs some clarification for her write-ups.
Love,
Fran