Feeling vibrant

First ride on El Bandito in the old endurance tack I've scratched together. Oiled up the leathers on the borrowed Wintec from Dave's barn, knocked out the rotted pads out of the irons, checked the rest to make sure I wasn't going to die. Mounted up. First off, tried the natural Parelli bridle— once we were in the ball field, I knew that was a mistake, and doubled back for his normal hackamore. Once I convinced him it was okay to stop collecting, and he figured out it was the first time I was truly asking him for a flat-out trot— we covered some ground! Giddy with the feeling. We were both feeling a little sore, so I practiced hopping off, checking respiration, hacking a little bit on foot with him. I just felt happy. It feels fantastic to have a goal, even if it is far-off and I have a lot of crap to collect before then. I do want to take dressage lessons (desperately) but I don't have the time and probably not even the funds for that now. I haven't had a goal with the Bandit in forever and now I do and it's something he seems to relish and ahhhh, just feeling good about it. :) Can't wait for yahoo yellow tack in the mail.

We climb on two by two, to be sure these days continue things we cannot change.