Insanity

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” – Albert Einstein

Stampede is back in full flatwork since he proved to have enough energy to hop around like a crazy animal in the field Friday night. I ended up getting off him and dragging him over to the area he was being silly about. He was actually really good after he finished with his antics on Friday, so I guess I can’t complain too much after him having over a week off.

Today he and I just really weren’t on the same page. He wanted to go long, low, and strung out and I wanted to pull him together and make him use himself from behind. Finally I let him canter around with a huge stride for a few times around and then he seemed to settle in. I guess I should have done that sooner in our ride!

I may do a flat lesson with him Tuesday and then jump a line or something, but it’s supposed to be 94 degrees so I might change my mind on that!

P and I had a great week. I started riding him with a crop for the first time in years (I mean since some point when I owned him the first time so pre-2002) and it has really helped get him responsive again. I love that pony!

Happy begging pony

Grass eating pony

Saturday Christie and I went on a road trip to Sporthorse Saddlery in New Hudson, Michigan to check out their sale. They put everything remaining on their show trailer on sale for 50% off and it was the first day. I managed to get a show shirt out of the trailer. It wasn’t on sale but I also decided to give the Back on Track saddle pad a try after all of the rave reviews I’ve heard on other blogs. Since Stampy struggles with muscle soreness in his back from kissing spines maybe this will be another tool to keep him feeling good. I’ll update once I’ve used it a few times.

New show shirt

I also wanted to share Hilary’s Sore No More contest, which ends tomorrow night, September 9th. While I already use the Sore No More Gelotion and Poultice, I would love to try their shampoo and “the sauce”.

Here’s a picture of Stampede working hard at his last show. Stampede gets the Gelotion on his back after every ride due to his back issues, and he loves it! At night during shows I also rub down his legs.

Stampy working hard for his Sore No More rub downs!