So I keep forgetting to update my journal with the exciting events that have happened this week. Princess is still doing well, she had her staples taken out, and she's healing really well.

So the exciting riding experiences started Monday. I had my weekly riding lesson. I rode Dreamer, a big palomino, (he's almost 17 hh I think) for the second time. So the warm up and most of the jumping goes alright. We were jumping a little 2' course, my trainer is keeping it low right now, since I'm not fully used to Dreamer yet. He has a big stride! So we had started a course, the first outside line went fine, then on the turn, he stumbled, I lost my balance, fell forward, and off over his left shoulder. At a canter. I hit the ground pretty hard, landing on my left shoulder/side. The footing in the ring is pretty soft though, so it didn't feel like I hit the ground that hard. Dreamer, being the sweety that he is, stopped immediately. I felt fine, and got back on and did some more jumping. Later that evening, my upper back started to hurt really badly, so I must have jarred some muscles or something. I took some pain pills, and by the next morning was feeling fine. It wasn't Dreamers fault, he just accidentally tripped, and I still love the big, blonde goof.

So the next day, Blu and I had a fun little adventure. Blu is s 4 yr old Tennessee Walker, and his owner is paying me to take care of him while she's out of town. She said I could ride him, he's broke to ride, but he has an EXTREMELY sensitive mouth. She warned me about that, and said that he has a bad rearing habit. Well I'd seen Donna ride him before, and he behaved so wonderfully, that I decided to ride him a little bit. My dad came up with me, just in case anything did happen. I used a western saddle, so I'd have something to hold on to if he reared, and I wore my helmet (So glad I did!) So I tacked him all up, and led him over to the mounting block and got on. He was fine for about 5 seconds, then he took off. I was trying not to pull too hardly on his mouth, that's what causes him to rear because his mouth is so very sensitive, but I had to, he wouldn't stop. So I pull back, and he stops, then rears up. Right under a tree. I think I came pretty close to hitting my head on a branch (glad I had my helmet on!) Then he goes back down, I release the reins, then he rears up again. I moved him forward with my legs, and headed him straight to the closest fence, so he'd have to stop. He stops at the fence, and I make him sit there for several minutes, talking calmly to him stroking his neck, until he calms down. After he calmed down, he behaved fine. I don't think I've ever ridden a horse with a more sensitive mouth. The slightest little flinch of the reins and he responds. He's got such a smooth gait too, he's fun to ride.

I'm still taking care of Blu, I rode him again the other day, and it went so much better. No rearing, and he was a lot calmer. I'm getting attached to him, underneath the timid, fearful part is a big sweety who loves attention. Whoever had him before Donna bought him, they abused him. He's at least 150 + lbs underweight, he's timid, and not too trusting of people. He is really coming out of his shell when I work with him, he just needs time, patience, understanding, and love. I think he's starting to realize that he's safe here, and no one is going to hurt him anymore.

I'm also now taking care of Rufus and Hosay for a month, while their owner is on vacation. I'm getting paid to take care of them, which is very nice. I need all the money I can get right now. My dad, bless his heart, payed for all of Princess's surgery expenses. Which was $2000+. Most of the money I'm currently earning is going to help pay him back for Princess's surgery. The rest is going towards feed, shavings, hay, and any other horse expenses.

I do have several prints up for sale here on dA. I know the economy is bad right now, and alot of people don't have much extra money to spend, but if you do have any extra, and would like to buy a print, it would be appreciated so much! If there is any of my work that you'd like a print of, that I don't already have up as a print, send me a note! All the money will go to caring for my horses. Lucy, Princess and I thank you!