The last few weeks have been super hectic, and I’m sorry for not posting recently. Three weeks ago I had a migraine that lasted for about four days, and I didn’t feel comfortable driving to the barn (about a thirty minute drive) by myself. Then the next week began, and it rained almost everyday. I went riding whenever possible, but I wasn’t able to do much since the ground was extremely muddy and covered with puddles. That brings us to this past week. I went out of town for six days for Thanksgiving break. It is because of all these things, that I have not been able to continue to work with Merlin. Luckily, the weather is cleared up a bit this week so I was able to ride a little.

Because it had been a while since I had last seen him, Merlin was a little lazier than normal and we spent most of the first ride getting back into the routine of things. In other words, we just did a lot of trotting and a few circles here and there. Luckily he seemed to have retained the muscle of the exercises fairly well. By the end of the week, he was much more surefooted and alert.

Unfortunately I will be traveling again for the front half of the upcoming week and will not be able to ride. When I get back, I plan on reintroducing ground poles and cantering as well as testing some basic stretches with him. Another thing that I plan to do soon is talk to the barn owner about decreasing the amount of grain Merlin gets since he has constant access to both grass and hay and doesn’t have to fight off other horses to get to it. This should help him to lose a some additional weight.