Typical for southern Alberta, nothing is typical in weather. So, this weekend we had 25C and 22C or so. And after the crappy summer we had, I HAD to get outside with little Maggie.

Friday was work in the arena, 25 minutes because that's as long as I could be VERY specific and demanding with her about being forward and answering the aids promptly. She did well. This was my first ride after my trainer was on her Wednesday.

Saturday, pure decadence, I went and worked her in the berry field (about 5 acres of rows of saskatoons). She has a history of being horrible when asked to work in the berry field, but she was feeling mellow, so I figured hey, lets give it a try. She was wonderful, no squealing, bucking, twisting, hopping, etc. So, we trotted up and down and up and down and up and down the rows. I do this for a couple reasons: she'd better listen to Mom wherever we are, we show, I don't CARE what's going on, listen to ME, and two, the footing is different. Again, because we show, you never know what the footing will be like. So, this is a bit harder footing than the sand we're usually in, and it's a bit undulating, so she'd better know where her feet are, and she's not always that good about that. We even had lengthening, which was great, particularly if, say, the track at a show is harder than the rest of the footing, and we have to lengthen in it.

And today, well, the owner of Maggie's buddy Cleo was there, so we went for a hack in the berry field. Just walking, since Maggie has a session with our trainer tomorrow. But, the kicker for little girl was, Cleo walks faster than Maggie does, no matter how many inches Maggie has over her! Cleo is a typical TB off the track, and Maggie wants to know where the fire is and there better be good food when we get there, because this walking with a purpose sucks! But, good for her to get moving with no nagging from Mom.

I do love to get out and about with my girl, even if it's not the trail ride some go for. She's pretty good for the odd one, but not if she's in season, or if there's a bull moose around or, well, she's a mare, what do you expect?!