Well I really rode Pixie for the first time today. I've had her in the boarding barn since Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. I did groundwork for a week, then hired the girl that been training the ponies all summer. I must say Heather has done an excellent job with the boys and with Pixie. I had started both the boys over the past couple of winters but COLD weather after working outside all winter doesn't make me want to get on a green pony and time is just not there in the summer. Both boys w-t-c and jump. While I haven't jumped the boys yet they are beautifully broke - and so is Pixie now.

All just need miles and a bit of fine tuning on some minor quirks.

Pixie has been backed over the past 2 summers with my mom riding (she's lighter than me) and me in the centre of the circle pretending to lunge her as her forward motion was a bit lazy. Pixie now hacks independently and has strengthened up her back and stiffles to be able to carry me for a workout. Now dilemma - do I keep riding her or pay Heather?! Me thinks pay Heather a couple of days a week and me ride the others.

I've enjoyed the break after riding a long intense summer season and not really taking winters off of riding the past 3 years.