3'9

3'9!

Happy Everything! Christmas Eve morning I decided Jasper needed a view of something other than his run and the barn so we went for a loop in the woods. There wasn't much snow but everything was frozen, so after cantering through the field we took it easy and walked on the trails. On the way home there is a steep little hill that opens up into the big field. He always fights me on this and wants to accelerate instead of slow down, only this time when I pulled back on the reins his head shot up and his hind legs slipped out from underneath him. He landed on his left side and my left ankle. It happened so fast I didn't have time to react, but at the same time was having a conversation in my head about letting go of the reins.

Should I let go? Should I keep hanging on? What are you supposed to do? I think let go. But I still have them. He will take off. Oh, that's his right hoof right by my arm, he's having trouble standing up. Oh, there's his back hoof right by my ribs, I hope he doesn't step on me. I still have the reins, am I pulling him off balance? He will fight me and pull back...

For some reason he didn't pull back, and I was able to keep hanging on to the reins and get into a squatting position before I felt my ankle screaming at me to pull the knife out of it. I sat there for quite a while breathing shallowly and considering my options. I couldn't walk, which left getting back on, which would require me to put pressure on my ankle no matter what. Or crawling back. In about 10 minutes the pain began to subside... it was really strange. I was able to get back on and ride home, put Jasper away, and drive my car (stick shift) home.

That night I was on crutches, but the next day after 8 hours of sleep it felt a lot better. 2 days straight of elevation really helped and a week later I was able to go xc skiing.

I FINALLY found a schooling helmet that fits! I have a very long very oval head. This is the Ovation Sync. It is very flattering, obviously.

New Year's Day: My friend Dale was visiting from Canada and wanted to see horses. After a lesson in "combing" them, we set up a jump chute. Started at 2' and worked up to 3'9! This is the highest he's ever jumped. Ok, the highest on purpose. It was pointed out to me that he jumped a gate about his high from a standstill once. It was supposed to be a one stride but he just kind of nonchalantly trotted the whole thing.

Go buddy!