Perfection Would be so Boring

Margaret suggested putting a couple of lunge days into Megan's work week as an opportunity to get her really stepping under herself and forward without having to deal with a rider. Since it was hotter than Hades yesterday it seemed like a good day for only one of us to work.

Megan was already sweaty and cranky and it was only 10 a.m. She and Diva had worked themselves into a lather over a woman with an umbrella walking on the road by their paddock. Silly girls, that just means I'll put an umbrella desensitizing session on the agenda.

Off we went to lunge in the arena with two other horses being ridden. Megan was great. Worked super from behind, was forward and mostly stretching into the bit. She looked great. Change direction, work a little more and ask for a canter transition. All systems look great. Halfway around the canter circle, Vesuvius erupts, sunspots interfered with the transmission, it was time for Wapner, whatever it was it sent nicely cantering, soft and round Megan straight up into the air and flying backwards.

My sunglasses fly off my head and I'm skiing across the arena until I finally couldn't hold onto her and off she goes. Macho and Pele and their riders were terrific in the midst of this and all just stood quietly waiting for the melee to end. Megan charged up to a mirror and stood looking at herself until I retrieved her.

Back to work and no more problems. Lovely. What the heck?... It's been ages since she's used this trick. I don't think she found it particularly satisfying this time, but I certainly wasn't bored.

I'm off to DC for a couple of days, but Margaret is going to keep Megan on the straight and narrow. I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes!