Skate xc: 5k And The New Sport

After dark, but we got it done.

Long Ski

We managed to get in our long ski to complete our first weekend's training.  

MTU trails, 37F.  The snow was damp and soft, but with good control.  We didn't have time to wax skis for the soft conditions, but Kirsten came to the rescue.  Our race skis have last spring's wax on them, perfect for this snow, as it turns out.  I stopped a lot at the top of hills, but we made it.  Birch and the Dog loops (man, that was all marked up with footprints and paw prints.)  Then the Oak and Pine loops.  The trail lights were all off, but we brought our own lights.  Unstoppable!

5.58k

41:00

The Surprise

This fall, Kirsten tells me, "You've got to come see this horse."  I'm thinking, uh-oh.  We used to both have horses, riding and showing them together.  I'd since gotten out of it, never to go back.  Never say never, right?  Kirsten had told everyone at the barn, don't try to talk him into anything, he'll just walk away.  She told the horse, you'll have to sell him yourself.  Well, it worked!

I gave him the barn name, 'Shootim.'

Zippos Shooter is a nine year old quarter horse gelding.  Just messing around with him a few times, we could tell that he had some wonderful qualities.  He had been out to pasture for years, but early on had some excellent training and successful showing.  He is an interesting combination of accomplished and green.   I took too much for granted on early rides, and he showed me where we both need work.  

Yesterday, was driving; Shootim goes bitted and I worked him from the ground holding long lines.  He did a very good job, taking cues well. Eventually,  I'd like him to take even lighter cues.  He even did the beginning of side passing, crossing his feet over, both directions.

Today was a day in the saddle.  First I got on the roof and helped Jack, one of the trainers, with clearing snow.  I only did a little but he's been at it all day.  Whew.  Kirsten helped me get Shootim ready.  After lunging, I saddled him up and got on.  I asked our trainer, Susan, for direction on what to do.  She suggested teaching a light cue followed by a harder cue for yielding to the bit.  The idea is that he'll learn to yield to the light cue, making the bigger cue unnecessary.  So I wiggle the reins, then tug on the bit a couple of times, then release (called 'give.')  A couple of times, and he's got it from the wiggle.  Anything else?  It was a nice ride, he did everything I asked.  I'm getting better at body positioning as well and that makes it easier for Shootim to do his job.

I'm looking forward to next weekend already!