and he's back

Major is back, and badder than ever.

Yes, BADDER. I know it's not a correct word, but it's the perfect description of our first ride back.

The vet re-xrayed and the splint looks "quiet" so I could start riding again. On soft ground, he recommended the arena for a couple weeks. Oh no, I hate the arena! But it will be good to hone some skills, or after today, relearn how to behave under saddle.

Major had been a good patient, quiet during hand-walking. The last few days had been a little pushy, quickly corrected. So I wasn't expecting silliness when I saddled and led him to the arena.

Got on and my stirrups seemed too short, which was weird, same place they've been for a year. Lengthened, hopped back on, just wanted to walk a bit, see how he felt. We pranced walked around, trying to stay on the rail and not veer all over like a drunken sailor. Only partially successful as Major was saying "I have no idea what leg means, oh move over? Ask again tomorrow."

Um, I don't think so. So he moved over. That time. Opposite leg? Same response. So we did turns on the forehand and hindquarters, sidepassing, till he remembered.

Thought we'd trot a bit. My giraffe horse had one speed, super fast, the acting-like-idiot speed. And tried to buck when he didn't like me on his right diagonal. Brat. There were many other words said too.

I don't think the four weeks off affected his fitness too much, though his girth had to be loosened a few holes. But he was SO fit, just having done that 50, and then nothing but hanging out in the pasture (yeah, rough life), that the attitude is just awful! I want my horse back!

Damn, it's gonna take some work. I think this forced arena rehabilitation is a good thing. Back to basics. With nothing else on my calendar, I've got all day Major, just deal with it.