Spring?...

It's only the beginning of March, right? This weather has me so messed up. This past weekend was very nice. As spring really is right around the corner, it's time to do some prep work. My daughters love horses! My oldest received her first horse for her birthday this past October. Last year was her first year in 4-H. We have a wonderful friend that has shown them the ropes, you can tell! Last year, Karys won three first place trophies. Between her natural ability and Lindsey working with her, it is a sight to behold. My poor girl had even come down with one of the worst cases of the stomach flu we have had in years the day before. She has been taking riding lessons for around four years now. Last year was also our first year showing. It was after those lessons and her father watching her show that day for 4H that convinced him she did need a horse. April will be here before we know it, and April 1st is the deadline to sign up for 4H. Horse shows will be starting; so much to prepare for. Karys hadn't ridden her horse in over four months. This past weekend, we dusted off the sale and got her on. She said it felt good to be back on her horse; things went well. Her little sister also took a little ride on another horse, and I even hopped on our horse for a short ride. He was good to me, also. The weather was so nice we were in T-shirts by 11 a.m. The horses had worked up a sweat by the time we were done. One reminder it is not yet spring, however, are the horses coats. They are still "long" and fluffy. They have not yet begun to shed. Karys always has to take the time to brush out her horse before she saddles him up. Between the horse hair flying and her normal seasonal allergies, she was a sneezing mess. All this back and forth between the cold weather and the warm weather, the animals with their winter coats, and the allergies in full force, it just has us all screwed up. Don't get me wrong, I love this nice weather... I just know it's just a teaser. The other night, it sprinkled, I had to stand outside and smell the air for a while. I love the smell of rain, spring i drawing near. I hope this weather is here to stay, at least for the majority of the time. Once it hits, it's a mad dash to ride as often as you can. Less than one month to get yourself and your horse back in shape, and on the same page is not a lot of time. I can't wait for horse showing season. It's such a thrill watching my little girl control and work with such a large animal. For the most part, he is a gentle giant. Her favorite competitions are barrels and poles. She is quite good at it, we just need to work on speed. Her little sister is not as competitive as she is, and for now, is pretty content to just sit on a horse for hours and slowly ride around. Although Saturday, Lindsey for on the horse with Brielle, and they did a few reigning spins. When asked if she wanted to do it again, the response was an immediate yes. It would not be a bad thing if she focused more on reigning, then the barrels and poles, so she and her sister are not competing against one another. I am contest just going for a little ride here and there and giving the horses scratches. I also always have a camera ready for one of Lindsey's horses, who loves selfies. He sees himself, and it's an up close and personal view. He tends to leave slobber on my screen. I am excited to see how far Karys progresses this year. She has gained so much confidence since she took up this sport. She has had to learn to assert herself, or her horse won't obey, and they will be disqualified. As a quiet sit back and observe kind of kid, it's been perfect for her. She has found her voice. Grab your boots and spurs girl, it's time to ride.