Back and raring to go!

In case anyone missed me (anyone ...) I have been away for the last three weeks and just got back at the weekend. I was in Bali on holiday for two weeks, which was fabulous, and then one week working in Bangkok. So Sam went back into full livery and all the grooms fought over who was going to ride him. The point of letting you know I have been away (apart from making you jealous about going to Bali :) is to compare the difference between coming back this time and coming back the last time I was away (see below). I rode a couple of times earlier this week and then had a dressage lesson last night and the three weeks off does not seem to have caused any problems. Sam, when he was concentrating, went very well and I am still feeling very positive about how we are improving (instead of stressing about not being good enough like I did last time). Plus one of the grooms, Kerry who is very nice, came up and told me how well I was doing bringing on Sam which is always good to hear. So all in all things are looking pretty rosy. My instructor even suggested thinking about going to my first prelim dressage competition soon but I will have to have a think about that one. She says we can go "just for the experience" and not take it seriously but knowing me I will get all competitive when I get there and then make myself miserable when it all goes pear shaped. Will let you know what I decide...

Before I forget - stay tuned for some photos of true horsemanship that will be posted on here soon. Whilst in Bali I convinced my boyfriend to get on a horse for a beach ride (only the second time he has ever ridden). And bless his heart he not only did the whole ride unled (he said it made him look like a child!) but he also did a canter because as he put it "I'm not getting on a stupid horse again so I might as well get this cantering thing over and done with!". Amazing.