Kiz is jumping!

It has been a while since I posted and it seems like I start every post this way. Kiz is doing amazing I've been taking lessons on her and Chelsey has been jumping her over little jumps to get her going. She is still a bit hot but once she settles she listens and tries.

I try to have two lessons a week and I haul her by myself to the main barn at Aspen Farms each time which is only a mile away from the old barn where she being stabled. We are getting used to loading and unloading by ourselves in fact it is easy as pie now. She is also getting used to new surroundings like stepping into an arena while a jumping lesson is going on(yes she was a bit surprised at the galloping horses going around her). These firsts are good for her and she has got to get used to all the goings on of a working barn. This will also help when we start going to schooling shows and ultimately help her with getting more used to the hustle and bustle of a recognized show. Chelsey usually jumps on first so she gets a nice solid ride if she is really on her toes then I jump on. I worry that if I am nervous it will just feed her so I want Chelsey to get her over her nervousness first and give her a solid start. Soon once I am riding 6 days a week instead of 2-3 I will not feel as nervous and she will get the confidence from me for a change. Although I have ridden her when she is nervous and it hasn't been a problem. I think some of the nerves are just in my head. I need to be more positive and not think that I will always make things worse. I am a good sticker even if I don't always have the style (I am working on it).

Chelsey has also been taking her out on the XC course for hacks and she is doing great. I usually ride Linus so she has a nice quiet partner and she just takes things in stride. She walks right through the water jump and doesn't really balk at anything unless there is a crazy shadow or puddle that is hidden by grass. She is really only spooky when she doesn't have a job and is not focused. She is a worker and she likes a job. We are right on track for the YEH series in Montana and I am really excited. I decided to have Chelsey ride her in the event because like I said I want all her firsts to be positive and confident.

I wish I had some pictures of her jumping. I will post them as soon as I get some.