Well, went riding this morning. You know, I needed to hear that I do as well at some things, as I think I can. And, in a sick sort of way, I was glad to have the excuses they gave me, to make up for the fact that I couldn't "make" Rival do as I asked, then demanded, then beat him into doing. (Actually, I never beat him as much as they told me to... I'm not cruel.) And again, I swear Mom is an invaluable tool to use sometimes- and she knows I use her for it! While I'm riding, all the other barn people go into the warm viewing room, to check out how the "girl who can ride Rival" can ride, according to Cindy, their remarkably expensive lesson person, who now has me as a student, as well. (I'm going to be a Pretty rider again! Woot! - I'll bet that none of you knew I was on my way to regionals and whatnot when I quit the first time... *smile* A little secret I hold dear to heart.)

And yes, this whole post will probably be about riding, a I'm a geek with nothing bettter to do. heh

So, anyway... Using Mom as a tool. While she sits in there and gets all the juicy gossip, meaning, who's horse is for sale, who's been having trouble and might need a rider to jsut... exercise a bit, and.. "Oh dear, he -is- giving her a ride, what a good seat she has!" (LoL- he flipped his head!! *snorts*) Okay... oaky... Lemme brag jsut a bit more!!! So, overall, the lady couldn't understand why I had "such an awesome, flexible hip and seat, independent hands and a decent upper body posture", while my leg was flopping around. LoL Basically, she couldn't understand why the roof was still standing with nothing holding it up. *shrugs* I compromise? Lol

Another thing, I use mom to get the infothe instructor won't tell me. Basically, what's wrong, and what I need to do to correct it. I was extremely disappointed when she told momthe exact same thing she told me, but with more praise. I like criticism, I need it to succeed. And I don't want to be a "pretty" rider, who can be-bop around the show ring and win ribbons, I want to be an effective rider, who can take a horse such as Rival, and whip him into a shape somewhat resembling normal. (Though pretty and effective would be absolutely wonderful!)

I guess I'm in good with this barn, becuase the first reason why I rode there was to keep Rival exercised for whoever was going to buy him. Now, since I'm taking lessons there and Rival isn't a "good horse for her to ride, he's just not going to help her get better," I'm on this ltitle brat named Cricket, who I can ride whenever the hell I want. As well as Rival.