Is it summer yet?

 

We've been bracing for the next round of frigid weather, which arrived on top of a couple inches of rain. That said, I haven't ridden either horse since the last update, but I HAVE gotten all the chores knocked out that needed to happen before the freeze. Each pony did get lunged to keep them moving when the pastures were way too sloppy for turnout, but I had a headache that day, so no media. 

So. Much. Water.
This is our parking lot on top of the hill.

Missy got suited up in her Back on Track gear when they had to be in for a day. I think it helped her comfort level, and she definitely didn't stock up as much in her hind legs as she would without it. She, however, would like you to know that putting ANYTHING on her hind legs is cruel and unusual punishment. She has always taken offense to hind boots/wraps of any sort, and it is one of her endearing quirks. 

Special Boy got his Special Boy Poll Cap to warm up before lunging. (I do not trust him to keep it on and NOT eat it without supervision.)

In an attempt to stave off Pyro turning into the Baby Demon of Boredom, he got a treat ball full of low-sugar cookies, which he spent quite a bit of time rolling around once he realized holding a leg up like a flamingo didn't magically dispense treats. 

Once the ground had drained/frozen enough for them to go out, we ALL were much happier. 

Pyro Snark-o-meter was reading off the charts.

The many faces of Pyro

Missy: FINALLY

Big girl got her sunglasses (aka fly mask) against the snow glare

I put Pyro's Eagle ProSix on under his blanket to make him work a little harder during his half day of turnout. Check out that uphill canter!

At home, I have nothing but good news. I may have a buyer for Pyro's old Loxley saddle, a new litter of baby show bunnies arrived without incident, and I was officially discharged from vestibular therapy!!!

I'm joining my buns in their happy binky dance! 💃

I had several physical therapy sessions where I was consistently able to do the most challenging exercises with minimal symptom flare up, so I get to take charge of my further progress at home, knowing all the tools and skills needed to do so. This means more saddle time, as well as planning my return to the Crossfit gym starting in March. Until then, I'm working on vestibular, proprioceptive, and joint stabilizing exercises at home each day. (Since I've been out of the gym for several months, I'm starting to deal with pain from unstable, hypermobile joints that I had previously gotten under control. My SI joints are particularly problematic.) There's still a lot of asking myself, "okay, what cards have I been dealt today?", but it brings me a lot of hope and optimism to have these "good brain days". It's like sunshine on my soul to get me through the frigid weather. 

Bonus: my "Sticky-bird" asleep in my hand while I was reading last night

Bonus bonus: Missy casually doing a capriole 1 year ago today.