Yesterday was a glorious spring day. Perfect for my second private lesson with J at RHRanch. I got a call, however, and she couldn't make it and invited me to come to the group lesson at 3pm. Well, ok...so I couldn't argue with the fact that the adjusted time would be *better* for me (I homeschool my kids), so I cleaned up my saddle and planned to head over to RHRanch for the group lesson.

In doing so, I actually added some things to my list of those things to move past: 1.) Riding in the very saddle I associate with my accidents 2.) Self-consciousness in riding in front of others.

The actual experience wasn't too bad, though I found myself on overload much of the time--a product I think of my ADD. In any event, I enjoyed riding in my own saddle. That was easy enough...much more so than I thought. Ricki (who has now been sold) was wonderful for me again, though I can't help feeling badly for him that he has checked out so much. I guess being a lesson horse can do that to a horse.

I actually got more than two hours of riding in this situation. It was fun, but I have scheduled the next three private lessons for this week and next. I think that is the best use of my time.

When I got home and after dinner and the kids were in bed, I called Melissa to find out how Harley has been doing. When she first responded, she sounded sort of tentative. I think now, she was trying to figure out how to tell me the GOOD news. I assumed there was *bad* news when I heard her voice!   Boy..when will I learn!

She told me that she actually RODE Harley today! WHOO HOO! He has only been there a week and she is riding him!!!! She said that she worked him in the saddle and found a bit of a buck in there when he felt the rear girth. She continued to work with him on that and he finally seemed to realize he didn't need to "go there." YAY! After a bit, she climbed up on her fence rail in her round pen and Harley sided on up over to her without even being asked. It sounds like he invited her aboard. YAY!

She said that he did just fine. There was a bit of worry--especially when they left the round pen, but he did just fine. In the round pen, they even trotted! She said he definitely has some training in him...there were some nice little moves, I guess that he does. I don't know what it is called...it is like a piaffe, but not in place or something. Anyhow, I am just so pleased. Yesterday felt like a hyperdrive day for me and for Harley, too, I am sure!

I get to see him tomorrow and I can't wait. I am so thankful to the Lord for these HUGE strides forward! YAY!