trot and hack

I actually got some vaguely sensible trot in the arena, i was impressed with both of us. better right rein than left, as is usual with her ridden trot, actually got the whole way round the arena. trying to keep my hands still is a pain, though. Also got some lateral as well (a bit of leg yield, by no means perfect but at least we moved sideways).

after about 1/2 hour she insisted turns on the forehand left were good rather than move forward, so i got off - and no, she didn't get to stop. she got to do two circles in hand.

then someone was going out late on her new pony (perfect family pony, mother rides, son is learning, grey connie, excellent mare!) so I got back on and went out with her round the 20 acre. by the time i'd done that my legs were really nice and my thighs were properly stretched so i had a much better position.

so pleased with that.

this, from google earth, is the field in which the new yard has been built.
unfortunately, google earth is a bit behind the times - we think these photos are about 2002 or 2003 (everything of this area is of that vintage) and the facilities weren't put in until 2006/2007.
so there is the field above the houses and the field behind the houses. And i think a bit of the next field up as well. the right hand side is bounded by disused railway, and the bottom by houses. the barn is next to the house that's top of the picture, but that slightly smaller area next to the road is down to grass; the arena is behind and to inside of the barn again. i need to be able to draw on it...

for hacking you have to leave the yard, go up the road (either to the village or not) and then a track to Rainton Meadows
which is really nice, various tracks and very few gates. and horse stiles which will be useful for mounting purposes if needed (which no doubt they will be).

my thought is that it is probably worth while to move sooner rather than later - original plan had been to see out my month where i am, but i think I'm better advised to pay the extra (i.e., the box rent at the new yard, on top of what I've paid for where i am) and ensure molly is settled before we go on holiday in july....

friend planning on coming Saturday - with her horsebox & horse, of course! - to ride out with me, so have rung her, and left message for new YO to see if that's possible. probably no reason why not!

and i could take the rest of the time to move the rest of my stuff slowly given that I'll then have two boxes paid for.

anyway, we'll see.