I have really bungled it this time by letting so much time go by between updates. I didn’t mean to. I’m not sure how it happened. But the thought of trying to sit here and type up, in detail, everything that has gone on in the last 6 weeks is really preventing me from even wanting to do it at all. Also, that would be a novel of epic proportions. So how about we just do the TL;DR version, and if you guys want a deeper dive into any of this stuff, let me know in a comment.

We last left off with Bingo conquering his second horse show and first BN. Since then he’s been XC schooling a couple more times and been to one other horse show, and we’ve had a couple jump lessons.

He was entered in his second BN at Majestic, where he put in a super consistent and obedient test to score a 28, but then got 3 jumps into SJ before he twisted a shoe and stepped on the clip, putting an abrupt end to his day. Womp womp.

So Bingo didn’t get a full 3 phases in that day, but Presto did. Presto did the Training, which was… okay. There were good points – like his 26 on the flat despite me feeling that it was a little lackluster.

And he was VERY into XC, seeming like he had a blast.

SJ left something to be desired and he just didn’t quite feel like himself, which prompted some maintenance vet work the following week. I think he finished 5th or 6th, I don’t remember.

Presto had a little bit of a break after that, between his scheduled post-maintenance down time and me being out of town. Bingo got out to another new XC schooling venue though, mainly because I want him to see as many different waters as possible before RRP. He’s pretty darn brave, but sometimes he still wants to inspect the water a bit before he gets in it.

He was really good that day though, jumping his first little full coffin and his first keyhole. He’s gotten SO much more confident over the summer… now we need to work on some of the finesse, like straightness and rideability (pffft, details). I also found and made contact with his old owner and the farm that stands his sire, both of whom want to come visit him while he’s in Kentucky for the RRP Makeover, so that’s kinda fun!

I also popped up to NYC for a weekend adventure with some friends. The main reason we went was because I wanted to knock an item off my bucket list and ride in Central Park. It was AWESOME. I can’t think of a better way to tour Central Park than by cantering down the bridle paths.

Like truly an incredible trip.

Let’s see, what else has happened… oh, I bought a paddle board! I used one of the gift cards I got for my birthday and finally got my own, after borrowing one all summer. I’ve only taken it out once so far, but that’s been a fun non-horsey activity to do with friends.

I also finally started the literary tattoo sleeve on my left arm. It will take a while to get all the elements in and get it completed, but we started with the biggest element – Cissa, the dragon from Secrets and Masks (this is such a niche nerdy bookish girl reference).

I think that takes us through most of the major events that have been happening. Today Bingo went and did a couple more BN jumper rounds and was a super boy. I wanted to stay and do an N round but needed to get home. Next time!

There’s a lot on the docket for the next 6 weeks, too, including a show or two, a couple concerts, the sBs inspection for the mares and foals, and then RRP!

We’ve ALMOST made it through the worst of summer, y’all… almost…