Summer, Revised

Well. This is becoming a strange year, isn't it?

With inflation and uncertainty running high, a lot of us are re-thinking our summer plans. Social media is full of lamentations about scaled-back endurance ride entries -- and even event cancellations -- in the face of maxed-out feed and fuel budgets.

I'm fortunate not to be badly affected so far, though we have put our house-building plans on hold. Even so, I've decided to pass on crossing state lines to attend rides this year. Coggins, health certificate, and 600 miles worth of diesel just seems like too much when my horse is only ready for one day of competition.

Between that and scheduling conflicts, it looks like Ledger and I won't make it to another endurance ride until September. Maybe I can have him for for two 50-milers. Then again, preparing for that effort will involve a lot of trailering to the hilly trails on weekends. $25 in fuel per conditioning ride sounds ridiculous!

So, I've been thinking. How can I make this into a great year with the horses despite little opportunity to compete? My answer is both obvious and enticing: This is a year for training.

It couldn't have come at a better time. Ledger came to me with a fantastic start but a lot of brio and intelligence in need of direction. Also, I picked up a six-year-old, un-started mare. Why not spend this summer exploring what magic can happen in their minds?​

How about you? How is your summer agenda adapting to reality?