Lipstick & Mud

Photo thanks to Linda Banfalvi

I took my hunting jacket in to the dry cleaners before I pack it away for the season.  I also had a wardrobe malfunction at my office job and smeared a bright berry-coloured lip gloss on a favourite white blazer.  'Lipstick, and, mud.' I said to the girl at the counter as I dropped them off.  A title for my memoir.

Ludi and I checked in with Gina Smith at Queenswood Stables on November 3.  Here's a short clip of the final moments of our session:

This is nothing miraculous, other than the culmination of a couple of years focusing on shortening and balancing Ludi's canter, so that he can maneuvre the serpentine formation without sprawling.  Also, he was wholly unaroused by the new surroundings, which is always a big win.  At the end, we stretch and confirm our relationship: I can give him longer reins and he relaxes and stretches into the space.  He even takes a big snuffling sigh right after Gina says she's looking for it, on cue.  Gina approves, and that is my triumph.

I spiffed us both up for the day, and when we got home Ludi gave himself a good roll in the paddock.  'Lipstick and Mud'....I work an office job to pay for my passion, caring for my horses...'Lipstick and Mud'....The dressage queen who has mucked a thousand stalls.  'Lipstick and Mud'.