One of the tricks to being the Horsitivity Girl and keeping a positive attitude, is dealing as well as I can with days that are not so terrific.  Today is not a bad day at all, Jay and I are well, all the horses are well, so the basics are covered.  But I am annoyed with the mud that is part and parcel of the arena construction project.  This can really drag on a person as my paddock boots are always dirty and heavy with mud.  My barn is full of mud.  The footing is terrible everywhere, so I am limiting my riding to only the absolutely necessary rides, which bums me out.  It is overcast today and there is a long winter ahead.  All these add up to a slight melancholy for me.  But it is ridiculous for a person as fortunate as me to whine, so for days like this I always keep something easy and fun to do that cheers me up.

My cheerup for the moment is the helmet cam video of Peter Atkins riding Henry Jo Hampton around the WEG xc course.  Peter has a fun accent, he talks to his horse like he loves him, and watching the video generally reminds me of all that is effortless and fun and why horses and the people who love them are great.  The sort of growling you hear is him saying “Henny!”, the horse’s name.  He also takes out the flag at the third to the last obstacle and doesn’t miss a beat, just lands it and takes the option.  Love it.  Enjoy.