The wind changed on monday and brought along mild temperatures. Conseqently the snow started to melt - fast. And then it started to rain and it just wouldn't stop. By tuesday morning I called my riding instructor and she said: "There's nothing we can do about it; the snow is soaked with water and much too heavy. So I won't hold your lesson today."

On days like this I wished we had an indoor riding corral. Yes, I know...if we had the whole boarding facility would be much bigger with more horses and more people. I enjoy the luxury of one-to-one lessons and being the only one on the riding corral. And I pay for it whenever the weather turns really bad.

Now don't get me wrong. A little snow or a little rain wouldn't stop us from having our lessons. And actually I like this. Horses that are kept inside as soon as a few rain drops start to fall act pretty nervous when they eventually get on a ride outside. Alison on the other hand is used to different weather conditions and acts barly interested when the wind blows through the tree crowns. Naw, I actually enjoy the outdoor lessons. But I hate missing one due to too harsh weather.

So, no lesson on tuesday. Last night the temperatures dropped below freezing point. This was enough to let what was left of the snow freeze hard. Not the best but acceptable conditions for riding.

What can I tell you about todays lesson? Alison was relaxed, I was relaxed. Yes, as usually it was a lot of bodily work to ride. But to my own surprise I wasn't really exhausted mentally after the lesson. I can't really say why but even though I had to work a lot to keep the balance with the horse staggering across the unstable ground every movement seem to just come without thinking... much...

I'll have an extra lesson next sunday. Maybe then I'll have to tell something spectacular Hmm... would you be interested in a photo of Alison?