July 5, 2019

“Possum goes to Boot Camp” sounds like a children’s book doesn’t it?

Since I have been trying to rest my broken finger so it can heal quickly and keep me in the game for MGAA Nationals, and because Possum has some pony moves that need refining he can’t have a full week as a pasture puff before Nationals. But I am lucky to have an amazing friend and teammate who offered to let him come stay with her and to put him through her rigorous boot camp. Val is the perfect person to kick his butt into gear and teach him how to be a grown up pony.

Possum’s life precious to me involved a lot of pasture ornament time and living the easy lazy life. While he has miles he is still very green to basic foundation work, generally manners, and important games standards like balance. I’ve been working on all of that and battling his “pony-tude” but Val’s help is immense. I am not afraid to admit when I can use some help and I know Val has the ability and skills to jump in and get stuff done. I am so lucky to have her as a friend.

It’s also really handy to have a teammate that knows your pony and can help decipher and discover issues and improvements.

You will note in the photo below that Possum is pooped out. Val probably had three other horses to ride that day.

Val has ridden him everyday, taking him for work outs on the C&O, splashing in the canal, and of course games practice. She has also gotten Matt and Abby on him at practice which is all valuable work.

We have been discussing his idiosyncrasies, lack of balance, laziness, and general improvements and things to work on. I’m finding it extremely helpful and I am so extremely grateful.

I also think it will come in handy when training together. Val can chime in at other first hand knowledge on what I might be doing right or wrong or ways to better work with Possum.

I am picking him up Saturday and getting in a practice session while doing so. I am so excited to get back on him and work on some of the things Val and I have discussed. Val has been updating me with videos and photos everyday. It’s quite exciting really.

Not only has my finger healed quite a bit this week, and Possum did not have the week off, but he had expert training from a pro games player.

I don’t think o can thank Val enough. She’s an amazing friend.

Video of various riders making Possum work: https://youtu.be/OcgJJlQPfXs

If anyone needs help with a pony, I highly recommend Val’s pony boot camp.