Jump Refusal

It's one of those bad riding days. Wait, did I ever have a good one...like ever?

I'm not going to dwell or rant (much) but just when you think you're doing well, something always has to go wrong. Now that I have no issues with recovery after a jump nor feel the need to lean way back after the jump, in fear of Trojan taking off (as she did in the past since she gets excited over jumps), the opposite happens. She refuses the jump nearly making me topple over. Of course everything that goes wrong is my fault, which can be really frustrating. Worse was when I was asked what I really wanted to do, jump or do dressage. Clearly it means I'm hopeless when it comes to jumping.

I approach the jump, not gripping too much on the reins, looking straight ahead and lightly lift my butt off the saddle. I no longer cluck nor nudge her with my heels as I am told to sit quietly and let her  go over the jump. But she started refusing, and it's because I'm not being aggressive and encouraging. Honestly, I'm confused. This is the disadvantage of riding only once a week. I don't know the horse I ride well enough and perhaps we don't have that connection and getting mixed signals from each other.

Anyhow, it's good that Dennis was there and was able to video it. Here it is. I welcome feedback :o)

Pinecrest Village

It's been almost five months since we went out of town, not including the day trip we made to Lipa. Doesn't count since it was short. Anyway, Dennis was going to attend a wedding at Tagaytay Highlands and Matt and I were glad to tag along, hang out while Dennis was out.

For almost forever, we've been staying at their family rest house and didn't need to rent a place. Now that they've closed down the place, we had no choice. We were lucky to get a place at the Highlands. No matter how many times we go to Tagaytay, the view will always take my breath away, but from where we stayed and waking up to the sight of the Taal lake and volcano, was definitely something else.

We stayed at the Pinecrest Village. I've only been to Europe once and this felt like Europe. The weather was very cool and windy. What caught my attention was the architecture and the different designs of apartments/condos. It reminded me of the small apartment we rented in Crimea, just near the Black Sea. Pinecrest Village didn't feel like we were in the Philippines. It's great to get out of the city every now and then, and experience a totally different place.

Well, good morning!

Can I possibly give up the city to live here? YES!

Dabos. This was our building. It was very scary at night because we were only 2 occupants and it was so quiet. The only sound that can be heard was the howling of the wind. That was very spooky.

So cozy!

Having his late night snack.

We originally wanted to stay here, at the Woodlands, but there were no vacancies. Perhaps next time.

If you're planning a trip to Tagaytay, staying at the Highlands is a must. A lot of activities to do inside without having to go out. Plus, not wise especially when it gets dark. The roads are very steep and have sharp turns. You might end up driving straight off the cliff. We wouldn't want that, would we? :o)