A perfect ride with a disgusting end

It was warm, no wind, and Mag was at his most relaxed. I met up with Ani and rode together for almost the entire ride (only dismounting in one spot where I have Mara PTSD).

In fact we were mostly on streets today, in traffic, with no problem.

I froze up when we passed a lady weed whacking and Mag did not like it, but nothing happened. Mag was perfect today.

     
June 2017 photo shows how he was today - I was able to keep him behind Mira whenever I liked, or let him pass, where he prefers to be. I love that he can do both, at least so far so good!


I'd tell him so, "Gooooood boy Mag" and he would often stop and say, "Well then a cookie is due me.": ) He got lots of cookies.

Mira was being difficult again, refusing to stop and wait for us, especially once we were pointed at home.

We rode past my house twice, and the second time Mag thought we should be done for the day, but he obediently continued when I told him to keep going down the street.


     
Another old photo showing where we rode today (I went up and down our street FOUR times today with Mag - twice by foot and twice riding). I'm so glad that Ani is no longer wearing this ill-fitting helmet!

Once when a car went by I got dizzy but didn't think much about it. It was hot in the sun (80F with 40% humidity) but I wasn't really thirsty and only drank half of one of my bottles.

I started getting cramps in my legs but I figured it was my new stirrup position and the lengthy downhill slopes.

I started to relax and once we hit the woods again I had this feeling nothing could possibly go wrong, a rare thing for me. I sat back and enjoyed, riding one handed.

I was enjoying how Mag can travel down hill with a rider now and not ski on his forehooves with his hinds stumbling along like afterthoughts.

I felt something in my stomach so I said goodbye to Ani. We split up and I decided to continue to ride, alone, toward home. Mag was perfect.

Then I had a wave of nausea and had goosebumps all over my body, and the need of a toilet. Not now! I'm having fun!

I managed to get off, clung to him a bit, then used the bushes.

I had to use adolescent beech leaves and Mag thought I was picking them to feed him, um, no..sorry. I didn't have a chance to tie him up so he basically got to observe human illness up close. (And thank God he stood like a statue for all that and didn't fuss and make it even more unpleasant!)

I remembered the time I thought it would be a good idea to eat chocolate travel pudding packs during an endurance ride, ugh.

I couldn't figure out why I was so sick, but as I struggled to walk up the hill toward home, I was exhausted and had to stop and lean on Mag. I would have ridden if leaves were as efficient as TP (sorry!).

Finally home, I took a shower and tried to go out and do my chores and I couldn't, I felt dizzy and sick again, despite drinking a glass of water.

I ate some cheese and felt better.

I don't get it, cuz it's not that hot out and it's nowhere near as humid as it can be. However, I have been successfully avoiding this warm weather all week, hiding in my house with the windows closed, so I suppose I wasn't acclimated. Next time I have any symptoms, I'll force myself to drink a bottle of water.

Needlesstosay my saddle bags now contain a pack of baby wipes!