Update

We have now been at Horse-Heaven-On-Earth for 4 weeks, although it feels like it's been forever!  The transition into this barn is the most seamless I've ever had! 

Speaking of new barns, I got to thinking the other day.  In about a month is my 7year anniversary of buying Jetta.  In almost 7 years we have been at 6 barns.  lol  The sad thing is that I do not consider myself to be a "barn jumper."  HAHA!  In all reality, though, I was at 2 of those barns for 3 years each.  The other barns were temporary moves while I was on waiting lists.  But, this is the last move for us.  I swear.  For now.  lol!  Seriously, though, I cannot imagine a scenario in which we ever leave this barn.  I've even already picked out where I want her buried.

Jetta is doing quite well.  I have been doing a lot of trail rides with her, which is exactly the kind of riding she prefers.  I ditched our dressage bridle with crank noseband and flash.  There is no need for any of the equipment since we aren't doing dressage anymore.  I was on the hunt for a nice, black hunt-type bridle when I happened to be in Tractor Supply and looked there.  Sure enough, they had 1 black leather headstall left!  It's probably actually a western headstall, but it's plain black Weaver leather with a browband, but no nose band.  Sold!  So, I have kept my baucher dressage bit on it, but Jetta is just so much more relaxed and happy without all that stuff on her face.  And, I've been riding bareback almost exclusively now.  The barn owner has a youngster that she's training in dressage, but wants to get solid out on trails, so the first couple of times I rode with her was in my dressage saddle as I didn't know what his reactions are on trail.  He does have a pretty impressive spook, but Jetta just moves out of the way.  The other boarders are mostly scared older riders, and all make comments that I'm the Indian of the barn...riding bareback all the time.  :)

She is still a bit off, but the vet gave me some of his magic potion to paint on her ankle and coronet band before I ride and it seems to help her.  I am completely aware that Jetta may never be fully sound again, but it's very hard to keep riding her.  It's so inherently ingrained that when the horse I'm on takes an off step, GET OFF!!!  The vet tells me is a mechanical lameness, and I do believe him as she does not pin her ears or show any resistance.  And, the lameness shows itself at the trot, so I mostly just walk her anyway.  So, we keep on keepin' on!