Hi all,
So, I’m glad people are missing my blog, but I gotta be good b/c blogging at work is frowned upon. Anyway, a quick note about what we’ve been up to… Sunday Robyn and I went on a trail ride – wow, I know… This is the first time since August when we got to MMF that I’ve seen her ride! She decided Colorado would be a good choice – a bay standardbred that is recovering from a skull injury after getting kicked by a stud… poor guy. He came to MMF a few weeks ago on a trial basis and is doing well so far – doesn’t know much although the previous owner claims to have ridden him often… anyway, he’s on a half lease out already to one of the lesson kids and seems to be a good horse with a good disposition. That can be worked with.
So, we head out and she’s pretty nervous. We head out the power lines and Sky surprisingly decides it’s ok to lead (shocker)… that is until we get to the stream and then she becomes the mule that she can be when she doesn’t want to do something. I don’t blame her for being scared, but I do feel a twinge when I know that when she wants to go somewhere, a little stream isn’t an issue. Because Robyn is nervous and Sky won’t go, therefore Colorado won’t go either I expidite the process by getting off and leading Sky over the stream (the snowmobile bridge put in this winter helped out by I still got mud on my boots).
After that we did ok – not great, but ok – we struggled through some big puddles and made it down a little bit of paved road and finally to the other conservation area up Shaker Road. But just as we were headed up to the fire tower I’ve always wanted to make it to, it started to rain and Cassie was headed to meet us. So, we turned around and made it back in half the time it took us to get out there, making for about a two hour ride. Sky decided she wanted to lead on the way home, but I made her go the back instead. Right before we got home, I thought she’d pop a tendon if she walked any faster , so I made her lose sight of the other horses – not making her a happy camper… she tried to jig but I made her stop and back and stand until she walked normally. When we got back, I rode in the ring more to prove to her that there was no rush to get home, ever. It was fun and that’s what counts, anyway.
So, this week I’ve been ring riding – trot/walk/trot – circle/circle/circle…. Walk/trot/walk…. Trying to get ready for the Oak Rise Show on Sunday. She’s started doing the same thing she used to do going from a walk to a trot, but in reverse – sticking her neck out and her head up when changing gaits… now it’s from a walk to a trot but I’m working on it. She’s doing ok. I’m less stressed than for the last show and I think knowing it’s not going to rain helps… also it always gets easier. John will be there to help, which is generous considering I can’t afford to do a lesson and the show in the same week. So, I’ll be riding today and tomorrow and Saturday morning, then give her a big bath, decide whether to go with the same old show shirt and pad or change it up to a white shirt and teal pad (maybe the red), and loading her up! Then, next week Robyn and I planned another ride together, then we have the “ride” at the barn, which isn’t going to be much considering we have no one signed up! And on the first, we have Lakes Region Show Series… I’m not sure if I can keep up.
One day at a time!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
An Update
Hey,
So, Sky's got a boo boo. Looks like a bite on her flank...ouch.
Lisa is going to go to Oak Rise as opposed to the four hour drive to the Maine Quarter Horse Show, so I have a ride to the May 25th show... yeah.
I gave her a couple days off after Silver Heels, then rode a few days, then Beth came up from Swanzey and picked us up to go to Canterbury to a Ride/Drive for Canadian Horses. She brought her Arab as well as her four year old Canadian (the three year old one stayed at home) with the idea of ponying one and riding the other and switching on and off. So, we got there and Sky had a time trying to figure out that this trailer wasn't the one with a ramp! Then she had to learn that Rhea (the Canadian) didn't want to be her friend (she's a kicker!)... but we headed out down the dirt roads without much trouble and although she wouldn't lead, I made her at least look where she was going and spread out - no butt following today!
Typical Sky, when we turned to go back, she was all about being in front! As if to say, "this has been scouted, it's safe".. When we returned to the farm, I made her go away from the other horses and walk around different areas. I was very proud of us because she didn't want to go certain places and was scared, but I got her to go. we even left the driveway again and up the road a minute. She's doing better and better on her own.
So, we had lunch and went out again with a different group. This time Sky was not as enthusiastic to go out and the bugs were worse, so it wasn't as pleasant. When we got back we took the horses into the back field and for a drink in the brook. I thought (silly me) "what a great time to do some training" and get Sky to cross the water alone. She's great following a horse, but by herself, not so much. So I got her to go in (yeah me!) and then she backed right out.... so we got into a little "discussion"... I did get her to cross another water place alone but then got help from another horse as well... we'll try again another day.
Yesterday, I rode and she was really good. I tried an exersise that I read in a magazine about setting up a grid of 9 cones (I used jump standards as the ring was littered with them!) about six feet apart and randomly weaving in and out of them to get her to go "between my legs"... it worked pretty well. We also worked on the half-halts which she would be good at if she stayed in a frame, which she doesn't always.
Then we went up the powerlines and got nearly to the subdivision road before we turned around. I got her through some mud but ahead was full out puddles and I wasn't ready for those yet. Maybe today. I made sure it was my idea to turn around though. We did some trotting in the woods on the way back and I am hoping to get the nice trot more often on the trail that she does in the ring all the time.
Next week we'll hopefully get another lesson and work toward getting ready for Oak Rise.
C
So, Sky's got a boo boo. Looks like a bite on her flank...ouch.
Lisa is going to go to Oak Rise as opposed to the four hour drive to the Maine Quarter Horse Show, so I have a ride to the May 25th show... yeah.
I gave her a couple days off after Silver Heels, then rode a few days, then Beth came up from Swanzey and picked us up to go to Canterbury to a Ride/Drive for Canadian Horses. She brought her Arab as well as her four year old Canadian (the three year old one stayed at home) with the idea of ponying one and riding the other and switching on and off. So, we got there and Sky had a time trying to figure out that this trailer wasn't the one with a ramp! Then she had to learn that Rhea (the Canadian) didn't want to be her friend (she's a kicker!)... but we headed out down the dirt roads without much trouble and although she wouldn't lead, I made her at least look where she was going and spread out - no butt following today!
Typical Sky, when we turned to go back, she was all about being in front! As if to say, "this has been scouted, it's safe".. When we returned to the farm, I made her go away from the other horses and walk around different areas. I was very proud of us because she didn't want to go certain places and was scared, but I got her to go. we even left the driveway again and up the road a minute. She's doing better and better on her own.
So, we had lunch and went out again with a different group. This time Sky was not as enthusiastic to go out and the bugs were worse, so it wasn't as pleasant. When we got back we took the horses into the back field and for a drink in the brook. I thought (silly me) "what a great time to do some training" and get Sky to cross the water alone. She's great following a horse, but by herself, not so much. So I got her to go in (yeah me!) and then she backed right out.... so we got into a little "discussion"... I did get her to cross another water place alone but then got help from another horse as well... we'll try again another day.
Yesterday, I rode and she was really good. I tried an exersise that I read in a magazine about setting up a grid of 9 cones (I used jump standards as the ring was littered with them!) about six feet apart and randomly weaving in and out of them to get her to go "between my legs"... it worked pretty well. We also worked on the half-halts which she would be good at if she stayed in a frame, which she doesn't always.
Then we went up the powerlines and got nearly to the subdivision road before we turned around. I got her through some mud but ahead was full out puddles and I wasn't ready for those yet. Maybe today. I made sure it was my idea to turn around though. We did some trotting in the woods on the way back and I am hoping to get the nice trot more often on the trail that she does in the ring all the time.
Next week we'll hopefully get another lesson and work toward getting ready for Oak Rise.
C
Monday, May 5, 2008
"riding in the rain" (silver heels show)
I don't have a lot of time, but here's the skinny on the show this weekend.
Saturday, Lisa picked Sky up at the barn. I spent a lot of time grooming her and getting her all beautiful and kept her in all day even though it was going to rain. Saturday's rain wasn't so bad, so I was still hopeful.
We get to Lisa's house and Sky (who hasn't ever been on a ramped trailer) tried to back off the trailer and slid like she was at a waterslide at Disneyworld and took a HUGE digger, hitting her knee and her muzzle on the ramp! Poor girl, she had dogs barking nearby and a horse bucking in the roundpen next to her and she just snorted and stood up and shook it off! Of course, I was a wreck over it, but she was ok - a scape on her knee and else just fine.
So, we clipped and we groomed and we did all the horse show prep stuff and when I arrived at Lisa's at 5:45 AM on Sunday, it was drizzling lightly... so we think, "we can handle this" and head out to the show. Poor Sky got on and off the trailer fine, got used to the show grounds and handled being out in the drizzle through the AM. ... so the halter classes start at 8 and Lisa goes into her first one and it starts RAINING, not drizzle, RAIN - ewww... So, I look around as I am holding Sky by the rail and trailers are pulling out left and right... the beautiful, professional looking Paints I saw started disappearing along with their silver show halters and handlers in full makeup and clear raincoats on over expensive show outfits.
Then our first class comes up "Paint/Pinto Halter" and it's me and one other girl with a sorrel tobiano, who has a tail down to the ground... so we got out and instantly my boots are soaked in the puddles and I start to wonder what I'm doing here. The judge looks her over and asks how old she is... and we are 2nd out of 2.
Then, it's "color model halter" and they're 4 in the class... short story is we got 4th. Still miserable.
So, we're both done our Halter classes and Lisa doesn't know if she wants to stay. she's not happy with the judge b/c she didn't place in any of her halter stuff and she's a little unhappy with how the judge acted... so, we decide to put the horses on the trailer with their hay and get in the truck to warm up. All the while, trucks are pulling out as the rain starts coming down harder.
We wait and watch as some English riders mount up for their classes and we're trying to count how many are left. The reason Lisa wants to leave is b/c she came to Silver Heels b/c she wanted to know the level of competition and if everyone left then it wouldn't be competition at all. But as the classes go on, we decide, "hey, we're here". So the decision comes that, as my classes are first, I'll tack Sky up on the trailer and get her off and get on her just in time to ride for my classes.
As I get her ready, they announce that competitors can where whatever they need to in order to stay dry, so I dawn my purple rainsuit and attempt to get Sky off the trailer. She decideds that's a bad idea and rears up twice while I'm in there with her (SCARY).. Lisa comes and helps us out and we get her off... the rain is coming down, my saddle is getting soaked and Sky is not happy. But I get on anyway and start riding around. After having been in for nearly two days and being out in the rain, she could have been worse, but she wasn't good... straining at the bit and not listening, avoiding puddles, and overall pretty bad...
I realize that I'm the only one in "novice walk/trot equitation 13 and over" and go into the ring (oh, and get this, I had to wear a helmet in these classes... I wasn't impressed).. the judge and I laugh about the weather and the lack of people and she makes it fast. I win. The next class "novice walk/trot pleasure 13 and over" is a repeat of the same. Sky gets better about the puddles but is all over the place otherwise.
I ride in the pratice area and do "novice walk/trot command 13 and over" with two others (both English). .We were awesome... doing everything well before the time allowed and she was very relaxed and looked much better. Except the judge was watching the other two more than me and when she asked us to back up, Sky took one too many steps.. 3rd out of 3...
It's POURING now and I'm soaked and cold and Sky is soaked and cold... we wait for the lunch break and for the trail course to be set up (an easy one for us).. Lisa starts practicing for her classes. By now I'm pretty unhappy being out in the rain. I know I'll be the only one in my trail class and I know that Sky and I can do that with our eyes closed. I don't need to prove anything to anyone and I really don't want another undeserved blue. So, I scratch and put Sky away, change into dry clothes, organize the trailer dressing room and by the time I am done and go to watch Lisa in her last classes, it's stopped raining. Grrr....
We head out without Lisa even finding out if she did well in her trail class. We collect ribbons from a woman who just asked us what classes and what place. I get two blues, one red, one yellow and one white, plus two trophies and I didn't beat a soul. Silly.
Lisa and I pull out, take Sky home, who gets off the trailer much better and shakes hard before going out with her mare friends. I'm happy to see her home.
All I asked God for that morning, was that I came home smiling and everyone would be safe. That happened. My husband came and was a super trooper, Lisa and I had a decent time together and I'm still invited to go to other shows with her... we got some experience being other places and out in the rain... whatever.. I'm looking forward to doing this again in good weather and without halter classes which I don't think I care for (I'd rather ride longer). I hope Lisa decides to go to Oak Rise instead of ME QH shows... I'm anxious to do some trail riding and relax a little. I'm showed out for a week or two!
Thanks for all the help, John.
C
Saturday, Lisa picked Sky up at the barn. I spent a lot of time grooming her and getting her all beautiful and kept her in all day even though it was going to rain. Saturday's rain wasn't so bad, so I was still hopeful.
We get to Lisa's house and Sky (who hasn't ever been on a ramped trailer) tried to back off the trailer and slid like she was at a waterslide at Disneyworld and took a HUGE digger, hitting her knee and her muzzle on the ramp! Poor girl, she had dogs barking nearby and a horse bucking in the roundpen next to her and she just snorted and stood up and shook it off! Of course, I was a wreck over it, but she was ok - a scape on her knee and else just fine.
So, we clipped and we groomed and we did all the horse show prep stuff and when I arrived at Lisa's at 5:45 AM on Sunday, it was drizzling lightly... so we think, "we can handle this" and head out to the show. Poor Sky got on and off the trailer fine, got used to the show grounds and handled being out in the drizzle through the AM. ... so the halter classes start at 8 and Lisa goes into her first one and it starts RAINING, not drizzle, RAIN - ewww... So, I look around as I am holding Sky by the rail and trailers are pulling out left and right... the beautiful, professional looking Paints I saw started disappearing along with their silver show halters and handlers in full makeup and clear raincoats on over expensive show outfits.
Then our first class comes up "Paint/Pinto Halter" and it's me and one other girl with a sorrel tobiano, who has a tail down to the ground... so we got out and instantly my boots are soaked in the puddles and I start to wonder what I'm doing here. The judge looks her over and asks how old she is... and we are 2nd out of 2.
Then, it's "color model halter" and they're 4 in the class... short story is we got 4th. Still miserable.
So, we're both done our Halter classes and Lisa doesn't know if she wants to stay. she's not happy with the judge b/c she didn't place in any of her halter stuff and she's a little unhappy with how the judge acted... so, we decide to put the horses on the trailer with their hay and get in the truck to warm up. All the while, trucks are pulling out as the rain starts coming down harder.
We wait and watch as some English riders mount up for their classes and we're trying to count how many are left. The reason Lisa wants to leave is b/c she came to Silver Heels b/c she wanted to know the level of competition and if everyone left then it wouldn't be competition at all. But as the classes go on, we decide, "hey, we're here". So the decision comes that, as my classes are first, I'll tack Sky up on the trailer and get her off and get on her just in time to ride for my classes.
As I get her ready, they announce that competitors can where whatever they need to in order to stay dry, so I dawn my purple rainsuit and attempt to get Sky off the trailer. She decideds that's a bad idea and rears up twice while I'm in there with her (SCARY).. Lisa comes and helps us out and we get her off... the rain is coming down, my saddle is getting soaked and Sky is not happy. But I get on anyway and start riding around. After having been in for nearly two days and being out in the rain, she could have been worse, but she wasn't good... straining at the bit and not listening, avoiding puddles, and overall pretty bad...
I realize that I'm the only one in "novice walk/trot equitation 13 and over" and go into the ring (oh, and get this, I had to wear a helmet in these classes... I wasn't impressed).. the judge and I laugh about the weather and the lack of people and she makes it fast. I win. The next class "novice walk/trot pleasure 13 and over" is a repeat of the same. Sky gets better about the puddles but is all over the place otherwise.
I ride in the pratice area and do "novice walk/trot command 13 and over" with two others (both English). .We were awesome... doing everything well before the time allowed and she was very relaxed and looked much better. Except the judge was watching the other two more than me and when she asked us to back up, Sky took one too many steps.. 3rd out of 3...
It's POURING now and I'm soaked and cold and Sky is soaked and cold... we wait for the lunch break and for the trail course to be set up (an easy one for us).. Lisa starts practicing for her classes. By now I'm pretty unhappy being out in the rain. I know I'll be the only one in my trail class and I know that Sky and I can do that with our eyes closed. I don't need to prove anything to anyone and I really don't want another undeserved blue. So, I scratch and put Sky away, change into dry clothes, organize the trailer dressing room and by the time I am done and go to watch Lisa in her last classes, it's stopped raining. Grrr....
We head out without Lisa even finding out if she did well in her trail class. We collect ribbons from a woman who just asked us what classes and what place. I get two blues, one red, one yellow and one white, plus two trophies and I didn't beat a soul. Silly.
Lisa and I pull out, take Sky home, who gets off the trailer much better and shakes hard before going out with her mare friends. I'm happy to see her home.
All I asked God for that morning, was that I came home smiling and everyone would be safe. That happened. My husband came and was a super trooper, Lisa and I had a decent time together and I'm still invited to go to other shows with her... we got some experience being other places and out in the rain... whatever.. I'm looking forward to doing this again in good weather and without halter classes which I don't think I care for (I'd rather ride longer). I hope Lisa decides to go to Oak Rise instead of ME QH shows... I'm anxious to do some trail riding and relax a little. I'm showed out for a week or two!
Thanks for all the help, John.
C
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Show This Weekend!
I don't know why I panic when I haven't ridden in a few days - probably b/c Sky used to be so young that a day off was like starting all over... as she gets older, though, a day or two off works her wonders... I rode yesterday after a day off to go to the ballpark with our friends and two days of rain and she was awesome! I seriously think she needs some time to "think about it", that is, what she's learned.
I saw Christina, one of the instructors there, and shared the ring while she gave a lesson... get this - Robbyn is half-leasing this horse who just got kicked in the head and barely knows anything to a 13 year old girl... While we were in the ring Christina tells me that Robbyn told her that the horse was "dead broke" but during the lesson, it became apparent that he doesn't even know how to move off of leg pressure. He seems level headed and easygoing but I'm not sure if I'd let my young daugter ride him...
Anyway, Sky and I tried out our new teal saddlepad (very good reviews, she looks good in everything) and also practiced some trail obstacles... she's a trooper at a backthrough L, ok at trotting through poles, great at weaving through the jump standards and improved with practice on my makeshift gate (I imagine I'd have better results if I wasn't trying to use a lunge line as a rope... it was a little long. I've got to get a scap piece of plywood in the ring to use as a bridge... we haven't done that in a while and I want to make sure she remembers about them... and I need to do a coat although I think she'll be good at that.
So, I've got a long list of chores to do to get ready for the show.... hope it's warm enough on Saturday to give her a bath. I'm a terrible groom! Lisa is picking us up on Friday afternoon and we'll do some stuff at her house.. I"m hoping she'll help me clip her 'cause i'm bad at it.
Anyway, gotta get to work... wish us luck.
C
I saw Christina, one of the instructors there, and shared the ring while she gave a lesson... get this - Robbyn is half-leasing this horse who just got kicked in the head and barely knows anything to a 13 year old girl... While we were in the ring Christina tells me that Robbyn told her that the horse was "dead broke" but during the lesson, it became apparent that he doesn't even know how to move off of leg pressure. He seems level headed and easygoing but I'm not sure if I'd let my young daugter ride him...
Anyway, Sky and I tried out our new teal saddlepad (very good reviews, she looks good in everything) and also practiced some trail obstacles... she's a trooper at a backthrough L, ok at trotting through poles, great at weaving through the jump standards and improved with practice on my makeshift gate (I imagine I'd have better results if I wasn't trying to use a lunge line as a rope... it was a little long. I've got to get a scap piece of plywood in the ring to use as a bridge... we haven't done that in a while and I want to make sure she remembers about them... and I need to do a coat although I think she'll be good at that.
So, I've got a long list of chores to do to get ready for the show.... hope it's warm enough on Saturday to give her a bath. I'm a terrible groom! Lisa is picking us up on Friday afternoon and we'll do some stuff at her house.. I"m hoping she'll help me clip her 'cause i'm bad at it.
Anyway, gotta get to work... wish us luck.
C
Friday, April 25, 2008
9 days to go
So, Sky and I had another John Toli lesson yesterday - lasted nearly 3 hours since I had so much to go over. Sky did good, although I think we interupted mid-afternoon nap time. She was a bit of a pokey puppy, but I guess I'll take that over wacked out and crazy.
Anyway, I think that John might consider me crazy for jumping into the show ring now, so early in the year. But he's willing to help us in whatever we do, so we're lucky in that respect.
we're going to compete in halter, w/t equitation, w/t pleasure, w/t command, and w/t trail... I think it will be good but I don't expect a lot - of course I'll be disappointed if we come home empty handed, but the experience will be good. The anticipation and not-knowing how it will be is what makes me more nervous rather than the can-we-do-this aspect... which is good.
I think Sky will hold a decent frame and be realtively collected - and she'll handle whats asked of her well - from my memory her biggest obstacles are a) getting used to the show grounds and ring and b) not speeding up when in the ring with other horses. I think if we get some good practice time in, she'll do great. And if we completely suck, then I can laugh about it with Beth on the trail ride in Canterbury the next Saturday!
Otherwise, things are good. No registrations yet for our ride in June, but it's super early - I hope it goes well - It'll be good for Rich and Robbyn to see that they can host something successfully. I kind of feel since the whole thing was my doing, that if no one comes, it'll be my fault.
Anyway, not much else is new... Sky and I have a lot of practice to do - today I'm going to do some different trail obstacles and go out for a ride as well - I don't want to work her so hard she gets sour of the ring... I think the next week will be patterns and patterns and fun practice. john said he might come and watch us and it would be really good to have him there, even if we do suck!
C
Anyway, I think that John might consider me crazy for jumping into the show ring now, so early in the year. But he's willing to help us in whatever we do, so we're lucky in that respect.
we're going to compete in halter, w/t equitation, w/t pleasure, w/t command, and w/t trail... I think it will be good but I don't expect a lot - of course I'll be disappointed if we come home empty handed, but the experience will be good. The anticipation and not-knowing how it will be is what makes me more nervous rather than the can-we-do-this aspect... which is good.
I think Sky will hold a decent frame and be realtively collected - and she'll handle whats asked of her well - from my memory her biggest obstacles are a) getting used to the show grounds and ring and b) not speeding up when in the ring with other horses. I think if we get some good practice time in, she'll do great. And if we completely suck, then I can laugh about it with Beth on the trail ride in Canterbury the next Saturday!
Otherwise, things are good. No registrations yet for our ride in June, but it's super early - I hope it goes well - It'll be good for Rich and Robbyn to see that they can host something successfully. I kind of feel since the whole thing was my doing, that if no one comes, it'll be my fault.
Anyway, not much else is new... Sky and I have a lot of practice to do - today I'm going to do some different trail obstacles and go out for a ride as well - I don't want to work her so hard she gets sour of the ring... I think the next week will be patterns and patterns and fun practice. john said he might come and watch us and it would be really good to have him there, even if we do suck!
C
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Show Season here we come!
Well, it's super nice out and I'm super excited for summer! And while my expectations and hopes for the year include camping, trail riding and day trips, I'm also ready to get back in the show ring and test our skills against some NH people and horses..
I have to say I'm pretty nervous about showing against horse-crazed New Hampshire-ites, who so far seem to be cut throat in their seriousness compared to the layed back Texans and New Mexico people I showed with in the past. I worry that Sky and I won't be good enough and will be out walk/trotted by some 13 year old girl and her $10,000 quarter horse with her mom barking orders from the sidelines! (oh, I can see it now...)
But nevertheless, I'm willing to swallow my nervous pride and get out there and try to have some fun. I liked showing in NM and TX - I like the nervous energy and the thrill of performing, which I seriously miss from my long-past cheerleading days... and I'll admit that I'm a big fan of my number and horse's name being called over a crackly fairground loudspeaker so I may go collect my glorious piece of brightly colored satin. That's a trip.
So, Sky and I have been following the John Toli plan, collecting her in and building her muscles. She's getting better at the trot and listens well, although I sense her boredom in the ring in favor of the unknown of the trails (I LOVE HER!)
We have a lesson today and I have a ton of questions. I hope I can squeeze them into an hour. I'm thrilled it's Spring, thrilled to have a new friend to go to shows together with, and thrilled to have a trainer who is as thrilled as me about my horse and our experiences. I hope it all goes well, but if it doesn't, it will make just as good (if not better) of a story for another day.
Until next time,
C
I have to say I'm pretty nervous about showing against horse-crazed New Hampshire-ites, who so far seem to be cut throat in their seriousness compared to the layed back Texans and New Mexico people I showed with in the past. I worry that Sky and I won't be good enough and will be out walk/trotted by some 13 year old girl and her $10,000 quarter horse with her mom barking orders from the sidelines! (oh, I can see it now...)
But nevertheless, I'm willing to swallow my nervous pride and get out there and try to have some fun. I liked showing in NM and TX - I like the nervous energy and the thrill of performing, which I seriously miss from my long-past cheerleading days... and I'll admit that I'm a big fan of my number and horse's name being called over a crackly fairground loudspeaker so I may go collect my glorious piece of brightly colored satin. That's a trip.
So, Sky and I have been following the John Toli plan, collecting her in and building her muscles. She's getting better at the trot and listens well, although I sense her boredom in the ring in favor of the unknown of the trails (I LOVE HER!)
We have a lesson today and I have a ton of questions. I hope I can squeeze them into an hour. I'm thrilled it's Spring, thrilled to have a new friend to go to shows together with, and thrilled to have a trainer who is as thrilled as me about my horse and our experiences. I hope it all goes well, but if it doesn't, it will make just as good (if not better) of a story for another day.
Until next time,
C
Thursday, April 17, 2008
happy birthday Sky
Sky turned FIVE yesterday - without much fanfare I have to say, I didn't get to visit b/c it was my long day and I had to go to both jobs (gotta pay for the habit!)
But she's acting older and that makes me happy. She's not spooky in the outdoor ring even though last fall she hated the far side near the newly downed trees and it's been windy... she handled our walk out the road and up the trails well, even though on the power lines we nearly sank! I'm going to try to walk out and ride back for the first few times out at least so she's not so scared... I'd rather be safe than sorry (or frustrated)
As far as collecting, she's doing well. She seems bored at the walk and is very pokey but is resisting less and less when I ask for her face... she seems to be figuring out where to hold her head.. I trotted a bunch on Tuesday too, and she did well - gotta work some on trail obstacles and thinking about showing stuff... I want to go to the NHQHA show on the 18th of May with Lisa and do the open breed walk/trot western classes - not a lot of classes but it will be good to get her around a lot of people/horses again too. I don't think I'll expect much from that - will probably be out of our leauge.
Now that the hard part of my week is over, I'll be able to ride more... today, tomorrow, sat and sunday - and next week we should be ready for another lesson. I think we're doing well and I'm loving all my time with her.. she's a ham!
Anyway, until next time... C
But she's acting older and that makes me happy. She's not spooky in the outdoor ring even though last fall she hated the far side near the newly downed trees and it's been windy... she handled our walk out the road and up the trails well, even though on the power lines we nearly sank! I'm going to try to walk out and ride back for the first few times out at least so she's not so scared... I'd rather be safe than sorry (or frustrated)
As far as collecting, she's doing well. She seems bored at the walk and is very pokey but is resisting less and less when I ask for her face... she seems to be figuring out where to hold her head.. I trotted a bunch on Tuesday too, and she did well - gotta work some on trail obstacles and thinking about showing stuff... I want to go to the NHQHA show on the 18th of May with Lisa and do the open breed walk/trot western classes - not a lot of classes but it will be good to get her around a lot of people/horses again too. I don't think I'll expect much from that - will probably be out of our leauge.
Now that the hard part of my week is over, I'll be able to ride more... today, tomorrow, sat and sunday - and next week we should be ready for another lesson. I think we're doing well and I'm loving all my time with her.. she's a ham!
Anyway, until next time... C
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