How Did This Happen?

1/28/12 I can't make this stuff up

2012-01-28T18:45:00.002-06:00

So tonight, I grabbed Romeo first. More on the past week, and yesterday, well,, in a day or two. Now, the story from today is just too darn funny to pass up.. Anyways now.. I grabbed Romeo. Headed to the arena. No longe needed, he'd gotten that yesterday. I got him dressed, and off we went.

Played a variety of music on the mp3 player while we rode. Canter here, trot there, little walk now & again. After about 7 songs, and 40 minutes, we'd both had enough. I looked over, and remembered the pond was a bit full still. YAY it rained! Again, that's last week.. Now, where was I..

I walked Mo over to the pond. He buried some hoofs in the mud, and I thought, "Hmm.. Could be interesting enough." Walked him TO the pond... He hesitated, as if thinking, "Mom! It's muddy in there, and wet! And it's kinda cool out! Did I mention it's WET?!"

That's all it took. Harley, in his turnout sheeted, baby-face, smart alec self, says, "Hey Mo! Chicken! Here's how it's done!" And with all he had, Harley sploshed right into the water. In fact, Harley didn't just splish splash splosh in, he PAWED at the pond, looking back at Mo, giggling.

Mo got all "old & brave". He wandered through the water, even pausing a bit himself for some childish pawing. "Knock it off, you old fart!" I barked... Mo got the hint. We walked through the water a time or three, and started back towards the arena to gather his halter.

Harley, again, decided to be the dork in the pasture. Walked back into the water, pawing, splashing, making all a fuss. I turned Mo a 180 back to the pond, laughing. "Harley! Get outta there! SHhhht.. pssst! go GO!" No Go..

IN fact, Harley decided to LAY DOWN. That's right, folks.. Please laugh NOW. If you weren't laughing already, NOW is where the laughter goes. Harley LAID DOWN in the pond. He didn't roll (thank you very much), but he laid down. Now, I'm IN THE POND with Mo, who in no way wanted his feet to be wet at all, not to mention this long, making every single noise I knew possible in an effort to get Harley back up right again. NOTHING was working.

All laughter, I gave up. ."ah screw it! Mo, back to the barn! This is nucking futs!" I turned back to the arena yet again, and then Mo's head pops up. "MOM! Look at that freak!" he squealed at me, as Harley took off at a full out "lookie me racey" gallop back to the barn. I think I heard Harley holler, "Sh!t that's COLD!" I kept Mo heading back to his halter, when he turned 180 facing the barn. "Oh my, now what?!"

Here comes Harley, into the arena with us. Mo and I pushed him, like a stoopid cow (which he was beginning to resemble) out of the arena. I walked Mo back to his halter, there's Harley, right behind, licking & chewing. "Oh my goodness. You're soaking wet, son!"

His sheet was wet
His legs were dripping
I got wet
Mo was dripping
The SADDLE was wet

When I grabbed Harley to ride, I put the same endurance saddle on him, and headed to the arena.

Imagine my surprise, 45 minutes later, when Harley hesitated at the pond..

oi vey .. I can't make up stuff this funny...

What are They Supposed to do?

2012-01-26T07:42:00.003-06:00

*2:15 PM CDT Update - Descriptions of the links, just so you guys aren't scared to go read...*

Fugly Newbies post this ....
Fugly new writers make fun of folks with bad grammar, trying to sell off their horses dirt cheap. They poke fun at the low prices, and further make fun of the owners for breeding their horses. Pretty much saying, "How could someone be so stupid to breed when they're not rich?"

Rescue groups go and do things like this ...
Rescue group sarcastically offers $2,000 "to anybody who can prove to them why we need horse slaughter". It's very sarcastic, because absolutely nobody can make a proof they buy into.

So what's an owner to do when they're in a tight spot? Here's the scenario...

Married, have a few kids, live in a decent house (that's not paid for), own a decent truck (that's not paid for), and a few horses in the back pasture.
Lose your job, run out of "stash emergency money". You've got to choose between your mortgage, groceries, and the horse feed bill.

Can't starve the horses, now. Can't even skip a bit, and let them lose any weight, or your neighbors are going to report you. Can't give them away, rescues are all filled up, and even if they weren't, you can no longer afford the fuel to haul them 3 hrs one way. You could call the vet in to euthanize them, but vet says over the phone, "There's nothing wrong with them, no reason to put them down." You could humanely shoot them, but you don't know anybody with a tractor powerful enough to dig the holes, and your kids sure don't need to see you shooting horses, or the big "mystery horse size dirt piles", either.

So you list them online for sale. List them cheap, and be honest about their limitations. Just had the farrier out to trim, and a few of them have tender toes, but they'll probably be better in a week or so. Got to be grammatically perfect now, or you'll end up getting teased and attacked for not advertising your back yard horses just like those fancy sport horse warmblood breeders.

What is someone supposed to do in that case? Just how much money do you set aside for an emergency? How low do you let those funds get before you find a way to get rid of the horses? O Oh wait, can't "get rid of them", either. Those same anti-slaughter, pro-rescue, "save the ponies" people? They think you own a horse for life, no matter what. "Sorry kids, no supper tonight. Go eat hay with the horses, if there's any left."

It's Not as Easy as It Looks

2012-01-26T07:27:00.003-06:00

Hey SunnySD, neat blog post riding the Western Pleasure lesson horse. I'm linking it up here, so the folks who don't frequent your blog can see. It reminded me of a short story from championships that's worth retelling.

We were outside after the awards ceremony. A lady was sitting on her horse near me and Harley, a higher-level rider/horse pair than us for sure. Another gentleman was riding a gorgeous paint horse in an arena just beside where we were, warming up for an Open Show in another arena at the showgrounds. The paint was toodling around at a western pleasure lope, as the rider was gently guiding her off his leg and the bit in small circles. The horse would give to the bit and leg, collect up, and he'd release the horse down the rail. It looked relaxed, slow, and fun to ride. The horse's eyes were alert, ears looked happy, and I didn't see the slightest sign of tail-swishing in frustration.

The lady barked to me, "I hate how they ride those horses! They torture them to make them go that slow. Worst riding style ever. They make those horses do awful things to make them go that slow. Look how he's banging on her with his spurs!" I glanced over, and noticed the rider gently rolling his spurs up the horse's side, and the horse lifted its back quietly in response.

I responded to the lady, almost laughing, "No worse than the rollkur dressage crap. There's torture in every horse competitive field, with bits, with spurs, with stupid riders. Don't act like we're so exempt."

1-22-12

2012-01-24T14:50:00.003-06:00

Harley and I had a MUCH better day than Friday. He was fairly motivated, and much less wobbly. We also rode a bunch of serpentines, and a handful of smaller circles. 45 minutes of good solid flatwork. After a bit of arguing about canter departures, I was happy to feel him round up and give me some lightly collected canter. After each set of nice canter work, back down to trot, I'd ask him to stretch down. He responded, both directions. Very nice, and I believe a sign he's picking up on the collected canter.

Romeo and I lost track of time. I didn't have my watch on, so I didn't ride the exact set times of each gait in his fitness plan. When we finished up, it'd been about 35 minutes total. Lots of walking around, bending, circling. I did quite a bit of work with the reins resting on his neck, guiding him around with just my legs. That was fun. Neat to know he is that tuned to what I want. Only a few times did I have to pick up the reins in that trot work to get a good turn or a decent reaction. He's not "spin on a dime off just my legs", but he will get the idea after a few strides and make a gradual turn.

1-20-12

2012-01-24T14:46:00.002-06:00

Rode Harley on the flat. We got all the way to the arena, I noticed he didn't have any rear leg protection on - I forgot to put his R.E.S. boots on. So we stayed away from poles and X's.

He was wiggly-wobbly. Maybe from the jump line, when I wasn't totally focused on straightness, but he was all over the place. Maybe also still adjusting to his new feets from the Sunday trim, not sure. We worked on any kind of a straight line I could get. I argued with him about collection, and then finally had to settle for light on the bit just to get lines.

Romeo and I started our fitness training.
5 minutes longe
10 minutes trot/canter nonstop (5 minutes each direction)
5 minutes walk (backing, circles, turns on fore/haunches, sidepassing)
10 minutes trot/canter nonstop (5 minutes each direction)
5 minutes walk (backing, circles, turns on fore/haunches, sidepassing)

Romeo got tired quick, then gained some energy towards the end.

1-21, Jen and I travelled to Houston, then back home. 1-22 we went back to Houston, and watched a GSWEC HDS recognized show. Interesting to see most of the competitors there at the "big show" are the same crowd as the schooling series.

1/18/12 Changes

2012-01-19T07:24:00.002-06:00

Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

As my hay stack dwindled, I began the search. Websites, craigslist, newspaper, word of mouth, facebook pleas, phone calls. You name it, I was searching every way I knew possible. What I did find, either had pictures of what looked like to be cow-quality, was identified as cow-quality, or cost a small fortune. By that, I mean horse-quality hay (of varying grassy types, from bluestem to coastal bermuda) costing $13 to $30. One store had coastal square bales for $30! They were apparently "big & heavy", but I couldn't even imagine paying that much per square. A facebook friend had posted $9.50 a square for coastal, but when I did the math for fuel, it worked out to more like $12 each. [Fact: each horse at my house receives a ration of 12/8 pellet grain, and one flake of hay, twice per day.]

I had a lead last Saturday. Jiggs, a type of bluestem, for $9. Had I called a few days earlier, it would've been $7, but the seller "had to pay somebody to gather it up and load it on a trailer", increasing the price to $9. The plan was go to get the $9 hay Sunday afternoon. That Sunday, at 12:10pm, a phone call was made to the seller. The hay was gone, it had all been sold. All 200 bales were no longer available. I didn't want 200, I was happy with 30, but "a longtime customer showed up", and the seller sold all he had.

Devastated, the search continued. Knowing the balance in the bank account, and that, if I found any decent hay at a moderate cost, I'd have to buy every bale I could afford, and that wouldn't be much. I looked in the barn, glanced over the pastures. Frost had recently come over the place, most likely killing the nutritional value of my pasture grass. What little hadn't been dried up in the drought was recently frozen.

Monday, I contacted Sam, Boss's owner. I explained I couldn't find hay, and he would probably need to go back home. Her answer seemed uninterested, as if it didn't make much difference. Puzzled, I thought about the whole situation some more. I sent her another message, explaining I could return him no sooner than this coming Friday, since I was working. Did she want to come and pick him up before that? Over four hours went by, no response. Again, I was puzzled. I called, and was almost immediately dumped to voice mail. I left a message, and a tense one at that. Within three minutes, she calls back. She explained she was busy with some personal company, and could come pick him up Wednesday. The call ended rather abruptly, and I was still puzzled. Monday night kind of late, R shows up, and tried to sneak his truck back to the barn. Kenzie gave him away, "boofing" her bark in that "stranger danger" sort of way. I found him in the barn, stacking 4 bales of what I know was $13.50plus tax coastal bales. "You didn't have to do that. I'll figure something out. I wish you would've asked me before you spent some of my hay budget." He replied, "You didn't buy it, now did you? I was trying to surprise you. shhh, it'll be okay."

Tuesday, I contacted the facebook friend with the $9.50/really $12 hay. We had a deal. R was going to travel there and get 30 bales. While he was gone, I nearly held my breath. Would the same thing happen again? Would I still be without hay in the barn? R called around 3pm Tuesday. "I'm here, it's beautiful, we're loading it now. Call you when I'm on the road heading home."

He arrived about 7:30pm Tuesday evening. 30 square bales of coastal bermuda hay loaded in a little trailer and in his truck bed. We cheerfully unloaded and stacked it all in the barn. We laughed as I was sweeping and scooping every loose bit of hay up and feeding it to the three horses.

Last night, when I got home from work, Boss, his saddle pads, and bridle, were gone. I assume Sam came to get him, as she never responded to the directions I sent to her house, or that she made it or left with him. I'm confused by the whole thing. Maybe cost of hay isn't an issue in her situation. The drought spreads over nearly the whole state, but I haven't paid attention to the rainfall totals near her family's home. Maybe she's mad I made the quick change. I spent about two weeks searching for hay. Maybe she saw the 30 bales stacked, and doesn't completely understand that *might* be enough to feed Harley and Mo until spring cut.

Not much matter now. I put Mo back in the pasture and stall where Harley had been, and put Harley on the pasture and stall where Boss had been. Things are back to where they were in early November before Boss came. I don't know what will happen with Sam and any sort of lessons. I'm disappointed in how it all happened, but until it starts raining here, and the economy starts to turn around, it's pretty much out of my hands.

1/15/12 Top That, Baby H!

2012-01-15T17:11:00.002-06:00

Harley saddled, my legs still aching from Saturday and the just completed ride on Boss, I was hoping to go easy and stay light. A brief longe, and I decided to hop on and join the fun.

Walk, Trot, canter, all light on the bit. I asked for some collected trot, and he was amazing. I saw drool from his lips fall to the dirt on a corner. Amazing. Very Very nice. Up to canter, and I looked to the X rail again. Hey, he was good yesterday, why can't he be great today?

Jump! Straight over, but with some side to side hesitation. Hmm.. Don't like the feel of that. I kept him in canter, and aimed to the X again. Harley ducked aside of it at the last possible second, and my inexperience didn't quite know what to do. I stopped him pretty hard, made him back up a couple steps, followed by some side to side flexion, a stern word, and back to trot. Quickly, we were back to canter.

I kept my legs on now, and held light bit contact until the absolute last second I could release. Harley tried wobbling out to the side of the X the next three times, but by the fourth, must have realized the only way to get through it was to jump over peacefully. I rewarded that true jump with effort by a long walk break. . It was for he and I both, as by then, I was breathing pretty hard, tired from that effort.

Up to canter left, and I aimed for the fence. I realize horses have "two brains", and "teach the right still gotta teach the left", but Harley seems to remember from one side to the other. Either I was steadier in my seat and legs, or he just knew it wasn't going to be a game.

He wobbled a little, but never tried to outright refuse. Four solid jumps over the X, with no breaks in between from canter, and I relaxed us to a walk again. Fantastic! Like he's been doing it forever. Me? Eh, my legs were crying...

Determined to not quit dressage, or the benefits of the training, I sent him back out on collected trot. Asked for two sold long sides at canter both ways, shortening my reins. Got some absolutely fantastic canter with collection, as I felt his butt come up behind me for the first time ever under saddle in canter. Fantastic! More pats, more praise.

Ample cookies for the student today as well. He's picking up on the jumps so fast. I am eager to see what I can try next. Now, for the humor that most jump folks and dressage riders alike will probably howl aloud at.

I did all of it, in my dressage saddle. I *will* change my hunt seat gullet before we do it again. It is a good fit for him, and knowing it's fitted well to him, I decided the dressage saddle doesn't put me up in a tight 2 point, but it sure does keep Harley ultimately comfortable for his first experience. I will be happy when my leg isn't so long on the flat before the fence - make it easier to "stay with him" with leg contact before the jump. Furthermore, being up in a forward 2 point sure will make the release on the reins easier. :)

And, yes, I see you delightful "trail riding" folks with the comments. Competitive Trail? Uh, not my idea of a good "first experience" for the baby. I'm not that brave or confident.. I'm still hunting down clinics though, as well as a sturdy friend or two for a short ride in the park. Now, however, we're not just tackling dressage, but jumps, too! That oughta open up another universe in goal suggestions. :) Don't quit on me now...

1/14/12 Harley

2012-01-15T17:02:00.002-06:00

Harley and I went to the arena. I felt brave, so I set up a tiny little crossrail. Lowest holes on my jump standards, means the middle of the "X" is about 12" up. I hand walked Harley over it, and he knocked the entire thing down.

Oooh boy, so that's how this is going to go...

After a little longing, I hopped on. Took him through walk, trot, canter, all on light contact. Asked for a little collected trot, with good results. A brief walk break, then back to trot. I pointed him at the X at trot. I clucked to him a ways back from it, and sent my eyes to the treeline beyond the arena over the X.

Here goes nothing. C'mon Harley! Show me Yer Stuff!

Hop. I was tickled. I giggled happy, and when he landed in canter (correct lead-right), I laughed and praised. A hearty few pats, and a nice settling back to trot. I was giddy. His first over-X, and it was perfect. No toe knocking, no overly dramatic "oh my gosh I better jump plus 3' so it doesn't eat me", just a little hop with both front hooves. We repeated this, both directions, 4 times. Each came with some more verbal praise. By #4 (both directions), he was stepping over it in the trot.

Huh,,, lazy as always, H.

Back up to canter, with the intention of only cantering on the flat, and calling him "done". Then, I did it. I looked towards the X, then looked up over it. Harley made a sharp turn, and started down the imaginary line to the X rail..

Uh Oh. Can't discipline him for going where I'm looking, and sure can't break gait, or he'll pick up a bad habit. When exactly was the last time I cantered over a jump? Ooh yeah, Ransom, felt like an over jumped sheer disaster. I did think I was going to die that day. I hope I know what I'm getting into.

Jump! Harley paused his feet just to get an idea what to do, then with a little kiss from me, jumped straight over the X. Landed, again, in a canter, correct lead. I let him canter a few strides, "shh"d him down to trot (verbal only, no bit), he obliged. I cheered, patted, praised, and laughed a while. Way To Go Harley! Good Boy!! How Brave are You, Mister BabyMan!

Knowing ya can't train only one direction, I sent him back the other direction at canter, aimed at the X again. Almost holding my breath, but trying to be consistent.

Up And Over. With amazing results, Harley did a plant & jump directly over the X. Fantastic. Not over jumped, no toes ticking the wood rails. Just up and over. More praise, a relax back to trot, and then walk.

I glanced at my watch. 45 minutes. No way I could ask for any more. I felt bad for asking for that much. We walked a while so he and I both could catch our breaths, and headed for the house.

Cookies, Cookies. Job well done, baby man.. Job well done.

1/15/12 Round Two!

2012-01-15T16:57:00.001-06:00

Again, I started with Boss. My legs were crying from Saturday's antics, but that sure wasn't going to stop my stubborn self. Ooh no, I can do this...

Out for a quick warmup longe, and I was up aboard Boss. No 4wheeling child in sight, I was happy to have my whip in hand. I tapped him with it once at the walk, and he moved out to work.

All three gaits, plus a bit of fun new today. New for me, for sure.

Walk
Trot
Canter
Shoulder in Trot
Haunches in Trot
Leg Yield trot

Fantastic. I was apparently "in the spot" with Boss, as I barely had to use my legs to get a change in gait. I shifted my outside leg back, started to squeeze, and he was in his canter, off we go! Boss glanced at the poles in the arena, I talked him out of it. :)

Insert Harley fantastic-ness here.

I grabbed Romeo, through screaming calf muscles. Mo, no funny business. It became apparently quickly into the ride, Romeo heard all but "no" in that sentence. Off he went, and the slightest nudge from my legs sent him bursting into a gallop. Wrong leads, and he didn't want to come back to a trot to change, either. NOT one of Mo's good days. Didn't help the game much I wasn't up to 100%, so I couldn't do a lot to control him through my seat, except to sit it out until he calmed down. Had I felt stronger, I probably would've ran him even longer, let him barely air-up, then go for another round. Instead, I settled for 30 minutes, and brought him back to the barn.

All three boys got new hooves trim today. Boss decided to try to wiggle around, and finally got his trim, after some serious discipline. I don't know if he gets bored, or stiff, but he doesn't stand with a hoof up for too terribly long before he gets antsy and pulls it away. Monster..

1/14/12 All Three

2012-01-15T16:52:00.000-06:00

I caught Boss first, and tacked him to go. Part of me worried he'd be the biggest effort, and doing him first would make me too sore for the other two. Eh, spurs if I have to, and make Mo go by verbal only.. . I can do this.

Boss longed nicely, quickly lowering his head, looking a bit bored. So I hopped on. As I mounted, I realized I'd forgotten my dressage whip, and the spurs weren't on my feet. Oooh boy ...

We rode for about 20 minutes. Walk, Trot, Canter. Things went pretty good, and I attributed his energy to the cooler weather. A neighbor boy whizzled by on his 4 wheeler. Boss looked inquisitive, but unbothered. The child, thinking he'd be funny I'm sure, whizzled by again, only this time, he played with the gas throttle, zoom zoom zooom, sput sput sput. Now, Boss was concerned. Those things never made funny noises like that anywhere else he'd been, with considerate barn owners, I'm sure. I glared at the child. This was apparently a wrong choice. Now junior-neighbor-4-wheeler proceeded to zip in and out of the treelines around the arena, zooming the engine anytime he could.

I glanced at my watch. 20 minute ride, 35 since we started. Okay, Boss. Kid wins, for today.

I came inside, got a quick drink, and grabbed Harley.
intermission, Harley gets his own posts for 1/14 & 15, you'll see why later.

Delighted with Harley's performance, I ate most of an apple (Boss finished it for me), and grabbed Mo. Mo was his solemn little self, and after a bit of goofy on the longe, he settled under saddle into a horse requiring a little effort and a lot of relaxed.

Mo went for about 35 minutes as well, and looked rather pleased with himself when we finished up.

1/13/12 WarmUps

2012-01-14T06:19:00.002-06:00

Last night, I longed Harley and Boss. Both on the halter only, about 40minutes total for Harley, 25 for Boss. Harley had a gorgeous cadenced canter... made me wish I was riding it. I flexed him left and right, worked on turns on forehand/haunches, backing up, and a little desensitizing.

The neat part about "warmup day" for Harley? I find holes in his ground work. Last night, I tossed the leadrope over his head, and he startled. As a result, I tossed the rope over his head from both sides at least a half dozen times. He started out concerned by it, then relaxed. Success. His back-ups in hand have gotten a little stubborn as well. Something to work on, probably better with a dressage whip in my other hand, so I can do something other than smack halter knots on his face.

Boss was fantastic. Again, made me wish he had a bit and saddle on. I would've ridden. He was "up" for about 5 minutes, then relaxed his neck and was trotting all the way through from his tail to his nose. Neat to watch.

Ran out of daylight, or I would've done the same for Romeo. Poor guy, he looked jealous of the others. Mo, you don't need the "warmup day", that's what's great about you. Everybody gets new feet Sunday afternoon, so I'll be getting rides on all three today and tomorrow morning. Monday will probably be "adjust to our new hooves" day, which makes riding questionable at best.

SunnySD was the first brave soul. I know 'DG-irisMA' had some ideas, but they didn't come through - send 'em in Facebook or email, please ma'am. Sunny - Let me see what I can find in trail clinics. I don't know too many quiet folks that do trail riding, and the large group rides down here turn into beer-fests, something that I don't know is terribly fair to Harley for a "first start". A trail clinic sounds fantastic though - a good chance to desensitize him to so many things, and get him "out of the arena" in a way. Thanks! I'll report back what I find.

2012 - You Set the Goals

2012-01-13T13:23:00.003-06:00

I see goals. All of ya. Amazing bunch of folks I follow in this here cyber-atmosphere, do ya'll know how awesome you are? I see folks setting riding goals, competition goals, getting fit goals, weight loss goals, goals all over the stinking place!

Me? I can't think of anything worth sharing publicly. Sure, I've got lots of wild ideas of things I can do. Things I'd love to do with Romeo, but I don't want to go it alone. Things I'd like to learn from Boss, if we don't kill each other first. Things I'd love to try with Harley, but I hate making assumptions that I'm doing it "right enough" to progress him farther at anything.

So here's the challenge. You guys and gals, from the blogspot readership, from my old DG-hangout days, from Facebook lurking, and even you random folks reading that are terrified I'll find out you're reading (*giggle* I see you!!!), Comment, Facebook, Email me.. Something! Send me an airplane with a banner across my back yard. Snail mail if you're brave and you trust my postal carrier not to drop it in a puddle.

Suggest some 2012 goals for Romeo and Harley. I've got an idea for Boss, but I'll keep that one to myself for now. You've got until 1-31-12.

Ready

Set

Go!

1-13-12 Update

2012-01-13T08:51:00.002-06:00

Cold, blustery morning outside. A light frost sheened over the pastures, and I whimpered just a little leaving for work. That means the little bit of green grass the rain and sunshine brought? Yup, frozen, dead, taking all the nutritional value with it.

My fever has finally given up the fight, and I was delightfully back to normal this morning. Irregular weather, and the dry air, I'm still battling sinus drainage. Ear pressure, mild sore throat. I'll give it a few more days, and if it persists, call the dr yet again and ask for a different answer. Grr ..Being stubborn, I'm going to get out and at least longe one horse tonight. Tomorrow, more of the same, along with at least a light ride on Romeo. I'm tired of sitting inside, watching the sun shine, knowing that doing a lot or doing nothing, I still feel about the same.

I must say.. Thank you for all the comments, the follow up feedback, and the picture praise. I do apprecite seeing my writing and publishing isn't only for my own entertainment and record keeping, but that many of you out there are enjoying what I write and share. I felt a little like The7MSNRanch yesterday morning, publishing a humrous story to go with a few photos I took. They're certainly not of her photo quality, but came with a funny and true storyline. Keep the comments coming, I do appreciate them!

1/11/12 The Hawk

2012-01-12T06:29:00.012-06:00

I'm hanging out at home, as the antibiotics fight off my sinus & throat infection. This one came with either a flu bug, or just nastier-than-normal germs. This is the longest-running fever I've had in a very long time. So, instead of riding, I thought I'd share a few pictures from last night.

We have a hawk living in the neighborhood, and occasionally, he comes to visit. He was hanging out around the round pen gate, sitting on the fence posts, and looked to be darting to the ground in hopes of pulling a field mouse out of its little house-holes.

Hi Hawk!

OoH! Hi Harley! *who came out of his stall, and was immediately startled, as he didn't know I was out by the barn. See the wrinkly eyes? I disrupted supper!*

Well, that's that.. Didn't come to see me? Came to get a drink.

Okay.. back to the pretty bird.

Harley! No, thanks! I don't want a water bath!

I started back to the house, when Hawk came even closer to the barn.

Hi Hawk ! Hi Boss!

Boss then informed me it was time for his daily scratching. After he bumped into my camera a few times, I gave up. Instead, here's what I think is one of the better Hawk pictures of the night.

1/8/12 Instead

2012-01-10T10:50:00.003-06:00

Mine & Harley's plans were changed Saturday night. Available lesson time was too reasonably late to get back home, unpack, feed everybody, eat my own supper, and rest, then wake up Monday morning for 4:30am alarm. In some ways, I like my work schedule, when I get every other Friday off, and am able to get home before it's dark in winter time. When I have to end Sunday evening activities early enough to get rest, it's a hassle to be at work at 6:30am. *sigh*

Sunday morning, I decided to make the best of the situation. I put the HDR event seat on Harley, as my Collegiate hunt seat needs a gullet change. Thinking it would fit him well enough, I put it on with a simple square pad, and off we went. At the arena, I realized it was a bit too wide for him. Yup, that's why we're going one narrower than avg on the hunt.. grr. This changed our plans just a hair... anyways..

After a quick warmup longe, I hopped on, laughing at myself. Ouch, my legs screamed. We haven't been this bunched up in over a year, lady. What makes you think we can stay up here and not use different muscles? Ouch! It took me nearly fifteen minutes at trot and canter (even with trot over poles) before I felt my balance again without leaning forward. My heels bounced down with every trot stride, making me laugh quite a bit. Boing!

I sent Harley through the trot poles posting trot, with the same success he's had. Stepping lightly through, no toes on the poles. Fantastic, despite my wobbly legs. Good kid.. I lifted myself up into two point, and he came to a walk. Seems Harley thought Mom was falling forward, and didn't want to lose me. Cute kid! I went on the rail at two point trot a little while, moving my upper body upright enough to keep him going forward, inching up a little on his front end, while clucking and talking to him. A gentle pat, and he realized he had the right answer by moving forward. Through the poles again, two point trot, great results.

At the canter poles, we had all the same problems. Two point in front of them, and he was back to trot. *sigh* Back up to canter, two point on the other rail side, upper body inching forward just a little while trying to keep heels down and centered over the saddle. Aimed at the poles, kiss kiss kiss, through them again with no toes touching.

Changed direction, and now realizing I wasn't going to fall off when I leaned forward, Harley was more agreeable to the two point over poles.

I had this brave idea in the morning that, if the ground pole work went well, I'd set up a tiny x-rail. This was a great idea, but knowing the saddle was a bit too wide, and therefore sat a little too close to his withers, I scratched that plan. This would be Harley's first jump over anything beyond a ground pole, and I didn't want to risk any sort of discomfort, at all, due to tack fit.

I'll change the Collegiate gullet out today or tomorrow. Seems my ornery little head cold has migrated up to a sinus/throat infection. I finally gave in and went to the doctor yesterday (1/9) afternoon. I'm sure I did more damage out riding all weekend, and bathing Harley with cool water. Ah, well.. too stubborn to quit until I know for sure my activity makes me feel worse rather than better.

Harley enjoyed a huge handful of cookies after his near hour long efforts. R was out in the arena for the end of the ride, and got the pleasure of watching H work through the ground poles near effortlessly. We're not perfect yet, but he's enjoying his work, and I am enjoying something other than 20m circles. Jump and huntseat work will break up the dressage boredom, at least until the temperatures are trending warm again.

I didn't meet my "mailbox goal" for 2011, so it'll be back on the books for 2012. I think I'll start with hand walking again, and progressively go farther from home every trip. Plenty to get his attention down the road, with young boys playing sports in the front yard, vehicle traffic (of all kinds, shapes, and sizes), neighbors walking their herd of dogs, along with the occasional "doesn't stay in their home yard mutt". Add a paved road, and a line of horse-eating mailboxes, it's a journey of wild baby-learning adventures.

1/7/11 Next in Poles

2012-01-09T08:59:00.002-06:00

Knowing trot poles were a non-event for Harley, I adventured to the next level - canter poles. I set up two poles at a reasonable distance apart, and started him out with a longe over them. He was lanky, disorganized, and broke gait almost every time before or during the poles. I could see wrinkly thinking eyebrows, and decided about the only way he'd understand what I wanted, was if I rode him through the poles.

ooh boy.. here goes nothing. We rode through the trot poles three times in one direction, and then I picked up his canter. Past the poles like they weren't there, back around past the trot poles, and line up with space. He broke to trot the first time through, and easily went back to canter. Realizing I didn't offer enough leg or voice support, I lined him up in front of the canter poles again, and kissed gently as we approached.

loose reins
hands forward
heels down
eyes looking up
da da dump, da da dump

Harley stepped up and over the two poles steady at canter. I gave him a nice pat, and some verbal praise, and asked for a gentle trot back down the other long side. A short walk break, and a change in direction.

We had about the same results heading in the other direction. A few weebly wobbly entrances, a break in gait, but then finally a nice canter over both poles. It took nearly 45 minutes to get there, with lots of walk/praise breaks, and some floats over the trot poles. Fun, but physically exhausting. Harley was tired, and so was I.

The weather was unusually warm, high near 80, and moderately humid. Romeo broke into a sweat just wandering the pasture. I couldn't bring myself to ride his sweaty self.

1/6/11 Trot Poles, and My Mo

2012-01-07T06:55:00.003-06:00

Boss Update
Ate good yesterday, drank better, good uh, *clears throat* output. :) He even stood patiently in his paddock while I rode the other two, a miracle I didn't expect. I did him a favor, and didn't take Romeo down the road, even though I wanted to.

Harley
Worked 45 minutes. All three gaits. I found a little "go" in his giddyup. Spurs. Little 1/4" nubbies. Not much, but when I asked with my calves and he ignored me, I gave a little nudge with my nubbies. Good go. Rode through the trot poles about 6 times each direction. I rode three times through each way, then picked up canter in the next corner. Wow! Lots of good "go", correct lead. One of the trot-pole sets leading into canter, I must've accidentally glanced at the pole set. Harley quickly turned, and lined up for the poles. Oops, not at canter, babydoll. Oops! I will set up a pole by itself today and try canter-over. Anxious to see how *that* goes. While I know there's plenty to be done at the "collected gaits", I'm bored, and I suspect Harley is, too. He is fighting the bit more now than he used to, and I really think he's just bored with the repetition.

Romeo
Another 40 minutes. Good. Delightful, in fact. All except for that whole "left my spurs on, taking off" part. :) Yeah, everybody's reading this, and giggling to themselves, thinking, "Well, genius, whaddya expect? Put spurs on the horse that's already responsive, he won't slow down!" Yea, Yeah... enough from the peanut gallery out there.... ;)
Romeo and I rode through all the gaits, turns on forehand, haunches, side pass. Backed up circles each direction. I skipped rollbacks, since he was already pretty darn forward, he didn't need any encouraging. His canter was fast, and fluid. There for just a second, I imagined he was a nice reining horse, circling wildly around the arena. It was just for a second, then he tripped. That's my Mo. ;)

1-5-11AM Boss update, and other musings

2012-01-06T06:55:00.003-06:00

I arrived home from work, and after letting the dogs out to potty, wandered back to Boss's stall. I found only an inch down off his pretty big water bucket. Shucks... After discussing with Dr. Sam and Jen, I gave Boss his 1/4 supper, mixed with antibiotics, electrolyte powder, a bit of water, and a touch of corn syrup (after finding some of the AM antibiotic powder still in his bucket, monster). He joyfully gobbled up supper. I found two nice poop piles in the paddock (and he gave me another while I was preparing supper for him and the others). I later found a tiny bit of grain "mush" left in his bucket. Added a touch more of water, and held it to his face.. Slurp!

Later in the evening, I found about two more inches down off the water bucket, so he was drinking a bit more. Good!! This morning, no change in the water, but the same joyful Boss dove into his breakfast. Good news again.

I'll be riding Harley and Romeo through their paces, and fighting off the rest of this awful headcold. Stuffy, sinuses bring on an inflamed headache by day's end. I have been fighting it since last Friday, when it began with a weak sore throat. I don't have any of the true signs of a sinus infection except for the evening headache.

I'm *still* excited about upcoming Sunday with Sam. Most Excellent!!

Boss 1-4-12

2012-01-05T08:26:00.004-06:00

Boss had a LONG day yesterday. I went out to feed breakfast, and found a handful of grain and all his hay from supper still sitting. He nibbled at breakfast grain, but wasn't really interested. I called R, and asked him to "go visit" Boss in a while and see how he was feeling and acting. I tore off down the highway to work (and said my prayers as I sped by the county-mounty police officer on the highway).

R called around 8:00am. Said Boss hadn't touched his breakfast, and wasn't acting quite himself. I took emergency vacation from work the rest of the day, and by 8:30am, I was on the road home. I called Dr Sam on the way, got some instructions, and kept on for home. Arrived back home around 9:15am.

I immediately gave Boss a full 1250# dose of Banamine paste, which he agreeably took. Hmm.. not a good sign. I hand walked him while R cleaned out his stall and paddock completely. No more hay scraps or grain nuggets, or old poop in the paddock. I even lightly longed him for a bit, and the longer I waited, the lazier he got. One tiny little fart, and no poop in sight.

Two hours later, we were pulling into Dr Sam's office, and Boss had pooped about ten hard turds. Not good either... Heart rate normal, temperature normal. Gut sounds limited. He checked for sand colic, nope. Found some very solid hard poop trapped in his colon, and got *most* of it out. Then, in through the nose the tube went into his tummy. Dr Sam pumped him full of water, mineral oil, epsom salts, electrolytes, probiotics. Boss stayed at Dr Sam's office for the afternoon. All vitals checked out good in the late afternoon, and he was able to return home.

Boss is on a modified diet for the next four days, and antibiotic powder. He's locked to his stall & paddock, and dove face first into breakfast. Well, after a little sniff to identify the antibiotic powder. I'm sure his nose said, "What's that?" And his brain said, "don't care.. Hungry.. Eat!"

This means Boss WON'T be making the trip with me to go see Trainer Sam this Sunday. Boo.. But! It does mean...
*drum roll pleeeeze*

Harley gets to go!! Road trip and his first "formal" lesson time. Fantastic! Should be fun!

Bringing In 2012

2012-01-01T08:25:00.000-06:00

First, after the Championships, I gave Harley a few days off to rest.

Then, it rained. Not complaining about the rain, but it rained. Quite a bit, quite a few days in a row. Then, I got busy with holiday cheer, and cooler weather.

Now, I've got a head cold. Sinuses are stuffed up, sneezing, coughing a bit. No fever, so I am trying to do my best to avoid anything worse than just a viral cold. To that end, I haven't been riding a ton.

Harley hopped through some ground poles at trot with me, but otherwise, I have had some loose rein rides with him (something that puzzles him... work without bit contact... time to refresh that memory and make him go independent of me).

Boss and I have learned a dressage whip is our friend. :) Not as many difficult rides physically. Lesson coming with Sam soon. YahOO!

Romeo? He's just Mo. Walk, jog, lope. Turn on forehand, turn on haunches, side pass, back up. Back up circles, stand patiently. He does well. I don't expect perfect, since I don't ride him often enough to keep him fit for perfect. But he is paying attention to me, and being polite

HDS Shooling Show Championships - 12-18 Open Intro B Championships Judge@C

2011-12-21T16:30:00.000-06:00

Championship Class Intro Test B, L Cummings, Judge
HDS Schooling Show Championships
GSWEC, Katy, TX
61.875%

1. Enter working trot rising. At X halt through medium walk. Salute
6 = a bit sticky through salute

2. Track left working trot rising
7 = fairly straight

3. Circle right 20M at E
6 = large, and not round

4. Between K & A Medium walk
7 = could be more active

5. F-E Free walk
6 = needs steady stretch & swinging strides

6. E-H Medium walk
6 = sometimes lazy

7. Between H&C Working trot rising
6 = slightly counterbent, and fussy in bit

8.Circle left 20M at B
5 = circle large and not round

9. X halt salute
6 = some neck twisting, bracing

Rider comments
Gaits = 7
Impulsion = 6
Submission = 6 (*2)
Rider's Position = 7
Rider's Effectiveness of Aids = 6
Geometry and accuracy = 6

Attractive duo. Horse needs to show more suppleness through body, including neck and elastic connection to bit. Watch geometry. Accuracy is important to development of horse.

HDS Shooling Show Championships - 12-18 Open Intro B Championship Class

2011-12-21T16:00:00.000-06:00

Championship Class Intro Test B, J Darnell, Judge
HDS Schooling Show Championships
GSWEC, Katy, TX
63.750%

1. Enter working trot rising. At X halt through medium walk. Salute
6 = against hands in halt

2. Track left working trot rising
7 = fairly bal

3. Circle right 20M at E
6 = reins long, nose wags

4. Between K & A Medium walk
6 = keep NRG

5. F-E Free walk
7 = clear stretch

6. E-H Medium walk
6 = keep NRG in trans. And steadier connection

7. Between H&C Working trot rising
6 = slightly counterbent, has steadier contact

8.Circle left 20M at B
6 = nose wags, slightly counterbent

9. X halt salute
6 = threw outside shoulder in turn, against hands in halt

Rider comments
Gaits = 7
Impulsion = 7
Submission = 6 (*2)
Rider's Position = 7
Rider's Effectiveness of Aids = 6
Geometry and accuracy = 7

Nice pair. Reins got long & horse wages head – encourage him to accept steadier contact

HDS Shooling Show Championships - 12-18 Second Warm Up

2011-12-21T12:00:00.002-06:00

Before the second test, I had a game plan. We were the only AA's competing in the Championship class, and while that meant fancy ribbons and procession, that didn't mean I was quitting. No ma'am. That meant we were working harder. Bigger rated judge, fancy longer arena, more eyes watching. I wanted this to count, even for a great experience for Harley.

Without a longe first, I walked him for about five minutes, varying contact and stretch. We trotted just a tiny bit, then hopped up into canter. I kissed quietly, and used my leg aids. Correct lead left. Great! We cantered about a circle, then back to trot.

There was his energy! I found it! I glanced at my watch, and saw we had just enough time for all of our warm up work. We cantered right, with more success, and an even better trot out after. The transitions were there, the general contact was there. I did lengthen my reins, and decided less contact was better than a battle.

Two judges in the Championship test. I rode by the judge at B, same judge as my morning ride. She was still smiling, happy as can be, as we rode by. The judge at C was sure serious, and didn't even look up except maybe a glance. There were plenty of people watching from the seats above, and another handful watching from outside the arena. Wow... What an audience of attentive folks, us being the only horse & rider competing at that moment. How absolutely overwhelming.

Judge @ C rang the bell, and were were off. It was the top of the game. My championship ride with Ransom was cut short in disaster, and I didn't want anything like that happening again. I saw the videographer camera tuned into us, and I could hear the photographer's shutter snapping rapidly. This was *my* moment with my new show horse, and I was insanely excited!!

HDS Shooling Show Championships - 12-18 Open Intro B My Thoughts

2011-12-21T09:43:00.004-06:00

LAZY
That's the best I can describe how I felt in the test. Harley did NOT want to be forward, he was daydreaming off the bit, and would wiggle his nose to avoid the contact. R told me later he pooped in the second circle. Oh Me Oh My. I'm glad he at least stayed in his trot while pooping, but goodness.

I considered using tiny spurs in the Championship class, or at least in warmup. I tried to consider what I'd done differently in the morning warmup. We'd done many transitions, lots of loose rein walk breaks to rest, and then I realized what the gap was.

Canter
Every other ride, after the longe, I usually canter early in the ride, to "wake things up", and get his mind on the ride. That morning, I didn't canter. There were too many other riders around in too small of arenas, and since I nearly got crashed into at a walk by a galloping advanced horse, I wasn't confident Harley and I could manage canter in the chaos.

I committed that we'd FIND a place to canter before the Championship class. I'd get the spurs out, but not put them on, just keep them close enough for use if I needed. We were *going* to canter in our second warmup, and that just might be enough.

HDS Shooling Show Championships - 12-18 Open Intro B

2011-12-21T09:43:00.001-06:00

Open Class Intro Test B, L. Cummings, Judge
HDS Schooling Show Championships
GSWEC, Katy, TX
62.500%

1. Enter working trot rising. At X halt through medium walk. Salute
6 = straight entry. Tense halt

2. Track left working trot rising
7 = fairly smooth

3. Circle right 20M at E
6 = neck twist, fussing with bit

4. Between K & A Medium walk
6 = tempo varies

5. F-E Free walk
7 = lovely stretch, could swing more

6. E-H Medium walk
6 = nose tilting, inside bend

7. Between H&C Working trot rising
6 = slightly counterbent

8.Circle left 20M at B
6 = needs inside bend

9. X halt salute
6 = a bit crooked in salute

Rider comments
Gaits = 7
Impulsion = 6
Submission = 6 (*2)
Rider's Position = 6
Rider's Effectiveness of Aids = 6 sometimes list left
Geometry and accuracy = 7

Attractive team. Work for more consistent, elastic connection to bit. Need inside bend. On your way.

HDS Shooling Show Championships - 12-18 Warm Up

2011-12-21T09:26:00.002-06:00

When I arrived at the showgrounds to feed Harley, I found him the only horse in the barn aisle laying down, curled up snoozing. He got up for his breakfast, and ate eagerly. I also found his water bucket near empty, so that was delightful. I cleaned his stall, then headed back to the hotel to pack up, and find some human breakfast with R.

We got back to the showgrounds, and with a general sense of schedule, got Harley saddled and me in my showdress pretties just in time. His longing warmup was lazy but good. Warmup ride was an adventure. Arena cluttered with riders heading every which direction. At one point, a higher level rider was galloping down the diagonal straight towards us, and nearly smashed into me & Harley. Frightening! Harley did well, and stayed calm. I found him a bit lazy in the warmup ride, and hoped I could shake his motivation as we headed into the show ring.

I didn't hear a bell ring or a whistle blow, but wasn't sure if it was my "turn" in the ring or not. I darted into the ring, saw the judge & scribe watching us intently. I trotted right up the centerline, and halted at "X". It felt and probably looked like a hurried halt. The judge laughed. "We are ready for you, but you can let him look around a bit first before we'll blow the whistle for you to start. Go take your time, let him see everything."

I laughed myself. Told Harley, "Good job dear, but let's go look. Hey, look! There's people up there that weren't there yesterday! Let's hope they don't cheer like it's a football game, and they sit real still-like." (I hoped the audience was listening at that point, and heeded my request.)

The judge blew her whistle when we were at "B", so I turned down the rail, picked up a trot, and headed down the centerline. This was a class of 3 total riders, and in my mind, the "warm up ride" to our championship test.

HDS Shooling Show Championships - 12-17 The Arrival

2011-12-20T07:35:00.002-06:00

We arrived around 2:45pm Saturday. The show was already going on, and there were riders and horses scattered around the two warmup arenas, and the main show arena. I found the office, acquired Harley's number & stall assignment, and went back to unload. Settled in his stall, he immediately dove into his hay, more interested in his belly than in the chaos outside that stall. Hay, water, and shavings all over the stall floor, and I left him to relax a while. R and I ventured to the main arena, and we snooped a bit. Watched a bit of some rides, but I was fairly distracted. Surveying the crowd, the horses around, and the bleachers of people.

Just how much noise does it make when they walk around? How many banners are on the walls? Do the people outside the arenas wander around a lot during the tests?

I was given the "green light" to practice and school in the main arenas around 5:00pm. R and I headed back to the stall, and found Harley still munching hay. I tacked him up, and headed to the show arena. I hand walked him everywhere I could without getting directly in anyone's way. A few of the instructors wandering around coaching helped us out, sitting and standing at the judge's table, rattling plastic bags and papers, and calling out tests and instructions to their students.

We walked back to a warmup arena, longed a little, and I hopped on. Harley was quiet, and relaxed. He didn't seem concerned with the people walking around, the other horse/rider sets riding around him. Back to the main show arena, since that's where the tests would be Sunday, and that's what I was more concerned with.

There were two dressage arenas set up in the main ring. A 20x40 and a 20x60. A huge warmblood in a double bridle with a very focused rider took off at an extended trot down the long diagonal of the 20x60. They were headed straight to us. The horse's front knees and ankles flipped out as he trotted my way. Yikes! I'm not going in that arena just yet. She'll totally flip her lid if I get in her way with my little man. The 20x40 had a small girl on a little paint pony, instructor calling out some stern words. Trainer and child had a major disagreement over their earphone/mic speaker communication tools. Child's parents appeared to be watching on outside the arena. I glanced at the trainer, and said, "Sorry, but I'm crashing the party. No way I'm going in the big arena and interfering with that big horse's trot." Trainer said to me, "That'd be awesome, actually. Maybe motivate her (pointing at Child) to work harder." Trainer and child argued some more, and it became apparent Child was having an emotional hissy fit. Knowing this would be good for Harley, I entered at walk, and quickly picked up trot. Trainer called out, "You see that grey baby there? He's being quiet, even in a scary new place. Your horse is FINE! You are the problem! If you quit every time you have a slight problem, then let's sell the horse and your tack, and quit the sport. You can't quit just because he argues with you once. Now shut up, and RIDE!" Child looked at me with a sad longing face, and I just shrugged my shoulders and trotted on by her.

Harley's ride in the small arena, over walk and trot, was fantastic. Finally big warmblood left the 20x60, and a TB-type mare & older teen were riding. I joined in the fun, explaining to that teen's trainer Harley's youth and inexperience. "Oh , you'll be fine. We'll stay out of your way. Don't worry." I rode Harley through all three gaits, and even had some nice canter on contact. He was "on".

No spooks to work out, no boogers to iron through. No wild rides to sit it out. Just a quiet young Quarter Horse, acting like he'd done it his whole life. I patted him part way through the 20x60 ride. "Harley, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were Ransom. God bless ya, baby boy. You're doing great." *I almost cried, but I made it through. R saw my face, and knew... "He's doing great, babe. You look pretty awesome, too...*

Would Sunday be as great as Saturday? Sunday opened up with Intro B Open test first, 20x40 arena. A decent break, followed by the Championship test in the 20x60. I'd done all I could do. The training was done, the teaching was past. No "lessons" left to cram in Sunday morning. It was all down to the "big deal, main show, fancy class". I unsaddled Harley, gave him his supper and cookies, put a neck sleezy on, and his sheet, and smooched him goodnight. "Sleep well, my super star."

We Leave Tomorrow

2011-12-16T10:35:00.002-06:00

I really have been riding. A lot, in fact. Taking some afternoons off from work, and riding two in an evening.

Boss and I are getting along well. There's much to learn, as some days, things seem to click really well. Other days, I have trouble making circles and corners. Were it not for the arena rail, he'd probably wander aimlessly when I can't find his bend. I'm learning I have to ride Boss very focused, and very centered, mentally and physically. The slightest "relax" on my part, and he'll break gait to a lazy walk.

Harley and I are going to squeeze a ride in today, and then we're off. Series Championships are Sunday, and we're travelling there tomorrow for schooling tomorrow evening. Scheduling didn't go easy, and I had to contact the show staff to discover my registration entry was lost. I had to contact them a second time today to receive ride times. The copy I received today shows slim competition for Intro "B" at Adult Amateur level. I can understand the economy isn't great, and Christmas shopping preceeds show dreams. It still seems odd there are very few AAs competing at the championships.

I will do a better job of blogging to capture tomorrow and Sunday, for sure. It's a new place for Harley, a big place. We'll be warming up and showing over FOUR different covered arenas and one outdoor arena. Absolutely huge facility, and that's even with some of the showgrounds "off limits" to us. He'll have a LOT to take in and get adjusted to.

His trot is fantastic.

His walk , well , I just wish it were bigger. ..

Free walk? When he's paying attention, it's beautiful.

I am slowly introducing canter with collection. I start with canter barely on contact. Then, I gently shorten my reins a little directly after he's in the gait. Down the long sides, I'm pushing with legs/seat, and shortening my reins a bit more. Relax on the short sides, repeat down a long side. I had a few strides on each lead collected down long sides. Harley's learning this much like he did in the trot - finding that balance point between "collection nicely" and "hanging on the forehand". Hanging on the bit usually makes him trip within a stride or two, again, much like the trot work. We'll get there, and thankfully, we don't need it in the show on Sunday.

In Other News

2011-12-02T13:19:00.001-06:00

Read the news article.

Police: Father fatally shoots 4 kids, wounds wife

Now, go hug your kids. Love on your family.

And if your husband or boyfriend is using you as his punching bag, GET OUT!
RUN to your nearest police department, and TURN HIM IN.

Harley Update

2011-12-02T08:06:00.002-06:00

Through the weather changes.
Through the gunfire.
Through the shortening evening light.
Through the body clip.

With the exception of one evening, Harley has been awesome. I gave him a body clip at the start of my week long vacation, and he stood completely still the entire time. Now with a shorter coat, he's easier to ride in the evenings, and isn't a sweaty gross mess after every ride.

We've worked on increasing the walk energy, and that's going fair... His working walk to free walk transitions are incredible now in both directions (giving and taking rein). I've got some very nice circles working out, and improved straightness in the lines.

Probably the only thing I wish I had a little more of from Harley, is energy. He often feels lazy, and requires a lot of motivation from me to move-on. On the longe line, he looks excellent, and may be going just the same under saddle, but just feels lazy compared to Boss's long strides. I haven't had any video in a while to observe him, so I'm hoping to get some soon for comparison.

The trot/canter/trot transitions have come a long way. I've begun to introduce a bit of collection on his canter - instead of barely any rein contact, I've shortened my reins just a bit. Somedays that goes really good, and others are a flat disaster. Harley takes that rein pressure as "slow down", and it's difficult to keep him In the canter. Nevertheless, our canter goal has been met - he almost never gets his leads wrong now, and I can go most rides all on correct-lead canter. He gets them on a bend in the circle, and I haven't asked but once or twice on a straight line. We'll get there. I think I need to get better at my own cues from Boss on a line before I ask Harley to learn.

Last night, Harley reminded me he's a baby. He was lazy on the longe. I flipped the whip just a little, and he took off like a flash. Galloping around the circle, eyes wide, it took about ten minutes to get him to relax. Then, in the trot, he was refusing to walk. No walk, no halt, nothing. Just trotting, totally ignoring all body language, all verbal cues, even a tug on the line/halter. I took the neck stretcher off, and focused on small circles, just on the walk. I'd let him go about half a circle, then tell him, "whoa!". About a dozen later, Harley was ready to stop rather than keep going.

I checked him over nose to tail, down all four legs, reaching, stretching, and all the tricks. He's not sore, he's not hurting. Just bein' a baby. It's all good. If 90% of Harley's work is slow, lazy, and obedient, he's entitled to a bad-day. I used to give it to Ransom to have a gallop-off-like-a-nut days, no reason Harley can't have the same.

Romeo Romeo ...

2011-12-02T07:56:00.003-06:00

My sweet little Romeo.

You're the "break" in between my student horse and my teacher horse.

You're the quiet one.

I can push ya in any gait, adjust the stride, and hit the brakes with a word.

Mo and I haven't been venturing off the property at all, however. That makes me sad. I miss walking and trotting down the road, just to see how far I can get. My goals of leaving home on a trail ride are looking bleaker every day. Deer and dove hunters fire off their shotguns and rifles at random times throughout the day. More annoying, the neighbor children have made a hobby out of target shooting a little 0.22 rifle. Since Mo was shot at by his previous owner, he's got a lot of good reasons to be afraid of the gunfire. I haven't chosen to stay at home, in the arena, where I can control his reaction to the fear, rather than be out in the open, wandering down the paved roadway, just to have him panic and scramble.

This means things with Romeo are easy-going and quiet. Gaits are all steady and relaxed, and the more I stay out of his mouth, the happier he is, and the lower his ears go. =)

Boss Update

2011-12-02T07:48:00.002-06:00

Things went from decent, to terrible, back to good, with Boss.

When he first came to my house, he was antsy to start his work, a bit of a booger for the first 20 minutes (from catch into the ride). He'd jig around, ants-in-his-pants, and then half way through the walk, he'd finally relax a bit.

Then one ride in the howling winds, he decided to take off in the arena between halter off and bridle on. Off he went, in a flash. I pushed him around with the longe whip, made his life generally difficult, and found he LOVES to rollback, butt facing me. No, sirreee doodeedah, that sh!t ain't happenin' here, MisterMan. Chase Chase Chase, ease up the body pressure, and as soon as he'd give two eyes, I'd back away and walk off. After the third time one evening, he gave up. I rode a little while, (5 minutes or less), just long enough to prove I am BossMare, and called i quits.

The next ride, he was a turd to start yet again. "I'm not playing this game!", I called out. After two eyes facing up, I hopped on. By the third ride, I had a plan - longed him in the Side Reins. his ears flipped wildly, eyes wrinkled up tight. He *knew* then I meant business, and I wasn't playing a gallop-game anymore. Not only is his running disrespectful, it's dangerous. After the longe session, I took all his head tack off, and haltered him. Boss gave me the most bewildered look, as if he didn't understand quite why I wasn't going to ride. "That's enough for today. Let's see what I have tomorrow to ride."

Thursday, I longed him in the halter for 10 minutes to start. He was wild for only a circle or two, and then settled right down. Interesting .... The ride? It was great. I found a few holes in my riding ability, and checked with Samantha over them. She reminded me that I need to use my outside rein for good turns and bending.

Earlier this week, I put that inside rein to the test. With a sharp movement, Boss was making 90-degree turns. Outside leg, outside rein tight, turning my body from the waist up where I want to go, and Boss turns! He turns hard! We made the smallest circles ever, and I had absolutely no idea the Big monster could bend like that!

I have also found the secret to his "go". Spurs. I'm not a huge fan of the darn things, but I've noticed it only takes a poke or two, followed by leg pressure, and he's forward-going. We've also negotiated the canter transitions - he pushes up into them instead of the one-time rearing show he gave me, and he also stays in the canter now without me kicking every stride. It sometimes feels like my legs are out in front of my seat when I ride Boss - his swayback positions my saddle a bit odd, and that makes my legs feel a bit forward. With my legs in that spot, however, it's very easy to push him forward. I had the best trot and canter we've had yet together earlier this week.

"well done grasshopper" Sam sent me in a text when I told her about the inside rein and the forward gaits. well done.... :) hop hop!

Thanksgiving Week Update

2011-12-02T07:43:00.003-06:00

Rather than go through the last week+ by only a day at a time, a horse at a time...
Here's the summary ..
11/20 - Boss & Harley
11/21 - Boss & Harley
11/22 - Harley & Romeo
11/23 - Boss & Harley
11/24 - Boss & Romeo
11/25 - Harley
11/26 - skipped
11/27 - Harley, Boss, & Romeo
11/28 - Harley
11/29 - skipped
11/30 - Boss & Romeo
12/1 - Harley longe

Now, onto what has actually happend worth noting, by horse, informative and non-informative. =) Do anyone else's legs hurt just reading that, or am I imagining the soreness again?

11/14/11 Boss Bang

2011-11-18T09:48:00.002-06:00

I caught Boss. Saddled up, headed to the arena. Southern winds were howling around the arena, typical of fall transition into winter here, as the cold fronts blow in and the coastal winds fight the fronts.

He walked around quietly, and we even trotted a bit. Then, pretty much without cause, he stopped. I felt him tighten up and get stiff. I asked him to walk forward, and I got about four steps before he halted again. I hopped off, flexed him left & right, and hand walked him a little.

Mounted and hopped off repeatedly from the center of the arena , and found that away from the mounting block, he stands pretty quiet for hopping on. Finally, I hopped on and stayed there.

I asked for walk forward. Got one step, halt. Asked again, one step, halt. Asked a third time, no walk forward. I kicked him rather hard, got one more step, halt. Frustrated, I hopped off, and decided the winds must've been too much for him to handle. I took the bridle off, put the halter on,
BANG
Boss shuddered and took a step towards me, resting his head on my arm...

Gunfire, from CRNG's way. I took Boss back to the trailer to unsaddle.
BANG
More gunfire from CRNG's way. I shouted, "HEY! Look before you shoot!"

Thanks Boss, for getting me off your back before the guns actually went off.

Well after dusk, another rifle shot went off, farther from home. I turned it in as after-hours illegal hunting to the game warden, and then the county sheriff. I don't know who's doing all the shooting, but I'm not impressed. Neither is Boss.

11-13-11 The Results

2011-11-18T09:03:00.002-06:00

While we waited in between tests, Harley took a sharp "turn on the forehand", just as the rainstorms came. A young lady watching the show darted under a tree, "ooh, it's cold and wet!" I responded, "Yeah yeah yeah.. She says to the girl ON her horse in a White shirt! Nobody told me this was a wet tee-shirt contest!" The observers all laughed, and the rains eased up some.

After the tests, we got lots of applause, which is out of the ordinary for dressage shows around here. Folks clap for their son or daughter, friends for each other. I don't live near any of the shows I attend, so most folks don't even know me where we ride. The barn owner cheered for us after each ride, praising Harley's calm behavior, and "my great riding". I glowed walking back to the trailer. A young lady praised us as we passed her, "You rode great today! Good job!"

After about an hour, I wandered into the show office to find our scores. I jumped up & down, and danced like Snoopy back to the trailer.

Those scores qualify us for series Championships! Two shows, two judges, two scores over 60%.

Later on, the show manager walked over to the trailer with the ribbons.

Second place for Test A
First place for Test B
Adult Amateur Intro Division Champions

I think we floated on the trailer ride home. :)

11-13-11 Intro B, All Heart Horse Farm

2011-11-18T08:36:00.003-06:00

Intro Test B, Marilyn Kulifay, Judge
All Heart Horse Farm, Manvel, TX
66.625%

1. Enter working trot rising. At X halt through medium walk. Saulte
6 = fairly straight, shoulders Right after X

2. Track left working trot rising
7 = fairly smooth

3. Circle right 20M at E
6 = lovely energy, circle to be a little rounder

4. Between K & A Medium walk
7 = smooth

5. F-E Free walk
7 = lovely stretch, needs a little more march

6. E-H Medium walk
6 = nice length of stride, needs activity

7. Between H&C Working trot rising
7

8.Circle left 20M at B
6 = nice energy, needs consistent bend in body

9. X halt salute
6 = overshot centerline a little

Rider comments
Gaits = 7
Impulsion = 7
Submission = 7 (*2)
Rider's Position = 7
Rider's Effectiveness of Aids = 6
Geometry and accuracy = 6

Attractive pair! Make sure circles are very round & centerline is very straight. Nice job!

11-13-11 Intro A, All Heart Horse Farm

2011-11-18T08:25:00.003-06:00

Intro Test A, Marilyn Kulifay, Judge
Sienna Stables, Missouri City, TX
65.00%

1. Enter working trot rising. Between X & C, medium walk
6 = drifting left. shoulder left at little @ *can't read*

2. Track right working trot rising
7 = smooth turn prompt at M

3. Circle right 20M at A
7= lovely energy

4. KXM Change Rein
7 = slight bobbly but straight line

5. Circle left 20M at C
6 = lovely energy. circle needs to be rounder

6. Medium walk between C & H
7 = smooth

7. HXF Free walk
7 = shows some stretch, ask for more

8. F-A medium walk
6 = needs more march, Right at centerline

9. X halt salute
6 = fairly straight but right at centerline

Rider comments
Gaits = 7
Impulsion = 7
Submission = 6 (*2)
Rider's Position = 7
Rider's Effectiveness of Aids = 6
Geometry and accuracy = 6

Attractive pair! Make sure horse marches in walk - but shows lovely energy in trot. Make sure straightness on centerline.

11/13/11 AHHF Arrival

2011-11-14T08:20:00.003-06:00

Harley, R, and I arrived at the show farm right on my schedule. 10:30 am, with 1:00 ride times. Plenty of time to walk the facility, get un-spooked, get my bearings on where I needed to be and when.

I put Harley's knotted halter on, and we went walking. I giggled as the barn horses were all startled by the new horse on the farm. We were the only trailered-in horse/rider at that point. Some activity in the show ring, and lots going on around the barns. A few folks were riding in the warm up area, some dressed to show, some not.

Harley gained all kinds of googly-eyes. "OOoohh.. He's pretty!", I heard from a handful of folks. I was convinced they were only speaking of his grey color. I beamed proud when he took the whole place in stride, with only a few snort-breaths. He didn't spook at the jumps, or the standards. He didn't seem bothered by the harsh winds, and didn't hardly notice when the other horses rode by.

One young girl and her mom, each on their own horses, were in the warm up area (not dressed to show), and the younger girl about looked like she wanted to jump off her horse as I hand-walked Harley by them on the rail. R reported he later heard mom tell the girl, "They're probably here for the show, just getting used to the place. I'm sure you'll be fine, nothing will happen." *giggle*

We dressed to ride, Harley in his black & white beauty (with purple polo wraps and his R.E.S. boots for the warmup). I took him to the warm up area, and longed him under gloomy skies and undirectional wind bursts. A few folks watched us from the warm up arena fence, and a few more lurked in the barns nearby. No wild reactions still from my baby superstar. He stayed quiet, calm, and unphased by everything. The farm had its fair share of bees, and while he swatted legs and tail at them, he still stayed quiet. A show worker told R, "The other trailer-in pair had a flat tire on the way here. They were supposed to ride at 8, but now we're putting them directly after lunch. You'll ride second after lunch instead of first."

The lunch break came, and I hopped on him in the show arena. Someone walked up , and told me, "The scribe is going to ride a few tests for the judge and then you'll go." I responded, "So if the scribe is riding, how many tests? And what about the other two riders that are also before me? What's going on?" She responded, "I don't know, I was just asked to give you the message. You'll have about fifteen minutes in here to ride, and then you need to stand outside and wait your turn."

HUH?! Tension was building just a bit. Instead of my perfect preparation, my timed arrival, perfectly timed warmup, now I was supposed to "put Harley on ice"?! I did the math in my head. With three other riders, even two tests a piece, that was going to be about another half hour to an hour. The clouds grew even darker, and it was obvious it was going to rain, I just didn't know when or how much.

As things in the arena picked up, and the judge arrived, I found the barn owner. "Uhm, what's going on? When am I riding now? Am I after all three of these folks? I timed Harley's warmup so we'd be ready for the judge. I don't mind a little wait, but I'd like to know what's going on so I can prepare him for his best, not standing in the rain getting cold waiting." She answered, "I don't know myself at this point. Let me go talk to the judge, and figure out what's going on." It started to sprinkle rain around the covered show arena, and there was nowhere to stand out of the rain.

R informed me.. "The scribe is riding someone else's horse to give the mare good show experience. The last two times the owner has tried to show her, the mare has bucked her rider off, hard." I glanced over, and found a BIG paint-colored mare, assuming "That can't be a crazy horse. I wonder where she hides it?" as the mare let out a big yawn, and stood quiet on a loose rein. Hmm...

The owner came back and informed me, "Okay. The judge was the one with the flat tire, not the other trailer-ins. The scribe and you are going to switch off. She'll ride one, you'll ride one, and repeat. So, you'll be in the ring in about 2 to 3 minutes, and you'll probably be done riding in about 20. How's that sound?"

Perfect ...

I hopped on Harley, and as the scribe finished her Test A, I rode Harley in. A little walk, a little trot. A volunteer offered to call my test for me, and I accepted. I rode by the judge, we exchanged bright smiles, and she blew the whistle.

As I rode down the long side towards R and "A", I realized I had a half-dozen folks watching from the short side. I glanced towards the barns, and realized another crowd was watching from the barns and warm up arena. Wow.. Harley has an audience. I smiled big at R, and said quietly, "Let's do this!"

Chest out, shoulders back, calves on Harley's side, I turned left sharp, straight up centerline, rising trot, judge, barn owner, fill in scribe all watching at my front, and a crowd behind us... It just felt like it was going to be a great test.

Recap up to 11/13 Show Day

2011-11-14T08:05:00.002-06:00

Over the long weekend, I rode everybody. Friday brought all three horses under me. Romeo and I did some nice arena work - he tried being speedy at canter, but I quickly dug my seat into him, and he relaxed.

I found Boss's GO button - squeeze the calves. When I ride Harley and Mo, I ask for a transition, then try to leave them alone, adding seat and some inside leg to increase the gait forward. Boss would prefer I leave my legs resting on him, and squeeze him together in the ribs with both legs to increase gait. When I figured this out, he sped off in this fantastic trot forward, zippity dooo dah! The canter work was short again, but very nice. He's landing a bit toe-first in the trot up front, so we both coughed up a decent amount of dust in the ride.

Harley and I worked on all the gaits, and had a good ride, nothing spectacular. He felt a little stiff in the transitions. I worked on walk/halt transitions, and as they improved, he seemed to relax.

Saturday brought lots of sore muscles. Not my legs, as I expected (having ridden all three on Friday). No, Saturday brought sore chest muscles. As it turns out, the saddle fit change, has left me sitting very tall & upright, chest up / shoulders back, pretty much naturally. This means all those upper chest muscles that I'd learned to protect and curl up around my back are being restretched.

I grabbed Romeo, and noticed all three horses were eyes and ears up down the powerline clearing. They were anxiously looking towards the cow pasture (not the dirt road). Strange ... I rode Romeo down the road a ways, and down the clearing. Still didn't see anything, but with Romeo under me, Harley and Boss in plain view, all three horses seemed nervous and anxious. I took Romeo away from the house down the road a ways, and the farther away from home he got, the more relaxed he became. Very strange indeed.

Harley and I hit the arena, and I was convinced it'd be a short ride. My chest muscles were tight, it was a bit hard to breathe, and there was no way I was going to make it worse for Sunday. Then, as we came down long side past what would be "K", towards "E", I heard it.

POP .. .I jumped, and Harley's head, eyes, and ears all looked right down the clearing ...

Dang neighbors. There were two of them. One was driving the golf cart, the other stood up from the cart, and it looked like he shot into the air. "HEY! Look down from the shot, will ya?!" I screamed, pretty annoyed. He got back in the cart, and it started coming towards the arena. "Come on with it", I muttered under my breath. "Let's just see how this goes, you being too stupid to look past the shot, trying to kill me and my horse both." Just then, the cart swung a U-turn, either because one convinced the other it wasn't worth an argument, or because they could read my mind. The two and their cart disappeared, and I heard another POP in the direction of where they wandered off to.

Harley and I rode transition after transition, walk/halt/walk, trot/walk/trot, trot/halt. Each improved just a tad, and when they were at his best, I walked him out and quit.

Back at the house, while I was giving Harley a bath and a full grooming, POP. Gun went off again. I screamed even louder, "Do you people EVER think about what's behind the shot? *fourletterword fourletterword fourletterword*"

A tense afternoon, from shooting, to quick rides. Around dusk, Boss relaxed and quit looking in that direction. Harley and Romeo were too tired long before that, and were probably just hoping the hunters had given up for the day.

How I Handle the Pasture

2011-11-14T07:17:00.003-06:00

Since it's come up again, here's what happened late last year. Simply put, every single time I read a blog about someone getting kicked, or nearly getting kicked, I shudder. Every time I see a video of "that adorable horse" running free in a small pasture lot, kicking up their heels, I catch my breath.

WHAT are you people thinking?!?!?!?!

I was kicked, it damaged my heart, I could have died. Heart Attack. 32 years old, healthy, take my vitamins, drink my milk, exercise at least 4 days a week riding, eat a balanced diet, and nearly died. Afterwards, it took months before I could take a deep breath without medication and NOT feel pain.

Use the Thinking Side of your Brain, readers. STOP Playing games in the pasture. Refuse to enter a pasture when the herd is bucking, kicking up, and running like wild children. Buy a longe whip, and USE the stupid thing. Snap it at your horses, I don't care how "cuddly and adorable" they are. DEMAND respect, and if you're not getting it, GET your brilliant mind OUT of the pasture.

Here's how we handle things at my house... When I was finally able to feed and blanket my own horses again (reality check - I couldn't do it myself for over a month... and when I did, it hurt, like hell!), I didn't do anything unhaltered. My guys all have their own pasture lots. At the time, there were two horses on the property - Harley and Romeo. I began demanding that Mo give me his two eyes, face front, and I did NOT walk behind him. I will probably NEVER walk behind him unless he's tied. Even then, I stand very close, hand on his butt, so he knows full well I'm there.

We also don't "play games" free in the pasture, or in the arena, and we never will again. Mo wanted desperately about two weeks ago to have a "gallop day" in the arena loose. Instead, I made him run like a madman ON the longe line. When I do longe, "whoa" for Romeo used to mean "come up to me". After about a month of hard work, he now stops and turns his neck and nose towards me, without stepping up. There is no invitation into my personal space. I walk up to him, and he's no longer allowed to come within 5' of me unless I have a halter in my hand loose in pasture. I don't approach from the back, and when I feed, I get two eyes, or I don't dump the grain. No games, no playing, and absolutely zero disrespect. I haven't needed a whip in my hand in the pasture, but I won't be bashful grabbing one either.

[[ Exception ... When I catch Boss, some of the time, I carry a dressage whip. NOT because he's goofy and playful when I catch him. It's because once he nose-dives into his halter, he likes to anxiously drag me to the trailer to be saddled. One or two light taps on the chest with the dressage whip, he usually settles behind me. The last three times I've caught him, he's followed along behind me, about 1.5' back. ]] Understand here, Boss is HUGE, and he likes to remind me he's huge.

ey are horses. One Thousand Pound, Kick you into next month, destroy your face, break ribs and hearts, bust an arm or a leg, HORSES. These are not oversized puppy dogs, I promise.

How do you handle the herd? How many horses, on what size lot? What do you do when they're kicking up running and playing?

A Week's Worth

2011-11-10T08:02:00.004-06:00

Here's some Highlights...

Boss
Boss got him some new feet last Sunday. I rode him a few days before his feet, and once since. I'm going to stay "Shhh" about his new feet for now, pending full success. So far, things seem good. He rode last night with a bit less effort on my part (because of cooler weather, spurs, new saddle fit, or new feet), but felt a bit tentative with each step. The longer we worked, the better things got. Around 25 minutes, he hit a brick wall, and was obviously very tired. Time to step it up in the trot, and try to get a few more minutes of true work next week.

Harley
Harley got new clothes! Sort of. Stirlingshire Saddle Fitters were at BRM on Monday. I travelled with Harley up to visit them and get his saddle worked on. Alene and Louise were delightful ladies, a pleasure to be around. They added considerable wool flocking to the front of the saddle (both sides), and added a more forward girth strap. The results? The saddle sits completely level on his back now, the girth can sit in that forward traditionally Western girth groove, and I am totally completely upright in my body now. I have found it's easier to post the trot gently, much easier to sit his canter. Harley seems happy as well. We have found it..
Drum roll please...
We found the free walk! Tuesday evening I saddled him, asked him to work fairly hard. I shortened up my reins early in the ride (skipping the longe warmup, cloudy skies shortened evening daylight even more). He collected, and I could feel his rear end lift behind me. I caught myself sitting totally up tall, shoulders back, sternum lifted, and posting very gently. When I asked for canter, I got nice transitions, and was able to sit completely in the saddle, barely moving. As we relaxed to walk, I loosened out the reins, and he followed with his entire front half of the body. Nose near the ground. Completely delightful. I now know that saddle fit was a limitation to the free walk. Who knows what else he wasn't happy about.
Last night, I should've longed him first. I didn't, the wind blew something about in the bushes. Harley spooked, and I was unable to stay with it. Splat. No serious injuries, though my helmet didn't stay atop my head like it's supposed to. Time to go helmet shopping,, *epic fail*

Romeo
Saturday afternoon, rather than longe quietly and ride gently, Mo decided he was going to run. I know he wanted a "free gallop in the arena day", but given his kick history, I kept him on the longeline. He stayed there, at a near full out run, for about 25 minutes. A sweaty, frothy, heaving mess, Mo finally settled down and became rideable. Another 20 minutes of pushing and working him under saddle, and I believe every ounce of his outta shape body said, "Ouch, Mom. I give up."

I've been averaging two rides a day, leaving from work a little early some days to get those two rides in before dark. I'd like to work up to all three on my days off, and Thanksgiving week I will have a chance to try that out.

Show this coming Sunday... Things are really looking up for me and Harley now with his saddle fitting properly.

11/3/11

2011-11-04T07:00:00.002-05:00

Harley came to me in the pasture last night, nickering. He lowered his head into the halter. Hmm.. I wonder if this is a good sign, or if he's secretly plotting to kill me in the arena. Saddled, and neck stretcher longed, I hopped on.

Amazing again. A bit less give at the trot, which frustrated me. I asked for plenty of canter and transitions after 9-12 strides, hoping to get the give in the trot. Serpentines and circles at trot, and he'd feel pretty good until I'd ask for a straight line and corner. Things fell apart in the corners, so I'd go back to changing direction a lot. After about 30 minutes paying attention, he seemed to be finally alert to the collection, and relaxed. I tried some halt/trot/halt work, and that's improving significantly. The canters were nice again, light contact, sitting securely. Free walk work still seems to elude Harley. He'll stretch out, and down just past neck level, then stop. Every time he's stretched farther, he gets heavy on the forehand, stumbles, and then doesn't want to try it again. Must be a trick to it we're not getting.

Boss was up second, and Romeo looked pretty happy about my choice. He antsed around again saddling up, but stood quietly for polo wraps up front. Odd child. Bridling was easier, as he lowered his head with one tug of my fingers at the poll. Smart ... Smart ... He tried walking off at the mounting block, and after two aggressive responses from me, I mounted ever so slowly, and he stood still. A good pat for praise, and he was off.

Warmup at the walk took about five minutes before he wasn't a giraffe anymore, and was giving to the pressure. Tug, release, Tug, release, walk on. Nice .... His trot was ... LAZY! Slow, unforgiving, and just flat. It felt slower than Harley, which annoyed me. Thinking to myself, "I know the canter wakes Harley's trot up. I wonder if all horses are like that?"

I squeezed for the canter left, and off he went. Boss lept up into his canter, and before I knew it, I was sitting his massive stride with all its knee-action happiness, and he was bent on the circle, collected. How thrilling! I rode two big center arena circles, then let out a heavy sigh to the trot. Love the AirBrakes! Boss still lurched about in the trot, and no matter how cooperative I tried to be, he seemed to be ignoring me.

Then I flashed back to my first instructor in SC. Susan would tell the intermediate students when the horses were lazy, "take your reins at the buckle, and whap him on both sides of the neck. back and forth. That oughta wake him up." And I tried it. Success! Boss immediately perked up into a better trot, and, while it's not tracking up, I don't think I'm physically ready to keep up with a tracking up trot on him. He started giving to the bit, and I felt his back lift under me. Similar work heading right. Lazy trot, beautiful canter, whap-whap on the neck, and a nice trot.

About 35 minutes total work. Finished up again with long&low stretchy trot, and a bit of working walk / free walk transitions. They were better than Tuesday, even. Things are improving slowly, and I'm pretty sure it's mostly me and not that much Boss.

11/2/11

2011-11-04T06:55:00.002-05:00

I caught Harley, tacked him up. Boss was prancing the fenceline of his paddock, calling out. Harley and Mo paid him no mind. As we started our free longe in the arena, Boss became even more agitated. After about ten minutes, he realized what was going on, it was not in fact his turn to play, and Harley and I weren't leaving him behind. He stood at the paddock fence watching us, but quit fussing.

Harley free longed cute, with one crossfire canter right. He bucked himself out of it, and I laughed. "You're still a baby, aren't you?" I asked him. With a few more canter rights correct, and some really nice neck stretcher warmup longe work, I hopped aboard.

I don't know if he was showing off, or I've improved that much that quickly with Boss underneath me in two rides. But the ride on Harley was magical. His trot was floaty and forward, with nice bit connection and bend at the poll. I could feel his back lifting underneath me. The canter work? Fantastico! Correct leads, relaxed transitions both up and down. Most delightful, he was on light contact through the canter, and I was sitting. Not driving, not pushing, just sitting. A bit of inside leg to keep it together, but I was *sitting*. Through the transitions with a few strides sitting trot as well. Delightful! About 40 minutes of work, and under the warm sunny afternoon, he was huffin and puffin. Fuzzy coat, My dear... that must go here pretty dern soon.

Romeo was none impressed with my decision to ride him as well. He limped down the road a bit, avoiding the gravel at all expense, including running me into every tree limb he could find. Still unhappy with his new toes, I assume... so I kept it short, and put him away after about 15 minutes of walking. Next ride on Mo, I won't bother with the saddle, so I will waste less time if he's still foot sore.

11-1-11 Relax the Muscles

2011-11-02T16:00:00.000-05:00

Boss antsed around the trailer while I tried to saddle him. He pranced almost the whole way to the arena. In his halter, I worked on "poll pressure from my hand means head-down", and after the third push, he let out a heavy sigh. Curious if that was the training "sticking" in his head, I walked him forward and tried again. Poll, push, head-down. Almost instantly. I used this new lesson to get the bridle on - I'm not standing on a ladder to put his bridle on, no matter what he thinks.

Walked him over to the mounting block, and as I got on, he tried to walk off. I backed him up pretty hard, and held tight until I was secure. Just like Sunday, we played flex-position at the walk until Mr Giraffe became Boss again. A little leg yield at the walk, a few serpentines, and a couple of 10m circles, and I had his attention. Boss started to push into the bit, flex at the poll. Much faster than Sunday.

When I asked for the trot, I was worried just how hard I'd have to kick to get it. I prepared with a rock-solid half halt, and with a squeeze, then a kick, he was in the trot. Much of the same, flexing positioning and bending. I discovered a nice collected posting trot pretty quickly, though. Any time his head pops up to Mr Giraffe, I would examine my body, ears to toes, find the joint that wasn't bending with him, or the muscle groups I was holding on with, and the instant I relaxed or bent, he'd settle again.

Lots of trot, followed by a nice walk. I let the reins through my hands, and Boss reached for a long low free walk. Whatta dreamy free walk! Transition back to working walk wasn't so pretty, and now my new goal is to work through it slow enough that he isn't so Mr Giraffe.

More trot, and some canter. First canter was turning left on the circle, and I got the right lead. I had to kick pretty hard and position myself to an extreme to get it, so I figured I asked for the right lead. He stayed in it, then back to trot after about 8 strides. Second time I asked, I made sure outside leg was back, and I got the canter-left. Two big center of the arena circles, and back to a trot. The funniest part of his canter is feeling the inside front leg bend sharply at the knee, and hearing all four hooves hit the ground in the canter. ba-da-dump, ba-da-dump, ba-da-dump. It feels very UP in front, and that's just because I am not keeping him together in canter yet.

Relaxed into more trot work, and I ended with a new piece for Us as a team. The long & low trot. Starting out collected trot, I spread my hands about 2" total, and started to let the reins through my fingers. Boss immediately reached for it, and with the reins on the buckle (literally as long as they'd go), he still had tension on the reins at the long trot. Fantastic!

About 35 minutes total work, 30 minutes of it riding "work". He was sweaty and very relaxed when we ended, so that's a good time frame to stay with until he's a bit more fit. I didn't expect lots of canter work, nor did I expect him to hold up for an entire hour. He doesn't "relax" to a loose rein. If my body position is correct, the entire ride for him is "working session". It's just how he's trained, and something to adjust to.

Cookie stretches, nose to ribcage, I heard his neck pop quite a bit bending to the left. Time to start flexing his nose to my feet under saddle, see if I can't loosen that neck up a bit.

10/30/11 Introducing

2011-10-31T09:04:00.002-05:00

no pictures yet ... We got home well after dark, and my focus was concentrated on unloading, settling Boss in, and getting the other four-leggeds well tended and loved.

I saw the ad on Dreamhorse, and my heart warmed. I remember the day Sam sent me a text before I drove up for a lesson. "Can we use your trailer after the lesson to go pick up a horse?" I remembered pulling up into the facility, and taking one look at Boss. My heart sank. He was thin, coat looked dull, and his eyes were sad. Sam insisted he was a well-trained dressage horse, and he was being given to her as a schoolmaster. Before I could dream of riding him, she whisked off to West Virginia for a few years, taking Boss with her. I saw some pictures, and some video later on. I smiled and felt warm - Boss looked awesome. Fat, sassy, gleaming coat, and happy eyes.

Sam has now returned to TX, a fact I have kept quiet until today. I've been working to get back into a lesson schedule with her, and we're nearly there on all the details. Sam listed Boss for sale, or "free lease to the right situation". I contacted her, and we made plans to meet up yesterday.

The ride was amazing. When I was wrong (body, hands, inner mental picture, anything), Boss was giraffe-head-high, and super short strided. I didn't longe him, I just mounted up and walked off. He isn't goofy, he doesn't seem to be bothered by much of anything. Lots of bend in, bend out, at the neck to stretch and warm him up (physically and mentally). Sam called this "positioning his head". Use one rein solid, then release, and see what answer he gives me. Alternate inside and outside rein, as well as inside and outside leg. We spent about ten minutes at the walk, on contact, and when I was determined he do it correctly, he was compliant.

Boss is a 2nd level Schoolmaster. Described as a true gentleman. He was polite on the ground, and a true teacher to ride. When I was correct, he was correct. When I was wrong, he showed it through his body. I will truly have to learn to "ride every step". I rode him through all three basic gaits, and know there is much more to come.

He has some quirks. A swayback from all his years working. Long (LONG) hooves that are going to require some attention. A habit of walking off at mounting if I don't pay attention. Too many years on draw reins, and as a result he turns into a giraffe from free walk to working walk. He doesn't like turnout, and will pace fencelines, working himself into a nervous frenzy without his "comfort box". Otherwise, he's truly patient. Sam sent me home with his bridle (HUGE), complete with a "baby bit" (o-ring french link snaffle), all the corrective pads the saddle fitters she used suggested, and a verbal free lease contract. (with R as a witness) I'm responsible for feed, hooves, any vet calls, and if for any reason, whether a problem or none, I can return him at any time. She "just wants him to have a happy life, and a job".

Me? I can't wait! My legs are going to become much stronger, I will learn to ride every stride, and I have a patient teacher to put up with me. I will have purposeful lessons with Sam, whether on Boss, or on Harley. The things Boss teaches me I can translate through to Harley, making him a better horse, too. My favorite part of the ride? From the walk to the trot, I couldn't seem to use enough leg. Sam went to retrieve a whip, and while she was gone, I thought in my mind, "Dang it! I can do this without that whip! C'mon YOU!" I kicked him hard, and apparently the kick, combined with my mind, Boss popped into a nice steady trot, and stayed there for a while. When Sam returned, she called out, "Good job! Atta girl! That's what we're looking for." Quickly, and true to her previous lessons, Sam immediately began calling out cues. "Inside rein. Don't forget your outside rein to make that strong wall. Use your legs.... Post the trot, squeeze every time you sit. Good! Right there!" I felt a collected trot I don't think I've ever ridden. True delight!

And the Weekend - Harley

2011-10-25T15:23:00.002-05:00

10-21 I put tiny little nubby spurs on, and hopped on Harley without a warmup. Knowing he'd worked the day before, his mind should be in the game, and it was. He felt a little stick of the spur, and got down to business. It felt still like he was s-l-o-w, but hoofprints said he was tracking up. Collection, I wondered? A good ride, a few short go's at canter (long enough to get the point across, but short enough to prepare for what may be Intro C someday).

10-22 Harley missed one lead at canter-left. No spurs Saturday morning, but again things felt light. I listened to hoof beats on the ground, and the prints again said "tracking up". Thinking and pondering, I worked more on working walk to free walk. Better, though not where I'd like it to be.

10-23 I was bold, and brave. A very brief free longe warmup, and I hopped on bareback. He very quickly answered my "collection question". I felt back muscles tighten underneath me. Interesting! Very Very interesting. I pushed him into a trot, then tried to sit the trot, measuring his give to the bit and his mind. Good results yet again. After a little protest (from uncertainty I'm sure), Harley and I were tracking up at a sitting trot around the arena. Not a chance that's going on without some collection.

Then the moment of pure fun. Sit back, squeeze, kiss.

Canter left. Light, and gentle. Harley's head was up, and his back felt a bit hollow, but he was cantering, with no saddle. This leaves my body no choice but to drive with my seat. I find it difficult to "ride light" without a saddle. I have really only one option, and that's to sit deep and keep my legs active. For the down transition to trot, I put more of my weight in front of my seat than in it, but that was only a stride to three before we were back to a sitting trot.

More of the same going right. What that work did was a few things..

*Accomplished a huge milestone in Harley's training - work on bit contact, all three gaits, minus saddle
*Got us CANTERING around the arena bareback
*Put me in a place to feel the collection.. to feel those back muscles rise underneath me.
*Reminded me that, even though I think I'm in shape, I'm not there 100%. My lower back and my legs cried when I hopped to the ground. I swore Harley was chuckling at me, with his big long yawns as I switched him from bridle to halter.

A good yummy cookie for Harley... Lots of pats and praise... For Harley, that is. For me? Hot bath with soaking salts... and lots of sleep.

Catching Up

2011-10-21T08:40:00.002-05:00

A very brief summary with the little bits I can remember

10-12 - hopped on bareback in the halter, end of the lead rope untied itself from the halter, did a little walking with leg cues only

10-13 - longed Harley, first day back after the show. Finished up bareback walk/trot

10-14 - dressage ride; nothing spectacular. good leads, decent trot work, trying to improve collection

10-15 off

10-16 - took Harley out first walk down the road. Met up with crazy dogs, goofy neighbor vehicle traffic. Made it 2/3 to the mailbox when Harley started looking hard for the mini donkey. Spent some time talking with the neighbors about the shooting, other neighborhood gossip. Came home to find CRNG spraying weeds on my side of his property, in a blue speedo underbritches, shoes, and a hat. Nothing else. Planning to either holler a confrontation his way next time I see it, or call the sheriff and turn him in. Near Nekkid Nonsense!

10-17 - Back to the arena (where nobody's nekkid!). Good work, nothing amazing I can remember, other than skipped the longe warmup, and he still rode quiet.

10-18 - Cold front blew in. I expected a zippity-doo-dah Harley, and while we got forward trot work, he was quiet as a mouse. He was startled twice - once when he realized how close the deer were to the pasture (I saw them before he did), and again when the strong 35+mph wind gusts crackled a tree limb. Harley squirted about 2ft off the rail, but stayed at trot, and remained relatively quiet about it.

10-19 off

10-20 - Back to work, longing first neck stretcher. Ride work was lazy. Despite the cooler weather, I needed a serious portion of leg to keep him going. Might be time to pull out the dressage whip to carry or tiny spurs to motivate him.

I'm also preparing the next schooling show registration. This means a weekend of prep work, getting his clothes ready, my clothes ready, and general supplies all packed up.

Goal Check!

2011-10-12T17:00:00.001-05:00

I had nearly forgotten they were over there on the blog. I looked them over, and thought to myself, "Wow. Farther along than I thought I'd be. Great!" Let's review, shall we?

Insist on nothing less that the utmost respect from Romeo. Use as little force as possible, but as much as necessary.
This is going very well. He's done some work in the arena, some down the road, and has actually been pretty mindful. Moreover, his behavior in the stall has improved during feed time. I can walk in his stall, push his butt or front over, and he's starting to realize that facing me is the best way to be. Leading, he's occasionally still testing "how far can I go", to see if he can race off ahead of me.. A swinging lead rope has been fixing it so far.

Teach Harley how to walk and trot with light collection.
Nearly there. More work to be done to be consistent here...

Teach Harley how to canter on the correct lead.
Very seldom does he blow his leads now. Again, nearly there. He's cantering off on light contact, and on a loose rein, and stays completely steady no matter what. I watched a few Training Level rides on Saturday, and had to chuckle at the horses careening around their 20M circle, hooves nearly tangled up on themselves. We're not great, but we're a little better than a few I saw.

Visit one or two show grounds during an event, and school in the warmup. - Harley
We've done more than visit two. We've competed in two! I thought we'd attend some shows, and just hang out. Instead, we've competed at both. One a somewhat wild open show. The other? A full out dressage schooling show, complete with that ridiculous thunderstorm.

One good solid trail ride away from home. - Romeo
We've left the house, and gone down the road to distances I didn't think we'd make this year. Still, I'd like to get him in the trailer, destination somewhere, and trail ride. More work to be done. I wonder... will it count if I have someone drop me off waay down the road, and I rode back to the house.. hmmm... thoughts?

Ride Harley to the mailbox and back home again.
We're nowhere near this one. I've trail walked him away from the mailboxes, had pretty good success, and.. thinking.. we've walked in hand about 2/3 of the way to the mailbox (the day he spooked at the mini donkey), and I *think* I've ridden him about 1/3 of the way. More to be done ...

Overall, I'd say Not Too Shabby! Riding Harley outside the arena continues to be a nerve-point for me. Monday evening, after a good rubbing curry grooming, and cleaning out his ears, he bridled pretty good (proving he's not fussy about this every day). I hopped on bareback, and walked him around the front yard. I didn't grab my helmet, so I didn't get brave enough to leave the property. Added to the entertainment when the loose end of the lead rope untied itself from his halter (so I only could direct "rein" from one side). I turned him in a few circles from leg only, and that went well enough. He spent the rest of the "ride" munching grass in the front yard. *grin* snuggle time, I think.

Romeo and I are doing good. Considering where we were, and that I don't ride him as much as I want to (bass guitar, keyboard, R, Harley, dogs, all competing for his affection), when I do ride, he's been pretty respectful. When he has acted up, the discipline has been strong and sharp on my part. I am not ashamed of a strong one-rein stop, and I won't hesitate to back him up hard when he ignores me. On the ground, I've used the end of the lead rope as a motivator, and I've also used harsh tone of voice. I haven't needed a dressage whip in-hand to make him mind, so that's good. No chains, either (*EW*).

I Am on the Hunt

2011-10-12T08:38:00.003-05:00

Can't find hay...
Can't afford to buy 800 bales from outer mongolia ..

Can't
Find
Hay

Mr. Tom sold the farm, and the new owner *might* have some next week.. *might*
His price? Not pretty.. Not pretty at all...
Plus, it's between 2&3 hours to get there.. one way

Here's hoping the local feed store has a few I can limp through to next week with ..
Or, some miracle pops up a little closer to home.

10-8-11 Intro Test B - P Grace, Judge

2011-10-10T18:00:00.000-05:00

Intro Test B, Pam Grace, Judge
Sienna Stables, Missouri City, TX
62.5%

1. Enter working trot rising. At X halt through medium walk. Saulte
7

2. Track left working trot rising
5 = back hollow, counter flexed

3. Circle right 20M at E
6 = starting to come through better

4. Between K & A Medium walk
5 = give through top line, flat

5. F-E Free walk
6 = some stretch; needs more

6. E-H Medium walk
6

7. Between H&C Working trot rising
6

8.Circle left 20M at B
7 = much better here

9. X halt salute
8 = square

Rider comments
Gaits = 6
Impulsion = 6
Submission = 6 (*2)
Rider's Position = 7
Rider's Effectiveness of Aids = 7
Geometry and accuracy = 6

Much better!

10-8-11 Intro Test A - P Grace, Judge

2011-10-10T17:30:00.000-05:00

Intro Test A, Pam Grace, Judge
Sienna Stables, Missouri City, TX
58.75%

1. Enter working trot rising. Between X & C, medium walk
7 = could be straighter on ctr line but nice transition

2. Track right working trot rising
5 = falling rt. transition late

3. Circle right 20M at A
5 = back hollow, would like rounder stretch into bridle

4. KXM Change Rein
5 = back hollow, would like rounder stretch into bridle

5. Circle left 20M at C
5 = back hollow, would like rounder stretch into bridle

6. Medium walk between C & H
5 = counter flexed

7. HXF Free walk
6 = some stretch - would like to see more

8. F-A medium walk
6

9. X halt salute
8 = square

Rider comments
Gaits = 6
Impulsion = 6
Submission = 6 (*2)
Rider's Position = 6
Rider's Effectiveness of Aids = 6
Geometry and accuracy = 6

Attractive horse - Encourage rounder topline and more stretch into bridle

10/9/11 Unbelievable Sunday

2011-10-10T08:21:00.002-05:00

I woke about 5am to a thunderstorm. Checked the radar, and saw a small line of showers in the area, with a large storm front approaching back home. For nearly an hour I refreshed the radar motion, watched it, and thought, "Yeah, I'll be ok. That'll miss us, probably swing north. We might get a few showers, but things should clear up good."

As the morning moved along, I started to realize that storm was headed right for the show. I convinced myself, "Well, maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe the nervous horses and riders will all scratch, and we'll have a bit of quiet in the arena."

Showed up at the showgrounds, got changed, Harley saddled, and off we went. Jen ran off to get my new day show # from the truck. It started raining steadily, but Harley was minding me on a nice small longe circle at trot. I asked him to canter, he kicked out a little bit, and I had to apologize for his antics to a junior rider on a Fresian. I sent Harley back out on the line, trot left, and the rain increased dramatically. I heard a small thunder rumble, and put it out of my mind.

Then thunder and lightening hit us all at once. Lightening bolt and thunder simultaneous. Harley darted away, again cutting off that Jr/Fresian pair. She hopped off, glaring at me. "Uh, sorry. Thunder, lightening. Maybe your horse didn't see it, mine did. Besides, he's a kid, can't expect that to not startle every horse in here." Immediately after darting from me, I tugged on the line, and started talking soothing words to Harley. He came right up to me, and buried his face in my shirt, a look of sheer terror in his eyes. That girl's horse might not find her comforting, but Harley sure wanted me to make the bad go away.. I wished I could have.

Everyone in the small warm up arena hopped off their horses, and stood completely stock still. I took the neck stretcher off of Harley, and gave him slack in the longe line. He still didn't budge, stood there in the middle of the arena, eyes wide. Thunder and more lightening attacked the show grounds, flooding everything but the covered arenas. I looked across the way to the show ring, and saw some poor young lady trying to finish her test. As she left the arena, her horse reared up, and somehow she stayed on. An utter mess. With her feet firmly on the ground, I focused back on Harley and the weather.

It rained sideways. Winds whipped the newly formed puddles all around. Harley and I hand walked a while, and when he put his face into the wind, we both got sprayed with rain. Observers chuckled at him, startled by a tarp blowing in the wind, but not the least bit moved by the storm. I took the courage to walk up to an older couple to ask, "Please stop opening and closing your umbrella to clean it off. You're startling a lot of the horses, and somebody could get seriously hurt." The man replied, "OOh. Sorry. Thanks for letting us know. We weren't aware." As I walked off, I heard the woman ask, "What did she say?" The man answered angrily, "Stop playing with the umbrella to get the rain off. It scares the horses."

Other riders got back on their horses. There were two horse/rider pairs completely terrified, walking and trotting around the arena, their trainer assuring them, "You'll be fine, just get on." Shocked, Harley and I stood there a while longer.

After some arena rearranging, the show ring was announced "open for warmup", to see the newly placed pickup truck at "C", and the newly moved arena fencing. Harley and I very quietly waited in the rain for the tractor to leave the arena. Lightening flashed just outside the arena again, bring my nerves right back. We walked around the new "show fence", on both sides of the truck. Harley was unphased by the changes, and walked very calmly in hand around the arena. A bunch of other riders joined us, and soon, even the large covered arena was congested.

I saw the smaller warmup arena was empty. Now's my chance... I walked Harley back over to it, and began free longing again. The rain let up, and I thought there just might be a chance we'd ride at least a little. Then the crowd emerged again in the smaller arena, the rain increased, thunder rumbled all around us.

And I gave up. Completely decided it just wasn't worth trying to ride around everyone, especially the two pairs of scared. Jen, R, and I gathered up Harley, all of his things, all of my things, and through more downpours of rain, thunder, and lightening, we headed home. Past the show grounds and before the main highway home, I put leg wraps on in the trailer. The weather was absolutely atrocious getting home for about the first half of the trip.

Yesterday, I was entirely frustrated at myself for quitting without trying. With the exception of a little justified fear at the storm, Harley was quiet, calm, and about as peaceful as I could've expected. He was doing great. But something in my mind said, "He's done great so far, Why screw that up by getting him startled by one of the other scared-pairs? Is there anything to be gained here? Would I even get a score worth qualification out of this mess?"

Then late last night, I realized the sixth sense in my mind that gave me pause. Saturday, in our warmup, Harley and I met that Fresian pair left side to left side, her heading in the opposite direction from me. As we passed, Harley bent his neck and took a scared hard look at them. I remember seeing that Fresian's terrified eyes, and the rider's timid expression. I also remember giving Harley a little nudge of inside leg/outside rein, and a little pat with my hands, followed by a vocal, "Shh.. You're okay Harley, keep going." My memory didn't flash to it, but my subconscious must have realized, "She's scared, the horse is terrified, and if we're in these small quarters with them, something bad could very well happen."

That sixth sense was further confirmed this morning. I looked at the show results from yesterday. All but one Adult Amateur scratched Intro level classes yesterday afternoon. One brave adult rode Intro C, but every single other AA scratched. It wasn't just me, it wasn't just Harley. Experienced adults on older horses gave up before they even arrived. Harley and I were the brave ones - we showed up, we dressed, we longed, we hand walked through the storm. That gives me a little more confidnece that we're making some progress.

10-8-11 Intro B

2011-10-08T22:09:00.002-05:00

I walked Harley between the dressage "arena" fence and the arena rail. Down the "Scary side". As he approached some jump standards standing up near center marker, I realized he was a little afraid of them. A little pat and some sweet talk, he walked right by them. He also saw letter marker "R" laying down, and thought a bit of fear at it, too. Again a pat and some sweet words. I noticed the judge half-watching us. She said something to her scribe, who giggled. I turned at the long side end, and headed back towards "A". As we got just around the warm up area in front of "A", she rang the bell.
hah. We're over the scary side boogers. Let's do this!

His work felt good. Not super good circles at trot, but his free walk seemed a little better to me, and his trot was nice. I felt a few moments of collection, but he didn't hold it very long. I didn't expect him to, it's Intro level. Harley's transitions were much better in B than in A, so I was pretty delighted.

As he came down centerline at the end, he was straight, and solid. His halt was square, and I was delighted. I saluted, and took quite a few steps foward. As we were leaving the arena, I muttered to Harley..

"Hey buddy, much better job this time! I heard 6s, did you hear 6s? I think we got at least some 6s, and that's not bad stuff there!"

A long relaxing walk on the buckle to cool him down. Hot day, fuzzy horse, he enjoyed marching over the obstacle arena course, over some poles, past some flower boxes, and over a wooden bridge. Marched right along, pretty happy with himself.

Test A? 58%
Test B? 62.5%

That's one score towards qualifying for series Championships in December. One down, one to go. Let's see if we can't kick that out tomorrow, Harley, hmm??

10-8-11 Intro A - Score & Thoughts

2011-10-08T21:44:00.002-05:00

I'll post the true test movements and judge's very generous comments later next week. For now, I'll spare everyone the suspense of "How'd the show go so far?"

Friday
Arrival was delightful. He seemed spacious in his stall (uhm, small horse, big stalls!), and his handwalk around the arenas and show grounds were super relaxed. He didn't really spook at anything. Goofy horses being longed, terrified horses spooking under saddle, two riding mowers roaring around, two weed eaters spitting rocks around. Harley? Startled at one weed eater that spit a rock out, but otherwise? Zero reactions to all the other potential spooks. As I hand walked him down an arena rail, he let out a heavy sigh, and I had weepy-eyed goosebumps. My little baby was growed up! Not letting all the extras bug him, not spooking at the boogers,, good good boy!

Saturday ...

Harley and I had a nice free longe, taking in the sights of the arena and the other participants. There were plenty of crazies to watch, and the show arena was quiet and serene. All that going, he was quiet.. One little burp canter-left, but eh, I wasn't too shocked by that.

Back to the trailer to saddle, while I changed clothes. Suddenly, we were pressed for time...
cue bad news music here
Harley went nice in the neck stretcher, and I hopped on. Again, he was going pretty good. We were still short on time, and I didn't feel quite ready when we were heading to the show arena. I was next, and the arena was completely clear. They were waiting for me. Oh.. crud
more bad news music here

As I got to the arena, and the judge rang the bell, I picked up the trot. Headed in a bit circle outside the arena. Harley saw something on the "M, B, F" long side he didn't like. I pushed on, and came down centerline.

Transition to walk, good. Felt solid, felt like he lowered his head for the transition. Harley drug his toes for the walk,,, ugh.. his walk always feels slow to me. Turned right, picked up trot.

Then I realized there was something outside the long side Harley was completely terrified of. I sat the trot, and even remember stirrups kicking loose. He broke gait, but I pushed him on, a little cluck under my breath. Harley was kind of trotting haunches in (cute, were it required... but!)... Obviously terrified of the long side, but I pushed on. Down at A, I was able to get a pretty decent circle, followed by a half decent diagonal on trot. Back to the "scary side", he cut the corner of the arena pretty short.

Trot circle on that end? Eh... Again, more like a scary oval. *lol* I focused on what else was required of him, and slowed to walk. He aimed down the diagonal for free walk, but obviously not too happy with me and my crazy idea to get him in this now scary arena. I tried to get some stretch in the free walk, but it wasn't too great. Shortened to working walk, centerline, halt, salute.

I was glad it was over. Headed to the big outdoor arena, lots of walk on the buckle. I needed to calm down, and so did Harley. We had a pretty significant break between A & B. We averted a pretty big disaster as we left one warmup arena for the other. Another horse and rider pair were being chased by their trainer, snapping a longe whip at the horse to make her go forward. The mare reared up (I didn't see it, but was warned, and then told, "They're headed this way."), and we made our mad exit out of the arena.

Our time was up for Intro B, and then I felt more prepared. His trot work had been nice in the break between tests, the free walk had more stretch, and he was certainly paying better attention in his transitions.

10/5/11 Riding Harl... BANG!

2011-10-06T06:53:00.002-05:00

I approached Harley to halter him in the pasture last night, Mattes' half pad in-hand. He backed away from me, appearing terrified. ah, yes. Scary half pad, haven't seen that monster away from the trailer/arena... Got'cha.. I haltered him, and proceeded to sack him out with the pad, until he'd lower his head while I drug the pad over his face and past his ears. Took a few minutes, nothing tragic. Okay.. With the boogity scary half-pad monster conquered, let's go saddle up, and get to the arena.

I got out to the arena, and decided to try something. Again, with the show approaching, I needed to know how he'd behave without a longe. Stormy showers in the forecast, so we might be limited to cold-backed starts without a neck stretcher longe warmup. He looked puzzled when I got on right away, but moseyed on in a nice marching walk. I'm still trying to get my mind around how much walk I can expect from him. It's steady, it's forward, but it's not big. I let him go out loose rein for a bit, and he agreeably popped into trot. In a corner, again, I saw a sparkle of wrinkly-confused eyes, probably wondering what was up with the entirely loose rein trot around the rail. He stretched, reached, and settled into a relaxed trot.
bang!
bang!
What the heck was that?! Harley's head popped up, and his ears showed me the sound of gunfire came from CRNG's property. Maybe CRNG has decided to hunt at his house, and shot something. That was odd... Okay, anyways. He didn't have a wild reaction to it, so I didn't worry, thinking it was over.

Worked ourselves into a little light contact, then solid rein contact at the walk. A few walk/halt transitions, which were pretty awesome (again, knowing I hadn't done any kind of neck stretcher warmup.. this was a "cold start"). I asked him to trot, on a bit shorter rein than the walk, and he was agreeable to it.
bang!
bang!
bang! Hey, Harley, come here, sweetie. It's okay, it startled me too.. What the heck is he doing over there?!
Gunfire, again. It sounded pretty harsh, pretty strong. I started thinking... if CRNG is shooting over there, which direction could he be shooting in?
To the front, is the road.
To the right, is Mister Tim's house
To the left-rear, that's the family with kids behind my place
To the left-front, that's ... uh.... *four letter word*.. That's The ARENA!
Lovely ... Just lovely.

Back to the trot work. I rode through test pieces again, and even got a little effort in the free walk. Harley's ears were all over the arena, and when I figured he was listening for the next shot, I tried to not worry about it, a little inside leg/inside rein to keep us both focused.
He needs me to stay calm here. I know Romeo's probably up there having a hissy fit, his previous owners shooting him with a bb gun. Yay ... poor Mo.. Okay, let's get some canter work in, and pray ourselves silly CRNG doesn't let a shot go in the transition..

Trot, trot, Canter left. Harley got his lead, and the gun didn't go off. Whew. His canter work was on just a little contact after the transition. I felt just a few strides of him reaching down for the bit, and it caught me off guard. I was too busy thinking about heels down, look where we're going to even think about the bit except to keep my arms moving with his front end. Eased back to trot, and settled to walk. slip! oops,, crud! Okay Okay, I'll get new pads for my stirrups, these seem pretty wore out, and if I put any foot pressure in them with heels down, they keep slipping off my feet. Grr...

bang!
bang!
Good freaking grief! What the h-e-double-hockey-sticks is he doing over there!? Yeah, Harley, I know.... we'll be done soon. Not that going up to the house, and thus closer to his house, makes me feel any safer.. ugh!

Back to trot, followed by canter right. A few more good strides reaching into the contact, head down relaxed. Whee! Fantastic! We're getting closer to canter on contact. yay!!

Worked more on trot collected, and had some pretty fantastic back-up trot. Very nice to feel his back lift, and the light rein pressure. Very nice. Let him relax a little with walk/halts, and was trying to decide in my mind if I wanted to do canter again, or ride through intro B pieces again..

bang! Harley stopped hard, head up, and I could just barely feel him shaking.
Alright, that's it. I quit.. CRNG, you win for today.

I understand.. I live in the country.. I'm told "it's legal for him to shoot on his property". I'm not anti-gun. I am anti-stupid though. In my opinion, I don't think he has enough property to shoot safely. I don't think he has any side of the property he owns that doesn't have a house or road behind whatever he's shooting at. The only advice I was given was "call the cops, make a written record of the event. That way, if he does shoot at my house, damage my property, injure a horse, I have proof he's shot before." So, basically, I have to wait until something is damaged or injured. Just wonderful. CRNG too cheap/too stupid to get a range membership, so I have to lurk in my front yard with caution.

Harley and I tip toed up to the trailer, unsaddled, and I hosed him off pretty quickly before leading him to his stall and stuffing him with supper. Knowing he was at least behind the aluminum panels of his stall munching gave me a little comfort. Where things will end from here, I have no idea. I'm going to be nervous and anxious out in the front/side yards until I don't hear that gun going off for a while. I was entirely too angry to call the police last night, because I was pretty sure I'd lose my cool if they said, "Yeah, we can't do anything about it. That's what you get for living in the country", or any modification of the statement. I understand "it's legal", but there are houses, horses, and children too close on any side of his house. I considered going over myself and asking him what was going on, but, I know CRNG drinks... I cornered him a few years ago when he and his drunk buddies were launching golf balls at my house, one landing in the side yard directly in front of a crossrail Mo and I were approaching. He made a huge joke of it then, and I think only one of his friends took me seriously. This guy is dangerous.... and I'm not real sure what to do about him.

One more saddle day at the house before we depart for the weekend show grounds.

10/4/11 Nyah Nyah

2011-10-05T16:50:00.001-05:00

Romeo went first, and we went on about an hour and fifteen minute walk/trot down the road. We made it past the three goofy neighbor horses, me mounted, some at trot. We got past first, second, all the way to third corner. I stopped when I knew Mo could see the last straightaway before the road split. We're awful close to my year goal with him for "down the road". One more straightaway to go, and back on home, and we're there. On the way back home, CRNG sped past us, engine zooming, a few feet from us. I'm about sure he was trying to spook us, as there was plenty of road space on his own side of the road. Jerk!

Harley was up next. All three gaits, one lead wrong, and a bit more give to the bit. I rode him through almost all of Intro A. Realizing there's no "Halt at X" to start off the ride, I'm a bit perplexed. I skipped that, and departed the test from "X". His circles are round, though my arena not being perfect dressage size, they're not all 20m. Close enough to the pattern, but far enough away he won't be memorizing it. I hope. He got a little stiff towards what I thought would be end of the ride. Tossing his head UP at every transition. I slowed things down a bit, and did some walk/trot transitions. As they improved, we slowed to walk/halt transitions. About a dozen transitions walk/halt, halt/walk later, he was back to normal, well behaved. A good long groom when we finished, all with the brushes, since he's turned into a huge ball of grey fuzz in the cooler temperatures. Didn't feel like hosing him and waiting while he dried. Brush, Brush, Brush.

10/3/11

2011-10-05T16:45:00.000-05:00

Yup, I owe a vacation update. Pictures, links, all other kinds of goodness. R and I travelled to San Antonio for the weekend. Refreshing, relaxing, and very exercising. *giggle* We got lost on foot, at least four times. OOPS! Very reflective trip as well.

Back to the ponies...
With their long vacation, I was expecting stiff and resistant. Ooh Yeah! Monday morning, I chose Harley first. Stiff, stubborn, but forward in the refreshing cool air. I asked for trot, and he took off. I used every tiny little ounce of confidence I had, and let him go forward, ever so slowly shortening the reins.

He got better as the ride went on. I worked through some pieces of the upcoming show tests, but didn't go through either of them start to finish. no pattern learning, Harley! His canter work was all correct, and big! I giggled at him, long strided down the arena long sides. HAH! Go buddy!

Romeo? Well, every horse has to have a bad day. Romeo chose Monday. He didn't get his right canter lead the first three asks. First time, I couldn't get him stopped, and had to pull his head around to an ugly one-rein stop. Second time, more of the same. Third time, I tugged hard on the bit, and raced him backwards. I was angry, and he knew exactly why. I asked the fourth time, perfect lead. But Racing like a ninja! He ran!!! I didn't leave that go for long, before I shortened him back to a trot. Then since he seemed to be ignoring reins and turns, we trotted enough circles and figure-8s.. I was dizzy!

I'm Still Here

2011-09-30T07:44:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday ya'll. I rode good last weekend, Fri and Sat. Sunday I woke up with a stomach virus, complete with flu and fever. Boo...

Needless to say I haven't ridden since. Heading away today and tomorrow, minus the horses. A mini vacation, and I will get pictures to share.

Harley is coming along nicely still. "Dressage Person" who offered up the training tips, thanks! I'm all-ears, lay it on me! Ready to hear whatever you've got. I am willing to try.

Until Monday, you guys all have a great weekend. I will be back in the tack Sunday evening, and will update more next week. Harley and I are anxious to get back in the show ring next weekend!

9/22/11 Harley sans Saddle

2011-09-23T07:21:00.003-05:00

heh heh heh... If only he was a little smoother in the down transitions....

Harley moseyed from the pasture up to the trailer to get 'dressed'. As I sprayed him with flyspray, he lowered his head further with a heavy sigh. I brushed what appears to be the summer coat beginning to shed out with a sadness. "Keep it up, bugger. You'll get the clippers soon enough you fuzz up too early." I grabbed the western pad, and stuck my bareback pad on top of it. cushion, ladies.. you know what I mean?

Out to the arena. Ten minutes free longe, expecting any kind of goofyness, but I got none. Neck stretcher longe, with great results. He was lazy, and had no intentions on moving out in the stretcher without push push from me. Took him to the mounting block, added reins, helmet, and made sure the pad cinch was tight. Off we go.

I gathered up the reins immediately, mostly out of curiosity. Did he learn from the week before, when I started instantly on working walk to free walk transitions? Yes on the working walk, not so much on the free walk. It took a good deal of working walk before he stretched down, which I immediately rewarded with longer reins. Even that didn't last but 3/4 of a circle before he lifted back up again. Blech. More do be done there.

Our work went straightaway into transitions. Walk/Halt/Walk was very nice. The best I've ridden on him yet, in fact. Walk/Trot/Walk, eh, it's getting there. Surprising to me, left is better than right. Heading right, he hops UP into the trot, lifting his front end instead of pushing from behind.

In the trot, I found a gap in my own balance (perhaps the reasoning for his right trot transitions being yucky). As he went into trot left, I was able to post easily, and sit with minimal concentration. When Harley went into trot right, I nearly came off, legs flapping all around. "Yikes, Har, Looks like Momma has some work to do here, too. Bear with me, baby." After a circle or so, I realized I wasn't sitting centered, and my legs weren't evenly stretched down. Forced some posting trot right, and some direction changes, and then things finally evened out. Sheez.

Had I been absolutely convinced Harley's canter down to trot transitions would've been as smooth as his UP transitions normally are, I probably would've ridden canter both ways. However, 75-80% of his down transitions out of canter are a bit bouncy, and usually unless I focus 100%, toss me around in an effort to stay relaxed. Knowing this, I didn't ask for the bareback canter. It's coming, it's on the way, just not yet.

Total working session, about 45-50 minutes. We ended with more working walk to free walk, and some really nice turns on forehand and haunches. Only sticker there.. turn on haunches to the.... right. Yup, right (I had to think about it there, which way I felt dizzy because we did it so much). He'd take one step crossover in front, then move his rear end around, then another step in front. Time to work on it from the ground again, I believe. Turns on forehand, we had 360 in both directions. Turn on haunches headed left, I had 270 before he got wiggly. It's progress for sure.

9-20-11 Romeo

2011-09-21T16:50:00.000-05:00

A little over an hour before sunset, I wandered outside and caught Romeo. Harley watched from his pasture, curious. Tacked Mo up, and headed to the arena.

No warmup on the longe, I just hopped on. Lots of good loose rein walking and jogging to warm up his muscles and his mind. Adjusted the jog stride to a working trot a while, then back to jog. He was relaxed, neck level with his withers, ears alert to the deer grazing through. Lope work was pretty. Cute, soft, relaxed. For a while there, I had to squeeze and drive to keep him going. All the down transitions on 'air brakes'. Turns on forehand and haunches, all sticky to start, but improved.

For a bit at the end, I worked on turns on haunches. After a recent HorseMaster TV episode, I decided maybe we'd take a stab at rollbacks. First step was a good halt, which we've got. Second is the turn, which improved last night. Finally, is the lope off from a halt. That'll take some work. I caught myself doing the same thing the TV rider was doing - not looking deliberately and clearly where we were going in the rollback. Once I repositioned my body, my entire body, and looked back over my shoulder in the new direction, his turns got much sharper and focused. Neat stuff...

About 40 minutes out there total. We ended our work pushing some deer that were outside the arena (from inside). Mo walked towards them, and one doe darted away, just to migrate right back to the fenceline. I told Mo under my breath, "Git'er", and he very deliberately walked over towards her. The doe, realizing we were pretty serious, took off again, but as I was dismounting and opening the gate, there she was again, same spot. "Hey Mo, don't freak out when they all take off every direction crazy." As we left the arena, all SIX of them went every which way. I laughed, Mo let out a heavy sigh. Fun...

In other news, I thought I was going to be broadcasting a concert event in my local hometown. Benefit concert for a local charity. Somehow, through some horribly bad communication, what was originally supposed to cost $800 turned into over $2000. That information didn't surface until after I had secured $800 in donations, gotten permission to host and organize the event, and had a lot of eager folks ready to help out. A very unfortunate turn of events. I can hope the event planner has learned from her error in making one deal with me, then changing it. A very disappointing situation, indeed.

Much Accomplished.

2011-09-19T15:45:00.000-05:00

Well, except for the riding. Looking back, I didn't get much saddle work completed this weekend. *sigh*

Thursday evening I longed Harley. He was good, and a bit delighted with his energy. :) Cute anyways.

Friday morning early I rode. Harley was introduced to his dressage bridle, complete with noseband and flash. He let me know just how crummy it was, flipping tail, ears, and face as I attached the neck stretcher. Quite promptly, he realized it wasn't going to get him anywhere to open his mouth to avoid the work, and he'd have to comply. With drool running out of his mouth, all I could do was giggle at him. Riding, I worked on all the gaits. One left lead wrong, after a pretty big trip and stumble. He started out correct, and then picked up the incorrect lead after his stumble. Lazy legs, I assumed, and quickly got him corrected. Rode for about 45 minutes total. Also did a LOT of transitions from walk to trot and back again. There's some significant improvement in his transitions, though they're still not where I'd like them to be.

Mo and I hit the arena, and went through all the basics. He also had a bit change, temporarily in the noseband and twisted wire o-ring. His transitions had gotten a little lazy, so I thought I might remind him of how easy life can be, as well as how difficult. 45 minutes of work, and about halfway through, he thought he'd try a "duck & run", taking my slight body language to mean "run off at a gallop instead of the jog she's really asking for". With a very sharp one-rein stop, followed by some very intense turns on forehand and haunches, Mo realized I wasn't joking around, nor was I tolerating it. He finally complied, and the remainder of our work went well.

Friday afternoon I took Harley to the vet for shots & coggins. All is well, so says Dr. Sam. Harley still has a few baby teeth hanging on, but we've decided to put off any serious dental work with them until at least his float next February. Works for me. He's still holding his weight good, eating well (not dropping), and doesn't leave even a speck of grain for the deer. :)

Saturday, Harley had a light walk on the buckle around the dirt road. About 35 minutes total saddle, some of that standing around waiting patiently. Nothing particularly exciting happened, except for the two "stop & find it" moments when he heard the neighbor dogs but didn't see them. Understandable, they were loud, and sudden. Wandering down the middle of the gravelly dirt road, I laughed at Mr ToughHooves. :)

Saturday afternoon, both boys got their hooves trimmed. All eight feets are coming along nicely. One hoof left to be 100%, and we'll be a band of happy barefoots. Harley's front right has this pesky crack that seems to turn into a split as he grows. Grr. Getting ready to start applying treatments to it, see if we can't make some progress. Romeo stood well for his trim, looked great afterwards. Harley was stiff and sore during his light walk, and this pain remained in his general attitude and way of going during the trim. I gave him 2g of bute, told him to enjoy the rest of the weekend off.

Sunday, knowing they both had new trims to adjust to, and Harley still recovering from his shots, I gave them both the day off. Tonight, we should be back in action. Depending on weather, temperature, and daylight, I hope to get both ridden, even if it's short for Romeo.

All that horse-ness being said, there are a doodle-load of other things going on around here. Is this something you guys would like me to blog about? Or, would you prefer I keep my life beyond riding to myself, leaving it to private discussions and unclear facebook posts? Most of it is pretty good right about now, so it wouldn't be a lot of down & dirty bad news. Send me a message, email, d-mail, facebook, comment. You know the drill.

As to the previous post asking about current readership, hang tight folks... I haven't quite made up my mind yet. I'll let you know if/when I do.

9-11 Harley

2011-09-12T17:15:00.001-05:00

I was glued to the TV for the early morning. For the first time, I saw our curret VP say a few things eloquent. Must've had someone else write the speech for him. It was moving. FoxNews covered all three memorial services, all three locations, all at once. Scrolling between them, covering the special songs, speeches, and things done at all locations. Very moving. I hold the day pretty close, as I was physically close enough to the PA and NY locations to actually be useful. I gathered up bottled water, wash rags, and carried them to a drop off point that evening, to be hauled up to NYC for donating. I gathered up more bottled water for rescue workers in PA, to a different drop off spot. Finally, I scrambled myself to a blood donation point, got there early enough I didn't have to wait in line, and I did my part. Graduate school didn't cancel classes, which gave me pause. "We won't stop, that's what the terrorists want, is for us to cower in fear in front of the TVs." Classes were optional. I did my lab assistant work, and upon advice of my advisors, cancelled my late afternoon of research. For weeks, I was always looking up at every airplane, wondering, "Is that one going to be force crashed here?"

So, when I went out for Harley, it was with a different tone of mind. I wasn't out there as a chore, or a duty. I went out with a passion. The terrorists want us to hold memorials, have services, and be in general mental reflection for weeks now. They want inside our heads. I didn't allow it.

Instead, I chose to have a fun, pleasant, productive ride. Harley and I rode through all gaits, and had a lot of good work. I noticed very early in the ride, I'm consistently losing stirrups when I'm insisting on using heel pressure to push him forward. I made the mental decision to shove my heels down, and as my calves sank into his sides, he shot forward like a lightening bolt. Fantastic! Now, to keep those heels down. :) A whole 'nother project. I knew it before, but with Ransom (and Mo), they were *wide* horses, so I could tap with heels without needing to worry about lifting my foot to do it. Harley's not as wide (got to be the TB close in his breeding, probably a skinny TB), and while he may grow into himself a bit more, this might be all we'll get.

A good ride over all. With heels down, he was easy to sit in the canter and keep moving. Towards the end, I felt myself driving with my seat, which kept his canter even more "put together". Trot work has improved as well, with some actual stretching down at the trot when I asked for it. Free walk / working walk , well , still need work. Apparently the hardest gait to obtain "nice" in. Eh, so far, at least.

09-10 Early Again

2011-09-12T16:50:00.000-05:00

Sweetness on Sir Harley. Longe was short, less than 15 minutes, and he started turning in and taking a few steps towards me, "Mom, let's go already! Get up here!"

Ride was nice. One blown lead, and it was mid-canter work left. We made a nice turn, he forgot to pick his front feet up, stumbled BIG, and squirted up into the right lead as he came out of his big stumble. Slowed to trot, and he self-corrected. As soon as I sat deep and added leg (without a verbal kiss), he went back into the left lead and relaxed. Canter right has gotten a little lazy, so I rode that longer than left.

Trot work is improving considerably. He still doesn't understand "collect/half halt in the corners", and will instead brace against the turn, and hollow out his back. On the straight lines, and in a big circle, things are really improving.

Free walk is gaining ground as well. I'm opening up the ride on light contact, encouraging him to stretch down. Every walk "break" now is a working walk / free walk. Not until all the way at the end of the ride do I drop the reins completely and take my legs off. Now, he works at even the walk. As a result, he's starting to reach down into contact more willingly, looking for any kind of a break he can get.

Romeo and I meandered down the dirt road, weaved in and around trees a few houses down (on some cleared grassy area), then towards the mailboxes as far as two houses up. About a half hour, nothing but a walk. He wasn't even sweating when we got home. "Mo, if you want to stay fit, we'll need to do more than that in the future." I believe I heard him reply, "Fit? Show me the cookies, lady!"

9-8 & 9-9

2011-09-12T16:45:00.000-05:00

Longed Harley Thursday evening. Spunky little fart. Obviously delighted with the continuation of the lower humidity and northern breezes, he gave a good buck and hop heading into his first canter. He bucks and moves forward, simultaneously. It's funny. A few hop hops and he decided that was more work than it was worth. I gave the side reins another good effort, and swiftly realized that he can still find an ugly way out of them. He'll lift his head, and not bend at the poll. I made them as short as they'd go, and got a little give, but not much. I wanted to hop on him at the walk, but without true reins or my helmet, I thought better of it, and stuck with longing only. 35 minutes.

Friday early evening, we were at it again. Warmup was nice, as he seemed happy to longe out in the neck stretcher instead of the side reins. He let out a heavy sigh as soon as I connected them, as if, "Okay, Mom. I don't like that, but I don't like the other more." :) Cute kid.

Riding was nice. One missed lead left, right at the start of canter work. Not so bad. Back to trot after only 3 strides wrong, and he lifted himself up into the correct lead. Good canter work, though short. I would've done more, but he felt really lazy, and I didn't seem to have enough leg power to keep him moving. (Figured out Sunday morning what was wrong there, but I'll leave that out for now.)
Total, about 45minutes.

Hauled Mo against his will into the arena. He looked pretty longingly down the dirt road while I was saddling him. "Tomorrow, bud.. Tomorrow." Ride was nice. He LOVES himself a loose rein. He did get just a bit chargey/racey at his trot, and when I added contact, he got even worse. So, I tossed the reins back to him, and pushed him at it. When he tried to ease up, I pushed him into a canter, and rode that hard for a little while. Mo, realizing I still have his number, and I'm not taking his garbage, relaxed for the rest of the ride.

Who'da thunk the baby would be easier than the oldie goldie? :)

If You're Still Reading

2011-09-09T20:15:00.000-05:00

I'll repost this next week, too.. Thinking about making some significant blog changes. I know the account "followers" aren't the only ones reading, and I thank you "non listed followers" for being here, too..

Email me, through the links, through Facebook, through DG, through smoke signals (wait.. no, all the wildfires, don't use smoke signals), airhorns, text messages.. you get the idea..

If you're still reading, contact me, let me know.

Sara Bareillis ,, Machine Gun

2011-09-08T16:30:00.000-05:00

Tell mе οff іn a letter

Completely ignore mе

Getting high οff οf saying

Whу уοu don’t adore mе?

Baby, please, I’m well versed

In hοw I might bе cursed

I don’t need іt articulated

Stand іn line wasting

All οf уοur time јuѕt tο hаtе mе

Evеrу dime gone tο ways

Yοu саn find thаt mіght bait mе

Anԁ drag mе down, sight set proudly

Bring mе tο thе ground, see

Yοu lovе tο bе somebody’s enemy

Maybe nobody loved уou whеn уοu wеrе young

Maybe, boy, when уοu сrу, nobody ever comes

Will you try it once?
Give up the machine gun

Machine gun

Locked and loaded

You're practically floating away now

In your fortress you feel like

You're more or less safe now

But let me say I don't mean harm

Oh, but, baby, you'd be charming if you'd come undone

Get back where you started from

Maybe nobody loved уou whеn уοu wеrе young

Maybe, boy, when уοu сrу, nobody ever comes

Will you try it once?

Give up the machine gun

Machine gun

Nevermind how you've rationed your time

And the battle is underway

Maybe times are gonna change

Don't just hide in the silence behind

What you've really been trying to say

What a skill, baby, aiming to kill me

With words you don't mean

Maybe nobody loved уou whеn уοu wеrе young

Maybe, boy, when уοu сrу, nobody ever comes

Will you try it once?

Give up the machine gun

Machine gun

9/5/11 Back to the MEC

2011-09-07T08:15:00.001-05:00

Harley, Romeo, R, and I, headed to the equestrian center again. Jennifer met up with us on the way. The new weather brought us a nice breeze, and MUCH cooler temperatures. The lower humidity alone made the day delightful. Security unlocked all the relevant gates and turned on the lights. We found the entire complex our own. No one in the arenas, no one driving around. Security guard "dummy locked" the gates, so it did appear to the unnoticing eyes that the entire facility was locked up. We were parked nearly out of sight, and found the entire facility our own.

I started out with Harley, and things went well. Dressage saddle again, and we had much the same results as Sunday morning. Harley let me know early in his longe that he'd had enough, this was day 5 straight of work, and he wanted no part of going big, or going fast. I attached the neck stretcher to the girth buckles, and saw the beginnings of the transition to side reins. Other than lazy, he didn't fight the new stretcher position, and responded nicely.

My ride was hard work. I won't lie and say he was springy and forward. He was a lazy sloth. Rethinking the ride, I'm chuckling to myself. I had to use an absurd amount of leg to get him going forward. At one point, I was curious just how short his trot stride was. I rode out to a part of the arena that hadn't seen hooves, and rode a big half circle. Back to the other end of the arena where R, J, and Mo were waiting, I let my legs rest a minute. As I rode back over the back of the arena and that fresh circle, I saw hoofprints that were tracking up. I laughed, right out loud, and caused J to ask, "Uh, what's up?" "Um, I thought he was being lazy and short. Turns out, lazy yes, short no. He's actually tracking up back there, just saw the hoofy prints." Through more laughter, I started asking for less from him. I was expecting Harley to be short strided, while he was just being slow about it.

Canter work brought us two wrong left lead departures. Partially my fault, as I asked very early in the ride. I had hoped the canter might wake up his trot - no such luck. J laughed at us, saying, "He just wanted to prove to you he can still get it wrong for an audience." Pfft! After the two wrong leads to start, Harley was impressively polite, all other requests correct.

Longed him about 15 minutes, rode about 35. Asked for some pieces and parts of a few walk/trot dressage tests, since plans are still being made for early October. J and I discussed registering us as a pair for Championships at w/t level. "You're going to burn yourself like you did before. Don't assume the worst. Registration just might be worth it. So you have to take him to an extra show for the scores, how bad is that? Besides, you know where they're having championships, and it'd be really good experience for him."

Again, after the ride on Harley, while trying to focus on Romeo's basic reinforcement ride, my mind was running at mach speeds, churning with the possibilities. Houston Dressage Society holds two levels of walk/trot - Introductory (USDF), and Green As Grass (Local). That's two opportunities to qualify for Championships. Are we up for the challenge? Just what are the judges looking for at the starter/beginner level? Are they focused mostly on the rider, and expecting only young beginners to ride walk/trot? Are they giving allowance for intermediate riders and green baby horses? Will they reward forward movement, or are they expecting the beginnings of collection as well? Am I "stealing ribbons" from a beginner amateur by entering Harley with hopes of championships at walk/trot levels? He's nowhere ready for Training Level, and that's in my 2012/2013 plans. NOT my 2011 goals in anyway. Where to go from here. ..

9/4/11 Early on a Sunday

2011-09-07T08:04:00.000-05:00

I've been watching Harley's muscle development with great interest. His shoulders have grown considerably, and his withers are starting to plump out. His butt,, ahh.. Never thought a pony tush would turn me on so much.. *cough* Okay. sorry. Rated G, folks, Rated G.. :)

Anyways, watching Harley's shoulders and withers, I had a hunch. Previously, his dressage saddle slid right forward over his shoulders, and would rest on his shoulder blades. End result? Forget about bending, forget about collection. And forward? Yeah, screw you MommaLady, I ain't goin' forward either. Probably the only time I felt like Harley was cussing at me was in that saddle. Seeing his newfound growth and development, I was curious.

Tacked him up in all the dressage saddle glory, mattes half pad included, and headed to the arena. I didn't expect much. Set the goals low - Longe only in the saddle, no neck stretcher or side reins. See how he goes. If all is well there, mount, and ride the walk, watching for the slightest bend, or the most stiff resistance. Don't ask for much, and if he's stiff/nonbending and crabby, dismount, lose the saddle, and ride bareback. Little expectations.

I am delighted to report, we're back to saddle fit again. While not perfect, and a reflocking will certainly perk both of our spirits a lot, the saddle no longer slides over his withers. His girth still needs a bit of effort, however, and I will be biting the bullet very soon and purchasing a different style girth. The bigger deal here, is the saddle stays put. Harley longed out nicely, and when finished, I found another hole on the girth to be tightened. Saddle still wasn't over his shoulders.

I mounted, and sent him off at the walk. He near immediately stretched down, looking for the bit. Really?! I asked for collection, shortening my reins with all kinds of mental hesitation I was asking for too much too soon. He immediately came into my hands, as I felt his back lift up into my seat. woo hoo

Our ride went through all three gaits with a LOT of hesitation in my mind. I kept waiting on the stiffness, the lack of turn/bend, and the general crabbyness. Harley insisted on riding forward, and gave all three gaits with very little trouble.

My mind raced the rest of the morning, and throughout the day. I could barely concentrate on the things I needed to focus on through church. My horse fits back into the dressage saddle. My body drifted right to the correct position. My stirrups weren't jumping off my feet anymore, and my core position was greatly improved. Not once did I have to "adjust my upper legs" to get the saddle out of the way of my leg muscles. My horse was light, responsive, and seemingly ready for anything I'd ask of him. He didn't need the same amount of leg pressure to move out, but instead, I could ask with my upper calves, and he'd spring up into action.

What can I plan now? I had put the entire show season "on hold" pending saddle fitting. Our opportunities are endless again. I can go back to our original plans, and get on a work schedule that suits both of us. Harley can have a job, I can have goals, and we can both find success in the little things again. There are ribbons to be earned, test sheets to read again ....

I immediately contacted Jennifer, and we started talking shows again. We cleared an entire weekend in October, and I eagerly explained to my church responsibilities that there are great things happening in the saddle and in the show arena. We've got plans, we've discussed them, we've begun making arrangements. Harley has no idea what's in store, and I'm so excited I can barely keep the smile to myself.

09/06/11

2011-09-06T14:47:00.004-05:00

I might be a broken record here... But the wildfires are BAD here in the state. Here's some information if you find yourself needing it. Check for updates, of course...

Donations of time, supplies, $ information for various parts of Texas (will post whatever I am made aware of, but you will have to verify current UPDATED needs & logistical details on your own):

1."TOMBALL FIRE DEPT IS NOW A DROP OFF POINT FOR SUPPLIES FOR THE FIREFIGHTERS IN THE MAGNOLIA AREA. THEY ARE ACCEPTING DONATIONS OF THE FOLLOWING...BOTTLED WATER, SPORTS DRINKS, ENERGY BARS, CEREAL BARS, OTHER NON-PERISHABLE INDIVIDUALLY-WRAPPED SNACK ITEMS. 1200 RUDEL RD, TOMBALL TX, BEHIND THE OLD KLEIN SUPERMARKET! Thank you so much for being willing to help donate things! It is very much appreciated!!!"

2.MCSO is asking for oranges, bananas, apples, and grapes. Please deliver to Magnolia Fire Department on Buddy Riley Rd. Ten iceboxes WITH ice are needed at Magnolia West High School. Enter school from 1774 entrance, then go around the right of the school to the back to the FFA building. CHECK FOR UPDATES

3.Montgomery County Sheriff Seargent requests: For folks up on the Plantersville side, you can take water, gatorate, fresh fruit - oranges, bananas, apples, grapes, granola and protein bars to the road blocks on FM 1774. These officials will help get the supplies into the interior fire fire fighters and these supplies will be more closely located to the fire fighters. CHECK FOR UPDATES

4.The Texas Wildfire Relief Fund http://txwildfirerelief.org/

5."ATTENTION TEXAS AND SURROUNDING AREAS...WE NEED FIREMEN!!!! Begging for retired and any fireman to call number to help. We were short 25 fireman last night. Cannot contain town of Bastrop, 35 miles away...fire is 16 miles long, 6 miles wide, jumped Colorado river, evacuated entire town and also neighborhood called Steiner ranch of 5500* PLEASE EVERYONE REPOST EVEN IF NOT IN TEXAS.. SOME OF YOUR FRIENDS MAY BE. HELP!! Call 512-978-1187" CHECK FOR UPDATES *UPDATE ON DONATION REQUEST from Magnolia TX Fire and Evacuation Information: No more food, ice, fruit or water donations needed at this time at Magnolia Fire Department or Magnolia West Command Center. Thanks for your great response!! *UPDATE ON DONATION REQUEST: Magnolia HS has enough donations. They are asking people to take bottled water, Gatorade and snacks for the firefighters to the Tomball fire station located at 1200 Rudel

6."ANYONE WITH TRAILERS OR TRUCKS IN THE MAGNOLIA AREA CAN HELP DAKOTA RESCUE AND COLLIE RESCUE GET OUT? COLLIE RESCUE HAS 27 DOGS IN LINE OF FIRE....NEAR 1774."

7."Magnolia West Command Center is in need of LARGE ice chests or an upright freezer! Ice is melting! Enter MWHS from 1774 and go to the right around the BACK of the school to the FFA building." Offers to take in animals (pets and livestock): >

According to reports, livestock and animal shelters ARE BEING SERIOUSLY IMPACTED, if you have available space & facilities, please post back accordingly
*Congressman Lamar Smith posted "For pet owners: Austin Pets Alive is helping people displaced by the fires who need help with their pets. If you need a place to board your pet or need food or supplies, email the organization at pass@austinpetsalive.org or call (512) 961-6433."
*The Original Kennel of Kingwood-"WE WANT TO HELP! If you or anyone you know has had to evacuate from the recent fires, and are in need a safe place for your family pet, give us a call, we want to help out our neighbors by volunteering our services. 281-359-KENL (5356) Carl"
*"Lowe's in Tomball has a site to bring any animals that were displaced by the fires. They have food and water troughs for any animals that are taken there."
*"If you need safe pasture for your horses due to wildfires in Texas, call Mr. Matt Daniel at 832-769-1879. He can has pasture to shelter 60 horses and has trucks and trailers ready to go. He Can move 10 horses at a time." *http://pawsitivelytexas.com/texas-wildfires-animal-rescue-resources-updates/
*The Brackenridge Main Event Center in Edna has 88 stalls, 3 Arenas, and several pens available for evacuees from the fires. 60 RV Sites too! Please pass this info on to others who may be looking for a place to go! Call 361-781-4052 Cammie Pearson, Manager.

9/3 At Home

2011-09-03T15:23:00.000-05:00

Rode Harley this morning. Good results.

Longe warmup was good, leads all correct. He was a bit lazy but with some motivation got going. Ride was sweet. Relaxing. While stiff in his bends, and a little grumpy on collection, I found him forward in movement, and beautiful at canter. All leads correct, and easy transitions.

You know you've got the air brakes good when you say, "Oops, holding my breath", let out, and the horse slows down. Heh heh Rode for about 35minutes total, 15min longe. We're in a rhythm, and he's settled into a nice pattern habit. The heat is still oppressive in the evenings, but forecast is calling for a break in the next few days. We'll take it.

9/2 Field Trip

2011-09-03T11:17:00.001-05:00

Harley was longed Thursday evening, 9/1. Good effort, no neck stretcher, just halter. It was still pretty hot so I kept it short. 9/2, we all loaded up. R, me, Harley and Romeo. We drove about 40minutes to a nearby equestrian park. They run a pretty good deal on arena rental when nothing is scheduled. Got the paperwork all settled, drove to the warmup arena. Tied both boys to the inside rail, gathered up all my tack, and headed in. Hand walked both boys around, and gave them a look around. Saddled Harley up and headed to it. He longed great. Put the neck stretcher on, and noticed he was blowing his right lead. His way of saying he needs more canter right. Hopped on, and gave him a bit more walk to look around. Good, quiet, relaxed. Went right to it, picked up trot, with some amazing results. Harley stepped right out, forward trot, yet upright. Nice. Realizing it could take a while, I looked at R, and said, "Check this out!" Sit, kiss, squeeze... canter left. Blown lead. Back to trot easily, and second request was good. Rode the left lead quite a while, all around the arena. Eased to trot, and changed directions on a long walk break. A little free walk, but nothing great. Trot right circles good, right canter required a lot of sit and push. What was amazing? No spook, no bolting, no fear. All three gaits, like he'd been there his whole life. Outstanding!Romeo? More of the same. A bit lazy at canter, dropping leads. Dork! To get even, I shoved him into high gear, galloping around the arena. air whizzing thru my ears, past my helmet, grinning like a kid. Fun!

8/28 Gallop Day?

2011-09-01T09:52:00.001-05:00

Entered the arena, and as I removed the halter to put his bit on, Harley turned away from me. I managed to get the bit on, but as I leaned down to retrieve the fallen halter, off he went.

At an all out gallop across the arena. I picked up the loose lead rope, and clucked to him. Harley responded, and took off, down long side, ears perked forward, at it appeared he was enjoying himself.

Realizing the mosquitoes were even worse that morning, and while he was running around like a racehorse, Harley did have an ear on me, and for the most part, turned facing-in every time I changed his direction.

So I let him run. A total of about 15 minutes, and in it I was able to vary the general speed of the canter stride, from a full gallop, down to a nice relaxed canter.

At a verbal "whoa", he turned in, faced me, and took about five steps towards me. Barely out of breath. Apparently he's in pretty good fitness, and thought rather well of himself.

well played, Harley. well played. Managed yourself a pretty easy day there.

8/27/11 By One

2011-09-01T09:49:00.001-05:00

Harley's warmup was cute. Quiet, though he had a little sparkle going on in his eyes, like he was ready for it. Mosquitoes were ramping up in the arena as well that morning. Yay. A huge disadvantage to rainfall. Though not a puddle in sight, anywhere within MILES of the arena, somehow they found enough moisture to breed and sprout in. ugly evil monsters.

Hopped on, after swatting some bugs off. Felt a bit bad for him, with the tail and ears both saying, "Ew! Bugs!" Very quickly worked into a trot, and Harley soon realized if he moved quickly, the bugs weren't as nibbly.

Speedy work! Fun at that. Harley worked very nicely in the trot, and after some argument of bit pressure, I started getting very nice direction changes, short diagonals, and a bit of stretch. Settled into working walk, and eased into free walk, only until the mosquitoes began their meal again. Straight back to trot.

Canter work was lazy. Once in it, he used any amount of bit pressure without leg from me as a sign to go right back into trot. Admitting I was frustrated with the lazy, I squeezed pretty hard on one request left. Harley responded promptly, but with the wrong lead. My bad.. I did it. Back to trot, and a lighter ask, the left lead was correct.

We worked a total of 45 minutes. At that point, I let the mosquitoes win, and we departed the arena. Nothing else planned for that day, other than a new solution for the bugs. boo hiss. .

8/26/11 AM

2011-08-29T16:45:00.000-05:00

Up and at it super early. Skies were relatively clear, but incredibly humid. Gathered up Harley and all his tack, and headed to the arena.

Warm up looked good, neck stretcher work was pretty decent. Hopped aboard, and worked on some bending and turning to start out. Spiral in and out at the trot, with decent results. At the gate-side of the circle, both directions, quarter of the circle before turning away from the gate, Harley would pop his shoulder out, turn his head, but continue straight, or drifting out of the circle. A bunch of direction changes, smaller circles, and some figure 8s, he finally got his attention in the arena, and out of the gate.

With his left trot work relaxed and bending well, on the back half of the circle, without thinking much about it, I sat deep, gave a squeeze and a small kiss. Harley, apparently caught off guard, pushed up into the left lead canter, on light bit contact. He stayed steady, even, and didn't hesitate. We rode about three circles, and eased back to trot. When the trot was relaxed again, I asked the same way, though in a different spot on the circle. Same result. Four requests total left lead canter, all the same results. A nice easy departure, correct lead, and a gentle ease back to trot.

Right lead canter was much of the same, though incredibly lazy to keep in it. I had to keep kissing to him, and adding inside leg. At the last of those, I added a LOT of leg, and he got the point. Harley launched forward in a very forward canter-right, so I left him there a little while. Awesome results.

Another perfect canter day! Total work, about an hour. Both Harley and I were dripping with sweat, as I decided when I left the house, "Oh I won't need my coolvest today, I'll be okay." FaiL!

08/25/11 Harley PM

2011-08-29T16:15:00.000-05:00

Found the arena with puddles in the longing circle. Wandered with Harley and all his tack to the center of the arena. Ground was damp, and soft to about a half inch. Good for me.

Sent him out on the line, free longe warmup. Lookin' good. Added the neck stretcher, mostly walk and trot, minimal canter. A little too much slip risk at canter for my overprotective self.

Rode at walk and trot, on nearly all of the arena (avoiding the mudded puddles) for about 20 minutes. Light contact, and while he was a bit stiff, pretty good overall.

About a 45 minute time in the arena. Skies were minimally cloudy, with significantly lower temperatures, thanks to the near-inch of rain we got Thursday during the day.

I Sure Hope So

2011-08-29T06:48:00.000-05:00

Monday & Tuesday are much like it's been.

Let's all start praying Thursday through next Monday are where we're headed.

The Light is Back on Outside the Arena

2011-08-25T15:49:00.002-05:00

parents, hide your kids' eyes. explicit language, which you readers know I don't do very often. apologies in advance if I offend.

Last year, I was here. My entire life was being turned inside out, through battles on the job that no human should have to endure. The hollering, the yelling, the cursing, the insults, the threats. Things NO one should have to endure. For some reason I will never understand, I endured.

Things are finally changing, and I feel like a light has been turned back on. I don't have hope my entire life outside of the barn will turn around overnight. The world won't be all sunshiney and delightful, and I realize that. Earlier this week, I took charge of the situation. I very appropriately made my mark. Now, a few days later, I'm hearing words that are meaningless. To vent my frustration, let me say this.. "Apologies are bullshit."

However, I won't be shouted or cursed at again. It just won't happen. I've gotten out of that deep, dark funk, found joy in the horses again. I've learned how to turn the radio back up and sing like a rock star at my favorite loud "girl power" songs.

It's ironic, and celebratory, that for the first time in about two months.. It rained at my house..

It really rained. I'm hearing rumors of about an inch of heavenly precipitation. With that, I felt God crying the last time over my situation. He brought a strong storm, and said, "Enough. That's it. Now, the sun's out. Go enjoy."

Who wants to go ride with me tonight? I don't care if you hop on bareback, and walk for five minutes. Go for a ride with me, take a picture, or blog the story, and share in my renewed hope. Help me celebrate the rain we finally got, and the emotional sunshine that follows.

Looking for the Sunshine

2011-08-24T09:01:00.002-05:00

I got a little more less than delightful news at work today. Ugly four-lettered words come to mind, and I've decided my mood needs picking up. Here goes...

Friday morning, Harley had a nice longe, and didn't throw his normal "too many days off" fit. Free longe, followed by the neck stretcher. I'd like to graduate him to side reins, but with our irregular work routine, it doesn't seem fair to change things. The ride was walk and trot only, and with a little effort he improved his bend in the turns. I've found lately, he behaves better and more relaxed on the lines than in the corners. I refreshed my memory on the number of times I've read judges' comments of, "use the corners to rebalance", yet he seems to stretch out & up more in the corners and on the circles.

Saturday early morning was spectacular. The blog headline would be "No Missing Left". On the longe, he was fantastic. Quiet, cadenced and steady. Under saddle, good as well. Straight away, his trot was *big*. Knowing he had canter on his mind, we worked on some walk/trot/halt transitions to focus him on the task at hand, and paying attention to me.

After about ten minutes of trot (direction changes, circle size variation, lines and large ovals), I relaxed him to the walk. I slowly let the reins out, and for the first time, he volunteered the free walk. He reached down into the bit contact. Shocked, I let him walk out a few feet, and shortened the reins. Easily back into collected walk. Very slowly again, I spread my hands a few inches apart, and let him gently pull the reins longer. He repeated this collected to free walk exercise about five times down the long sides before he got lazy and back to old habits. I asked for a little effort/try at it one more time, got some try, and dropped to a loose rein with lots of praise.

Time for his canter work - left lead ask, got it Right on the FIRST ASK. He broke gait, and with a squeeze, right back into it again correctly. We rode canter left all of the arena that doesn't have taller weeds growing, and he was fantastic. Super Super light, steady, and relaxed. :) Canter right he was lazy, and I had to keep the squeeze/kiss going to keep him in it. Out of practice going right , not doing it enough. Thanks Harley, Point made..

Sunday was more of the same. Longe was nice, canter work was fantastic, first ask canter-left was incorrect lead. Eased back to trot, and without much motivation, he worked back into canter correctly. He's picking up on it, for sure. Exhilarating to ride his progress.. Absolutely satisfying to know, even the few rides a week we're getting, he's picking up on the training, and remembering what I'm asking for.

Romeo... Short summary...
Friday - arena. W.T.C. no problems, no issues. A bit of a zip in his step, but I expected it. He's eating well, not moving around much in the heat, and I'm not riding him like I want to.
Saturday - down the road. Walk-only. Of all the things to take a hard look at, he paused and gave some negative snorts at the string of leftover empty trashcans. Dingleberry!
Sunday - back to the arena. Chose to ignore the "Whoa" in my seat and heavy sighs, so I gave him a good hard run, and asked again. Still lazy on the air-brakes. More run it is, Mo. Good hard canter both directions, and again when I let out the heavy sigh, he was much more agreeable to the idea.
Romeo simply put - he's getting lazy in his response, and that will need some effort on my part. I've gotten into the habit of a loose rein, not demanding a perfect reaction to my cues, whether to increase or decrease speed. Fine enough, I know where his cues are. Time to put the spurs back on, and ride him in a bit that means something. One day with spurs and the twisted wire O-ring, and he'll realize I'm relaxed but still the authority.

Yup, that helps some... Now, to get the rest of my day on-track. Where'd I leave that herbal tea.. ahh yes, there it is, sitting on my desk. Chai, take me away... didja get it? didja smile?

Princess Runs 08/08/11

2011-08-17T07:31:00.002-05:00

I caught Dusty, groomed her, and sent her off the end of the lead rope to see if she'd longe. Perfection. Off she went, trotting with little legs zipping about. She launched her silly self into a canter with a spurt, and I set my body "in front" of her shoulder. "shhh" I told her, and as fast as I got out the verbal cue, she eased back to trot. Again, stepped assertive in front of her shoulder. "Whoa!" Dusty turned, halted, and faced me. Awesome. I turned her the other direction, and asked for the same. More good trotting on the line, and another quiet halt. Good place to quit, knowing now what she is capable of. :) Hosed her down, turned her loose, and laughed as she rolled in the dirt, applying a gentle coating of fly-repellant mud.

Caught Princess, though not without some effort. Once haltered, I brought her out of the pen, and asked her to lead with me. Took her to the trailer, brushed her off gently, and out to the spot I'd longed Dusty in. Princess wanted NO part of longing. In fact, she tried to bolt, tried to dart away from me, and generally seemed confused. She reared up, *snap*... There went the clip on the lead rope in my hand.

And there went Princess. It took a single second for her to realize she was free, and off she went. Like a lightening bolt, Princess ran down the lane between her pen and Romeo's pasture, turned a sharp right around Romeo's fenceline, and ran his fenceline rapidly. As she turned again like a flash, I realized she was running herself into a corner of fenceline and brush/treeline. Princess, realizing the rest of the herd was up by me at the barn, ran back towards us all. She flew by me, towards the space between Mo and Harley's stalls. *whew* Suddenly, she turned around, and made for the dirt road. "Oh no you don't", I called out, and I jogged in front of her movement until she decided against the dirt road.

Princess ran down the lane between pastures again, as I grabbed a small bucket of feed and a new lead rope. I shook the feed, and she nickered at me. When she trotted to me, hungry, I clipped the lead rope to her halter. *caught* And, no, she didn't get any grain, either. :)

Took her to the wash rack, and turned the hose on. Complete chaos again, as she did all in power to get away from the hose. I led her down to the dirt by the wash rack, and did a little "approach & retreat" with the hose. She stood still finally, shaking all over, obviously terrified of the hose. I settled for hosing her neck, chest, and front legs hosed down. I scraped the water off gently, Princess still shaking. She swatted her tail at some flies and mosquitoes (how the skeeters got there? heck if I know, as dry as it is). I sprayed her lightly with fly spray, and while she was terrified of it shaking scared, she didn't move. The bugs backed away from the repellant, and she finally let out a heavy sigh.

A hard workout for Princess, mostly of her own doing. Nobody tell her she could've had a day as easy as Dusty did. :)

Harley Catch Up

2011-08-17T07:20:00.002-05:00

I've been riding, well, when I can. This means weekends and days off, early in the morning, as soon as it's light enough to see, I'm outside catching, grooming, and starting. The evening temperatures have brought heat indeces >100F. While I love to ride, I don't need sick horses. It's been a downer of a summer. Need rain, need moisture, need cooler temperatures. This is the hottest, and the driest, it's been the whole time I've lived here. *blech* If you're outside of this stupid High Pressure system, and enjoyed any precipitation, be thankful. Don't fuss about the puddles, or the mud. You're better than us. Hay prices have soared, and the grain I feed even increased nearly $2 a bag. Grr.

Harley's education has slowed to a crawl. I give him a longe day with a short ride, focusing only on giving/bending at walk & trot. His canter time has increased, though I'm still fighting that left lead. Still, when he is in the correct lead, we're cantering about 2/3 of the arena (avoiding the taller weeds), and staying in the gait for at least three trips around. It struck me pretty awesome to be out there, cantering in a light 2-point seat, reins flapping about, just as the sunlight makes shadows from the trees. Harley is entirely unflapped by the morning wildlife movement, just cantering around, like he's been doing it his whole life.

This past weekend, we suffered a fatality where I work. No one I knew well, but had heard of. Experienced fellow, and a tragic accident. It leaves me feeling like I should "fix it", improve the system so that just can't happen again. In the midst of that, I've tried my best to serve as an ear and a shoulder to my colleagues more affected by it. I have a few coworkers on "friend watch", checking in at least once a day, conversating with them, and checking their emotional "radar". The historical stories I've heard nearly bring me to tears. "When I heard that call for an ambulance on the radio, it was the same frantic tone I heard years ago, just a different voice."

Monday night, with all of that looming in my mind, the gruesome details of the event haunting me, I went outside and grabbed Harley. "You're going to need to be Mo tonight, Little Man." I put the bit in his mouth, the bareback pad tightened down, and I hopped on. We walked. And that was it. Arena gate wide open, pasture gate closed, we walked. I let him go anywhere he wanted. He knew... Harley understood just what I needed, as he plodded about, never leaving the back 2/3 of the arena. He stayed out of the sandy dust, he never took a bad step. Just walked around. When I tried to back him up, he twisted his head and neck, almost saying, "Mom, this isn't a work day, so don't make it into one." I got one step, and halted. I laid over his back, scratching his chest, my face leaning over his neck, and lower legs stretched over his butt. Harley didn't move, licking and chewing, soaking up the moment.

Ultimately grateful that little grey fellow landed in my life, and in my pasture. Not every day will be that terrific, but when I needed quiet and peace and a plod, he was exactly that. Thanks Harley.

We Represent the Lollipop Guild

2011-08-04T09:56:00.002-05:00

*got that song in your head yet? haa haa!!*

I've tried to find the day this happened blogged, but darn it, I dunno where it went. Anyways.. I longed Harley one day a few weeks ago, things were good, so we went for a hand walk down the road.

He did great. Right up until he met the new equine neighbors. First neighbor horse? Okay. Second neighbor horse? Good. Third neighbor, a mini donkey? No.. Just No. Harley's head flew to the sky, he stared at it with the biggest wrinkly eyes I've seen from him, and as he tried to crawl in my lap, I stood as steady as possible. He stepped nearly on me, and I backed him up off the halter a few steps. Things got even more complicated when a neighbor in his truck approached us on the road. Really?! Goodness Gracious. After he calmed down a little bit, we walked back home.

All that in mind, I asked Jen if we could borrow their mini and pony. They were gracious, and allowed R and me to pick them up earlier this week. I've got a pen just behind my back yard, and we're probably going to use that for a while. Eventually, we'd like to put up some panels on the front pasture (bordering Harley's pasture), and let them all sniffle noses through fencelines.

My plans for the Littles? Not much yet. I have a bunch of ideas whirring through my head, but for now, I'm going to bathe, clean manes & tails, slather up the LaserSheen, and snuggle. Highlight of my day yesterday was the snuggling on these two that occurred after I took the pictures. Mini Dusty had her nose all over me, no nibbling, no biting, just snuggling. Pony Princess took a little longer watching me, but eventually, she was nosing my face, hair, shirt, and poking pockets looking for cookies.

Much Fun with the Littles!

Thirsty Thursday

2011-08-04T08:26:00.003-05:00

Have you seen the new TX rain gauge?

It's so dry.. How dry is it?
* I saw two trees fighting over a dog yesterday

We had 10" of rain yesterday. Yup we did we did...
* 10" between raindrops on my windshield

It's so Hot .. how hot is it?

* Birds started using pot holders to pull worms out of the ground.

Littles

2011-08-03T20:31:00.000-05:00

Details tomorrow..

August, Enough Already

2011-08-03T07:35:00.003-05:00

7-31-11 Canters and Shadows

2011-08-02T07:38:00.003-05:00

7-29, it rained. Not much, now, mind you. Tropical Dud Don waved at the house, and a short little burst of ten minutes of rain came. I'm thankful, I'm grateful. Just enough to knock the dust down. My front yard was green for a total of about 24 hours. It's done being green already, and has faded to a taupe-pea green. Boo.

7-30, I longed Harley, knowing he'd had almost a week off. He was nice. Big, forward, happy. Ears everywhere, and when we finished up, he seemed pleased with himself. One wrong lead left, but it was easy enough to correct. Good job, kiddo.

7-31, we got down to business. At 6:45Am, as the sun brought enough daylight to see and not yet make shadows, we headed to the arena. Warmup was good, and I focused 75% left. Left trot, left canter. Good work, good forward. It wasn't "hot" yet, and while there was no breeze, fog lingered on the grassline in what looked more like steam than fog. I hopped on, and my glasses very quickly said, "Eh! Screw you!". I spent most of the ride fogged over, wishing I'd put my contacts in before I went outside. (Now, remember this, because it's going to be important later - I couldn't see exactly what was going on through the streaky fog on my glasses.)

Trot work started out stiff and lazy. I expected it. Harley would rather do nothing, and who could blame him? Again, if I had to pick a horse, I'll take lazy requiring leg over 'riding the brakes' any day.

Back to the walk, and he started to give to pressure. Thank you, son. Up to canter right, long enough to make him realize that's what his feet were doing on that Sunday morning. Good work, over half the arena, and for the first time, when I looked down the long side, that's where his loping legs went, rather than the habitual circle. About three happy circles right, and back to trot. Stayed at trot right until he gave, relaxed, and was steady. Down to a walk, when I got a little free walk (holding the light contact long & low), eased to a halt. I offered him a few ice cubes to crunch, and I grabbed some water.

Harley was less than pleased when I got back on. We'd been at total work time of about 30 minutes, and I'm sure he thought he was finished. He argued by flipping his head around at the walk a little. Up to trot, then, monster. Heading down the long side, he shifted away from the rail abruptly. (I still can't see quite exactly where we're going,, remember?) "What the #($* was that for, You?!" I scowled at him. He pressed on, but in the same spot, did the same thing. Then I realized it... He was spooking at his shadow that had recently appeared. He did it going both ways at trot, and right at the spot on the long side where the tree no longer shaded, and his shadow appeared. Two spooks around each way, he realized what it was, and relaxed. *laugh*

Canter left. First ask, wrong. Back to trot, ask again. Second ask, correct. Off we go, directly down the long side, turning at center. Fan-stinking-tastic. Steady, easy, relaxed, me up in a 2-point, trying to keep him going and stay out of his way, let him find his legs. When it got easy, I barely put a little weight on the saddle. Half an arena later, he broke to trot. I had been kissing to him, and adding leg, so the body weight was more than his balance could take. No problem. Back to trot, and a long walk break. Walk between working collected and free walk, with moderate results.

Up to trot, staying there until he relaxed, and back to canter left again. First ask, correct. Sweetness. I rode a brief few strides in 2-point, and I decided to settle into the saddle with my seat, and start to introduce him to pushing with my hips and my legs. He felt very wobbly for the first few strides of my rear end driving, but then relaxed. We rode at least 5 "laps" around half the arena, when I chose to ease to trot, and I let out a heavy sigh. He broke to trot immediately, and very quickly started to search for the contact.

There I am
In the early morning shadows
Pretending to look ahead through foggy glasses
Cantering half the arena
On green baby Harley
Loose rein, no contact, guiding 65% with my legs and upper body
Glowing with success

The kid's got a good memory, for sure. His left lead departures were better, he stayed on the straight lines rather than wiggled all around, and he didn't break gait at the slightest change from me. Progress. Slow, heat-delayed, but progress.

There are LOTS of other things on my mind these days about the equestrian world. A LOT. To some of my readers, I've privately emailed you about my frustrations. You all have probably seen Courtney King-Dye's video, so wear your helmets! Plenty of other bloggers have stirred up enough controversy, from all kinds of topics. Everything, from slaughter, to breeding, to human fitness, training & clinic fees, horse fitness and treatments... I'm only one writer, and I use this blog mostly to record my progress. I've not yet decided how ugly I want to be in print, but know I'm reading, I'm reacting, and a lot of it isn't good.

24Hrs Later

2011-07-29T07:54:00.001-05:00

And I give you my best pouty face.

Boo

Hiss

We needed that rain.

Darn it!

While the Country cries "Budget"

2011-07-28T08:03:00.004-05:00

We're preparing for Tropical Storm Don.

Of course, it's a prediction, scheduled to change at any random moment between now and landful Fri night/ Sat morning.

So what does this mean for my house? All loose items that could blow with any significant wind will be moved to the barn, or inside. I'll get some wire prepared to tie shut stall doors so they don't get wiggled open in the high winds. Water buckets will be filled outside for the horses, with extras full, just in case I lose power. (What, you say? Lose power, lose well pump.. no well pump, no water) I'll secure anything that might move, and relocate things that could launch airborne and damage the house.

And what's the good in all of this? We're in a severe drought. How severe? We're in the double-digits in rain we're missing out on this year. My pastures are increasingly barren every week that goes by without significant rainfall.

So I'm hoping it rains, but praying we don't all blow away.

7-23-11 Homework to Work

2011-07-27T07:44:00.002-05:00

Longed Harley in the neck stretcher, but with really only one thing in mind, Canter Left. He had enough trot work to relax his neck and reach forward with his legs, but then we quickly moved up to canter. About two circles right lead, but six or more left lead, two circles at a time, trot transitions in between to relax him. He had the incorrect lead once, but eased back to trot and quickly corrected himself.

I hopped aboard, got some relaxed and forward trot, and asked for canter right to start. We rode in the back 2/3 of the arena, and I pushed him to canter on the rail straightaways. At first, I got all kinds of hesitation, us having not cantered really more than big circles so far. I kissed, squeezed, sat deep, and he continued on. Two "laps" canter right.

Back to the trot long enough to feel a relaxing, and then to walk for a breathing break. I loosened the reins at the walk, and he reached down and through. I felt him stretch from neck to tail, and praised him verbally and with a scratching pat and love. YAY... The first good work at a free walk. Understanding how we got here, I didn't leave him the free stretched out walk but for 7-8 strides before regathering up the reins. Another ten strides collected walk, and back to a free walk, similar results, a good stretch down. Success!!

Up to left, and I started out at the trot. Knowing our assignments, I squeezed to canter. Ugh, wrong lead first request. Back to trot 3-5 strides, then kiss/squeeze again. Left lead! On the circle, I aimed him down the long side. As soon as he realized he wasn't going to continue on the circle, he broke to trot. I asked again, wrong lead. Hmph! Trot, ask again. Left Lead... I pushed him down the other long side, and rode 2/3 of the lower end of the arena. We rode canter for at least 2 big laps of the lower 2/3, settled to a trot, and a little walk break. When he gave up a heavy huge sigh, I halted. I noticed his heart was pounding, and he felt like he was shaking a little. Harley turned his neck towards me, and I saw a very nervous eye. Poor kid, he was scared of all that canter. I noticed my heart was pounding, too. We walked a while to catch our breaths and relax. "It's okay, Baby Harley. I'll get us through this, somehow..."

Recognizing he's depending on me to keep him up in the canter left, and he absolutely needs me to be rock solid confident, I pushed him back to trot. A little anxious, I could feel the tension in his neck and mouth. A few circles of varying sizes, and I saw the eyes relax, as he gave me a very heavy sigh. I squeezed and kissed again. Correct left lead.

Another 3 laps or so of the back 2/3rds. I used the longe circle to initiate the canter, and then immediately pointed him down the long side. It took a good squeeze and kiss to let him realize I really meant go straight. A bit of uncertainty in his legs, but he kept on going. When we settled to trot, he immediately stretched forward on the loose rein, searching for the bit. I adjusted just enough that he could find it quickly, and then asked for a stretchie down trot. Success again...

To work on his confidence beyond the circle, I asked for trot on centerline and quarterlines. Amazing... The kid who used to be wobbly outside the circle, was nearly perfectly straight on those imaginary lines. I no longer have to look up to the treeline straight ahead, but can concentrate straight eye level for me, and he stays straight. Fantastic!

About an hour's work. Harley was rewarded with lots of walk on a loose rein, followed up by ample cookies and praise. He's learning, and it's pretty cool he's depending on me to teach. *mush*

7-21&22-11 Harley

2011-07-27T07:37:00.003-05:00

Harley was longed Thursday, and he absolutely let me know how he felt about the cool-er evening after three days off. I had at least 3/4 of a circle each way a combination of bucking, kicking up, and galloping off. He threw quite the little hissy fit. He didn't tug hard on the longe line, he didn't run off with me, but he sure let me know he felt happy go lucky with the break and the return to work. Total, about 40 minutes, 20 of it on the longe line.

Friday, Jen came over to offer ideas on our less than successful left lead canter work. I was a little anxious about the whole thing. I expected to hear, "heels down, shoulders up, quit hunching over his front end, he'll never get the left lead if you don't ask for it correctly".

Instead, it's Harley. He isn't confident in picking it up, and let us know that by nearly a dozen requests heading left. I tried it on a circle in the corner, I tried it going straight, I tried it tilting his head inward, I tried it tilting his head outward, I tried asking with both legs evenly, I tried asking it with outside leg back. Finally, probably on a stroke of luck, he gave me the left lead on a squeeze and a long kiss. Goodness. At that point, I probably rode the canter 7 circles long. Lots and lots of canter left.

Our homework? Canter Left. Pure, simple, plain. The minute he gets the correct left lead, keep him in it, don't let him break gait, and force him to keep moving. Doesn't matter if I sit, two point, no issues. I'm asking him correctly, and while my heels aren't perfect down, I am sitting back and pushing from my seat without leaning on his shoulders. I'm not the problem, his lack of practice is. The only thing I've done wrong, is not ask for it often enough, and not keep him in it long enough when he does pick up the left lead.

I was frustrated he got it incorrect so many times, but at the same time, a bit delighted with myself. Previously, I have been the problem. I've hesitated, I've gotten nervous, anxious, curled up into a saddled fetal position, kissed under my breath, and while a little bit of my body said "Canter, please", the rest of me said, "Oh goodness, please don't kill me when you launch into it". Absolutely satisfying to know I'm confident enough to get him through this.

Canter right? Short, sweet, pretty. Trot work? A little stiff, not as much bend at the poll as he's had. Cause? Probably stiff and a tad sore from his hissy fit Thursday evening.

as I drifted to sleep Friday night, I had a sad moment, missing sweet Ransom... grateful that old man taught me how to correctly canter, enduring all those curled up requests with a steady rhythm, and still a part of me longing for those big canters all around the arena with his toosh pushing us all the way

Crunch

2011-07-20T07:36:00.002-05:00

5:25am this morning, I pulled out of the driveway, and meandered down the dirt road. Got to the paved road, made the left turn.

Travelling about 5-10mph, I saw one of the doe dart across the road. I eased up on the speed, 2-4 mph, and looked left, where she came from. Saw two more doe looking to cross. One took a step forward, then she hesitated.

I slowed down even more. Without much warning, she darted out to the roadway. First, headed behind the truck, so I kept on moving.

Thunk... Crunch... I heard her run straight into the side of my truck. I eased up a little, expecting to hear my tires thump over her. Nope. Stopped, got out, didn't see any obvious truck damage, and she wasn't laying on the side of the road.

I eased backwards, headlights onto that side of the road. Didn't see anything moving. So I proceeded on to work.

Surveying the truck this morning, a few scuff marks, maybe a small scratch on the step. I suspect doe is okay, and the others in her herd are laughing at her this morning for "being so sleepy she ran into a slow moving human transporter."

Rough start to the day... Sheez...

Other Stuff Going on

2011-07-19T10:17:00.002-05:00

So, I'm filling out paperwork for a rescue. "Applications", pictures of the property and the horses, apparently all normal. I only have my eye on one in particular, but see a handful of others that aren't too bad, either.

In the middle of that rescue search, I stumbled on one on the brink of disaster. Too many hungry horse's mouths to feed, not enough donations or income to feed them all. Pictures I've seen are sad. Many attempts by many others to close the place down have been unsuccessful. Other folks trying to do right by the horses by adopting them out are being turned away. It's pretty sad, but from the eyes of a random person wanting to help, it's utterly frustrating, too.

I have a new four-stringed Toy in the house! R surprised me Sunday after church with a used bass guitar. A left-handed one at that! It's awesome. Well used, well loved, and plays great. Needs a little work here & there (new strings, cleaned or replaced pickups, probably new frets eventually), but it's incredible. I have a "basic beginner book" with an accompanying CD at home, and I've been plunking away on it. After 16 years of piano lessons, and a break from playing of at least 10 years, as I told R, "I have music back in the house again, and that's a great feeling." Plunk Plunk Plunk!

7-15-17 Updates

2011-07-19T10:04:00.002-05:00

7/15 Harley longed. Did really good. Lots of transitions. I tried to keep it simple, since he was obedient and quiet.

Mo.. Rode in the DARK. Okay, so I'd looked at the calendar for a MONTH. FULL moon Friday night. I was stoked , excited , happy happy! As it settled into "good n dark", I went outside, expecting the same mostly clear skies I saw at dusk. FAIL. It was cloudy, and what little moon we had, was lurking under a thick cloud. Hoping the cloud would clear and we could enjoy some moonshadows, I longed Mo out quickly. He didn't want to do more than trot, I didn't argue with him.

The ride was way beyond nifty cool, it was awesome. I couldn't see much, thanks to the moony cloud cover, but Mo could see it all. He carefully plodded around the circle at the walk, stopping on body cues. To my utter delight, he trotted with the same caution. About 35 minutes total working, and we had FUN doing it.

7/16 Harley longed up beautiful, and rode great. We had LOTS of nice trot work, and some really sweet transitions without a lot of fuss.

Mo worked in the arena, (in daylight, heehee), all three gaits, lots of goodness.

7/17 short rides for both. Harley had 10 minutes longe line neck stretcher, and I got down to business. Walk was good, trot was sweet, even got a bit of willing stretchy trot. I got brave, asked for canter left. On the *first* ask, he had the correct lead! One big circle, back to trot. Canter right, delightful as well. I didn't ask for more, but went back to relaxed working trot and a hint of stretchy trot.

Mo I hopped on cold, expecting lots of walk and trot. He moved in a lazy jog, and when asked, stepped up the trot even some. Again, bravery. I squeezed him up into a canter, but it sure was speedy! Mo wanted to run run! I let him some, but didn't want him overheating and being crabby for it.

7/18 Nothin'. Rain showers tickled the edge of the county, but never made it to my house. Bummer, dude.. better luck tonight.

July is Here. Yuck.

2011-07-14T07:09:00.002-05:00

Last year July, Ransom and I went from actively riding 3-5 a week (weather and schedule) to barely at all. Harley and I have been averaging 5-6 rides a week, Romeo and I about 3-4 rides a week.

But the summery is here. It's brought little to no rainfall, and my pastures are showing it. Both of my horses are fat & sassy, so they aren't suffering for the lack of fresh grass. Their bodies, however, are showing the effects of the heat and humidity. When I come home, there's at least some sweat, somewhere, on both boys. That's before I feed, and they're still sweating when I attempt to ride. Lots of huffing and puffing at work, though both have pretty quick recoveries on walk breaks. Thanks to perhaps the most awesome birthday present ever, I'm able to stay pretty comfortable in my coolvest, provided I ride super early morning or late evening.

I've thought about it for over a week now, and a few changes are coming for the rest of July, and probably into August, until the summer sun eases even a little bit.

Here's the new schedule
Fridays Off - Harley longe, Mo ride
Saturdays - Both ride Early
Sundays - Both ride, One early, one late
Mondays - Harley ride

Fridays Working - Harley longe
Saturdays - Both ride Early
Sundays - Both ride. One early, one late
Mondays - Mo ride

This gives Mo his 3 a week, and Harley 3-4 a week, depending on whether I work a Friday or I'm off. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will be freed up for other activities of the indoor variety.

I've admitted in my mind Harley and I won't be making the progress we are currently enjoying. I'm alright with that. I'm not "head over heels" in love with the idea, but it's also too hot to expect an hour plus of hard work out of him on the week nights. True temperatures have been in the mid to upper 90s (F) in the evenings, heat indeces from 90F all the way to 105F when we begin our rides. That's too hot to ask Harley to "work hard".

This is perhaps the hottest summer I've experienced since moving here from SC. As a PA-Yankee native, it's unbearably hot & humid. When my Yankee-up-nawth friends complain "It's Hot outside!", I laugh. 80F plus a little humidity? Huh.. that's what I woke UP to this morning , ya'll.

How do you cope with "hot summer" where you live? Do you change your ride times? Work level? Expectations? Do you quit completely, and wait on it to cool off? Or do you say "Screw it!", dress in as little as possible, buck&up and ride bareback, or saddle up in your finest and work until you and your horse are literally exhausted?

07/12/11 Ew. Snake.

2011-07-14T07:05:00.002-05:00

*editor note: the 07/11/11 entry was the 1,111th post. weird, huh?*

Tuesday night, with pizza and veggies in my tummy, and a bit more motivation, I headed out to the arena with Harley near dusk. Just as it was finally cooling off outside. Good quiet free longe, good quiet neck stretcher longe. Cooperative, and quiet.

I hopped on. Walk to halt, walk, to halt, to walk, to halt. Not too bad. A little rough around the edges still, but better than head-in-the-clouds. Walk to trot to walk to trot to walk to .. You get the idea. Things there are improving as well, just not quickly. The transitions on the neck stretcher / longe line look awesome, can't say the same for riding. I realize the "rein tension" is a little different, but it's almost like he forgets when he's carrying body weight. Strange, for sure.

Total work time, about 40 minutes. When we got back to the house, a snake slunk under the house. Ew. I wasn't able to muster the courage to get close enough to ID, but what I saw didn't look good. We. Need. Rain. or snake season will continue. I doubt they really want to be that close to the house, but it's cooler under the house, and there's at least a better chance of finding mice and/or vermin searching for food/water at the house.

7/11/11 Interaction

2011-07-12T08:23:00.002-05:00

I had good intentions. I got home from work, fed everyone early, warmed up leftovers for supper. Ate early. Washed up all the dishes, got my water jug ready. Then, like much of the afternoon, my tummy started to protest, and took my motivation with it. Bah humbug.

I decided to skip the ride. Looking back, I'm disappointed in myself that I didn't get a little motivated and at least longe Harley, but oh well, it's done. Instead, I grabbed four cookies, and wandered out to the pasture.

I got halfway to Harley, when he stopped grazing long enough to notice me. With a nicker, he walked right up to me. I walked to a clear part of the pasture, and stopped to find he'd followed me. Cookie flex left, cookie flex right. A little snuggling and rubbing. Harley stood still and enjoyed, licking & chewing in gratitude.

Romeo was still out in his pasture, so I had to navigate through the rosehedge and weeds to get to him. ooch ouch ooch! Cookie flex left, cookie flex right, a little praise. Harley nickered at me from his pasture.

Back under the fence to Harley, I rubbed on his withers, scratchie scratchie. He gently rubbed my waistline with his nose, then barely opened his mouth to nibble. I waved a hand at his nose sharply, and he very quickly backed a step away from me, lowered his head, licking & chewing. I explained, "Harley, let me scratch on you, but I'd prefer you not nibble-groom on me. Thanks, though, for wanting to love on me." I rubbed on him a little more, and found Romeo had come up to the fenceline, curious. "You want some too, Mo?"

I slid under the fence one last time, and tried to scratch on Mo. Quickly, he twisted his head towards me, as if to bite at me. I popped him in the nose, and he squirted away from me. Romeo turned to face me, arched his neck, and tucked his nose in. He hopped up a little bit in front, and tucked his nose again. Cute, he wants to play.

I took a step away from him, and he hopped up in front again, and trotted away a little bit, tail up. Uh oh. He *really* wants to play, and we can't play this game anymore. I acted 100% uninterested, and reached through the fence for the poop fork. I pointed it at him, now the end of the fork tines were about 3ft from his nose. Mo arched his neck, tucked his nose, and took off a little happy trot again. He really wanted me to play the game.

Darting into his stall, I pushed him out of it from outside the stall, using the handle end of the poop fork (again, no physical contact, just the mental pressure of it). Mo took off out of his stall, and came back around to the gate. Then I saw it.

He had this puzzled look in his eyes, completely confused as to why I wouldn't play the game. Harley came up to his side of the water trough, near the gate, pinned his ears at Romeo, pointed them up and happy at me, then pinned his ears again at Mo. hmmm...

Romeo stood almost out of reach, at the gate, facing me, worried eyes. I reached out, scratched his nose. He took one step towards the gate, but wouldn't let me scratch more than his forehead through the gate. Harley settled down, and took a good drink of water, then let out a huge heavy sigh, licking & chewing & slobbering water everywhere.

If I read it correctly, Romeo really wanted to play, and Harley saw the danger. Harley told Mo in no way did he want Mo playing with Momma, and he didn't think it was funny. Interesting. They share a fenceline, but I think I saw signs of a herd heirarchy beyond what I thought existed. Harley was protecting me, or at least I think he was. Cute...

And Mo really wanted to play "the game". It's going to be hard to explain to him "we can't play that game anymore, Mister Mo..."

07/10/11 Harley & Romeo

2011-07-11T07:15:00.000-05:00

Role Reverse! Sunday early morning, before the world woke up around my house, I saddled Harley up western (*gasp* I know, I'm a chicken that wanted the ohsh!t handle if I needed it), longed him only long enough to tighten the cinch, helmet clipped tight, and hopped on.

We didn't flex left-right, we didn't work on halts, I just sent him forward, down the road, away from home. He was awesome. A bird flapped out of the treeline, and he stopped to look. We walked down three houses, cut a U-turn, and headed back towards home. At the house, he hesitated, so I stuck a leg on him, and turned his mind towards the mailboxes.

We got through the treeline, just up to the overhead highpower e-line, and I stopped him. I wanted him to get a good look at the clearing, and at the neighbor's new swimming pool (that I remembered Romeo had a hard look at the first time he saw it). Harley glanced around, licking and chewing. Okay, then. Around the corner, and down the straight, mailboxes and paved road in sight. We got all the way to the plumber's house driveway, and he still had more "go" in him. I didn't push it. We stopped, let him have a good look 'round, and turned for home.

At the sharp corner, he stopped, and something rustled in the right-side treeline, just before the e-line. I dismounted, because I could feel Harley shaking with fear. He doesn't shake like that when he sees deer or hears deer, and I didn't need a train wreck on the dirt/gravel road. Then I heard it, a wild hog snorting, rustling through the brush. No sense in having that argument by getting back on, they're nasty monsters. I didn't know where the hog was heading, so we hand walked back to the house.

Total ride of about 40 minutes, including the hand walk. When he did startle at the hog, he didn't run off or do anything silly, but he did get scared. Cain't say I blame the little guy, I was a little startled too. Wild hogs are one of the only reasons I've considered carrying a .38 revolver on the dirt road and out on a trail. They're nasty, they can be aggressive, and sometimes hard to get away from.

Later in the evening, I hopped on Romeo in the bareback pad, jr cowhorse western bit, and headed to the arena. He was being a bit of a butthead walking to the arena, wandering around behind me, so I longed him a little in the long lead rope. Butt head. He quickly realized I wasn't in the mood for games when I picked up the longe whip. Little snot.

I hopped on. Rode walk and trot of varying lengths of stride all over the arena. Nearly 20 minutes. I was up there feeling a little proud at all we'd accomplished, and how quiet he was. FAIL! I stopped him to try & see what the neighbor's cows were doing in the distance. Without warning, and for some unknown reason, Romeo spooked, and hopped sideways about 4ft. I was so startled I didn't have time to think about falling. I wrapped both legs around him and grabbed a wad of mane. Stayed aboard, though. I looked around to see what happened, then asked him to walk on. A large grasshopper sprung from the weeds, making the chitter-chatter noise they do. Mo spooked again. That time, I stopped him hard and gave him a slap on the neck. "Okay, jerk! That's enough of that crap! Knock if off!"

For all that energy to spook at a grasshopper, it was ON! I took him down to the low circle, and we cantered circles for about ten minutes, a bit each way. Breathing hard, tired, and my legs crying for mercy, I quit. I asked him to walk and trot around the full arena, and he was more than ready to be done cantering in the evening sunshine.

Role Reversal! Harley was the quiet one, and Romeo was the nutcase. Those two.... *muttermutter* Boyz!
and yes, I had my helmet on riding Romeo bareback in his pad. doofus little fart

07/07 - 07/09

2011-07-09T19:17:00.002-05:00

07
Harley had a good longe. He longed quite a while before I hopped up there. Good solid work, neck stretcher the majority of it.
We focused on walk and trot, me not wanting to argue with him on his first "work hard day" back. Things went well, nothing spectacular.
Kept it short sweet and simple, since he was in his Myler combo bit. Things with the combo bit are going better. He still doesn't love it, but it's a nice refresher to have something different in his mouth / on his face. Keeps his mind fresh, and ultra observant.

08
Warmup on neck stretcher only. Things went well.
I hopped on, and we focused on some transitions, but when he got fussy throwing his head and flipping his nose around, I suspected boredom.
We did a BUNCH of serpentines, circles small and large, and on the straight lines I asked for some serious forward collected trot. Very nice results once I took him off the boring "dressage circle".
I asked for canter left on a circle. Correct lead! GO Harley!
I asked for canter right on the circle. More like a pleasure lope it was so slow, cadenced, and delightful. Way to Go Baby Boy!
I should've stopped right there. I really should have.
I asked for canter left. Wrong lead four requests in a row. Frustrated, I hopped off, and put him on the longe line. Asked with a kiss. Got the left lead first ask. Eh?
Rider needs help now instead of the horse. harumph!

09
Longe work was all transitions. No particular gait more than 3/4 of a circle without a change. I'm working on transitions riding, might as well work on them on the line too. Things went well on the line.
Under saddle, there's still work to be done. I don't know if he's confused by the neck stretcher vs. human hands, or I'm sending mixed signals. It seems the longer we do it, the fussier he gets, and the more he avoids the down transitions, just dragging through them hanging on me.
A solid hour of goodness, anyways. Didn't ask for canter riding. I've recently decided to try not doing it every single ride, so each one isn't ending in an argument if the left canter isn't what I'd like it to be.

This morning, early(!), Romeo and I went for a half hour saddled walk down the road. Made it halfway to second corner of the paved road. He startled Dinner-deer and her twins. Argh.. Dinner ran, Romeo just shuttered a little. Highlight of the ride? Leaving home, he was just scooting along, walking briskly down the road, head down relaxed. Suddenly, he tripped on a front hoof and about did a face plant in the roadway. I think I heard "Oops. guess I better look where I'm going" through the heavy sigh that followed. *laugh* Good going, Mo! Glad you did that today, and not the day we went bareback to the mailbox. :)

07/06/11

2011-07-07T07:23:00.005-05:00

We played with an exercise ball from the ground. Absolutely zero fear, and a tad bit of curiosity.

Then we did this ..

For those of you who say "eh, no big deal, you freak!" Let me remind you..
I've only had him since September
He did NOT get a warmup of any kind
He's not dead broke, but a bit past green broke. To call him 'Bomb proof', would be a huge lie.
There's no bit... and we had zero luck with brakes when I first got him without a bit.
He turned 90% of my legs that night
Yes yes I know.. no helmet. I didn't intend on riding, but he was so quiet with the ball.

We actually did work on a few things. In that halter set like it was, it was easy to work on turning off of leg cues. He did great.

A good day to feel successful, that all our hard work together IS getting me somewhere.

07/05/11 Sandals , Heels Down

2011-07-06T09:16:00.002-05:00

I lost track of time. Whoops. I was supposed to ride Romeo to the mailbox and beyond tonight. Darn it. It's 7:00pm, and I should be at R's house at 7:45 or so for supper. Shoot!

C'mon Romeo, let's go dude. I tossed the cribbing collar off, slid the bit in his mouth, clipped my helmet chin strap tight, and hopped on. Go Mo Go! We hopped off in the trot down the little dirt road. Very quickly, I realized my shoes were slipping off. Dummy! I'm still wearing my little sandals. If my toes are down, or legs relaxed, the sandals threaten to slide off. If I tuck my toes up, heels down, the sandals stay on.

3/4 of the way there, he got LookieLouie at something. Who knows what. I didn't have time to debate with him and risk splat. I slid off, and hand walked him to the mailbox. Grabbed the mail, slid it into the back of my waistband.

Back at the spook-spot, three doe deer and their four babies sprinted across the road and into the neighbor's pasture. OH! That was your problem, cool. Romeo's head came down, he eased and relaxed.

I looked at the little shallow ditch, and his back. I pushed him on the ground to the lowest spot, grabbed a wad of mane, and pulled myself up aboard. And we're off!

Back to the house, and at the trailer, I brushed quick, checked for rocks in his toes. I found one teeny pebble in the white line, but it wasn't even wedged in, just sitting there. The rest of his soles are shiny and rock solid. Sweet!

Pulled the bit out, offered him cookies, and with the reins serving as a makeshift leadrope around his neck, we walked back to the barn. I turned him out off the reins, put the collar back on, another two cookies and a little hug.

Good Job Romeo! All in 15 minutes or less, we sprinted off to the mailbox and back. Yay! Sandals are a good "heels down" teacher, if any of ya'll are looking for a quick way to learn.

SHhh! Can you hear it?

2011-07-06T09:12:00.002-05:00

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It's peace, and quiet... Dream with me, of an imaginary land where sheeple don't attack others at random, and imaginary boogeymen don't assume the worst in all the world... A land where horses don't have to be 100% perfect, world champions to reproduce. A land where kids can show freely and relaxed, where they can drop videos on youtube to share with gramma when they're just learning how to ride, without fear that someone at random will tell them how terrible they are.

Shhh... it's so quiet ... Don't wreck the karma, dude! :)