Today I went out about 6 pm as I had an appointment with a trainer, Travis Webster. Since the last two times I tried to load Sinwaan in a straight load trailer were unsuccessful (he would go in but back out too fast) I decided I needed some help. I had heard Travis charged by the hour and even brought his own 2 horse straight load to the property. We got right to it. Travis showed me how to use a dressage whip and tap the horse on the hip to teach forward motion and then use that to load them. Sinwaan did great. He was loading like a pro in no time. Then it was my turn to apply what Travis had showed me. I fumbled a little with the lead rope and whip and trying to hold it all and get him in but we did it and then once we had it down we did it trotting up and into the trailer as well. I am relieved to have that taken care of now. Well since that only took about 20 min Travis said we had time left and what else did I want to learn? He asked me about teaching a horse to sidle up to you to make mounting from a fence (or whatever) easier. That sounded interesting so I agreed. We took Sinwaan into the round pen and this time Travis showed me how to teach Sinwaan to sidestep over to me when asked by kissing at him, and then another tap on the hip with the whip. I was just blown away that it would be that easy to teach a horse to walk into a whip. By the end of our training session I was able to get him to throw his hip right over towards me and then sidestep over closer to where I was. I had a great experience and will definately use or reccommend Travis in the future.
After all that I was anxious to get out there and ride! I saddled up and noticed the time was 7:30 pm. Dale was not riding this evening as he is going out tomorrow morning instead. It was a bit of a challenge heading out between the road and the pasture as the water guns were all on down the fenceline and apparently Sinwaan had qualms about getting wet. WIth finesse and good timing we made it to the road crossing. We headed up Cache Hollow and noted two calves were out of the pasture again. We did a lot more trotting today and even had a truck come up from behind and pass us about 3/4 mi up. After the 1 mile mark and passing all the scary trash items we did some cantering and a lot more trotting. We made it up in record time. I would guess that all told we probably did about 3.8 mi today but I will have to take the truck up on Friday and find out for sure. We did some trotting coming down the mountain also, and for some reason I have noticed Sinwaan will be just fine (alert) going up the mountain, and coming down all sorts of things are out to get him and he is all over the road. One minute we are trotting in one lane and the next minute we are over in the other lane. But its not a big deal, he is at least pretty polite about his 'spooks.' We saw a lot of birds today, including a dead one in the road, and two bunny rabbits came out and hopped across the trail in front of us.
I do not know exactly what time we returned as I forgot to look, but I fed Sinwaan some grain and checked his feet and brushed his sweat marks, talked with Kittee a little bit and noticed I was in the truck heading home by 9 pm.
So I figure 3.8 mi in 1 hour. Not bad. At this rate I could probably do the 25 mi in 6 hrs, esp if it isn't all hills like what I am currently riding!
Sunday Dale and Kittee have plans to ride up to Tollgate, which is a 12.5 mi ride. They are talking about taking their truck/trailer up early that morning and then riding up, letting the horses rest and graze, and then trailering them back down. Sounds like a great way to start, I am looking forward to that.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
June 21 2007
Today I went out to the barn a little after 6 PM. I met some people who board a horse there who wanted to take a look at Ollokot. I was impressed with them and think they would be good for him if they choose to purchase him.
Dale was ready and patiently waiting for me today and I saddled up and we headed out about 7:30 PM. We decided to go up Cache Hollow Rd today since Sinwaan has his new shoes.
It was perfect weather, warm with just the right amount of nice breeze. The horses felt good and we did a lot of trotting up the hill. At the 1 mile point we kept going today and there were plenty of things for the horses to look sideways at. Dale's guess is that we probably went up about 2 miles today. Coming back we mainly walked. We saw two deer today, one heading up and another one when we were heading back down. Of course Sinwaan sees them before I do and stops and stares at them curiously. He had a few spooks today on the way home, nothing serious but it always gets my heartrate up a little. When we got back down to the bottom Sinwaan jumped again and now I could see three of the cows were loose this time. We pressed onward and the one calf climbed back through the fence even before we passed by.
What a wonderful way to end the week! We rode for "a whisky sour and a half" according to Dale, and he was right on exactly. At this rate it will take me 6 hr to go 16 mi. I think I could make much better time on a flat dirt trail vs this hilly gravel one we condition on.
Tomorrow we head out to San Diego for Matt's mom's wedding so I won't get the chance to ride again until probably Wednesday. Although on Wednesday I have a trainer coming out to give Sinwaan and I a lesson on how to load in a straight load. Should be fun, I am looking forward to learning some new things.
Dale was ready and patiently waiting for me today and I saddled up and we headed out about 7:30 PM. We decided to go up Cache Hollow Rd today since Sinwaan has his new shoes.
It was perfect weather, warm with just the right amount of nice breeze. The horses felt good and we did a lot of trotting up the hill. At the 1 mile point we kept going today and there were plenty of things for the horses to look sideways at. Dale's guess is that we probably went up about 2 miles today. Coming back we mainly walked. We saw two deer today, one heading up and another one when we were heading back down. Of course Sinwaan sees them before I do and stops and stares at them curiously. He had a few spooks today on the way home, nothing serious but it always gets my heartrate up a little. When we got back down to the bottom Sinwaan jumped again and now I could see three of the cows were loose this time. We pressed onward and the one calf climbed back through the fence even before we passed by.
What a wonderful way to end the week! We rode for "a whisky sour and a half" according to Dale, and he was right on exactly. At this rate it will take me 6 hr to go 16 mi. I think I could make much better time on a flat dirt trail vs this hilly gravel one we condition on.
Tomorrow we head out to San Diego for Matt's mom's wedding so I won't get the chance to ride again until probably Wednesday. Although on Wednesday I have a trainer coming out to give Sinwaan and I a lesson on how to load in a straight load. Should be fun, I am looking forward to learning some new things.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
New Shoes
Today Sinwaan got a new set of shoes courtesy of Matt Stephens. He put rims on the front and plates on the rear and will recheck again in 4 weeks to see how they are wearing. I plan to ride tomorrow back up Cache Hollow Rd and see how far we can get before we lose daylight.
Monday, June 18, 2007
June 18 2007
I went out to the barn today about 5:45 pm because when I got home from work Levi had just gone down for his nap and Matt expected him to sleep for a couple of hours. Plus, the weather today is supposed to be nicer than tomorrow. It was a gorgeous day. When I pulled up I saw a truck and trailer and someone working with a horse. I asked Kittee what was going on. She told me Travis the trainer was there to work on loading with Derby. I went ahead out and got Sinwaan (who was also watching the loading) and groomed and tacked him up. He had rolled in manure so had a nice green spot over his withers. YUK. We went out and rode in the arena for about an hour. Half of it was damp and I didn't want him to slip so when we cantered it was only in half of it. We did a lot of trotting also. I am holding up pretty well, even riding two days in a row.
When I was done with Sinwaan I left him tied to the hitching post at the barn and went down to talk with Travis. He charges $35/hr and just lives down the road so is available for lessons. I am thinking of having him come back out another time to help me with Sinwaan loading in a straight load.
I put Sinwaan back out to pasture with his fly mask and brought in Ollokot. He did well for me to groom and pick out his feet, and again after minor sidestepping stood still for his fly spray application. Progress! I decided to take him out to the round pen. Well once again this frusterated me because I don't know how to tell him what I want him to do. Eventually he went over and rolled and got my bright rainbow halter all dirty. If I have some extra time and money left I may have Travis show me how to work him.
I put a fly mask on him today as well and he handled that well after trying to eat it a few times. I also took Justice a carrot and put his fly mask on as well.
On the way out I got talking to Dale and we talked for quite awhile about all things horse. I got home about 8:45 pm.
When I was done with Sinwaan I left him tied to the hitching post at the barn and went down to talk with Travis. He charges $35/hr and just lives down the road so is available for lessons. I am thinking of having him come back out another time to help me with Sinwaan loading in a straight load.
I put Sinwaan back out to pasture with his fly mask and brought in Ollokot. He did well for me to groom and pick out his feet, and again after minor sidestepping stood still for his fly spray application. Progress! I decided to take him out to the round pen. Well once again this frusterated me because I don't know how to tell him what I want him to do. Eventually he went over and rolled and got my bright rainbow halter all dirty. If I have some extra time and money left I may have Travis show me how to work him.
I put a fly mask on him today as well and he handled that well after trying to eat it a few times. I also took Justice a carrot and put his fly mask on as well.
On the way out I got talking to Dale and we talked for quite awhile about all things horse. I got home about 8:45 pm.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
June 17 2007
Happy Fathers Day today! Matt and Levi and I went out to breakfast with gma KP and cousin Debbie. Then we came back to the house and changed into our horse attire while Matt, Levi and Matt's dad watched a F1 race on tv. Mom and Debbie and I headed out to the pasture about 11 am and thankfully it was not raining. Earlier in the morning it looked like it was threatening to spit upon us and while we were there it was really windy, but did not cause us any problems.
We got Sinwaan and Justice out of the pasture without any difficulty and groomed them and tacked up. I left Sinwaan in his halter and we led them both out to the arena. I helped mom mount up and Justice was better today about not walking off once she was on board. He was testing her constantly by stopping and trying to lower his head. I brought Sinwaan in and he tried to sidestep away from the mounting block a few times but finally Debbie was mounted up and I led her around at a walk so she could experience some riding time today as well. When she was done, I put the bridle on Sinwaan and rode him shortly but KP was getting a little frusterated with Justice so I traded her horses. Sinwaan was his usual lazy self (even with all the wind) and pulled a few stops on mother dear while I wrestled with Justice. I wish I knew better how to school him. I think if I could ride him more he would straighted up and be fine. I know he is good in crazy lighted night parades and he is pretty good on trail rides but the arena work sours him.
When mom was done riding we traded horses again and she stood and held Justice and gabbed with cousin Debbie and I rode Sinwaan around and did a lot of cantering today, it was exhilerating. Yesterday we had spent the day in Olympia with Matt's uncle Steve who is into training horses so I had been watching some horse training videos and one of the topics was getting your horse to change his lead while cantering. So I thought Sinwaan was on the wrong lead and I applied what I had seen in the video and I am not positive, but I think it worked. I will have to work more on that later. I did a lot of trotting as well, and some sidepassing and really enjoyed my ride today although it was over entirely too fast.
We walked the horses back to the barn and gave them their ration of grain and carrots and apples and put fly spray on them and turned them back out into the pasture. Then we got Ollokot out and brought him up to the barn. I groomed him quickly and brushed his mane and tail and picked out his feet. He anticipated and lifted the first fore hoof for me which was awesome, did great with his rear and then when I went to the other side he gave me a little trouble just by moving away but soon had that done and I am so relieved with how he has improved since the first few times I tried to pick out his feet. Then it was time to fly spray him. The wind worked in my favor today as the big water guns were on in the pastures and every so often the breeze would bring over some water droplets that felt a lot like the way I imagine the fly spray feels. So he was twirling around me to get away from it on the left side but once I went to his right side to spray he stood there and didn't move a muscle. What a good boy! He did so awesome. We gave him his grain and carrots and apples and took him back out to the pasture and that was the end.
Driving home mother got a phone call on her cell from Matt wondering where we were. I asked her the time and it was almost 2 pm. I could not believe how fast the time flew by today.
The weather was high 60s today and it was just gorgeous.
We got Sinwaan and Justice out of the pasture without any difficulty and groomed them and tacked up. I left Sinwaan in his halter and we led them both out to the arena. I helped mom mount up and Justice was better today about not walking off once she was on board. He was testing her constantly by stopping and trying to lower his head. I brought Sinwaan in and he tried to sidestep away from the mounting block a few times but finally Debbie was mounted up and I led her around at a walk so she could experience some riding time today as well. When she was done, I put the bridle on Sinwaan and rode him shortly but KP was getting a little frusterated with Justice so I traded her horses. Sinwaan was his usual lazy self (even with all the wind) and pulled a few stops on mother dear while I wrestled with Justice. I wish I knew better how to school him. I think if I could ride him more he would straighted up and be fine. I know he is good in crazy lighted night parades and he is pretty good on trail rides but the arena work sours him.
When mom was done riding we traded horses again and she stood and held Justice and gabbed with cousin Debbie and I rode Sinwaan around and did a lot of cantering today, it was exhilerating. Yesterday we had spent the day in Olympia with Matt's uncle Steve who is into training horses so I had been watching some horse training videos and one of the topics was getting your horse to change his lead while cantering. So I thought Sinwaan was on the wrong lead and I applied what I had seen in the video and I am not positive, but I think it worked. I will have to work more on that later. I did a lot of trotting as well, and some sidepassing and really enjoyed my ride today although it was over entirely too fast.
We walked the horses back to the barn and gave them their ration of grain and carrots and apples and put fly spray on them and turned them back out into the pasture. Then we got Ollokot out and brought him up to the barn. I groomed him quickly and brushed his mane and tail and picked out his feet. He anticipated and lifted the first fore hoof for me which was awesome, did great with his rear and then when I went to the other side he gave me a little trouble just by moving away but soon had that done and I am so relieved with how he has improved since the first few times I tried to pick out his feet. Then it was time to fly spray him. The wind worked in my favor today as the big water guns were on in the pastures and every so often the breeze would bring over some water droplets that felt a lot like the way I imagine the fly spray feels. So he was twirling around me to get away from it on the left side but once I went to his right side to spray he stood there and didn't move a muscle. What a good boy! He did so awesome. We gave him his grain and carrots and apples and took him back out to the pasture and that was the end.
Driving home mother got a phone call on her cell from Matt wondering where we were. I asked her the time and it was almost 2 pm. I could not believe how fast the time flew by today.
The weather was high 60s today and it was just gorgeous.
Friday, June 15, 2007
June 15 2007
I went out to see the horses today about 4 pm. If I have to miss watching Judge Judy on Friday afternoons, I can't think of a better way to spend it :)
It was feeling a bit warm about 2 pm but on the drive out to the barn the air was cool and there was a nice breeze. I had my jodphurs on and a tank top and didn't sweat too badly.
Sinwaan and Ollokot were hanging out at the gate when I arrived. Sinwaan was no trouble to halter and lead through. He and Ollokot seem to enjoy each others company.
I noticed some tack left out by the hitching post and after noting all the horses in the field assumed Dale and Kittee had already ridden for the day.
Since Sinwaan got a sore foot the last time I rode up the trail I had already decided to spend today in the arena. How boring. :)
Kittee came out while I was tacking up and said she had removed Sinwaans fly mask during one cloudy day so his face could have a rest and not get rubbed. She said he was really good for her and I was glad, and thanked her.
After tacking up, I led Sinwaan out through two empty pastures and then through the mares pasture to get to the arena. He went willing along and was feeling good. I locked ourselves in the arena and led him to the mounting block and he stood good as gold until I mounted up and asked him to WALK ON. He is such a good horse. I just love him to death, we are getting along so well. He is much different than Dee but I appreciate that, and him, for what he is.
We did some walking and trotting and I decided I was ready to ask for the canter today. I had a little trouble getting him to transition smoothly (he kind of powers himself into it) but once in the gait he was clean. I have found he is more responsive at a trot than at the walk (to my leg), it is easier to keep him moving when he is going a little faster.
He had a little spook today but again nothing major, just a little jump in place and then he is fine. No harm, no foul. I am starting to anticipate them.
We had a fine time today in the arena, doing our gaits and a little sidepassing again. A few woahs and standing still so I could get my water bottle out. He jumps when he hears the velcro but then all is well again. I ask him to back at least once also.
When I was done I got off, led him back through the arena gate and mare pasture and then once through that gate decided to try and get back on without the help of a mounting block. He is not THAT tall, but I have short legs. I found a low spot in the ground and walked him into that and told him to woah and he did just as I asked and stood and waited for me to hop aboard. That was not too much trouble and I was proud of myself :) hee hee
I rode him into an adjouning pasture and trotted from one end and back and then walked him through the final pasture, dismounted and called it a day. Untacked, groomed, gave him his grain and carrots. Applied flyspray and put on his fly mask.
When I turned him back out, Ollokot was at the gate so I intended to get him out and do the usual but I almost had the halter on him and then Sinwaan came back over and Ollokot got real nervous and I didn't want to take any chances getting smashed in between the gates so I just let him go and gave Sinwaan some more attention.
Then I went down to the other pasture where Justice had segregated himself and led him back up to the barn. I was feeling quite motivated today and decided to ride Justice too. After all, if mom is going to come out and ride Sunday I wanted to be sure he would behave. It has been awhile since he was ridden.
I switched bridles for him but I used the same saddle. He is a little fatter than Sinwaan. He pulled his usual tricks, stretching to try and eat weeds while I was grooming him. Well I did the same thing with him, walked him down to the arena and then led him to the mounting block.
It was NOT the same experience with Justice. He acted like the mounting block was a horse-eating monster. When he realized (quickly) that I was not going to give up and he better stand next to it he obliged but only long enough for me to put my foot on the top step and then he started walking away. Grrr. I made him back up back into position and tried again. This time I got on the top step and he swung his butt away. So I gave him a pop and made him walk clear around and line up again. I decided quickly that even if it was the only thing we did all day, he was going to stand there and stand still until I was on board and asked him to move. So it took a little while. Probably 10 attempts. Finally he stood and I hopped on, quickly, because by then he was walking away again. I got him stopped after about 8 steps and my right foot found the stirrup. Ok ready!
We did a lot of walking around because he was telling me he was not about to be obedient and I had to work hard for everything I got from him today. He wanted to walk on the inside of the arena, not the perimeter. When I would ask gently for a slight turn he would try and turn clear around. FINALLY I decided we could move up to a trot, as he has a very nice smooth trot that I enjoy. Well he transitioned well enough but then he started arching his neck and putting his head clear down and I was concerned that he would try to buck. The only thing that finally worked was to pull up with ONE rein and toggle them lightly, then his head would come up and he would try to walk. So I would push him back into a trot and he would go all kinds of directions and put his head down again. This horse knows all the tricks in the book, let me tell ya! It was pretty frusterating! He needs to be schooled! I came to the conclusion that if he acts like this on Sunday mom will be riding Sinwaan as he is better behaved!! THE IRONY!
I tried to ride Justice as long as I had ridden Sinwaan but since I don't actually have a watch it was my best guess. When I felt we finally had a good note, I dismounted and led him out of the arena, through the mare pasture and through the gate. I put him in the same low spot as I had Sinwaan but of course he wouldn't stand still. So we go through that again, this time it took considerably less time for him to stand still, I hopped on quickly and again he was off right away before I asked. We did the same pattern in the pasture as I had with Sinwaan, trot down and back one field and again he was trying to put his head down on me....geez....
Enough of that! I did my best to make him mind before ending our session. I untacked him and gave him grain and carrots, though he hardly deserved it today :-P I put flyspray on him and his flymask and no trouble there. Turned him out in the pasture and headed down the drive. I saw Dale so stopped and talked with him about 20 minutes then headed home.
Dispite everything I feel very good about today, very accomplished. Although now my back is starting to hurt and the husband wants to get up at 4 am to drive to Olympia for the day.
Signing out....
It was feeling a bit warm about 2 pm but on the drive out to the barn the air was cool and there was a nice breeze. I had my jodphurs on and a tank top and didn't sweat too badly.
Sinwaan and Ollokot were hanging out at the gate when I arrived. Sinwaan was no trouble to halter and lead through. He and Ollokot seem to enjoy each others company.
I noticed some tack left out by the hitching post and after noting all the horses in the field assumed Dale and Kittee had already ridden for the day.
Since Sinwaan got a sore foot the last time I rode up the trail I had already decided to spend today in the arena. How boring. :)
Kittee came out while I was tacking up and said she had removed Sinwaans fly mask during one cloudy day so his face could have a rest and not get rubbed. She said he was really good for her and I was glad, and thanked her.
After tacking up, I led Sinwaan out through two empty pastures and then through the mares pasture to get to the arena. He went willing along and was feeling good. I locked ourselves in the arena and led him to the mounting block and he stood good as gold until I mounted up and asked him to WALK ON. He is such a good horse. I just love him to death, we are getting along so well. He is much different than Dee but I appreciate that, and him, for what he is.
We did some walking and trotting and I decided I was ready to ask for the canter today. I had a little trouble getting him to transition smoothly (he kind of powers himself into it) but once in the gait he was clean. I have found he is more responsive at a trot than at the walk (to my leg), it is easier to keep him moving when he is going a little faster.
He had a little spook today but again nothing major, just a little jump in place and then he is fine. No harm, no foul. I am starting to anticipate them.
We had a fine time today in the arena, doing our gaits and a little sidepassing again. A few woahs and standing still so I could get my water bottle out. He jumps when he hears the velcro but then all is well again. I ask him to back at least once also.
When I was done I got off, led him back through the arena gate and mare pasture and then once through that gate decided to try and get back on without the help of a mounting block. He is not THAT tall, but I have short legs. I found a low spot in the ground and walked him into that and told him to woah and he did just as I asked and stood and waited for me to hop aboard. That was not too much trouble and I was proud of myself :) hee hee
I rode him into an adjouning pasture and trotted from one end and back and then walked him through the final pasture, dismounted and called it a day. Untacked, groomed, gave him his grain and carrots. Applied flyspray and put on his fly mask.
When I turned him back out, Ollokot was at the gate so I intended to get him out and do the usual but I almost had the halter on him and then Sinwaan came back over and Ollokot got real nervous and I didn't want to take any chances getting smashed in between the gates so I just let him go and gave Sinwaan some more attention.
Then I went down to the other pasture where Justice had segregated himself and led him back up to the barn. I was feeling quite motivated today and decided to ride Justice too. After all, if mom is going to come out and ride Sunday I wanted to be sure he would behave. It has been awhile since he was ridden.
I switched bridles for him but I used the same saddle. He is a little fatter than Sinwaan. He pulled his usual tricks, stretching to try and eat weeds while I was grooming him. Well I did the same thing with him, walked him down to the arena and then led him to the mounting block.
It was NOT the same experience with Justice. He acted like the mounting block was a horse-eating monster. When he realized (quickly) that I was not going to give up and he better stand next to it he obliged but only long enough for me to put my foot on the top step and then he started walking away. Grrr. I made him back up back into position and tried again. This time I got on the top step and he swung his butt away. So I gave him a pop and made him walk clear around and line up again. I decided quickly that even if it was the only thing we did all day, he was going to stand there and stand still until I was on board and asked him to move. So it took a little while. Probably 10 attempts. Finally he stood and I hopped on, quickly, because by then he was walking away again. I got him stopped after about 8 steps and my right foot found the stirrup. Ok ready!
We did a lot of walking around because he was telling me he was not about to be obedient and I had to work hard for everything I got from him today. He wanted to walk on the inside of the arena, not the perimeter. When I would ask gently for a slight turn he would try and turn clear around. FINALLY I decided we could move up to a trot, as he has a very nice smooth trot that I enjoy. Well he transitioned well enough but then he started arching his neck and putting his head clear down and I was concerned that he would try to buck. The only thing that finally worked was to pull up with ONE rein and toggle them lightly, then his head would come up and he would try to walk. So I would push him back into a trot and he would go all kinds of directions and put his head down again. This horse knows all the tricks in the book, let me tell ya! It was pretty frusterating! He needs to be schooled! I came to the conclusion that if he acts like this on Sunday mom will be riding Sinwaan as he is better behaved!! THE IRONY!
I tried to ride Justice as long as I had ridden Sinwaan but since I don't actually have a watch it was my best guess. When I felt we finally had a good note, I dismounted and led him out of the arena, through the mare pasture and through the gate. I put him in the same low spot as I had Sinwaan but of course he wouldn't stand still. So we go through that again, this time it took considerably less time for him to stand still, I hopped on quickly and again he was off right away before I asked. We did the same pattern in the pasture as I had with Sinwaan, trot down and back one field and again he was trying to put his head down on me....geez....
Enough of that! I did my best to make him mind before ending our session. I untacked him and gave him grain and carrots, though he hardly deserved it today :-P I put flyspray on him and his flymask and no trouble there. Turned him out in the pasture and headed down the drive. I saw Dale so stopped and talked with him about 20 minutes then headed home.
Dispite everything I feel very good about today, very accomplished. Although now my back is starting to hurt and the husband wants to get up at 4 am to drive to Olympia for the day.
Signing out....
Thursday, June 14, 2007
June 14 2007
Today the farrier returned my call and said he could come out to shoe Sinwaan for me on June 20th. I am discouraged that it is about a week away, and then he will be due for shoes again right before the Lakeview Ranch Ride. The timing could be better.
The plan is to go out and ride in the arena and pasture on Friday, then again Sunday. Maybe Sunday hit the trail again to see if we just had bad luck the other day.
The plan is to go out and ride in the arena and pasture on Friday, then again Sunday. Maybe Sunday hit the trail again to see if we just had bad luck the other day.
Monday, June 11, 2007
June 11 2007
I know I said I was going to ride Justice today but I changed my mind. Once Lara starts riding with me I will be riding Justice plenty so I wanted to spend today with Sinwaan.
Justice was right at the fence so I gave him his carrot.
I had called and left a message that I was on my way out. When I got there Kittee and Dale were already almost tacked up. They had the jump on me today!
I went out to catch Sinwaan and had no trouble with him but Ollokot was crowding and Sinwaan doesn't scare him off like Justice would. Ollokot got into the paddock and I had to take the halter off Sinwaan to get Ollokot back in the pasture where he belonged.
Grooming quickly, I took off my saddlebags and put on my single bottle holder instead. While I was tacking up, Kittee and Dale were warming up their horses in the pasture. Finally I was ready, got on, did some circles and backing in the pasture and told them I was ready when they were.
Off we went!
Again Dale had trouble getting Misty to cross the road. After dismouting she led across with ease. Mounting up again at the same spot as yesterday she gave him just as much trouble walking onward. She was really acting up and being barn sour. So Dale got off and Kittee traded him horses and got her moving up the hill, following Sinwaan. Once we got up a little ways they traded back and we didn't have trouble after that.
A few times Sinwaan hesitated, once he had to stop to poop - this is becoming typical behaviour. Once when we were stopped he was really stomping his rear and thrashing his tail which makes me think a bug was bothering him (I had put on flyspray before we left). This happened twice, the second time he stomped his foreleg hard. A few minutes into moving on, he felt off. I couldn't put my finger on it but something wasn't right with him. I told Kittee it felt like he was favoring a leg and she said he looked ok to her. A second later she did notice it and agreed with me, by then I was confident he was limping. Not obviously, but I have been riding him enough now to recognize when he isn't 100%. I got off him and checked both front feet and saw nothing. I walked him in hand a few steps and saw the head bob and the hesitation so I told them we were done, I would lead him home. He was favoring his left fore leg.
Back down the hill we walked, we must have been up about 1/2 mile today. The weather was so beautiful, it was perfect. I had taken the day off work due to a head cold so I was able to get to the barn early and was hoping for a nice long ride. It was not to be.
When I got Sinwaan back to the barn I untacked, groomed him and then got out my measuring tape and easycare paperwork. Time to measure him accurately for boots! It's either boots or shoes and I really don't want to go the shoe route if I can help it. I did find a small rock in his right hind but it didn't seem to be the cause for his trouble. I gave him his grain, put his flymask on and turned him back out in the pasture.
Ollokot was at the gate begging for goodies so I took him a carrot. I noticed Dale and Kittee had come back to the road crossing by then and were working Misty on going across the road. She seemed to be making good progress. Sinwaan saw them and trotted across the pasture to watch. I don't know what's going on with him. Perhaps it was riding two days in a row on the gravel is too much for him. I feel badly. I need to figure this out soon if we are to keep up with our conditioning program.
Justice was right at the fence so I gave him his carrot.
I had called and left a message that I was on my way out. When I got there Kittee and Dale were already almost tacked up. They had the jump on me today!
I went out to catch Sinwaan and had no trouble with him but Ollokot was crowding and Sinwaan doesn't scare him off like Justice would. Ollokot got into the paddock and I had to take the halter off Sinwaan to get Ollokot back in the pasture where he belonged.
Grooming quickly, I took off my saddlebags and put on my single bottle holder instead. While I was tacking up, Kittee and Dale were warming up their horses in the pasture. Finally I was ready, got on, did some circles and backing in the pasture and told them I was ready when they were.
Off we went!
Again Dale had trouble getting Misty to cross the road. After dismouting she led across with ease. Mounting up again at the same spot as yesterday she gave him just as much trouble walking onward. She was really acting up and being barn sour. So Dale got off and Kittee traded him horses and got her moving up the hill, following Sinwaan. Once we got up a little ways they traded back and we didn't have trouble after that.
A few times Sinwaan hesitated, once he had to stop to poop - this is becoming typical behaviour. Once when we were stopped he was really stomping his rear and thrashing his tail which makes me think a bug was bothering him (I had put on flyspray before we left). This happened twice, the second time he stomped his foreleg hard. A few minutes into moving on, he felt off. I couldn't put my finger on it but something wasn't right with him. I told Kittee it felt like he was favoring a leg and she said he looked ok to her. A second later she did notice it and agreed with me, by then I was confident he was limping. Not obviously, but I have been riding him enough now to recognize when he isn't 100%. I got off him and checked both front feet and saw nothing. I walked him in hand a few steps and saw the head bob and the hesitation so I told them we were done, I would lead him home. He was favoring his left fore leg.
Back down the hill we walked, we must have been up about 1/2 mile today. The weather was so beautiful, it was perfect. I had taken the day off work due to a head cold so I was able to get to the barn early and was hoping for a nice long ride. It was not to be.
When I got Sinwaan back to the barn I untacked, groomed him and then got out my measuring tape and easycare paperwork. Time to measure him accurately for boots! It's either boots or shoes and I really don't want to go the shoe route if I can help it. I did find a small rock in his right hind but it didn't seem to be the cause for his trouble. I gave him his grain, put his flymask on and turned him back out in the pasture.
Ollokot was at the gate begging for goodies so I took him a carrot. I noticed Dale and Kittee had come back to the road crossing by then and were working Misty on going across the road. She seemed to be making good progress. Sinwaan saw them and trotted across the pasture to watch. I don't know what's going on with him. Perhaps it was riding two days in a row on the gravel is too much for him. I feel badly. I need to figure this out soon if we are to keep up with our conditioning program.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
June 10 2007
Today I left home about 10:15 am to go out and ride. I stopped for gas on the way and to fill up the truck was $83! I was on empty, but geez!
Without going into as much detail as usual, I tacked up (put my saddlebags back on), mounted up and rode out through the pastures to the arena. There was a lot of rain yesterday, so even though mom KP was in town we didn't end up going out like we had planned. The ground was still pretty damp and slick but the horses were dry so easy to groom. The arena is a nice size and has a couple tons of sand. Sinwaan danced through the gate and really kept an eye on everything as there was a breeze and the arena is fenced off with ribbon tape that fluttered a little.
Yesterday I had started reading a book called Bombproof Your Horse by Rick Pelicano. There was a section in the beginning that asks you to do certain things with your horse and then rate their response to determine if you and your horse are a good team. One of these items was sidepassing. I faced Sinwaan into the fence and asked him to step over using the opposite leg. It took a little bit of asking but finally he understood what I wanted and was sidepassing with ease. So we worked on that every so often and did a little trotting, and twice I thought maybe I understood why Kim had used a running martingale with him as he had his head clear up in the air but we worked through that and after about 30 minutes Dale joined us in the arena. He rode with us 10 min or so and decided he was ready to hit the trail so off we went. Right after exiting the arena both horses went into a jog, they were feeling good. The weather was fantastic, overcast and cool with just enough of a breeze.
We rode down the driveway and along the front pasture and when we came to the section where we have to cross over the road Sinwaan walked right onward but Misty balked. I waited for them and decided it wasn't happening so I walked back over to try and encourage her to follow us and that didn't work so after about 15 minutes of fighting with his horse, Dale dismounted and led her across the road with no problem.
Well then Dale had to find a place to mount up as he has a hard time without a mounting block (So do I). We came to a knoll and he was able to sidle her up against it and after a few attempts, and her moving away, he finally was able to get back on.
I thought all was well and we could ride on up the hill. I got started and turned around to see Dale having the same trouble he did earlier, Misty was balking and going in circles and really misbehaving. He called out to me that it wasn't happening for him today, he thought maybe she was coming into season, he was taking her back home.
This disheartend me a little as I was really counting on a good conditioning ride today. As I rode back with him towards the road I thought why couldn't I ride on? Sinwaan had been good for me to this point, he seemed trustworthy enough, I wasn't afraid to ride him alone now. So I told Dale I would see him across the road and then I would turn around and head back up the mountain to the 1 mile point and then come back. Dale said ok, he would be in the arena.
Sinwaan hesitated a few times with me aiming him away from home again but was a good sport and we even did quite a bit of trotting this time. Once again he stopped and started peeing so once again I whistled.
I sang to him and I don't think he was crazy about that. LOL I was trying to warn the wildlife that we were coming. I didn't want any little animals jumping out in front of us.
We made it in good time to our turn-around point and headed back. Sinwaan had a couple moments today where he spooked but it is very nice as all he does is a spook-in-place. He plants his feet and doesn't really go anywhere so I have no trouble staying on when it happens. Gets my heartrate up a little though :)
I had a very nice ride with him today and I was inspired. That is always a nice feeling, to accomplish what you had planned for a ride.
I untacked him and he lowered his head for me to remove the bridle but when it was almost off he threw his head up and to my horror the chin strap was still caught on his lower lip and for a second I was afraid he would panic and get tangled but he didn't, he froze and I was able to get everything off. No harm done.
I brushed him, picked out his hooves and put on flyspray. Then I got out my measuring tape. I thought for sure I had my easycare form in my purse but I couldn't find it. I measured his hooves anyway. I am not very good with increments so a ballpark size is about 4 1/2" at the widest point. I am planning to order him some boots. Then I will have to ride with them and get that figured out, which I am reluctant to do, it seems like a hassle when he is doing so well barefoot but I need to know what I have will work in an emergency situation on a ride.
I gave him some grain for being so good and then I put a flymask on him and turned him out in the pasture.
Today is June 10th which means it is Ollokot's birthday! He turns three today so I decided it was high time for me to work with him a little again. I brought him in and he saw the port-a-potty and froze and blew out his nostrils. I let him stand for a minute and check it out and then he got over his nervousness and I led him through the gate right next to it and that was no big deal. Then I tapped on it and then banged on it with my hand, all the while he is watching me. Then I opened the door and the spring went uuuuuurrrrrrhhhhhheeeeeeee and what does Olllokot do? He pokes his head right in! Mr Curiosity! So I was pleased with that.
I gave him a good brushing, brushed his mane and tail, picked out his hooves (and he was very good for this btw) and then decided I would try the flyspray again. Last time he panicked when he was tied so I untied him and let him run circles around me as I misted him. He never did stop running around me but at least I got him all sprayed good this time. I gave him a carrot and some grain for his birthday and turned him back out in the pasture.
Lastly I walked out and gave Justice a carrot too. I might ride him tomorrow. Although sitting here typing this, my back is hurting so I will go and take a walk with the family and see how I feel tomorrow!
I got home a little after 2 pm. Was out longer than I planned and not as much trail riding as I had hoped, but I feel like we accomplished a lot today and I am pleased.
Without going into as much detail as usual, I tacked up (put my saddlebags back on), mounted up and rode out through the pastures to the arena. There was a lot of rain yesterday, so even though mom KP was in town we didn't end up going out like we had planned. The ground was still pretty damp and slick but the horses were dry so easy to groom. The arena is a nice size and has a couple tons of sand. Sinwaan danced through the gate and really kept an eye on everything as there was a breeze and the arena is fenced off with ribbon tape that fluttered a little.
Yesterday I had started reading a book called Bombproof Your Horse by Rick Pelicano. There was a section in the beginning that asks you to do certain things with your horse and then rate their response to determine if you and your horse are a good team. One of these items was sidepassing. I faced Sinwaan into the fence and asked him to step over using the opposite leg. It took a little bit of asking but finally he understood what I wanted and was sidepassing with ease. So we worked on that every so often and did a little trotting, and twice I thought maybe I understood why Kim had used a running martingale with him as he had his head clear up in the air but we worked through that and after about 30 minutes Dale joined us in the arena. He rode with us 10 min or so and decided he was ready to hit the trail so off we went. Right after exiting the arena both horses went into a jog, they were feeling good. The weather was fantastic, overcast and cool with just enough of a breeze.
We rode down the driveway and along the front pasture and when we came to the section where we have to cross over the road Sinwaan walked right onward but Misty balked. I waited for them and decided it wasn't happening so I walked back over to try and encourage her to follow us and that didn't work so after about 15 minutes of fighting with his horse, Dale dismounted and led her across the road with no problem.
Well then Dale had to find a place to mount up as he has a hard time without a mounting block (So do I). We came to a knoll and he was able to sidle her up against it and after a few attempts, and her moving away, he finally was able to get back on.
I thought all was well and we could ride on up the hill. I got started and turned around to see Dale having the same trouble he did earlier, Misty was balking and going in circles and really misbehaving. He called out to me that it wasn't happening for him today, he thought maybe she was coming into season, he was taking her back home.
This disheartend me a little as I was really counting on a good conditioning ride today. As I rode back with him towards the road I thought why couldn't I ride on? Sinwaan had been good for me to this point, he seemed trustworthy enough, I wasn't afraid to ride him alone now. So I told Dale I would see him across the road and then I would turn around and head back up the mountain to the 1 mile point and then come back. Dale said ok, he would be in the arena.
Sinwaan hesitated a few times with me aiming him away from home again but was a good sport and we even did quite a bit of trotting this time. Once again he stopped and started peeing so once again I whistled.
I sang to him and I don't think he was crazy about that. LOL I was trying to warn the wildlife that we were coming. I didn't want any little animals jumping out in front of us.
We made it in good time to our turn-around point and headed back. Sinwaan had a couple moments today where he spooked but it is very nice as all he does is a spook-in-place. He plants his feet and doesn't really go anywhere so I have no trouble staying on when it happens. Gets my heartrate up a little though :)
I had a very nice ride with him today and I was inspired. That is always a nice feeling, to accomplish what you had planned for a ride.
I untacked him and he lowered his head for me to remove the bridle but when it was almost off he threw his head up and to my horror the chin strap was still caught on his lower lip and for a second I was afraid he would panic and get tangled but he didn't, he froze and I was able to get everything off. No harm done.
I brushed him, picked out his hooves and put on flyspray. Then I got out my measuring tape. I thought for sure I had my easycare form in my purse but I couldn't find it. I measured his hooves anyway. I am not very good with increments so a ballpark size is about 4 1/2" at the widest point. I am planning to order him some boots. Then I will have to ride with them and get that figured out, which I am reluctant to do, it seems like a hassle when he is doing so well barefoot but I need to know what I have will work in an emergency situation on a ride.
I gave him some grain for being so good and then I put a flymask on him and turned him out in the pasture.
Today is June 10th which means it is Ollokot's birthday! He turns three today so I decided it was high time for me to work with him a little again. I brought him in and he saw the port-a-potty and froze and blew out his nostrils. I let him stand for a minute and check it out and then he got over his nervousness and I led him through the gate right next to it and that was no big deal. Then I tapped on it and then banged on it with my hand, all the while he is watching me. Then I opened the door and the spring went uuuuuurrrrrrhhhhhheeeeeeee and what does Olllokot do? He pokes his head right in! Mr Curiosity! So I was pleased with that.
I gave him a good brushing, brushed his mane and tail, picked out his hooves (and he was very good for this btw) and then decided I would try the flyspray again. Last time he panicked when he was tied so I untied him and let him run circles around me as I misted him. He never did stop running around me but at least I got him all sprayed good this time. I gave him a carrot and some grain for his birthday and turned him back out in the pasture.
Lastly I walked out and gave Justice a carrot too. I might ride him tomorrow. Although sitting here typing this, my back is hurting so I will go and take a walk with the family and see how I feel tomorrow!
I got home a little after 2 pm. Was out longer than I planned and not as much trail riding as I had hoped, but I feel like we accomplished a lot today and I am pleased.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
June 7 2007 Ride
Today I left the house about 6 pm and headed out to the barn.
I went out to catch Sinwaan and he stood for awhile observing my advancement towards him and then took off trotting. At least it was in the direction of the gate. He reached the "exit" and then waited for me to halter him and lead him out.
I noticed there was a port-a-potty by the barn today. It was good training for Sinwaan. I was sure to use it before we left. :)
I took my time grooming, trimmed his bridlepath with scissors and moseyed about. I removed my saddlepack for the ride today, as I anticipated it would be short and I had forgotten my water bottles anyway.
Dale had decided to ride Misty today, his paint mare. She is a nice mare, similar in size to Sinwaan. I was tacked up long before Dale so I walked Sinwaan down to the mounting block by the front gate. Dale had dug up a section next to the barn for a wash rack, so there was a new pile of dirt and rocks, with a cat rolling in the fresh earth. All kinds of new things to booger at today but Sinwaan didn't do too bad. Had to look at everything twice.
I mounted up and rode back to the barn. Realized my tank top might not be enough warmth once the sun hit the mountains so I asked Dale to hand me my zip up sweatshirt. Sinwaan eyeballed that too but stood still nicely for me to put it on. We walked the horses down to the front gate so Dale could mount up. He rode back to the barn for some reason and then Misty would not come back down the road to the gate. So he decided he needed to ride her in the pasture for a bit first. So I headed up there and joined him. I figure it never hurts to warm up.
After about 20 minutes of doing some circles and figure eights and walking about in the pasture Dale was ready to go. So we headed out. Sinwaan led the way so Misty would follow. That seemed to work pretty well.
Sinwaan was a little edgy about the pickup parked practically in the lilac bush, and who knows what else but he WALKED ON.
We crossed the road and headed up Cache Hollow.
At one point Sinwaan stopped and started peeing again so I took up the cue and whistled.
It was a lovely evening, just the right temperature with the sun shining. We did mostly a walk today. A little trotting uphill at one point but that was about it for any higher speeds. It worked out fine. A few times the horses (mostly Misty) balked and tried to turn around and go home but we pressed onward and before I knew it we were at the 1 mile point.
This was my goal for the day and the sun was quickly setting so we turned around to go home.
The rest of the ride was pretty uneventful except at one point we came across the cow pasture and calf was loose, on our side of the fence. He seemed a little panicked when he saw us coming towards him. Dale urged Misty on and got to the right point in the calfs safety zone to head him back the other way. He popped right back through the "gate" and galloped over to his momma who had been calling to him to git home!
Sinwaan had no trouble with the cows, but then he did spend quality time with Kims Dexters.
As we were coming in the drive, Dale stopped to talk to Kittee at the front pasture and I continued on down the drive. Suddenly there was a sound (who knows what, a goat banging against a feed bucket?) and Sinwaan jumped. It was quite a start! No harm done. Onward we walked to the hitchin' post.
I untacked, gave him his token carrots and grain, brushed him down (no sweat today, it was an easy & cool ride) and pulled out the weight tape for kicks. He looks to be about 950 lbs.
Turned him out in the pasture and he started grazing right away.
Then I gave Justice some grain (not that he needs it) and a pat and called it a day.
Another successful ride. Now to start adding more distance and then speed. I will go out again Saturday to ride with my mom.
I went out to catch Sinwaan and he stood for awhile observing my advancement towards him and then took off trotting. At least it was in the direction of the gate. He reached the "exit" and then waited for me to halter him and lead him out.
I noticed there was a port-a-potty by the barn today. It was good training for Sinwaan. I was sure to use it before we left. :)
I took my time grooming, trimmed his bridlepath with scissors and moseyed about. I removed my saddlepack for the ride today, as I anticipated it would be short and I had forgotten my water bottles anyway.
Dale had decided to ride Misty today, his paint mare. She is a nice mare, similar in size to Sinwaan. I was tacked up long before Dale so I walked Sinwaan down to the mounting block by the front gate. Dale had dug up a section next to the barn for a wash rack, so there was a new pile of dirt and rocks, with a cat rolling in the fresh earth. All kinds of new things to booger at today but Sinwaan didn't do too bad. Had to look at everything twice.
I mounted up and rode back to the barn. Realized my tank top might not be enough warmth once the sun hit the mountains so I asked Dale to hand me my zip up sweatshirt. Sinwaan eyeballed that too but stood still nicely for me to put it on. We walked the horses down to the front gate so Dale could mount up. He rode back to the barn for some reason and then Misty would not come back down the road to the gate. So he decided he needed to ride her in the pasture for a bit first. So I headed up there and joined him. I figure it never hurts to warm up.
After about 20 minutes of doing some circles and figure eights and walking about in the pasture Dale was ready to go. So we headed out. Sinwaan led the way so Misty would follow. That seemed to work pretty well.
Sinwaan was a little edgy about the pickup parked practically in the lilac bush, and who knows what else but he WALKED ON.
We crossed the road and headed up Cache Hollow.
At one point Sinwaan stopped and started peeing again so I took up the cue and whistled.
It was a lovely evening, just the right temperature with the sun shining. We did mostly a walk today. A little trotting uphill at one point but that was about it for any higher speeds. It worked out fine. A few times the horses (mostly Misty) balked and tried to turn around and go home but we pressed onward and before I knew it we were at the 1 mile point.
This was my goal for the day and the sun was quickly setting so we turned around to go home.
The rest of the ride was pretty uneventful except at one point we came across the cow pasture and calf was loose, on our side of the fence. He seemed a little panicked when he saw us coming towards him. Dale urged Misty on and got to the right point in the calfs safety zone to head him back the other way. He popped right back through the "gate" and galloped over to his momma who had been calling to him to git home!
Sinwaan had no trouble with the cows, but then he did spend quality time with Kims Dexters.
As we were coming in the drive, Dale stopped to talk to Kittee at the front pasture and I continued on down the drive. Suddenly there was a sound (who knows what, a goat banging against a feed bucket?) and Sinwaan jumped. It was quite a start! No harm done. Onward we walked to the hitchin' post.
I untacked, gave him his token carrots and grain, brushed him down (no sweat today, it was an easy & cool ride) and pulled out the weight tape for kicks. He looks to be about 950 lbs.
Turned him out in the pasture and he started grazing right away.
Then I gave Justice some grain (not that he needs it) and a pat and called it a day.
Another successful ride. Now to start adding more distance and then speed. I will go out again Saturday to ride with my mom.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
June 5 2007
Well it was a goal for me to ride today but we got a lot of rain all last night and this morning. Even though the sun came out I decided not to ride after hearing a report from Dale that it was very windy out on the farm. Plan B: ride on Thursday instead.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
First trail ride
This morning Levi woke me up about 6:30 am which was great timing. I was able to feed him, take the dogs out, eat some breakfast and get dressed without feeling rushed. I made it out to the barn by 8:00 AM
As I was walking to the barn Kittee asks me if I put on sunscreen. I had worn a tank top and my riding breeches. I said no, I don't own any sunscreen. So she had some in the barn and I lathered it on my arms. She thought I would bake if I did not use any.
I went out to the pasture to get Sinwaan and what does he do...? He takes one look at me and turns and walks quickly to the other end of the pasture. Hrump! So I walked out and got him, once he got to the other end he just stood there and stared at me as if to say "Well, here I am. Come get me." LOL
After I got the halter on him and was leading him in, I noticed Dale was having the same trouble with Derby, his palomino gelding. I said "how is it they know when we want to work them?" Dale said "Oh they always know, you can't hide anything from them."
I should note here that both Kittee and Dale ride palomino geldings, Kittees' is Nugget, her parade horse. He is a good horse.
So we got them tied to the hitching post(s) and groomed and saddled up. I was ready before the others so I took him into the round pen and mounted up using their mounting block in there. I rode back around and Dale told me I would need to ride around in the pasture for a little bit because he needed to round pen Derby.
Well at that moment I realized I had completely forgotten my pack with water and snack so I dismounted and then realized I should probably use the breastcollar today as we would be climbing a little. So I got that all added on and I can just see the look on Sinwaans face like "do you really need all this stuff? Its supposed to be 100 today" haha
Well after I got all that on I asked about another mounting block since I really am not that good at getting on without one (and Dale was in the round pen). Kittee told me there was one down by the gate (on the other side of the fence outside the round pen) so I walked Sinwaan down there and just as I came around the corner of the barn I saw Derby really explode! He was bucking like a bronc! Dale said "woah" and got him stopped and calmed down and told me he thought it was the saddlebags - although he has always ridden Derby with them, but for some reason this year Derby has been acting up with them.
It did not take but maybe another 15 minutes for Dale to decide Derby was ready and he mounted up and we hit the trail. I was relieved that Derby was acting mellow today, Kittee said he usually does really well with Nugget along.
We rode up the trail a mile to where we turned off the road last time I rode with them. This time the dirt trail was fenced off with a KEEP OUT sign. People had been taking their trash up there and dumping it so I think that is why it is not available to us now. A shame. We took a rest at this point because there was some shade. I pulled out their camera and Dale took some photos of Sinwaan and I.
One thing I noticed about Sinwaan was that he was being very lazy. He would stop every so often and test me. He had to stop to poop about three times. He would put his head down and investigate the old poop on the trail. He would give a feeble attempt at snatching leaves or weeds from the side of the trail. It is the complete opposite of my old mare (who never wanted to stop). Which was kind of nice for me today. He did not spook at anything. Once, he stopped and did some blowing so I waited to see what he was seeing and out popped a deer and bounded right up the side of the mountain. That was neat. We got lucky today and no pheasants decided to come out from under us.
Sometimes Sinwaan was at the rear, plodding along and other times he would pick up his walk and really step out and lead the way. He seemed happy to be at any place in the pack. We did a little trotting, but not much because it was a gravel road and I didn't know how his feet would do without boots or shoes.
There were a few times he had to take a second look at something that made him nervous but was no trouble for me at all. I felt completely relaxed on him. Probably because he was just walking and being lazy, but it was such a nice ride.
It was a climb all the way up the road. At one point there was a spot where we crossed off the road over into a field. There was some cover crop planted but none of us could identify it. There were some large smooth rocks in the field but it was better footing than the gravel road, at that point it became gravel and rocks and pretty tough footing. We rode though the field and kept climbing and it was stop and go, I had to really keep clucking and using my leg to keep Sinwaan going.
Hrump I am thinking, we will be lucky to complete an endurance ride on time if this is his speed. Ha!
At one point he stopped and spread his rear legs and it took me a minute to figure out he had to pee. So that is good he has no problem doing that with me aboard.
We rested on a knoll in the field and they said they would let me call it. Keep climbing, or go home. I decided it was getting pretty warm, the horses all seemed tired (or just lazy) they were starting to lather up a little, so we turned around to go home.
Well Derby is really barn sour so right away Dale was having to hold him back, but he seemed easier this time than last time. Sinwaan did a full body shake on me and I was thrust forward and lost my balance but didn't lose a stirrup or come off or anything. Then Nugget did a full body shake behind us and I heard some commotion so I turned around and KA-POW he did a rear and a buck and a short bolt and Kittee was like "WOW! He has NEVER done that before!" So the whole ride back she was
trying to figure that out, I guess she lost her deer whistle so she thinks when he shook it came out and hit him and startled him bad.
Headed for home Sinwaans whole attitude changed. He set off in this lovely extended walk all they way down the mountain. The palominos have a slow walk so every once in a while they would have to trot to catch up to us. That did not bother him at all, he did not change his pace or anything related to what they were doing. He is just COOL.
The breeze was hitting us then and we were going downhill and the horses felt fine.
I am guessing we went 2-3 miles up and the same trail back down. So it was a 4-5 mi ride and I don't have a watch (yet) but we probably rode about 2 hours.
It was GREAT.
I was so excited and nervous when I got up this morning, not knowing what to expect. And I imagine things may change once the weather cools down again. We had highs today about 100 but when we got back to the barn a little after 11 am the thermometer at the barn said 84. It didn't feel as bad as I had expected, but they are on a river out there and usually have a breeze.
We encountered a truck on the way up. The driver was very courteous, pulled over and turned it off, and got out and went to the bed of the truck to hold his dog and give him water. It seemed like a nice enough dog. Some Swissy mix or something.
There was one other truck but by then we were out in the field. Sinwaan didn't care about that.
He walked sideways once on me when we were pulling back into the front yard and I think he was overwhelmed by the vehicles, flowerbed with mister on, and some sacks of fertilizer or something over by the garden fence. All he does though is stop and stare and blow a little and then Nugget went on by and then he was fine again. I just tell him to WALK ON. He seems pretty sensible. We'll see if I continue with that opinion when he sees something he doesn't like when we are traveling at a faster rate of speed. :-)
After I untacked I brushed him down and noticed there was a visible sweat pattern. Directly under my innner thighs there was a spot with no sweat. It was even sweat over his spine, shoulders, the base of the saddle and the saddle flaps and girth areas.
Kittee came over with her horse boots and we tried them on him since I am curious about what size he will need with his one slight club foot. The club foot we tried first with a size 1 and it went on about 85%, so I think with a little more work that could fit. We tried the same shoe on his hind and it went on too easily and was visibly too big. So next time I will just have to take out a ruler with me and measure all his feet and compare that to the chart I have for boot sizes and go from there.
I gave him a little grain and some carrots.
I took him over to the watering trough (which was in a run-in shed) and he didn't really like being in there but he took a little lick of salt and a little drink of water and then spit half of it back out.
So then I took him over to the hose and sprayed him down a little and at first he was walking circles around me trying to get away from it but then he realized it wasn't going away so he stood still for me to hose him down. Then I scraped him off with my hand and he stood nice for that.
Then I took him out to the pasture and turned him loose and there was a watering trough there and he didn't want any, he went out a few yards and laid down and rolled and rolled. Then he just started grazing and that was that.
So that was my first trail ride. It went really well and mostly easy, aside from the coaxing him to move. LOL!!! I think maybe he is a little bit lazy but in time with riding and getting him conditioned he should have some more energy and hopefully will enjoy it more also.
Dale said he isn't working in Pendleton anymore so he will be available to ride with me weekday evenings when I go out Tues or Wed, he wants to condition Derby and also his paint mare so they can do a ride up to Tollgate in the fall. That is equivelent to a LD ride and from what I hear, a technical trail. Lots of rocks...I don't know if I will end up doing that with them or not.
Out here there is lots of places to ride from their ranch but most of it is UP hill and then you have to come DOWN the hill. I like flat riding better. But this will be good condition training land for us for sure.
Lara and I have decided our goal for our first LD ride is Sept 1 Lakeview Ranch Ride in Odessa, WA and it is 3 hours from home. We should be able to have them in shape by then. That is the closest endurance ride from our house. Another one we want to try is the Owyhee ride the end of September, that is about a 5 hour drive.
So we'll see how it goes! Lara's horse is 4 y/o Arab/Paint and is currently in training. She is coming along well but reportedly "hot." So she will be green and am counting on Sinwaan to be the brains of the operation. :-)
Friday, June 1, 2007
First ride on Sinwaan
Today I went out after work to see Sinwaan. It was the first time I was able to get out there since our vacation east. It was a HOT day today (I would guess 90), I had to turn on the a/c in the pickup on the drive over there. The heat worked in my favor, he was feeling a bit lazy.
I had to walk clear out to the far pasture to get him today (they had the geldings out there in pasture 3 and 4) and then lead him back through two empty pastures and the four goats. Now what I found really amusing is the one billy goat Oberhasli with horns (Hans) was out with the geldings and his little French Alpine sidekick (Andre). They followed us clear back to the main gate. When I got to the main gate the girl goat (Petunia) was laying down blocking it. I tried to cluck at her and use my leadrope to tap her to ask her to move and she would not budge. Then along comes Hans and WHAM slammed into her! She got up right quick then and I was able to open the gate and get Sinwaan out. I said thank you billy goat and gave him a carrot through the fence. He is kind of a fun goat.
First I took him to the round pen and did our usual...asking him for the walk and waiting for him to slow down and give it to me. It didn't take very long today.Once he got it he did awesome, we did some gait changes and a number of stops and he was very quick about stopping when I asked.
I took him back around the barn and tied him to the hitching post and groomed him and decided to tack him up. I brought out my saddle and he threw his head up a little when he saw it but I let him look it over and then he was cool. He seems so much bigger to me than Dee but his girth is about the same size, I had to cinch him up all the way on both ends so I think I will need a shorter girth here pretty soon. He stood very quiet for me and lowered his head and took the bit nicely and waited for me to get his forelock all arranged and I was quite impressed with his overall attitude.
I took him back to the round pen as there is a mounting block in the center. I got him next to it and put my foot in the stirrup and he swung his rear away so I told him WOAH and moved the mounting block and then he didn't move at all and I got on and sat there and asked him to walk on and he did. I decided I didn't like the running martingale so after a few laps around the round pen I dismounted and took them off. Then I mounted up again, this time he didn't move a hair and we rode on out of the round pen and into the neighboring (empty) pasture.
I am sure he was being lazy due to the heat and having already worked about 20 min in the round pen prior to me getting on, but he was so mellow and well behaved. We walked all over that pasture, doing circles, figure 8s, stopping, backing up. Then I was feeling ready for some trotting. So we did a little of that, the same, some circles, figure 8s, straight from one end to the other with a half circle at the end, trying to keep him thinking. We did some slow trotting and then some medium trotting but I had to really kiss at him and use my legs to keep him moving at that speed. I reckon that will change in cooler weather and once we are out on a real trail.
So...things went VERY well today, I am just elated. Even with just that little bit of posting I was starting to feel it in my thighs so we ended on a good note. I am planning on going back out for a trail ride Sunday morning about 8 am. Kittee was there when I got done, I talked to her a little and she says she can ride with me so that is the plan :)
Will keep you all updated as things progress. Hoping to make it to a LD ride in Sept. We'll see.....
I had to walk clear out to the far pasture to get him today (they had the geldings out there in pasture 3 and 4) and then lead him back through two empty pastures and the four goats. Now what I found really amusing is the one billy goat Oberhasli with horns (Hans) was out with the geldings and his little French Alpine sidekick (Andre). They followed us clear back to the main gate. When I got to the main gate the girl goat (Petunia) was laying down blocking it. I tried to cluck at her and use my leadrope to tap her to ask her to move and she would not budge. Then along comes Hans and WHAM slammed into her! She got up right quick then and I was able to open the gate and get Sinwaan out. I said thank you billy goat and gave him a carrot through the fence. He is kind of a fun goat.
First I took him to the round pen and did our usual...asking him for the walk and waiting for him to slow down and give it to me. It didn't take very long today.Once he got it he did awesome, we did some gait changes and a number of stops and he was very quick about stopping when I asked.
I took him back around the barn and tied him to the hitching post and groomed him and decided to tack him up. I brought out my saddle and he threw his head up a little when he saw it but I let him look it over and then he was cool. He seems so much bigger to me than Dee but his girth is about the same size, I had to cinch him up all the way on both ends so I think I will need a shorter girth here pretty soon. He stood very quiet for me and lowered his head and took the bit nicely and waited for me to get his forelock all arranged and I was quite impressed with his overall attitude.
I took him back to the round pen as there is a mounting block in the center. I got him next to it and put my foot in the stirrup and he swung his rear away so I told him WOAH and moved the mounting block and then he didn't move at all and I got on and sat there and asked him to walk on and he did. I decided I didn't like the running martingale so after a few laps around the round pen I dismounted and took them off. Then I mounted up again, this time he didn't move a hair and we rode on out of the round pen and into the neighboring (empty) pasture.
I am sure he was being lazy due to the heat and having already worked about 20 min in the round pen prior to me getting on, but he was so mellow and well behaved. We walked all over that pasture, doing circles, figure 8s, stopping, backing up. Then I was feeling ready for some trotting. So we did a little of that, the same, some circles, figure 8s, straight from one end to the other with a half circle at the end, trying to keep him thinking. We did some slow trotting and then some medium trotting but I had to really kiss at him and use my legs to keep him moving at that speed. I reckon that will change in cooler weather and once we are out on a real trail.
So...things went VERY well today, I am just elated. Even with just that little bit of posting I was starting to feel it in my thighs so we ended on a good note. I am planning on going back out for a trail ride Sunday morning about 8 am. Kittee was there when I got done, I talked to her a little and she says she can ride with me so that is the plan :)
Will keep you all updated as things progress. Hoping to make it to a LD ride in Sept. We'll see.....
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