October 28 2007

Went out today and rode around the arena and the pastures. Kittee joined me bareback/halter on a pregnant Shaiala. Dale came out and took some video and photos.

Not much to report. I miss the trails already. I haven't been riding them due to Sinwaan being a little ouchy on the gravel without his shoes. I need to figure out his boot situation.

October 27 2007

This morning I was able to go out for a quick ride. Kittee was out in the pasture with the horses when I got there and agreed to go with me on Nugget. The day was just beautiful, crisp, clear and bright. Both horses were now barefoot so we went back up to the pea field which had since been harrowed and replanted for a winter wheat crop. We had to stick to the end of the field but that worked out ok. On the way back there was a short climb and Nugget went powering up it and Sinwaan suddenly woke up and gave chase. They powered up that hill. As a rider it was a little bumpy but I grabbed his mane, stood in the stirrups and let him go. That was pretty fun.

I also tried on Sinwaan's new blanket today and it seems a little big but not as oversized as the last one. This new one is from Schneiders and not what I expected either, I thought it was supposed to have a belly band attachment and it just has the normal straps so I don't know what happened there. I am just so relieved to have one that pretty well fits that I think I will leave well enough alone.

Fed Ollokot a little grain and he is looking good, putting on some weight for winter.

October 21 2007

This morning I went out to fetch Sinwaan for a ride. I got there at 9:30 am and he was just finishing up his breakfast, so I brushed him whilst he chewed. Dale came out and got Misty ready and we tacked up and rode out together. We went up Cache Hollow a short way and then took the steep long climb up to the pea field. Sinwaan was a little tender on his bare feet on the gravel on the way there. I had not bothered to put on his boots today because I figured he would not need them in the dirt field. Ok, so I was lazy and I should have taken the time and learned how to use them but apparently that will be a real challenge for me this winter. I also hesitate to put them on his rear with the way he moves back there. If he clipped himself with shoes, he will have an even greater chance of interference with boots.

The ride was nice but I must say it was incredible WINDY up there on top of the bluff. We rode around for a good while, mostly at a walk but Sinwaan got in some trotting and even a short canter. He was feeling a little fresh today, I must say. I had on about four layers of clothing so I was not cold, and even got warm once we got down between the fields and out of the wind for a spell. Kittee had loaned me her gloves and I was sure glad to have them also.

When we got back I gave Sinwaan some grain and loved on him a bit. He is such a sweet horse, he sure seems to enjoy my company. I also gave Ollokot some grain. I headed home about noon.

October 15 2007

Today Sinwaan had his shoes pulled for winter. He exhibited some good growth. He looks to be a 0 all the way around for my easyboots so that means I get to try and trade one of my size 1s for another size 0. I also tried the new blanket on him and it looks a little large. I am hoping for good weather Friday and Sunday this coming weekend for some riding. It has been too long!

October 11 2007

Tonight I went out after work for a quick ride. Sinwaan came over quickly to greet me at the gate. After a light grooming I tacked up and we headed out. I noticed that my stirrups seemed a bit long but since I could reach them I decided to let it go as the sun was setting fast. We only made it up one mile tonight before we had to turn around to come back due to darkness setting in. On the way home Sinwaan wanted to GO GO GO but I held him back to a slow trot since I could not post very well in the longer stirrups. With the change in light he was a little jumpy also, eyeing things like bushes. We made good time and had enough light (almost) to get untacked. I fed him a carrot and grain and then he got to hang out and eat hay while I chatted with Dale and Kittee, it has been awhile since I saw them. I took my heavyweight blankets out to the barn tonight and my new (used) easyboots but didn't get a chance to try them on. Sinwaan needs his shoes pulled and feet trimmed first anyway I guess.

October 6 2007

Well this weekend I was out of town at a dog show but Lara was kind enough to come out and ride Sinwaan for me so he doesn't get too much vacation time this week. She reports that she rode about six miles in 1 1/2 hours and he did very well for her. I was thrilled to hear that. Thanks Lara!

In other news, I traded Dee's endurance bridle & breastcollar for five easyboots so now I need to learn how to use them. It is also about time to have Matt come out and pull Sinwaan's shoes for the season.