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.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
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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