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.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
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.
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