Wugged

Robin

February 4, 2010

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

Learn More

Here it is. Finally. Steen in his wug:

Today I headed to the barn alone for the first time in quite a while. My leg is mending and I was itching to head out and see my buddy. I found him doing his usual thing and brought him indoors, trying my best to stay relaxed while I groomed him in hopes he would do the same.I came across an interesting tidbit in some horse-reading not too long ago. The author emphasized the importance of smiling at nervous horses, saying equines are smart enough to understand human expressions, and also smiling relaxes your own body. Given Steen's capacity for ...

Brian in Action!

Robin

February 2, 2010

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

Learn More

I am sure you will all be delighted to hear we have the next installment in our Not-Highly-Exciting video series. This one involves an indoor arena, my horse, and my husband.

It's pretty riveting. You can see for yourself:

Horsey Sunday

Robin

February 1, 2010

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

Learn More

Today Brian and I went out to the barn. It had been a very long time since he rode Steen. Since I still have stitches in my leg and Steen needed some exercise, we figured today was the perfect opportunity to get the two of them reacquainted. We found Steen still cozy in his wug, though I have still neglected to take a photo of him all dressed up. He was happy to see us, and we brought him inside and made sure to stay relaxed and happy, and make a big fuss over how pretty he is and how sweet he is (like he likes) and he stayed very relaxed through the grooming and tacking process. Then Brian hopped on and put in a solid 40 minute indoor ride with lots of walking and trotting. I was impressed with them both and looking forward to riding again myself. Read more

Snug in a Wug

Robin

January 28, 2010

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

Learn More

It's been an interesting little phase of horse-ownership for me. A couple months ago some nasty ice-storms rolled through the area, wreaking havoc on all the pasture horses. Brian and I were in Chicago at the time, and I spent a very unhappy few days worrying about Steen getting his coat all wet and then freezing. He made it through, as they always seem to, but one of my good barn buddies who boards her horse in the "feed lot" with Steen invested in a blanket, and my barn owner recommended I think about doing the same. Long story short, I explored the pros and cons of blanket ownership, assured myself we only have storms like that once or twice a winter, horses are better off when left in as natural a state as possible, and didn't buy one. Last week we got another ice storm. Steen got wet and started shivering. I found myself getting a ride to the barn with my friend Gay (since ...

The Fog Must Be Crazy

Robin

January 17, 2010

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

Learn More

Today the weather was warm (34) and foggy. Brian and I headed for the barn around 10:30 to meet Gay and take the horses out on the trail.

I had a feeling things with Steen weren't going to be great, but hoped the presence of his buddies, Cal and Doc, would get him through with minimal agitation. Things did not start well. Steen was an absolute basket-case while I was tacking him up, and I had to go through my old process of tying him for a while, then untying him, doing some circling and yielding exercises, then tying him again. After a lot of pretty deplorable behavior on Steen's part, we got the three of them outside. Steen calmed down almost as soon as we stepped out the doors. I don't know what has got him so upset about being in the barn right now, but I need to get to the bottom of it soon.

Outside things at first seemed to settle down. Steen stood w...

Expecting

Robin

January 17, 2010

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

Learn More

I had a somewhat frustrating day at the barn on Friday. I went out to do some ground-work with Steen, and the sound of the snow sliding off the roof of the indoor arena had him totally freaked out by the time I gave up and put him back in the pasture, so I'm not sure how effective the session was. However, today Brian and I went and checked out a potential candidate for our second equine family-member. He is located in Grinnell, and seems like a pretty neat horse. He belongs to a woman who has lots of other horses, mostly show-horses, and he's her steady go-to guy for kids and family friends, etc.. As a result, he's obviously gotten used to being a bit lazy and disregarding certain cues he'd rather not heed (mainly, walk forward). But, we stuck with it for a while and he seemed willing enough once persuaded he really did have to do what was asked of him. Read more

Still Frozen

Robin

January 15, 2010

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

Learn More

Well, I've been a lazy blogger. Let's see. Quick recap. It's been cold. I haven't been riding much. But, I have had a couple rides as well as a couple non-riding barn visits. I had another nice indoor bareback experience last week, and a couple of days ago I had a not-so-nice indoor, not bareback riding experience. I suppose I can't really blame Steen for being a pill, since he's had a lot of time to himself lately, but on Wednesday I went out for a ride in the morning and Steen was nervous, fidgety, and doing all of the things he usually does when he's uncomfortable or edgy. I tried to stay patient and calm but didn't really have enough time to work him through the nerves, as so often happens. I've decided everything about my life would be easier if I didn't have to work for a living. So I just need to secure sufficient funding for the next 70 years or so, and I'll be goo...

Frozen

Robin

January 3, 2010

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

Learn More

It's been really cold here. Like, highs below zero kind of cold. Last winter I discovered even riding indoors was really not pleasant below five degrees, so I've been lying a bit low since our return from our Christmas journey.

Today was no exception to the cold rule, but Brian and I took a trip out to the barn to check on the horses anyway. With Steen's tendency to lose weight at the slightest provocation, I'd been experiencing the nagging fear that I was going to arrive at the barn after my hiatus to find him skinny and forlorn in spite of all our best efforts. (Not that there aren't people checking on him multiple times a day. But I myself hadn't seen him in almost two weeks.)

So, it was a nice affirmation when we walked into the pasture to find Steen fluffy and perky. I ran my hands over his sides and had to poke around a bit to find his ribs under a ni...

Robin Rides (Steen)

Robin

December 24, 2009

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

Learn More

I am away from Iowa City now, for a week. And I will definitely miss my wonderful horse while I'm gone. However, before I left I did manage to video myself! riding! Steen!

Well, to be honest, it's not that exciting. We were mostly cruising with no steering on my part, walking and trotting, with some bending, flexing, backing and disengaging here and there. Steen was pretty good, although it is now out there for all the world to see... standing is not his strong point (but I love him anyway).

And I would like to offer my special thanks to my mother-in-law for the soundtrack suggestion. :)