Meryl stayed one week and in that time she helped me make a lot of progress with Steen. Yesterday I went out alone for the first time in many days and we had a very mellow, enjoyable ride. He is getting friendlier, and quirkier with the little things he does when I’m not riding him.… Read more »
Horse Thoughts
Forward Motion
Well, it has been quite the week for Steen. For one thing, he officially turned eight yesterday. For another, it appears his bucking days are over. It has been very handy having Meryl here at this juncture. She’s had something I’ve lacked for the last six years – her own horse. And not just any… Read more »
Ups and Downs
Unfortunately, the post title is not figurative. The ups refer to various parts of Steen’s body and the downs refer to me. The end of the ups and downs found me, literally, at the lowest possible point of horse ownership. It started with a Sunday afternoon. Working with Steen is always more of a task… Read more »
Live Action
Today Steen and I had a great session, but before riding, I turned him out in the outdoor arena and took a little video. Sometimes he and Mini (the little dog) act out some amusing shenanigans, but this video just shows him inspecting a barrel and trotting a little.
More Photos
A couple more shots. This one is of the whole herd out in their pasture. Steen is on the left with his head towards the fence. Here’s Steen sporting his rope halter.
Grounded
Today I decided not to ride, but to take Steen to the outdoor arena and do some of the ground-work exercises I had so much success with before in the indoor arena. I think we had a very productive session. Although he started out agitated just like yesterday, after a while he achieved at least… Read more »
Changes, Small and Large
Yesterday I fetched Steen from the new pasture. He seemed very happy and relaxed when I walked up, not grazing, just standing there in knee-high grass. He didn’t make any fuss about following me in. I have figured out in the last week or so that part of his occasional balkiness had to do with… Read more »
The Evening Scene
Yesterday I had a very busy day. I left home around 6:30 to cover the morning feed at the stable where I work, which I’d never done before so it was slow and included several moments of irritation. Then I returned to the house, changed quickly and left again to work at the gallery until… Read more »
Three
Today Brian came with to the stable to hang out with Steen some more. He practiced leading Steen around the arena at both the walk and trot. They both did quite well, and it was very fun to get to stand back and watch Steen move. He’s just so pretty. Well, let’s be honest, they… Read more »
A Lope
The weather forecast predicted rain in the afternoon, so I headed for the stable this morning. Naturally, it started raining when I was about a quarter of a mile away. Luckily, this doesn’t matter since I can do everything I need to do inside, including riding, though I really hope to start using the outdoor… Read more »