We managed to get up quite early and head out to the barn before the heat today. It was a little sticky when we left, but thankfully a breeze picked up and helped dry the day out a little. We were also happy to have none of the last ride’s pasture shenanigans. Of course it… Read more »
backing
High Hopes
After Brian’s great ride on Laredo on Tuesday, I was keen to try him out Thursday. Unfortunately, I had an irritating work week, and while I wasn’t aware of being tired or short-tempered when we left for the barn, I was probably both of those things. Then there were a few things that did nothing to help… Read more »
Quick Study
Today it took about three minutes to catch Laredo. It’s getting to the point that it’s really not an issue. He walked away from me for a moment, then turned and stepped towards me and stopped. I walked up to him and started stroking his nose with the halter. He backed up for a little… Read more »
Warning: Horse Will Make You Ride
I couldn’t think of a title for this post, so I found an online generator to do the job. It was a little damp and chilly today and we were tired. It’s so easy not to go to the barn after a long week at work. But we rallied and headed out. We tromped out… Read more »
Good Booties
I had two things on my mind as I started my ride today. One, I wanted to lope enough to see how Steen’s new booties affect his ability to relax at that gait. Two, I wanted to keep my booty in the saddle — no bouncing at the lope. Not even a little. I’ve been… Read more »
The Horse I Have Today
It is easy to go into a ride with expectations. On the way out to the barn Brian and I were talking about some of the ideas he’s reviewing while rereading True Horsemanship Through Feel by Bill Dorrance. He mentioned how Bill likes to talk about making things into games by setting up little challenges, like can… Read more »
Finding the Haunch
I’ve ridden three times since my last post, and each ride has been a bit better than the one before. I’ve been thinking a lot about precision, and keeping Steen in that delicate place where he is relaxed but still energetic. I’ve also continued to try to emphasize exercises that force Steen to engage his… Read more »
Back to Stiff
Since we had all our riding gear with us, we decided to swing by the barn on our way into town. It was a warm afternoon and no one was there. The guys were both sleeping in the pasture, so I don’t think they were thrilled when we pulled them out to work. We rode… Read more »
Focused on Soft
Today was the last Duke Day of the year, which means we have a little potluck and hang out while the horses get their feet trimmed. Brian and I like to ride before trims when at all possible, and it was a beautiful day– warmer than I’ve ever seen December in Iowa. We rode on… Read more »
Title Generator?
I need one. Titles seem to be the most difficult thing for me. Even when I have bad rides, it is harder to come up with a title than anything else. Today was a great day. The barn was super crowded because Duke was there to trim feet and we were having a little end… Read more »