Today Brian and I headed out for our (soon to be) traditional Wednesday afternoon at the barn. The weather was again perfect. I had an easy start to the day when I found Steen up by the waterer, so I didn’t even have to hike out to the pasture to get him. The boys were… Read more »
Brian
Steen the Teacher
Yesterday was our first Duke Day with Bear. It was also scheduled to be a bit of a potluck. We hung out with the other barn people and ate home-made cornbread and chili and enjoyed the beautiful day. I also hauled along our SLR instead of our usual point-and-shoot. Trims were uneventful. Steen was his… Read more »
Steen the Bad Influence
Today Brian and I headed to the barn. We hoped for a longer trail ride, but things didn’t quite go that way. The real problem was Steen. It was really windy and he was a bit antsy at first. As we headed down the strip, though, he relaxed and I thought he was going to… Read more »
One Day, Two Rides
Today I had a problem. Jean wanted to ride with me in the morning, and Brian wanted to ride with me in the afternoon. The only possible solution (much to Steen’s chagrin) was for me to ride twice. First I met Jean at the barn in the morning. We tacked up Steen and Schooley and… Read more »
A Trio for Three
Yesterday Brian and I headed for the barn again and pulled out boys from the pasture. Bear was his usual mellow self about being caught and brought indoors. We tied up in the aisle and had just a little bit of drama when he sniffed noses with a precocious filly. She ‘winked’ and squealed and… Read more »
Two for Two
We’ve had absolutely beautiful weather the last few days. This morning was no exception – cool, sunny, breezy. A perfect morning for a ride. Brian and I woke up and attended to the puppy we’re looking after for the weekend, then headed for the barn. We found Steen and Bear grazing happily (as usual) and… Read more »
Duo
Yesterday Brian and I headed to the barn in the afternoon. We arrived optimistically, with a bridle set up for Bear “just in case.” From up by the barn we can’t see the whole pasture, so we grabbed our two halters and headed out. We found Steen near the creek in the low part of… Read more »
Easter at the Barn
Today Brian and I logged some more good hours with Sham. Our main focus was emphasizing the concept that Sham needs to stay in his own space at all times, particularly when led. We started with groundwork outdoors, and at first were able to get some very calm leading and good yielding from him. Then… Read more »
Bits and Swirling Ropes
We’ve had lots of sun lately and some good long sessions at the barn. On Thursday Brian(!) caught Sham with little difficulty and we took him indoors. But Sham is still antsy inside and I took over with the handling again. We managed to groom him and tack him and then we went outside, where… Read more »
Farewell to Cal
Today Cal left our barn and embarked on the grand adventure of being possessed by a young girl who is utterly beside herself with the happiness of first time horse-ownership. We said good-bye today as her new owner held her lead-rope and asked about her favorite treats. I, for one, am happy that Cal is… Read more »