It has not been the nicest spring, and while today only graced us with highs in the 30s, the sun was out and there was no wind. We bundled up, but shortly after getting to the barn realized we’d be able to tack up outside. The herd was feeling a bit frisky, and when we… Read more »
hackamore
Needles and Flags
Last night we got an email saying the vet would be at our barn in the morning for anyone who needed vaccinations and teeth. Our guys had their teeth done in the fall, but we needed shots. We had to cram the barn in between two other things, but it was good to get out… Read more »
Into Pressure?
Everything you learn about horses involves applying pressure in varying amounts in order to get a response. And it works extremely well. That is until you get a horse who seeks the pressure. This is an issue we’ve had with Laredo since we got him. It does not come up all the time, and it… Read more »
The Mid-Week Rides
The weather is slowly improving and so is our motivation. So this week we got out to the barn on two afternoons. On Wednesday I rode Bear. He continues to come in feeling good and loose. The blanket has definitely been a smart choice with all the cold and damp weather we’ve had lately. I… Read more »
Birthday Chinks
In addition to a gorgeous mecate and a few other gifts, Robin also got me a pair of custom chinks for my birthday. It took a few months for them to get made, but the wait was worth it. We got them from LW Leather, and they are extremely well made and comfortable. I was… Read more »
Cruisin on Laredo
We had our best ride together since sometime early in the fall. After that I wasn’t riding him a lot due to Steen’s injury. Then we had our couple of run-away moments just before the holidays (apparently I didn’t blog about the second one). They were excellent learning experiences, but they definitely set my Laredo… Read more »
Getting Out Early
When we went to bed Saturday night, we knew there was a good chance Sunday would be not so nice. So I decided to just get up the next morning, have my coffee and breakfast, and then go to the barn. No matter what. It was a good thing I made that decision, because otherwise… Read more »
Stronger and Faster
I rode Laredo in the hackamore again today. I swapped out my mecate, though. I rode him in the one I usually leave on my snaffle set-up. The rope just looks so good with Laredo, I can’t resist riding him with it. (Yes, I can be that superficial about tack. :)) We had another great… Read more »
Some Catching Up
Trips to the barn have become more consistent, though the weekly volume is still not high. We have been very consistent at trading off our Laredo rides. This has gone a long way to getting him back into work and feeling good moving around in the indoor arena. I have also been making sure I… Read more »
Finally, a Trim
Today the farrier was out, and our guys had enough toe to warrant a trim for the first time in over three months. We got to the barn early so we could ride first and get the guys settled… a plan which may have backfired in the long run. I started out on Laredo, and… Read more »