It was a pretty, sunny day, but we also had 30+ mile an hour winds out of the northwest. So it was a cold wind. Warm sun and cold wind always make a strange combination. Robin had a lot of work to do this afternoon, so I had a rare solo-outing to the barn. Bear… Read more »
leg-yield
May I Have Your Attention, Please
I watched a video on being productive as a creative in my field last week, and it had some interesting commentary on the brain and how it works. The major problem with how people talk about ‘multi-tasking’ is the entire concept is a myth. What we’re really doing when we are on the phone with… Read more »
A Ride in the Trees
Wednesday was windy and a little cool. While tacking we noticed the stall horses were out in the big pasture, so access to the treed lot was clear of both equine obstacles and mud. We hadn’t ridden out there since last fall some time, and Brian and I both wanted to work on slow stuff,… Read more »
Riding a Wade
I’ve been wanting to try out Brian’s saddle for a while, and lately Steen’s saddle has been riding lower on his shoulders and leaving dry spots again. I’m increasingly convinced the fit is just not ideal. Brian’s saddle has a fairly narrow, high gullet that I have suspected would be a good fit for Steen.… Read more »
Out Enjoying the Weather
Looking out the window, you would never guess it’s only March. All last week our yard was carpeted in crocuses. The grass is up and growing like mad. This whole week was sunny and in the 60’s. Today we continued what we hope becomes our new Sunday tradition, which is to leave the barn behind.… Read more »
Too Much?
We were about 10 minutes into yesterday’s ride and I was wondering if I had been doing too much lately. It was only about a week and a half ago that I started riding quite consistently again. Those rides were on the easy and short side, and Bear seemed to respond well to them. Then… Read more »
Simple Lead Changes
We had such success with our work at the lope yesterday I was keen to get back to that exercise today. Steen was in a good mood from the start. I think he is more comfortable without his blanket on. It has warmed up here and I’ve been able to leave it off the last… Read more »
Continual Improvement
Things just keep getting better. Both with riding and with the weather. I know, it means we’re probably due for some backsliding pretty soon, but I’m not going to dwell on that. Today Robin and I waited just a little while before heading out to the barn so we could enjoy the peak heat of… Read more »
Refining the Lope
When I was a younger, more fearless rider, I loved loping in almost any circumstances. I didn’t care if the horse was borderline out of control. I didn’t mind if I knew I couldn’t do more than contribute nominally to where exactly we ended up running. Since getting Steen, my relationship with the lope has… Read more »
Hot and Bothered
With the lull we’ve had in our riding, I’m trying to maintain a pretty relaxed attitude as both Steen and I get back into the swing of things. Today it was in the 70’s, and the ground was mushy and the wind was blowing. I wanted to ride my horse but I didn’t want to… Read more »