The weather has turned beautiful. Brian and I headed out today with the plan to warm up in the indoor arena and then transition to the outdoor. Except when we arrived there was a lesson going on in the indoor so we decided to just start outdoors after all. We groomed the boys outside and… Read more »
Outdoor Arena
A Spring in Our Step
Today was one of those very rare April days. It was sunny, in the low 70s, and the wind was just leisurely blowing out of the south. It was perfect for our first ride in the outdoor arena. Bear and I have ridden outside quite a bit, but we’ve never been in the outdoor arena. … 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 »
Pretending to be Robin
Yesterday afternoon I ventured to the barn on my own. It was almost 80 degrees and while still somewhat windy, it was nothing like the gale force winds of Monday. On the drive out I sipped on a cup of tea and tried to decide what my goals should be. Sham is continuing to improve,… Read more »
One Happy Family
Today Brian and I headed for the barn after I got off work. The days are staying lighter later and that has increased our barn-time flexibility a bit. We found our boys in the feed lot. Steen and Stella were still in their pens after receiving their dinner. Sham was at large and following Becca… Read more »
Less than One
As in, it took Robin less than one minute to halter Sham. He is back to feeling quite comfortable with us, and it is really starting to show. We took both Sham and Steen to the outdoor arena. It was the first time I’d set foot in it, and I believe the same was true… Read more »
My Sister and My Horse, Act II
My lovely little sister came out for a visit last week, almost exactly a year after her first time visiting us in Iowa. Last time she was here, Steen and I were still working out the particulars of our relationship. Since her initial visit, Steen and I have learned a lot about each other, though… Read more »
Firsts
When we woke up this morning, it was 30 degrees out, which is about what we’ve come to expect here this spring. So, I let things warm up as much as possible and was pleased to note that the sun was at least shining when I arrived at the barn. I went to get Steen… Read more »
A Week Off
It hasn’t been the greatest stretch as far as me getting to the barn goes. Last Wednesday Jesse and I went out again, but it was pouring down rain, Steen was really wet and really muddy, and the (new and scary) sound of the downpour on the aluminum roof of the indoor arena had him… Read more »