Say Florida Sandy, I’ve found, almost always throws a big dark bay. Good moving horses. Usually very born broke types. That probably has to do with Private Account, who seems to shine through even generations later. Source I was casually reading the forums today, when this peaked my interest. Say Florida Sandy was a New […]
Springtime Mare
I’ve had a fun few weeks with Berry. Springtime meant she had to go into season. But, before that happened, I was happily having a lesson on her and discovered my trailer ramp handles were broken. The trailer had to be fixed, so that meant I couldn’t go anywhere for a while. While that stunk, […]
Round Penning
I don’t normally round pen. In fact, I can say that I have never round penned any horse ever. I’ve watched round penning, and I’ve had friends who round penned, but I have never touched a round pen. (I’m feeling like an anti-drug campaign… don’t give into peer pressure and round pen, kids.) Except I […]
Flying Lead Changes: The Reckoning
It was time for another try at getting Berry’s lead changes. Super skilled rider hopped on her again for another attempt. I warmed up Berry and we started the lesson, working on lengthening the trot and the canter. Since lengthening the canter sometimes felt like galloping, this was quite fun! It also reminded me of […]
When Other People Think You Should Sell Your Horse
There have been a few times where I’ve felt doubt that I picked the right horse. I picked all my horses without a professional’s help, except for Berry. I did get some assistance when I bought Berry – she came from Pony Man’s current trainer. I went to see a different horse, and I told her […]
Handing Over the Reins
We were on what felt like the millionth exercise to teach Berry and I lead changes. We started going down the long side, circling, leg yelding back to the rail, and asking for the change. The leg yeld was easy. The change was not, and wouldn’t happen. I could sense Berry’s annoyance. I ended up […]
The First Show I Didn’t Spaz Out
I kept my head, and didn’t let my nervousness get to me. I call that a success! My trainer went up the night before with her horses/ponies/kids and everyone spent the night there. We helped the organizer set up the course, and I am impressed by her collection of jumps. I intended to get a […]
The Hill Work
This warm weather has been incredible, and inspired me to make the beautiful image above of trotting through a glorious meadow (just squint and use your imagination). Finally, I can emerge from my hovel, and get back to riding. Except that my poor Berry, who has been mostly idle for the duration of winter, is […]
March Conformation Pictures
Today is the month I start taking monthly conformation pictures of my horses. Next month will be the month I start taking monthly conformation pictures of my horses and my pony, as he is not here right now. I have never actively tried to take a conformation photo of any of them, and it proved […]
More Course Work, with a Grid-Oxer!
I had an amazing ride on Saturday. Berry was so perfect, she was like an old school horse. She is clearly better at this course/jumping business than I am, and I am so thankful she doesn’t take advantage of my floppy self. (although I’ve been promised lots of no stirrup work, so floppy will soon […]