Thursday, October 4, 2007

Wasn't going to go to the barn but the day was beautiful. One worth fighting traffic for! We got there in time for the horses to come in to eat. J invited me in to watch Josie go to her tie stall. She went right to it this time. She catches on so fast.

Baby got new shoes today.



She stood for well for the farrier. It is kind of like being the proud mom of a kindergartner - knowing your child did well fills you with such pride. Our journey on the gravel was much better. I think she remembers which spots were uncomfortable and tends to go slower but I think that will fade away.

I wanted to ride in the pasture but with the biting asian bugs (look like ladybugs but bite like SOB's). I took her to the round pen first to warm up and establish the canter queues. That done I put the bridle on and took her to the lower outdoor arena. She is definitely feeling better or it's all the grain she is getting right now to put on weight. It took maybe three tries to mount from the block today. This is good as this is a different block, outside and has grass close by. Her trot was very fast and for a bit I had no brakes. I used the handy Clinton Anderson's (Downunder Horsemanship) one rein stop when she wouldn't pay any attention. Everything was of interest but not in a bad way. Kitty hunting in the grass was most interesting - she really wanted to check out what he was doing. We got company and she relaxed (actually we both did) a bit more. I hadn't ridden in that arena faster than a walk when she was barefoot. I was able to make our version of a circle and stop, walk and trot. I took her back to the round pen to canter. Sure enough yahooing at the trot commenced. I realized I just needed to give her the reins so she could do what she needed to canter. I only tried the left lead today. I want her not to be so ga ga about it. My plan of introducing her to the cirscingle is on schedule for this weekend.

She has the routine down pat. I tied her to the hitching post so I could let the pups go and get her gear off. A few minutes of standing there and we had Niagra Falls - thank goodness we weren't inside like the other night.

OMG! We have agility Saturday am staring at 9:00. I will need to practice with Wyatt on jumping and weave poles. The superstar he is that should do well enough. Makes you wonder how wonderful he would be if we practiced more and he had a better handler. It was rather nice having a break for a week. We are now in Intermediate Agility - WOW!

This weekend is bath time and pictures so I can get his form sent in.