More Ground Work & Lips Runs Free

60 minutes - Ground work - Rhulain

Rhulain and I did more flag work until it didn't seem to bother. Then we worked on lunging and stopping on command. A few more bending and flexing sessions, then back to lunging.  Good session and I like where we are heading.

Bill let Lips out so she could wander the yard while he relocated her pen.  She followed me around, head-butted trees, checked out the tack shed, and generally was an adorable nuisance.  Her new pen is closer to the mare motel so she can have company.  The yard will be leveled and construction on the turn out and the goat pen will start next week.

Playing in the Dunes

62 minutes - 2.50 miles - Rhulain & the Kid

The kid and I took a three mile hike in the morning.  We climbed sand dunes and selected paths at whims. We scampered down inclines that were too steep or narrow for me to take a horse safely.  It was fun!

 So much fun, that we decided to go out in the afternoon for another few miles.  Only this time we took Rhulain.  She did well for most of the walk ... only one little spook that was easily managed.  

Had a great time with both of my "kids"! 

Hoof Trim Day & Maj Misbehaves

43 minutes - 1.38 miles - Majesty

 This morning was hoof trim day. Wasabi spent her time licking the hoof stand, Sundance fell asleep, Morgan worried, Majesty took a kick at the farrier, and Rhulain kept rubbing her nose on my sleeve.  I love getting to spend time with them doing nothing but snuggling ... great way to start the day!

I took Majesty out for a ride since it was windy in the afternoon.  He was a toad.  He threw a kick when I wouldn't let him have his way.  Interesting.  On the way home, he kept rushing so I made him circle until he slowed down.  At one point, he got cranky and threw little crow hops.  I smiled and put him on larger circles.

Ground Work, Petal Pattern

87 minutes - 0.75 miles - Rhulain (40 min ground, 20 min tack/untack, 27 min walk/ride)

 I was thinking about Rhulain's back legs issue and decided to go back to square one.  Started with touching her all over with the lead rope, a riding crop, and finally the flag.  She looked like she was praying the flag would go away, but then resignedly reached out and touched it. We worked all over until she stopped flinching when it touched her legs.

Picture from Jonathan Field Horsemanship
https://jonathanfieldhorsemanship.net/ 

 Then we took a break and spent extra time grooming before saddling.  We worked in the yard doing a "petal" pattern which focused on setting back on her haunches for a nice, tight 360 degree turn before going back out.  She did really well on the right turns, less well on the left turns, but she was balanced throughout.

Then she got to blow off steam by selecting the direction and pace in the far side of the yard.  I was completely passive and curious to see what she chose to do with the freedom.  She stopped and drank out of the dog's water a few times and seemed to have a good time.

We unsaddled and just stood for a few minutes.  When I lead her to the stall, she stopped outside the gate.  She didn't want to go in ... which to me meant she had a good time.  So did I Rhu!

Wasabi Needs Work

34 minutes - 0.97 miles - Wasabi

Took Wasabi for a walk this morning. She has started rearing when she doesn't want to do something, so we spend more time circling than walking forward. Little snot.  She was contrite and soft eyed after 20 minutes, but still tried to push past me on the way home. Sigh.

On a good note, Rhu was happy to see me when I got back :)

Rhulain Hates Soccer Balls. Morgan is Serenity.

60 minutes - 0.39 miles - Rhulain (groundwork)
33 minutes - 1.67 miles - Morgan

Worked with Rhulain and the ball.  She's still having trouble with it rolling towards or under her legs.  Tried working for 20 minutes in the stall, but we weren't getting anywhere.

I wish I had a round pen, but we made it work with a lead rope and open desert.  I walked ahead of her kicking the ball. As long as it was stopped or in front of her, she was wary but fine.  We'll need more work for her to be safe riding again.

Still enough light left to catch a ride, so I asked Morgan if she'd like to leave the property for a while.  We ambled about for a half hour just enjoying the solitude.  I'm so, so grateful for Morgie ... this was the ride I desperately needed.

Goatly Kisses

Because what's a morning without kisses from your favorite goat?

Sweat and Tears - All the Joys of Horsemanship

30 minutes ground work
36 minutes - 1.15 miles - Rhulain
15 minutes - 0.41 miles - Morgan

 Since Rhu had an issue with the branch touching her leg last night, I decided to work with her legs today. I rolled a ball in her stall over and over until she seemed to accept that it wasn't going to eat her.  After 30 minutes she let me touch her all over with the ball and kick it right to her while she stood still.  She was drenched in sweat, but finally calm.

I let her rest for a bit before saddling her up. We rode around the yard, then out the gate to step over brush and trash, then back to the yard for a lap ... rinse and repeat the pattern. She got a good grooming since she was still drenched, lots of praise, but no snacks.

About an hour later, I saddled up Morgan for the kid and worked on releasing the "reins" when stopping.  We worked on sitting the trot, and he got a bit ahead of me ... then the doberman got excited and snapped at Morgie's butt ... she took off running.  

I caught up with them a minute later, and found him in the saddle crying.  I asked him why there were tears and he said he was afraid of falling.  I told him tears were allowed only after falling!  Then we talked about why she ran off, how well she took care of him, and praised him for staying in the saddle without grabbing on to the horn.  Not a bad lesson.

Walking In The Dark

21 minutes - 0.63 miles - Rhulain

I miss Rhu.  So much so, that even though it was pitch black, I asked her to go for a walk with me.  I promised to stay in the yard and she seemed amiable.  She scooted ahead of me as we went through some trees. I saw the branch on the ground.  It must have touched her legs and spooked her a bit.  We'll need to work on that!  She stopped and asked Bill for snuggles at the half way point, and he obliged. Funny girl.

Morgie & Sundance Ride Again

19 minutes - 0.50 miles - Morgan & Kid, Sundance

The kid and I did chores all day.  All.Damn.Day. Finally, we able to squeeze in a ride.  I saddled Morgan and left the kid in charge while I put on Sundance's headstall.  They did pretty well together, though he forgets to release when stopping. When reminded, he immediately drops the reins. Fortunately, Morgan's a patient girl.  We both start horse riding lessons in January ... can't wait!

Day Light Savings Time Ride

60 minutes - 2.5 miles - Rhulain

Since we had an extra hour of daylight, I figured the best way to spend it was with Rhulain.  We walked beside each other for the first half mile, and she looked like she was sleepwalking, despite the wind kicking up.

Then I hopped in the saddle and her anxiety kicked in ... head came up, nostril's flaring, and heavy breathing.  So, I asked her to stop and we just stood until her breathing slowed and matched mine.  Then we walked on again.  Every time she started to trot, we either circled around bushes or trotted in the opposite direction until she settled into a walk.  I almost got frustrated and then I realized we needed to have a not so good ride so we can get to the great rides.

On the way home, she was absolutely wonderful.  Trotted when asked, opened and shut the gate like a pro, and stood perfectly still while I untacked and groomed.  Love this horse.

Only issue ... couldn't get the dang saddle straight.  It slid to the left; I got off and adjusted. It slid to the right and I tried to adjust from her back, but couldn't get it straight.  I gave up and rode with it shifted the whole time. Grrrr.