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?