Horse Heaven

This weekend was one of the best ones in a long time.  We had fun last weekend camping, but this weekend was so relaxed and we got to spend it with our favorite 4 legged companions.  Mark Noel has introduced the bit to Abby, and like all things, she took it in stride.  He took her out in pastures to cut cows, and though she has NO cow sense, she didn't spook at them.  That's perfect in my book.  I don't want a cow horse.  I want a great trail horse.  And I think I've got her!

 Mark is very soft with his hands, not pulling in her mouth, and she responds so well to his gentle training.  She's very responsive and compliant.  She has some fire in her belly, and that's good.  I don't want a horse that's so laid back as they're boring.  I can't wait to ride her.  I could have on Sat, but I wasn't in the right attire (ahem--sundress and flip flops). 

 She picks up the lope and I could tell she was enjoying herself. 

 Look at that alert headset.  Just waiting for Mark's next cue.  That is the look of a happy horse!

After we visited Abby, we went to a yard sale down the road.  I bought a nice Hereford Yoakum western saddle for Shannon for a steal and a hay bag for future horse trips. 

 Our next trip trail riding was Sunday.  We met up with Kay and Joe (I did the endurance race with them 2 years ago) at Horse Heaven about 30 minutes from our little farm.  Shannon decided he wanted to come along.  He's never formally ridden on a ride, other than riding Anna bareback in the pasture with a halter and lead rope.  Kay brought Hank the Wonder Horse for Shannon.  They got along great.  Although Shannon said he felt sorry for Hank during the ride, because he had to put up with Shannon shifting his saddle and learning to ride a trot and canter on him.  I'm sure Hank didn't mind too badly. 

 Iney saw her buddies and wanted to be near them.  She was very anxious to go, and I had to really hold her back the first hour or so. 

 Midway through the ride, I took the camera from Shannon and tried taking pics while riding.  I'll apologize in advance for the blurry ones.  Kay takes MUCH better pics, and you can see them and her post on the ride at their family blog: http://4rranch.blogspot.com/2012/06/first-ride.html

 Shannon and Kay.  We did some trotting (we are conditioning for an endurance ride in Aug!) and Shannon held his own.  I was very proud of him and his willing attitude.  At one point, he wasn't sure if Pyper and Raegan would have siblings, but then he recovered and enjoyed the rest of the 8 mile loop.

Almost back to camp.  We took a side trail and went through the most relaxing and lovely trails at the end.  The Mountain Laurels were in bloom, moss on logs, birds singing, soft (then later, hard!) rain falling, creek crossings, and introspection made a great end to the ride.  Once back at the trailer, Iney had a bit of a horse tantrum and didn't want to stop.  She kept trying to get back on the road to the trails.  I think she could have gone another 8 miles with no problem.  I love trail riding.  Looking forward to more in the coming weeks and months.   We really enjoyed ourselves.  And Shannon's not very sore this morning!  Bonus!!!

Moving Right Along

I got home last night at 6:30, got changed, packed up the kids and hubs and booked it over to see Abby.  She was going to have her 2nd ride!  She has mellowed out so much!  She never was very excitable, but she just takes things in stride.  My little girl is growing up!  *tear*  Mark saddled her having left the lead rope on the ground and she just kind of stood there.  He took her out to the arena, and she acted like it was a typical Wednesday night.  He put a rope halter he had made on her and attached reigns.  Viola!  An instant side pull was created.  He will start her with a bit a little later.  No need to rush!  Besides, I ride Iney and Anna in a bitless bridle. 

 He flexed her on both side and he commented how soft she was and will be on the bit.  He just picked up the reigns and she flexed. 

 He asked her to move forward, and she did so with no trepidation, and a willingness to please.

He then trotted her out.  I think she looks like a little endurance horse in the above picture!  Head high, proud to be doing so well.  She is incredibly flat kneed and throws her legs out in front of her.  To the point that Mark said she feels *almost* gaited.  LOL  He made sure to ask if I had verified her parentage and registration papers.  I don't know if I should be insulted or proud.  :)  Either way, she'll be a smooth ride. 

 He nudged her up into a canter, or lope as westerners call it.  She moved fluidly and gracefully as though she could care less that she had a man on her back.  Her canter will slow with experience and training. 

 Very soft, and he was able to do one reigned stops with her.  He is confident on how well she's doing that he's going to take her out on a trail soon.  I'm very proud of my little girl.  She'll be perfect for our family.  A trusty trail horse and occasional local show horse for me and the kids.  I don't dream any longer of APHA or AQHA shows.  I have lost all interest in showing the big time.  I just want to enjoy my horses and the scenery that is seen going down a trail with a trusted friend. 



Abby's First Ride

I got this picture last night from Mark, the trainer.  He stated he rode Abby for the first time in the big, outdoor arena.  She walked, jogged and loped.  She did great.  I wish I could have been there!  BUT, I'm hoping to make it out tonight if my case load here at work lightens up.  *sigh*  For now, I dream of riding my black beauty through the woods and in the meadows.  

Saddle Time

 As promised...Mark got on Abby Wednesday.

 She did great.  I'm more and more impressed with this little filly everyday!

She is learning so much!  She's learning to appreciate a nice cold bath after a hard workout.  I am ITCHING to ride her myself!!!



Buckin' Bronco

First and foremost, I am not a photographer. I don't even TRY to pretend to be one. So, I will apologize for the quality of these pictures now. Even in "Sport" mode, Abby's quick movements are blurry. I swear I need a PhD to figure this camera out...Without further ado...

Wednesday was day 3 for Abby in training.  Already, I see an enormous difference in my girl.  She has gone from being a pasture pony to a gleaming black beauty.  Mark Noel has already worked wonders with her.  She is standing tied...

Trotting out...

Showing great confidence already...

Stands patiently, if not a bit curious as to what will be asked next.

Mark gets her used to having her girth area cinched with a rope.
She wasn't phased at all.

He tightened it up...

Got her ready for the saddle...

Put the saddle on.

And YEE-HAW! 

She calmed down soon enough once she got it out of her system and realized the saddle wasn't the boogie man.

He lunged her out..

Gave her some reassurance and love...

Mark did get in the saddle, but I'll save that post for tomorrow. 

 
Hunter and Pyper tagged along as I wore Raegan on my back.  As they were playing in the hay, a little dog jumped up in Pyper's lap.  She was THRILLED!

 
On a side note, I bought this horse trailer yesterday!  I've been saving for it for some time.  I'm so excited to go trail riding this summer!  I've missed it!!!

Abby Goes To School!

 The trainer, Mark Noel, came over yesterday to get Abby.  I called her and she came running.  Every little girl is excited for the first day of school!

 Anna, her momma had to say goodbye and walked her to the bus stop.  Mark quickly haltered her and led her down. 

Of course, Iney had to say farewell, too.

 

 Abby has never seen or been on a trailer before.  I was VERY nervous as to how she would fare, but I should have known better.

 Mark walked up in the trailer and gently asked to approach.

 Abby wasn't too sure, but curious.

 Mark never got impatient, just watched her sniffing and processing the event...

He put a lariat around her bottom to encourage forward propulsion, and very gently applied pressure.

That did the trick!  She tentatively stepped up...

and hopped on the trailer.

He had her get on and off several times to make sure she was comfortable with it.  She was.  This all took a total of 10 minutes!

At the barn.  They have a wonderful indoor round pen.  She is in a lot with a little Hackney horse, and seems to be excited about her new adventure!