It's been a busy day at the barn. E rode Monte in a dressage lesson with Jim Briggs, cleaned some stalls, rode a second lesson (on Zoe this time) and then finished mucking stalls. She's one pooped kid - but that didn't stop her from running off to a birthday party at the corn maze tonight! :)
The lessons went well on both horses but E says she still prefers Monte. Her words were that "Zoe knows how to do all that stuff but she makes you work for it. You have to ask her precisely and correctly. Monte just does it because he wants to." So for her, Monte was more fun to ride. I think they know each other so well that it all just flows so much more easily. Given time, she and Zoe could build the same relationship...but for now, she doesn't want to do that.
But I do. :) Next year, it will be me riding in this clinic.....
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Into the arena
Me and my pony....don't you just love R's pink helmet!
Photos courtesy of R....So today I finally made it out of the round pen. After R and I worked with her on the ground first, I saddled Zoe up and made sure she was responding to my ques while riding in the round pen. Then I asked R to open the gate and off we went into the big arena.
We begin the trek around the big arena....Zoe's pace picked up a little and her ears perked forward as we entered this new space. She was very aware of all the birds coming and going all over the place and was a bit wary of the stacks of jumping standards on one side, but we managed just fine.
Next step - get over my fear of speed and finally ask for a trot. (My heart starts twittering just thinking about it! Yikes!)
E & Monte update: E had her first real gallop last Sunday. We spent the evening at a good friend's house and while the burgers were cooking the kiddos raced through the pastures. It was great to see E and her pony tear by at breakneck speeds - until we saw just Monte race by without his rider! All riding came to a screeching halt while we made sure E was okay (she was - she immediately popped up, stomping up a hill, mad that she had come out of the saddle.). Turns out they tried to jump something and halfway through the jump Monte reconsidered. Rather than pull on her horse's mouth terribly, E let go and fell off. A new rule was set down by me - no jumping in her Western saddle! E quickly agreed that maybe it wasn't the best idea. :) But she did decide that she loves to gallop....and I think Monte loved it too.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Early Birthday Present
Today is the day that Zoe officially joins our family. Yeah!
She has continued to be a sweetie and everyone who has had to handle her sings her praises. Last week our barn manager even told me that if I didn't buy her, she would. We all just love Zoe that much.
Zoe was placed with a small group of mares this past week and seems to have integrated fairly well. She is a little nervous, and definitely not the alpha, but the other horses out there haven't kicked or bitten her; the alpha does run her around a bit, but eventually lets Zoe be. And there is an upside to the running - Zoe is beginning to lose some of her fat and is starting to tone up a little.
I have lost some of my fear while riding Zoe - or at least am more confident that I can manage her at a walk. And a walk is all we have done. I planned to take her up to a trot yesterday, but after a 6+ mile walk earlier in the morning I was already sore; my hips just couldn't take much more! E rode her out in the arena, though, and had a great time. She said that Zoe has a powerful stride and can be quite fast. Hmmmmm......
Fair update: So we survived and there was only one spat of tears this year. And they were quite justified, too. The judging was very strict (no grade inflation this year!) and our motto became "red is the new blue!" The judges would have whole classes with no blues, or with only one or two, and then would decline to hand out Grand/Reserve Champion ribbons. It was unbelievably tough. And disappointing to the children. E managed 4 reds, 1 white (She forgot the pattern, so really deserved the white. But the pattern she did was quite lovely!), and 1 blue. The blue was in Hunter/Hack - the jumping class, so it makes sense that she would get a blue in it. That's what she and Monte have really focused on this past year.
E and Monte participated in the open English show on the Saturday of the fair. This was a hard day for them. In the English Equitation class, the judge asked for the riders to drop their stirrups and post around the arena. E managed to do this - not perfectly, but pass-ibly. The upset came when riders were placed that did not do the skill and she did not get a ribbon at all, even though she had done what was asked. Several people came up to her saying that she really should have been placed over at least 2 of the other competitors. The only reason I can think she wasn't is that the judge was remembering previous rides E had had that were not so stellar and was not basing the current class on the current ride only. So unfair, really. But there's nothing to be done once the judge has made her decision.
She has continued to be a sweetie and everyone who has had to handle her sings her praises. Last week our barn manager even told me that if I didn't buy her, she would. We all just love Zoe that much.
Zoe was placed with a small group of mares this past week and seems to have integrated fairly well. She is a little nervous, and definitely not the alpha, but the other horses out there haven't kicked or bitten her; the alpha does run her around a bit, but eventually lets Zoe be. And there is an upside to the running - Zoe is beginning to lose some of her fat and is starting to tone up a little.
I have lost some of my fear while riding Zoe - or at least am more confident that I can manage her at a walk. And a walk is all we have done. I planned to take her up to a trot yesterday, but after a 6+ mile walk earlier in the morning I was already sore; my hips just couldn't take much more! E rode her out in the arena, though, and had a great time. She said that Zoe has a powerful stride and can be quite fast. Hmmmmm......
Fair update: So we survived and there was only one spat of tears this year. And they were quite justified, too. The judging was very strict (no grade inflation this year!) and our motto became "red is the new blue!" The judges would have whole classes with no blues, or with only one or two, and then would decline to hand out Grand/Reserve Champion ribbons. It was unbelievably tough. And disappointing to the children. E managed 4 reds, 1 white (She forgot the pattern, so really deserved the white. But the pattern she did was quite lovely!), and 1 blue. The blue was in Hunter/Hack - the jumping class, so it makes sense that she would get a blue in it. That's what she and Monte have really focused on this past year.
E and Monte participated in the open English show on the Saturday of the fair. This was a hard day for them. In the English Equitation class, the judge asked for the riders to drop their stirrups and post around the arena. E managed to do this - not perfectly, but pass-ibly. The upset came when riders were placed that did not do the skill and she did not get a ribbon at all, even though she had done what was asked. Several people came up to her saying that she really should have been placed over at least 2 of the other competitors. The only reason I can think she wasn't is that the judge was remembering previous rides E had had that were not so stellar and was not basing the current class on the current ride only. So unfair, really. But there's nothing to be done once the judge has made her decision.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Jumping Lessons
At the end of the jumping lesson tonight, E's instructor called Monte a "scopey pony." Scopey pony? What's that?
I now know that means a horse or pony that has a large "scope" or can jump a large distance/height. Tonight, Monte jumped a 9' spread. A ground pole had been set out to help them set up the jump; he just started his jump from that point and never took the step or two that were supposed to happen in between.
Silly pony. Don't you know I'm just joking when I say you can jump over the moon?
I now know that means a horse or pony that has a large "scope" or can jump a large distance/height. Tonight, Monte jumped a 9' spread. A ground pole had been set out to help them set up the jump; he just started his jump from that point and never took the step or two that were supposed to happen in between.
Silly pony. Don't you know I'm just joking when I say you can jump over the moon?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Barn Project
I think that's what I'm becoming - the "barn project." :)
E had a jumping lesson last night, so I pulled Zoe out for some halter work. Another parent at the barn, L, stops me and declares that I need to ride and that she will ride her horse with me. I immediately tell her that I'm still stuck in a slow walk - but that's no matter to her, she'll walk right along with me. Well, how can I back out now? So I swallow the ball of fear in my throat (which settles quite nicely and solidly in my belly, thank-you-very-much!) and begin to tack up my horse. This may be only the third or fourth time I've ever tacked up a horse completely on my own - and definitely the first time in over a year.
It takes me a bit longer to get ready and L is already out in the dressage arena by the time I get out there. Another teenager was trotting and cantering around that particular arena so I decided to begin my ride in the round pen by myself; a second adult rider then joins L and the teenager, and she understands my hesitation to go out there. I'm still not sure enough to leave the controlled environment of the round pen. Everyone needs a security blanket at times!
Zoe and I did just fine together. I think I'm getting more consistent in letting her know what I want and she's figuring out what my pullings and pushings mean. :) I had to get off once to tighten the girth and Zoe was very quiet and patient during the whole process. At one point in our ride, she did start to trot so I slowed her back to a walk; the trot was easy to sit for those few steps she took, but it needs to be my idea, not hers! In the end, I spent about 40 minutes in the round pen walking with my horse.
Throughout the ride various barn residents would call out encouragement. It was really sweet. L stated that we need to get a pattern together and ride the doubles class in the fair next year - our horses are almost identical in size and coloring. I laughed since I'm not sure I'll be cantering by then. Several people assured me that yes, I would be!
See, I've become the barn project. And I'm quite happy.
E had a jumping lesson last night, so I pulled Zoe out for some halter work. Another parent at the barn, L, stops me and declares that I need to ride and that she will ride her horse with me. I immediately tell her that I'm still stuck in a slow walk - but that's no matter to her, she'll walk right along with me. Well, how can I back out now? So I swallow the ball of fear in my throat (which settles quite nicely and solidly in my belly, thank-you-very-much!) and begin to tack up my horse. This may be only the third or fourth time I've ever tacked up a horse completely on my own - and definitely the first time in over a year.
It takes me a bit longer to get ready and L is already out in the dressage arena by the time I get out there. Another teenager was trotting and cantering around that particular arena so I decided to begin my ride in the round pen by myself; a second adult rider then joins L and the teenager, and she understands my hesitation to go out there. I'm still not sure enough to leave the controlled environment of the round pen. Everyone needs a security blanket at times!
Zoe and I did just fine together. I think I'm getting more consistent in letting her know what I want and she's figuring out what my pullings and pushings mean. :) I had to get off once to tighten the girth and Zoe was very quiet and patient during the whole process. At one point in our ride, she did start to trot so I slowed her back to a walk; the trot was easy to sit for those few steps she took, but it needs to be my idea, not hers! In the end, I spent about 40 minutes in the round pen walking with my horse.
Throughout the ride various barn residents would call out encouragement. It was really sweet. L stated that we need to get a pattern together and ride the doubles class in the fair next year - our horses are almost identical in size and coloring. I laughed since I'm not sure I'll be cantering by then. Several people assured me that yes, I would be!
See, I've become the barn project. And I'm quite happy.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Horse-filled day
What a busy day! I started off with a 6 mile walk (14:30 pace) up the Mill Creek trail. I actually get energized by my morning walks, so that was a great way to begin today. Once home, I prodded E out of bed so we could make it to the barn by 10:00. I had a "date" with C to ride Zoe and I wasn't going to be late for nothing!
C pulled out one of her Western saddles to try on Zoe; it actually fit fairly well so I felt a little more comfortable/safe getting on her back today. Zoe was patient as I put on her tack - I bet it's the first time I've done this in about a year. I led her into the round pen and C held her while I got up, but really, she stood quite still on her own.
I spent about 30 minutes just walking with her, getting a feel for her movement and learning how to turn, stop, move over and back up. Zoe was very good for me, only spooking a little bit when we got near the side of the pen that has a tree (wind was blowing this morning). My hesitancy probably didn't help her get over her own fears, but we managed.
After my 30 minutes, C got on to see what skills Zoe actually has. She was so impressed with the smoothness of Zoe's trot and also found her canter nice. Zoe didn't offer to kick-out today when asked to go faster; not sure what the reason is, but happy she didn't act out. The horse spooked a little more significantly while C was riding, but it wasn't anything I wouldn't be able to control once I have a few more skills myself. At the end of her ride, C said, "Go write a check for this girl!" Obviously, she enjoyed Zoe. :)
The afternoon was spent preparing for E's D-2 rating and then actually completing the rating. She passed with flying colors, managing a few "exceeds standards" in the riding portion of the test. To help make sure Monte was ready, E has been riding him daily since Thursday; she didn't want a repeat of the star-gazing pony she rode during Hot August Nights!
Congratulations E!
It's back to work for me tomorrow, and then fair preparations begin in earnest. I think our horse time is going to be seriously encroached upon. I'm hoping we can squeeze in some fun rides, though. Crossing my fingers right now! :)
C pulled out one of her Western saddles to try on Zoe; it actually fit fairly well so I felt a little more comfortable/safe getting on her back today. Zoe was patient as I put on her tack - I bet it's the first time I've done this in about a year. I led her into the round pen and C held her while I got up, but really, she stood quite still on her own.
I spent about 30 minutes just walking with her, getting a feel for her movement and learning how to turn, stop, move over and back up. Zoe was very good for me, only spooking a little bit when we got near the side of the pen that has a tree (wind was blowing this morning). My hesitancy probably didn't help her get over her own fears, but we managed.
After my 30 minutes, C got on to see what skills Zoe actually has. She was so impressed with the smoothness of Zoe's trot and also found her canter nice. Zoe didn't offer to kick-out today when asked to go faster; not sure what the reason is, but happy she didn't act out. The horse spooked a little more significantly while C was riding, but it wasn't anything I wouldn't be able to control once I have a few more skills myself. At the end of her ride, C said, "Go write a check for this girl!" Obviously, she enjoyed Zoe. :)
The afternoon was spent preparing for E's D-2 rating and then actually completing the rating. She passed with flying colors, managing a few "exceeds standards" in the riding portion of the test. To help make sure Monte was ready, E has been riding him daily since Thursday; she didn't want a repeat of the star-gazing pony she rode during Hot August Nights!
Congratulations E!It's back to work for me tomorrow, and then fair preparations begin in earnest. I think our horse time is going to be seriously encroached upon. I'm hoping we can squeeze in some fun rides, though. Crossing my fingers right now! :)
Friday, August 20, 2010
Practice makes perfect
E and Monte participated in a local show last night, Hot August Nights. It takes place every year on the first 3 Thursdays of August and is pretty low key - a great way to help prepare for the upcoming county fair.
Between bug bites, vacations and sprained ankles, E has not really ridden Monte in about a month. She got two decent rides in this week but that's it. And last night showed that it's not enough either. Her little pony was more than a handful and truly lived up to the Arab stereotype of a hot headed horse. It's heartbreaking to watch your little girl struggle to do her best. Needless to say, no ribbons were won (they did get one reserve - a.k.a. 7th place) but on the bright side, she managed to keep him under hand and did not come out of the saddle.
So, E will be putting more time in the saddle over the next week or so. Hopefully fair goes smoother.
Oh, and as I was sitting in the stands I realized that I could have brought Zoe and participated in the showmanship class. Told myself that next year we'll be competing at Hot August Nights....hmmmm, sounds like I'm making my decision about this horse, doesn't it? ;)
Between bug bites, vacations and sprained ankles, E has not really ridden Monte in about a month. She got two decent rides in this week but that's it. And last night showed that it's not enough either. Her little pony was more than a handful and truly lived up to the Arab stereotype of a hot headed horse. It's heartbreaking to watch your little girl struggle to do her best. Needless to say, no ribbons were won (they did get one reserve - a.k.a. 7th place) but on the bright side, she managed to keep him under hand and did not come out of the saddle.
So, E will be putting more time in the saddle over the next week or so. Hopefully fair goes smoother.
Oh, and as I was sitting in the stands I realized that I could have brought Zoe and participated in the showmanship class. Told myself that next year we'll be competing at Hot August Nights....hmmmm, sounds like I'm making my decision about this horse, doesn't it? ;)
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