Gem Online

Loving it! He's better every session. I've tried to make a program of circle game at the canter and build Gem's responsibility of maintain gait while keeping things fun. He gets so exuberant online and it makes me laugh.

On the circle, when he turns towards the barn at the canter, he's won a few times by making a beeline for the barn. I've been focused on setting up that scenario so I can stop the pattern. He tried it only once today, which is a nice improvement. I'd like to see 3 sessions where he doesn't try it and I'll feel better that we're past it.

We worked on lead by the ear, chin and tail. Tail is very soft, he'll lead backward with a slight suggestion. Chin is getting better and ear is the hardest.

I hopped on and rode him for just a few minutes (time is such a challenge anymore). I coached Chrissy and Cowboy on falling leaf from Gem's back. Then I did large circles with him working on leads and canter departs.

A great session!

Building a relationship with Gem

Wow, we've come a ways together. I haven't gotten to spend much time, but it's amazing how good sessions can have some time in between because the learning sticks.

Did some nice ground work, lead by the hock, lip, ear, spanish walk and then some circle game with transitions and changes of direction. Also, did some Z3 driving. Then, I hopped on and we went down the driveway. I promised to spend time with Kendall, so I just wanted to ride him down the driveway and back. My awesome gelding got to the end of the driveway and did not want to turn around! I turned him around and he'd choose to turn back to head out. I wish I'd had time to see how far he'd go! I just don't have time the last few months, but I have huge ideas for the spring and summer. Gem and I are going to have a remarkable year.

Kendall wanted to see him rear, so I showed her and he did a great! I'm learning to control that action (rearing) and tell him when I'd like it and when I don't. He's doing great.

Starlet seems to be moving better, but left her in anyway.

Trimming in the wind

I wanted to trim Miss Starlet today. I wanted to ride and play with my horses, but the wind was ridiculous. So, after being out of the country for a week, I decided I had to get SOMETHING done with the horses. Luckily, there's always a hoof that needs attention.

Her bars were quite overgrown, but her hoof shape is naturally very correct. She seems to be having some pain in the left hind and I'm pretty sure she's about to blow out an abscess. I put her in the large run so she can eat in peace until she's fully able to move.

Liberty with Rain

I really, really wanted to ride today. The wind was just ridiculous though, so I tried to make the best of it. I decided to play with Rain. What a hoot!! I haven't played with her like that in a long time. Typically, with Rain, I do a minute or two or prep and then I hop on and we go. Today, I decided it was just too windy to "go", so we played near the barn.

We focused on stick to me and draw in the round pen at liberty. Her expressions are so lively and she seemed to have a good time. She showed lots of exhuberance and she was working hard to do the right thing. I can tell that my horsemanship is so much better than when Rain was my primary horse several years ago. I can fix things up with her so easily.

Level 4, Rain. It's on the roadmap! :-)

a little trimming

Got cowboys fronts done. I used white lightning gel to encourage more frog growth. He was a breeze for me to trim tonight - just amiable and willing. I got his fronts done in record time.