Dentist

Phil checked:

Gem
Z
Rain
Fantzy
Cowboy
Rio
Sky
Starlet

Gem and Z needed some minor work.  Rain was good to go except for a hollowed out tooth that will probably crumble over time.  He didn't feel the need to pull it.  Fantzy will probably need some work done in the next round (6 mos).  Cowboy, Sky and Starlet were good.  Rio had a little work done.

Teaching a L3 student

Good session!  Worked on moving the fore and drawing the hind.  This student is very hard-working and has some nice things going.  Just a few holes to fill and they'll be in great shape for audtioning.

Level 4 Online with Z

It's been a while since I've played with Z online with good intention.  I've got the Parelli black string in my sights and I'm playing with Gem and Z to see who is more ready.  Z and I had a great session today!  We did selected canter leads from zone 5, sideways from zone 5 and very nice backups.  I started playing wtih getting her to jump 1/2 way over the barrel. That is incredibly hard for her!!  She can do it with a 1 ft high obstacle, but not a barrel.  I think she was starting to get the idea so we'll build on that.  We loaded into the trailer from the fender at a trot.  And I finished up the session working on the bow with her.  She's bowing all the way, so I'll transition that into laying down over the next couple sessions.  She's doing great.  Just great!  Probably ahead of Gem and I'll get to filming with her in a week or two.

I also got her feet trimmed.  She's exfoliating sole like crazy so I'm betting I'll be trimming again in 2 weeks.  Great time with her!

Endurance Season 2012 Begins!!

Rode the Kenlyn today with my great friend, Melissa!  The weather was perfect and the ride was even more perfect.  My horse is not in top condition, so I wanted to take it slow.  I got a very late start leaving the house and was hustling to get registered and ready to ride.  We left about 5 minutes after the group and ended up going the wrong way for about 2 miles (1 mile out, 1 back).  We lost 30 -45 minutes but we were both planning to have a low stress ride and didn't let it bother us.

The first loop on this 25 mile race is about 17.5 miles.  This was a lot for Zarah and felt guilty for not having prepared her better.  However, she got almost all A's on her vet card (B for gut sounds) at the midway vet check and she seemed ok.  I got her a good mash and water and hay and she ate for about 45 minutes before it was time to go again.  

She did NOT want to go again!  She was very resistant and we had to have quite a discussion before we got going.  Kholo was the same for Melissa, unfortunately.  Once we got going she was ok, though.  Of course, she hauled butt coming back in on the 2nd loop and we did lots of cantering so we could make it in time to get a completion.  For the first time in my life, I got the TURTLE AWARD!  I was the very last finisher as Kholo pulsed down a few seconds before Z.  

I would do it all again.  I had a blast with Melissa, I love being with my horse, the weather was amazing and the challenge was awesome.  I'm looking forward to a great 2012 of 50's starting in July.  Z and I have some training to do!  

I love my life.  

Kris trimmed Cowboy's fronts.  He was worried about the herd and was tough to get trimmed.

30 minutes with Gemini

He was the one that wanted to be caught, so we went and played. I'm building up for Level 4 filming and he's doing really well. Worked on draw over an obstacle then backing straight to it, stick to me at all gaits in zone 3 and 4/5 and sending with just a suggestion. He's having fun! I need to film some today so I can see how he looks in each moment and what else I can do to keep him engaged. He's a blast.

Checking out Cricket

Today I spent about 90 minutes with a very well-bred Thoroughbred named Cricket.  He sustained an injury about 2 years ago and hasn't had a job since.  He's a huge and very cool LBI and I am considering bringing him home to train and maybe later rehome.  If he's as awesome as he seems, maybe he can be my dressage horse.  He's got some good scarring from an injury that may prove troublesome for girthing, but we'll see.

Kris got Rain trimmed today, too.

A new horse in the barn

Enzo arrived today. Enzo is a Humane Society horse who was rescued from a starvation/neglect situation. He is not fond of people, but hoping he'll get a better look on his face over time.

Riding around with kendall

So fun! Trotting, cantering, going down the trail a bit with Kendall and our mares. Kendall loves riding as much as I do!

Put a little touch-up trim on Z afterwards.

Teaching and Learning

Helping Chrissy and Kris, Kristina watched

sideways on the ground. both chose to improve distance (gave them the choice of quality, distance, speed)

then isolating the ends

ended with follow the leader with lots of bending

Great day!

Z was a great teachers mount. Love her.