Riding high

I'm on a high from tonight's fun! Dan came over again for neighborhood training in our arena. To get us started we got Bob on Gilly and I left to catch Banjo while Dan worked with Bob. When I returned with Banjo I found him quite anxious still with saddling--spinning circles as you move to his side--so Dan gave me a hand and had him standing stock still while he mounted and dismounted a few times. Then I was up and ready to ride.

We had a blast. We worked on tight turns into the wall at a walk and trot (actually a running walk with Banjo), did some crazy 8s at a trot and some figures around the cones. Banjo needs some work backing up but is very good with leg pressure. He is also getting better with stops.

Jim and Sherry brought their 3 yo palomino - almost a dead ringer for Gilly, except he's much sleeker - just a beautiful horse. Being young and just green broke, they didn't ride him, just kept him moving and getting used to the company of other horses.

Bob had enough after about an hour so Sherry rode gilly. He is very lazy (is that really a bad thing?) and she had a hard time getting him to move beyond a walk but she was persistent and he is improving!!! Its nice to have your neighbor work your horse for you :)

First Cardinal

It's Memorial Day weekend and there's so much to do. The Rose Breasted Grossbeaks are back and today I saw our first Cardinal to visit our feed.

Yesterday was the third time I was able to pick all four of Banjo's feet and apply HoofFlex for Thrush. I'll call our ferrier, Kate and see if she can finally trim his feet, now that he is more cooperative. I haven't had a chance to ride since our training session last Wednesday.

Home training

Dan Klein, our neighbor's coworker and horse trainer, has been kind enough to agree to give several of us in the neighborhood lessons. Today was our first session, held in our arena. For 2 hours we did one rein stops, shoulder turns, some cantering and just plain messing around. It turned out great.

I rode Gilly, who was very good except he is hard to get going. He likes to stop by the gates. But we'll just keep working on it. Vicky and Art rode Thunder (Arab) and Winrod (young TB), Sherry rode their older black mare.

No one got hurt, everyone had fun. Doesn't get any better.

I'm relieved

I managed to get three of Banjos feet treated with hoof flex! It has taken me a very long time to get this far. I have a huge feeling of relief to finally be in control of this situation that started last fall.

We got the arena raked and groomed and ready for the upcoming neighborhood group training our neighbors arranged! It's such a cool idea. I really hope it works. Stay posted.

Snubbing Sparkler

Yesterday we took Sparkler to the Osseo vet for her Coggins. She was uncontrollable anticipating the needle. So Dr. Kolar had us try a neat trick. He had me tie her nose tight to the trailer. I mean really tight. But the trick is to tie through the trailer tie, under the halter throat latch, and back through the tie so the halter cannot break. Twice she tried to back up and went down to her haunches but she was so snug there was absolutely nowhere to go. In the course of about 10 seconds she was stock still and he had the blood drawn.

Coggins scare

Our friend Vicki had a scare with her 4 year old paint. His first Coggins came back positive. The test was repeated and it turned out false, but the thought of having to put him down between the two tests was tough for her.

Gilly is Videogenic

We video taped Bob with Gilly tonight for his audition for The Amazing Race (Bob's audition, that is). Yes, really! We don't expect much to come of it, but you never know until you try.

To get Gilly to relax beforehand, I walked him around the driveway. He didn't like the swing, propane tank, or garage. But he took the saddle well. Afterward, I got Sparkler out and walked her around the drive. She was spooky too.

Banjo gives 3 feet!

I've been working with Banjo's feet periodically, and tonight I picked three of his four feet. I'm ready to give hoof flex for thrush treatment next time.