I rode with the saddle today =) Before I got the saddle though I hopped on with the halter and leadrope. It was quite fun. He listened pretty well.
Then I got off and went in and got the saddle. I wanted to move it out to the barn (I cleaned it up a little while ago and it looks real nice if I do say so myself =D) so I got Rose Mary to carry the saddle rack up to the barn so that after I ride I could put it away.
I rode down the strip at a walk, we rode the whole way down the strip and then trotted the whole way back. Then I turned around and walked halfway back. Then we trotted some of the way home and cantered the rest of the way back =) It was so much fun!!! Once we got back and I turned him out. It was a nicer day today!! I rode for about 45 min over all I believe. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday's Ride!
Wow what a windy day for a ride =D But I was determined to ride even if it was cold and windy. Well I did. I am either getting a head cold, my allergies are acting up, or it is just my body responding to the warm then cold then warm again weather. Whatever it is my throat hurts and my eyes are watery and itchy (one or the other) and my lips hurt (from the wind). Hehe sorry for complaining.
Anyway I went out and groomed Navajo and then off we headed for a ride. I didn't do much work with Navajo but I worked on my hand position. That went well but I think it needs some more practice=) I warmed up first and then we did some trotting. Because of the wind Navajo was quite frisky. That was all right with me. We got some cantering and a few gallops but lots of walking and trotting. It was so much fun. A few times I was crying because of the wind..hehe. It is quite harsh on the lips and eyes =) I don't have much to say because we honestly didn't do to much besides ride =D
Anyway I went out and groomed Navajo and then off we headed for a ride. I didn't do much work with Navajo but I worked on my hand position. That went well but I think it needs some more practice=) I warmed up first and then we did some trotting. Because of the wind Navajo was quite frisky. That was all right with me. We got some cantering and a few gallops but lots of walking and trotting. It was so much fun. A few times I was crying because of the wind..hehe. It is quite harsh on the lips and eyes =) I don't have much to say because we honestly didn't do to much besides ride =D
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday's Ride!
Today I got to ride. I wasn't sure if or how it was all going to work but it did=) I decided to ride bareback and with reins and his halter! That went OK. Navajo does so much better with the bit but I like to try it every so often. We did a lot of trotting and some cantering and one gallop. OH SO MUCH FUN!! =)
I rode for about a half hour then I got off and did some ground work. That went a lot better than the ride! First we did some trotting in hand. That went pretty well. Then I got him to move his forhand both ways and he did great with that. A lot better than last summer this time. Also got him to shake a knee/hoof on both front hooves and he responded quite well with that too. I got him to stand then I would cluck and he would come to me. I did that a few times. Pretty much the same principle as whistling for him to come! Then I worked on him putting his hoof down where I tell him to. He didn't get what I wanted at first but figured it out soon enough =) I got him to back as well. Did great with that. Other than that we did some grooming and I also got him to stand for me. That is going well also! It was overall a good session. Fun as well!
I rode for about a half hour then I got off and did some ground work. That went a lot better than the ride! First we did some trotting in hand. That went pretty well. Then I got him to move his forhand both ways and he did great with that. A lot better than last summer this time. Also got him to shake a knee/hoof on both front hooves and he responded quite well with that too. I got him to stand then I would cluck and he would come to me. I did that a few times. Pretty much the same principle as whistling for him to come! Then I worked on him putting his hoof down where I tell him to. He didn't get what I wanted at first but figured it out soon enough =) I got him to back as well. Did great with that. Other than that we did some grooming and I also got him to stand for me. That is going well also! It was overall a good session. Fun as well!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Random Thoughts!
♥ Well no riding today since it is rainy here! =) I don't mind to much..My mom cut out a dress so I am hoping to sew it this week. This weekend I am having my cousins over so I am hoping to take some photos of us together and also get them to take some pics of us in different clothing =D We shall see about that! Navajo is doing good. Tried to convince me to go out even with it drizzling. Gotta love how horses try to persuade us to do things!! Hope you are having a wonderful and blessed day!
Inspriational Sayings!
God had ventured all in Jesus Christ to save us, Now He wants us to venture our all in abandoned confidence in Him.
- Oswald Chambers
What am I to do? I expect to pass through this world but once. Anygood work, therefore, any kindness, or any service I can render to anysoul of man...let me do it now. Let me not neglect or defer it,for I shall not pass this way again.
- An Old Quaker Saying
Do not pray for easy lives, Pray to be stronger men, Do not pray for equal powers, Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall no longer be a miracle, but you shall be a miracle.
- Phillips Brooks
- Phillips Brooks
What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Here are some more quotes my Ralph Waldo Emerson:
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Take My Life and Let it Be!
Take my life and let it beconsecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love. Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing always, only for my King. Take my lips and let them befilled with messages from Thee. Take my silver and my gold not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect and use every power as You choose.
::Chorus::
Here am I, all of me.Take my life, it's all for Thee.
Take my will and make it Thine it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart it is Thine own it shall be Thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord I pour at Your feet its treasure store Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee. Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.
Here am I, all of me. Take my life, it's all for Thee.
x3
(Take my life, Lord take my life. Take all of me)
(Take my life, Lord take my life. Take all of me)
Here am I, all of me. Take my life, it's all for Thee.
::Repeated by crowd 5 X's::
by: Frances Havergall/ arr. by Chris Tomlin
---------------------------------------------------------
God has been working on me for a while but I finally came to the point recently that I realized I needed to give Him EVERY SINGLE ASPECT of my life. No matter how hard it will be. Some of what helped me was I was reading the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. This book is a very good book and it helped me to realize this among other things. The song "Take My Life and Let it Be" (above) has also inspired me. So I have asked God to help me and that with His help I might become the woman HE wants me to become and I also asked him to put the desire in me to learn more ABOUT Him and come CLOSER to Him! A while back I had asked him to change me in ways that might be visable to me and also to others. That is in the working =) I believe that the more I grow in my Christian life and the closer I grow to God the more I will change in GOOD ways. I am so excited to see what God has in store for me. =)
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Seeing Spots!
I didn't get to ride since Wednesday =D Didn't feel so well so no riding but I will hopefully ride tomorrow if it doesn't rain. Since I didn't ride I just groomed Navajo today and spent some time with him the other days =) He really seemed to enjoy that! Well if you are wondering about the title the reason I said that is because for the first time I saw his little spots. He lost most of his winter hair so I can see his spots. SO COOL =) I also could see his muscles again that were hidden by his winter hair. Looks so handsome. I am hoping to give him a bath this week sometime. We shall see. Sorry for just rambling but I honestly don't really have anything to update on. Oh we didn't go to plow day this weekend. It was supposed to rain out there and we didn't want to be stuck in the rain =D So we didn't go and we had a wonderful SUNNY day here. Enjoy your weekend!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Wednesday's Ride!
Today I got to ride. I am trying to ride about an hour every day and slowly working it up to two hours hopefully by the end of the summer. We shall see.
Anyway I was too lazy and too tired to get the saddle out so I rode bareback. I have decided I am going to wait to get into riding with the saddle every day till we are done with going away every weekend :D That will be by the end of April so then I can get into riding every day as I would like. Anyway Navajo was inside so I put the bridle on, got him to stop at the gate, and I opened the gate. Then out we walked and headed up toward the hayshed. We walked back behind the cattle shed and did all walking. We were back behind the barn for a while. Also while back here I got him to stop by pushing my seat front, pulling in my stomache and tightening my hands (both) on the reins. AND HE STOPPED COMPLETELY. First time he did that without any promting. We did that twice in the whole ride. Another goal met!! I did some trotting and we did some hill work..but it was all trotting. He did well and I was working on being consistant with trotting. That went really well. After being up there for a while I headed out front to the big yard to head down the strip. He tried to avoid the strip but I walked him around there and he eventually went which had me quite pleased.
So down the strip we headed. I am learning that if he acts as though he wants to stop to urge him forward so he doesn't come to a complete stop then I won't have to much problems with balking. That is what I did and it worked. We also worked on walking down there in a straight line. He did well. Then we trotted back. Before we got back the whole way I asked him to head down the strip again. He was a bit hesitant but I asked him to forward and he did..AND HE DIDN'T BALK ONE SINGLE TIME THE WHOLE WAY DOWN THE STRIP. I was so very very happy about that!! :) I had a smile the whole way back. The reason I did was because I achieved a small goal I had and that was to get Navajo to WILLINGLY walk down the strip the second time no matter what and he did. Eventually I want to get him to the point we can trot and canter down the strip in a straight line:) We trotted back. Then we walked around the big yard a bit then I headed back to the barn. I felt it was a VERY successful ride.
On another note. I have been thinking that I am not sure how well I am doing with my riding position and such and it is something I want to work on. I have been reading a lot in HI about hand position and such and I realized I have busy hands and also don't hold my hands the way I should so I have been working on that. Also I have no elbows (meaning my elbows aren't elastic and bent like they should be) so I am working on that too. I am also needing to remember to keep my heels down as well. All of these things I worked on today and it went very well surprisingly. I think this summer I will be working on a lot of refining but I feel I am acomplishing a lot in this short month of April. I say short because this is the first month I have ridden a ton since Spring is here. Anyway I am learning a lot of things about myself as a rider and it is good for me. I feel I am a pretty good rider..not perfect by a far stretch but a lot better than at one point. A lot of this is making me realize how I use different parts of my body to tell Navajo to do things such as my hands, heels and seat. Amazing isn't it the more we ride the more we learn (hopefully that is your goal). I know that comes from a rider that hasn't been riding long but I have learned a lot in the short 1 1/2 yrs I am riding:)
Anyway I was too lazy and too tired to get the saddle out so I rode bareback. I have decided I am going to wait to get into riding with the saddle every day till we are done with going away every weekend :D That will be by the end of April so then I can get into riding every day as I would like. Anyway Navajo was inside so I put the bridle on, got him to stop at the gate, and I opened the gate. Then out we walked and headed up toward the hayshed. We walked back behind the cattle shed and did all walking. We were back behind the barn for a while. Also while back here I got him to stop by pushing my seat front, pulling in my stomache and tightening my hands (both) on the reins. AND HE STOPPED COMPLETELY. First time he did that without any promting. We did that twice in the whole ride. Another goal met!! I did some trotting and we did some hill work..but it was all trotting. He did well and I was working on being consistant with trotting. That went really well. After being up there for a while I headed out front to the big yard to head down the strip. He tried to avoid the strip but I walked him around there and he eventually went which had me quite pleased.
So down the strip we headed. I am learning that if he acts as though he wants to stop to urge him forward so he doesn't come to a complete stop then I won't have to much problems with balking. That is what I did and it worked. We also worked on walking down there in a straight line. He did well. Then we trotted back. Before we got back the whole way I asked him to head down the strip again. He was a bit hesitant but I asked him to forward and he did..AND HE DIDN'T BALK ONE SINGLE TIME THE WHOLE WAY DOWN THE STRIP. I was so very very happy about that!! :) I had a smile the whole way back. The reason I did was because I achieved a small goal I had and that was to get Navajo to WILLINGLY walk down the strip the second time no matter what and he did. Eventually I want to get him to the point we can trot and canter down the strip in a straight line:) We trotted back. Then we walked around the big yard a bit then I headed back to the barn. I felt it was a VERY successful ride.
On another note. I have been thinking that I am not sure how well I am doing with my riding position and such and it is something I want to work on. I have been reading a lot in HI about hand position and such and I realized I have busy hands and also don't hold my hands the way I should so I have been working on that. Also I have no elbows (meaning my elbows aren't elastic and bent like they should be) so I am working on that too. I am also needing to remember to keep my heels down as well. All of these things I worked on today and it went very well surprisingly. I think this summer I will be working on a lot of refining but I feel I am acomplishing a lot in this short month of April. I say short because this is the first month I have ridden a ton since Spring is here. Anyway I am learning a lot of things about myself as a rider and it is good for me. I feel I am a pretty good rider..not perfect by a far stretch but a lot better than at one point. A lot of this is making me realize how I use different parts of my body to tell Navajo to do things such as my hands, heels and seat. Amazing isn't it the more we ride the more we learn (hopefully that is your goal). I know that comes from a rider that hasn't been riding long but I have learned a lot in the short 1 1/2 yrs I am riding:)
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday's Ride!!
Well today I got to ride again. I am so happy to be able to ride pretty much every day so far (but the weekends of course because of the show this weekend and last weekend). I decided to ride in the saddle today. My goal is to ride in the saddle as much or more than bareback. I am still riding bareback because I can't completely forsake that. I like it to much..hehe.
Well I didn't ride down the strip today. I decided we are just going to walk around here maybe throw some trotting in but I am going to work on my legs, hands and body positions and sit right:) Well it went pretty good. It is going to need a lot of work. I am realizing before I can even really work on dressage (the more in depth parts) a lot I have a lot of things I the rider need to work on. Navajo also has things I want to work with him as well. Responding to walking/trotting/cantering more quickly, moving his hindquarters and forquarters better and a few things like that. He does really well though and has improved a lot since we started working on things. But I also know that dressage is something that is and cannot be hurried. I don't want to hurry it. We might not move forward much and seem like we are staying in the same place for a while (training wise) but I would much rather get it down pat than have to come back later and retrain/redo something:) Get the foundation right the first time and we should be good. Not saying review isn't good, it is:)
Anyway about the ride. We first walked around the big yard and mainly walked. I worked at keeping my hands still and in the right position (read a bit about that today in HI)..That went ok;) I also got him to move his hindquarters as well. Then we headed up back and went behind the cattle barn. I did some trotting but mainly worked on him walking straight (which sets a good foundation for him to trot straight which is our problem :D..he usualy does but not as good as I want him to). I guess what I am doing is refining/fine tuning what we know now so that it is in good shape when we move on. Then I got him to move his hindquarters around again. I trotted him up in front of the hayshed and got him to do some more trotting :)
I then got off and backed him up the hill (a little one). I read that is really really good for developing a horses top line. I guess we will see. I want to do that a couple times a week. Also I learned that you shouldn't stretch your horses every day because that actually doesn't help them in the long run. If you stretch them three times a week that is better :D I am learning a lot...hehe. Then we headed back to the barn for a grooming session:) Overall it went quite well and I was happy with our ride.
p.s. Sorry for the bunny trails so to speak;)
Well I didn't ride down the strip today. I decided we are just going to walk around here maybe throw some trotting in but I am going to work on my legs, hands and body positions and sit right:) Well it went pretty good. It is going to need a lot of work. I am realizing before I can even really work on dressage (the more in depth parts) a lot I have a lot of things I the rider need to work on. Navajo also has things I want to work with him as well. Responding to walking/trotting/cantering more quickly, moving his hindquarters and forquarters better and a few things like that. He does really well though and has improved a lot since we started working on things. But I also know that dressage is something that is and cannot be hurried. I don't want to hurry it. We might not move forward much and seem like we are staying in the same place for a while (training wise) but I would much rather get it down pat than have to come back later and retrain/redo something:) Get the foundation right the first time and we should be good. Not saying review isn't good, it is:)
Anyway about the ride. We first walked around the big yard and mainly walked. I worked at keeping my hands still and in the right position (read a bit about that today in HI)..That went ok;) I also got him to move his hindquarters as well. Then we headed up back and went behind the cattle barn. I did some trotting but mainly worked on him walking straight (which sets a good foundation for him to trot straight which is our problem :D..he usualy does but not as good as I want him to). I guess what I am doing is refining/fine tuning what we know now so that it is in good shape when we move on. Then I got him to move his hindquarters around again. I trotted him up in front of the hayshed and got him to do some more trotting :)
I then got off and backed him up the hill (a little one). I read that is really really good for developing a horses top line. I guess we will see. I want to do that a couple times a week. Also I learned that you shouldn't stretch your horses every day because that actually doesn't help them in the long run. If you stretch them three times a week that is better :D I am learning a lot...hehe. Then we headed back to the barn for a grooming session:) Overall it went quite well and I was happy with our ride.
p.s. Sorry for the bunny trails so to speak;)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Monday's Ride!
I didn't ride Sunday evening..I just groomed Navajo and did some walking with him. It was wonderful bond time and it was nice just spending time with my horse.
Then today (Monday) I did get to ride. Just bareback though. I was to lazy to get the saddle out and I was quite tired from making supper :D Anyway I hopped on and we walked down the strip. He acted like a bit balky but he did go. I got him to move his hindquarters around a few times first though. We went the whole way to the bottom and turned the corner. We did some trotting along the bottom of the strip..mostly trotting. It was quite fun. I got him to back up and move his hindquarters down there as well. He kept acting like he was going to run home but he was never given a chance :D For once he was being pretty good :) So then when I was finally ready to go home I cantered him and then asked for a trot. We rode the whole way to the begining of the strip and then I turned him around and asked him to walk back down to the torn up area. This he wasn't to happy about and he sure let me know.
I got him to move his hindquarters again and slowly we walked down the strip. After a long while we eventually DID get down there. Then I trotted him toward home. We didn't go back to the barn right away though. I got him to do some walking around the big yard there. He wasn't to happy about that either but he did it. I was very pleased with how he did today over all. We rode for 45 minutes over all. Then I got off and I walked him back to the barn for a well deserved grooming. He really enjoyed that!
Then today (Monday) I did get to ride. Just bareback though. I was to lazy to get the saddle out and I was quite tired from making supper :D Anyway I hopped on and we walked down the strip. He acted like a bit balky but he did go. I got him to move his hindquarters around a few times first though. We went the whole way to the bottom and turned the corner. We did some trotting along the bottom of the strip..mostly trotting. It was quite fun. I got him to back up and move his hindquarters down there as well. He kept acting like he was going to run home but he was never given a chance :D For once he was being pretty good :) So then when I was finally ready to go home I cantered him and then asked for a trot. We rode the whole way to the begining of the strip and then I turned him around and asked him to walk back down to the torn up area. This he wasn't to happy about and he sure let me know.
I got him to move his hindquarters again and slowly we walked down the strip. After a long while we eventually DID get down there. Then I trotted him toward home. We didn't go back to the barn right away though. I got him to do some walking around the big yard there. He wasn't to happy about that either but he did it. I was very pleased with how he did today over all. We rode for 45 minutes over all. Then I got off and I walked him back to the barn for a well deserved grooming. He really enjoyed that!
Blogs I found Recently!
I sometimes go around and look at blogs some others like and here are a few I found:) Enjoy:)
Confessions of a Military Wife - http://jessicayahn.wordpress.com/ or http://jessicayahn.wordpress.com/page/3/
Little Mrs. Married - http://melissavenable.blogspot.com/
Adori Graphics - http://www.adorigraphics.com/
Everything Happens for a Reason - http://lashleyb.blogspot.com/
Confessions of a Military Wife - http://jessicayahn.wordpress.com/ or http://jessicayahn.wordpress.com/page/3/
Little Mrs. Married - http://melissavenable.blogspot.com/
Adori Graphics - http://www.adorigraphics.com/
Everything Happens for a Reason - http://lashleyb.blogspot.com/
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Danville PlowDay 2010
And we are back..Again:) If you are wondering where I disappeared to I was in Danville PA at a Plow Day. We left Friday a bit before lunch and got up there around 2:30 p.m. We had quite the traffic on the way up there. I slept most of the way..hehe. When we got there it was about 70 or so degrees. We set up and ate some hamburgers. Then for the rest of the day it was a bit drizzly. It didn't really rain the whole time just off and on. We went back to the hotel, got some supper and some rest.
Saturday morning we got up around six something and got dressed and went outside. SURPRISE. It was freezing cold. No rain just really windy and cold AND we had no jacket for my dad. My mom had forgotten to grab his. So we ate some breakfast and wen to the Salvation Army store and got him a jacket. It was cold all day. This was the day when everyone that is going to be at the show is at the show. I think they said the total amount of registered tractors was 170. That is a good amount. It was a lot of fun because we got to see a lot of old friends and some new ones as well:) We left there around 3:30. We drove home Sunday.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thursday's Ride!
Today I got on Navajo and we rode bareback. I wasn't sure if I would get to ride long and I wanted our last ride before we went away to be fun :) So that is what we did. We mainly just rode around at a walk and I got him to move his hindquarters and forquarters around. He did well. IT was fun because it is mainly for the fun of it and also just to be relaxing even if it is work :) We went behind the steer barn and did some trotting. I stopped him and got him to move his hindquarters around both ways. We went in a circle. That was a first but he did good. Then we went up to the area on the hill and I walked him up the hill a few times. I got him to canter toward the lane a few times as well. That was quite fun. I rode for about 45 minutes and then went back to the barn and groomed him and loved on him. I hope to ride when we get back. We shall see. I will be updateing while I am gone! Have a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wednesday's Ride!!
Oh so nice..I got to ride again:) No surprise because I have found if you make it a goal you will be more quick to achieve something. Anyway, Today I saddled Navajo and rode him. It was so much fun. We rode halfway down the strip and then I turned out into the field. We didn't go the whole way out like we did yesterday only halfway. Then we turned around and walked out to the strip.
Since we had walked halfway down the strip I decided to walk the rest of the way down to the messed up area. He was a bit hesitant but he did it. Once down there he acted like he wanted to turn and run home but I didn't let him. I just made him wait and I moved his hindquarters two times both ways. Then I turned him around and walked toward home. Then I turned around again and walked the whole way down the strip past the messed up area and all. He balked a few times but he did it. We trotted 4 or 5 times back and forth along the bottom. He did quite well. Then I turned toward home and we cantered toward home.
Once we were back in the big yard I walked him around a bit and did some trotting. I got off and gave Rachel a bit of a ride. Then I took his bridle off (leaving his saddle on) and did some in hand work. We did some more trotting and cantering but in circles. He did really good. It was a very fun ride and work session!! He seems to have adjusted well to the saddle and does well overall when riding:) I hopefully get to ride tomorrow but we shall see. Have a wonderful evening!!
Since we had walked halfway down the strip I decided to walk the rest of the way down to the messed up area. He was a bit hesitant but he did it. Once down there he acted like he wanted to turn and run home but I didn't let him. I just made him wait and I moved his hindquarters two times both ways. Then I turned him around and walked toward home. Then I turned around again and walked the whole way down the strip past the messed up area and all. He balked a few times but he did it. We trotted 4 or 5 times back and forth along the bottom. He did quite well. Then I turned toward home and we cantered toward home.
Once we were back in the big yard I walked him around a bit and did some trotting. I got off and gave Rachel a bit of a ride. Then I took his bridle off (leaving his saddle on) and did some in hand work. We did some more trotting and cantering but in circles. He did really good. It was a very fun ride and work session!! He seems to have adjusted well to the saddle and does well overall when riding:) I hopefully get to ride tomorrow but we shall see. Have a wonderful evening!!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tuesday's Ride!
I wasn't sure I would be able to ride today due to the rain we had this morning but it became sunny around 3. I was happy about that. So today since it was a bit more chilly and I wanted to go for a fun ride I rode bareback! We headed down the strip and we walked a bit. We were halfway down the strip and I decided to head out in the field. We probably won't get to many more chances to ride in the field since they are getting them ready to plan and will plant them in a few weeks!
Anyway we headed out the field. We walked 3/4 of the way out then I asked Navajo to trot. We did a lot of trotting and cantering along the edge of the field. Then I asked him to stop a few times and also got him to move his hindquarters too. Navajo did a lot better than he did last evening. I think with a lot of repetition and practice he will be really good with moving his hindquarters and forhand around by the end of the summer. After that we did some more cantering. Since he seemed like he wanted to go I said ready to head back again..He was like NO KIDDING:) So we galloped the whole way back.
Right before we got to the edge of the field to go on the strip I asked him to trot and then go into a walk. He listened! Since we need to work on him not wanting to rush home as soon as he thinks we are done I got him to head opposite of the way home. He wasn't to happy but he did it. Then I headed towards home and turned him around again to head out away from home. He wasn't to pleased but he did it. Not as much balking as sometimes. I am finally somewhat achieving my goal :) I think by the end of the summer we should be better on that area as well!!
Since he did so well I walked home and groomed him really well. We worked on him standing without putting his head down to eat and just stand patiently. I thought he did well overall especially without being outside on grass all day. I was quite impressed.
This is a little saying I came up with when I was explaining to him that he can't eat:
Anyway we headed out the field. We walked 3/4 of the way out then I asked Navajo to trot. We did a lot of trotting and cantering along the edge of the field. Then I asked him to stop a few times and also got him to move his hindquarters too. Navajo did a lot better than he did last evening. I think with a lot of repetition and practice he will be really good with moving his hindquarters and forhand around by the end of the summer. After that we did some more cantering. Since he seemed like he wanted to go I said ready to head back again..He was like NO KIDDING:) So we galloped the whole way back.
Right before we got to the edge of the field to go on the strip I asked him to trot and then go into a walk. He listened! Since we need to work on him not wanting to rush home as soon as he thinks we are done I got him to head opposite of the way home. He wasn't to happy but he did it. Then I headed towards home and turned him around again to head out away from home. He wasn't to pleased but he did it. Not as much balking as sometimes. I am finally somewhat achieving my goal :) I think by the end of the summer we should be better on that area as well!!
Since he did so well I walked home and groomed him really well. We worked on him standing without putting his head down to eat and just stand patiently. I thought he did well overall especially without being outside on grass all day. I was quite impressed.
This is a little saying I came up with when I was explaining to him that he can't eat:
There is a time to ride, a time to sleep, a time for grooming and a time for eating..Everything has its time and you can't be doing two things at one time (he thinks so :D) Anyway Hope you all have a wonderful evening!! God Bless!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday's Ride!
Well I am doing good on my goal of riding every day..Rode three days in a row:) Well I got Navajo and spent some time with him then I saddled up and we rode out. To be different this time I just headed up to the area where the big hill is. We didnt' do any hill work today but I plan to again soon. I just walked him around and went behind the one shed and did some backing and got him to move his forhand around. He did really well with that. I was just working on some basics to remind him that just because we have a saddle now doesn't change the cues any. He did excellant. What I am hoping is that the saddle will be thought of as more of constructed work or play however you want to look at it and then to relax we will ride bareback:) Maybe once or twice a week just to break up the time of saddle riding and bareback riding. No matter how much I love having a saddle I LOVE TO RIDE BAREBACK..There is just something about it.
Anyway after that bunny trail:) Once I was done working up by the hill area I headed past the barn and toward the strip. That is when Navajo's stubborn side emerged (all was well until then). He decided HE IS NOT GOING TO DOWN THE STRIP NO MATTER WHAT. I told him hey listen you know how it works I tell you to do something YOU are supposed to listen. LOL. I think he thought he could change the rules just for this once. Well didn't happen. I walked and trotted him back and forth and got closer and closer to the strip. He wasn't to willing but he did take some steps and I praised him as he went. Then he was headed toward the strip. You could tell he wasn't to happy about it but he did it. So down the strip we headed. He was acting a bit balky (does this sometimes..usually only when he is testing me :D). I got him the whole way down to the area that was all torn up. Then I turned him back and we headed back. Instead of going back to the barn like Navajo wanted me to I turned around and headed out again. This did NOT please him one bit. So he didn't move his feet. I was like ok don't move them forward we will move them sideways :D So I got him to move his hindquarters both ways a few times. The first time he didn't want to do it but he did the next time he did it willingly. Then we did the forhand. That was no problem. Ok I know moving his hindquarters and such aren't his favorite things to do usually (needs quite a bit of work) because he is usually pretty willing to walk forward and trot after we do those things. Well it didn't work in this case. So I backed him up and he still wouldn't go forward. SO I went to plan B :D
So I was like fine don't go forward. So we went into the field. We didn't go far and I trotted him back. But instead (again) of heading for home I headed out toward the bottom of the strip. He didn't want to forward but with a bit of persuasion he went forward. I was a bit amazed he didn't fight more. Well we walked the whole way down the the area where it was torn up and headed back. He wanted to trot but I said nope you didn't want to walk before now you get to walk back..That is what we did. Then I got off and walked him home and when we got home I unsaddled him and spent some time loving on him and grooming him. He seemed to enjoy that. I love that horse evne though he can give me some frustrating days:)
Anyway after that bunny trail:) Once I was done working up by the hill area I headed past the barn and toward the strip. That is when Navajo's stubborn side emerged (all was well until then). He decided HE IS NOT GOING TO DOWN THE STRIP NO MATTER WHAT. I told him hey listen you know how it works I tell you to do something YOU are supposed to listen. LOL. I think he thought he could change the rules just for this once. Well didn't happen. I walked and trotted him back and forth and got closer and closer to the strip. He wasn't to willing but he did take some steps and I praised him as he went. Then he was headed toward the strip. You could tell he wasn't to happy about it but he did it. So down the strip we headed. He was acting a bit balky (does this sometimes..usually only when he is testing me :D). I got him the whole way down to the area that was all torn up. Then I turned him back and we headed back. Instead of going back to the barn like Navajo wanted me to I turned around and headed out again. This did NOT please him one bit. So he didn't move his feet. I was like ok don't move them forward we will move them sideways :D So I got him to move his hindquarters both ways a few times. The first time he didn't want to do it but he did the next time he did it willingly. Then we did the forhand. That was no problem. Ok I know moving his hindquarters and such aren't his favorite things to do usually (needs quite a bit of work) because he is usually pretty willing to walk forward and trot after we do those things. Well it didn't work in this case. So I backed him up and he still wouldn't go forward. SO I went to plan B :D
So I was like fine don't go forward. So we went into the field. We didn't go far and I trotted him back. But instead (again) of heading for home I headed out toward the bottom of the strip. He didn't want to forward but with a bit of persuasion he went forward. I was a bit amazed he didn't fight more. Well we walked the whole way down the the area where it was torn up and headed back. He wanted to trot but I said nope you didn't want to walk before now you get to walk back..That is what we did. Then I got off and walked him home and when we got home I unsaddled him and spent some time loving on him and grooming him. He seemed to enjoy that. I love that horse evne though he can give me some frustrating days:)
Sunday's Ride!!
YIPPEE I got to ride yesterday:) I am so happy. I haven't been able to ride much this past week but I was quite happy to be able to ride Saturday AND Sunday. Saturday I rode with no saddle but Sunday I did. It was around 7 or so when I saddled up and headed out. Dad and Rachel had a fire in the firering going and we have to go past it (like 100 ft away) to go down the strip. Well Navajo decided he did not like the fire and didn't want to pass it. Well I kept asking him to go forward and he eventually did. Once we were past he just snorted. I laughed at him and told him it wasn't that bad..lol. Funny horse.
We walked down the strip and then turned the corner. Then I asked him to trot. We trotted back and forth along there about 10 or so times. I didn't go in the field because of it being close to dark and also I felt a few raindrops. I didn't feel like being caught in the rain. So we trotted the whole way back. That was fun. And my posting got better since I shortened the stirrups:) Overall it was a good ride and Navajo did well as well. I think we will use the next few weeks and get used to the saddle and then back to training again:) We are going to plowday two weekends in a row so I won't get to ride then. But I will update you and HOPEFULLY get some pics at both. I don't really want to go because I want to ride but hey such is life with a business I guess :) Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I did!
We walked down the strip and then turned the corner. Then I asked him to trot. We trotted back and forth along there about 10 or so times. I didn't go in the field because of it being close to dark and also I felt a few raindrops. I didn't feel like being caught in the rain. So we trotted the whole way back. That was fun. And my posting got better since I shortened the stirrups:) Overall it was a good ride and Navajo did well as well. I think we will use the next few weeks and get used to the saddle and then back to training again:) We are going to plowday two weekends in a row so I won't get to ride then. But I will update you and HOPEFULLY get some pics at both. I don't really want to go because I want to ride but hey such is life with a business I guess :) Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I did!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Saturday's Ride!!
Today I got to ride. Since I didn't have much time I didn't saddle Navajo. Hopefully tomorrow. Anyway I figured it would be nice to have a short bareback ride:) I hopped on and off we went. It was a tad warm this afternoon so we didn't do more than a walk. We walked around the front yard then headed out back behind the barn so we would be in the shade. I got him to do some stopping and some backing up. He did quite well with that. Then I got him to move his forhand around some. I am so happy. Navajo is doing so well with that. Then we walked over to the other grass area and I got him to move his hindquarters and forhand and did some backing. Then I let him walk around a bit and then we headed back to the barn:) It was a nice short ride but I liked it because we worked on some necessary things. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
English Rider!!
I got to ride yesterday for the first time in a while..You know with this nice weather I actually haven't gotten to ride as much as I would like because of being busy with other outside things. Oh well that is how life is I guess. But I know as it gets warmer and summer gets closer I will have more time. Or at least I hope so! Anyway, about the ride. I saddled him up in the English saddle I was given by a dear friend and asked Rose Mary if she would take some pictures of me and Navajo. She was like sure. So we headed out. She got called away for a bit so I rode down the strip and did a lot of trotting. Mr Navajo was acting like he had a fire behind him so I couldn't shorten my irons like I would have wanted to so they were a bit long. I shortened them after we got back. Anyway, it was a great ride. We did tons of trotting and Navajo didn't even mind the saddle one bit. I was very happy about that. I am hoping to maybe ride today as well but we shall see about that. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Time with Navajo
Well today I didn't ride again because I was busy doing pictures getting them ready to put them in photo albums. Anyway I went out and I got him to stand for me (still without moving his feet and putting his head down to eat) while I cleaned up manure. It was wonderful..What I do is put his leadrope on the ground and say stand..and that means he is to stand till I tell him to do otherwise. Then once I was done with manure cleanup I got him to stand while I groomed him. Then we walked around the yard a bit and I put him out on his pasture. I thought we did good. Tomorrow I won't ride because I am going with my mom to do scrapbooking..I am looking forward to it because I can hang out with my cousins and my mom...AWESOME!!
Monday's Ride!
I did get to ride Navajo on Monday. Like Sunday it was just wonderful and relaxing. We didn't work on much. We walked down the strip and then kept walking and went into the field. That was fun. We trotted just a little bit but did all walking mainly. We got back on the strip and I got him to trot back and forth along the bottom. I knew he wanted to run home so I mainly did walking but I wanted him to walk in a straight line instead of trying to turn himself for home and run that way (which is possible if we went along the field). Finally I got him to CANTER (amazing because we only walked and trotted and he kept fighting me) but I knew the minute he would obey me and I asked for a canter. AND HE DID IT WITHOUT TRYING TO RUN FOR HOME. Then I turned him around and went to the corner and told him to stop. He was a bit ancy and wanted to run for home but I got him to stop and he stopped and waited for me..Then we walked home. IT WAS GREAT and I felt like I accomplished something..I did because I got him to obey me even when he wanted to go home..I didn't work on anything else and I hadn't really planned to work on doing that either :) Some days things like that happen..You get results (GOOD ONES) that you aren't expecting..Wonderful feeling!!
Sunday's Update!
I didn't get to ride Sunday but I did walk Navajo and just spend time with him :) I groomed him a bit and then we walked down the strip. We just went at a walk the whole time..I mainly wanted to see how well he walks beside me and stops beside me. He did well. We also did some backing. It was just a wonderful evening and a great time to spend with my horse :)
p.s. Sorry this is so short :D
p.s. Sorry this is so short :D
Friday, April 2, 2010
Friday's Ride!!
It was so nice today..about 70 or so and we cleaned out the trailer and got it ready to go to tractor shows!! Then in the afternoon we got the flowerbeds ready and then planted flowers. Dad tilled the garden so tomorrow we hope to plant it. SO GREAT. It is finally spring and I got to go barefoot and I love working in the flowerbeds and things:):) SO AWESOME..Hopefully tomorrow I will get pictures of the flowers!
FINALLY I got to ride again. I didn't get the chance to really ride since last Friday..I rode him a few times with the lead rope but nothing much. Today I rode him with the bridle. We didn't do much but walk and trot a few times. It was kinda warm. :) I hope to do more tomorrow maybe but hopefully give him a bath as well. He is shedding big time again :D Sorry this isn't much of an update but oh well:) Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
FINALLY I got to ride again. I didn't get the chance to really ride since last Friday..I rode him a few times with the lead rope but nothing much. Today I rode him with the bridle. We didn't do much but walk and trot a few times. It was kinda warm. :) I hope to do more tomorrow maybe but hopefully give him a bath as well. He is shedding big time again :D Sorry this isn't much of an update but oh well:) Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)