Odds and Ends

Last week on Wednesday my mom and I canned 8 boxes of tomatoes which meant we spent all day canning tomato ketchup, pizza sauce and v8 juice. It was a profitable day but meant I didn't work with the horses. On Thursday evening I went shopping with Rose Mary for Rachel's birthday gifts and my evening went much different than planned so no working with the horses. Then Friday I went for supper with a friend and Tyler and I talked on the phone. I was able to work with Mika a bit in the arena earlier in the afternoon and she did really well. From riding her in there it really seemed like that is what she was used to over riding out on the trail. Saturday evening Sarah came to my house and we took Freedom for a drive. Before hooking him to the cart, I got him used to an umbrella. He did really good with being ok with the umbrella. It was drizzling a bit but Sarah and I decided if we have the umbrella we should stay dry enough. :) We had a good drive and Freedom did really well.

Sunday Rose Mary, Rachel and I went for a drive in the cart with Daisy. Both horses have been doing excellent with all the driving they are getting in the past while. I am really impressed with how they have been doing. Then on Monday I rode Daisy for something different. She was acting up a bit at first but then for the rest of the ride she did great. I want to see about riding her some more this week but we shall see. Then Monday evening the Rivera's rode Mika to decide if she can be for their girls to ride. We decided that though she is ride-able now she is not really a child's horse. She needs a rider who has experience riding but she is a great horse :) Tomorrow evening I have a meeting and Thursday evening I am not sure how it will go since a friend of mine is staying at my house for the weekend and not sure what time she is coming. Tomorrow I go back to my nanny job so I will just have evenings and weekends to ride but I am looking forward to going back to my normal job although I have enjoyed working for Dad this summer. Hoping to work with at least one if not two horses tonight.

The Last Week

Last week after Wednesday I didn't work with any of the horses. Thursday evening I went with my cousin to something concerning her business. Then Friday Tyler came up for the weekend. We had a wedding Saturday, did some different things Saturday afternoon, and Saturday evening we were with my youth group. Sunday we were at my cousin's for lunch and some of the afternoon and then it was time for our parting again.

Rose Mary, Tyler and I had gone shopping for the wedding gift and we saw a wading pool. We decided to buy it for Lucy to see how she would like that since she so enjoys splashing in her water bucket. Well Friday evening she wanted nothing to do with the pool but then Saturday we put it in her pen and she was quite a happy dog standing in the pool. That dog makes me laugh so much!

Sunday Rose Mary and I took Freedom for a drive. I love that horse, he makes me laugh so much. He is such a pleasure to drive because he wears his expressions on his face and you can so see what he is thinking. He did quite well with being driven and I am hoping to drive him some more this week.

Monday I rode Mika. I have mainly been working with her and putting hours on her. I was really pleased with how she rode. We cantered quite a bit and she responded really well. Right at the moment I am working with her on going straight and not shying at everything and she definitely has come a long way since last month when I started to ride her. After I got back from riding Mika and had put her away, I got Daisy out to drive her. She did really well and I am hoping to ride her sometime this week yet.

Today I didn't work with the horses because I was helping my mom and aunt with canning. Tomorrow I should be able to work with the horses as well as the rest of the week :)

Driving Daisy and Other Stuff

The weather today was so gorgeous. There was a breeze going for most of the day and it was just the right temperature. It definitely was a good day to work with the horses. Since I had stayed home to keep an eye on Rose Mary's dog's puppies, I cleaned the house and then this afternoon I went to the horses. I rode Mika first. I rode her for about half an hour and we did an equal amount of cantering and walking. The biggest thing I had to work with her on today was staying along the side of the road and walking in a straight line. She has been doing pretty well with it but she still struggles with it at times. Overall though I feel like our ride went really well and I can tell that she is improving.

When I came back with Mika, I hosed her off and then put her back in her meadow. I had planned to drive both my horses but wasn't sure if I would get that accomplished or not. I needed to come check on the puppies again so I had decided that I would drive Daisy down here to the farm since it is a nice distance away and it would give her a nice work out. I really don't like driving along the road we live along because the drivers do not have a very good respect for a horse and rider or a horse and cart but we arrived safely at home despite some people not giving us much space when passing us. I tied Daisy when we got here and checked on the puppies and fed the mom. I had been thinking as I was driving here that it would be fun to take my grandma (who lives here on the farm as well in the main farm house) for a cart ride if she would be into it. I went and asked her if she is interested in doing something adventurous, like a cart ride. She said yes she would be. So I took my grandma for a short cart ride :) It was something I won't forget right away and when I get to be the age my grandma is I hope I am as spunky as she is.

After I dropped my grandma off at her house again, Daisy and I headed back up to the barn. Overall it ended up being like an hour drive. I was really pleased with how Daisy did and with the breeze and all she didn't really sweat all the much. I hosed her off and then put her back out. I told her she did a great job!!

Since it was already quite late in the afternoon and I still had some odds and ends around the barn I needed to do, I decided I would try to drive Freedom tomorrow evening after the show if I am able to. It was a great day just being by myself and I enjoyed spending some of it with my animals.

Working Mika and Going Through Pictures

Monday I was able to work with Mika. I rode for about 20 minutes and we did the most cantering we have ever done. I wanted to mostly work with her on being consistent in whatever gait I ask her to go in. She did amazing and I feel like it definitely was the best ride we have ever had. I didn't have much time to work with my horses since I had a chiropractor appointment in the evening. Today (Tuesday) I didn't work the horses at all due to it being rainy. Instead I spent a good part of my day going through the photos I have taken this summer and finally writing blog posts about them (hence all the blog posts today). Tomorrow I am hoping to spend time with the horses since I am home for the day to watch Rose Mary's dog, Matilda's puppies that will be a week old on Thursday. So we shall see how the rest of the week goes but it has been great having a day of rain!! :)

Driving Freedom, Riding Daisy and Training Mika

Yesterday I drove Freedom for the first time in a while. It felt really wonderful being able to drive him again. He did amazingly well but I definitely could tell that it had been a while. It was a really gorgeous evening for a drive and I am hoping to drive Freedom again tomorrow. I also worked with Mika a little. I worked with her on the ground and I was pleased with how she responded.

Today Rose Mary rode Mika while I rode Daisy. Mika over all did really well. She rode in front, beside Daisy on both sides, as well as cantered in front of Daisy. I can see improvement in her and am looking forward to seeing how the rest of the month goes with riding her. I didn't drive Freedom tonight due to it almost being dark but I was pleased that Daisy had been driven twice over the weekend and then worked today again. I am hoping to work with Mika, Daisy and Freedom tomorrow before going to Chincotegue Thursday.

A Busy Week

 So this past week was quite busy. I worked with Mika two days this week. Tuesday evening Rose Mary went with me to ride and she rode Mika while I rode Daisy. Mika did really well for the most part but I definitely was able to see the areas I want to work with her on. Thursday then I with her a bit on leading since she has a tendency to crowd you when you lead her.

The reason I was so busy this week was because my mom and I finished up most of our house cleaning. It feels so good to have the entire house cleaned :) There is something so fulfilling about knowing the house and porches are all clean. We also did some painting indoors on Monday. Tuesday I spent the day with my mom and Rachel at sister's day, my mom's sisters and sister-in-laws get together once a month to do things at each other's houses. Wednesday we did some more house cleaning and Thursday I think was the easiest day. We finished up our regular cleaning and in the evening I did the weed whacking at the horses and did all the odds and ends I do over the weekend since Tyler was going to be around. This next week I am hoping to drive Freedom now that my cart (which Tyler so nicely fixed for me) is fixed. Also mom is planning to can and Thursday-Sunday my cousins and I are going to be tenting in Chincotegue. It is something we have wanted to do for a long time and we are finally doing it!! :)

Tyler was around for the weekend. He came up on Friday and we spent the day with my family and went for a date in the evening. Saturday we went canoeing with my cousins, Sarah, Maryrose, Josh and Chris on the Juanita River up close to Port Royal PA. We spent an enjoyable day canoeing down the river. We all stopped for a late lunch at Cracker Barrel and then headed back here to my house. Then later in the evening we went to my youth group's ball game and spent the evening there. Today Tyler and I went for a cart ride and spent some time together till he needed to leave. :) Thankful God brought him into my life!!

Roses Tyler gave me :)

Training Mika and Riding Daisy

 

Tuesday evening I didn't work with any of the horses because I had plans in the evening. Wednesday evening as I was about ready to ride, a thunderstorm moved in so riding didn't work out. Thursday I was able to ride again. Mika did exceptionally well leaving the barn. I was really impressed with how she did. We rode for about 30 minutes all together and I think it was over all our best ride.

 

Today (Friday) I asked my sister Rose Mary if she would ride Mika and I would ride Daisy so I could gage how much work Mika needs since another person would be riding her. With Daisy in the lead Mika did great. Rose Mary couldn't get her to come up beside Daisy on my left side but on the right side of Daisy she had no problem. Not totally sure what her deal with that was but it is something we will have to work on. We rode for about 20 minutes. It felt wonderful being able to ride Daisy again and it was really good for Mika to have someone besides myself ride her. She still has a bit more work I need to do with her but I am quite pleased with the progress I see in her. Hoping to ride her again tomorrow if everything works out!

 

I haven't worked Freedom since he got gelded but hoping in the next week or so to start messing with him again. He is the horse I remember him being since his gelding!

Riding Mika

Today I rode Mika again. I was running a bit short on time since right now my vehicle is out of use so I am using my dads. My mom took me to the horses and was waiting for me so I didn't do more than I had to. Anthony and Lori had another boarder move in and the horse's name is India. She is also an older horse and she is out with Mika. Well I figured that Mika might be the fact that she is a bit barn sour but now I am sure of it. I worked with her in the yard right in front of the meadow she usually is in and she did ok. At first she didn't want to step foot away from India but I got her to go. I just rode her for a bit there in the front and then I decided since she was doing well I would see how she does with going out the lane and then leaving the property. Well she did fine going out the lane, but not so fine with leaving the property and India behind. So I backed Mika up the road a bit in the grass and then got her to turn around. She wasn't overly pleased about the prospect but after a few tries I was able to get her to start walking away from India in the pasture (the pasture Mika and India are in is right along the road so it makes it a bit more difficult). I wasn't sure I would be able to get her to move at a faster pace away from the pasture but after a few times of asking I was actually able to get Mika to canter. I didn't take her to far because I figured she did so well. When we were almost back and could see India I decided to test Mika and see how she would do if I decided to turn around and walk away from home again. She wasn't too happy about leaving again but Mika obeyed and went like a good horse :) I turned her around again and headed back. I was really pleased with how she did. Hoping to see improvement as I work her this week but we shall see how it goes!! I didn't have a chance to work with either of my horses due to lack of time but I am hoping tomorrow I can work with Daisy as well!

A Week of Working with the Horses

 

It has been quite the busy week. Got in a nice amount of work with Mika but not so much with my two. Monday I didn't do anything with the horses because I mowed the bottom end of the meadow and by the time I was finished with that and some other barn chores, it was threatening to rain.

 

Tuesday I was able to work with Mika. She did pretty well, especially for having not been worked in over a week. I rode her down the road and she was wary about everything like she is and a few times she didn't want to go forward but we worked through it. Overall I felt she did well. After I came back with her, I took Daisy and Freedom out for a short ride. I wasn't sure how Freedom would do ponying off of Daisy as we haven't done it in a while but they both did really well!

 

Wednesday I didn't have a lot of time till it was dark since I had cleaned the porch because we were planning to paint it the next day. I just rode Mika. She fought me the entire ride. She balked at everything and didn't want to move forward. It took twice as long to go half the normal distance we usually go. The more I ride her the more it seems to me that she was at some point in her life allowed to do as she pleased and got away with stuff going away from the barn because headed for home, she acts perfectly wonderful and doesn't refuse to go forward. I worked her through her balking and we had a pleasant rest of the ride. I didn't ride Daisy or work with Freedom because it was close to dark, I had to feed all the animals at the barn, and I still had some things to do when I got home.

 

Thursday evening I didn't work anyone. I had spent a good part of the day painting our large middle porch and was quite tired from the day. I also was in charge of feeding all the animals since I had been on vacation the week before and I like to take my turn even if I miss it one week.

 

Today (Friday), I was able to work with both Mika and Daisy. Today Mika behaved like a charm. I actually rode her farther than we have ever gone before. Not sure what changed her attitude other than the fact that Wednesday we worked through a lot of issues. She was very pleasant to ride. We were able to ride at both a trot and a canter without any issues. I hope we continue to have rides like the one we had this afternoon. When I got back from riding Mika, I hosed her off and put her away. I then got Daisy out and worked her a bit there at the barn. I wanted to see how she was doing on her response to my body cues. She really impressed me. We did some cantering and I was able to get her to turn on a dime just by using my body cues and very, very light rein cues. I am excited to see how she continues to do. I didn't do anything with Freedom because I want to give him another week or so before I start doing too much with him. It will be three weeks today that he got gelded. Really looking forward to driving him a bunch the next three months till he is 2 1/2 and I can start riding him! Hoping tomorrow to do some work with all three horses.

Training Mika

Monday I worked with Mika all on the ground. Mostly did some in hand work along with some lunging. Tuesday I rode her for on the road. I didn't take her too far but she did pretty well. I could tell she was worried about quite a few things but I am hoping the more time I spend riding her the better she will get with things like that. Today I didn't ride her because of all the thunderstorms we had moving through this afternoon/evening. I didn't work with Daisy Monday because I was babysitting my cousin's children in the evening. My cousin had called me last minute so it changed my evening a bit. Tuesday I mowed the top end of the meadow and started the bottom part till the belt came off of the mower. Freedom is doing well. Hoping to work with both Daisy and Mika tomorrow as well as maybe Friday morning. I shall have to see how my Friday goes. Hope you all have a wonderful July 4th weekend!

Training Multiple Horses

Mika

 

I feel like I was able to accomplish a lot this evening. I got to the barn and brought Mika in first. I did some groundwork with her first.  Since she seems a bit spooky at times I got the tarp out and lunged her over that on the line. She is also nervous around the steer so I lunged her past him too. I wanted her to stop on the tarp before we finished up and I was able to get her to do that. She did excellent with the lunging so I took her into the barn and saddled her up. Once I had Mika saddled up, I thought it would be best to lunge her under saddle first before I hop on so I have an idea how she behaves with the saddle. I know she has been ridden before but not for a while. Mika is an older horse (not sure her exact age) but I wanted to cover my bases before hopping on her myself. She didn't react to the saddle so I got up on her. I walked her around a bit and then asked her for a trot. She went right into the trot. She is larger than Daisy by a bit and she is broader. I posted with her and then asked for a canter. I loved her immediately. If I actually needed/wanted another horse I so would want her. I guess I just have a soft spot in my heart for older horses especially after having Navajo :) Anyway since I had done all this work right behind the barn in a fenced in area I decided to take her out front so I have more room to work her. I worked on trotting with some cantering mixed in. Mika responded to everything I asked. I know I want her to be a bit more responsive to some of my cues and other things but I am so excited to see how she does the more I work with her. I really like her a lot :)

 

After I worked Mika, I hosed her off and then put her out in the meadow again. I brought my horses in and with Brooke and Cali's help (Anthony and Lori's 5 and 6 yr olds) I brushed Daisy and Freedom. I worked with Freedom a bit on the ground and he is really getting quite good at doing a move on the forehand and hindquarters. I think within the next couple days I want to see about teaching him to sidepass. I really want to get my cart fixed so I can drive him because I know he would really benefit from that!

 

I put Freedom out and tacked Daisy up with the French link snaffle and saddle. Tonight she did the absolute best she has ever done in a bit. I am really excited to ride her again and see how she does! She was so responsive to my cues to transition up to a trot and then down to a walk and stop. Going the one way, she kept wanting to break her gait but I worked her through that and was able to get her to trot consistently for me. I actually didn't work her very long but for the length of time I did, she did amazing. Not sure if I will get to work with anyone tomorrow because it is my last day of work and it looks like I will be working late. I also have piano lessons in the evening. I do plan to work the horses Thursday and Friday.

Catching Up

Its been quite a while since I blogged. Its been quite a busy month so far and I don't really see my summer slowing down. It will help that I will be working for my dad after Wednesday of this week. It is hard to believe I only have two more days of working as a nanny for this family for this school year. I plan to work for Dad for the summer and this family asked me back so I plan to work for them next school year. :)

 

Last week I had Bible school every evening so I didn't work with the horses at all. Friday I had off from work so I gave both horses a bath. I had worked with Freedom first. I was going to drive him and I did for a little bit before my tire on the cart went flat. So I need to fix that :) I didn't have time to work with Daisy but it was good to give both horses a bath.

 

I wasn't planning to go deep sea fishing with my youth group on Saturday but it ended up working out. I caught a star fish (which I kept), a sea creature that looked like a miniature sting ray, and a fish that was too small to keep. Overall our group caught 30 fish though. It was quite an enjoyable day!!

 

 



I had asked Anthony if he would show me how to run the weed whacker so I could do all the weed whacking around the outside of the meadow as well as along the dividing fence in the meadow. So I got there this morning before he left for work. It wasn't working so he left and I messed with it a bit more and got it running. I was able to get all the weed whacking done in 2 hrs. I came home and walked Lucy. I ran some errands with my family this afternoon then, this evening, I was able to work with my horses. First though, I worked with Mika, Anthony and Lori's horse that I am going to be training. She is an older horse who hasn't had work in a while so they want me to get her ready to ride for their children. I believe she will make a good child's horse. I worked her in the round pen tonight and I could tell she knew what she was doing. I was quite impressed with how she did. In the end she joined up with me and then followed me. I also got her to back up and do some other groundwork. Then I gave her a bath and put her out.

 

Mika

 

I then worked with Freedom. I lunged him and got him to do some work at the canter. I am very pleased with where he is with his training. Thursday the vet is coming out to geld him so not sure how that will all affect our work schedule but we will play it by ear. I actually didn't ride Daisy myself but Anthony and Lori's two girls, Brooke and Cali rode Daisy. I called my mom and asked her if she wanted to bring Rachel up. She did so, I let Rachel ride Daisy as well. :) Tomorrow evening I am hoping to ride Daisy and work with Freedom a bit.

Brooke and Daisy

 Rachel and Daisy (cell phone photos :)

Riding Daisy and Meeting Harley

 Alyson and her new horse Harley (he is a QH/Morgan)

 

 

 

 

 

Freedom

 

This evening Alyson and I went for a ride together. She rode Harley and I rode Daisy. It went really well..Harley did great for it being his first ride here. We rode for about an hour..it was fun riding together with someone else from the barn. So looking forward to this summer!!

 

Harley came on Friday evening and Jess was sold yesterday. We had put Daisy and Harley together on Saturday all day and then today all day in the arena. They seem to do well together :) Then this evening we put them out in the big pasture (the one where Daisy and Freedom had been all winter). I am seperating Freedom and Daisy for a bit. Freedom is going to be with Prince in the meadow across from Harley and Daisy, in the meadow where Daisy, Freedom, and Prince have been for the last month or so. Overnight Freedom will be by himself as Prince is in overnight and then during the day him and Prince will be together.

Blue Marsh and a Purple Flower!

Daisy before heading out

 our group

Riley (on Lightning), Trevor (on Speedy), Chris (on Goldfire), Josh (on Red Lightning) 

Ruth Ann (on Daisy), Sharon (on Bean), and Andrea (on Sweet Pea)

Our group

 

These are some of the pictures I took at Blue Marsh

 

 

Purple flower from this morning..it is a rainy Friday here. I didn't ride Daisy yesterday and this evening I might ride..we shall see. Alyson is getting another horse today and tomorrow Jess is most likely getting sold. :) Alyson wanted another horse that she can just hop on and ride and not end up being more of a project which is more or less what Jess is. She will make someone a great project horse!

Thursday, Friday, and Sunday's Rides!

Thursday I rode Daisy in the morning for a short bit. It was about 20 minutes but it was a wonderful ride. In the evening I rode Jess and worked her in and out of the driveway mostly at a trot but I did work her at a canter a little bit!! She did really great especially cantering out of the driveway. I was very pleased with her.

Friday I rode Daisy again all except I rode her in the evening for about half an hour. I am getting her ready for a long ride on Wednesday at Blue Marsh. I rode her both times in my natural ride saddle as well as her hackamore. She was doing great...I mainly worked at her trotting and did some cantering.

Saturday I didn't ride at all.

Sunday I rode Daisy for an hour. She did really wonderful today. I brought her down to the farm and rode her in the field. I worked her at a trot and some cantering...she did really great. I was also taking pictures and here is a bit of a sample.

Looks like spring is here!

Wednesday Morning's Ride on Jess!

Prince aka Mateo

 

This morning I got up early and rode Jess before working for my dad. This afternoon/evening I plan to ride Daisy and possibly work with Freedom. Last evening (Tuesday) I did work with Freedom a bit. Mainly on backing and moving his forquarters and hindquarters. Once it warms up here (hopefully next week) I plan work with Freedom more as well as Daisy. Last year the grass was a lot greener by now as well as the weather being a lot warmer than this year. Guess it will come eventually :D

 

Jess this morning

 

This morning went well with Jess. Worked in the arena and pretty much just trotted a lot. We did some cantering but I didn't want to work too much on that. I believe the next time I work her I will be working her outside the arena. Jess did really well of which I was thankful :) We shall see how next time goes! 

Thursday-Sunday!

Thursday evening I rode Jess. Alyson was there so I was showing her how well Jess was doing. I trotted Jess first in the arena then I worked her then got her to canter. As I was going around the first corner she lets out a buck. I corrected her for that and for the rest of the time she behaved herself quite marvelously :) After I had ridden her for a bit I asked Alyson if she wants to ride Jess. She did and so I hopped off and Alyson got on. Jess was being a bit of a mess with not wanting to walk for Alyson but she did then. Once Jess did what Alyson asked Alyson got off. We praised Jess for doing so well. I am very pleased with the progress I have made so far with her.
 

Friday and Saturday I didn't do more than love on the horses, maybe groom them a bit and put them in and out. My aunt Barb http://thepetersheims.wordpress.com/ passed away Thursday morning and we had the viewing on Friday and funeral Saturday. Now it is just the children since their father pssed away about a year and a half ago. Pray for them as they continue on with their lives.

 

Sunday morning (this morning) the youth had a sunrise service so I got up early, fed the horses and Rose Mary and I headed to that. After the sunrise service we went to church, came home, ate lunch at my grandparents place (Dad's side) then I took a long nap. This evening then I just loved on the horses. Plan to do more work with them this week. We shall see!

Tuesday and Wednesday!

I didn't ride much at the end of the week or over the weekend cause we as a family had the flu and cold and I wasn't feeling well due to that. Friday I also worked my last day at Pellman Foods and I am hoping now that I am finished there my arms will not hurt as much. Now I am working for my dad on our website and enjoying myself. At the moment it isn't totally up and running but it should be by the middle or end of next week. So far I am enjoying myself and having a blast!

Tuesday I rode Jess, this time outside of the arena. I saddled her up and hopped on her in the barn. She didn't want to go so I got her to back pretty much the whole way out of the barn. Then she responded well and we went out the lane pretty nice. Before we did though she made a bit of a fuss when I asked her to trot. She got over it and trotted out the driveway nicely! Once going down the road I got her to canter away from the barn. She did act a bit bucky at first but then the rest of the ride she did great! We came to a hill so we walked down the hill. At the bottom of the small hill we turned left onto another road and along that road we cantered pretty much the whole way away from the barn and almost the whole way headed back. I see areas that need work but overall it went well. Once we turned onto the road the barn is along we just trotted, then slowed to a walk to cool down. The ride was about 30 minutes and over all it was more cantering than not. I was so impressed with Jess! It was the best ride I have had on her yet! After I was finished riding her, I brought my horses in, groomed them both and put them in the barn for the night!

 

Wednesday I rode Jess again, only this time in the arena. I wanted to fine tune her going from a trot into a canter. It went amazingly well and she responded well to my aides as well ad did great going pretty much right into a canter when asked. Still work that needs done but overall I am so pleased with the progress we are making!! :) I plan to put my horses in later this evening :)

 

Wednesday

Today was eventful. I got off from work later than normal but came home, changed around and went to the horses. When I got there I got Jess ready to ride. I was giving her a pep talk about her not giving me her best and that I expect to see her do better than yesterday cause I know she can. She is smart enough to and she knows what I want, its just a matter of her DOING it :) Well she pleasantly surprised me. We went into the arena and I first just worked her at a walk and a trot. Before I had gotten on her I had put a pole in the middle of the arena so we could ride over that. Once we had been working at the trot for a bit I trotted her toward the barn, made a u-turn and headed away. I asked her to canter and she bucked a bit but I kept asking her to go forward with my legs, seat and crop. She gave a few bucks with only a step of a canter so I just trotted her to the fence and headed toward the barn. Turned and headed away again and asked for the canter. This time she bucked once or twice and I got a few more canter strides out of her. I stopped and praised her a lot. Headed back toward the barn at a trot, turned and headed away from the barn, asked for a canter and halfway across the arena Jess cantered and we cantered the rest of the way. I praised her and trotted a bit more then hopped off and praised her. Went back in the barn and then put her out in the meadow. I was so pleased with how tonight went. We definitely got somewhere. Now we just need to work on the bucking and fine tuning a few things. But I feel quite pleased.

Once Jess was away I went out and got Daisy and Freedom. Put the hackamore on Daisy and the leadrope and halter on Freedom. I had my long crop along and I decided to pony Freedom off of Daisy and go for a short spin. He was making a habit of balking when heading out the driveway the last time I had worked with him (in the fall) and so I wasn't sure what to do. Well someone gave me the idea to tap him with the crop on his hindquarters to get him to move up and tap him on his chest to slow down. That is what I did and it worked like a charm. We didn't ride long but both horses did wonderful. I rode bareback and everything went well. So my day went wonderfully. So pleased with how everyone did!

Sunday-Tuesday

Sunday and Monday I didn't do any riding. I did love on the horses and groom them Monday evening but it was snowing so I didn't ride.
 

Tuesday I rode Jess in the arena. I mainly just worked on walking and trotting and getting her to respond nicely off of my leg. At first she was being very sluggish but once she figured out that we weren't going to quit till she responded nicely she trotted the turns nicely as well and going both toward and away from the barn. I did canter twice and she did well with that too. I definitely see improvement but sometimes I feel like I am taking more steps backward than I am forward at times :D It is coming along though.
 

After I put her in her stall I went and got Daisy and Freedom. I loved on them and then put them in their stalls for the night. Tomorrow morning will put them out in the meadow again. Possibly will ride tomorrow. We shall see.