Psyched for an Endurance Weekend!

I'm excited since tomorrow my hubby and I head up to Aurora so we can volunteer during the Kenlyn Urban Challenge Endurance race.  We'll be getting a taste for what this sport is like!  I can't wait to meet all the neat horsey people and of course the horsies!  I have only a couple friends that are horsey...the rest just smile and nod with glazed eyes when I talk about horse stuff...I'm sure all horse crazy people know that look very well!!!  It will be awesome to make some connections with other like-minded horse crazy folk!

Anyhow, we are going up tomorrow night for the early registration and will be camping out with all the participants.  Then Saturday we'll spend our time running around I'm sure!  I do have a lot to talk about in future posts.  I test rode a few horses for a potential lease and have settled on a cute paint mare for the next 6 months.  She's right near my work so that is nice and I have her two days a week, Wednesday and Sunday.  She a lot different than Willy and doesn't seem to like the bit I have so I'll be working on finding something that works well with her and start getting to know her personality.  I haven't been out for riding lessons because of work issues or other things...I miss Laurie's horses and do want to see Pstar again.  I still love her even if she's too young and spirited for me! 

After the 6 month lease is over I plan on taking a break from leasing since I'd rather take that money and start saving hardcore to buy my horse next spring!  I still peruse Dreamhorse and other sale sites and have found a lot of horses under 3k, which is nice.  I'd go as high at 5k if the horse was just amazing (and I could afford it!) and well trained but hopefully I can stay in the lower range.  Anyhow, here's some pics of horses I've seen that I can dream about for now.  A couple are actually Morgans or Arabian crosses but sound like nice mounts so definitely ones I would consider come the time to buy!

Morgan Mare in South Dakota.....oh what pretty color, I love Buckskins!! The video shows her under saddle and she does pretty nicely!

Another Morgan mare in Colorado, hopefully her rear isn't really higher than her withers. She looks very downhill in this photo!

Arabian mare for $1800, probably won't be for sale when I can buy her!

Been seeing this guy posted for a while, he's nice 9-10 year old Arabian gelding in Del Norte, Colorado.

Pretty dark bay Arabian mare in Parker, Colorado I think

I cannot wait until I can get on the phone and start asking these people about their horse and going out and meeting the horse!  That day will be here soon enough!

I'll post more about this weekend when I get back home and my lease horse trials later!

Resolution

I am no longer leasing Pstar.  Laurie was completely sympathetic about how I felt while working with Pstar alone.  I feel terrible that I didn't realize how much horse she was.  She's still a sweetie in the paddock and I can love on her when I go out for my lessons and even have a lesson lunging her but I won't be having the one on one time of a lease that made me feel a bit unsafe.

Whew!!!!  Laurie is getting moved into the new place and so are the horses.  I can't wait to go back out to the new place to ride Divine.  I'll take lots of pictures to show you the nice new digs that Laurie and her family have!

For now I'm considering what my next move will be as far as leasing a horse goes.  I could find one close in town to ride during the week and on the weekends perhaps.  Perhaps a nice trail horse, any breed.  Spring is coming along and the hubby and I have a lot of yard work to get done plus hiking season should start in a few months and we wish to get back into that full swing.  We'll see how things go.  Still paying down debt and awaiting the day where I can search for my first mount!

Pstar is a sweet girl, we just aren't a good combo when she's out of her comfort zone and I'm out of mine!  I look forward to loving on her and giving her carrots and not getting irritated at her!  LOL. 

Spurs

I was watching a Julie Goodnight show....love having these new cable channels and finally receiving The Rural Network or whatever it's called.  Anyhow Julie said something that I've long thought was intuition but it's best to repeat here I think!

She was working on a fairly new rider with a horse that had lots of go.  He rode western and part of his attire was spurs.  Now this isn't to say spurs are just a western thing because they aren't!  So here's what she said about this:

"Spurs are not a fashion statement or an outfit accessory.  The are meant to be used by ADVANCED riders, using ADVANCED aids on an ADVANCED horse." 

That summed it up quite well I think!

Many times while leasing Willy the little girl who leased Misty would come into the indoor arena looking into the spur box for spurs.  She's not advanced and neither is Misty.  I wanted to scream what are you doing??!!!  Perhaps for some people they just think spurs are what you do, especially for western or dressage.  Um...no.  I don't see myself ever in my life being where I need spurs but I don't have really advanced goals for my riding.  They have a time and place and are definitely something beginners should NEVER use!

Biting off more than I can chew

I arrived today with a little bit of worry about how things would go with my first day leasing Pstar.  The mares and Eksodus were in the arena, no cars were in the drive so it was just me.  I had my green halter with me, so I went into the arena to get Pstar.  Eksodus came trotting right up to me and I pet his neck, expecting his usual nibble but he didn't seem even interested in nipping.  Excellent.  Pstar was over by some hay munching away.  I wandered over to her and put the halter on.  She was sweet and dutifully followed me to the barn.

I brought her into the crosstie area only to find the crossties were gone, most likely Laurie had moved them to the new place.  I figured I would quick release knot Pstar to one of the poles and begin grooming but Pstar had other thoughts.  She didn't stand still enough for me to get her tied and kept swinging her hind quarters around as she paced in the area.  I brought her into the aisle instead and tried to tie her to one of the poles on the stalls.  She again swung back and forth, neighing at the top of her lungs.  I kept trying to get her tied but each time I was nearly getting tied I had to duck out of the way or defend my space so I wouldn't get smooshed against the side of the stall.  The tears began welling up...second time that I've felt this frustrated with her and been brought to tears (though I didn't describe pulling over on the side of the road to ball my eyes out after the first incident but now I'll admit that since it's becoming a theme).  I can't seem to work well with her unless Laurie is there, which doesn't bode well for a lease where I will be with her alone most of the time. 

Finally Pstar calmed down, perhaps she sensed my tears and decided to behave so I could begin currying her coat.  The grooming went well for the most part, I used the shedding tool and rid her of a lot of hair.  Hoof picking went pretty well, I was prepared with the two hands and able to get her legs calm much faster, yippee for small victories.  Then I brought out the Mane and Tail and went to work on her mane and tail.  Her hair became very silky and glistened.  I grabbed the western saddle pad and put that on her back, then I grabbed the western saddle and placed that on her back.  As I worked to slowly tighten the girth the fire came up in her again, she lurched to the side bulldozing into me.  I backed away and let her feel the saddle and girth and then went to tighten it some more, same thing.  Uge.  This isn't fun.

I finally felt the saddle was at least snug enough so I took her halter off and placed the new rope halter I had.  Rope halters have a series of knots that are supposed to be at pressure points and are good for training.  Pstar was tossing her head a lot as I tried to tie the halter.  Finally we were set so I brought her outside.  Since the mares were in the arena and Gadiel was in the round pen I figured I'd work on leading ground work with Pstar.  She skipped around as we approached a flatbed trailer and my parked car.  I walked her past the offending objects many times.  Several times Pstar would ram right into me and I tried to get big and get her out of my space.  Things went well and then issues would pop up, then things would go well and she'd walk nicely beside me, then she'd jig some more.  So went the next half hour. 

Laurie showed up about then and was excited since some people were coming to look at Eksmisha.  Laurie had suggested I get the lunge whip and walk Pstar down the driveway.  I looked for the whip and found that it was in the crosstie area.  I brought Pstar up onto the platform but she began dancing about and skipping around (I really don't know how to describe it).  I tried to reach for the lunge whip amongst the chaos but got a pole between Pstar and I in the mean time and when she jerked out to the aisle I got stopped by the pole....ouch.  Finally I led her out of the stable as two men in suits were heading in to discuss Eksmisha.

Walking down the path with the whip; I kept trying to gain control, find a comfortable grip and figure out how to position it just right.  I felt I had even less control of Pstar so I said screw it and tossed it on the ground, I'll come back for it later.  I walked Pstar down the driveway.  She jigged and skipped next to me, and kept crossing in front of me as she was interested in the mares back at the stable or in what Laurie was doing with the men and Eksmisha.  I remembered from Julie Goodnight how to deal with an unruly horse on the ground, and moved my hands with the lead up in front of her face to get her out of my space.  It worked a little but was very tiring.  I got tired of it and moved her in a small circle several times then proceeded to walk straight again.  Things went a little better but I had issues turning her away from me and out of my space.

The wind was picking up and it was getting cold.  I decided to take her back to the stable.  I brought her up into the crosstie area again but again she was acting like a nut case, I couldn't get the lead anywhere near anything to tie.  In the stable aisle I had the same issue.  Laurie mentioned she was being a little pill and suggested I tie her in the stall.  I accomplished that, eventually, amidst her swinging body and screaming neighs.  I took the saddle off and ducked out of the stall only to have Pstar push her way out of the stall and swing around the aisle while she was still tied.  I quickly chose to place the saddle on the side of the adjacent stall; the way she was acting I didn't trust her to have me walk to the tack room to place the saddle where it belonged.  The last thing I needed was for her to get loose on me.  I brought her back into the stall and tried to groom her and calm her but her constant piercing neighs blotted out all my efforts.  Several times I had to move pretty quick as Pstar swung one way or another.  I stood at one side of the stall for a few minutes, catching my breathe and choking back tears not sure what to do.  What have I gotten myself into?

Eventually I finished grooming her and was able to pick her feet.  Laurie asked me to put her into the outdoor stall so I did but had issues yet again.  I brought her in and turned her around to reach for the gate but Pstar bolted through the gate.  So I turned her again to get into the stall and tried to grab the gate while having a closer hold on Pstar to prevent her leaping through the exit.  She moved about quickly and stepped firmly on my foot.  Ouch!  Laurie came out of the stable and closed the gate for me.  I took off Pstar's halter and slipped out of the gate as Laurie closed it.  To finish up I cleaned up the last bits of poop Pstar had left in the aisle and crosstie area then went outside to fetch the lunge whip.

I was soooo ready to go home.  I cried all the way home.  This was not what I wanted.  It seems that every time I work with Pstar with Laurie things go pretty well.  Alone things just go to shit.  She's too much horse for me.  Too young, too spirited and not trained enough.  I did not feel safe today and am not sure if I'll want to go out again.  I don't know what to do.  I have this lease contract for a year (why did I do this?).  She's not under saddle, what was I thinking?  I'm stuck.  I know there is a two week notice clause and I can end the lease.  I just feel bad but perhaps I had romantic views about how leasing Pstar would be like, I didn't listen to the voice in the back of my head.  Truth is I'm not a trainer and I don't know how to deal with such unruly young behavior.  I need a well mannered, well trained horse for a lease or to buy.  I don't know what to do at this point.  Laurie may have the confidence in me but I don't and I also don't have the desire to train a horse from the ground up.  I don't know what to do.

Pstar is sweet to pet and love on in the pasture but to work with, I just can't deal with a horse that freaks out at a parked car, crashes into my as we walk and swings her body blindly for no apparent reason.  I miss Willy, a nice calm horse that I didn't have to worry about and that I felt safe with.  What am I to do now?  I have a lot of thinking to do.  I don't want to back out on Laurie but again, I can't pay $300 a month to be miserable and scared.  I feel I've made a terrible mistake...

Willy and I's Last Ride Together

My last day with Willy has arrived.  It's a bittersweet day since I know I'll miss Willy but I'm taking on a new adventure with Pstar.  I knew I would most likely only lease Willy for about a year, still he's worked his way into my heart.  As I head out to the stable the weather is pretty icky.  It snowed a little and the air is damp with fog.  I swing by Eggar road to see if I can get a picture of the donkey.  Unfortunately he was not there but I snapped a shot of my favorite property on the road....oh to dream....someday...

I spent a long time grooming Willy today.  I curried him really well and then used my new shedding tool.  It looked like a Wookie was on the ground after I was done!  I untangled his mane and tail and sprayed them with Mane and Tail to help comb out all the strands.  His hair flowed like spun silk!  The little boy with his parents came in with Two Socks.  He seemed to be doing well with Two Socks but they are still going to try out Willy next week.  Once Willy was groomed really nice and tacked up I brought him outside to mount up.

We rode around the outside of the big arena.  Susan had joined the big arena with one of the pens and had a lot of the horses in there so they could have fun romping and playing in a bigger area.  I didn't work on anything today, I just wanted to enjoy the ride.  We walked, trotted and did some fun canters.  Willy was very responsive today, almost like he knew I desired a perfect ride for my last day with him!  The sun peeked in and out of the clouds but it was still chilly so I kept my fleece and gloves on.

After a while I decided to grab my grooming gear and head to the upper riding ring.  I rode Willy to the indoor ring to get my stuff and then walked with him up the other ring.  Once I wrestled closed the gate (the sand was deep and catching the bottom of the gate) I rode Willy in a serpentine in the fresh sand, the path left showed me how accurate our riding was...not too bad!  After riding around the ring for a bit doing turns and serpentines I dismounted and untacked Willy.  I did a quick brush over in preparation to take some pictures of him.  I still only had my point and shoot but I figured it would be nice to get some pictures of him doing his horse thing, tack free. 

Willy followed me about the ring and trotted off when I motioned with my dinky crop, I didn't have the lunge whip with me to better get him moving off but he got the idea.  His coat was a nice warm reddish brown in the sunlight and his mane and tail glistened; at least the few times the sun peeked out!  He's such a beautiful boy!  I gave Willy some apple pieces, we'd run out of carrots at home but Willy didn't seem to mind. 

I was walking to one side of the arena when I noticed Willy sniffing the ground.  Happy at what I hoped was to follow I got ready with the camera.  Willy laid down and started rolling on the sand.  I bet it felt quite good on his back.  He kicked his heels up to the sky and snorted as he tossed about.  He then got up and shook his body with a grunt of pure satisfaction.  Several of the horses in the big ring had done the same thing but while wearing their blankets, I can't help but think it's less satisfying than rolling in the sand completely "naked".  Willy had sand all over his face so I took a brush to his coat one more time and whisked him "clean".  I cleaned his hooves and was quite impressed about how sweet and quiet he was standing with no halter or lead on.

I fed him some more apples and then put his halter on and lead him back to the location of his blanket.  The sun was going behind the clouds again so I figured I'd get his blanket on and turn him loose with the other horses in the big arena.  I went back to the top arena afterwards to gather my tack and gear, lugged it back to the car and then went to say hello to the minis.  They were cute as usual and did their usual nickers as I entered the paddock with apples. 

I walked to the big arena to give Willy a last goodbye hug although it's not really goodbye, just a see ya later.  I know I can come and see him anytime I want, I just won't be riding him regularly.  I've enjoyed being able to take rides in the neighborhood and work on my seat or other techniques in the ring.  I walked up to Willy with a couple more carrots.  Then I hugged him goodbye and kissed his muzzle.  As I walked away I turned back to look at him, his ears were pricked forwards watching me. 

Thank you my friend for a great year of riding fun.  Thank you for helping me build my confidence.  Thank you for your patience and for working hard when I tried something new. Thank you for helping me fly with the wind in my hair and for not running away when I fell off!  Thank you for being such a calm boy when dogs were chasing us on the road.  Thanks for the nuzzles, the licks and the warm horsie embraces.  I will always remember you fondly Willy.

Leg Yielding and Ducks

My lesson on Divine today was a little difficult for me but ended well.  I was off the lunge line so that was exciting...I'd been having a lot of lunge line lessons where I worked on my legs or seat lately.  Laurie had me ride Divine on her off side, circling right.  This is her "stiffer" side and mine as well!  I was having a hard time trying to get Divine's nose in while keeping her at the steady trot.

Sala in the stall with a view...the process
of moving has started for Laurie and family!

Then Laurie had me start the leg yielding, if I was wanting to move the horse left I would press with the right leg, cue with the right rein and push with my left seat.....Got that?  It took some coordination of my brain too, leg yield left using this right body part and that right body part oh and also use this other left body part.  ACK!  Eventually we got it and even had one leg yielding that was near perfect, until we stopped!  I had Divine moving strait but crossing at a diagonal like in the Grand Prix....well, okay not really, it felt like it for a split second though!

Good morning Pstar Shine!

 After the lesson I groomed Divine down.  Laurie realized her broom was not at this property, she'd been using it at the new place.  Therefore I scooped up the hair and dirt as best I could with a shovel and dust pan.  The stable looks so bare right now!  A lot of the the items normally in the grooming area are gone.  Extra stall boards have been taken out of the stalls to be moved over to the new place.  The ribbons near the cross ties are gone....they are moving!!!

Leg's paddock fencing has been taken down and moved to the
new place so he was in the barn with the girls

Divine is slowly becoming less and less fuzzy as the weather warms.  Each time I groom her I make sure to help the shedding along and use the shedding tool.  I need to get one of those for my own grooming kit!  I gave Divine her carrots and led her back to the hay in the arena, she was very happy to go back and munch.

YAWN!

I visited Pstar and Psylk in the outdoor stall, those mares are so funny and silly together.  Pstar was yawning a bit and I got a funny shot of her mid yawn.  It was with my phone camera so the picture is a little washed out.  You can see that she still has a lot of the facial goat hairs like her mother does!  Those will shed out soon enough!



Baby ducks in a bowl...too cute!

On my way home I headed to Big R since I need a new lead rope for my green halter now that Pstar will be wearing it.  I also wanted to check out if there was a shedding tool in the grooming section.  While there I not only received a free hot dog and drink but I got my fill of utter cuteness!  Back where the saddles usually are were several water tanks that contained bedding and cute piping little birds!

Baby chickens!

There were ducks, chickens, roosters and turkeys!  The ducks were only $4.99!  I was so tempted to just pick one up and take it home.  I resisted since my husband would have gone nuts!  Someday we'll have chickens and ducks but in town, even though you can have chickens, we just don't have the space with our landscape plans.  They were fun to watch though!  SO CUTE!!

Horse Table

On a recent trip to Anniston, AL for work I discovered this neat table in the cafeteria of the training center for Homeland Security.  PONIES!!!

Kind of random...

It was pretty random to see this intricate table in a very plain, "government" type building.  So I had to take a couple pictures...I have a horse blog afterall!  You never know when you might happen upon something neat and interesting!

Detail of the horse head leg

One Hot Commodity!

I groomed Willy in all his fuzziness.  The horses are definitely starting to shed big time!  I wonder if the furminator I have for my BorderAus would work well on a horse?  I worked on Willy's mane and tail, spraying both with the Mane N' Tail to get rid of some major static.  His mane is so thick and shiny, when it's combed out it looks so nice!  Loraine was working the Friesians again so I went over to talk with her and Gracie.  I told her about my lease ending with Willy and gave her my contact information.  I like her so much, it would be great to do some horsie stuff with her sometime!  I also talked with Susan and asked if she had received my lease termination letter with the last payment.  She said yes and was really sweet about thanking me for leasing him and that I was welcome anytime to come visit him.  I'm sure I'll have to do that!  I'll come by sometime to give Willy some carrots, he's a special boy! 

Silkiest mane!

I then took Willy out on Meridian to head over to Eggar road for a nice "trail ride".  Willy shied a little at something just before we got onto Eggar.  He moved over towards the road and starred at what I think was some of the trash in the paddock.  I let him look for a while and reassured him as I pushed him onwards.  The ride was pretty calm, the usual dogs barking and a cute vision of the donkey.  I didn't get a good picture of him but I'll keep trying!  Willy and I enjoy the views though the day is overcast.  It's warm at least and the wind is minimal. trot. Several times Willy tried to trot but I was determined to keep him at a walk, I didn't want another galloping off session out in the open road.  I prevent the trot and keep him calm and low key, for the most part. 

Indoor arena

On our way back to the stable Willy did the standard stop and brace with head low looking at the scary piece of trash on the side of the road that was going to eat him.  What a ridiculous boy!  I told him he was silly but stroked his neck and said he was fine.  He moved on and we walked up the driveway back to the stable.  We rode around the property doing a few canters and trots.  Willy sure likes to canter, he digs his feet into the ground and lurches forwards; he does have a lot of go, especially for a 20 year old.  I bet when he was younger he was even more so...probably would have been too much for me! 

"But I want to TROT! Don't make me stop!"

I took him back to the wash rack to untack and groom him down.  I noticed as I was cleaning his belly that there was a clump of hair caught in between his penis and sheath, ewe!  I grabbed a wet wipe and gently pulled the clump out, ewe was right but I bet he felt much better afterwards!  Yuck!  A lady came over after helping her son mount up on Two Socks.  She stated that they are looking to lease a horse and may look at Willy after doing some test rides on Two Socks.  I told her about Willy, his good points and bad; she'll be test riding him on April 3rd it sounds like.  Apparently everyone at the Youth Ranch is excited that Willy's lease is up come April!  He is one coveted mount and this lady with her son are not the only ones thinking of leasing him.  It made me sad in a way since it really sunk in that my lease time with Willy was ending but at the same time he's a great horse and will be appreciated by all the little kids here. 

I forgot carrots for Willy so the lady gave one of hers to me as I led Willy back to his paddock.  Susan wanted me to blanket him, so I tried to find his blanket amongst the blankets piled in the indoor arena.  I found one that looked like it had his hair on it; it fit so hopefully I was right! Willy's pen was clean aside from a couple piles of fresh poo, maybe Susan has had more help at the place!  I gave Willy a big hug, only one more ride.  It was hard just thinking of that today.  I've enjoyed my time with him and even though I know the time would be finite it's still hard to say goodbye.  At least I can still come by to visit him so it's not good bye forever!  After giving him another hug I went and said hello to the little ponies, stroking their soft fuzzy heads.  Bet they can't wait to shed all that fur!  And with that I headed back home.

Willy's clean pen

The Pstar Dance

I had my lesson on Friday.  Since I had issues with Pstar last time I was out I asked Laurie if we could work with her.  We got Pstar in the cross ties and I started grooming her.  Again lots of hair shed out...it's that time of year!  In areas around her neck I could see the smooth and metallic brown hairs coming in for her summer coat.  I can't wait to see her in her gleaming color this summer!  When we came to the feet I learned a few things...I was a little panicky about how quickly a young horse picks up their feet, it's unexpected and Pstar was most likely feeding off of my fear.  Also, two hands are better than one!  Normally with older horses I just use my inside hand, while my outer hand awaits with the pick.  When I was able to get Pstars feet I praised her and then held her hoof with one hand while rubbing either her shoulder or butt with the other.  That seems like it should be the mode of operation while she and I are still getting to know each other. 

I then got the western saddle to put on Pstar, I started the cinch and Laurie finished up, slowly getting the cinch tighter.  Pstar, and apparently most mares don't like the idea of the cinch so much.  A little bit of movement back and forth was all the irritation Pstar seemed to show.  Then she was fine.  Laurie showed me how to take the chain for her halter and loop it around the top nose band so it was not too severe.  She still thinks with a young horse it's best to use the chain for now.

You can still see she has hairy goat hairs on her cheek!

Out in the arena I struggled with the whip and lungeline in my hands, afraid of whacking Laurie, Pstar or myself.  We worked on backing first.  I wasn't too successful...I'm not forceful enough, I'm more like "pretty please with a carrot on top?" when I should be "Back please...I mean NOW!"  Laurie demonstrated wtih a more dominant way of making Pstar back without the clucking and hand motion.  Pstar kept looking in my direction and I wasn't sure how I should view that!  I know as I work with her she'll start seeing me as a dominant mare rather than a friend...but I still want to be the friend!  I took up the lungeline and worked on the back again....much better success.  Pstar is such a good teacher/student!
I then lunged her in both directions, asking for the trot and again not being dominant enough.  I often found if I started looking at Pstar's face for shoulder she would slow down, I have to remember I'm working on moving that butt!  I need to use the body language that says move this way, point whip to move horse outwards from the circle and use my body to walking along side her to move about the arena in a more straight line.  As Laurie says, "drive her" forward.  I was getting the knack of it!

We did well together.  I brought her in, untacked her and groomed her down.  I worked on her hooves again and used the two hand method to steady her leg faster, picked her hoof and then rubbed her while praising her as I held her foot before placing it back down.  While picking one of her front hooves Pstar lipped at my back, at least the area where my shirt came up on my back from bending over.  No teeth, just little lips, it was cute...was she trying to groom me back?  I feel much better than things have gone well.  The only question is to see how she is when it's just me there but at least now I have a few more "tricks" up my sleeve and a better understanding of what was going on before.

Cute little mare coming to say goodbye to me!

On Saturday I went out to see Ushi ride, got a tour of the property that Laurie and Dan closed on (YIPEEE!!!) and went over the lease contract with Laurie.  First off the property was amazing!  The indoor arena was so nice!  The house...let's just say I'm gonna try and move in with them!  The lease for Pstar will be for one year, at which time I will hopefully be able to make a decent offer on a horse that is well above my price range.  I have to look at this lease as an opportunity to grow and learn about horses, work with a fantastic horse and support a business I fully believe in.  I hope the stars will align next year and Pstar will indeed be mine but mentioned to Laurie that I don't want to impede her from selling Pstar for what she is actually worth (monetarily).  There is only so much I can offer on a horse, with my debt I'm paying off I can't them turn around and go back into debt.  As I've said on here before, I don't care about bloodlines or even if I find a purebred Arabian, that's why I've set my limit.  I'm sure I could go a little more for Pstar but we have to see. 

I have a year to work on the three main bills I want to pay off and then save as much as I can so I can make a cash-in-hand offer to Laurie.  I fear it won't be enough or someone else with the funds will give her a home before I can.  the thought of Pstar going to another home before I can claim her is less hurtful though than buying her, creating more debt for myself and then something happens (job loss, etc.) and I have to sell my beloved.  If it's meant to be it will be.  For now I'm paying for her care, working with her and learning as much as I can.  Naro Elinsalka lirima! (Elvin: To Ride Pstardancer will be lovely!)  Yes I'm a dork!  At least it's not Klingon!

Ride em Cowboy!

My time with Willy is quickly coming to an end, so I wanted to get my mother out to come riding with me and to meet sweet Willy goat.  We headed out around 1pm to the stable.  I lugged my stuff out of the car and showed my mother into the "barn office" area.  She offered to help carry stuff but since I already had all the tack arranged on me I said no thanks.  I'm not used to have others here to help when I ride!  We took the tack to the indoor ring then went to the tack room to locate the tack for Riddle.  Susan had said there was a number on the saddle that corresponded to the number for the horse.  We didn't see any numbers so I just picked a saddle with my mom that looked liked it would work with Riddle.  I at least remembered the bridle Steve had used with him, it didn't have a number either!

We brought the tack back into the indoor arena, then took the halters towards Riddles paddock.  The paddock only had a little chestnut in there.  As we walked away to investigate the other paddocks I noticed a tall, dark bay gelding being ridden in the big arena.  I asked the girl on him whether that was Riddle and she said yes....hmm.  Okay....mom and I walked over to Susan's house and knocked on the door.  She came to the window, already knowing, and said "Go ahead and use Two Socks". 

We went over to Willy's paddock as one of his paddock mates was Two Socks.  I walked up to Two Socks, and put his rope halter on, handed the lead to mom and went to get my horse.  We led them both to the indoor ring and started to groom them.  I put the leg wraps on Two socks, two were purple and two were red...only ones I could find.  The saddle we had lacked the latigo's, so I headed back with the saddle to grab another.  That one worked and I worked with my mother to cinch up the girth....I've been learning how to cinch the western saddles.  After that we got the bridle on him.  The sides were twisted, so I had to undo some buckles to get that straightened out and make the bit lay right in his mouth.  I then finished tacking up Willy and led my mom out towards the mounting block.  Up we both went in the saddles.

We walked around in the area near the indoor arena and then made our way over to the bigger arena to ride, mom was a little nervous since Two Socks, though 26, was pretty spunky and kept breaking into a little trot.  In the arena Two Socks continued to trot and then try to break into a canter.  Finally I decided to take him into the round pen and run him around, get him listening.  He was licking his lips and chewing after a while so I hopped up in the saddle.  The stirrups were pretty short so I opted not to worry about them and see what was going on with him.  He was pretty good but tried to trot without a cue from me a couple times.  I showed my mother how to do the quick "see-saw" on the bit when he wasn't listening or pulling ahead into the trot.  I also showed her the one handed flex and stop so if he did take off she could use that. 

Mom mounted up again and worked a bit with Two Socks.  Things went better, she worked him around some of the barrels and ground poles.  I ride Willy around her, keeping at a walk so as to not excite Two Socks.  After we were done riding I took Willy on a few trots and canters in the ring for fun.  Then we untacked the horses.  We brought them back to their paddock, feeding everyone carrots and then my mom got to meet the cute mini ponies!  We had a good time but it was getting home so we headed back.  It was nice for my mom to meet Willy finally!