Hard work pays off for Dalena.

Dalena went right work on learning to improve her balance. "Noble" responds well which indicates that Dalena is doing well also.

Her cues are light.

She has great skills due to her previous experience.

I pushed her a little harder and she's riding the trot bareback which is difficult.

She loves her grandchildren and is exposing them early to the wonderful world of Horses!

It gets in your blood!

Morgyn comes twice a week for lessons. She progresses quickly.
I find that once the student learns to get past the trot, she feels unconquerable.

It gets into a persons blood to feel the wind in her hair and on her face, and to feel the rush of defying gravity like a horse in flight.

More time for relaxed riding!

Since we had "Remy's" stitches removed and bandages aren't required, I have a bit more time.
"Samson" thinks that we should go out riding in the freshly cut grain fields!

Eric hauls "Sonic" over each week for his lesson and he is doing great taking him on trail rides.
I'm really grateful for owners that actually use the horses that I train for them. It's like a reward for all the time and effort that a trainer puts on a horse.

This is a proud owner on a fine horse!

The straw bales are a lot bigger than the ones I used to jump when I was a kid. So I didn't make Eric and Sonic jump them this time!

"Come on Remy!"

"Hey Remy, I have this idea. Why don't you let me "Pony" you with Noble?"
"Come on! It'll be fun and it will help you to understand what your purpose in life should be. It'll also help you to get used to having a rider above you!"

Remy, "NO WAY!"

"If you don't come, I'll break your other leg!" (Just kidding!)
"Oh, alright! Your so pushy Marlene!"

"See it wasn't that bad!"

"Good boy, Remy!"

Where's Your Hat!?

I always encourage the students to wear a hat to protect themselves from the sun and to help assist with their vision on sunny days. Many helmets provide added protection as well.

This is "Morgyn's" hat of choice.
This is "Cat" in her hat. Her husband "Dennis" said that it was time to retire this hat. I think it's cute and still works.

Of course, this is "Dennis" in his retirement hat. What a life!

This is Jaydon's hat. He chose it when we shopped "D.I." I think it reminded him of Grandma's hat. He was also asking for a pair of cowboy boots. I think he's bound to be a horseman!

Back in School and Hello Adult Students.

Since most of the summer students have returned to school room classes. Our routine has taken somewhat of a facelift here. You'll see a few more adult faces on our blog.
Dalena is learning a few roundpen techniques with her own horse, while improving her riding skills with my horses. She is fun to work with and has some natural abilities. I'm still trying to get an adult riding class scheduled as requested. I am still hopeful and willing.

The photos are now with the sun setting in the west because most of the students come after school hours. Pictured is Emily on Captain.

Morgyn chose to ride "Sienna" which is the horse that Emily usually rides. We do feel that it's important to ride the variety of horses here in order to understand that each horse is individual and presents his or her own strengths and weaknesses allowing the rider to meet the challenges.

English you say?

We had an impromtu class introducing the students to the English saddle. "Sam" did quite well with her seat due to previous lessons in English.
Tacia found it a challenge to convert over from western riding.

Paulina had showed an earlier interest and we have been working on the technique and mostly getting her horse to adjust to the saddle.

Maddie always enjoys a new challenge. She did have to ride "Captain" because "India" was unable to go on our previously planned trail ride. We try to make good things out of bad things. It works!

Paulina makes a lovily English rider.

Just Keep On Training!

As you now know, Remy injured his leg during the first part of his training. He's a "Bucker", and chose to have a fit during his intro to the saddle. He bucks hard and furious and caught his leg through the roundpen fence during his little bronc exibition. I chose to keep him, nurse his leg and continue his training. As you can see he is now accepting the saddle. I must let you know that he did buck again although his leg was injured but he calmed down when I encouraged him to "STOP!" I'm assuming that he realized that the possibilty for another accident was possible. I've been saddling him for the past few days with no other discussions.
This is me on top of "Remy".

Since I didn't think that you'd believe me, I had Chad take some photos of me mounting Remy.

Here we are getting aquainted with horse and rider. I am bareback with a halter. I had to wear shorts because of my own injury that hurt when pants brushed up against my leg.

Good horse. His ears are back and attenative to me. Remember, he hasn't been ridden yet. He is also being cautious with his own leg. It is still in a wrap. "Remy" is a challenge. He's at least 5 years old and has some serious phycological issues from previous handlers. Possible abuse. He will take more time and effort but I see his potential and am greatful for his new and understanding owners that also see his willing heart. I also have learned over 30 years or so of training that you never take anything for granted, and "The slower you take it , the faster you'll get there."

My Own Remedy

This plant is "Comfrey".

I boiled water, placed leaves from the plant to create a tea. I soaked a rag and wrapped "India's" leg.

I also placed the actual leaf on her leg. It softened the scabs so I could remove them more easily. I let it dry and applied tea tree oil gel. After a couple of days in a regular bandage wrap, there was some fluid retention. However, by evening the "scratches or mudfever" was improved. I did reapply the "Ichthomal" to keep the area soft. Today she was no longer sore, the redness is gone the scabs minimal. I will post updated photos within the next few days . Note that the following blog should have been posted before this one.

Who's Leg is It?

I've spent the last few weeks nursing horse's legs.This is "India's" pastern and fetlock area after a few weeks of treatment with "Ichthammol" and "Mertech".

I got a bit frustrated and impatient when it seemed like we were digressing.

This is "Remy" nearing the end of his treatment. He was scheduled to have the stitches removed a couple of days after this photo. I will update you soon as I get the final photos.

I had to join the crowd and accidentally fall into an access door to our four foot crawl space. Fortunatly, the injury was only a painful bruise and scraped the skin. I am now on equal ground with "Remy" and can have more compassion for him and "India".