Look What I Found!

These are a few of  the photos from the Madison County Horse 4-H Show that I judged last Summer.  After a eventful Fall, I'm beginning to get things back in order.  In above photo, Tasia and horse (Kia) are working the gate very well.  She sits the horse well and isn't interfering with the horses movement.  These manuevers must be performed one-handed in the trail class.

              This contestant did well.  If possible, "RELAX!"  Keep your weight more centered.

 Her horse did, in fact walk through the water!  YEAH!

 This was also executed nicely.  If she would've dropped her hand slightly, her horses mouth wouldn't open.  Many riders depend too much on their hands and not their seat and legs.

 Time spent riding this horse paid off.  She did well and stayed calm.

 Tasia spent time with Kia and did well.  

 Love how Kia tunes into her rider.

 Pretty picture, better with a SMILE!

 Wherever your hands go so does the horse's head.

 Sit in your seat in order to work with horse and not throw her off balance. This photo shows frustration.

 Love the smile and she got points for that!

 This was one of the cutest ponies!

I was impressed with the riders capabilities with this spunky little guy!

Happy Trails to You!  Look forward to a great year of riding and life!

Life Goes On

I'm learning that death is all part of life.  After my last post on the death of one of my favorite horses,  I became consumed with planning the wedding reception for my youngest daughter.  A week later, I found myself helping to plan my dear mother's unexpected funeral.
This all took place during Thanksgiving weekend and Christmas.  It's now a New Year, and yes,

 "Life does go on."

Here's to you, my wonderful sweet Mother.   You continue to live in the hearts of your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and so forth.  I will pick myself up knowing that because of you I am the person that I am, blessed with talents that you helped to nurture.  Thank you, and I will go on loving you...

A Tribute to "Sonnie De Oro" Rest in Peace.

 When I was a little girl,  I dreamed of a beautiful Buckskin horse.

 Five years ago that dream was born on our property.

 I've ridden some great horses in my life, including Mr. San Peppy and San Peppy Badger from the "King Ranch".   My own "Sonnie" was among the great ones.

 He had it all,  a kind disposition, athletic talent, and "heart".

 Our time together was short.  I have been blessed to have a dream come true.  

 God needed a great horse to come home.

 I had to let go.

"Sonnie"  thanks for blessing my life.  I'll be seeing you in Heaven!  I love and miss you....

Sister Style

 Hailey on "Peanut".

 Hannah on "Captain" and Hailey with  "Peanut".

 Hailey has learned to relax and ride solo.

 Hannah is getting to be quite skilled.

She looks like a pro loping "Captain" for her first time.

You go Girls!

The Ups and Downs with Bareback Riding.

 Amazing Alison did it!  She rode bareback at a lope!

 Jump up!

 Kick and pull yourself up.

 She did it!

 Since learning to ride bareback is challenging and you may not always stay on top.  It's a good idea to practice falling off safely.

 Swing your right leg around left.

 Drop, tuck and roll away from the horse.

 Try it again Tacia!

 Ouch!

 And again...

 She also tried swinging the right leg around front which seemed to allow for a more balanced fall.  We don't have any photos of this unfortunately.

All in all, Tacia prefers staying on top of the horse.  We captured this photo of her trotting bareback with no hands.  Nice!

PRACTICE, PROGRESS, & IMPROVE!

 I'm always grateful for our customer loyalty.  When these students return each season, they grow physically which allows them to experience more challenging exercises and skills.

 Morgyn remembers the skills that she learned last year.

 She chose wisely to start off slowly.  She has to toughen up those riding muscles after her break.

 Alison impressed me again with her incredible balance.

 Her discipline in dancing has been an asset (no pun intended)  to her incredible balance.

 She is trotting no hands, bareback  which takes, strength, balance, and focus!

Whatever your discipline,  PRACTICE, PROGRESS, and IMPROVE!

Balance and Harmony

 I enjoy the privilege to work with adult students and their horses.  Jacque is a skilled rider who has ridden most of her life.  I love the fact that she is humble enough to continue to learn and improve her already formed skills.  She is demonstrating a nice relaxed walk with good form.  We did adjust her stirrups from the last session which helped considerably.  We're ready to move on to the trot.  

 Trotting is more challenging than most gates.  The two had a rough first start.  Jacque is a bit tense an it transmits to her horse.  Her hands are high causing the horses nose to go up and making a more rough trot.  She is also a bit too strait allowing her seat to bounce up because her shoulders are also lifting. 

 This is actually a more controlled trot without the tension on the reins.  Jacque has dropped her hands allowing the horse's nose to drop. Jacque has bent slightly at the waist and uses squared shoulders to force her center of balance into her seat. Her legs are also relaxed with heels slightly down.

 Here her legs are less relaxed and the horse is tensing.

Here some more tension in the reins,  losing contact with her seat by coming too far forward by legs falling back. Perhaps gripping thighs too much.  All in all Jacque is improving and eager to learn more with each session.  What you don't see, is that her horse is overcoming a few issues and they are now coming together to make a great partnership.

 Alison, is a ballet teacher with a passion for horses.  She's also a young mother who decided to fill the void and just do it!  Alison had a good concept of where to position herself in relationship to the horse when preparing the horse for the ground work.  She was also well coordinated.  It was like watching a dance!

 In this photo you can see the horse start to set up for a stop as Alison moves into position more to the front of the horse.

 The best way to feel the horse and test your skills of balance is to ride bareback.  Alison's hand is too far out causing her body to lean into the intended turn.  She's bracing with her left leg and losing contact with her right leg.  Her ballet skills have programed her to center her balance which is the saving grace in this attempt to turn her horse.

 It took a few times to perfect the technique with her hands and legs.   

 I had her ride with no hands and use one hand at a time only when necessary.  She was forced to rely more on her seat and legs, and less on her hands to turn.

The smile on her face is an indication that she is experiencing the thrill of a complimentary maneuver with her horse.  Notice how much more relaxed her body is.

For more tips  go to our other blog, "sister-pie.blogspot.com" where I posted today on techniques in turning.