It usually works this way from Thanksgiving to the New Year; the weather gets bad and I'm busy getting ready for all the celebrations. So, it's really perfect timing...but the New Year is just around the corner and there's lots of stuff we've got to work on. My first cutting competition will probably be in April.
I don't think I ever explained about Colt, so I'll do that soon. But, in a nut shell, I bought him when he was just coming 2 as a reined cow horse prospect; started him under saddle; have done all of his training myself; showed him last year in the 3 year old division at the Harney County Stock Horse Futurity against 9 horses and took 3rd. I'm real proud of him. He's Cal Bar/King Fritz bred.
Anyhow...back to the day...
I knew he would be a lil' fresh, so I brushed him out and warmed him up in the round pen before I even saddled him. He was snortin' like some big stud! LOL...
We've still got patches of snow where the large drifts were, but look at my round pen!! I'm shocked at how dry it is. 6 days ago there was 6 inches of snow on it! One spot had some water, but it's really sandy soil so it wasn't slick.While I was saddling him, I came to the realization that he's grown!! He's not only a lil' taller but wider too! I had to let out my breast collar a hole on each side. He can stop growing tall any time now. I haven't measured him, but I think he's over 15 hands now. I'm only 5 foot, so he's just right for me at 15 hands.
Think he needs a clip? Cute lil' Mohawk he's got goin'...I'll have to trim him up tomorrow.
So, I got him flexing and bending...soft, soft, soft. Trotted some, loped some, did some turn arounds...it gets pretty boring in the round pen, so I opted to take him out for a ride to the other end of the property.
I had to ride past the arena...and look!!! It's dry enough to ride in too!!! WhoooHoooo!!!
I had to test it out of course!
It was great!!! I still can't believe it's dry enough to ride in after all the snow we had. It probably won't last for long, so I better take advantage of it while I can. When the weather gets bad again, I'll take Colt over to my friend Todd's place and board him for a while. He's got an indoor round pen...it's the closest thing I've got.
Well, Colt did real well for his first day back. Onward we go!!
When will he be 4? Willis will be in March. I know as soon as I get over this ear infection we are back at it! He really is coming along nicely! Great job! And he really does move well, nice stop and flying lead changes! WOOT WOOT! Great job! Willis is about 15 hands right now too and no where near finished growing. It is funny when I ride him then my mare! It's like going from the jolly green giant to a pony! :O
ReplyDeleteGreat looking horse and also love the saddle!!!
ReplyDeleteLook at you! You and Colt look great! It is too cold here to ride, and I would have to put my mare in 4 wheel drive! Too much mud! Our arena is under water. Ah yes a covered arena would be awesome! Keep up the great work, have a Safe and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYou are one awesome cowgirl! He looks great out there! Any time you need a little break and want to do some remote training in New Mexico, you're hired.
ReplyDeleteStopped by your blog. Saw you from my friend Heather. I love your site, love your place. I think we have allot in common. I like your stories about training your horse, reminds me of me when I was training my gelding. Colt is a very cute guy! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I wanna know how he's bred. My friend Curt has an own son of Cal Bar, Dox Chex, out of a King Fritz mare. Nice old horse.
ReplyDeleteColt looks so handsome with that beautiful saddle!
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed! Months off and he's that soft and moving that well? You done good with your training, girl! He's such a lovely little (well, not much longer, LOL!) colt!
ReplyDeleteSay, I'm only 5'3" and when I started thinking of getting a horse again, I wanted one no bigger than 14.2-15 hands. and I ended up with a 15.2'er! I feel like I have SO far to fall when I'm up there, LOL!
Nice saddle and the kids grow up so fast don't they... So you have a cutting competition in April???? Did I mention I'm a real good action photographer, hint,hint... :-)
ReplyDeleteColt looks awesome!! Just look at his flying lead change and his spins!! He looked great. It really makes me think how far behind my three year old his. He will be 4 in March and he is so far behind. Ugh....
ReplyDeleteIn the video it looks like you are riding a really fuzzy bear!! Too cute!! Colt is one nice little fellow!!
Looks like he didn't forget a thing during his time off! I'm sure y'all will be ready by April's competition.
ReplyDeleteAhhh your post takes me back to my years in the saddle, slightly different style (English) but so much fun :)
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! He is looking great. Can't wait to be doing that with Frankie. They told me Frankie was out of a King Fritz mare but I haven't gone back and checked the pedigree. He is Royal Genuine Doc and Ms King Glo right up front. If I could get a video posted I would shoot one of Cory on him and share. Keep up that great riding and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeletetotally enjoyed watching you ride him he is beautiful!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to take a picture of the filly someone is riding for us. Her and Colt would probably get along well. I'm not the horse person in our family, yes I like to ride, but I don't have enough experience to train. Yet! I can't wait until we build the house, my grandiose plans are to ride every day!
ReplyDeleteIt does look beautiful there. Mother Nature worked everything out just right for you and Colt!
You're amazing! Colt's awesome! And you've done good by him. What a smart one he is. You guys looks great together,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that video. It's plain to see how hard the two of you have been working on his training.
~Lisa
New Mexico