~You must always do the thing you think you can't.~
~Kathleen Harris 1910~
I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I haven't ridden a horse...mine or anyone else's...since before Thanksgiving...slackin'...big time.
And my horses and myself will end up with the short end of the stick.
Somehow, I have a really hard time gettin' my motivation back up after the holidays. This year has been the worst ever...and Gus is so far behind from where he needs to be for this summer's futurity it ain't funny.
But, the weather's been cooperating and my round pen is usable...I know...it's a lot more than most of you can say with feet of snow and ice. So, I feel for ya...and, I really do consider myself lucky!!!
I'm gettin' the wheels in me turnin' again.
 |
| Look at me!!! I'm back in training!! |
Last week, all the boys got wormed...yesterday the wind was blowin' 40 mph. But today...the sun was shinin' and it was a good day to get started...so we did!
I just let Gus do a few laps in the round pen first off, then took him into the barn to get brushed and saddled. He was perfect.
Back out to the round pen to free lunge him...he had a couple of humps, but I really don't think he can buck (knock on wood). He just settled into listening to me. I attached the line and worked on moving him across himself left and right. Had him stop and back with a wiggle of the line...he didn't miss a step.
All I can say, is that I'm glad he's smart and remembered everything from months ago!! Way to go Gus!
I threw Colt into the round pen for a few laps too and he's ready to be saddled and ridden...I can't believe he's a 6 year old this year. The plan will be to ride Colt 'n pony Gus to get some legging up and get their cardiovascular going again...they both ran out of air quickly. I've got to build them up. We'll be doing a lot of long trotting up Anderson Valley Road and back.
OK...I'm ready...bring it on (well, between taxes and ag surveys) LOL!
Well,welcome to my world. Your pictures are perfection, but you're horses behaviour isn't. All I can say is that spring will come and your boy's behavior will come up to expectations.
ReplyDeleteI,m in the same boat, but for a different reason. All the snow that we had compressed with several days of +8C, and the fields have turned to hard crust, and the trails are black ice. I am limited by cold temperatures and dependent on the road grader with ice blade to chop things up. I hate riding on rural roads. There are lots of crazy folks that don't know to slow down for a horse. Come on spring!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have some clear ground to cover, and with two horses to work, you'll be busy! Once I get Gussie back, I have to get her legged up too and I want to pony Chickory. Just need some dry ground!
ReplyDeleteGlad you got started. I think that's always the hardes part. Once it's rolling, it seems to have a life of its own.
ReplyDeleteYou had to mention taxes. UGH! I don't even wanna think about those suckers. I'll be loosing my motivation. LOL
Your story sounds a lot like mine! I've just recently started riding again and ponying my colt. It sure feels good to get motivated and spend more time with them again.
ReplyDeleteGus looks great! And he's so clean. I'm jealous. My boys love to roll in the mud.
I was doing so good early in January. All I could do was walk the horses around the neighborhood, but at least I was riding.
ReplyDeleteI was pretty disappointed that we got this cold snap and more snow right before I am going to a cutting clinic, but I figure, I'll take 2 horses for sure, so an all day clinic won't be to much for them and at least the weather is supposed to get really nice by the weekend.
Great pics, I keep hearing the song "Back in the Saddle Again"..:-)
ReplyDeleteThat Gus sure looks good under saddle! Good to hear you getting motivated again too.
ReplyDeleteJust catching up and am so glad to see Cindy Sue looking good and without her collar on Monday too!!
PS: I am going to be expecting some wonderful video of your boys winning this spring/summer.
ReplyDeleteCute lil Bucky! My favorite color!
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain- but hopefully the thaw will start and you'll get motivated!
You and I seem to suffer from the same winter doldrums. I've had a hard time getting back into the saddle since the holidays too. I have even less of an excuse than you do, since I do have access to an indoor arena. Here's to springtime and warmer temperatures!
ReplyDeleteYour Gus is a very handsome boy!!! ♥
ReplyDeleteI have 2 molly mules just waitin' for saddles come spring. We do have at least a foot of snow .. but I might take each of these gals out when the temps break and ride in the meadow.
ReplyDeleteAny foolish-ness will be hampered by 3 ft snow drifts and knee deep snow!
I've only ridden Badger once this winter which is so unusual for me!
I sure like that Gus horse. Good lookin and smart too.Now that's a combination hard to beat.
ReplyDeleteMy riding is sorely lacking these days too. I'm hoping to get out there this weekend and hopefully things will have defrosted enough for good footing.
ReplyDelete