6/14 - day 17 - ride 4

Wow, 17 days? That is pretty good, don't you think? I mean, he hasn't worked every one of those days, but we are chugging along.

After a less than stellar performance the day before, I was a bit apprehensive about how things would go today.
I got up at 5:30 am and went out to get Cas ready. I wanted to be working him as early as possible, as the weather has been ghastly. The AM's had been about 15-20 degrees cooler, but these past two days the heat index when I went out was already almost 90. Not good for 6am!

So, out on the line he went. Less antics today. I had to really push him to keep him in the lope/canter. He wasn't feeling like it today. When I stopped working him on the line, it was 6:30, and DH wasn't home yet. Dang it! Wanted him to be home, just in case Cas did act a fool and something happened, I'd have someone there to help out. OH well....not wanting to wait any longer (I'd already done some flexes on the ground,  both sides) I sent a text to JenJ and let her know I was about to get on and ride, and that I'd txt her by 7 when I got off. :) You can never be too careful!

At the "log" (aka mounting block) Cas didn't even move. No moving his hindquarters to the right when I put my foot in the stirrup. So, that's progress, right?

After getting on, I again did some flexing both sides. OH, I did take the curb strap off the bit. When I tried flexing yesterday (which I forgot to note) the left side kept getting hung up/stuck. I had to reach down and fix it several times. So, I figured we'd give it a try sans curb strap. This one attaches with little metal clips that, no matter how you attach them, are very capable of poking the horse in the face. I'd like to add a simple leather piece under there, to keep the bit in place better.

With the flexing out of the way, and the "you don't move off right after I get on" lesson refreshed, it was time to move forward. I was a bit apprehensive, I'm sure. I asked the beast to walk forward, and I got 2 steps backward. Not what I was going for. A thunk to his right side, and I got a pinned ear and a head toss. Oh no you don't! I pulled him around, forcing him off balance and making him step to the side. A couple of those moves and a couple more thunks into his barrel and we were in the arena.

 He balked a bit more over the next 25 minutes. All I asked for today was a walk. We changed directions, A LOT. This way, that way, 1/2 circle, full circle, diagonal, serpentine. Stop, flex, walk off again. I sent JenJ a txt about 6:57 and let her know we were done.  It was much more humid when we ended, and the beast was indeed sweaty when we finished.

His sweat marks under his saddle however, didn't look even to me. SO, I snapped some photos on my phone and sent them to JenJ. She's had some saddle fit issues with her critters and is a PRO at saddle fitting and issues and what sweat patterns should look like and what they shouldn't and what to do about them :) Yay!  As I feared, they didn't look right! I did tell her that I felt my saddle was a little further forward today then in past rides. SO, I'm going to pay better attention to saddle placement when I ride Monday or Tuesday am (I know, this will be the longest time between rides, but I have a busy weekend ahead) and take more photos and send back for further analysis!

So, bottom line....Cas "acted" up, but I was able to push him through it and end on a good note. Hope he retains this lesson for the next ride!

6/13 - Attitude

I really could have just sat in the chair, and waited for DH to get home. I could have waited, and made him feed......or I could have just gone to bed. But a little 'bird' chirped a text to me, telling me to have a good ride. Now, how could I be lazy and stay inside after that?

Ugh. I mustered up what little energy I had left, and went out to get Cas ready. With my lateness in getting out the door, I didn't start to lunge him until 6:40am. Much later than the usual 6:10-6:15. He ran around a bit on the end of the line once asked to canter, but slowed down after he realized that was just TOO much work!

DH jumped on the tractor when he got home and made a few passes around the arena with the drag, and hung around to watch the ride. Since it was a bit warmer than it had been, I only planned on walking Cas in the arena. I also planned on lots of direction changes, circles, serpentines, etc to keep it interesting.

The plan was fine and good, until Cas got a case of the "I don't want tos". After I mounted, I did some neck stretches each direction. He's a good boy about NOT taking off the minute I get on, and I want to keep it that way. The neck flexes/stretches give me something productive to do with him while we are standing there waiting a while. After about 10-12 each way, I asked him to walk off. He balked, and started to back up. At one point, it felt like he kicked out. I took into consideration that Hannah (our neighbors JRT) was standing near his backside, and he's fairly anti dog. I chalked it up to her being there, and DH grabbed him and pushed him forward to the arena. No big deal.

Once in the arena, however, he decided he wasn't going to walk. Then he wasn't going to turn. Then he wasn't going to trot. Butt head! So, he got lots of direction changes, lots of stop and go, and some trotting. He also got some pretty good thumps on his side with he calves/heels. Silly horse! He's testing me, I know this.

After the issues, he worked for about an hour. He was pretty sweaty and gross when we were done. DH even helped me hose him off, which was nice.

I was a little anxious about our next ride, hoping the attitude of today's ride didn't carry over........

Back to work, Fatty!

Poor Casper, he has no idea what is about to happen! He hasn't had to work since he got back from the trainer's. Honestly, I can't even remember when that was. I'd have to go look back through this blog and figure it out.

As you learned in my prior post, I have a place to ride! Yay!!! *insert happy dance here*
So, Fatty (Casper's nickname) will be going back to work. Starting tonight, he will get a nice lunge. Going to jot down a little training program really quick so that I can be reminded if I forget! Going to give him at least a week on the line before I start riding. And when I start riding, keep in mind it will be nothing major! We will be walking and jogging. Cas has a hang up on loping. He doesn't really like it all that much. Call it lazy, call it his ability to get out of work, call it whatever you want. We will be taking it nice and slow! Poor old man, he thought he was retired! HA!

5/29 - 5 min walk each direction, with about 2 circles of jog/trot each way
5/30 - 5 min walk/2-3 circles of trot each way
5/31 - 7.5 mins walk/ 2.5 mins of trot each way
6/1 - 7.5 mins walk/2.5 mins trot each way
6/2  - DAY OFF
6/3 - 7.5 mins walk/3 mins trot each way
6/4 -  7.5 mins walk/5 mins trot each way
6/5 - 7.5 mins walk/5 mins trot each way
6/6 - day off
6/7 - 5 mins walk/5 mins trot - First day ride?

Feel free to make constructive comments/suggestions. Obviously, we will have to see how things go. If he's getting too tired, I'll back off. If he's handling his re-introduction to work well, I may go a bit longer. I won't be expecting him to go on a 20 mile trail ride anytime soon, that's for sure!!!

Short term goal - Back in shape enough so we can ride for 30/45 mins
Long term goal - Trail Ride at BRC with Jen and an Open Show

it's here! yay!

Well, I can now cross off 1/2 of my first goal for 2012!

Very exciting!

My 'new' Tucker saddle arrived yesterday. It's going to be so nice to ride in, I can just tell.

Now, I just need all the extras to go with it.

A girth, I like this one and this one, will be a good place to start. I also really like this saddle pad, in creme/chocolate.

I am in need of a new bridle and reins, but do have a bit.

It's heck re-purchasing all the stuff you get rid of when you think you aren't going to ride anymore.

I am fortunate that my birthday is coming up, and my great friend Jen has already hit me up for some gift ideas. Thanks Jen, love ya! :)

Next on the 'to tackle' list before I can ride.....a PLACE to ride.

I'm not going to ride in a 'random' spot in the 'yard'. I don't feel that is safe for Casper, or myself. I want a designated area in which to ride, and in which I hope to keep the footing worked up on a regular basis.

So, stay tuned for "tales of arena building".......i hope to start......soon?

Welcome, 2012!!!!!

Wow, 2012 huh?
January 10th already, to be honest!

A lot has happened this year. Good, and bad.

Lots of changes are coming in 2012 too!
For example....one of my pasture ornaments will be put to work this year! Yes, yes he will be.
I have a saddle on the way.
I will have to purchase a few items to go with it, and finish the riding area at the house, but in the not too distant future, Casper will have a JOB!!!!

I'm going to do something I haven't done before. I'm going to post goals on the left hand side of my blog!!!
They won't be crazy, or over the top out of reach. They will be (I hope) attainable for 2012!

So, those of you still reading...stay tuned.
There should be some ground work posts in the near future, and some butt in the saddle ones after that!

I hope everyone has a great 2012! Can't wait to see the rest of your 2012 goals!

Should you Really be RIDING....

If you feel the need for this!!!
OnTyte Magnetic Stirrup Irons and Slip On Boots/Magnetic Soles

I LOVE getting catalogs in the mail, LOVE IT! I can't afford most of the stuff in them, but ever since I was little I've thoroughly enjoyed thumbing through the glossy, colorful pages of the catalogs, picking out all the stuff I'd buy if I could. I sometimes find items I don't agree with....but this 'invention' has set the bar very high for finding something I disagree with more!

Now, I have REALLY, REALLY, REALLY seen it all! What the heck?
What happened to having to have BALANCE and a steady leg to ride?
Now the jumper people are turning to 'aids' like the barrel racers and their Velcro 'em in the saddle stuff.
What the heck?

and the price? YIKES!
For those that think going out and spending almost $500 on this 'system' is going to make you a better rider....I'd suggest you invest in a well broke horse, a good fitting saddle, and some professional lessons and REALLY LEARN TO RIDE!!

Magnetic force is ONLY so STRONG....
Good seat/legs/hands/balance will last a lot longer!

Anyone else have a take on this?