tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66505033318574888802024-03-13T09:35:52.232-07:00 Dances With HorsesMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.comBlogger784125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-91325622662229051672023-08-17T08:17:00.001-07:002023-08-17T08:17:25.861-07:00In a galaxy far, far away now<div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Rogue Hills Galaxy</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">April 11, 1990 – August 15, 2023</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Axel was the once-in-a-lifetime horse for both of us who had the privilege of owning, training and showing him. Long gone from my barn now, but forever in my heart.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-73795538223800844912023-03-25T23:13:00.001-07:002023-03-25T23:13:49.202-07:00Exceeding expectations<div style="text-align: left;">Since entering the April 16 show, I've been trying to schedule a lesson with Suzan. I always gain tons from her expertise, but knew that her instruction would greatly enhance our chances for success at the show. <span style="color: #0b5394;">Please note that by 'success,' I mean being able to do our two Training Level tests without going off course and staying in the correct gaits while looking like we kinda-sorta belong in a dressage court – ha!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's been a greater challenge than usual to schedule a lesson. Suzan got some unexpected news which has put even more on her normally-loaded plate. So when she texted me last Tuesday that she could squeeze me in at 8:30 Wednesday morning, I jumped at the chance in spite of the early hour (it got moved to a bit later). We were blessed with beautiful weather, as we have been for all of this winter's lessons. Stella met her first miniature horse on the way to the outdoor arena:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlu1YPt_-Cft_9rvrOkThnKbkWo87I5kg_1yrTmIzAiHU5fkC5mjoC-7uQO_dMx0IIQmEaQEzQFVqJd0OTPIDJX5Uybzn4SHjln62ey0dCKvt3F8BVSmqHmZEVRVeszFReVhnuqXLrRRNkjYt6NLsuOo0IZJ3EKgq3xNAgv99GO4U2A89LUvgKG5VGA/s4032/3:22,Stella,mini2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlu1YPt_-Cft_9rvrOkThnKbkWo87I5kg_1yrTmIzAiHU5fkC5mjoC-7uQO_dMx0IIQmEaQEzQFVqJd0OTPIDJX5Uybzn4SHjln62ey0dCKvt3F8BVSmqHmZEVRVeszFReVhnuqXLrRRNkjYt6NLsuOo0IZJ3EKgq3xNAgv99GO4U2A89LUvgKG5VGA/w300-h400/3:22,Stella,mini2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J0X2aoNf2oNZT9fn-3zKgPKqTWGG61LgY596W09E_dJKM4bvtX76TwzfxAkwmaaEs4aDBL5fn3Uf8d-ex7HRMJaQKXx1xSn4ix2Cu2S8qRiN5XHTFlMg6THZ7eDf216O8pCwxkJR1GVNg1tUwY5mF_SEBVE_6iIodyJMAuZUv2AToKfIlmepjje96Q/s4032/3:22,Stella,mini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J0X2aoNf2oNZT9fn-3zKgPKqTWGG61LgY596W09E_dJKM4bvtX76TwzfxAkwmaaEs4aDBL5fn3Uf8d-ex7HRMJaQKXx1xSn4ix2Cu2S8qRiN5XHTFlMg6THZ7eDf216O8pCwxkJR1GVNg1tUwY5mF_SEBVE_6iIodyJMAuZUv2AToKfIlmepjje96Q/w300-h400/3:22,Stella,mini.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I told Suzan I'd entered a show, so she put us to <i>work</i>. Mind you, the groundwork has been laid; Suzan would never cut corners in training. But she does know when to increase the challenge and raise the bar, and that's what we experienced Wednesday. It was pretty exciting to feel, <i>and</i> to see the images Suzan captured of us!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lo3N0LiBp7tmeyC3mnuMP49qtutHitTU7PFB2n5KAFT7OP8HP6LfGl8oOGCqW8ADjmWCPGdVzTZY-2Qt3nIFYLax2BwqEihEuxti1uSq4lTZ0Z0F_4XAtiZwOCvub2fX01_Tq58_ov7e_xdlp2tuDLjQCWplZf0HiS7DaAOuJTRspnnGiPjuwngszA/s1511/3:22,lesson,parktrot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1511" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lo3N0LiBp7tmeyC3mnuMP49qtutHitTU7PFB2n5KAFT7OP8HP6LfGl8oOGCqW8ADjmWCPGdVzTZY-2Qt3nIFYLax2BwqEihEuxti1uSq4lTZ0Z0F_4XAtiZwOCvub2fX01_Tq58_ov7e_xdlp2tuDLjQCWplZf0HiS7DaAOuJTRspnnGiPjuwngszA/w400-h356/3:22,lesson,parktrot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Suzan called this Stella's 'park horse trot'</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2HcsHEl5imfde438dN8hqXfmES2fAjbv87aHfetv5En8W9LvqDKHe4ynVeAxTbsmUL-pAlG-jJ9RCzoF8-hLiTPrsOE77MUbJBr2Xiz2K2vF8AtVfXU0zHVWBEMP1o--4KZ0r5kW-uhxTIKD1ljk8kGv9vC9XIJ14i4AFnG7lc3J7fyOpdzOefVQPQ/s1752/3:22,lesson,trot4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="1752" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2HcsHEl5imfde438dN8hqXfmES2fAjbv87aHfetv5En8W9LvqDKHe4ynVeAxTbsmUL-pAlG-jJ9RCzoF8-hLiTPrsOE77MUbJBr2Xiz2K2vF8AtVfXU0zHVWBEMP1o--4KZ0r5kW-uhxTIKD1ljk8kGv9vC9XIJ14i4AFnG7lc3J7fyOpdzOefVQPQ/w400-h315/3:22,lesson,trot4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGZLO27j0Q0_fW5kkWcBlX6qQPnWi-Cw_cZAh-4_-YWvqu5F4p_YkJXjS9V52iFRerNJpyzEVtiMO2spTV9kRGskHpNoq9jdmGRxHi0atdmiRxYazKqEw0q3ADBSgigUv8M6gc8pYvakXYOYh-ric7tj8Arr7o6I7LAkYGh_P2dsad3xjnLe24DNLXg/s1554/3:22,lesson,trot6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1338" data-original-width="1554" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGZLO27j0Q0_fW5kkWcBlX6qQPnWi-Cw_cZAh-4_-YWvqu5F4p_YkJXjS9V52iFRerNJpyzEVtiMO2spTV9kRGskHpNoq9jdmGRxHi0atdmiRxYazKqEw0q3ADBSgigUv8M6gc8pYvakXYOYh-ric7tj8Arr7o6I7LAkYGh_P2dsad3xjnLe24DNLXg/w400-h345/3:22,lesson,trot6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjjZZCcPSQ76ZT59RUAkffLZFbUCcDYlPLM7vG82a_HxTNKy3n-8R2uar9vj75TPSKvryygPEEJ02M_p1EteRk8j6uaDJJTR_1DX6-RUdKxEjQ-DmzYMFSOHq6IMfOvvfNz52NA9A2xAvVhx7um7WXwJWAfhxj9l3sDeCcwTMKGJQaKbGRV0k5IaBSQ/s1050/3:22,lesson,trot3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1050" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjjZZCcPSQ76ZT59RUAkffLZFbUCcDYlPLM7vG82a_HxTNKy3n-8R2uar9vj75TPSKvryygPEEJ02M_p1EteRk8j6uaDJJTR_1DX6-RUdKxEjQ-DmzYMFSOHq6IMfOvvfNz52NA9A2xAvVhx7um7WXwJWAfhxj9l3sDeCcwTMKGJQaKbGRV0k5IaBSQ/w400-h351/3:22,lesson,trot3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvESq5ftPVa8DtdJiVgxmyeyBJ_MBqKlpTQakogC_55IxRUMgS7wNhse5TRp2txulyTZ4JLp20n6_thMJDpE2VgILSBtWGit3CZj_E3pqijr3IrfQZGNmGBUz9U-vPCm4vbV6G4yJV_QVmlA1CKJgk_YgMUmv46kMyeEnnDwO3KrMRimV--F5B5rrqw/s1183/3:22,lesson,trot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1183" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvESq5ftPVa8DtdJiVgxmyeyBJ_MBqKlpTQakogC_55IxRUMgS7wNhse5TRp2txulyTZ4JLp20n6_thMJDpE2VgILSBtWGit3CZj_E3pqijr3IrfQZGNmGBUz9U-vPCm4vbV6G4yJV_QVmlA1CKJgk_YgMUmv46kMyeEnnDwO3KrMRimV--F5B5rrqw/w400-h378/3:22,lesson,trot1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVUzzscXmn6g5PRv2hVnxWewcSqCG7Nj-GyQCfMIIEhvKQ5UnI5tZar5syLAyjcQGIXmhkokjlDsmO4WYipdEqVjPdVidSj55ocUxdIWbVnUn32Lyy4vNgeE4OmtRNyMQ8jQhqjvW7qLojEKktaoJT0gX4XPLZGkf5IP4R65Uuzju5Mxx_gIO86Qlfg/s1770/3:22,lesson,trot5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1421" data-original-width="1770" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVUzzscXmn6g5PRv2hVnxWewcSqCG7Nj-GyQCfMIIEhvKQ5UnI5tZar5syLAyjcQGIXmhkokjlDsmO4WYipdEqVjPdVidSj55ocUxdIWbVnUn32Lyy4vNgeE4OmtRNyMQ8jQhqjvW7qLojEKktaoJT0gX4XPLZGkf5IP4R65Uuzju5Mxx_gIO86Qlfg/w400-h321/3:22,lesson,trot5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhi9UoIX2-kjNrfV-YKnE_vhAcquvcQ-4sop5Rj-dDsfqKTDvbfJtO8yE1eQQ_S-SGJTMvO2c9XEa3IRZ_tQXYfRQP7fEl9jVi9bMMjR-79bxtAcL53usxjtimwcUp_VpDoTyHNGzuLCfMykyBGOTUjAjbapcoVuwWgZ75rAnaH-bq2rsCAsDZHc5ZQ/s1314/3:22,lesson,canter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1314" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhi9UoIX2-kjNrfV-YKnE_vhAcquvcQ-4sop5Rj-dDsfqKTDvbfJtO8yE1eQQ_S-SGJTMvO2c9XEa3IRZ_tQXYfRQP7fEl9jVi9bMMjR-79bxtAcL53usxjtimwcUp_VpDoTyHNGzuLCfMykyBGOTUjAjbapcoVuwWgZ75rAnaH-bq2rsCAsDZHc5ZQ/w400-h350/3:22,lesson,canter1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimaGpTiQ0LrUwLk5c0HBP27misqyjz2z0J3PdAV8NJDo-Q1_sLGOWpLbY0lHnFnFWjcHK6WiZgTgMr2Yr9cF_0HaAB_ear1IvDQdblAr1EVsYOCZGyVYnQexXaLPMNNZyaoOogwIq2934eMvGp0AfRAM3qt37Rnel0u_Zo34FjCRUZX2__Xy6PDS9Rg/s1565/3:22,lesson,canter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1395" data-original-width="1565" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimaGpTiQ0LrUwLk5c0HBP27misqyjz2z0J3PdAV8NJDo-Q1_sLGOWpLbY0lHnFnFWjcHK6WiZgTgMr2Yr9cF_0HaAB_ear1IvDQdblAr1EVsYOCZGyVYnQexXaLPMNNZyaoOogwIq2934eMvGp0AfRAM3qt37Rnel0u_Zo34FjCRUZX2__Xy6PDS9Rg/w400-h356/3:22,lesson,canter2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9B6jsNccTSpiwaMWmRwBYS-FCBgu3BGSJupMtThfKFw99RaTpHy8NE2CkSjq2OAS5WmUnf3kNIEw08afobxVWO_bq_MZOTuxRkcpEsBai5gEsNqUbrj7hfDbKAuLyv-JCquNAIaQkaN9Kiog7QHwcLnoMrl_g_SJ7CDJLSY8PWTWInpeAnAJPWqBfw/s1451/3:22,lesson,canter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="1444" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9B6jsNccTSpiwaMWmRwBYS-FCBgu3BGSJupMtThfKFw99RaTpHy8NE2CkSjq2OAS5WmUnf3kNIEw08afobxVWO_bq_MZOTuxRkcpEsBai5gEsNqUbrj7hfDbKAuLyv-JCquNAIaQkaN9Kiog7QHwcLnoMrl_g_SJ7CDJLSY8PWTWInpeAnAJPWqBfw/w398-h400/3:22,lesson,canter3.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">— notes to self —</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the trot: shorten reins, keep inside bend, both legs on for impulsion. Do a 10m circle if she's tense or braced, but don't let her spin; bring shoulders around. Same at the canter, which Stella offered when really forward and connected at the trot, and then fell out of when really forward and connected at the canter – too much work! (It was the first time we worked on canter in a lesson.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Fussiness is a hissy fit over having to work; just wait it out with more inside bend, both legs on; do a small circle.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If she gets jiggy at the walk, trot. If she breaks to canter, work on canter.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Don't throw away the contact; "push the shopping cart" only as she seeks contact.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Continue working on the buckle a LOT. Do NOT let her rush at the walk, though, or 'pacey' gets reinforced.</div><div style="text-align: center;">— — —</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The blue riding tights I wore in the lesson were part of a big lot I purchased recently. The same acquaintance from whom I bought the 'Princess Bride' bridle and saddle pad posted on Facebook that she had riding pants and tops for sale. Most everything was my size and <i>very</i> reasonable, so . . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdnSN7FXQb0od0W-bMy3doCePbqkijWLT6yARh9F0dbGjBcZBtAmqBtlCyRdIWmXfwXM7peXhUOCCa0qjOWYrZLFos2kyms1FECEAX3N95O6PzCF0kWTngOKjZJp-6Kl1XnrgXCOHywq4kp3sPvvrSiL0Oi5BAeQISsnpEYwS8fQsdWNheTJPbRLq9A/s3885/3:20,ridingclothes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2292" data-original-width="3885" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdnSN7FXQb0od0W-bMy3doCePbqkijWLT6yARh9F0dbGjBcZBtAmqBtlCyRdIWmXfwXM7peXhUOCCa0qjOWYrZLFos2kyms1FECEAX3N95O6PzCF0kWTngOKjZJp-6Kl1XnrgXCOHywq4kp3sPvvrSiL0Oi5BAeQISsnpEYwS8fQsdWNheTJPbRLq9A/w400-h236/3:20,ridingclothes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I may not need to buy any more riding clothes for the rest of my life!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We have another lesson scheduled for this coming Wednesday, but the weather hasn't allowed for any schooling since our last lesson. Crossing fingers and toes that that changes!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-16707886241568460502023-03-06T10:52:00.005-08:002023-03-06T10:57:40.794-08:00We're not dead!!!<div>Oh.My.Goodness. Time keeps doing what it does and I keep saying, "I've <i>got</i> to update my dressage blog" but the update needed has grown so big and cumbersome that the block of time needed seems exorbitant given all the other stuff I need and want to do and and.... Well. Deep breath. Here we are.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since this is, in effect, my training journal, I want to document what we've been doing <span style="color: #999999;">(as best I <i>can</i> remember at my advancing age)</span>, so fair warning: A lot has happened since the 2022 State Fair!</div><div><br />Even though we made it through that State Fair Battle of the Breeds class together vs. parting company, Stella and I were representatives for dressage in dress and tack <i>only</i>. She is by nature quick, tense, and reactive, and nothing I tried was making much of a difference in helping her become calm, relaxed, and forward – in other words, a dressage partner. In the fall of 2021 Suzan had suggested putting Stella on a calming supplement; I finally quit using it after of year of seeing no clear benefit. Of course I kept riding, in the arena and out of it, trying different bridles to see if she had a preference:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe_vijMossCfSRi09O6fhG4GKjbnG3R6TSsPaoDcpXKYTyD2sEGF3oWqawLUItUrb0llgbMcplPQlzDcm4HkqwhR8lPBzuIgg_qfzjcDjfX80odSAVpPwOWyK4EITKxQrGdLTbn2yj81bXCtmS0WZvwhkioPo1hQpcqVf-ieApI6phsQE16iGnfwcFw/s3572/10:10,Stella,hackamore.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3572" data-original-width="3005" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe_vijMossCfSRi09O6fhG4GKjbnG3R6TSsPaoDcpXKYTyD2sEGF3oWqawLUItUrb0llgbMcplPQlzDcm4HkqwhR8lPBzuIgg_qfzjcDjfX80odSAVpPwOWyK4EITKxQrGdLTbn2yj81bXCtmS0WZvwhkioPo1hQpcqVf-ieApI6phsQE16iGnfwcFw/w336-h400/10:10,Stella,hackamore.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8_NjnGoQELhgpv87FSPm65F9Zyy862Re6qh1jns36Pg_2Bsaqfpv3pqirtDtEEhgTvPUJewLhJi1Ho5EfH4OsirZbxjbcKGP46trJJrQEnGJMXTPEl5FPirNtBw5QQMx14GPZVf06aYo12eLDvUykaM7a0MGd3DDmQ3OZTN24JDUtCqbu0YZptPmCg/s3477/1:4:23,Stella.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3477" data-original-width="2793" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8_NjnGoQELhgpv87FSPm65F9Zyy862Re6qh1jns36Pg_2Bsaqfpv3pqirtDtEEhgTvPUJewLhJi1Ho5EfH4OsirZbxjbcKGP46trJJrQEnGJMXTPEl5FPirNtBw5QQMx14GPZVf06aYo12eLDvUykaM7a0MGd3DDmQ3OZTN24JDUtCqbu0YZptPmCg/w321-h400/1:4:23,Stella.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lDYhPtcVXusBPCogQpmpHmHFvG9OKpChVZeZRhzGnsNaj60L-pM9klWyb9iAE6LQOIHLoe_YctAtbqq5nY3EaKnDYdnzNV2ExACgmtMmSKCzKmS9WvRbvQf7cSAszb9YiDTp8lLb-jjStF8NHYa1jBugNoIfPREflEY21-AZfb9uDlQ8nxNmCtZI1A/s3530/1:16,Stella,cobbridle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3530" data-original-width="2764" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lDYhPtcVXusBPCogQpmpHmHFvG9OKpChVZeZRhzGnsNaj60L-pM9klWyb9iAE6LQOIHLoe_YctAtbqq5nY3EaKnDYdnzNV2ExACgmtMmSKCzKmS9WvRbvQf7cSAszb9YiDTp8lLb-jjStF8NHYa1jBugNoIfPREflEY21-AZfb9uDlQ8nxNmCtZI1A/w314-h400/1:16,Stella,cobbridle.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3b3nIRxMlpMyJLr6pD7wnnPR4CBmq15vPqdmJC019KvbUdSIjGdMbeI44KQ-pFigIdeRg7mDTWzPYkMpHjPyx6cVwTPVu-QRmhAZ0dsvxuI0G1oEMFQLnAralTX-_LgmXbbYYqzAzLC2LsqKQMk9Si5rKeDnCIqyHnh-6t1MEFinr7Tgp2X0T6xtZsw/s4032/1:2:23,Stella.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3b3nIRxMlpMyJLr6pD7wnnPR4CBmq15vPqdmJC019KvbUdSIjGdMbeI44KQ-pFigIdeRg7mDTWzPYkMpHjPyx6cVwTPVu-QRmhAZ0dsvxuI0G1oEMFQLnAralTX-_LgmXbbYYqzAzLC2LsqKQMk9Si5rKeDnCIqyHnh-6t1MEFinr7Tgp2X0T6xtZsw/w300-h400/1:2:23,Stella.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtozJWv-Wy1kiqTBFKLsH1dUJajjAZD04krcIhHFjnPf8VdyUiA5IaYuc04YhqSVYiHo98czY7kUT55W6aGWbe0mQztKrwm_-YEY29bwRtwoGcwIC7BjKPdx3RlcMJQurDPmhhrjX1Z57VpNGQiSMaOdhQNwzUC7skjQCT0yrM7-SFmZvS7ysb4z7k-A/s3807/1:5:23,Stella.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3807" data-original-width="2927" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtozJWv-Wy1kiqTBFKLsH1dUJajjAZD04krcIhHFjnPf8VdyUiA5IaYuc04YhqSVYiHo98czY7kUT55W6aGWbe0mQztKrwm_-YEY29bwRtwoGcwIC7BjKPdx3RlcMJQurDPmhhrjX1Z57VpNGQiSMaOdhQNwzUC7skjQCT0yrM7-SFmZvS7ysb4z7k-A/w308-h400/1:5:23,Stella.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKC3jJ4kFXBDkt2z-VoFAGBQ4dmg5PnssonlAJXavl9IhZCp5K76FoyBm_hZB73HicFdntJNm4MOIw9uyt5iltMDnGJyCwlwt1GkVc8T3ft1q_XgKXQqVHWMdyIvsFd3S2eiIXqRgyUwv9-04aQ5y5gsFS62k08H4EG_jh4Qvk270KcW7h0YvIUOtYQ/s3910/2:10,Stella,ride2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3910" data-original-width="2932" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKC3jJ4kFXBDkt2z-VoFAGBQ4dmg5PnssonlAJXavl9IhZCp5K76FoyBm_hZB73HicFdntJNm4MOIw9uyt5iltMDnGJyCwlwt1GkVc8T3ft1q_XgKXQqVHWMdyIvsFd3S2eiIXqRgyUwv9-04aQ5y5gsFS62k08H4EG_jh4Qvk270KcW7h0YvIUOtYQ/w300-h400/2:10,Stella,ride2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrg0Bck8zpYwasKnP0Y3q7Vb36DV9In-8CDqdZ4JwmhZO33Ep2Mu3jZmUVQzesvYOjoKMyQ5byQa2per0zHZHuAacx6Yg0YPMrHNQL5uKEqpTLl4kNNyp0Ern4zauaJStFzfjAZyvkPUWRkuX90JtR7YNxCxgYZyP3KOEHrcH1s6MS3AgXoKw6vUhYw/s3814/2:10,Stella,ride.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3814" data-original-width="2860" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrg0Bck8zpYwasKnP0Y3q7Vb36DV9In-8CDqdZ4JwmhZO33Ep2Mu3jZmUVQzesvYOjoKMyQ5byQa2per0zHZHuAacx6Yg0YPMrHNQL5uKEqpTLl4kNNyp0Ern4zauaJStFzfjAZyvkPUWRkuX90JtR7YNxCxgYZyP3KOEHrcH1s6MS3AgXoKw6vUhYw/w300-h400/2:10,Stella,ride.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7GTcHMUyJDjmuYdhbz_gRwZkh2IoAIgMr8HY5ZhzJlr7D0DeVdEsHfCOzejvNlRnF4oN9_5T-KkziC4ZnpbEz7hWr2J1lhk2bpaTTk1k31swpIsfXyMEkkOqG0I3JF4qIFh8niqZf5CgdwpdLeucQzK-O0p_KzAMWoYq9igWzDvgk-fVbnAemsT8nA/s3545/3:1,Stella,arena1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3545" data-original-width="2631" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7GTcHMUyJDjmuYdhbz_gRwZkh2IoAIgMr8HY5ZhzJlr7D0DeVdEsHfCOzejvNlRnF4oN9_5T-KkziC4ZnpbEz7hWr2J1lhk2bpaTTk1k31swpIsfXyMEkkOqG0I3JF4qIFh8niqZf5CgdwpdLeucQzK-O0p_KzAMWoYq9igWzDvgk-fVbnAemsT8nA/w296-h400/3:1,Stella,arena1.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1KcyrqtHPP7pHL8O4iB1Rh5dtdCvyFzUM7JiaGRqdvqLOJE3hU94BR_w9PRAvgrz1Xggj75xUdnSFFUjrr4eMo6S43MK5yICn19e7dJHBTOhHY8kTdM0kpLVO1xDKognKfDjkwZ1yQk0jO-pdU_AvSaaB2VVKX_TKlBenrvbyr-jTaj_6Zzv4RYb-w/s3922/3:1,Stella,arena.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3922" data-original-width="2872" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1KcyrqtHPP7pHL8O4iB1Rh5dtdCvyFzUM7JiaGRqdvqLOJE3hU94BR_w9PRAvgrz1Xggj75xUdnSFFUjrr4eMo6S43MK5yICn19e7dJHBTOhHY8kTdM0kpLVO1xDKognKfDjkwZ1yQk0jO-pdU_AvSaaB2VVKX_TKlBenrvbyr-jTaj_6Zzv4RYb-w/w293-h400/3:1,Stella,arena.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zKSrIcR-zY6gaBFi85fwkOdjStt1MkETrZ-YZ_KHqoudzYlH7Ci3udPZR85Kb_rYbn7nv1mfzVgfNXKBWc9wtScIBfaTlepJ8g7PvPW8S_rHHNtsB7zSS7g25H8Rtf6D3c-l471A9XaZUdoZ8Kgu1Fup3KCB1_gotrhQy68BpAYYUrFjjdKmHWh7_w/s4032/3:1,Stella,lane.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zKSrIcR-zY6gaBFi85fwkOdjStt1MkETrZ-YZ_KHqoudzYlH7Ci3udPZR85Kb_rYbn7nv1mfzVgfNXKBWc9wtScIBfaTlepJ8g7PvPW8S_rHHNtsB7zSS7g25H8Rtf6D3c-l471A9XaZUdoZ8Kgu1Fup3KCB1_gotrhQy68BpAYYUrFjjdKmHWh7_w/w300-h400/3:1,Stella,lane.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>Speaking of Suzan, for a variety of reasons on both sides, I hadn't able to schedule a lesson with her since February of 2022. So when I got a promotional email in early September about an online "30 Days To Round" Challenge with <a href="https://amelianewcombdressage.com" target="_blank">Amelia Newcomb</a>, I decided to sign up. A Shetland sheep acquaintance (who rides, obviously) also signed up, giving me someone to bounce experiences off of. </div><div><br /></div><div>The day after I committed myself, Suzan texted me to finally set up a lesson. Of course. If I'd known I would be able to resume taking lessons from Suzan I probably wouldn't have paid to join the online challenge, because almost 30 years of experience has taught me that nothing and no one is as effective as Suzan. But I am nothing if not goal-oriented, so I went full steam ahead into the 30DTR Challenge to see what we could gain from it, getting in almost a week of that program before our lesson with Suzan.</div><div><br /></div><div>I do think it helped; look at the photos Suzan took of us at our lesson!</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6_Gi4hVil-0rJgt5mS2Wxd-Wld0MrZOZH58anQezGkgY0l04rFWVTBCPMp-E2L5wmxyFkXxgwQR31VPuzHuhMGOWpPyzO-2tZvHd4ZlFE2h69A79VVJMm_242-y-1eUJItoHrlaimGmgz6Ump_IqnQyNPcGmj0PGCVi5lYcnuPKO2EKc7zCPzp8nqg/s1598/9:21,lesson1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="1598" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6_Gi4hVil-0rJgt5mS2Wxd-Wld0MrZOZH58anQezGkgY0l04rFWVTBCPMp-E2L5wmxyFkXxgwQR31VPuzHuhMGOWpPyzO-2tZvHd4ZlFE2h69A79VVJMm_242-y-1eUJItoHrlaimGmgz6Ump_IqnQyNPcGmj0PGCVi5lYcnuPKO2EKc7zCPzp8nqg/w400-h354/9:21,lesson1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Round!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jFGR0Lte0yQ7mUnmmab-Qk113fd2o_x8rZVscHZofrrhBJ3heSAnkwMwk4Rs9rrKAqrncmdffnTrqkEB4HCk6BPNCL--qayNehhfGwp7LOXCU4VjOHZ-mWXuCLhhaHt1aa5ZybfK8rFn3RHJlZDV3uyUofKjTJUfAfLP_3zCy-tIYjHIcnSHwHLDYw/s1672/9:21,lesson3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1672" data-original-width="1145" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jFGR0Lte0yQ7mUnmmab-Qk113fd2o_x8rZVscHZofrrhBJ3heSAnkwMwk4Rs9rrKAqrncmdffnTrqkEB4HCk6BPNCL--qayNehhfGwp7LOXCU4VjOHZ-mWXuCLhhaHt1aa5ZybfK8rFn3RHJlZDV3uyUofKjTJUfAfLP_3zCy-tIYjHIcnSHwHLDYw/w274-h400/9:21,lesson3.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Relaxed!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div>We discussed bits at that lesson; Suzan felt the loose-ring double-jointed snaffle I was using had too much 'play' for a horse like Stella. So I embarked on a short research project, ordering and sending back bits until we finally settled on a Herm Sprenger KK Ultra Eggbutt Sensogan Bradoon as the best option.</div><div><br /></div><div>I continued working through the 30DTR Challenge with uneven results. It motivated me to ride nearly every day and use my Pivo to record video of our rides for review and feedback. There's nothing like 'eyes on the ground' to spot problems, and in lieu of that, seeing yourself on video is a close second, and my position improved. But it was clear to me that I still wasn't addressing Stella's core issue(s); for that, my best hope was Suzan. After more roadblocks, I was able to schedule another lesson with Suzan on October 12, just before 30DTR ended on October 17, and on October 26, and on Nov. 9!</div><div><br /></div><div>Those four lessons in two months were <i>transformative</i>. My hot, tense, quick mare learned she could RELAX, slow down, and walk and trot ON.THE.BUCKLE. These are photos Suzan took during our Nov. 9 lesson:</div><ul style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(44, 44, 44); color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Mulish, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li class="info-item" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLib20B45_UKPk5iMalhx1bpgji4QXdkfgGdX034d5LxaukOVzBnHD10WfsqODOd_Cv6JZJcQZkUcbCM6xdDHPDANG9xJzo7q-bJ1XiNh9hQWKd0IxA5Q9Ma1bl7eVgC-8KzwXEp8R--ivwJOntIiZJGG9ZyWysEJatNcSDxxk8Hv02vWCP9kw67Ib7w/s1386/11:9,lessontrot1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1386" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLib20B45_UKPk5iMalhx1bpgji4QXdkfgGdX034d5LxaukOVzBnHD10WfsqODOd_Cv6JZJcQZkUcbCM6xdDHPDANG9xJzo7q-bJ1XiNh9hQWKd0IxA5Q9Ma1bl7eVgC-8KzwXEp8R--ivwJOntIiZJGG9ZyWysEJatNcSDxxk8Hv02vWCP9kw67Ib7w/w400-h345/11:9,lessontrot1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyse8zkL7dsBprAncVBgJ9lES1KT2SO-SbMKRDkp1jEXNI3ClO3zJwtdF4mqN96BJvGtJmmhE7wYAc1N62G_049BX_WaSZ02Vo2PtEHiH-caTcxbx6Blztq1jCmeuPK2ZkOHMGywB3PHktEPumc8wXRRfW2T5zMZ91KL-sz7OoEgzPNwP8NA_09ctdSQ/s1417/11:9,lessontrot2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1417" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyse8zkL7dsBprAncVBgJ9lES1KT2SO-SbMKRDkp1jEXNI3ClO3zJwtdF4mqN96BJvGtJmmhE7wYAc1N62G_049BX_WaSZ02Vo2PtEHiH-caTcxbx6Blztq1jCmeuPK2ZkOHMGywB3PHktEPumc8wXRRfW2T5zMZ91KL-sz7OoEgzPNwP8NA_09ctdSQ/w400-h359/11:9,lessontrot2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLd6_4wu5jH5VOd0uyWzROpqrFT18Kmkle7_HjQhQlItkk0QpLCdtgzMDxz5yy_-JbcRXBuBYJ-Kc5qtbSTAhfKaVVa2vMnAAAokyFFoVFTHVmXdaaPruYg8a17XQsRV0f_eZxPN2CaLI9B3w5vKJHgkq8BlobdK1u7i8VFNLI9wCvM5p48zTIDcwug/s1560/11:9,lessontrot3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1560" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLd6_4wu5jH5VOd0uyWzROpqrFT18Kmkle7_HjQhQlItkk0QpLCdtgzMDxz5yy_-JbcRXBuBYJ-Kc5qtbSTAhfKaVVa2vMnAAAokyFFoVFTHVmXdaaPruYg8a17XQsRV0f_eZxPN2CaLI9B3w5vKJHgkq8BlobdK1u7i8VFNLI9wCvM5p48zTIDcwug/w400-h345/11:9,lessontrot3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>At the one lesson we've gotten in this year so far (January 11), it was clear the improvement is sticking. Suzan gave me two huge compliments. The first was when I commented that she was taking us up to the next 'level;' she said, "That's because you've done your homework." The second was when I expressed how happy I was with Stella's progress, progress I wasn't sure she would ever make. Suzan said, "Stella is lucky she ended up with <i>you</i>; almost anyone else would have ruined her."</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJpElMsYBRbqYTK5jRalQSJa5zaas8mfHV4KsZDTZ-20OU-DE7Tx1WRr3E8fJLRmkMdoJzImgQ0eNe0vFaPBGuTdKktFebORLCImKfo5eWEJnvN9NwX20Ly4rWpXZs76zVrfrNb7HY0BUoG3YoEFJ7W1urzu4kOjHsHAEq4Co2PhnenGsAFgDxdgtHA/s3946/1:11:23,Stella,mirror.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3946" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJpElMsYBRbqYTK5jRalQSJa5zaas8mfHV4KsZDTZ-20OU-DE7Tx1WRr3E8fJLRmkMdoJzImgQ0eNe0vFaPBGuTdKktFebORLCImKfo5eWEJnvN9NwX20Ly4rWpXZs76zVrfrNb7HY0BUoG3YoEFJ7W1urzu4kOjHsHAEq4Co2PhnenGsAFgDxdgtHA/w400-h306/1:11:23,Stella,mirror.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stella, not ruined</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I cannot adequately convey the relief, joy, and anticipation that have blossomed with having keys to 'unlock' Stella. Don't misunderstand me; she is not a different horse and there are no quick fixes. But I now have tools to encourage Stella to relax and use her body in ways that are both more expressive and less likely to cause strain and injury so we can dance together for many years to come. </div><div><br /></div><div>"Every ride" reminders for me:</div><div>Widen collarbones (that's actually from my sheep friend)</div><div>Don't sit back on pockets</div><div>Look up</div><div>'Push the shopping cart'</div><div>Weight my right stirrup, and her right hind</div><div>Swing her back with my inside seat bone</div><div>Widen inside hand</div><div>If she braces, widen hands but don't play with the reins;</div><div>wait her out then reward with forward hands</div><div><br /></div><div>In the midst of our progress, at the end of October, an acquaintance mentioned on FB that she was getting out of horses and selling her (mostly cob-sized) tack. Since her place is very close to where I was to attend a women's retreat with a friend, I made arrangements to stop by on my way to the retreat to see what she had. My acquisitions: a rolled leather halter, a basic saddle pad, an Engel Lammfell saddle pad, and, because they looked so good together even though I didn't <i>need</i> them, what I call the Princess Bride set:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpwU5MQL4oRytzQRmUubK9XmYxmqPv-w3DM1N6MxD4xPOpGeCAf558hl5Gf6_bV-oXxUIPaPRtfmcekdIT2XQXJDs9hk3_vC3VrZ6qL-jYWwguKNGpgrz-fGjqhTl58oTlPgRZvnmU59haDxmn-m_O3erBfBNaEI3oWWsFge6_Snk_ZasOPvaCgiu3Q/s3612/11:15,Stella,newhalter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3612" data-original-width="2732" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpwU5MQL4oRytzQRmUubK9XmYxmqPv-w3DM1N6MxD4xPOpGeCAf558hl5Gf6_bV-oXxUIPaPRtfmcekdIT2XQXJDs9hk3_vC3VrZ6qL-jYWwguKNGpgrz-fGjqhTl58oTlPgRZvnmU59haDxmn-m_O3erBfBNaEI3oWWsFge6_Snk_ZasOPvaCgiu3Q/w303-h400/11:15,Stella,newhalter.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">rolled leather halter</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4W3utxEYM3Lrzzkv6WmKyxlJBxKAxNAJxnZjNbHRQSzN-ZOEm1a5GZZDRI4zxFt6WFtXXiKpLzJ20u5D2EUmkcYSQJXzHtQuDXldRRSuHKUvzOSbFOPsksmGT4CIZrQXy7WJPm_yMML8JWqLJ8ZCN7x125AXs7BfjPasEbhcgVVi82eD_hEj7v60aA/s3859/Engel%20Lammfell%20pad.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3859" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4W3utxEYM3Lrzzkv6WmKyxlJBxKAxNAJxnZjNbHRQSzN-ZOEm1a5GZZDRI4zxFt6WFtXXiKpLzJ20u5D2EUmkcYSQJXzHtQuDXldRRSuHKUvzOSbFOPsksmGT4CIZrQXy7WJPm_yMML8JWqLJ8ZCN7x125AXs7BfjPasEbhcgVVi82eD_hEj7v60aA/w400-h314/Engel%20Lammfell%20pad.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pI021nIuT7PFl4OwR7sBDKrtJBEtP3NvmpENZcIssuZJa523yycKuWWqQDNVnDfAJjbneHZJ80jZqwLpXVrUYc9dol6GBGlmk2EFxj2zvaVrKMcYkOF4IkFN6uUJRFVd4_flmHxzfVnPFO53cIP598n5k5mzLobrWS2_dUK6i__Pc3gZrs3nOIkHSw/s4032/10:31,newtack.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pI021nIuT7PFl4OwR7sBDKrtJBEtP3NvmpENZcIssuZJa523yycKuWWqQDNVnDfAJjbneHZJ80jZqwLpXVrUYc9dol6GBGlmk2EFxj2zvaVrKMcYkOF4IkFN6uUJRFVd4_flmHxzfVnPFO53cIP598n5k5mzLobrWS2_dUK6i__Pc3gZrs3nOIkHSw/w300-h400/10:31,newtack.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Princess Bride wore pale blue</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>For Christmas a knowing and generous friend sent me a sterling silver stock pin, so I went on Etsy and found the perfect stock tie to complete our show ensemble:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QL41sH3Z_WKUBb_ll3l1edBB7wDD2K4Jwx58tNOeOgnPFXOtHygEhIg_hofCoe6LohPk3P1QUtldnI_XqBghmZokJSD6gFboLurKUrldEEKqUFnh_pKcuCOIfPQBRMh7LQWj3wWxCgqtKoyeTwrPHGd6AVH_hKSPvFqZ-fqeoWK11edlUwcDW5Vh8A/s4032/2:15,PrincessBrideoutfit2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QL41sH3Z_WKUBb_ll3l1edBB7wDD2K4Jwx58tNOeOgnPFXOtHygEhIg_hofCoe6LohPk3P1QUtldnI_XqBghmZokJSD6gFboLurKUrldEEKqUFnh_pKcuCOIfPQBRMh7LQWj3wWxCgqtKoyeTwrPHGd6AVH_hKSPvFqZ-fqeoWK11edlUwcDW5Vh8A/w300-h400/2:15,PrincessBrideoutfit2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, we were making enough progress that I was actually thinking of showing Stella in open dressage shows this year! So I looked at the Oregon Dressage Society website calendar. Cue the Kingston Trio: "Where have all the options gone? Long time passing...." 🎶 I found NO schooling shows, very few League shows, and the nearest venue requires stabling + bedding purchased from them, which triples my cost. My, how things have changed since I last frequented the area dressage shows! Well, maybe we'd just enter a couple dressage classes at the Oregon Morgan Classic like we did two years ago and be done with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>A week or so later, one of the first venues at which I showed my Morgan gelding more than 20 years ago came to mind. It has always had an annual recognized show, but it wasn't listed on the calendar. Hmmm; I looked the facility up online – and found a schooling show scheduled for April 16, no stabling required, all other fees reasonable. Score! Stella and I are entered in Training Level Tests 1 and 2.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It's been more than three years of feeling my way with this mare. It's been an incredible journey so far. Here's to the future! 😊Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-39214317084274949852023-01-18T09:19:00.000-08:002023-01-18T09:19:12.167-08:00A shout-out to Cob Jockey!<div style="text-align: left;">I apologize to the rest of you, but I this is the only way I know to communicate with a blogger I follow with great interest, <a href="https://www.cobjockey.com/" target="_blank">Cob Jockey</a>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I used to be able to comment on your blog, but now it requires me to "Sign in with Google" which it then won't allow me to do. 🙄😒 This happened with another blog I follow; to fix it she changed her settings to allow people to comment as "anonymous." Hope you can do the same, or something else that allows me to comment again!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-68070261768228943022023-01-01T15:15:00.000-08:002023-01-01T15:15:31.129-08:00Look for the bright spots!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixojQZ7rCfcJXF59PSvXA4ZuW6WVDtXNr6h5-XUmoDlgmKOvrbDb7W_sOvCiePJvVfXfh0_TlQKQfBtJQrfjUKTEoxRZPunMVstX-jfiWDtOogh-piMkuyQDDtL57jBpVFFwBSYVkNwTDicsz5HVIcGv52ACnpm8uOLQKLJIWz5L4jWFUhw0vIEhdpNw/s4032/1:1:23,sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixojQZ7rCfcJXF59PSvXA4ZuW6WVDtXNr6h5-XUmoDlgmKOvrbDb7W_sOvCiePJvVfXfh0_TlQKQfBtJQrfjUKTEoxRZPunMVstX-jfiWDtOogh-piMkuyQDDtL57jBpVFFwBSYVkNwTDicsz5HVIcGv52ACnpm8uOLQKLJIWz5L4jWFUhw0vIEhdpNw/w400-h300/1:1:23,sunrise.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div>Happy 2023, everyone. I <i><b>really</b></i> wanted to do a 2022 wrap-up post before the end of the year because there was so very much to relate, but obviously that didn't happen. I still want to write that post for my own records at least, but it will take a lot of time to wrangle the words and photos into shape, so don't hold your breath.</div><div><br /></div><div>It takes far less time to tell you that 2023 has begun in proper fashion – on the back of a horse. Long-time readers will know that this is my one firm annual tradition, and today dawned bright and beautiful and dry, enabling not only being astride, but really <i>riding</i>. Stella and I had a lovely schooling session (with two red-tailed hawks soaring overhead) followed by a ride down the gravel lane and back, stopping to wish neighbors a happy new year along the way.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRyqKMW-WZdZfdo9VJ0qRGdR1cpGlit-DzZl4KCOye-rLsEAHZ_pAfZItVLEcF7LV7Dq5rnl9lMaPyuob8Ocw8284Sus8l4vT8eHxVor5IZTqGkOfH0Ih1bw2_0Yt5wmmJ0Jvn6aQ-ZcelP3Vghka3wNCJADybswIx9TDVEdnca-HB05yCLMkdP3_Gg/s4032/1:1:23,hawks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRyqKMW-WZdZfdo9VJ0qRGdR1cpGlit-DzZl4KCOye-rLsEAHZ_pAfZItVLEcF7LV7Dq5rnl9lMaPyuob8Ocw8284Sus8l4vT8eHxVor5IZTqGkOfH0Ih1bw2_0Yt5wmmJ0Jvn6aQ-ZcelP3Vghka3wNCJADybswIx9TDVEdnca-HB05yCLMkdP3_Gg/w300-h400/1:1:23,hawks.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5ppaPBg8Ex4T-Nskxuua6fV961CZrpF_5i1l0pvulYqVw1wo9433r63OjPGQWN3roFGZq_ntdI3xFEkm9Jbst-c5m0HXS7gFj3Ggj-rlUhXC6prS4oCplARmrLL7B4PmSGTpD8vc92xS34VNXZjIcKYszMYcboZEeFK2xtZAiJN97TzVM0Y3gnfpdA/s4032/1:1:23,NewYearsDayride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5ppaPBg8Ex4T-Nskxuua6fV961CZrpF_5i1l0pvulYqVw1wo9433r63OjPGQWN3roFGZq_ntdI3xFEkm9Jbst-c5m0HXS7gFj3Ggj-rlUhXC6prS4oCplARmrLL7B4PmSGTpD8vc92xS34VNXZjIcKYszMYcboZEeFK2xtZAiJN97TzVM0Y3gnfpdA/w300-h400/1:1:23,NewYearsDayride.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All may not well in the world nor in my smaller sphere of life, but it <i><b>is</b></i> well with my soul. 😊</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-69346311027164331222022-10-25T16:35:00.001-07:002022-10-25T16:35:43.362-07:00What I did on my summer vacation<div>In my last post (Eeep – <i>JUNE 25 </i>😳), I mentioned looking forward to starting up lessons with Suzan again and making up for some of my lost training time this year. Well, between weather, scheduling conflicts, and a facility in quarantine lock-down, that didn't happen for <i><b>months</b></i>. By September I was so desperate for some instruction that when I got an invitation for an online training challenge with Amelia Newcomb in my inbox, I figured it would be better than nothing and signed up. Wouldn't you know it; the very next day Suzan texted me with a lesson slot! Thus began an intensive five weeks of training, both virtual and in-person . . . but wait; I'm getting ahead of myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have taken plenty of "proof of life and riding" photos since my last post, but haven't posted them because other than "proof," there wasn't much to report. So here they are from early July on:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0MtXuYy3jnQQq5Ae4wpuBF3NJF8g2WtZcIW5shYfxcFR6jaBX162VjYoL2sdJQxwWKHU-t_DYB2uh_HhxeTLbLyQoAzUGWP67Ob1tPPiemBk8HFvKReZ28zO7mD4d-wpnLRqS_LLiFb1IV82sYJ7FEsSWHxJ492ZBHKI3yI8PvbbW7kJOUVTzARAgA/s4032/7:4,horsesnapping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0MtXuYy3jnQQq5Ae4wpuBF3NJF8g2WtZcIW5shYfxcFR6jaBX162VjYoL2sdJQxwWKHU-t_DYB2uh_HhxeTLbLyQoAzUGWP67Ob1tPPiemBk8HFvKReZ28zO7mD4d-wpnLRqS_LLiFb1IV82sYJ7FEsSWHxJ492ZBHKI3yI8PvbbW7kJOUVTzARAgA/w300-h400/7:4,horsesnapping.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This may look like "proof of death," but those are <i>relaxed</i> horses</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj18RaDv_QaldewFUHU34jDqZQ-ldqNa6wOhS_tegMwyTeq8vhAHId_5bvM4Ysw72ei7RiREUZ0URy_24UQ-doMzZtBen-8biqMkB2_NkXLNWRYs2WVJnmQY6I9S7M3mLUFTk-03XAekUphicTK39KEYId7DtiaAB2sTVotxeu5zDUvMgA7A_3w_uvTg/s4032/7:4,Stella,woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj18RaDv_QaldewFUHU34jDqZQ-ldqNa6wOhS_tegMwyTeq8vhAHId_5bvM4Ysw72ei7RiREUZ0URy_24UQ-doMzZtBen-8biqMkB2_NkXLNWRYs2WVJnmQY6I9S7M3mLUFTk-03XAekUphicTK39KEYId7DtiaAB2sTVotxeu5zDUvMgA7A_3w_uvTg/w300-h400/7:4,Stella,woods.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FEcDmwfk5NRCTG7xgLDDVOQXrIXQ8ARhWtWKzcc4ADr4k3RQiggeueTmpGSr0XxzsPgBP4wSSPNa_2y8gw-Nyr12Okc0SJfg8Pom8ng-waBb5OnBTmuOYkDG06dA2dO7wvyBk3xxUb6YSYDC-85lOoGQyRK3G1YS14v_FHIet1Hu6RgEEuMwUyKHqg/s3549/7:8,Stella,vineyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2662" data-original-width="3549" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FEcDmwfk5NRCTG7xgLDDVOQXrIXQ8ARhWtWKzcc4ADr4k3RQiggeueTmpGSr0XxzsPgBP4wSSPNa_2y8gw-Nyr12Okc0SJfg8Pom8ng-waBb5OnBTmuOYkDG06dA2dO7wvyBk3xxUb6YSYDC-85lOoGQyRK3G1YS14v_FHIet1Hu6RgEEuMwUyKHqg/w400-h300/7:8,Stella,vineyard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Riding Stella up the hill through the vineyards</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEx93eH4KlXGVDl7A5ZzqjNo71zwCndM1996v_-QKxaS7hjJL67QZ_XNnL_eMXrhQ34rOsuM8U0GqTvPBJqnwgXUpsjiT5wYTVwclCOiXIPbDqO1GS0qAsVSWA4WWNdBYQUSfy-v9aTfwSqnBvbYmSQhWhjpcY2xpx81pCfv_Asd67HaRj_1drENZrw/s3303/7:10,Stella,bridled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3303" data-original-width="2616" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEx93eH4KlXGVDl7A5ZzqjNo71zwCndM1996v_-QKxaS7hjJL67QZ_XNnL_eMXrhQ34rOsuM8U0GqTvPBJqnwgXUpsjiT5wYTVwclCOiXIPbDqO1GS0qAsVSWA4WWNdBYQUSfy-v9aTfwSqnBvbYmSQhWhjpcY2xpx81pCfv_Asd67HaRj_1drENZrw/w316-h400/7:10,Stella,bridled.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWJLe84zE-k6tUKesU7D821nwhK4A2dtyeythmb4Nh5TV6psmbmfbo19m51xON4vEWHGCRMsxyS9VGWxcuQy9Lz2xE06NMcdvinjYwFJKu8cbHxJYk49_rWDN9R0Zi8VLBSIa0c9pgQtONmDDMQcWJWPPnIdwrifUoArJrDZUAjojJZSMvkvZ-Y-G5Q/s3931/7:31,Stella,tossled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3931" data-original-width="2949" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWJLe84zE-k6tUKesU7D821nwhK4A2dtyeythmb4Nh5TV6psmbmfbo19m51xON4vEWHGCRMsxyS9VGWxcuQy9Lz2xE06NMcdvinjYwFJKu8cbHxJYk49_rWDN9R0Zi8VLBSIa0c9pgQtONmDDMQcWJWPPnIdwrifUoArJrDZUAjojJZSMvkvZ-Y-G5Q/w300-h400/7:31,Stella,tossled.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">messy hair; don't care</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUg0jxpwridCblkolffPEay_WIWta6EujddIv4iPnP-bp9E4_XJYEszp8frvH27Hyi7IduhZUz690vaQy9wa6RjnT9nwRMn6TVRZrA8RMrm7VFZqwHLMdnVEo67V9YtwkP1PzgtAPGsXd-1Q0kW9yqbekk0ky7iYcKohrOalN5lLFbSj2_C8hQ9XMQPw/s3344/7:31,Stella,tossled2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="3344" data-original-width="2626" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUg0jxpwridCblkolffPEay_WIWta6EujddIv4iPnP-bp9E4_XJYEszp8frvH27Hyi7IduhZUz690vaQy9wa6RjnT9nwRMn6TVRZrA8RMrm7VFZqwHLMdnVEo67V9YtwkP1PzgtAPGsXd-1Q0kW9yqbekk0ky7iYcKohrOalN5lLFbSj2_C8hQ9XMQPw/w314-h400/7:31,Stella,tossled2.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyUFc2hD_BDEh9beqSSgH9VjKBzTzHciqpoWdoasDE4mHxe4JWrtuneNDDrg3o1w7wN0yvr8dsMF9uSK-W_34n40s0m67kTOCfEme9BPaViJpwg6kf7AzYr3J-ZMN47BqKz4tlBsMAAp8xkT4tVUAq6xTTfjWg9p1jc2uI2vSi3EbKqZsPbzaFTWSow/s4032/7:10,Stella,road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyUFc2hD_BDEh9beqSSgH9VjKBzTzHciqpoWdoasDE4mHxe4JWrtuneNDDrg3o1w7wN0yvr8dsMF9uSK-W_34n40s0m67kTOCfEme9BPaViJpwg6kf7AzYr3J-ZMN47BqKz4tlBsMAAp8xkT4tVUAq6xTTfjWg9p1jc2uI2vSi3EbKqZsPbzaFTWSow/w300-h400/7:10,Stella,road.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Riding up and down Matthews Creek Lane</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKaXDknPAHL2TdIx2MaiDihIPzHi6h9A9-ClT-H5cNzS4i-M4IRTfb4kSi_YunBTuIT-U85s4ZpRUsm-oOdLH-5jadRH9j7YknjVGW029qmX1BTVVo1bwA1DiGeAswAExeZ2xWUbgO4NJOYugX12C2kXZznuZcJuQICYIEvIqLpDgbCx2poPGZw7SGQ/s4032/7:16,Stella,lane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKaXDknPAHL2TdIx2MaiDihIPzHi6h9A9-ClT-H5cNzS4i-M4IRTfb4kSi_YunBTuIT-U85s4ZpRUsm-oOdLH-5jadRH9j7YknjVGW029qmX1BTVVo1bwA1DiGeAswAExeZ2xWUbgO4NJOYugX12C2kXZznuZcJuQICYIEvIqLpDgbCx2poPGZw7SGQ/w300-h400/7:16,Stella,lane.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFg9CgwZFazhwnxNOndvO75yGc-Srq1eoZjpPbqOIKrOmpwsxEFHJiu-QGfZ4283tBiaUIotwVon_tqzydgBj9s35is-cZhOyvhOlJAP27eRXdJz1tongIBzXDe0FBEOZa3HmadGzeKo0KVA-IqNpgtteZ3UwdpYLew4UCWuPTdpMKesllc-QlYiz1g/s3944/7:23,Stella,trail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3944" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFg9CgwZFazhwnxNOndvO75yGc-Srq1eoZjpPbqOIKrOmpwsxEFHJiu-QGfZ4283tBiaUIotwVon_tqzydgBj9s35is-cZhOyvhOlJAP27eRXdJz1tongIBzXDe0FBEOZa3HmadGzeKo0KVA-IqNpgtteZ3UwdpYLew4UCWuPTdpMKesllc-QlYiz1g/w306-h400/7:23,Stella,trail2.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Riding beyond Matthews Creek to the old logging roads</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KofVz_0btQrAzfOxBGJY7AEa7QLzH1Z-yc4d8124P9Vo7gwyjgOD8_G9D8gf5rk6gG7jpiJIWUDm8eh_mH1Gq9fTp_N1e-HeWy-Zi8PZM7fNzjWE2hwijkyaA6_cBkYL_6bKQEc_G8lnWH4oLDe-g_w_8wgqe2hhox6tCcr9DvkPdNNJl9hsXl-Wkw/s3917/7:23,Stella,trail3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3917" data-original-width="2837" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KofVz_0btQrAzfOxBGJY7AEa7QLzH1Z-yc4d8124P9Vo7gwyjgOD8_G9D8gf5rk6gG7jpiJIWUDm8eh_mH1Gq9fTp_N1e-HeWy-Zi8PZM7fNzjWE2hwijkyaA6_cBkYL_6bKQEc_G8lnWH4oLDe-g_w_8wgqe2hhox6tCcr9DvkPdNNJl9hsXl-Wkw/w290-h400/7:23,Stella,trail3.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yJBPP8F0foKE-G2IibdJySbKE59O-5TpeExR9gikePZNO-PL5Dbn8GQ32GtHuDMO5FntVK0hGdz1TWAp2venpmnLYJfUiP7s0yKw2WG9WCddUaAGuyETUDggqyf0Enwcx7Ft8SoXthL4q-GxwezbB4xyZ_bPbbZsw9SwbATXiNQZK1MWLaq2G0ZJIA/s4032/7:23,Stella,trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yJBPP8F0foKE-G2IibdJySbKE59O-5TpeExR9gikePZNO-PL5Dbn8GQ32GtHuDMO5FntVK0hGdz1TWAp2venpmnLYJfUiP7s0yKw2WG9WCddUaAGuyETUDggqyf0Enwcx7Ft8SoXthL4q-GxwezbB4xyZ_bPbbZsw9SwbATXiNQZK1MWLaq2G0ZJIA/w300-h400/7:23,Stella,trail.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxBfGXOkl9mGHj8PwBmFtfNiuK8SZYzN7jWh2YeuImAxWVxUiLi2CIIz1k_QE_7WpO9OipdiJav2VcQGmllSxnJJ9EKiZkuzT4VDERrOE7cJmsMk_cSJEScfMKeSmrayEPVJvMnyYnuU90w-4wfWxGnxTjSIoN2WL-FyrI5H71ORn-0nvMmikU4PR8A/s4032/8:9,cherries,Stella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxBfGXOkl9mGHj8PwBmFtfNiuK8SZYzN7jWh2YeuImAxWVxUiLi2CIIz1k_QE_7WpO9OipdiJav2VcQGmllSxnJJ9EKiZkuzT4VDERrOE7cJmsMk_cSJEScfMKeSmrayEPVJvMnyYnuU90w-4wfWxGnxTjSIoN2WL-FyrI5H71ORn-0nvMmikU4PR8A/w300-h400/8:9,cherries,Stella.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Snacking on the last cherries of the season</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciYBJknb9lIZYyeEtTQsCLyPpH3ds-Gwjc_EiaBQxcsvAz3f5LowJEzdz3yukphbAtr79lKCwzgccjTX4_l7QjvDR1E9lqps1NHOlaIJ3_mZx_lBYb53VOowFUOLi5uAjUPdS-Lrk2qWq8PEEBrZTZuNVTBjCbvXdbOrdF3V6enRJXlqGb_3YBQUcEQ/s3678/8:27,Stella,poisonoak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3678" data-original-width="2758" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciYBJknb9lIZYyeEtTQsCLyPpH3ds-Gwjc_EiaBQxcsvAz3f5LowJEzdz3yukphbAtr79lKCwzgccjTX4_l7QjvDR1E9lqps1NHOlaIJ3_mZx_lBYb53VOowFUOLi5uAjUPdS-Lrk2qWq8PEEBrZTZuNVTBjCbvXdbOrdF3V6enRJXlqGb_3YBQUcEQ/w300-h400/8:27,Stella,poisonoak.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pretty to look at, but don't touch the poison oak!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>In August, I saw an appeal from the Morgan Horse Association of Oregon asking for participants in the Battle Between Breeds class at the State Fair. Even though I said "forget about showing" in my last post, this wasn't really <i>showing</i>; this was just being a breed representative dressed up for dressage doing walk/trot with a group of Morgans. I offered to take part, asked some questions to know how to prepare, and looked forward to a September 1st outing to further Stella's exposure to the world beyond our hill. Little did I know just how much exposure we'd get!</div><div><br />On the day of the class, I hauled my horse and gear to the state fairgrounds, got Stella settled in a stall provided by the MHAO, unloaded our gear, walked Stella around the grounds for a look-see (SO much to see!), saddled her up and rode in the warm-up arena, and gave her a bath (a shout-out out to my DH for lending a hand!). After a short break (it was H.O.T.), I braided Stella's mane, tacked her up, donned my show clothes, and headed back to the now-buzzing warm-up arena. Then the announcer invited – no, <i>requested</i> –the Battle Between Breeds participants to ALL come in and warm up in the show arena so the audience could enjoy the horses before the class. The State Fair Horse Show arena is a notoriously scary place, with a tall, solid wall and the audience perched high above, so I welcomed the chance for Stella to see it before the class. But *wow* were there a lot of horses warming up; I counted five different breed groups – Morgans, Saddlebreds, Mules, Drums, and Gypsy Vanners. I sure hoped my tense, apprehensive horse would be able to relax a bit when we went back in to show with just Team Morgan. Um, except when it was time for the class to start (after we all exited the show arena), the announcer ushered everyone, <i>all <b>SIX</b> breed teams</i> (a final team of Clydesdales rode up just in time to start the class), back into the ring to show as one giant class! What a trial by fire; I <i>never</i> would have agreed to participate if I'd known what we were in for. But I couldn't back out at that point, so I did my best to keep my mare between me and the ground, and not blow it for the team. And we succeeded! Team Morgan won blues for both the rail portion and the halter portion!!!</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwkUe7aP5D0Qpubqq0HADlgD9fZEckQundkbbGMfbDZirHQ_HfoxETCEODtieWt4F0Kg4uHO7BK-gyZLVub9SQTkkGam0a5FkwYY0e9ZgT40e-29LDINohcIBi6jFSzvdPD033wSJvlxYPBe3FFi9cdDF-KitIugxQLiBW9_iHiBVONinbi2pflSJjQ/s1775/warm-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1429" data-original-width="1775" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwkUe7aP5D0Qpubqq0HADlgD9fZEckQundkbbGMfbDZirHQ_HfoxETCEODtieWt4F0Kg4uHO7BK-gyZLVub9SQTkkGam0a5FkwYY0e9ZgT40e-29LDINohcIBi6jFSzvdPD033wSJvlxYPBe3FFi9cdDF-KitIugxQLiBW9_iHiBVONinbi2pflSJjQ/w400-h323/warm-up.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">in the warm-up arena</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6zpeWOaFqAAOOt-qnvvqsJWHGo4e9fYw_OofdglOSjOVO3wMxdxrOSOz3M0PTr09sApfW1uHir4S-TNxJ-I2tH-HttKcnTMJSaFMhl89pgErVqX3pGyk4Wgw1JkUiKwARonrSpxn-M5bish6lVJfGcHsVjyivtI7jdqrRGxN-lr_rCfGwR7leC3hag/s1602/warm-up3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="1602" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6zpeWOaFqAAOOt-qnvvqsJWHGo4e9fYw_OofdglOSjOVO3wMxdxrOSOz3M0PTr09sApfW1uHir4S-TNxJ-I2tH-HttKcnTMJSaFMhl89pgErVqX3pGyk4Wgw1JkUiKwARonrSpxn-M5bish6lVJfGcHsVjyivtI7jdqrRGxN-lr_rCfGwR7leC3hag/w400-h333/warm-up3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">alert and tense</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5a5IpsnNAo8dv-CwENI48azU2wu_Nkk2LbNFhIz-oOsgu__0cW91iIySnYTC1LjED11PLRu3rXlWySyb-bYwRdbpSAE6IZHq9wXwxeT3cS0JPeTZ4MgYBS1fmXp-FyhjlR67WKVuOMNFnPbOt0WDtdCIQXdFUF6jHU53hi6aPE-0Ab9tMMoTA9VB6g/s1651/warm-up%20pose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1651" data-original-width="1504" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5a5IpsnNAo8dv-CwENI48azU2wu_Nkk2LbNFhIz-oOsgu__0cW91iIySnYTC1LjED11PLRu3rXlWySyb-bYwRdbpSAE6IZHq9wXwxeT3cS0JPeTZ4MgYBS1fmXp-FyhjlR67WKVuOMNFnPbOt0WDtdCIQXdFUF6jHU53hi6aPE-0Ab9tMMoTA9VB6g/w365-h400/warm-up%20pose.jpg" width="365" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">a quiet moment posing for the hubby</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrz1w0_8MY4EJkNw3E2lY2hlzrF6ivyUSorzviUUOScEQ6t8LG0HWDlMFDt7V5RogNlLFqSiPXaqAkM70-pmtAkHypKhAe94lI4NTmj6ddbC9p-EdlpmmcccyoqT1bCSfvIVkJRxW2Ccok8c_LgHML1gQb93O1Q6iAjaXZTSDgTKkg3c_8bZqNuFk2g/s1675/team%20entering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1675" data-original-width="1342" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrz1w0_8MY4EJkNw3E2lY2hlzrF6ivyUSorzviUUOScEQ6t8LG0HWDlMFDt7V5RogNlLFqSiPXaqAkM70-pmtAkHypKhAe94lI4NTmj6ddbC9p-EdlpmmcccyoqT1bCSfvIVkJRxW2Ccok8c_LgHML1gQb93O1Q6iAjaXZTSDgTKkg3c_8bZqNuFk2g/w320-h400/team%20entering.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Team Morgan heading into the show arena</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsHbscYWsVJXL6B2c0CPk1VexOICD-r_h4SSMwXZrb9QinC32Hu6z4JgPA_FnbzP2U2cULLDSwF6td1StmnN1BZKCamYqAXRbo9BDs9ohNspc8SPaEu3Yag3zgjBC9i9A_yr7VUwe0YAaIv5WifA7z70RWvgNt1Ywu7_V1L3y23hDhbTLMUbxbxpN-w/s1441/entering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1441" data-original-width="1209" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsHbscYWsVJXL6B2c0CPk1VexOICD-r_h4SSMwXZrb9QinC32Hu6z4JgPA_FnbzP2U2cULLDSwF6td1StmnN1BZKCamYqAXRbo9BDs9ohNspc8SPaEu3Yag3zgjBC9i9A_yr7VUwe0YAaIv5WifA7z70RWvgNt1Ywu7_V1L3y23hDhbTLMUbxbxpN-w/w335-h400/entering.jpg" width="335" /></a><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZNdZPxPU7ujOPYLnyDkBEXR5lTc5V-FjJZTz4lL9vkJjlOd55KR-f9_lUm-cAy5SpvM8RLohZbKOZmcK01IGp5AILjNalt--yX5S5LSuFSWWRDQYnDSUm17aIBdPtFgScmgYKD6ja3l20E5Nq7Y9gOe0a3bXQ1dvsnyNFZwtekup9dYJTa_G-2GbzQ/s2136/in%20class2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1708" data-original-width="2136" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZNdZPxPU7ujOPYLnyDkBEXR5lTc5V-FjJZTz4lL9vkJjlOd55KR-f9_lUm-cAy5SpvM8RLohZbKOZmcK01IGp5AILjNalt--yX5S5LSuFSWWRDQYnDSUm17aIBdPtFgScmgYKD6ja3l20E5Nq7Y9gOe0a3bXQ1dvsnyNFZwtekup9dYJTa_G-2GbzQ/w400-h320/in%20class2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">a glimpse of the crowded class</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6ctn3oEiI0iqSKGxP2e8yw-ya50AxqP79ELpqE6_rNpRbDpxqjBmkRK8hEMxzpOEBwqPGEqbCZ_f4FfMZu3t_rblEg8_Fl8jXbAowFgvJ_I_1EYJtCs17g8IKBw1vSF6qu8mP20n9a54rsqBMhOMbZlZeoBZOCaBhZCz1SPlYC7fg0Cw6-IOIiEWOQ/s2171/in%20class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="2171" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6ctn3oEiI0iqSKGxP2e8yw-ya50AxqP79ELpqE6_rNpRbDpxqjBmkRK8hEMxzpOEBwqPGEqbCZ_f4FfMZu3t_rblEg8_Fl8jXbAowFgvJ_I_1EYJtCs17g8IKBw1vSF6qu8mP20n9a54rsqBMhOMbZlZeoBZOCaBhZCz1SPlYC7fg0Cw6-IOIiEWOQ/w400-h314/in%20class.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">letting her stretch</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyeIRMFh-xTVRIPPsV-4rPBxcaWIJLU_1om67MCZsW9qOCZoLDLl6Hg12nWRFWcZ8m5r_PbQH93cErOJG2wpiCVxxcn_mHq_RVHxWD3t9zfCS8JcY6v5HkB26b8tlVNVdYH04TQuDkAu9QrPqE9kpmyz8s9IkFNMj9aOVam1LOJOrJnvzomuGJW-wMQ/s2596/line-up,front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="2596" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyeIRMFh-xTVRIPPsV-4rPBxcaWIJLU_1om67MCZsW9qOCZoLDLl6Hg12nWRFWcZ8m5r_PbQH93cErOJG2wpiCVxxcn_mHq_RVHxWD3t9zfCS8JcY6v5HkB26b8tlVNVdYH04TQuDkAu9QrPqE9kpmyz8s9IkFNMj9aOVam1LOJOrJnvzomuGJW-wMQ/w400-h299/line-up,front.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">lining up after the rail portion</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeGXYwkFwFkpMbxjvAy0J639FFp3WXA-PXZ47ZHn74v0lvajP3Qo96zeONZOKRHzDYWz-P_g1cAAxE-6k7AU83T2sroqlGPGYHCyCXwCP8i-rQnK2Tvlg7X5C9r0G3kl1iFYvo11haBxSra9LGatMhppQ3cZuBvyUQDftgWjzUdjX_Rfkutn6yuUB-Q/s2567/line-up,rear3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1925" data-original-width="2567" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeGXYwkFwFkpMbxjvAy0J639FFp3WXA-PXZ47ZHn74v0lvajP3Qo96zeONZOKRHzDYWz-P_g1cAAxE-6k7AU83T2sroqlGPGYHCyCXwCP8i-rQnK2Tvlg7X5C9r0G3kl1iFYvo11haBxSra9LGatMhppQ3cZuBvyUQDftgWjzUdjX_Rfkutn6yuUB-Q/w400-h300/line-up,rear3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdSxKQO8OBb7MKuzgBYOSgJxVvn4Ss5nkoDgVRtaJZLXJ-dc2PTsnIVVUjzSlNWYdaAJrY_sdlkjqGHaqm-xUm_rkNG6k3iK3BPK5qvFVjW3VZynciuf3hpr2jllGvcSkTyXmgh1f97xZFBsSg44nUexrZLKAcczjY2MzQlQJFmnIOe1Q6dmAtCapQA/s2333/line-up,rear2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1510" data-original-width="2333" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdSxKQO8OBb7MKuzgBYOSgJxVvn4Ss5nkoDgVRtaJZLXJ-dc2PTsnIVVUjzSlNWYdaAJrY_sdlkjqGHaqm-xUm_rkNG6k3iK3BPK5qvFVjW3VZynciuf3hpr2jllGvcSkTyXmgh1f97xZFBsSg44nUexrZLKAcczjY2MzQlQJFmnIOe1Q6dmAtCapQA/w400-h259/line-up,rear2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">too bad the judge didn't ASK for a rein-back!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSk3y1iyAjiECEk3xI1KX_NqvLbbjJ1o272K97QYzbZEd3Trc4ri4nD6u8Vqujv4h08kWX-cxYXRv8EcPCBW87FhPZGGUOyv8ydHkLNfPfXu2qs8L0PcZNFAN4FRElqcgtmRDBqk6hBd5jR7H53mK-MMrUIzMRIcmEZwJ1AoFtmlsk0Fyle6hBUoml8A/s2383/line-up,3Morgans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1787" data-original-width="2383" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSk3y1iyAjiECEk3xI1KX_NqvLbbjJ1o272K97QYzbZEd3Trc4ri4nD6u8Vqujv4h08kWX-cxYXRv8EcPCBW87FhPZGGUOyv8ydHkLNfPfXu2qs8L0PcZNFAN4FRElqcgtmRDBqk6hBd5jR7H53mK-MMrUIzMRIcmEZwJ1AoFtmlsk0Fyle6hBUoml8A/w400-h300/line-up,3Morgans.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I declined a neck ribbon; thought it might unnerve Stella (more)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyLRGiLq9Yz0vj4f6VBqzYNdca_wegZs9koEVcsExClGZKESIPcxXt9FDx2HHKcqdhn7OiwVL3Sz5sLn_w9n0GsKi1-XSX9wRjlE94TdCBPR9b7jNwkaU8s4VRaw0q_9Sv9zYQJNse2ubftzW5ujUiNAzPmrXu7PCffmfeba8cqSdGBML81Ig-Dos2Q/s2629/leaving%20rail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1972" data-original-width="2629" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyLRGiLq9Yz0vj4f6VBqzYNdca_wegZs9koEVcsExClGZKESIPcxXt9FDx2HHKcqdhn7OiwVL3Sz5sLn_w9n0GsKi1-XSX9wRjlE94TdCBPR9b7jNwkaU8s4VRaw0q_9Sv9zYQJNse2ubftzW5ujUiNAzPmrXu7PCffmfeba8cqSdGBML81Ig-Dos2Q/w400-h300/leaving%20rail.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">leaving after the rail portion</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZjYONG1LoXxZ7t0jMUr_8ENMefvbwxfpbms4KUzxug9WTxYxvOmo2evaccRWcqIYaa6gWV-bCnYqdLcPjtrdX7vL2FHASJqiSGIuddALMtiqND3Pg56-rSHrgNjQnenDN8E3D5_AKugUPQy9VPQlvXAqiaWFse28jUmsAaBesN2eoyc85FVwviZrIA/s2240/leaving%20final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1873" data-original-width="2240" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZjYONG1LoXxZ7t0jMUr_8ENMefvbwxfpbms4KUzxug9WTxYxvOmo2evaccRWcqIYaa6gWV-bCnYqdLcPjtrdX7vL2FHASJqiSGIuddALMtiqND3Pg56-rSHrgNjQnenDN8E3D5_AKugUPQy9VPQlvXAqiaWFse28jUmsAaBesN2eoyc85FVwviZrIA/w400-h335/leaving%20final.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUyTq7ucnv7IowMmbC4xK4TrGiEU3l4WiYLoBkBcOB9d9I4r5XB21HaDC7r-WoExymh-H_fQPzJUW0qDvyf3GxpPv-gPo3pujeflIVzkyvstZlWy4fsLZu7J5JZxMf75zGOurbuvQK8Nhb9lDzIw8mV71oSTFSfngX0BIrASOitXHWb6w9PZoR94lNg/s2246/winning%20team3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1779" data-original-width="2246" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUyTq7ucnv7IowMmbC4xK4TrGiEU3l4WiYLoBkBcOB9d9I4r5XB21HaDC7r-WoExymh-H_fQPzJUW0qDvyf3GxpPv-gPo3pujeflIVzkyvstZlWy4fsLZu7J5JZxMf75zGOurbuvQK8Nhb9lDzIw8mV71oSTFSfngX0BIrASOitXHWb6w9PZoR94lNg/w400-h316/winning%20team3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Team Morgan with their blue ribbons (the palomino was our halter rep)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4WdBFGFOeSMDRo3XNRSL4-sj_lt59hYwo920tdDjuZjTKDJGG7RvHJSHpnApeo7t3iovhNcAUufC8su_jIPwF4xqj1NVXUi_rmKMrN94suxotR_-Y8QO60GyUVJJB1uNaQvrnK3zkUVbe3II3zuBl-L31PIoVq3UaJ-nUDbFAdehnmBcNIDUEkwVEg/s3161/Stella,ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3161" data-original-width="2371" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4WdBFGFOeSMDRo3XNRSL4-sj_lt59hYwo920tdDjuZjTKDJGG7RvHJSHpnApeo7t3iovhNcAUufC8su_jIPwF4xqj1NVXUi_rmKMrN94suxotR_-Y8QO60GyUVJJB1uNaQvrnK3zkUVbe3II3zuBl-L31PIoVq3UaJ-nUDbFAdehnmBcNIDUEkwVEg/w300-h400/Stella,ribbon.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">so proud of my girl in overwhelming circumstances!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchG48cKSOp8uVYwdlZug7JiC0V_0dyd7WDDquEB3d5bZjwg223OBG9FCDwoGm66IM7JxIbtG3_gfzp6fXkDDTeXIwM3wHoLIk7tjMOefwysEnnon6ThWxMicd672GVa7sH-3_z87wDWAQ0HrOX9M1XEKC4HytobRZOndlWe-JHtqxUXgac6uFXrpIUQ/s2771/winning%20team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2078" data-original-width="2771" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchG48cKSOp8uVYwdlZug7JiC0V_0dyd7WDDquEB3d5bZjwg223OBG9FCDwoGm66IM7JxIbtG3_gfzp6fXkDDTeXIwM3wHoLIk7tjMOefwysEnnon6ThWxMicd672GVa7sH-3_z87wDWAQ0HrOX9M1XEKC4HytobRZOndlWe-JHtqxUXgac6uFXrpIUQ/w400-h300/winning%20team.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'm still waiting for the official state fair horse show photographer to post his photos; I'll share if any are good enough to do so.<br /><div><br /></div><div>A long-time horse friend who came and watched commented on Stella's often-open mouth, suggesting a flash noseband might help. Stella has <i>always</i> had a busy mouth; I decided to add the flash. Here she is processing the addition:</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvQpnNHuM24U_NJZiLvW1noLecbhBERA8Z1bgZ6yuUnYN-4QUAMMztevKkMlPA0w-QzocLBn23kf3x5eRKUhkhWJC6rYWpkiHS54-8aK5DyjaVvzr9QJmThIIcXah0iuDm3yxLmsct0R5uZLW5-WNrz7Ml_JoTe4YaHbRLHOdWIX3qp_RgP-YWrFVHg/s4032/9:5,Stella,cavesson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvQpnNHuM24U_NJZiLvW1noLecbhBERA8Z1bgZ6yuUnYN-4QUAMMztevKkMlPA0w-QzocLBn23kf3x5eRKUhkhWJC6rYWpkiHS54-8aK5DyjaVvzr9QJmThIIcXah0iuDm3yxLmsct0R5uZLW5-WNrz7Ml_JoTe4YaHbRLHOdWIX3qp_RgP-YWrFVHg/w300-h400/9:5,Stella,cavesson.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">busy, busy, busy</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Stg0UePelmts4sO8on_B5cKcP3u1u7-4Px1zItbckTst_mMYvxKt_mL7pGBz8HswBJqF78crkuB61lUPZ_HPLhtqqaJdV8iczaaEPkJuRwlSzAJZzF6yiTI0SEkhX3sQoHUzVV02SVgUhZ0QlrP5ihV5yo2Ne6DVtdG_Xm6HtGg5xS8a7OPLdDTm0w/s4032/9:7,Stella,blackberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Stg0UePelmts4sO8on_B5cKcP3u1u7-4Px1zItbckTst_mMYvxKt_mL7pGBz8HswBJqF78crkuB61lUPZ_HPLhtqqaJdV8iczaaEPkJuRwlSzAJZzF6yiTI0SEkhX3sQoHUzVV02SVgUhZ0QlrP5ihV5yo2Ne6DVtdG_Xm6HtGg5xS8a7OPLdDTm0w/w300-h400/9:7,Stella,blackberries.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">it's pretty loose; she could eat blackberries on the trail</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5dUQA-Aq9gAdCcRmQHeaFtQx5QS9lSp7KylWg-ruXsoUg9Z1S7vLsJy6K4-kd5ok0oFizi5QtrOXIzk4zZGA-oj94U5XtXi-0gpYK_ax4eymHBcNZLBl2ykeFRKGL3ruVeniEIt3Ond1aACHp5z5DHkKSXKrLj_kH3zSBj2ymDOhZGIP7tMHwrxjXg/s2602/9:11,Stella,flash2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2602" data-original-width="2602" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5dUQA-Aq9gAdCcRmQHeaFtQx5QS9lSp7KylWg-ruXsoUg9Z1S7vLsJy6K4-kd5ok0oFizi5QtrOXIzk4zZGA-oj94U5XtXi-0gpYK_ax4eymHBcNZLBl2ykeFRKGL3ruVeniEIt3Ond1aACHp5z5DHkKSXKrLj_kH3zSBj2ymDOhZGIP7tMHwrxjXg/s320/9:11,Stella,flash2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">filter-enhanced; gorgeous girl!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Next up: From zero to sixty!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-85476246479588294382022-06-25T22:28:00.000-07:002022-06-25T22:28:00.620-07:00When It's Cold She's Hot; When It's Hot She's Not<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffWsrs9XuvSoOcgrkLZ31VHY4JXeeXxzWOJt3UEXFg2_OX1R-wwXziW_qzvBYUlDoeKOgZospwIsfDhEoXdVYg3pNhXqPxLNiUG1pyTj2AsYFkZwg5jLw0qIRlz5u1Hn_clc6oCoGfaoKnYA7yhCf2LMQRITbXFIU-tUUWz58ocUjF5bZ_yaZJMPuaA/s3623/5:18,Stella'sbling.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3623" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffWsrs9XuvSoOcgrkLZ31VHY4JXeeXxzWOJt3UEXFg2_OX1R-wwXziW_qzvBYUlDoeKOgZospwIsfDhEoXdVYg3pNhXqPxLNiUG1pyTj2AsYFkZwg5jLw0qIRlz5u1Hn_clc6oCoGfaoKnYA7yhCf2LMQRITbXFIU-tUUWz58ocUjF5bZ_yaZJMPuaA/w335-h400/5:18,Stella'sbling.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><div>Forget for now the two and a half months I've been absent from this blog; I'm jumping in at the present. Here in NW Oregon, apparently, warm, dry, sunny weather was waiting for an invitation, which it got with the summer equinox. And just like that, summer arrived and my mare mellowed a little. So as much as I dislike hot weather, I'm going to do my best to both enjoy and capitalize on this mellowness to move our partnership forward.</div><div><br /></div><div>Between my four trips to Texas and the extended rainy season, this year has been a wash so far when it comes to Stella's training – so forget about showing. But now that I can ride regularly again, exciting things are happening. In the 'sandbox,' we've been playing with walk/canter, canter/walk transitions (we're Intro Level going on Second; ha), and out of the sandbox she is doing so well. In spite of her nervous energy, she is more dependable with the things we encounter than solid and stolid Lance, which always amazes me. We've even gotten in a few sunset rides!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFWIbaTPrFEAypOdt-GRa4UpCIHHJhLYBLbsnXkQIozc_zZkVxBlA_fsieEo99vjozZTOeQCX7EFeFEG4ldYqBJ2ToZVPhqzJyTWrYJNoiN6ygJQFa1C1ndK6P9RkFqrs-bYrpMjiCUx2bpZk0KFKZQ0bZW6R1wZ515yB3Tq4Sl9AMuiNd5U10uMz7g/s3311/6:1,Stella,gravel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3311" data-original-width="2408" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFWIbaTPrFEAypOdt-GRa4UpCIHHJhLYBLbsnXkQIozc_zZkVxBlA_fsieEo99vjozZTOeQCX7EFeFEG4ldYqBJ2ToZVPhqzJyTWrYJNoiN6ygJQFa1C1ndK6P9RkFqrs-bYrpMjiCUx2bpZk0KFKZQ0bZW6R1wZ515yB3Tq4Sl9AMuiNd5U10uMz7g/w291-h400/6:1,Stella,gravel.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalfz6rNmKje1aGYGS4V0vNiTu6E_3SxAMN_eyoeVrp3Ka15NT2o1tN31OPklngoMvH44lxdu-o-kW_gaYS_hDW1bhvRfVDbN4WavbOfADwcfoIMS0jprqgzlXgCAUXqs2j2ZXaNiJjR9JsCogeEqe0t73TznBClMCRErQraA6Ty6TaCVY0Z1O3iunsw/s2942/6:15,Stella2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2942" data-original-width="2442" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalfz6rNmKje1aGYGS4V0vNiTu6E_3SxAMN_eyoeVrp3Ka15NT2o1tN31OPklngoMvH44lxdu-o-kW_gaYS_hDW1bhvRfVDbN4WavbOfADwcfoIMS0jprqgzlXgCAUXqs2j2ZXaNiJjR9JsCogeEqe0t73TznBClMCRErQraA6Ty6TaCVY0Z1O3iunsw/w334-h400/6:15,Stella2.jpg" width="334" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoImwDzdg-TQiOUmQmDdm-DNPnsFpQl99xkHMXFQQExfTCdBT4PCgOXYCL8S7YGWgA2HC38EHIFkrivghIvmI-OQTBw-xF-qKAFtzK-ecc8UgouvgnMCbukRQs0dXIK0n_O0-anDjb6XINye_8M5bZ6oE-0wtLJy_ozf60d1OK_iAsKLWv5EtgsXlvfA/s3938/6:15,Stella,arena.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3938" data-original-width="2978" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoImwDzdg-TQiOUmQmDdm-DNPnsFpQl99xkHMXFQQExfTCdBT4PCgOXYCL8S7YGWgA2HC38EHIFkrivghIvmI-OQTBw-xF-qKAFtzK-ecc8UgouvgnMCbukRQs0dXIK0n_O0-anDjb6XINye_8M5bZ6oE-0wtLJy_ozf60d1OK_iAsKLWv5EtgsXlvfA/w304-h400/6:15,Stella,arena.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh256fSeDEEj0CN9e-2NMaVJMGXkeNpG_YRrHQitxo8RFU5TDYTmOpPCV7QR8Tc5iiDfuIMoxfP4mq4fnNof2eWDQSOl9Wyr6wnDj5FXCabdGU50v1eyb99oLRwI3aWVcx_QKtq4wRpaDz9w9PV4PIr7y-PRN-7xQ4nSgZH9RBf1LdpG5buWjvuB70heg/s3591/6:21,Stella,road.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3591" data-original-width="2785" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh256fSeDEEj0CN9e-2NMaVJMGXkeNpG_YRrHQitxo8RFU5TDYTmOpPCV7QR8Tc5iiDfuIMoxfP4mq4fnNof2eWDQSOl9Wyr6wnDj5FXCabdGU50v1eyb99oLRwI3aWVcx_QKtq4wRpaDz9w9PV4PIr7y-PRN-7xQ4nSgZH9RBf1LdpG5buWjvuB70heg/w310-h400/6:21,Stella,road.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidA3mEPfObh7P6sNDfgtX206kany6oQW-a8wJBJ7gmBz1HvzW-hIGg0dSezJocpwXqHp61VImFlEEB1dep4QWwNoXWPaT1v4-GHcwK9t4gZTM8BFjS3qnXl-MQPrw9QLKbR5miYRMeDNKxVxMy7mjMgPHsVuRSBFJhXH5Jl8Lfz0f6Hc8xavSokG9Tg/s4032/6:21,Stella,road2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidA3mEPfObh7P6sNDfgtX206kany6oQW-a8wJBJ7gmBz1HvzW-hIGg0dSezJocpwXqHp61VImFlEEB1dep4QWwNoXWPaT1v4-GHcwK9t4gZTM8BFjS3qnXl-MQPrw9QLKbR5miYRMeDNKxVxMy7mjMgPHsVuRSBFJhXH5Jl8Lfz0f6Hc8xavSokG9Tg/w300-h400/6:21,Stella,road2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmQtNJQzITCHz_TWYnq34pWWj3SVk-ACAuJMgphSWeZYQJt__WCw4hOCvoTL5QaMGub2vlIhl1OoB7YfbQNZG7_wNtsMiIM9YMkQM1jRAJ1M-QDow48cW7h-AVRyvzakY8_FRnmKPMJot8Kpp2_UbmLsD4AAuKu4qZyC3b9eZNs9-Ff0tzA72Wu2OuA/s4032/6:15,sunset.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmQtNJQzITCHz_TWYnq34pWWj3SVk-ACAuJMgphSWeZYQJt__WCw4hOCvoTL5QaMGub2vlIhl1OoB7YfbQNZG7_wNtsMiIM9YMkQM1jRAJ1M-QDow48cW7h-AVRyvzakY8_FRnmKPMJot8Kpp2_UbmLsD4AAuKu4qZyC3b9eZNs9-Ff0tzA72Wu2OuA/w400-h300/6:15,sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUeVfZ70optJIw5QmyZTwEulXDtiZ6dS-xnfwhWUC-h0jI6UzL-oLZ14JC9nRzPS2gV5FcLBsV0Y9aga9uGd885cPIPfKCxxHTtLNyL4_Ka_ZKH2iRij0hdjaMNwVE0d_TGqXbJWvJXH1laL9nF0UrER0VDjDh0YRlN55VXozxXcx7nqsqODo6212Sg/s3754/6:15,sunset,Stella.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3754" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUeVfZ70optJIw5QmyZTwEulXDtiZ6dS-xnfwhWUC-h0jI6UzL-oLZ14JC9nRzPS2gV5FcLBsV0Y9aga9uGd885cPIPfKCxxHTtLNyL4_Ka_ZKH2iRij0hdjaMNwVE0d_TGqXbJWvJXH1laL9nF0UrER0VDjDh0YRlN55VXozxXcx7nqsqODo6212Sg/w400-h324/6:15,sunset,Stella.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Last night we headed down through the woods and onto the logging track. It seems just last week it was too muddy to try; now it is firm and solid. Land has changed hands in recent years and there's been lots of logging, clearing and burning; I may not be welcome to ride on my old stomping grounds anymore. But there was no one to question or challenge us at dusk on a Friday night, and Stella handled the unfamiliar environment with cautious willingness. We even came back home via the vineyards (where I <i>do</i> have permission to ride), Stella's first experience there. It was a beautiful evening to ride my beautiful mare and doing so fed my soul richly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0rf0PbvAY6EfmbacLrJLEiKxmw_CyAiiV3tQdYnA3k6pIQoXuSRSUh9WfXqY3T629eNqKuqVI009umG8FPT_AuMz7XoC1wzWv9zBlN4MEprsMIue5BVsTp6wiag92qjuk8RTTt8nNVJ0PHBY6ESYSN03J8ZzGIQfoGfvJCm7C35Ma5Ln_Ov8NUgs6A/s4032/6:24,Stella,cattrack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0rf0PbvAY6EfmbacLrJLEiKxmw_CyAiiV3tQdYnA3k6pIQoXuSRSUh9WfXqY3T629eNqKuqVI009umG8FPT_AuMz7XoC1wzWv9zBlN4MEprsMIue5BVsTp6wiag92qjuk8RTTt8nNVJ0PHBY6ESYSN03J8ZzGIQfoGfvJCm7C35Ma5Ln_Ov8NUgs6A/w300-h400/6:24,Stella,cattrack.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>I am ready to start taking lessons from Suzan again just as soon as I can get on her schedule. I also want to get in some trail rides and at least one beach ride with friends. Lance <i>hates</i> it when I take Stella off-property, hollering from the barn the whole time we're gone. They've become good friends, Lance and Stella, although <i>she</i> doesn't mind leaving <i>him</i> at all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45SkQpA8XDa7eradrSh3n5Wv3NCBR4RDo9l8-x7pcWAU6kExqa8N8aWz-dISJGt8EVJ4QTVosa_Q5lsod8ZwldLTTgdLg84dJPR1PQ5M9cfA7lrONQcoUMqztfQ2WiHi_gwbWKXn4i1pfLBpu4azjK8X48uepJ3GjIuGUH4HK04hr494CXBjuvdP0Jw/s4032/6:1,mutualgrooming.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45SkQpA8XDa7eradrSh3n5Wv3NCBR4RDo9l8-x7pcWAU6kExqa8N8aWz-dISJGt8EVJ4QTVosa_Q5lsod8ZwldLTTgdLg84dJPR1PQ5M9cfA7lrONQcoUMqztfQ2WiHi_gwbWKXn4i1pfLBpu4azjK8X48uepJ3GjIuGUH4HK04hr494CXBjuvdP0Jw/w400-h300/6:1,mutualgrooming.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqYPqNiFv-uaTEKTuASbyedZ3XjiWlKApo-u3b1som5LZqF7d08Wr9J-I6UeiUtTZQIEf1ow1L39bicIcBRVw_40SbN2YP-fYkp0O8yZtmWWSq_UgC5G9NukFNiFqnvHzFPBUyXTjNjjt9YNpcrbIDIJ0Y8fM_rj6LsfDIgLD6_MBbn641EMoLQAqEg/s4032/6:16,horsenap.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqYPqNiFv-uaTEKTuASbyedZ3XjiWlKApo-u3b1som5LZqF7d08Wr9J-I6UeiUtTZQIEf1ow1L39bicIcBRVw_40SbN2YP-fYkp0O8yZtmWWSq_UgC5G9NukFNiFqnvHzFPBUyXTjNjjt9YNpcrbIDIJ0Y8fM_rj6LsfDIgLD6_MBbn641EMoLQAqEg/w400-h300/6:16,horsenap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihS4xWaLKWFNzqk4GpEwws_gdiCc2ijumM4FDLkTl2MKm5Xq-80MbC9uof5Ba0-hsMI-U8sO02TUYGyOXAdjdw-oThovEO7sA87PWazVSYMe9wxvWTp49so5lZNmNKfK0I-ZFSMzaFKOmNFq4vz-TCBYpXeVgLrGxONYKK1Lnu9gA7zJ4Zf6q0238o-w/s3312/6:22,Stella,sunset.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2359" data-original-width="3312" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihS4xWaLKWFNzqk4GpEwws_gdiCc2ijumM4FDLkTl2MKm5Xq-80MbC9uof5Ba0-hsMI-U8sO02TUYGyOXAdjdw-oThovEO7sA87PWazVSYMe9wxvWTp49so5lZNmNKfK0I-ZFSMzaFKOmNFq4vz-TCBYpXeVgLrGxONYKK1Lnu9gA7zJ4Zf6q0238o-w/w400-h285/6:22,Stella,sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUVvbRF4XRQFMfofsZ9_rErA8mjvJ-b_JxlTNfhIoP_dyIhViCLj8MRgb3X1gK6huPY4fFt1BZp4oiCwoAreUyzDPPzj0KUWnT2GftVJMEDvCL4D_HO13a6J-UPVzzl3lF6o_QX1iOB00M-VZGOExuiTHI0RdwziReH78Vj62F6OU5gvZlFcCX5J5-w/s2864/5:30,Stella's%20eye.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2864" data-original-width="2148" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUVvbRF4XRQFMfofsZ9_rErA8mjvJ-b_JxlTNfhIoP_dyIhViCLj8MRgb3X1gK6huPY4fFt1BZp4oiCwoAreUyzDPPzj0KUWnT2GftVJMEDvCL4D_HO13a6J-UPVzzl3lF6o_QX1iOB00M-VZGOExuiTHI0RdwziReH78Vj62F6OU5gvZlFcCX5J5-w/w300-h400/5:30,Stella's%20eye.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-69743067996202744622022-04-04T19:32:00.001-07:002022-04-04T19:32:57.133-07:00"Normal" is a setting on the washing machine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyB2_sMFAKh1my9fQsop-XoT-nJdDsCKXd8Jhvo1dtrAUGt6IoGeuQ1wLVPkxa1rHkG1maLhOm_xMiA4loQV1cntDx-QGMP6jEUd0ydG1GWQ8K6wRLHn16WiYu25tRJvRk9U1EgT3QlYjM7qAIlcd5RHNSmGhQt285LBOiFOJ6VWXoiITfGRSOqc3vA/s2597/4:1,Stella,face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2597" data-original-width="2223" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyB2_sMFAKh1my9fQsop-XoT-nJdDsCKXd8Jhvo1dtrAUGt6IoGeuQ1wLVPkxa1rHkG1maLhOm_xMiA4loQV1cntDx-QGMP6jEUd0ydG1GWQ8K6wRLHn16WiYu25tRJvRk9U1EgT3QlYjM7qAIlcd5RHNSmGhQt285LBOiFOJ6VWXoiITfGRSOqc3vA/w343-h400/4:1,Stella,face.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_BSVSYXT2RVXajn0_e47E7vG_sFLn31XdPB_JP9mgMI70ZL8p2lOIjmYTF66G_UfW_FLqkIlhPoJlZVPcb9smGGQquuvM_1m9bCK8F56-qnflrUB-20Ja3RudmjoHEftM_Lii-RbIF2pE7Rw3KxEIXZypAp_uDFIvb0Gk4bNICDNJGgo61i2QqPORg/s3512/4:1,Stella,neck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3512" data-original-width="2859" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_BSVSYXT2RVXajn0_e47E7vG_sFLn31XdPB_JP9mgMI70ZL8p2lOIjmYTF66G_UfW_FLqkIlhPoJlZVPcb9smGGQquuvM_1m9bCK8F56-qnflrUB-20Ja3RudmjoHEftM_Lii-RbIF2pE7Rw3KxEIXZypAp_uDFIvb0Gk4bNICDNJGgo61i2QqPORg/w326-h400/4:1,Stella,neck.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday I rode for the third time in seven and a half weeks – I think that is my longest riding dry spell in <i>decades</i>. I was in TX for three and a half weeks helping my parents deal with my dad's terminal diagnosis, came home to one lambing crisis after another (and got in one short ride), went back to TX after two and a half weeks for my brother's memorial service, and came home again a week ago tonight to resume bottle/assisted feedings of lambs and playing catch-up in all other areas of my life, including getting back in the saddle. My first ride this week was another short check-in with Stella, and then yesterday we actually <i>schooled</i> – and my girl was so good! Today was a windy, rainy mess, so I'm shooting for another ride tomorrow. After that, I'm not sure; I have a little medical procedure on Wednesday, and my dad's on hospice....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'd love to be able to plan ahead for some lessons and shows, at least the Oregon Morgan Classic that was Stella's 2021 debut, but prudence says to hold off scheduling anything for now. I've stopped wondering when life will get back to normal; I'll just ride when I can and treasure each opportunity.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsGZBRNKwx9lAWpS4aSuu2jyedpcaQXf4N-1NMrpxzTs6bfn7eVElLdo0rQ091R_vHPoj_S45C6nq_jqEJpkApQzrc16ED9A_hNPS3zWOtfo5AMI3S0CbGWGFd7W6cNbCTIlou8Lyczv57ZajqtIFDVYtgU5ul-fwPwJ1OXZNrfxEXXIh8_J7EFSrJA/s4032/4:3,recip%20grooming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsGZBRNKwx9lAWpS4aSuu2jyedpcaQXf4N-1NMrpxzTs6bfn7eVElLdo0rQ091R_vHPoj_S45C6nq_jqEJpkApQzrc16ED9A_hNPS3zWOtfo5AMI3S0CbGWGFd7W6cNbCTIlou8Lyczv57ZajqtIFDVYtgU5ul-fwPwJ1OXZNrfxEXXIh8_J7EFSrJA/w300-h400/4:3,recip%20grooming.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the meantime, Lance and Stella are getting regular turnout again now that I'm home. It's shedding season, so they really enjoy reciprocal grooming. It makes me happy to see them being friends. So that can continue outside the arena, I invested in a grazing muzzle for Lance. It looks rather draconian, but he accepted it without drama when I tried it on him this week, and it will allow him to spend <i>much</i> more time out on pasture. I did give him a <i>few</i> minutes of actual grazing; he does so love to eat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7BU5bBxJ4xZMMai055wPjIbvQG--wdr6wR4M-F6o4by_-Xqu89oqfEKqfxC7pXGuJ_gAUPKKcvDTccsw7Wz3t_N6GkIioN5yTm7Hue3AL33TPq4qW01P2Jh4iyhjmbFkJCtQeuzDz42poN5KiT7qpur7cajnG76Ooa_9wZpeQ01njgaekynfSzf7Pw/s4032/4:2,Lance,GreenGuard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7BU5bBxJ4xZMMai055wPjIbvQG--wdr6wR4M-F6o4by_-Xqu89oqfEKqfxC7pXGuJ_gAUPKKcvDTccsw7Wz3t_N6GkIioN5yTm7Hue3AL33TPq4qW01P2Jh4iyhjmbFkJCtQeuzDz42poN5KiT7qpur7cajnG76Ooa_9wZpeQ01njgaekynfSzf7Pw/w300-h400/4:2,Lance,GreenGuard.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigrjsvsFDG7Kcu3i8CcLa9aErTitWjDTmGnu3bqOMXCFSEhWqCGndNk3Yie4_ZUlr868yQ4-ZNH5FNXn-_FS5GUSTkauWH565sss-ah2_quQDYMehhF0B3NldlGFSuemRTrwGnvU76Ainzyko80be30GFbeD1nVBrUUYQkxNsN6wSH98F1L3jPMcj5g/s3603/4:2,Lance,pasture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2725" data-original-width="3603" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigrjsvsFDG7Kcu3i8CcLa9aErTitWjDTmGnu3bqOMXCFSEhWqCGndNk3Yie4_ZUlr868yQ4-ZNH5FNXn-_FS5GUSTkauWH565sss-ah2_quQDYMehhF0B3NldlGFSuemRTrwGnvU76Ainzyko80be30GFbeD1nVBrUUYQkxNsN6wSH98F1L3jPMcj5g/w400-h303/4:2,Lance,pasture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nARfAEKiafDg8gutYKPeoeNKMwKaUntUXx3gYC4ONtpyctvTqb_FgImgD-2ADyXfNue6hWiZM6yTixtNO04-JbmaaJwVXH10HjpwS0cIzxhf1G1i72zZ5UNJjTA2-kD323g89gAziaN6TZLnsn5y0yiZOKnD7I6Nq55FCCsfetwgEf7sMxbCkfVcqg/s3566/4:2,horses,pasture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2859" data-original-width="3566" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nARfAEKiafDg8gutYKPeoeNKMwKaUntUXx3gYC4ONtpyctvTqb_FgImgD-2ADyXfNue6hWiZM6yTixtNO04-JbmaaJwVXH10HjpwS0cIzxhf1G1i72zZ5UNJjTA2-kD323g89gAziaN6TZLnsn5y0yiZOKnD7I6Nq55FCCsfetwgEf7sMxbCkfVcqg/w400-h323/4:2,horses,pasture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio77I39NUDQHVtPMz4_4ta7gWXDBx3kicvabKxKp1jFm0UHHh1atCVuPs7m3YBu5oWxjSi2hybToSSFhIHGkB0RV8d-WDRmx0J_xD0cFfPCaDQ-V9R2FWgK7Fte67Rpst_nDHZXHVj8b0MqHUg2OnR6X0PdHaw-O-PMDyW51e4867CtWkrkNapct95UA/s2108/4:2,horses,pasture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="2108" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio77I39NUDQHVtPMz4_4ta7gWXDBx3kicvabKxKp1jFm0UHHh1atCVuPs7m3YBu5oWxjSi2hybToSSFhIHGkB0RV8d-WDRmx0J_xD0cFfPCaDQ-V9R2FWgK7Fte67Rpst_nDHZXHVj8b0MqHUg2OnR6X0PdHaw-O-PMDyW51e4867CtWkrkNapct95UA/w400-h303/4:2,horses,pasture2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-8585861617848304092022-02-23T19:21:00.001-08:002022-02-23T19:21:53.827-08:00Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1GWdyB53bq05lCb6f4p6B_4Q3pQ5-QIfW4fceBXdPDnFwCyNqRxBabOiwuXBgPFr5tvP094V0zEFkLx08BpBg9RXV_p6LMfnvIvVKLnZ_0uQG7eCuGHhEfV9lqELVQ1lVBkBK7XaxYruI_ww3fRo0F1spqjd4uTmxg8-2pA3bBFhUWn8fs77lgj91cg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1GWdyB53bq05lCb6f4p6B_4Q3pQ5-QIfW4fceBXdPDnFwCyNqRxBabOiwuXBgPFr5tvP094V0zEFkLx08BpBg9RXV_p6LMfnvIvVKLnZ_0uQG7eCuGHhEfV9lqELVQ1lVBkBK7XaxYruI_ww3fRo0F1spqjd4uTmxg8-2pA3bBFhUWn8fs77lgj91cg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic4WLl1A8CJOGC4gqK84IdQ1UM2SF4lf7JUCq4EqXefWQzFWduRdEggAYoFYZbPLZWlYiZ4LmlfHZRXF5h8-LKF2jAxx8Jjm2yxgaaG2PBKTkk2dBs3A7dy4BBCzgSFyTsHct_X7-ikjwAuXkb27nczfPRuPRKSnHBDPg_M9LEJ7HTwtbzjBMsLsYhTg=s3481" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2742" data-original-width="3481" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic4WLl1A8CJOGC4gqK84IdQ1UM2SF4lf7JUCq4EqXefWQzFWduRdEggAYoFYZbPLZWlYiZ4LmlfHZRXF5h8-LKF2jAxx8Jjm2yxgaaG2PBKTkk2dBs3A7dy4BBCzgSFyTsHct_X7-ikjwAuXkb27nczfPRuPRKSnHBDPg_M9LEJ7HTwtbzjBMsLsYhTg=w400-h316" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfqi3Vx5oZwMAiJxU_f-5vcyUgY7c1iLJpPnbh54mgoOsfdQUu1o2gxe8PcA-P0la0ZjDwX3W-gpIlXnnByTjRBT8_ovQPQoUa9l6p6yZrjzaGvGbmsrrSKJ5fFRrFa1W9ccMXMfC-Hxt6vmSQPf0GIk8VfKwjfMHLJRgNKFNEaKmoKdJ_KvSQG7Oz2Q=s3752" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2814" data-original-width="3752" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfqi3Vx5oZwMAiJxU_f-5vcyUgY7c1iLJpPnbh54mgoOsfdQUu1o2gxe8PcA-P0la0ZjDwX3W-gpIlXnnByTjRBT8_ovQPQoUa9l6p6yZrjzaGvGbmsrrSKJ5fFRrFa1W9ccMXMfC-Hxt6vmSQPf0GIk8VfKwjfMHLJRgNKFNEaKmoKdJ_KvSQG7Oz2Q=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Stella is getting an extended break from riding and, unfortunately, practically any exercise at all right now. I planned a trip for February 11-17 to visit and help my parents in Texas, and it turned out that the help they ended up needing was not just cleaning out some junk. I wrote more about that on my <a href="https://boulderneigh.blogspot.com/2022/02/git-along-little-doggies.html" target="_blank">farm blog</a> (which I will continue to update); the upshot is that I don't know how long I'll be here. My husband finally turned out Stella (and eventually Lance) in the arena last Sunday for the first time, and said she was rather hard to handle given all her pent-up energy. Ya <i><b>think?!?</b></i> My hot tamale is used to near-daily turn-out and/or riding; I'm surprised she hasn't self-combusted by now! It will be interesting to see how she handles when I finally get home. Sometimes extended breaks do wonders for a horse's mind; when it comes to Stella, I wonder if it may do the opposite.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgccYENScN5bRcE5FnvyYMheGtl3W61V13uXiyEn2I-lsw90K8LG6CNx4jBflUNkjh6lGeE7pcGj9jBqA84ZR2AOHrkQcW1pZ4G0kbAhuVrTih73tJ2IKM99HItc1BMgBp8RMWC2PgFFxtq9tSiuNUV0RnKwVM_Tjt8_s09AeTDrX1K-Qe1fFNwinnhTw=s3469" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2885" data-original-width="3469" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgccYENScN5bRcE5FnvyYMheGtl3W61V13uXiyEn2I-lsw90K8LG6CNx4jBflUNkjh6lGeE7pcGj9jBqA84ZR2AOHrkQcW1pZ4G0kbAhuVrTih73tJ2IKM99HItc1BMgBp8RMWC2PgFFxtq9tSiuNUV0RnKwVM_Tjt8_s09AeTDrX1K-Qe1fFNwinnhTw=w400-h333" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am missing my home, my routine, my animals. I have gotten to love on a neighbor's dog once, and have seen horses once while walking around my parents' small rural neighborhood outside of Amarillo. Having animals around me has been essential to my mental health for my entire life, but right now my parents' needs trump my own.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-63157417629997740802022-02-07T23:14:00.005-08:002022-02-07T23:17:27.710-08:00Practice makes perfect better<div style="text-align: left;">Since our lesson with Suzan, I've been using a CorrecTOR with rear shims to balance my saddle as suggested, and we've been working on keeping the walk (and trot) regular and unhurried. Stella is fine with the CorrecTOR (a few horses aren't), and the saddle position does feel better to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnRF2zsOkh1f00db0IQXD9d_RRA2lsNzBAnvPPSlUWhd9hMO153S5jCaTA1r6Hxre3DcMKtVhhr85gyPE7q1ekxwExyuNhl6kViZtmlHODmot0IA7j2K_BWgP7VALXBIaQkc_B0dJg4bgrF4jLW0Nyo42oBk7DWRFefz7Xmt-Y9sgp1EkE9kdzgQprg/s4032/1:30,Stella.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnRF2zsOkh1f00db0IQXD9d_RRA2lsNzBAnvPPSlUWhd9hMO153S5jCaTA1r6Hxre3DcMKtVhhr85gyPE7q1ekxwExyuNhl6kViZtmlHODmot0IA7j2K_BWgP7VALXBIaQkc_B0dJg4bgrF4jLW0Nyo42oBk7DWRFefz7Xmt-Y9sgp1EkE9kdzgQprg/w300-h400/1:30,Stella.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Stella understands what my body/leg half-halts mean, and tries to comply (sometimes wonderfully), but other times she is just so full of "go" that it is nearly impossible to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n to a measured, four-beat walk. So I pull out the toolbox (cavaletti, shoulder-in, leg-yield, halt and rein-back) to help her control herself and we always make a little progress. Sometimes we just work at the walk and trot, sometimes we canter, too – if she's settled enough. Unlike a lot of horses, getting to canter tends to ramp her up rather than lower her energy.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYLfeD4oEIfo5y0k73XQ1skVb8E5Rw2Uup8_HA_9XOT3P1CXsXDh4ccMTZWkJwJmETMaYUQWpUlCI05kyJl-BmmguDnidzsKpTNi7JfX4sUUB2T-z0POO1nszFlzWQIe5e-or2zfnwBdL-H1IpcPkq5rNsKi6MY2zJ0wLTEaH1ZODMf0KB2yviS75KA/s3747/2:2,Stella,trimmed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3747" data-original-width="2797" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYLfeD4oEIfo5y0k73XQ1skVb8E5Rw2Uup8_HA_9XOT3P1CXsXDh4ccMTZWkJwJmETMaYUQWpUlCI05kyJl-BmmguDnidzsKpTNi7JfX4sUUB2T-z0POO1nszFlzWQIe5e-or2zfnwBdL-H1IpcPkq5rNsKi6MY2zJ0wLTEaH1ZODMf0KB2yviS75KA/w300-h400/2:2,Stella,trimmed.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Looking a little tidier after getting her bridle path and jaw line scissor-trimmed.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday I rode her twice. It was a <i>beautiful</i> day. Since I'd turned the horses out at dusk the night before (and since there will be occasions when she can't have turn-out before a ride, so it's good experience), I just pulled her out of her quarters to school her in the morning (we did our walk warm-up, of course). Stella was working hard to listen to my half-halts, so after some good work at the walk and trot I led her back to her stall, still cool and dry. As the day progressed I got an itch to ride through the woods while the weather allowed, so I turned the horses out to run and play, then saddled up Stella a second time. No warm-up; we just headed up the driveway. She was eager but tense, not a good combo to navigate the slick conditions that lead down onto the neighbor's lot to access the gravel road and she resisted, so I hopped off and led her through their property and remounted using a boulder at the bottom of their drive. We walked up and down all three dead-end 'branches' of Matthews Creek Lane, checking out the 'progress' at the least developed end, but didn't go up the longest, steepest hill on another branch as it was getting dark. Riding in dark clothes with black tack on a black horse with nowhere to get off the gravel lane if a car came through just didn't seem like a good idea. I do have a hi-viz vest but didn't think to don it. 😏</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLtoDcfHj-L_pf0x53uZIsYAjpcRjPCSyy8QNvuNoO76yK50EX4TQYaxtxt-aWI9r19dDFmJgNvbAYErLj-GBmdqwrlqy1Fz1bGdjgLK1mIZrkXQBrtN1HQ14Sj1QlKFO1REoQWLEXYbGMw2D30wzWWyMLlmCu6rP_Z7PcAyctDRYyIIe6MajpGltcA/s4032/2:6,Stella,trackhoe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLtoDcfHj-L_pf0x53uZIsYAjpcRjPCSyy8QNvuNoO76yK50EX4TQYaxtxt-aWI9r19dDFmJgNvbAYErLj-GBmdqwrlqy1Fz1bGdjgLK1mIZrkXQBrtN1HQ14Sj1QlKFO1REoQWLEXYbGMw2D30wzWWyMLlmCu6rP_Z7PcAyctDRYyIIe6MajpGltcA/w300-h400/2:6,Stella,trackhoe.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Even though we just walked, Stella worked up a sweat from nerves and lots of hill work, so I put Breezy's cooler on her. Last night Rick cleaned stalls while I fed and watered everyone, so I forgot all about it. When I saw her in the paddock this morning, my 'dressed' horse took me by surprise. Then I had to take a photo; she just looks so elegant, like a movie star relaxing in her dressing gown. 😊</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qW5mhNnGQATu97kfM6o963N3Hn3W6hZ42Vj5JHl5Xh14kcWXTBrvwxUamc08f4Klw0RKfvMJEhX4qmbrPTHP1slUPId9UGiR0zOCHVfgxLCwBYK82Vxk1iE-h4Ry6rbiIOHaw6U0Ihj6GEdo7hv26UNzHujexEEWTylBahE60HEU59rg_3LiFWs7eA/s4032/2:7,Stella,coolr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qW5mhNnGQATu97kfM6o963N3Hn3W6hZ42Vj5JHl5Xh14kcWXTBrvwxUamc08f4Klw0RKfvMJEhX4qmbrPTHP1slUPId9UGiR0zOCHVfgxLCwBYK82Vxk1iE-h4Ry6rbiIOHaw6U0Ihj6GEdo7hv26UNzHujexEEWTylBahE60HEU59rg_3LiFWs7eA/w300-h400/2:7,Stella,coolr.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-85745501016535484962022-01-19T19:11:00.001-08:002022-01-19T19:11:59.176-08:00First lesson of 2022<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqb-yLrIQlriLDnZWeXA2YXckGc2vz06uwUUFwMhIZCVUb--3HAs_6HfzR0QbiOw6NoT9kbe3LRH950vMG0uIU5hcBxw3Zf8NuQ4OTnjrAVw2ePKkDDLiwnHC2DTeNuyIbnavR3-9Poo5zZo_U6keud3T8RCE-mBdsu8djk3Bz-V0Bk-fzFCXs21Nfnw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqb-yLrIQlriLDnZWeXA2YXckGc2vz06uwUUFwMhIZCVUb--3HAs_6HfzR0QbiOw6NoT9kbe3LRH950vMG0uIU5hcBxw3Zf8NuQ4OTnjrAVw2ePKkDDLiwnHC2DTeNuyIbnavR3-9Poo5zZo_U6keud3T8RCE-mBdsu8djk3Bz-V0Bk-fzFCXs21Nfnw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After being able to resume more frequent schooling sessions this month, I decided it was time for another lesson with Suzan. I texted her on Sunday, and she said she could fit us in this morning!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a drizzly day; I was thinking I might have to walk Stella up and down the barn aisles in lieu of a warm-up. But the lesson before us finished early so Suzan ushered us into the indoor arena. Suzan noted that my saddle isn't sitting balanced on Stella's back, and suggested I use my CorrecTOR pad with shims to lift the cantle. She also noted that Stella has filled out some since our last lesson <i>and</i> is croup-high, meaning she's grown. Hopefully her front end will follow suit....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As before, Suzan was worried that I was going to just get on without lunging Stella first, but after a minute or so of high tension, Stella settled well and we got to work on her, and me. Below are my notes, which I sat down and typed as soon as I got home so as to forget as little as possible!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Use sustained half halt to slow Stella's walk down to a steady, four-beat "3," then ease out of it (not abrupt release) while keeping the clear four-beat walk, BREATHE, and become a wet sandbag in the saddle. If she gets tense or hurried (often!), repeat. and keep repeating as needed. Don't pull on the reins; the half halt should be in my body and legs. If she dives down, squeeze her up with inside leg; if she gets high with her head, follow with my hands. Keep my shoulders down, neck back into collar, chin up (not tucked); look forward between her ears. BREATHE. Let my hips move when she relaxes (think "move with her ribcage/encourage her ribcage to move"). BREATHE.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Most of this applies to trot as well; stretch left side and don't twist torso.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">If she startles or spooks at something, let her stand (stroking) until her energy comes down if possible.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Before asking for shoulder-in, do a slow volté (half halt!) and push her hindquarters out, then continue down the wall with that bend. Harder to the left; think "swing her ribcage in a pulsing motion."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Stella did <i>so</i> much better than her first lesson in the indoor. She really wants to scurry along and got frustrated at times that I wouldn't let her go in her default quick, tense pace, but she <i>tried</i>. Suzan remarked on how much better she was today, too. It was a good lesson.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6jEM2zOGSNFtEJnbu0qTqqggYbYU7uECGaz8awm15JsjByHMxuOMYXuIYyOjz7LA2F0rmbSe46NSvxxn9zM4lMB26mQYcpkO1uoJL-1xaJJqmRFyYM_nemQSry_2LSksUv3BBh6syrrAJUER-pGaW8QgGHsbBF_VJfCuNK_D_IRhJ9eOfJRAFuToDUQ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6jEM2zOGSNFtEJnbu0qTqqggYbYU7uECGaz8awm15JsjByHMxuOMYXuIYyOjz7LA2F0rmbSe46NSvxxn9zM4lMB26mQYcpkO1uoJL-1xaJJqmRFyYM_nemQSry_2LSksUv3BBh6syrrAJUER-pGaW8QgGHsbBF_VJfCuNK_D_IRhJ9eOfJRAFuToDUQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-53406116011365237792022-01-19T16:18:00.002-08:002022-01-19T16:18:16.318-08:00One step back and three steps forward<div style="text-align: left;">Last Friday Stella was back to her tense, go-go girl self. When I wanted her to walk she'd jig and break to the trot; at the trot she wanted to rush and break to the canter – but "don't touch my face!" When she acts like that, dancing together like ballroom partners seems a distant dream.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday she was much better. We were able to work at the walk and the trot without drama; I didn't ask her to canter and she didn't insist except for one time she slipped into it as quietly as could be, stayed calm and quiet, and then came back to trot on her own.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I took a photo of her on Sunday, and when I went to my photo file to add it to this post there was a second photo dated 1/16 – from 2021.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFMAzQH-lowPShivW_19UpbaxAeli0EWDPPemlDLD2t2tLpDckprkdZ1lHI2AeK-JPgrED4ppW7pDQCIqIjCgFTJ5zVLXEXtSkjZoIOQBu_sDJKMBW8I7Hf4-c9lc3frc0bpKKVYaY4t5j16guLu4FbRH_P9c06DveUYnC2dYlnshYl4l0at2DqAe5bw=s2692" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2692" data-original-width="2479" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFMAzQH-lowPShivW_19UpbaxAeli0EWDPPemlDLD2t2tLpDckprkdZ1lHI2AeK-JPgrED4ppW7pDQCIqIjCgFTJ5zVLXEXtSkjZoIOQBu_sDJKMBW8I7Hf4-c9lc3frc0bpKKVYaY4t5j16guLu4FbRH_P9c06DveUYnC2dYlnshYl4l0at2DqAe5bw=w369-h400" width="369" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPWiIPM96Uv6tQm7JC4cJ-xqYmFlCYf7oEZjIn02vpnaCL_wjlvND_69gOhdLwLnxKwzir0bjgdVPzhGtp0niZEdu5RZO4P9q0igWyboEoG4wzHSF-RIX1Vxlc7o1vo7_CB87YXooCbk6q_JkAQPhgMG4v4XS7c7Ew0oxABtSu5ojH5RSiOST-LTAaSw=s1355" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="756" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPWiIPM96Uv6tQm7JC4cJ-xqYmFlCYf7oEZjIn02vpnaCL_wjlvND_69gOhdLwLnxKwzir0bjgdVPzhGtp0niZEdu5RZO4P9q0igWyboEoG4wzHSF-RIX1Vxlc7o1vo7_CB87YXooCbk6q_JkAQPhgMG4v4XS7c7Ew0oxABtSu5ojH5RSiOST-LTAaSw=w362-h640" width="362" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even though it's bittersweet, I'm including it. That's a young, black Morgan stallion that my son got to ride. Last winter while he was at college (he dropped out; that's the bittersweet part) in Walla Walla, WA, he connected with a Morgan trainer there through the girl he was dating. He got to ride at the trainer's several times, and on two different stallions. He said this one was <i>really</i> tall, so I looked him up (at the time; now I can't remember his name). Over 16 hands high; that <i>IS</i> tall for a Morgan! But I was not impressed by the side view I saw of him. It would be interesting see current photos, though, as he was only three or four then and has probably matured a lot. Now if only my son would . . . . 😏</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-37909475702131671592022-01-12T23:07:00.068-08:002022-01-12T23:30:00.550-08:001-2-3, as different as can beLast Thursday morning, the farrier was out to trim the horses' feet. Stella has always been good for him; tense, but good. This time she was not just good, but <i>relaxed</i> for the first time. SmartCalm Ultra for the win! But lest <i><b>I</b></i> relax too much....<div><br /></div><div>That afternoon I got home from work with cooperative weather and enough daylight left to ride. We did our usual warm-up walk, and (as near as I can recollect) I started messing with unfamiliar reins (I had swapped them out so that each pair stayed with the bridle they matched). Stella started or jigged or something, and my boot, wet and sandy, forcefully slipped out of the stirrup, which banged into Stella's side. Startled, Stella jumped, which made the stirrup bump her again, and off she went, bucking to the end of the arena. Thankfully I stayed on and got her stopped, because I think it would have <i>really</i> spooked her if I'd come off. Instead, I was able to stroke and calm her, and we finished our ride, including cantering, without incident.<div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5Qya7jrkGRjHlQms8Amy5Up_H7lVnSdOW7O6eih1xxWNW1QZrbepVxw7jI9SaeWJg0LcCS2-j-xEmZbwA2cZj8ib8hBWi1AzhsLeK_98-iFPMrJFKI1r71Xo5hlgr8936iNvyO3HElQCTFZjVOhWdgt14XK4vvRkIdd0_a7UST9GD416SY5iU21px8w=s4032" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5Qya7jrkGRjHlQms8Amy5Up_H7lVnSdOW7O6eih1xxWNW1QZrbepVxw7jI9SaeWJg0LcCS2-j-xEmZbwA2cZj8ib8hBWi1AzhsLeK_98-iFPMrJFKI1r71Xo5hlgr8936iNvyO3HElQCTFZjVOhWdgt14XK4vvRkIdd0_a7UST9GD416SY5iU21px8w=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Better yet, STAY on!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The next day I happened to read Anna Blake's <a href="https://annablake.com/2022/01/07/finding-the-ground-but-in-a-good-way/" target="_blank">newest blog post</a> before heading to the barn to take advantage of the improving weather. After an <i>energetic</i> turn-out,</div></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ00W3FPMWuz6BiT92cnFlBkUKQx-0NKZ8IHBxm6yaR5DTRXvYnC6_7w5NCtNtrJhkLved_5MI5FeYbcUzuoNdCNyEg1tEGXiyqFL-UvQdCHazM6QNQB2DkWeDSBqLJTcH0MaY6t_3WieKB4wXTEDVZ1059SqiJnpkFMhvc9-NgFbW_AdeaR1qC469eA=s3307" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2812" data-original-width="3307" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ00W3FPMWuz6BiT92cnFlBkUKQx-0NKZ8IHBxm6yaR5DTRXvYnC6_7w5NCtNtrJhkLved_5MI5FeYbcUzuoNdCNyEg1tEGXiyqFL-UvQdCHazM6QNQB2DkWeDSBqLJTcH0MaY6t_3WieKB4wXTEDVZ1059SqiJnpkFMhvc9-NgFbW_AdeaR1qC469eA=w400-h341" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Turn-out started <i>out</i> calmly enough, but then . . .</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="820" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfijkLZLWaUUXJIf9JSj7gcyTKLI204iedti8XCsRIvFq2Nn4luHLhZlY3bbhPB5Isib79iXiI1GZ5tbp9LwemLC89CcMbWA43H23vIBuSeVAM9UiJqLhNcWnPCMY_2XNZxsFn5Pj7YeWTwmpYI0Xq1OJIIyXkpXWLwWTM3-OtLSA9pP0zRAC2t_YEeQ=w400-h309" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYvOvK6t6ROY9diz-3Y89Azi_LwIk99PLXoQ0a1ih7ypMJycoQXGUujtts3SDmogvTnYpgbAuAI5NIZVr8yi6bI9dKGO0HUREAqUkqac9zt7hpTcqJ6-7FPuYvsPDYGmxfe6AQfwGBsgbHCPlFUwi3ErJYUjx80WuQi3JM_HElnv0dOShKIYbsto3Euw=s787" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="787" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYvOvK6t6ROY9diz-3Y89Azi_LwIk99PLXoQ0a1ih7ypMJycoQXGUujtts3SDmogvTnYpgbAuAI5NIZVr8yi6bI9dKGO0HUREAqUkqac9zt7hpTcqJ6-7FPuYvsPDYGmxfe6AQfwGBsgbHCPlFUwi3ErJYUjx80WuQi3JM_HElnv0dOShKIYbsto3Euw=w400-h316" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><div>I worked on positioning my feet in the stirrups as she suggested, and what do you know; we had an EXCELLENT schooling session. I was happier with my legs and seat, and Stella seemed to be as well. I resolved to read and re-read Anna's post as a reminder until I develop new muscle memory.</div><div><br /></div><div>The third ride in this post was Sunday afternoon. Stella was back to being a 'go-go girl' (I'm dating myself with that reference!) with lots of nervous energy, jigging and fussiness. Where was my SmartCalm mare? Perhaps I could have found her again – if I'd had time. But Rick called me from town, needing an address, and a septic tank pumper texted me that he was on his way, so I had to find something relatively positive to end on and get back up to the house. Now that I'm typing it out, I realize that those other things – and their effect on my nerves – may have contributed to Stella's nerves.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdE2U0Zy_obxXcF4g0YPfv9WfcjxS4OwhMbmkLK7ZYLFgcRgGwSrOF7EXPVUiY7Zx59JcE9CA2QbMqiJgZPSwa3tr7C_MXIXxZCsU4afkQ5GpsOSE3-nwdO_P1R7WL9tyjdanNh-1--77RiwwqH7D3jNcoUvH_fgIQK5SyeIwF1CQ1db6dPUADgLIkoQ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdE2U0Zy_obxXcF4g0YPfv9WfcjxS4OwhMbmkLK7ZYLFgcRgGwSrOF7EXPVUiY7Zx59JcE9CA2QbMqiJgZPSwa3tr7C_MXIXxZCsU4afkQ5GpsOSE3-nwdO_P1R7WL9tyjdanNh-1--77RiwwqH7D3jNcoUvH_fgIQK5SyeIwF1CQ1db6dPUADgLIkoQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdX48qzquF9swtI7GDfAskWFB3D8xzWY6siReypsaii9FwEatYGfOJXc3oAAOOQwzjk1ltZQmvz6hdXnl-Bk0u_ckcUpKbXJtKkMKOQxosy3EtoZs4Ytp3tx4iCXpeALHfXM7QaCUvxE5aI8vdBGuEX-L2DG31S31wPGaLgfYS4PjIuiGPzpbQbm2Mgw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdX48qzquF9swtI7GDfAskWFB3D8xzWY6siReypsaii9FwEatYGfOJXc3oAAOOQwzjk1ltZQmvz6hdXnl-Bk0u_ckcUpKbXJtKkMKOQxosy3EtoZs4Ytp3tx4iCXpeALHfXM7QaCUvxE5aI8vdBGuEX-L2DG31S31wPGaLgfYS4PjIuiGPzpbQbm2Mgw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Since then, we've had rides #4 and #5. Tuesday's ride started out similarly tense to #3. Since she wanted to GO, I let her move into canter work more quickly than usual after our warm-up, and we cantered until she was ready to trot. That seemed to help, although I didn't have long to evaluate the strategy's effect since I was called upon to pick up DS from work in Portland. (I have to wear too many hats....)</div><div><br /></div><div>Today I said "yes" to Stella's pointed desire to leave the arena and head down the road. It was a beautiful, warm, dry day. She eyed the recycling bins along the road, worried they might flap and rustle like the trash bins did on that windy day, but they behaved themselves. Further down the road, we were greeted by a jarring chorus of barking from a place that has four dogs. Stella stopped. Then their newest one, an LGD, jumped the fence and made her way towards us barking, hackles raised. I dismounted and held the reins, reassuring Stella that I would defend her if necessary. The owner came out and eventually got the dog back onto their property, so I (took a photo of Stella and)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4vkdxxJlwB55nP-y2JQ0ybRsUGYyB_9Jfsnmxwq6Fta_D4BMKoYBWkKkyA9GN3h-RPyAv1k_jYv6xFDYfHIm5WaZBY7xi0ezIhsOmQgyCWP9R1ruEJNYjb3bF-7BmQA6bhlvyK5n3yenkw3pKzF1TJjJY3Ps7aXaS1qZ9z1xJqtIqbG-WdTyfqRDDCQ=s3828" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3828" data-original-width="2885" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4vkdxxJlwB55nP-y2JQ0ybRsUGYyB_9Jfsnmxwq6Fta_D4BMKoYBWkKkyA9GN3h-RPyAv1k_jYv6xFDYfHIm5WaZBY7xi0ezIhsOmQgyCWP9R1ruEJNYjb3bF-7BmQA6bhlvyK5n3yenkw3pKzF1TJjJY3Ps7aXaS1qZ9z1xJqtIqbG-WdTyfqRDDCQ=w301-h400" width="301" /></a></div><div>led her past that property before remounting. We continued to the end of the lane and back home, passing the property with barking dogs again without incident. I was so proud of her!</div><div><br /></div><div>My local Oregon Dressage Society chapter has folded, but the winter schooling show we ran for ~20 years has been picked up by another chapter and I would love to enter Stella in the Bears Above the Ground show at the end of February. In my dressage 'career' I've always set fairly ambitious showing goals and then worked towards reaching them, and that has worked for me with a lot of different horses. But Stella? I know Suzan would tell me to give her more time to grow up, and I know she's right. TTT – things take time. It's only fair to give her that.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-81582534236175150712022-01-04T23:32:00.002-08:002022-01-05T01:46:58.717-08:00Go and glow<div style="text-align: left;">The forecast said this morning would be relatively dry, so I turned the horses out for a romp and then tacked up Stella. She was a firecracker in turn-out, but our schooling session was so hunky-dory that the warm glow it created in me lasted for <i>hours</i>, as only a good ride can. Her walk was less hurried, her canter was less worried, her mouth foamed less copiously, and she sweated less profusely. I really do think the calming supplement is doing her some good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2kq5_ETScjCDLkWktnmEnG7Y4SWIqnWic3hgyPFKNIC1OULYb-S66ie89c2jIiYb1bOYiqmmAE23r5uraRf2Y98mtrlU2ovzYSdQ3m_jdOmMFY2LylgPbDG66llQ43YY0C9xZLYxV82AmHofxMcGKbFuuKjC4DY5pt0t8vPCXdS404lfZAtNFhdk5AQ=s3499" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3499" data-original-width="2593" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2kq5_ETScjCDLkWktnmEnG7Y4SWIqnWic3hgyPFKNIC1OULYb-S66ie89c2jIiYb1bOYiqmmAE23r5uraRf2Y98mtrlU2ovzYSdQ3m_jdOmMFY2LylgPbDG66llQ43YY0C9xZLYxV82AmHofxMcGKbFuuKjC4DY5pt0t8vPCXdS404lfZAtNFhdk5AQ=w298-h400" width="298" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQQGev0ek1Da9cnxmyrz4Ql7j170lieBo3OZUoUwH5fQLFlWN0qx1jc9LVbKvjdY2LnaQsI9wKCm8QrokecHYp_ghgiVeiw_7xBGpSEvG4qPeYNnwrM4mxXSbpSNml4YaJBGB12GgaYZhVdl4aGoAVK4HbbanAWwqOIR2V2SUToN4rxaS27Qh0oXawZw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQQGev0ek1Da9cnxmyrz4Ql7j170lieBo3OZUoUwH5fQLFlWN0qx1jc9LVbKvjdY2LnaQsI9wKCm8QrokecHYp_ghgiVeiw_7xBGpSEvG4qPeYNnwrM4mxXSbpSNml4YaJBGB12GgaYZhVdl4aGoAVK4HbbanAWwqOIR2V2SUToN4rxaS27Qh0oXawZw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-89129175683783304302022-01-02T22:24:00.004-08:002022-01-16T12:09:54.910-08:00A change of calendar – and clothes<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-MO0awg5edtXzwquQtXGKQripcywfo2ORtAvPebBxp2UquMwxnbTf98j3tPmjV5-ueXVf7RtDa31q2Sjh6DHVU-4FT0g_NQyV7KlYCOs29fonVNegoSAHEsJaabJ0FNbcpTr62wIt7oT_uFZFsv_-20iBri-tE6cdT1R0K5O2ltN0hUdMVBgdi4m_3Q=s3523" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3523" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-MO0awg5edtXzwquQtXGKQripcywfo2ORtAvPebBxp2UquMwxnbTf98j3tPmjV5-ueXVf7RtDa31q2Sjh6DHVU-4FT0g_NQyV7KlYCOs29fonVNegoSAHEsJaabJ0FNbcpTr62wIt7oT_uFZFsv_-20iBri-tE6cdT1R0K5O2ltN0hUdMVBgdi4m_3Q=w344-h400" width="344" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLY9oJ3VgNqstOLVEbghmzwzNeYGNaTVis6cZX6-oA2uFzpy4905t6slT1EM0BxZb_xcJcogDrz7GQE_GfNoHulEsSVy1eqvHgiMAC9UNBuSyZNur7c_CeZC-Im9SaF7dl9LGXGXgnRVkYLEDZPMvHxIKs-5ECj6c5EvXSQtI4FzCkuymUUEzA4m4FQg=s2247" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2091" data-original-width="2247" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLY9oJ3VgNqstOLVEbghmzwzNeYGNaTVis6cZX6-oA2uFzpy4905t6slT1EM0BxZb_xcJcogDrz7GQE_GfNoHulEsSVy1eqvHgiMAC9UNBuSyZNur7c_CeZC-Im9SaF7dl9LGXGXgnRVkYLEDZPMvHxIKs-5ECj6c5EvXSQtI4FzCkuymUUEzA4m4FQg=w400-h374" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJixtPASjQXUVQaLxzgvh8ctEGsSzXlo5NC4WqEJKOd1p01THbkSJrfkhzrELz0vLtQqdKS7bJkMJLWnNq7P14zyJVDtXOzwsgFL4MjdNsJ7HJ5IM6FL_h7aRXmUhm14wSNLjymGH98FhYz46SfCzrbuqfwXhVIW3FN1JrCWiSsc_DW_pstGfok5vmqw=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJixtPASjQXUVQaLxzgvh8ctEGsSzXlo5NC4WqEJKOd1p01THbkSJrfkhzrELz0vLtQqdKS7bJkMJLWnNq7P14zyJVDtXOzwsgFL4MjdNsJ7HJ5IM6FL_h7aRXmUhm14wSNLjymGH98FhYz46SfCzrbuqfwXhVIW3FN1JrCWiSsc_DW_pstGfok5vmqw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcw5udxNWm4yiQlqnRVCQZEguizGOB0-aJ-w_YQ4TeSrsa8a-Oa8Ne10DIBFnStGvTsewUAvQD6Rb4eor2GqV4DMRyk0bAKsqQ1WXkP_e9AIGISRxeznIwn7YdSpWtWPSidjoPv7R47xCTzfIjex4KHxgiVG8h2OVYhHqRBibkzmIprFFJc6D_izO46g=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcw5udxNWm4yiQlqnRVCQZEguizGOB0-aJ-w_YQ4TeSrsa8a-Oa8Ne10DIBFnStGvTsewUAvQD6Rb4eor2GqV4DMRyk0bAKsqQ1WXkP_e9AIGISRxeznIwn7YdSpWtWPSidjoPv7R47xCTzfIjex4KHxgiVG8h2OVYhHqRBibkzmIprFFJc6D_izO46g=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br />Yesterday I got in my New Year's Day rides, both of them short, careful walks over sand footing frozen as hard and rough as broken concrete. My heavier chore coat was in the house for mending, so I wore my lighter chore jacket over a fleece top and fleece vest, plus my heaviest winter riding tights, wool socks, winter paddock boots, headband, and winter riding gloves. It was not enough. If Stella and I could have done more than walk I might have warmed up some, but just walking left me aching with cold. For evening chores I pulled out a warmer coat and a fleece scarf to wear with my Eddie Bauer fleece-lined pants and fared better.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">By this morning it was 10 degrees warmer, then warmed up another eight degrees. The arena footing was still pretty hard, but a stiff wind was working on blowing in the next weather system (rain for <i>days</i>), so I decided to risk turning the horses out. Lance decided the surface was too hard for laying down and rolling, but they did get to move around – especially Stella.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/CRHVjEdrn1Q" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I thought Stella was even more breathtaking than usual with her mane tousled and tail blowing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfrfKUI7NGO48kJgBvyi5SIU-7t913gjGhR013DVEgu5SC4Is3OfWBYYCTBXbZxkN0r9ltHwmU9yH36xY6xwztW2a4HZvyg8GY0lNxY8Du8O9-_Bq0Lg1vO9SrMYleLgIaxqjlqi8xg6xZIVi2ipIrQf_ksZYD3eBHpDNzJ4hxdJYPocYOl4cwgU34Dg=s3389" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2925" data-original-width="3389" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfrfKUI7NGO48kJgBvyi5SIU-7t913gjGhR013DVEgu5SC4Is3OfWBYYCTBXbZxkN0r9ltHwmU9yH36xY6xwztW2a4HZvyg8GY0lNxY8Du8O9-_Bq0Lg1vO9SrMYleLgIaxqjlqi8xg6xZIVi2ipIrQf_ksZYD3eBHpDNzJ4hxdJYPocYOl4cwgU34Dg=w400-h345" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6PD2ZmcDmg50AGeojiTdleIS1VogqQwkxORMU1-BC_RvyKs5zyq1ZyU5yYURJ4nXDGaLYUAQSD7udyBl6rdhDtnmZreAspwIWiNIeZK3i8jQ72NlNwcz1-xiZrt4X-NGSRm8SB0Ymz-YNsIjLfQj89SoRORgLF6yfQkknSb7UiT8Y56_GUlAYvdH2dQ=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6PD2ZmcDmg50AGeojiTdleIS1VogqQwkxORMU1-BC_RvyKs5zyq1ZyU5yYURJ4nXDGaLYUAQSD7udyBl6rdhDtnmZreAspwIWiNIeZK3i8jQ72NlNwcz1-xiZrt4X-NGSRm8SB0Ymz-YNsIjLfQj89SoRORgLF6yfQkknSb7UiT8Y56_GUlAYvdH2dQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmSrh1bM4HDMIsLYcvawhMAVUeEWPMBVxtzDCB2T6GSNzxgF4F9FgKMlPUtAsUl_lba-8BmDXKNu4l5DYzXb4r4naXUQfKEH9hFr7N2EZUgvzHORStYPdhW_HG3xZsT7vTmluKr4GFMcaCXc0SsSULkp9N-I2uyEaF6qJP8emlC9zutW9gK-Ktl2exVA=s2668" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="2062" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmSrh1bM4HDMIsLYcvawhMAVUeEWPMBVxtzDCB2T6GSNzxgF4F9FgKMlPUtAsUl_lba-8BmDXKNu4l5DYzXb4r4naXUQfKEH9hFr7N2EZUgvzHORStYPdhW_HG3xZsT7vTmluKr4GFMcaCXc0SsSULkp9N-I2uyEaF6qJP8emlC9zutW9gK-Ktl2exVA=w309-h400" width="309" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBVt7BYtl1CXVCgkpE4YECyrTCzXPq5zjeEIQb5RiGvNqPn6aIFxFhV0ZXuq36ez8UgLyvwXfUTGRuvKSg1vlH2iVKPhHj_enr2z-ShS0GEObHU-_qE9GDsIKpiorL9K_U_y7_3h4-ndk0eHKCkp7ZOZyHbwX1qmgSQYcUNE2VLRMOMP6R-jPO19bZNg=s3464" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2927" data-original-width="3464" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBVt7BYtl1CXVCgkpE4YECyrTCzXPq5zjeEIQb5RiGvNqPn6aIFxFhV0ZXuq36ez8UgLyvwXfUTGRuvKSg1vlH2iVKPhHj_enr2z-ShS0GEObHU-_qE9GDsIKpiorL9K_U_y7_3h4-ndk0eHKCkp7ZOZyHbwX1qmgSQYcUNE2VLRMOMP6R-jPO19bZNg=w400-h339" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPqdvUNYk7Lavmr0J1svNrhSa6iEnh0BHoyPtbUmQyC0Q7c21KNkKLvoe8cQ_zOo7a4XCiVUyIlS07Y5WtOFGO-CbGx3E-3sKB3RtiEC5pcC1b_C1nI0eZ_BFGWEggf58P94Le2DZ0QaIQO5-OaWoOXXYtByZIaZvy72GYlwynqIHhIjxC1HqpwN-HvA=s2920" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2652" data-original-width="2920" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPqdvUNYk7Lavmr0J1svNrhSa6iEnh0BHoyPtbUmQyC0Q7c21KNkKLvoe8cQ_zOo7a4XCiVUyIlS07Y5WtOFGO-CbGx3E-3sKB3RtiEC5pcC1b_C1nI0eZ_BFGWEggf58P94Le2DZ0QaIQO5-OaWoOXXYtByZIaZvy72GYlwynqIHhIjxC1HqpwN-HvA=w400-h365" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Hopefully we'll be able to find some dry windows in which to ride this week.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-4663060266434743312021-12-31T22:49:00.010-08:002021-12-31T23:04:48.386-08:00Catch as catch can<div style="text-align: left;">Between the weather (mostly very wet, plus a good dose of snow), travel (gone six days), and the holidays, December has completely trashed my consistency in the saddle. Just getting the horses turned out for short periods of exercise regularly has been a challenge. So my focus this month has been on maintaining relationship and trust, not advancing Stella's dressage training. I tried to document our rides with at least one snapshot, and succeeded with most of them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">December 2: a ride down the road through the ravine and up to the valley viewpoint, the first time Stella's gone to that point:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgng_iIygdq2OH0T9Deu922C8IwcmR3vHGY_L1V61r9Owql0wXjfcxd4EErml32_NSkAfAmWya_jXhVOxLO1FXYGvVhM8_UABz5Evw_yRWSYIsOh3VsRoz_jJrQZYYpLm0hh9H_8Hy7dKepytHL8SeAfw7alVleblbkvWj21ZYatbccz3sgXiR6kC_SxQ=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgng_iIygdq2OH0T9Deu922C8IwcmR3vHGY_L1V61r9Owql0wXjfcxd4EErml32_NSkAfAmWya_jXhVOxLO1FXYGvVhM8_UABz5Evw_yRWSYIsOh3VsRoz_jJrQZYYpLm0hh9H_8Hy7dKepytHL8SeAfw7alVleblbkvWj21ZYatbccz3sgXiR6kC_SxQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That branch down on the right side concerned her</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoNDuCJi6HFxCR_-40ZAdmDQRwDfDEMcQJyNLQxfjy8vvo9hUW3f3NVG1RRYm5WzrJ9sopu5X_5MdrpfdPfupntxOTQEsQWIZcae82pWmb8Hg_xlj8nRS76hf5W5IPRepPiGTzCX5ByzNORRYtjJT4CXM9c3ZIFVUrvVsm_m0VXz2NfGcPIap--4KIrA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoNDuCJi6HFxCR_-40ZAdmDQRwDfDEMcQJyNLQxfjy8vvo9hUW3f3NVG1RRYm5WzrJ9sopu5X_5MdrpfdPfupntxOTQEsQWIZcae82pWmb8Hg_xlj8nRS76hf5W5IPRepPiGTzCX5ByzNORRYtjJT4CXM9c3ZIFVUrvVsm_m0VXz2NfGcPIap--4KIrA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiIP6i6WchpWdG2yrHRx1YIRSdtnEhyV2WEUtt0xJ22nJcW44ZdHOjlmLuT-VO1ct8LEqv-lBPZ2dZvkXMuXq2gFLsYNiCCM2ZzuyTupTf2zqo9uLzjQJWuld8_UynJIyyBWq8gx4gfW2XqyeB6h81G2fuzGjgROvdIyEBuIHG8W_pEbcPnqb-j94ynQ=s4032" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiIP6i6WchpWdG2yrHRx1YIRSdtnEhyV2WEUtt0xJ22nJcW44ZdHOjlmLuT-VO1ct8LEqv-lBPZ2dZvkXMuXq2gFLsYNiCCM2ZzuyTupTf2zqo9uLzjQJWuld8_UynJIyyBWq8gx4gfW2XqyeB6h81G2fuzGjgROvdIyEBuIHG8W_pEbcPnqb-j94ynQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SO many trees being strangled by ivy!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbf5puUoEtyB5p1eJzs-PVfBp_YBXDEJvtJo45BzXvl4nwAJJL7xBYP7KZNwVB-_ajWUkj4XvRmet-5cz4Q5j0dmg1NsijRuLjpYjzuwFdZ6n_jH4gVN1OGV7t8_kohKV3A3NNFXSJdjmQH-l3g0v5QGNhwnud2MxrFJAuB94cBRdWrliNlzYVhxroyA=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbf5puUoEtyB5p1eJzs-PVfBp_YBXDEJvtJo45BzXvl4nwAJJL7xBYP7KZNwVB-_ajWUkj4XvRmet-5cz4Q5j0dmg1NsijRuLjpYjzuwFdZ6n_jH4gVN1OGV7t8_kohKV3A3NNFXSJdjmQH-l3g0v5QGNhwnud2MxrFJAuB94cBRdWrliNlzYVhxroyA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Squeezed in another ride December 3 before our trip:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7TAiOak2CGWhpMcXeWFglvXTRUeGVlXA9xYHxW3SvIw16ApOxVUKPC3LDdtj2vzzm7zwgIdUh-FzSJbF8rcmxITFauMaHhTdx_X9WuJQcniOtlpFucy7VlkHjAFdnhTVNDHKS8uiRDZkQl-VULaxn-vImaPBRccMae225CZQQR5QQvuXMYnvYOGJ1Yg=s3782" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3782" data-original-width="2740" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7TAiOak2CGWhpMcXeWFglvXTRUeGVlXA9xYHxW3SvIw16ApOxVUKPC3LDdtj2vzzm7zwgIdUh-FzSJbF8rcmxITFauMaHhTdx_X9WuJQcniOtlpFucy7VlkHjAFdnhTVNDHKS8uiRDZkQl-VULaxn-vImaPBRccMae225CZQQR5QQvuXMYnvYOGJ1Yg=w291-h400" width="291" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>December 10, the day after our return. Considering that she was confined for a week, Stella was very, very good. She didn't even act that pent up during turn-out before our ride!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZxUiuhfdttShie0Rv7XkDWQr4SNxEhqzwTeiskzcAYSrkDk0KdZ8AOoKWOO3FPu7ngjaw50GMkui6GCuSuaT9yK6iP_iG1QCggfHtaNcMN_NYJZmRox5Ru7dB3AG87xFKreHgHqsXQrX1D5L2CpgJS8rt04Tn_Uoe2sTHcnwazvJYt5GFfgBoamMf_g=s3767" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3767" data-original-width="2734" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZxUiuhfdttShie0Rv7XkDWQr4SNxEhqzwTeiskzcAYSrkDk0KdZ8AOoKWOO3FPu7ngjaw50GMkui6GCuSuaT9yK6iP_iG1QCggfHtaNcMN_NYJZmRox5Ru7dB3AG87xFKreHgHqsXQrX1D5L2CpgJS8rt04Tn_Uoe2sTHcnwazvJYt5GFfgBoamMf_g=w291-h400" width="291" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>December 17. It rained a LOT; this may <i>have</i> been my next opportunity to ride. She was on her toes, so we didn't actually leave the property.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ-bfbBr2YJsDL1PfZ6fnkHzsFJGCkgtxXBmbGlZ7CAD2ebweTVHxmzTNPRdFHs3HOy9ht1vfR7tHZkLir80T9bNZQwWKYBf5lKgzsdpHggq4NZNSsLX3dbognx6IKkzXnLsnPgU6Bv3qtNXm0kUYhP-JIoef72Qi_kv-O_whOA-Uo-5xC6IqPqrDCnw=s3897" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3897" data-original-width="2862" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ-bfbBr2YJsDL1PfZ6fnkHzsFJGCkgtxXBmbGlZ7CAD2ebweTVHxmzTNPRdFHs3HOy9ht1vfR7tHZkLir80T9bNZQwWKYBf5lKgzsdpHggq4NZNSsLX3dbognx6IKkzXnLsnPgU6Bv3qtNXm0kUYhP-JIoef72Qi_kv-O_whOA-Uo-5xC6IqPqrDCnw=w294-h400" width="294" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I schooled a pent-up mare in the arena December 21, and promised her that our next ride would be out of the sandbox. The next day was blustery, but true to my word, after our walking warm-up in the arena<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1DMtUq6y6ieKjw-hdS7r8Pvnj1zMSZLiS_Nbz90pKT4YiGA3AocGut4KboCDgTzP7eOmt-MjI8DzFuziRvJaFWWRZwiQRlbX3vGH1QzAiEe_uoVJIxcyWSes2OgdRRAtfPKO63944_YB9U_YFbZg8xFqsT2K7RNjxsv-i6vZCIe3wLVNJhEKlcT-aJQ=s3686" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3686" data-original-width="2765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1DMtUq6y6ieKjw-hdS7r8Pvnj1zMSZLiS_Nbz90pKT4YiGA3AocGut4KboCDgTzP7eOmt-MjI8DzFuziRvJaFWWRZwiQRlbX3vGH1QzAiEe_uoVJIxcyWSes2OgdRRAtfPKO63944_YB9U_YFbZg8xFqsT2K7RNjxsv-i6vZCIe3wLVNJhEKlcT-aJQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div>we headed up the lane. It was trash pick-up day, and three of the neighbors' big trash bins' lids had blown open, trash bags within billowing and lids swinging and banging. Stella was as tense and alarmed as I've ever seen her, but once she stood and stared, she was willing to skitter by them. I was SO proud of her for being biddable in the face of such terrifying apparitions!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSezkPGYhz3AXOmNG-Y1W9W3qPsoN15ODzOJssV9XCejQ2TsBkbsF4mzlk_tEOAsDWb_QlzlndeVItWNOqQkIg_JfuOaZeseKlD1-DOco-5c-S4hF4aDxdYq_DZd4DPlUqmWSVDwY1DeTZ-3uHO5aycTJjYkhe4sqvbqzqhKVPuLu9jxTexhxZtYfK3g=s3910" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3910" data-original-width="2881" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSezkPGYhz3AXOmNG-Y1W9W3qPsoN15ODzOJssV9XCejQ2TsBkbsF4mzlk_tEOAsDWb_QlzlndeVItWNOqQkIg_JfuOaZeseKlD1-DOco-5c-S4hF4aDxdYq_DZd4DPlUqmWSVDwY1DeTZ-3uHO5aycTJjYkhe4sqvbqzqhKVPuLu9jxTexhxZtYfK3g=w295-h400" width="295" /></a></div><div><br /></div>By the time we got to the mailboxes it had started to rain, so we turned around to face the stiff wind driving raindrops in our faces (and Stella's mouth foam onto her neck and chest) and headed home. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTC1zn7-Th39YJLqG6mjaAo2HlHll_aUGtvMY2m87gnHFWyWEj8I3seaDRvyIoILHRoiO2qoLx6-McfHqziMjtayBRa1AFPegW9RG5pJNRist40vD1uZrQd0KiyD1LLUp4ACjpEO5OFEjxMYxyRE1hWtxTKiMoE6bKfRNHRI5ZvP_PXzd3rZYysySGeA=s1805" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1805" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTC1zn7-Th39YJLqG6mjaAo2HlHll_aUGtvMY2m87gnHFWyWEj8I3seaDRvyIoILHRoiO2qoLx6-McfHqziMjtayBRa1AFPegW9RG5pJNRist40vD1uZrQd0KiyD1LLUp4ACjpEO5OFEjxMYxyRE1hWtxTKiMoE6bKfRNHRI5ZvP_PXzd3rZYysySGeA=w319-h400" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>You might notice that she's wearing a different bridle on this ride. In my ongoing effort to figure out why Stella gets so face-fussy, I wondered if her ergonomic bridle was bothering her somehow. So I switched to the very first bridle I purchased for her, after punching some new holes to make it fit better (same bit). I'm not sure it addresses the fussiness, but it is easier to put on and take off, so it has been Stella's regular bridle since.<div><br /></div><div>On Christmas Eve day, I decided to open the arena gate and give the horses a few minutes' access to the winter grass as a Christmas treat. After I took these photos, Stella took off and raced around the pasture; Lance kept his head down and ATE until I dragged him away for fear of founder given his metabolic syndrome.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhO2h04iD_VL1woDw9Wp8Ar2IUaywTPNc9aKGTMXkBwDOYz6z9ApK2uQWnTkj6tdYdgAnmGD9kp2n9o5AdcsX0geC4vbpjwIXzlCR9Nq2jI1T5_nxdMtGAiEYlhYskFSQId5yUyANXkYJEb1bO_Awf3Z8uC7MnN6-U8-Wjneu0-27LxJBzStMofRGlZ1w=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhO2h04iD_VL1woDw9Wp8Ar2IUaywTPNc9aKGTMXkBwDOYz6z9ApK2uQWnTkj6tdYdgAnmGD9kp2n9o5AdcsX0geC4vbpjwIXzlCR9Nq2jI1T5_nxdMtGAiEYlhYskFSQId5yUyANXkYJEb1bO_Awf3Z8uC7MnN6-U8-Wjneu0-27LxJBzStMofRGlZ1w=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfrRILlH33nTRRM24X9szc0ql0YmXw5stctPNaUxn4cPYoF_YFJz3tzUTiqVGAlFaCavg_Jw095BdLzbG6CPcc7m7AOmIiZOWsQn1MT980nrfP6Ct65AMjlU3mHqEuGxQvprVAf0JHgPcJDW7I9wZOFB2Wwe7BohhgDkwrD8qwPBq8jQvqp275WczhBA=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfrRILlH33nTRRM24X9szc0ql0YmXw5stctPNaUxn4cPYoF_YFJz3tzUTiqVGAlFaCavg_Jw095BdLzbG6CPcc7m7AOmIiZOWsQn1MT980nrfP6Ct65AMjlU3mHqEuGxQvprVAf0JHgPcJDW7I9wZOFB2Wwe7BohhgDkwrD8qwPBq8jQvqp275WczhBA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Then Stella and I schooled in the arena for a bit.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3Qr_gxypJMihH9QQ8PHWmG47EUioxiv3KOUlULGMs2HskvNt1y4Mx4LHuw4Xrw9vjSL6LrcBu22S37DOjdHue2dPpj3aPZs5VvmoaR55wYtsfacZcnJ5U3ItLwsgjZMiRJ8VsnnZmE_LkDtP0PtdC0ZRJpryVzEBCtwaUF4-gFwUUb8ed5Pl-Zz6-UA=s2986" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2986" data-original-width="2531" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3Qr_gxypJMihH9QQ8PHWmG47EUioxiv3KOUlULGMs2HskvNt1y4Mx4LHuw4Xrw9vjSL6LrcBu22S37DOjdHue2dPpj3aPZs5VvmoaR55wYtsfacZcnJ5U3ItLwsgjZMiRJ8VsnnZmE_LkDtP0PtdC0ZRJpryVzEBCtwaUF4-gFwUUb8ed5Pl-Zz6-UA=w340-h400" width="340" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On Christmas morning we awoke to a slight dusting of snow, but the <i>next</i> day we got a winter wonderland of white!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIU-xYwvs99_osLi5KJHSEeflJ7gXuEpXtb0ODJZAkCJKZGIioI69pdtXgdVrsKxYs9usf5mrLQbCeXeSiCIlRjaNnZt1WXoUI1g_3AkOLeqDH-n_4OMT55S8IcBduiYxdWDBdjYie6cagUGTuNXv1MbVzHtvgKZiBcRmCWzBN8AeObM98jySMZ7pL9w=s3615" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3615" data-original-width="2676" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIU-xYwvs99_osLi5KJHSEeflJ7gXuEpXtb0ODJZAkCJKZGIioI69pdtXgdVrsKxYs9usf5mrLQbCeXeSiCIlRjaNnZt1WXoUI1g_3AkOLeqDH-n_4OMT55S8IcBduiYxdWDBdjYie6cagUGTuNXv1MbVzHtvgKZiBcRmCWzBN8AeObM98jySMZ7pL9w=w298-h400" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I turned the horses out, and they were both frisky, even Lance. Listen to him snort!</div><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/CS3w9rsPnLw" width="480"></iframe></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyyb8DrF5eIEGF-wRtultF_d3_k41hP-AXSUty8b88n4cxJ66xziN3BjXakKPhbwW2KSZ2IqyEaT-JLiGE7DkU3FlWiWDNt5SC0WWyIvXx2oBNU2m1n8xL6FP8i5dWg27v11X89GIcLdjLSBADLnGKCQ6eoiKLmSz1YlT55zh7PuVZhAeed37SiVF5zw=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyyb8DrF5eIEGF-wRtultF_d3_k41hP-AXSUty8b88n4cxJ66xziN3BjXakKPhbwW2KSZ2IqyEaT-JLiGE7DkU3FlWiWDNt5SC0WWyIvXx2oBNU2m1n8xL6FP8i5dWg27v11X89GIcLdjLSBADLnGKCQ6eoiKLmSz1YlT55zh7PuVZhAeed37SiVF5zw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxqXJMCiAWDWM9ovZmBVE4WTz494RweCSrPiRdTYz9Y8dVeT4tbZCXRYmWsaSYsTD_gldXdo8N0RvcfFpzH1xEGK24HMH5al-s4IyHNIJFcYPv4jd-3oZhjdNMaBk43xb9Wfuk28ygyCWL4em-Ao0VbfpfFjwkr3HghoEkZ5dIv-cFVYU_A6ulU7IAEQ=s705" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="705" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxqXJMCiAWDWM9ovZmBVE4WTz494RweCSrPiRdTYz9Y8dVeT4tbZCXRYmWsaSYsTD_gldXdo8N0RvcfFpzH1xEGK24HMH5al-s4IyHNIJFcYPv4jd-3oZhjdNMaBk43xb9Wfuk28ygyCWL4em-Ao0VbfpfFjwkr3HghoEkZ5dIv-cFVYU_A6ulU7IAEQ=w400-h285" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcmhD2UkAUOn-MeD92xfhc2_Cm-eS0Owm6Xv8mVAETm-ruzYzScgF0kGWqJinkcXYHWLarobEY71velCyQArpLdis0ZC2fGc9E0UOuINVkIFuAvOhGl26qsoIv5FKJpgzrML19E0woXwWWVjoP4qFC15HaL-FIP08eVCG6guovum1skbX8D41Z1W3gbw=s632" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="632" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcmhD2UkAUOn-MeD92xfhc2_Cm-eS0Owm6Xv8mVAETm-ruzYzScgF0kGWqJinkcXYHWLarobEY71velCyQArpLdis0ZC2fGc9E0UOuINVkIFuAvOhGl26qsoIv5FKJpgzrML19E0woXwWWVjoP4qFC15HaL-FIP08eVCG6guovum1skbX8D41Z1W3gbw=w400-h285" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDVLe_JUYjoSQbOH4brkoGXQVKffN1frkgTKpBHjFF2eRKA27yP7309Vrp6RrW8S81mN7Z5IjrDCXM6FC4KORfzfQwZDVbbwJ8mMBaOGXOl1-K9T6XzmneA1oRRA6BS1XJsnyNsG2dlwg2JgU-9WeXEoTKXIT2VcRYlfv3m4RndT39x8n_P-N65RLc_g=s905" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="905" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDVLe_JUYjoSQbOH4brkoGXQVKffN1frkgTKpBHjFF2eRKA27yP7309Vrp6RrW8S81mN7Z5IjrDCXM6FC4KORfzfQwZDVbbwJ8mMBaOGXOl1-K9T6XzmneA1oRRA6BS1XJsnyNsG2dlwg2JgU-9WeXEoTKXIT2VcRYlfv3m4RndT39x8n_P-N65RLc_g=w400-h285" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieMlZuj5DrpS9iS_QXDOEg74hprvFTj867FMW39HmN8DA6F1FCKxOW1LBTRFAYHqkmeLcFPeksiih05vW-qym8kxGGhVPCpCtI-TyvDh_sfBFcFnI77mlMorwpWPnhF68rJQ8mT4_wMehm-iI823V7SVCdPj3dRz3g8i8lnZx1ElRp8WtWON0zOW71lQ=s827" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="827" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieMlZuj5DrpS9iS_QXDOEg74hprvFTj867FMW39HmN8DA6F1FCKxOW1LBTRFAYHqkmeLcFPeksiih05vW-qym8kxGGhVPCpCtI-TyvDh_sfBFcFnI77mlMorwpWPnhF68rJQ8mT4_wMehm-iI823V7SVCdPj3dRz3g8i8lnZx1ElRp8WtWON0zOW71lQ=w400-h286" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfz1PPMEBiym3zF8QQCERm7bhJGdfhJ1PiLd7R8SU84OPcm6vRBsow3ocnjwHS_bmX8_-KaGg59g6RwuwzTOjHU_WUwXEtnh7JgqUgsL95SXbP4sJvabkZUMotSMtZ4RHJTR5vQlpFDKoCvtpFKnbEXCE0TIAfKev-KyweIW04cgc7aWUza9k2gPPn7A=s783" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="783" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfz1PPMEBiym3zF8QQCERm7bhJGdfhJ1PiLd7R8SU84OPcm6vRBsow3ocnjwHS_bmX8_-KaGg59g6RwuwzTOjHU_WUwXEtnh7JgqUgsL95SXbP4sJvabkZUMotSMtZ4RHJTR5vQlpFDKoCvtpFKnbEXCE0TIAfKev-KyweIW04cgc7aWUza9k2gPPn7A=w400-h285" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I caught them to take them back to the barn, it started snowing again:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIO3dYF1IZv6-VW0uyE_diNfzZS52XXrEKH2A5gdINXDt5nRQRZK5U5ItrTBtWcn4ebP5aQALJWCSNfFnkGeGuhXlV-LSXwfTCjyxmDzCBs5_dP8ydly-oLGQ0_UlJ7J6HSLcOB2CpHjiSfrge91kHQSu0nihJ2q7G8BvbNxAQ7gIApRMSzs36UOx72A=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIO3dYF1IZv6-VW0uyE_diNfzZS52XXrEKH2A5gdINXDt5nRQRZK5U5ItrTBtWcn4ebP5aQALJWCSNfFnkGeGuhXlV-LSXwfTCjyxmDzCBs5_dP8ydly-oLGQ0_UlJ7J6HSLcOB2CpHjiSfrge91kHQSu0nihJ2q7G8BvbNxAQ7gIApRMSzs36UOx72A=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb_G2E_LyWlzaIMtWIqiMv0O1ZKKDhVZ2hL5Bfc-MPCwA7aqcOlWedwfMIN49Iuqti6_nq69Yeae08SH97o1Vu4mrp_rb4FavrKoyuskL9ip1mPG65CeJ2ZrMHKGweadD7ESqO00Eq-eQG5ZDMvKpK7q9H5mpFby85DZb9CYIQWFcdGoaTwbQwyunxtQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb_G2E_LyWlzaIMtWIqiMv0O1ZKKDhVZ2hL5Bfc-MPCwA7aqcOlWedwfMIN49Iuqti6_nq69Yeae08SH97o1Vu4mrp_rb4FavrKoyuskL9ip1mPG65CeJ2ZrMHKGweadD7ESqO00Eq-eQG5ZDMvKpK7q9H5mpFby85DZb9CYIQWFcdGoaTwbQwyunxtQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I couldn't resist the opportunity to take some beauty shots of my pretty girl:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqMwBzbG5r2YxPQLr8DgdL9vfBNXOYeTUTHbhfcwXA6yxnS2jwSJh4ePH6xsECNyItkGNB2hIQvShdwrjaziak9OaS9J_GP-EL73HFybIp_aoE59w7wEkj7Nt3NzOKn4MQdOjMu8waZrhA374VbA7xtvU9qb4F_9LlFKvasdMWWX4QOFJUsAnYsatXPw=s3280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3280" data-original-width="2632" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqMwBzbG5r2YxPQLr8DgdL9vfBNXOYeTUTHbhfcwXA6yxnS2jwSJh4ePH6xsECNyItkGNB2hIQvShdwrjaziak9OaS9J_GP-EL73HFybIp_aoE59w7wEkj7Nt3NzOKn4MQdOjMu8waZrhA374VbA7xtvU9qb4F_9LlFKvasdMWWX4QOFJUsAnYsatXPw=w323-h400" width="323" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIUnuskMCq996tsYUIc5_DnOf9SfmQx_JO_AhHCCWg5QT-Sbylefvfxu-lohb1U9U7hai8HsG7gS6YV07ls-8dt3QAxAErBaa2YOVgV3y8S9HqgEX1te7xkGCZ6gq6oZVdaUo244rvcXt0pMbFYLbRQ1TolNcTRwJf-OF2r_ov_VwnRDOqlj5ZdcLNbg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIUnuskMCq996tsYUIc5_DnOf9SfmQx_JO_AhHCCWg5QT-Sbylefvfxu-lohb1U9U7hai8HsG7gS6YV07ls-8dt3QAxAErBaa2YOVgV3y8S9HqgEX1te7xkGCZ6gq6oZVdaUo244rvcXt0pMbFYLbRQ1TolNcTRwJf-OF2r_ov_VwnRDOqlj5ZdcLNbg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjRIzq1qhcBsloodcBw8Dq9pukhkh4MilUTqvkU3xcYtao5FctkkBMw0e6uwQ8UjAqMoRkDkqYUdz8SnlNseltawRHLygtgXKYjBISf12mri8KwtyoU-LUDrtwrynqhC64UKLZBi7PbqUqkEFXn5PEFzprqVA5GV5d5DzlVa9AvaoSfDLbsgxN0x3kNg=s2614" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2614" data-original-width="2412" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjRIzq1qhcBsloodcBw8Dq9pukhkh4MilUTqvkU3xcYtao5FctkkBMw0e6uwQ8UjAqMoRkDkqYUdz8SnlNseltawRHLygtgXKYjBISf12mri8KwtyoU-LUDrtwrynqhC64UKLZBi7PbqUqkEFXn5PEFzprqVA5GV5d5DzlVa9AvaoSfDLbsgxN0x3kNg=w369-h400" width="369" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And when the snow shower abated, I couldn't resist a short <i>ride</i> in the snow!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh90adN7WuIjlVKF0mzv9JNT1Sml9akI5g7xaDVGFX7QhxF-8phxIzp6PxLSlsyNGkuGq59mgZughxgCZnUenIK5fpoU8573z1o-UqoAldAevyPQl_FBs1XIixonqFkguujbji95wHUumLAuZ7r9-Itg0NRFC_STv8lRSoDrBUAbDCR2mGt_yiRlHg1bg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh90adN7WuIjlVKF0mzv9JNT1Sml9akI5g7xaDVGFX7QhxF-8phxIzp6PxLSlsyNGkuGq59mgZughxgCZnUenIK5fpoU8573z1o-UqoAldAevyPQl_FBs1XIixonqFkguujbji95wHUumLAuZ7r9-Itg0NRFC_STv8lRSoDrBUAbDCR2mGt_yiRlHg1bg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">December 27 was another beautiful snowy day, another snowy turn-out, and another short ride..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg76sYR95FXHHJrTlBjvgawIyWnyiVKMSuEJd8Pz5PfeOJwSCFOCZgSwo8J9OpO1rRsVKGDyDy-DlylkIl3ziOdmLbqEtZ7Sv7ycFGRBDW12RBAuEvolQCK0EYNC2fVJxzcqqeOJRRBlyznxvd7KF4Q9Ai483mnH4UvClOnfgfZWRBmsyB71cgMJUQCQg=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg76sYR95FXHHJrTlBjvgawIyWnyiVKMSuEJd8Pz5PfeOJwSCFOCZgSwo8J9OpO1rRsVKGDyDy-DlylkIl3ziOdmLbqEtZ7Sv7ycFGRBDW12RBAuEvolQCK0EYNC2fVJxzcqqeOJRRBlyznxvd7KF4Q9Ai483mnH4UvClOnfgfZWRBmsyB71cgMJUQCQg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlLwBiACtVfKplBGYEYGngQ7DMYN6oaZ7ciBR7qtCtIS5CeMt-atSLsNRKyEnsXAdQbVpgptns8KYJJHD70eddumV_bPzO5NW8cuKfTrBi7joMz8-gXGS3tRTO9ZTYMWCkOCRM065Z18jyMFkybt3s85jNfflc6l9R6pnuAK5k4kHGMVuWAdV3fJocAA=s2691" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2570" data-original-width="2691" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlLwBiACtVfKplBGYEYGngQ7DMYN6oaZ7ciBR7qtCtIS5CeMt-atSLsNRKyEnsXAdQbVpgptns8KYJJHD70eddumV_bPzO5NW8cuKfTrBi7joMz8-gXGS3tRTO9ZTYMWCkOCRM065Z18jyMFkybt3s85jNfflc6l9R6pnuAK5k4kHGMVuWAdV3fJocAA=w400-h383" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our house from the arena</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tomorrow is New Year's Day, when, come hell or high water, I spend some time on the back of a horse. I thought it would be nice to spend time on the back of BOTH horses, and since today was dry, we did a trial run. Lance just got a loose-rein walk around the arena; then I had a short but lovely school on Stella.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0ln4X7xUrZTIVOih069YwBRxbeuF84ecX3hueNsXsdxGyZ7sFVUce7UsRMiugEdqHVQpV4CoX2iFDijlQeYtT1Cb0caZzcGgo5l0N2LDph4AkMFhcF2WT-kB3-zNHKIEF37bVrLHuNjE94hfehWZxEMfTYoz0r2VsciFty2vW3QIRPv4QqaTxKjsJxw=s3603" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3603" data-original-width="2628" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0ln4X7xUrZTIVOih069YwBRxbeuF84ecX3hueNsXsdxGyZ7sFVUce7UsRMiugEdqHVQpV4CoX2iFDijlQeYtT1Cb0caZzcGgo5l0N2LDph4AkMFhcF2WT-kB3-zNHKIEF37bVrLHuNjE94hfehWZxEMfTYoz0r2VsciFty2vW3QIRPv4QqaTxKjsJxw=w291-h400" width="291" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSMpP6-dAeq1gpA9eR3sPESPktUOgqgFLsKUKG-HWtcvrlakiExel-BV0EJLEh686HZ9Qy_ABhxNkWYV2TJZGBJcOzgrb4OzF0AXKyJa26xZ9K5B3586HrUZija_XadSJhQnpV8gkS2_AlBZ0LqFJIVq8voUxGwK0f5DcD5tYnMmP0kxlLopCPuxpuXg=s3840" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2880" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSMpP6-dAeq1gpA9eR3sPESPktUOgqgFLsKUKG-HWtcvrlakiExel-BV0EJLEh686HZ9Qy_ABhxNkWYV2TJZGBJcOzgrb4OzF0AXKyJa26xZ9K5B3586HrUZija_XadSJhQnpV8gkS2_AlBZ0LqFJIVq8voUxGwK0f5DcD5tYnMmP0kxlLopCPuxpuXg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I made a couple end-of-the-year purchases. One is this CoolMax stable sheet for Stella. It's a bit big on her (it was the smallest one left on clearance), but I think it will work. (It's teal, not blue.)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_x6UBA7cH1PKGuv8cWvm9dlLFHg5HqkjXsDrk_fxTvccqUZxXjHRkk_EYtu_nSZcxarE-lCKTBZQ2Ozm6CHDhyFYZT48CbQmq6jNE1JE15WVzvcwQMkiZqLPDJ2euXJjL7D3Ugchqf-Ca1lG2igY1UTB913eWT2ukjA6RLh_Goor_GHTiZfiEG1WCVw=s3187" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2772" data-original-width="3187" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_x6UBA7cH1PKGuv8cWvm9dlLFHg5HqkjXsDrk_fxTvccqUZxXjHRkk_EYtu_nSZcxarE-lCKTBZQ2Ozm6CHDhyFYZT48CbQmq6jNE1JE15WVzvcwQMkiZqLPDJ2euXJjL7D3Ugchqf-Ca1lG2igY1UTB913eWT2ukjA6RLh_Goor_GHTiZfiEG1WCVw=w400-h349" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After talking to a friend who has used it successfully, I also broke down and bought some SmartCalm Ultra Pellets to try on Stella. She's only been on it two days so it may totally be my imagination, but Stella already seems calmer. The horses didn't get turn-out yesterday, and I rode Lance first. Normally Stella would have jumped around in her paddock with pent-up energy, but she just watched us walk around, and then was quite good when I rode her. Time will tell; the product comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, so there is no risk to trying it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year, everyone!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-35505458140510477832021-11-30T18:40:00.001-08:002021-11-30T18:40:25.082-08:00The rest of November's rides<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcwTaHchpzJFDS_WN6y7udMK1lS1kbP-pVU0Uq4bV_fb3cZWCwTXoqqw7vZQluF7bdFmM7tO8r_iY4HgNrXXo7naf4FBRMI_h0rXehB3UBm4W8v8PUnwIorvRlrXubD248WLpcDiJ2etDoTjj0xlwBlXWaNyn-13dm4pLEYaN64JB8nmGhFo-OKpe7hw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcwTaHchpzJFDS_WN6y7udMK1lS1kbP-pVU0Uq4bV_fb3cZWCwTXoqqw7vZQluF7bdFmM7tO8r_iY4HgNrXXo7naf4FBRMI_h0rXehB3UBm4W8v8PUnwIorvRlrXubD248WLpcDiJ2etDoTjj0xlwBlXWaNyn-13dm4pLEYaN64JB8nmGhFo-OKpe7hw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">11/23: Showers on and off since last night left the arena a maze of puddles. Since I turned the horses out for a romp at dusk last night after working in town, I decided to tack up Stella and ride without turning her out first, and mostly ride outside the arena. We did our usual warm-up walk on the buckle in the sandbox, and then headed up the driveway. Deciding it was too slippery to turn left and go through the southern neighbor's lot, we turned right and headed up the gravel lane. Stella was hot to go and tense, so I leg-yielded her back and forth up the incline on our single-track lane to encourage walking instead of jigging. When we got to the top of the hill, our northern neighbor was pulling out in her car and another car was coming our way, so I hopped off and held Stella, then got back on.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From our end of the gravel lane to the other and back is little more than a mile, but Stella says that being on high alert <i>and</i> leg-yielding or doing shoulder-in at the same time takes a LOT of effort, even if we walked the whole way. 😆 Plus, the incline peaks between the two dead-ends, so there is some uphill and downhill action going and coming. By the time we turned around and headed back up the peak, Stella's head came down and her pace leveled out. After crossing the intersecting paved road, we were passed by two vehicles (winery traffic) with no precautionary dismounts or reaction on Stella's part. This is exactly what I hoped to be able to do during the rainy season, both to preserve our arena footing and to provide variety in conditioning and training; yay us!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">11/24: Today we schooled in the arena. I worked on keeping her pace controlled, using my core at the walk and my posting speed (which is also using my core) at the trot. Doing shoulder-in at the walk on both reins also helps keep her pace controlled, while I analyze my legs and seat to see if I'm using them the same in both directions (I don't, naturally; it takes a lot of focus!).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib8mcj649hGBXoFXCactbzC3XMtY0P6B5QvuTRjg6QsztvWuZKSAP6mF8c7sg-jZagWib4oVk2U8wPPjQTMZl_SQlXKdGnOkiC56s7lMuc7QUyc9MCsIXJ1FLz4CL2AVcbUbaQK3N3b6u1HngrOSiXK8noe8KWLcSQ9RaEMb-3KADRUIaTGvBuyXqBtQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib8mcj649hGBXoFXCactbzC3XMtY0P6B5QvuTRjg6QsztvWuZKSAP6mF8c7sg-jZagWib4oVk2U8wPPjQTMZl_SQlXKdGnOkiC56s7lMuc7QUyc9MCsIXJ1FLz4CL2AVcbUbaQK3N3b6u1HngrOSiXK8noe8KWLcSQ9RaEMb-3KADRUIaTGvBuyXqBtQ=w339-h400" width="339" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhuZb5xxOJthW9O7RntlgbCYbgeB6tflLBkDGBQ5Q6-SHobYfB5bwa6d7qUMOEFqfbii7TlBtQv3zREqQCPiMLFmjWIIszo40jD1_GySZUNrcO3IVupWt4Dv8KBaqvGCLU81yMf1TGeB2RV6JuTr_PUQNhWZvyR-hrogkg08mb3Aje2Snbj63wpjpVVQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1854" data-original-width="2048" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhuZb5xxOJthW9O7RntlgbCYbgeB6tflLBkDGBQ5Q6-SHobYfB5bwa6d7qUMOEFqfbii7TlBtQv3zREqQCPiMLFmjWIIszo40jD1_GySZUNrcO3IVupWt4Dv8KBaqvGCLU81yMf1TGeB2RV6JuTr_PUQNhWZvyR-hrogkg08mb3Aje2Snbj63wpjpVVQ=w400-h364" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixwx5yHPJ980aiSawr_kUCU5FsrnjPAN1qG3kmSEinDZAc3D1_vaH1tprcV0EurP1_ltjZHzTCs2JjgYQcnT1fqCX84GJhzrbBiULKZRFF_n3g6VFnmxKueeoYFi_DgB9gZvPRZtbIcjltHnqHD1ILDf0m0st82ZlAdL7iW_xWLhBboB5T2vH80koKbQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1710" data-original-width="2048" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixwx5yHPJ980aiSawr_kUCU5FsrnjPAN1qG3kmSEinDZAc3D1_vaH1tprcV0EurP1_ltjZHzTCs2JjgYQcnT1fqCX84GJhzrbBiULKZRFF_n3g6VFnmxKueeoYFi_DgB9gZvPRZtbIcjltHnqHD1ILDf0m0st82ZlAdL7iW_xWLhBboB5T2vH80koKbQ=w400-h334" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdaVGNdqmZrFQKOjSfSmGW_XSzNBeOpb0nIiYX61yQiGmezwwKM5ydlA3h4z4lpEQV44xCgZurez3epgFtXza6CjimocUuwLDmaE4PBf4rd_ewXShYd6FbmvMImvavJQzzIuCm4cRYEw6GnCf_icRWft3Kg0HxAQT4zUtZ2Vf6dLkRbZzum2HnMzJr8Q=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1763" data-original-width="2048" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdaVGNdqmZrFQKOjSfSmGW_XSzNBeOpb0nIiYX61yQiGmezwwKM5ydlA3h4z4lpEQV44xCgZurez3epgFtXza6CjimocUuwLDmaE4PBf4rd_ewXShYd6FbmvMImvavJQzzIuCm4cRYEw6GnCf_icRWft3Kg0HxAQT4zUtZ2Vf6dLkRbZzum2HnMzJr8Q=w400-h344" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfLHjE0jZs9N-2in5nVAAggMkJayBKKz7fcAAk5Af5pNNlJWV48zI18QAjzPzV27ej2qqdvM-vkZmkWwXnVClApbOiJkecLZmRx9deNt9kGW2GnxXpyipInHWdXAUs66E2XWy1AICrFLhmVwzLrwviv7YyoNY3q77cj0tXYlfA_O2oGJOOvHcpGIRkrw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1745" data-original-width="2048" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfLHjE0jZs9N-2in5nVAAggMkJayBKKz7fcAAk5Af5pNNlJWV48zI18QAjzPzV27ej2qqdvM-vkZmkWwXnVClApbOiJkecLZmRx9deNt9kGW2GnxXpyipInHWdXAUs66E2XWy1AICrFLhmVwzLrwviv7YyoNY3q77cj0tXYlfA_O2oGJOOvHcpGIRkrw=w400-h341" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZEm9ejhr6uoUI8SWDqqQ8Fzg_eOWzcDHdZQHQK6d7gByMvkDHV8JSSvm41HEDR7Sk3VyNAaETcqgGIHxlPvuAt3dtoFcUB1K1VVSwdntdXSaZZ34UQ1UHWbsjSmMVwhvgXSYehQx9xd0XfaRqqmuvg3dq9cbLnaRwZUu0uS6vDNnImcifxiTYzF7DUw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1732" data-original-width="2048" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZEm9ejhr6uoUI8SWDqqQ8Fzg_eOWzcDHdZQHQK6d7gByMvkDHV8JSSvm41HEDR7Sk3VyNAaETcqgGIHxlPvuAt3dtoFcUB1K1VVSwdntdXSaZZ34UQ1UHWbsjSmMVwhvgXSYehQx9xd0XfaRqqmuvg3dq9cbLnaRwZUu0uS6vDNnImcifxiTYzF7DUw=w400-h340" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">11/25: After baking off my dinner rolls for Thanksgiving dinner, I had just enough time to turn the horses to play and get in a very short ride before we had to clean up and leave. Rick came down to the arena to see what I was doing, and all Stella wanted to do was hang out at the gate with him and get stroked! Found the treasure below in the arena; anyone know what bird lost this? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR9g3lPSHLiVDTNj8XKo1WfrVZTXTTxGFBfSCg3_uNpT61dKCzcL7COwJ2msFDq_jVkw3OtizFVtiUhMXuLPRBYcRiXFEOUtY2an1nlanxvz3aD7raIZkG6HdKMnqOWk6XoKhX6_jtswZ6nXgPlXwt63wAIkGjuMK7h951517uwAMbvroYIhzqskkzlg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1809" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR9g3lPSHLiVDTNj8XKo1WfrVZTXTTxGFBfSCg3_uNpT61dKCzcL7COwJ2msFDq_jVkw3OtizFVtiUhMXuLPRBYcRiXFEOUtY2an1nlanxvz3aD7raIZkG6HdKMnqOWk6XoKhX6_jtswZ6nXgPlXwt63wAIkGjuMK7h951517uwAMbvroYIhzqskkzlg=w354-h400" width="354" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div>11/28: In spite of Stella having two days off and being pretty tense, I decided we were going to 'go out,' this time turning left and going through the neighbor's lot and down the gravel lane. She had to stop to look and listen several times to make sure it was safe, but was then willing to keep going. It was dusk when we returned, with some reflected color in the SSE.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip_qNZgmR70AYRlFOtoHjPv1jA2hTtez2uBRNY6jIxdOEgEuclwrrmwfV40FLPm5Kw2uVe7-KiGZ4kKrGIPHq8Z1q_nK-lXEOI2bwMh2DE39Y-6w_c29sfYrHmicIujYkEWHaygyp_RqDHJ8S7vqzF_6lT0kIwx83N7INvKxVmiZFmSBrur9sGGqdbkQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip_qNZgmR70AYRlFOtoHjPv1jA2hTtez2uBRNY6jIxdOEgEuclwrrmwfV40FLPm5Kw2uVe7-KiGZ4kKrGIPHq8Z1q_nK-lXEOI2bwMh2DE39Y-6w_c29sfYrHmicIujYkEWHaygyp_RqDHJ8S7vqzF_6lT0kIwx83N7INvKxVmiZFmSBrur9sGGqdbkQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisp2Grx4y1RlNn6BkrI96bIHCRLf2lzrHQ5dXQkKREWR0w0MIOoKv_MgJtafhcPQIoeyyhCm_VnsI90iIvthweQVblwTGm38O-FywUcG9FO4OwEV65CthBLelDeRuQO-W-JThBi1cTj1YanzH2qeQf9sgTsSN8RwZP2pUh0PaZPvVswtJmz1O6nXHwSQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisp2Grx4y1RlNn6BkrI96bIHCRLf2lzrHQ5dXQkKREWR0w0MIOoKv_MgJtafhcPQIoeyyhCm_VnsI90iIvthweQVblwTGm38O-FywUcG9FO4OwEV65CthBLelDeRuQO-W-JThBi1cTj1YanzH2qeQf9sgTsSN8RwZP2pUh0PaZPvVswtJmz1O6nXHwSQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMvkPZqyJGxUMGTfkAdAEAhWenkNGS_SvoQZj9ydvT7hx69V39hcV7EE_mnjBYsrusSBmJsr6MdgUGF4tqTeGC46awvjFX5hjAzT4jQTlK7c8CXQlkLf_5EfK1B2OK0Nws2Koy2hkNt_FAFnzTAbVjxzlRPhX7eqeX5MUg7Sve6LKbIqMaStWlem1IoQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMvkPZqyJGxUMGTfkAdAEAhWenkNGS_SvoQZj9ydvT7hx69V39hcV7EE_mnjBYsrusSBmJsr6MdgUGF4tqTeGC46awvjFX5hjAzT4jQTlK7c8CXQlkLf_5EfK1B2OK0Nws2Koy2hkNt_FAFnzTAbVjxzlRPhX7eqeX5MUg7Sve6LKbIqMaStWlem1IoQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">11/30: Last ride of the month; we schooled in the arena after the horses got turn-out time. Again I worked on slowing Stella's walk and trot with my core and not my hands as Suzan had us do in our last lesson, while also working hard to use my legs and hips the same whether tracking left or right. After making good progress (both of us), I asked for canter while continuing to concentrate on keeping my 'slow and steady' aids the same. It worked! Her canter was <i>much</i> more controlled than usual, even though she clearly wanted to rush at times. It feels so good to be figuring out what works with this girl, <i>and</i> being able to feel and correct where I tend to struggle as well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBrES2xtqM6jKjMS2NvrwiLXfJqhtXIFsOOBw9VXW5peWKcRvYMPEKCthMTXiBFbK04hOIOcTAlJKeb5S5FQpzshqUtePRTkXYZffK85lK84n7yTZ4Zsb1E9RCtkGb35UUB5iNomGNHeaUuoJ69Mf4CG--9x0HbTih0aQUhanZg7D8Q44j2U9msXOviA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1563" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBrES2xtqM6jKjMS2NvrwiLXfJqhtXIFsOOBw9VXW5peWKcRvYMPEKCthMTXiBFbK04hOIOcTAlJKeb5S5FQpzshqUtePRTkXYZffK85lK84n7yTZ4Zsb1E9RCtkGb35UUB5iNomGNHeaUuoJ69Mf4CG--9x0HbTih0aQUhanZg7D8Q44j2U9msXOviA=w306-h400" width="306" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Afterwards we walked up the driveway to see the fancy new Christmas lights my husband put on the entry gate. She noticed them, but wasn't freaked out, and didn't move when I activated the power arm to shut the gate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6TuInK0f_B4i9ZqOWO2hnDinQaqagzR58LrPpfpc7GyqaktMrcSkRm11OXz5EfAPmYAJaJ0aMjaekekGisKRgwnx0Uemg6Oq8teI7lHNA5-46UzFYFPTw3TpFB7weq6hyTA8lGFJL6liPgrNt7m7dP2-bwPNtOQE6ukFKD6ylDAxzJjPqULa_4fLr6g=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6TuInK0f_B4i9ZqOWO2hnDinQaqagzR58LrPpfpc7GyqaktMrcSkRm11OXz5EfAPmYAJaJ0aMjaekekGisKRgwnx0Uemg6Oq8teI7lHNA5-46UzFYFPTw3TpFB7weq6hyTA8lGFJL6liPgrNt7m7dP2-bwPNtOQE6ukFKD6ylDAxzJjPqULa_4fLr6g=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEou2l6EydWOAAfZ0qixnFKOzvkGIfk13uBkRp_20Bs4BlG2yV-nNbv3gcbB28kSbjWT7wsf1hAhD1oAjIEYNOQLlup8pcnTDEb7QEQd_oiyww0GxUkE2HJgmL19XM3qRevI5UFTdHES3xH0XswVapuNa10ITMzpQ066vKn6cr6OuoYMkEZmMMDF1Huw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1752" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEou2l6EydWOAAfZ0qixnFKOzvkGIfk13uBkRp_20Bs4BlG2yV-nNbv3gcbB28kSbjWT7wsf1hAhD1oAjIEYNOQLlup8pcnTDEb7QEQd_oiyww0GxUkE2HJgmL19XM3qRevI5UFTdHES3xH0XswVapuNa10ITMzpQ066vKn6cr6OuoYMkEZmMMDF1Huw=w343-h400" width="343" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We have made a lot of progress together in two years!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-60567796993965274112021-11-22T10:36:00.001-08:002021-11-22T10:36:34.976-08:00Notes on November rides<div style="text-align: left;">Well, I didn't really manage to keep good notes on my rides so far this month, but I have photos so that's something, right? Right?<i>?</i><b><i>?</i></b> Sigh.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's been a tough month, with no relief in sight. I was actually planning a trip which had to be cancelled; the best part of the cancellation was not having to leave my mental health horse therapy. Anyway, below in blue is what I jotted down to prompt me to summarize my rides before the wheels fell off my good intentions completely.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tuesday, Nov. 2: I love it when dry weather coincides with my 'home' days.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />Wednesday, Nov. 3</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />Friday, Nov. 5: Stella was slightly stocked up in her hind legs this morning, so I turned her out for a bit in the arena, Yesterday's wind and rain had scattered leaves across the sand and I contemplated turning her out in the lower pasture instead, but decided the arena was safer even if she smashed leaves into the wet footing. She made good use of her time, running and bucking, then clearly signaled to me when she was done.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />To my surprise, the day stayed dry and the sun even came out at times, so I got to ride. Because of the issues of Tuesday and Wednesday, I thought a walk through the woods would be a good change of pace. She was quiet during our walking warm-up, but as soon as we headed up the driveway, she amped up. So I turned her back down the driveway and we rode around, down, and back up the driveway a few times. She was quite nervous about going close to the house at first, but did get better, so we headed out the gate. Again she amped up, so I rode her up and down the gravel lane in front of our property to see if she'd settle down enough to be able to safely navigate off-gravel through the neighbor's property. She never really did, but worked up a little sweat anyway so I called it good. She flipped her head quite a bit in the beginning, but then that behavior mostly disappeared.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />Nov. 9</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />Nov. 10</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">My notes from the 5th remind me that she flipped her head a LOT during the first two rides of the month. In fact, she was flipping her head so much on the 3rd that I thought she might stumble and fall!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbTX9KeF3KqRM2U_v9EkmdexneO4Xc8ZAL2-euOGDEkQZhQcpZZEBMLC7VocKP7Mgw3qTgz8zqpHNp_uLmaUIzAsdnH-5j5EuYHLeuRTld3lzCNa6k-Aq2I7i-wj-jqYEX9RvSyDVHJB0FM1qMOMg5lDE-Ozg52D_TG2K8ped96q5lUk5-vdNnntQIIg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbTX9KeF3KqRM2U_v9EkmdexneO4Xc8ZAL2-euOGDEkQZhQcpZZEBMLC7VocKP7Mgw3qTgz8zqpHNp_uLmaUIzAsdnH-5j5EuYHLeuRTld3lzCNa6k-Aq2I7i-wj-jqYEX9RvSyDVHJB0FM1qMOMg5lDE-Ozg52D_TG2K8ped96q5lUk5-vdNnntQIIg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I took the above photo on the 2nd, and the (unflattering) photo below on the 3rd, to try and show the foamy slobber she had flipped up on her face with all her gyrations. I thought she might have gotten her tongue over the bit, but no; I checked her wolf teeth but they haven't changed nor were her gums sore. Stella always generates a lot of foam during our rides; that's usually a sign of relaxation but I'm not sure that's accurate with her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOXvRCIFYuNYnapdjgFMBGDAMswFRNpSXeSULgCBzeFCQzBt7RWk7cKMEhiQv-GH_NkEUPu_2dXmLopnhRFnimShf9qk9d-gKqwfkz0b8kJzVX4RK7DIWv5k88ofNkW3iY7QnzFjEPyXuj3zUwaresMvM4w2sAS3nCDk2umpw4nMA3n4Ds5KBQ1BC6oQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOXvRCIFYuNYnapdjgFMBGDAMswFRNpSXeSULgCBzeFCQzBt7RWk7cKMEhiQv-GH_NkEUPu_2dXmLopnhRFnimShf9qk9d-gKqwfkz0b8kJzVX4RK7DIWv5k88ofNkW3iY7QnzFjEPyXuj3zUwaresMvM4w2sAS3nCDk2umpw4nMA3n4Ds5KBQ1BC6oQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Here she is at the top of our driveway on the 5th:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbIVodZ7zgaCzTQPfAPMwb1Pa_i4dSKF20Z2CRcMExo7dEFx3bUMKwaCabDSKEH-zpIlVeMb4wZvn2U7greGPGiHVWzQWGwv_8fCoBojhLSYuDkMSeBZ_ILhyDWkm-ZeqrTaHDBWEbhBNiXOqM7oxxfxkuKABkPMD5fU_W13hX8MwYxAM3kV6eDqL3vA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbIVodZ7zgaCzTQPfAPMwb1Pa_i4dSKF20Z2CRcMExo7dEFx3bUMKwaCabDSKEH-zpIlVeMb4wZvn2U7greGPGiHVWzQWGwv_8fCoBojhLSYuDkMSeBZ_ILhyDWkm-ZeqrTaHDBWEbhBNiXOqM7oxxfxkuKABkPMD5fU_W13hX8MwYxAM3kV6eDqL3vA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglnVmULDo8uvxFQU1P4CLPZHpgvncSR58e8CUfH3KuevVSHQf9ubSHFU1xhQu1kovWt9YLRo75To_irrw8TEa0j2Xc_-lBzRm4Erdr4A6RBZfi6fvRZ4r6Q4Wqkd9g8U1Nx4FF3tqYqZEIr-eC-f99qw3Uv0DfZZAmnzC4dxbygFl0PVAfcMBbI2Ngnw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglnVmULDo8uvxFQU1P4CLPZHpgvncSR58e8CUfH3KuevVSHQf9ubSHFU1xhQu1kovWt9YLRo75To_irrw8TEa0j2Xc_-lBzRm4Erdr4A6RBZfi6fvRZ4r6Q4Wqkd9g8U1Nx4FF3tqYqZEIr-eC-f99qw3Uv0DfZZAmnzC4dxbygFl0PVAfcMBbI2Ngnw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>On the 6th, in spite of the puddles and the leaves, I turned Stella out and captured some fun fall photos of my feisty filly.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTUk4PLOBKHiJ-ZEMvKbovumI-3aBgBCzrN9LpxiCZQ_el7Tlnk9hpOZOib_-zyWycvDmCEkGZQnCMEL8z0426kLfhCZ9TSUkSXHIum9F2BQubqdYN89q6OoyTd4OHpbid4_UCyg1zbsudfT2oN0oO36k2y7HdeoBweH6EZK_-JtBbvnLI1FN3qmo8Cw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1646" data-original-width="2048" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTUk4PLOBKHiJ-ZEMvKbovumI-3aBgBCzrN9LpxiCZQ_el7Tlnk9hpOZOib_-zyWycvDmCEkGZQnCMEL8z0426kLfhCZ9TSUkSXHIum9F2BQubqdYN89q6OoyTd4OHpbid4_UCyg1zbsudfT2oN0oO36k2y7HdeoBweH6EZK_-JtBbvnLI1FN3qmo8Cw=w400-h323" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0CckSeBeYDdjbt8avg3_l2ykf3VEIBcD0w1MwCl_SGsTo4BgY-9VWDdVTk4FYiqrr2gtaM5UkQH9vBliwnTCZY3f4gnPgZDGed9rxBsZE9C_3_Q3VxpPQ9Rz4iKbDePWC1KoAEgNedK-IzlKuKpRdXuHN6UBEtc80rTyMII8XScdHHpHZquzNJKV6hQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1837" data-original-width="2048" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0CckSeBeYDdjbt8avg3_l2ykf3VEIBcD0w1MwCl_SGsTo4BgY-9VWDdVTk4FYiqrr2gtaM5UkQH9vBliwnTCZY3f4gnPgZDGed9rxBsZE9C_3_Q3VxpPQ9Rz4iKbDePWC1KoAEgNedK-IzlKuKpRdXuHN6UBEtc80rTyMII8XScdHHpHZquzNJKV6hQ=w400-h359" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiLTPvjhfoQkFWjkvlAi8aLy-rkp_KsraSEBW9-xDfGArktj4T3pifSjCsWMysI2E5XIGBKMo5kaEUxTc59MHVqRfDIiBCj9wQKmAwYs4Q4KD0wqPRMpEeHrSeMm3jWPrrsgR26vLxpdEx_qdVsxfF-rGdtvIe8lYGScMoekpjuidlGUVyv4SjXcN-Xg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1697" data-original-width="2048" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiLTPvjhfoQkFWjkvlAi8aLy-rkp_KsraSEBW9-xDfGArktj4T3pifSjCsWMysI2E5XIGBKMo5kaEUxTc59MHVqRfDIiBCj9wQKmAwYs4Q4KD0wqPRMpEeHrSeMm3jWPrrsgR26vLxpdEx_qdVsxfF-rGdtvIe8lYGScMoekpjuidlGUVyv4SjXcN-Xg=w400-h333" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjripyO9P7fi9R3Vce5qUwMGzoUIc_LJdHfzm5HuPnq0XBMn5dSHYt6y4QgNMy9TA7R-E34RwOBC-AHwoMfYStETriuUtq-jlRk0523pcrmVMieSnSSmIuxYPIwgEUt0ewQev5Q8riOcBAJt-gTPFD8Y5OsZmrAmC-mXa0uoQIDrACXPfPfcSrEhnniBg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1760" data-original-width="2048" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjripyO9P7fi9R3Vce5qUwMGzoUIc_LJdHfzm5HuPnq0XBMn5dSHYt6y4QgNMy9TA7R-E34RwOBC-AHwoMfYStETriuUtq-jlRk0523pcrmVMieSnSSmIuxYPIwgEUt0ewQev5Q8riOcBAJt-gTPFD8Y5OsZmrAmC-mXa0uoQIDrACXPfPfcSrEhnniBg=w400-h344" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWkIfjQ6MfbapzTSYo8ez_poceMp02QISBxzfHCarNnE0x4VBfk2TuX7ZWY7bUhJgp686HfX93XZkhzLkItf64XuoJl4hSOJrL-I-sz0rNmFvgMZ5FB2cuMvLqyMtWtGl8jYCsNJOxbJkibtlKMcDq6kGS9_CGg7RBvJrAY3EhOW5tZwL9MNRa0K71FA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="2048" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWkIfjQ6MfbapzTSYo8ez_poceMp02QISBxzfHCarNnE0x4VBfk2TuX7ZWY7bUhJgp686HfX93XZkhzLkItf64XuoJl4hSOJrL-I-sz0rNmFvgMZ5FB2cuMvLqyMtWtGl8jYCsNJOxbJkibtlKMcDq6kGS9_CGg7RBvJrAY3EhOW5tZwL9MNRa0K71FA=w400-h285" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1fa4JoSZSWSIzhpyImUkhsF2dBtFjpAXa0LUptSgjCGM3vSWOz2_PbbtweYB4KX3Cd-tT36QkjEA9tNp-lEYCCDTWqK4BGhNsAx-9_KhXeZoSMBp5gmvBjqukp-YzTPxCyjoSgv0ngf5GyOdnuYSZwoC_EY-A85lSiphdbxIz3DrLREYTMoSTVBeb3A=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1770" data-original-width="2048" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1fa4JoSZSWSIzhpyImUkhsF2dBtFjpAXa0LUptSgjCGM3vSWOz2_PbbtweYB4KX3Cd-tT36QkjEA9tNp-lEYCCDTWqK4BGhNsAx-9_KhXeZoSMBp5gmvBjqukp-YzTPxCyjoSgv0ngf5GyOdnuYSZwoC_EY-A85lSiphdbxIz3DrLREYTMoSTVBeb3A=w400-h348" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnKGpNDIOUXxBhGouJaxHqMMKRjQmjPNdSyDlZJ8d-_2jpwzrD2j2WmSGqo6ndPKgbWYZcaSaq2_SAO1pDSLMIHE2JRnZQs1vgryQ_BCehjM2dSY7JAGkuz6HojhpiNA8vAioffMFyTNb7MfmVy1CmZ8PNw0lvcT_j5Do4kuj08nDTB0skLLFV4RWdyQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1595" data-original-width="2048" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnKGpNDIOUXxBhGouJaxHqMMKRjQmjPNdSyDlZJ8d-_2jpwzrD2j2WmSGqo6ndPKgbWYZcaSaq2_SAO1pDSLMIHE2JRnZQs1vgryQ_BCehjM2dSY7JAGkuz6HojhpiNA8vAioffMFyTNb7MfmVy1CmZ8PNw0lvcT_j5Do4kuj08nDTB0skLLFV4RWdyQ=w400-h311" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know I schooled her on the 10th, because I snapped this shot afterwards of her "good girl graze":</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNryePmuXgRKkVJgQvgx8Q3vCm8v9muBleoufhDJAc_AUGB-crFb9MeWUPEnttzQ_1dAwWodbMG9F5nWXOcq2ImQt_-PG5t5DRF1sZoFmHhnTPo60YiNg_HUuG1VCTWdR09BAptjzmMmQ-GcO2uzTG4HZJxXvmpVF3OcHOj41QhmwaIGBdiahVMRsh6Q=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1625" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNryePmuXgRKkVJgQvgx8Q3vCm8v9muBleoufhDJAc_AUGB-crFb9MeWUPEnttzQ_1dAwWodbMG9F5nWXOcq2ImQt_-PG5t5DRF1sZoFmHhnTPo60YiNg_HUuG1VCTWdR09BAptjzmMmQ-GcO2uzTG4HZJxXvmpVF3OcHOj41QhmwaIGBdiahVMRsh6Q=w318-h400" width="318" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On the 16th we rode down to the main road to get the mail, then made a loop back past our driveway, through our southern neighbor's property, along the gravel lane to our eastern neighbor's driveway, and up to their house to pick up a package. Then I led her home through our lower pasture.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1NPrtlk2KPcOqk_PlA6KLLxMLXi6GubKjyWWcZDzYnxegQF6cNbt21n1PahB8pgwRt5cFKGLIKG6zk6uAY4oDQF_wncjQuCJA9t8MIf11jAcE8ciAxEKvQ57Z6WTvS6dLZnE0zF9IqlAviL0N8lE_C3gcqIbb7TCMHSQBRjU0lFgx_M8q6z0Wv9FDPA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1NPrtlk2KPcOqk_PlA6KLLxMLXi6GubKjyWWcZDzYnxegQF6cNbt21n1PahB8pgwRt5cFKGLIKG6zk6uAY4oDQF_wncjQuCJA9t8MIf11jAcE8ciAxEKvQ57Z6WTvS6dLZnE0zF9IqlAviL0N8lE_C3gcqIbb7TCMHSQBRjU0lFgx_M8q6z0Wv9FDPA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMLmD3IbNJ0iO7B2TSt8FbqHNvf47u84Fi147yR7zY8Gf_GoyO31IW2gy3XsOvAPZwyk5tsEaQYGup_BqkwUmSBThUq-4C7albeFBDvuMk5xtjes4sno08pbfIxe9awNcFGpwja06gtCexCEbhgIDfeau_YAyElg1W5Sgnxlw6gj5q-T8SaZgukHhpeQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMLmD3IbNJ0iO7B2TSt8FbqHNvf47u84Fi147yR7zY8Gf_GoyO31IW2gy3XsOvAPZwyk5tsEaQYGup_BqkwUmSBThUq-4C7albeFBDvuMk5xtjes4sno08pbfIxe9awNcFGpwja06gtCexCEbhgIDfeau_YAyElg1W5Sgnxlw6gj5q-T8SaZgukHhpeQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Since it was relatively warm the 19th, I decided to hose Stella off after our ride. Between turn-out, schooling, and her winter coat, she's been getting pretty sweaty – and sticky. After her shower I put Breezy's old cooler on her and left it on her overnight. Other than leading her around in it once before, this is the first time she's worn anything other than tack, and she did great!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFyZQrClbMSjnsdJ4YuR8a114vzkWBNlRz1DfJIMk4coc_dX3XqT-cqGjQLMYHZCP0q1oCnH9xc75MDtJ_bxsmkOqaBeUJ-u7vn3j69Wy5-ND2mlJLWa9OUInpkZfB19z4XoRp_oac_7QEzOSDrt1iPRrix3k_rcuKkaYGBYUJE8eODlST-vuBLC8XYA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFyZQrClbMSjnsdJ4YuR8a114vzkWBNlRz1DfJIMk4coc_dX3XqT-cqGjQLMYHZCP0q1oCnH9xc75MDtJ_bxsmkOqaBeUJ-u7vn3j69Wy5-ND2mlJLWa9OUInpkZfB19z4XoRp_oac_7QEzOSDrt1iPRrix3k_rcuKkaYGBYUJE8eODlST-vuBLC8XYA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On Saturday afternoon, Stella and I went for a ride through the woods. Ahead of us on that track in the photos below, there has been a lot of clearing. According to a neighbor on adjoining property, two new homes are scheduled to be built there. Rats.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPt_qYHHfZ2kVV3YTVYX3dtLfRodrTPjHclZBaDJvIB-HcYGYFA0i1mn0gPrfffdPeWEueV3202qXaP-xIkBokv5rkvLOPG62NgVj6C2XrVNv_YH89Qt2su4TiKrRyZQ_GACgPhMro5k-4QM6scbZs-G-aqFdo_QeECpJ8Sdtt3Ew3I0oIxF3R4o_zgQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPt_qYHHfZ2kVV3YTVYX3dtLfRodrTPjHclZBaDJvIB-HcYGYFA0i1mn0gPrfffdPeWEueV3202qXaP-xIkBokv5rkvLOPG62NgVj6C2XrVNv_YH89Qt2su4TiKrRyZQ_GACgPhMro5k-4QM6scbZs-G-aqFdo_QeECpJ8Sdtt3Ew3I0oIxF3R4o_zgQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3MgfW3bZVojN4O7_8LSkc_NAVEHNpjAm7TYRhhT7WnxBPOvhYP91wsYxlWr3uuNDIxn_DW47W2jhYdRFvNowXA16XxNQA79bUgc25qagPWrCrpejLNMFG79Wrw__EeGOa-TXJ64r2bACI1B90S12Q6-QeCjSEaM2AncYRQrJBSKo0rFDOy_XKjgAf9g=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3MgfW3bZVojN4O7_8LSkc_NAVEHNpjAm7TYRhhT7WnxBPOvhYP91wsYxlWr3uuNDIxn_DW47W2jhYdRFvNowXA16XxNQA79bUgc25qagPWrCrpejLNMFG79Wrw__EeGOa-TXJ64r2bACI1B90S12Q6-QeCjSEaM2AncYRQrJBSKo0rFDOy_XKjgAf9g=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stella noticed the changes since our first ride in that area</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Then we took another branch of the road through the woods, Stella's first time on that one and my first in awhile. A new house has been built on a lot I used to ride through to get to a vast Christmas tree acreage, which was then dozed for a vineyard, which has since been perimeter-fenced. Yes, we are getting hemmed in and fenced out. Anyway, at the new house there were people outside . . . and GOATS! With a guard alpaca!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGe5jzMnI9ZME4-GIxgJ8IAM76w54C4kACAhNlcimV8-pBRtUcAzb65EAXByTLA2hVYEGAUhKBivGOqEUvYJIqELMMAPk3cZ4jSPPGDZvyTtNYUzekieGgxe9ea2CLhduRoVIKEKDVBKis9IacvzMLB6XDfr0oR4n7-5SHmCwCHq3xU5baUg-P4SMn5w=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGe5jzMnI9ZME4-GIxgJ8IAM76w54C4kACAhNlcimV8-pBRtUcAzb65EAXByTLA2hVYEGAUhKBivGOqEUvYJIqELMMAPk3cZ4jSPPGDZvyTtNYUzekieGgxe9ea2CLhduRoVIKEKDVBKis9IacvzMLB6XDfr0oR4n7-5SHmCwCHq3xU5baUg-P4SMn5w=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVpZlD6apT-ccjU-AfPsOq7byfnARkBomwJTiDLjMTHKqGdynuh-t9AxkIc1gL31GGx3CdG-4ZvX1hWesDaQq5WScn4jHk_KIa6urt77y2Sg1wFtDhlGd7x4j1rUW5imUwAxcCQMCfsn0fAHQdrewM5DOwAlULhtsBBHyfL-eb4w2pnR9-NUBfQ9-_0Q=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVpZlD6apT-ccjU-AfPsOq7byfnARkBomwJTiDLjMTHKqGdynuh-t9AxkIc1gL31GGx3CdG-4ZvX1hWesDaQq5WScn4jHk_KIa6urt77y2Sg1wFtDhlGd7x4j1rUW5imUwAxcCQMCfsn0fAHQdrewM5DOwAlULhtsBBHyfL-eb4w2pnR9-NUBfQ9-_0Q=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>After</i> the alpaca rushed the gate to warn us, terrifying Stella, she got more curious</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkRmrH7uOS6L7fKDbMxQbGJoR3rTnzKhMCcDGPdTHQACoxZ3qholIb9kAV3Er-1boM5Z4-Fe2M77bJax9ciplKSkxX3s-NGwm3JsH8UFs2nDUtgOmuMWBzY0ugMBDSWPlnQnA92qkd8bCXbW6IvfIqGstzb-Ls8Og2-kurv80eOmbELM_S0DCk84NBHw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkRmrH7uOS6L7fKDbMxQbGJoR3rTnzKhMCcDGPdTHQACoxZ3qholIb9kAV3Er-1boM5Z4-Fe2M77bJax9ciplKSkxX3s-NGwm3JsH8UFs2nDUtgOmuMWBzY0ugMBDSWPlnQnA92qkd8bCXbW6IvfIqGstzb-Ls8Og2-kurv80eOmbELM_S0DCk84NBHw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirljDgv61S3yJ1n59NbzRmE7wVzc3t1IgZzyTOk4v6G3mT_E80i9H8JiMqPZjq1N10sTQa1WrnjhD56e4fdxrg-hrFIwpJoh5vmdYI1uMOecjpDfRU8ETp5ZCYwiZ2TcFVfvp2x6nsVpk6JtEh-8hZIikFGnboFk9siVHixfgbqgJTC1MDy8HPm-dlUA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirljDgv61S3yJ1n59NbzRmE7wVzc3t1IgZzyTOk4v6G3mT_E80i9H8JiMqPZjq1N10sTQa1WrnjhD56e4fdxrg-hrFIwpJoh5vmdYI1uMOecjpDfRU8ETp5ZCYwiZ2TcFVfvp2x6nsVpk6JtEh-8hZIikFGnboFk9siVHixfgbqgJTC1MDy8HPm-dlUA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4YGfWMsrYP4ZNCAAo-_q-iHqZSUxYdXdgcCXpQOgkW3Co6UIOhyOqtLTENXpBR-BOh3uyJF0V_7gf9VttoY_aYPxR_2OOnjTx6Vj5M6yxVmPKN9xpUZH8-puihiA0zG49ygjpHmrJs2_JhPfmHKIGNuUpDXOINQeFn_vYs5HKhp8gOrGlQIsMwXWRUA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4YGfWMsrYP4ZNCAAo-_q-iHqZSUxYdXdgcCXpQOgkW3Co6UIOhyOqtLTENXpBR-BOh3uyJF0V_7gf9VttoY_aYPxR_2OOnjTx6Vj5M6yxVmPKN9xpUZH8-puihiA0zG49ygjpHmrJs2_JhPfmHKIGNuUpDXOINQeFn_vYs5HKhp8gOrGlQIsMwXWRUA=w400-h302" width="400" /></a></div>Once again she proved her ability to hold herself together in the face of scary new things; I was very proud of her.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this was yesterday:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2xi9gkP1ZHYXbPaZ1GIp1B_PvgzZRKd9VtiJdRJGI44x3stvRSfpbRwiAtvGT0AwxCo7KMK3uDWYkRT27cDlYhSovx5VlzbPW_7uELz3mCzrO6d5GrEHBKGsTODQNwMGIM5semb4AcUQLxpIhxABbIOLVdCBGbIzBTfxdLYayD2L9b-EDbDl76pI7Kg=s1444" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1444" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2xi9gkP1ZHYXbPaZ1GIp1B_PvgzZRKd9VtiJdRJGI44x3stvRSfpbRwiAtvGT0AwxCo7KMK3uDWYkRT27cDlYhSovx5VlzbPW_7uELz3mCzrO6d5GrEHBKGsTODQNwMGIM5semb4AcUQLxpIhxABbIOLVdCBGbIzBTfxdLYayD2L9b-EDbDl76pI7Kg=w311-h400" width="311" /></a></div>I am taking advantage of every opportunity to get Stella out in this season that's short on daylight and long on inclement weather!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-52000996098543816842021-10-31T19:57:00.002-07:002021-10-31T19:57:42.887-07:00Riding notes<div style="text-align: left;">10/30: First ride this week because of work, weather, and leaves. Many thanks to my husband for blowing out the arena! I didn't know how Stella would be after such limited turn-out and no riding this week; the girl really needs her exercise. Other than being a little more 'on her toes,' she was good. Wasn't sure I was going to ask her to canter, but when I did, she took the correct lead (right). The canter wasn't nearly as soft and quiet as it had become last week, but that wasn't surprising. Didn't successfully get the left-lead canter for awhile; she took the right lead circling left twice, so we tracked right again so she could take the correct lead on cue. Then we tracked left again and she got the correct lead, so we finished on that positive note and cooled out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/4s5v8-kehdk" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpZNZXBKofCBfMCQgp1gWWNFbAjb29u349odi_m2IlN3b8SQX-WSSmFY9TwfY9H0rPy417Znpe3XgmpnHaowoTCblah3db-EzDT-HHtPMLKccQ7F4nFS5ULkBNJt5olpb1ZYBaLDzgF09AtfsMHvzJtNFHxDAeoMqgyEyFeRPihimyXG1kNxvFPOKd1w=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1714" data-original-width="2048" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpZNZXBKofCBfMCQgp1gWWNFbAjb29u349odi_m2IlN3b8SQX-WSSmFY9TwfY9H0rPy417Znpe3XgmpnHaowoTCblah3db-EzDT-HHtPMLKccQ7F4nFS5ULkBNJt5olpb1ZYBaLDzgF09AtfsMHvzJtNFHxDAeoMqgyEyFeRPihimyXG1kNxvFPOKd1w=w400-h335" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg49kO_vW4mfRaT86QMYzhlbg4t8K0ZPhLBuG7Kia-vI0ulYEArpiMKv5rvQNDJJoXzebq-6jclj88DjNC5BjLxyPdHADNwMXsKGF1dGiEiFxAjAebSPciilHTjKasD-o5DwpaA-ef2afWVgm6x71EzSlIJkR51fcMCKN-PmInSrpxy_Ob1LawOwaSiyw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1515" data-original-width="2048" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg49kO_vW4mfRaT86QMYzhlbg4t8K0ZPhLBuG7Kia-vI0ulYEArpiMKv5rvQNDJJoXzebq-6jclj88DjNC5BjLxyPdHADNwMXsKGF1dGiEiFxAjAebSPciilHTjKasD-o5DwpaA-ef2afWVgm6x71EzSlIJkR51fcMCKN-PmInSrpxy_Ob1LawOwaSiyw=w400-h297" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUXQ6jAurJBffTBssj4WmM75XwenfJtmSR9hN_D4dNB7wBiMHWREjyap1ChGNKVK6E2U0wC_gFT5vPALputAOmUxTDFbofsn0j9XT6DvVT6BemM2SzqEpoNiOuAzxaUyrSky2HhowI3Noj-LqyTqKo_L69nnrXN8ch8j-tBuioG15_aknnGV32RChbTg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1619" data-original-width="2048" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUXQ6jAurJBffTBssj4WmM75XwenfJtmSR9hN_D4dNB7wBiMHWREjyap1ChGNKVK6E2U0wC_gFT5vPALputAOmUxTDFbofsn0j9XT6DvVT6BemM2SzqEpoNiOuAzxaUyrSky2HhowI3Noj-LqyTqKo_L69nnrXN8ch8j-tBuioG15_aknnGV32RChbTg=w400-h316" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looks like someone was tightening up an invisible check rein in the above photos!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">10/31: A dry Sunday and the arena was still mostly clear of leaves, so two rides in two days; yay! After our warm-up (I always walk her around the arena three times in each direction plus a couple figure-eights on a long rein so both of us warm up our ligaments and joints; I probably need it more than my young mare 😏) I wanted to ride her down through the woods again, but I could hear someone taking advantage of the good weather to grade the gravel road so that was out. We had a good schooling session. When it was time for canter work, I asked for left lead first this time, and she took it beautifully when I moved my right leg back. Same thing circling right; she picked up the correct lead with just a repositioning of my outside leg! I should have quit then, as the rest of the canter work went downhill. She got pretty fussy in the bridle, and didn't get all her leads. She was fussy in the bridle yesterday, too, but I had chalked that up to a week off. Today it was worse, so I checked her wolf teeth after our ride. Their status hasn't changed; one has erupted, two have not, and one is still a no-show/no-feel. She didn't mind me checking, so that wasn't the cause of the fussiness. I was thinking about scheduling another lesson with Suzan this week, but think I'll wait.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNNKqO6t-3V3zvuDBTdDk_dSoJK-JC8U2Q0dr2_3bczROwHfiHqIhyOqvRbemZlbX8BLHQ5CHS78l-LmzbfwdXWAJC4b8b5UDuI23Knq6doA92bmDz1V5NQUBMQIR_8d7HLOcJ87IgyKrO3mskMYZkHpoMdSzpj9nYck0GscA9yuZMSq6yGKxD1VHYiQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2035" data-original-width="2048" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNNKqO6t-3V3zvuDBTdDk_dSoJK-JC8U2Q0dr2_3bczROwHfiHqIhyOqvRbemZlbX8BLHQ5CHS78l-LmzbfwdXWAJC4b8b5UDuI23Knq6doA92bmDz1V5NQUBMQIR_8d7HLOcJ87IgyKrO3mskMYZkHpoMdSzpj9nYck0GscA9yuZMSq6yGKxD1VHYiQ=w400-h399" width="400" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-49028638845702736692021-10-27T12:28:00.007-07:002021-10-27T12:28:50.392-07:00Light on her feet<div style="text-align: left;">This morning was <span style="font-size: x-small;">relatively</span> dry, so I took time to turn out the horses for a few minutes before reporting to work (I'm covering for my husband's secretary when not at my other part-time office job this week). They could have been out longer if I could go about doing chores, but Stella will actively excavate puddles into big holes if left unsupervised. ANYway, I was able to get videos of what I wanted to capture in yesterday's still photos of their play – Stella's "airs above the ground"!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/5yI62iKbw_k" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/vHV11tfbfHU" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Xu1k0ayVdU4" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see, the arena is littered with leaves (with many more to fall), which need to be blown out so as not to get mashed into the sand to ruin drainage and create more dust later. Still, Lance and Stella need a chance to move around, and it's either in the arena or slip-sliding around in a pasture, turning grass into a mucky morass.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When time, weather, and lack of leaves allow us to get back to our regular schooling schedule (usually five days a week), I may start posting short summaries of every ride, or compile daily summaries into once-a-week posts. I often think I should document what went especially 'right' during a ride, or note something I need to address, but those things quickly get lost to the busy-ness of daily life. So fair warning, as such posts might not be of much interest to anyone else. 😉</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-68862152027253455922021-10-26T23:08:00.001-07:002021-10-26T23:08:33.321-07:00Out of the sandbox<div style="text-align: left;">I was hoping to get a lesson with Suzan in this month, but between the stress load, the work load, and the weather, that's not going to happen. But regular time in the saddle <i>has</i> been happening, both in the arena and out!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With the start of rainy season, pasture time has ended to preserve what we have and reduce the risk of injury. Instead, I was turning the horses out in the arena to stretch their legs. Lance is always most interested in FOOD; Stella wants to PLAY.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWFtonPxmD0yZQBNR7JWyKFXDAiWWzpXXbZ6x1DfFtqhs3XjJwZ34npFFWruZp9IpI3lFxmvBfKRsd2X28BGkrzcjfiu-c1P8tpAJc6Mk-0Ls0AK3psneXaUInm-9wKW6AwgcHYUPc0w_UzRwOw0UwNJ2EMpEs1KFZ41EcrN5jYCZgDjBY8nER52ioNg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWFtonPxmD0yZQBNR7JWyKFXDAiWWzpXXbZ6x1DfFtqhs3XjJwZ34npFFWruZp9IpI3lFxmvBfKRsd2X28BGkrzcjfiu-c1P8tpAJc6Mk-0Ls0AK3psneXaUInm-9wKW6AwgcHYUPc0w_UzRwOw0UwNJ2EMpEs1KFZ41EcrN5jYCZgDjBY8nER52ioNg=w400-h304" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWtXEGD5Bhp2IldAOHWVqXkeyc28NqYluIIeBFMYZtfcx73kB-yuvVRrf6dD51Sd_HTFevFAtQL3zsz1LOShMFVn58BmhHqMwFFEgGveRS9FoaQAyESRwl1lHGQxDmHDBCNMnk0wDY_gskTFy9uFqE4QkHMQtp7ErzqtUu9XEmleOr4-B_IhtwQb--PQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWtXEGD5Bhp2IldAOHWVqXkeyc28NqYluIIeBFMYZtfcx73kB-yuvVRrf6dD51Sd_HTFevFAtQL3zsz1LOShMFVn58BmhHqMwFFEgGveRS9FoaQAyESRwl1lHGQxDmHDBCNMnk0wDY_gskTFy9uFqE4QkHMQtp7ErzqtUu9XEmleOr4-B_IhtwQb--PQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZpoJ7Dlk5NdLOWXwHgmWxMVA9jdibFiomSTdH15zEU_KUHMw4TYeCwcOLtWgziUkKFRnQvBtCjdaLby8NY6Hzrsru3o836f1Iy1cQ2EKhtSwmHZ1WSEZKCvAK-ssshY5TCb_V_a1gxY0yEYvDnOJKwLN_B3c9HSkiWn-rzR7G4YRC16HPOmRQ3h4LeQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZpoJ7Dlk5NdLOWXwHgmWxMVA9jdibFiomSTdH15zEU_KUHMw4TYeCwcOLtWgziUkKFRnQvBtCjdaLby8NY6Hzrsru3o836f1Iy1cQ2EKhtSwmHZ1WSEZKCvAK-ssshY5TCb_V_a1gxY0yEYvDnOJKwLN_B3c9HSkiWn-rzR7G4YRC16HPOmRQ3h4LeQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguXlLxjewa5y6imb818bk_ZazPFnHUPlUTtQ5cSuDhSK1oTOqzkIqgi8UKrTy8Xy_Kgd8g1SoWhVh-JnTUNeZTUFy_LuOnxGEiwW7NWcyPxOjgkz9gEiNIAvEXRHHAwAWacBmZKOhOyN_aO_9XDWPIcDp4wNyr7_bhFj2uOGIWAgUHXlQW9pQTsinl6A=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguXlLxjewa5y6imb818bk_ZazPFnHUPlUTtQ5cSuDhSK1oTOqzkIqgi8UKrTy8Xy_Kgd8g1SoWhVh-JnTUNeZTUFy_LuOnxGEiwW7NWcyPxOjgkz9gEiNIAvEXRHHAwAWacBmZKOhOyN_aO_9XDWPIcDp4wNyr7_bhFj2uOGIWAgUHXlQW9pQTsinl6A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Both</i> of them like to roll.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMAs3FRjBigCum9qAZVKj3DGB_FToWm3OcNeXtIqDK-B7ddEwZTHsbAs3NV2RFUexY-mgz38mRq9_uX6EyhE0UU8-YoHVbnvHPgyKEDR1CNWlVsfLAivnIM40eYWmpB9_T-4Cz1jzqIW9oWvxcZCwVnel9o1T_tPepzB9P8EZi0XIBC-Ko7viMSMoKhw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1553" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMAs3FRjBigCum9qAZVKj3DGB_FToWm3OcNeXtIqDK-B7ddEwZTHsbAs3NV2RFUexY-mgz38mRq9_uX6EyhE0UU8-YoHVbnvHPgyKEDR1CNWlVsfLAivnIM40eYWmpB9_T-4Cz1jzqIW9oWvxcZCwVnel9o1T_tPepzB9P8EZi0XIBC-Ko7viMSMoKhw=w400-h304" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>In addition to working on our basics (the canter work is getting easier and easier for her!), we've added new experiences. One evening I decided to introduce Stella to my quarter sheet. She didn't react to it much at all, which surprised me; she never did completely accept the pink jacket I used during groundwork.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzyQ-1xswt8WJ_UfGI_9aWPFOcyM5I1ETM-dmls_1PnIuDOJC70qI1XFA4iiShJhL6Mm7dJJ3AaT0pCImT7IeCrE-tVJQ17rPyYPVb0pVj9LEZusBuJL_gwezD0JZ0MAZgdwgDChLNNP8ejvPpdS17bR-rvdi-FDveUI-sGGa2yMl-VpfKGyzwuOC4_w=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzyQ-1xswt8WJ_UfGI_9aWPFOcyM5I1ETM-dmls_1PnIuDOJC70qI1XFA4iiShJhL6Mm7dJJ3AaT0pCImT7IeCrE-tVJQ17rPyYPVb0pVj9LEZusBuJL_gwezD0JZ0MAZgdwgDChLNNP8ejvPpdS17bR-rvdi-FDveUI-sGGa2yMl-VpfKGyzwuOC4_w=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I bought her a hybrid halter, which I really like:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUfkY1Y0jeTeU1f0NdAjazWbbMWbe8wWz_72jG0GLKYHIBuNen2xNLqo4jdVN3xQLh7fHQNwsHxlPX0zjCaa8NWB4kQ7S-xkKLBEvBAPxl7M_CVqhXJAm79-l9pU9IiVvseNYOo8RubU7U241yZ0764QYlni7eRZPGYE_w9i-Uaj2Bjutv5rfBa7J54Q=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1560" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUfkY1Y0jeTeU1f0NdAjazWbbMWbe8wWz_72jG0GLKYHIBuNen2xNLqo4jdVN3xQLh7fHQNwsHxlPX0zjCaa8NWB4kQ7S-xkKLBEvBAPxl7M_CVqhXJAm79-l9pU9IiVvseNYOo8RubU7U241yZ0764QYlni7eRZPGYE_w9i-Uaj2Bjutv5rfBa7J54Q=w305-h400" width="305" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also started venturing out of the sandbox. Up and down the driveway some more:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMJdgRLG7-e7bAgsKQ6ajl2ZybiBs-8s5xZDrYCjhTShe998jK5NHqC4o-ybxeC_Ay7zX5zLzHza1nyh1kfk_g_t0xZA3sxI1dH-PKT3HhBjnkQXtZQel88N9pdvSRT9BZAOxW16CTXSvrw2am1Go0jcet-OfMDL_whpx6CoU5F84gdvyh6BzjQWJFjA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMJdgRLG7-e7bAgsKQ6ajl2ZybiBs-8s5xZDrYCjhTShe998jK5NHqC4o-ybxeC_Ay7zX5zLzHza1nyh1kfk_g_t0xZA3sxI1dH-PKT3HhBjnkQXtZQel88N9pdvSRT9BZAOxW16CTXSvrw2am1Go0jcet-OfMDL_whpx6CoU5F84gdvyh6BzjQWJFjA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaTrNTobA_vSC5V4UJJY-hyXoLT6J4AwAEPReuV7XbFa3FQpY1qs50ovcnWL6QIv6OezpJfMKr3kdkZBRwfbHK8iO1v_yS5UCaEm_L87GHl6wD-XYSpo2oSWi1IF8H1LdMfmRfTcopCAznFkXkheVRT2g6z4a4wCG3lQMBtjAH8ZGc7efb7dFz7OKsDg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1519" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaTrNTobA_vSC5V4UJJY-hyXoLT6J4AwAEPReuV7XbFa3FQpY1qs50ovcnWL6QIv6OezpJfMKr3kdkZBRwfbHK8iO1v_yS5UCaEm_L87GHl6wD-XYSpo2oSWi1IF8H1LdMfmRfTcopCAznFkXkheVRT2g6z4a4wCG3lQMBtjAH8ZGc7efb7dFz7OKsDg=w296-h400" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbSBSSzyWd0NwcYL9P_7Ll56jyqhsfeNej2h94PSY1DFY_LQRrj-vW3IetAqr2KZFtEvGgmXensEE7MQ4vpS6c_i5rtza8vJPDbRXds7LnI-bK2IHAapGDOGexKdwPMjGYgwRGkE6xJ69s2bZLJu15i-OhuNGsqRFEFt79e-EZ78q3i9SjisvIXb7PmQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbSBSSzyWd0NwcYL9P_7Ll56jyqhsfeNej2h94PSY1DFY_LQRrj-vW3IetAqr2KZFtEvGgmXensEE7MQ4vpS6c_i5rtza8vJPDbRXds7LnI-bK2IHAapGDOGexKdwPMjGYgwRGkE6xJ69s2bZLJu15i-OhuNGsqRFEFt79e-EZ78q3i9SjisvIXb7PmQ=w326-h400" width="326" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Then down the road to the mailbox and back:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_P0Y7gN-IxQ_cCU1o5_H2Jtp48MsYW-DJQxOlcIF8mTraLP6Rp9bt2dHyPjLnAkSvGi5m1DOEZaVH0GO3ZbvFmdAXdsvQNrWmtOCpMgH6_16aEScJhSoSfUXWxLIQ0Z0r4VhBQgBvNY2K207gBdoRDxzsMmtzyuxEMi9ru7U3BZvSyogCxmE6hp59Fw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_P0Y7gN-IxQ_cCU1o5_H2Jtp48MsYW-DJQxOlcIF8mTraLP6Rp9bt2dHyPjLnAkSvGi5m1DOEZaVH0GO3ZbvFmdAXdsvQNrWmtOCpMgH6_16aEScJhSoSfUXWxLIQ0Z0r4VhBQgBvNY2K207gBdoRDxzsMmtzyuxEMi9ru7U3BZvSyogCxmE6hp59Fw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5aSVCGtiWI83TrYR4tFAQVApK0R-2xVPzfUF7alHYqUQROT-k4iuY_HpPG7ZiP4jtb6RMD0Mw8x5Xs4KBsHgQOmzRzAqFO-m2ueajdNrI_OocUZhAt6CA4hYxt25uv2t4YBHddS79P9UdQh1LJNqh2pqTP4RwUHI22Jn7NhXB3KKhw-MxOMGeKJ5xaQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1854" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5aSVCGtiWI83TrYR4tFAQVApK0R-2xVPzfUF7alHYqUQROT-k4iuY_HpPG7ZiP4jtb6RMD0Mw8x5Xs4KBsHgQOmzRzAqFO-m2ueajdNrI_OocUZhAt6CA4hYxt25uv2t4YBHddS79P9UdQh1LJNqh2pqTP4RwUHI22Jn7NhXB3KKhw-MxOMGeKJ5xaQ=w363-h400" width="363" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrzH88UtqArWLkWJKmNr3_Hfv5nsaP3yJ46ljnoxpfvV3SYG9Jso7qeW7cTIlBwnTw25RGZq6a2fZKgpws3Fc4h_W_HumEtuHLitKvaCvEFU2gGJFfdOYo6DkXx5x1JWtWUTIaW8crVm6-M7w31byQom70csaQuemyIqoxah9MusF6TbSxFHmFgRTZhw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1823" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrzH88UtqArWLkWJKmNr3_Hfv5nsaP3yJ46ljnoxpfvV3SYG9Jso7qeW7cTIlBwnTw25RGZq6a2fZKgpws3Fc4h_W_HumEtuHLitKvaCvEFU2gGJFfdOYo6DkXx5x1JWtWUTIaW8crVm6-M7w31byQom70csaQuemyIqoxah9MusF6TbSxFHmFgRTZhw=w356-h400" width="356" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our next-door neighbor was handy and wiling to take our picture. :-D</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Then past the mailbox, over the paved crossroad and all the way down to the other end of our gravel road and back, and finally...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">...we ventured into the woods!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKfNcn4hQYOMx_smf4GqjXqygrTH8MyHzt_LRCMh16Y_3GvvpxIIj5c8F5JAcQqGr8hMcpinAE9EYaphoQpjJDHK6UqDaZNnoKM9VW1q9wdlhfo3PXPw7G1V_-xhsnVICGdbZAmIXdomkUxpRVqUNpASUwkKM4Zgk4s9z-8ZocnDAhOQRgB4WEX4gE5w=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKfNcn4hQYOMx_smf4GqjXqygrTH8MyHzt_LRCMh16Y_3GvvpxIIj5c8F5JAcQqGr8hMcpinAE9EYaphoQpjJDHK6UqDaZNnoKM9VW1q9wdlhfo3PXPw7G1V_-xhsnVICGdbZAmIXdomkUxpRVqUNpASUwkKM4Zgk4s9z-8ZocnDAhOQRgB4WEX4gE5w=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1QInXFAOsODss8VEaBwiDZIhX70CDA6nJ1aHWo_ouK7M6c-mQ7Ni5OyAWuSJBtCeast0_wNF4TB9-aWv1Plh51bJ8vR5pN6Gc5UPe998scfN4A0Wjee04-CZufim67Hv20n_0hnxAaLPXn1GMxmIwJDvp5BntrGmuvz2foNFdP-Mh2PQnp4Bwr3TVdw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1QInXFAOsODss8VEaBwiDZIhX70CDA6nJ1aHWo_ouK7M6c-mQ7Ni5OyAWuSJBtCeast0_wNF4TB9-aWv1Plh51bJ8vR5pN6Gc5UPe998scfN4A0Wjee04-CZufim67Hv20n_0hnxAaLPXn1GMxmIwJDvp5BntrGmuvz2foNFdP-Mh2PQnp4Bwr3TVdw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHd66XGrVlv7OWKov3wrVosDOWKw_0_iai8qYDZJcKPb-lbunlVCXhoQ4dx6SgArkZOhVwty-MfknYL6F95rn8VouxGY51eP2bSltig6FUeDVPcuF8EJrr609fAT8nf25stqMqEmP4bOVlMbpTmJqFMqnTqgoXH1rryM-gmOwDd8aioomgSq2P1pbwjA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHd66XGrVlv7OWKov3wrVosDOWKw_0_iai8qYDZJcKPb-lbunlVCXhoQ4dx6SgArkZOhVwty-MfknYL6F95rn8VouxGY51eP2bSltig6FUeDVPcuF8EJrr609fAT8nf25stqMqEmP4bOVlMbpTmJqFMqnTqgoXH1rryM-gmOwDd8aioomgSq2P1pbwjA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi0Vk1v3ayAk4Ya-3hSq_yewukk4rRqolm9OXoaR0d3TwcBaV3wkPe8sUNIJ3JiJeWHCNpy-WpyZDERAlhmyl9L31ZcEN1WQKZKfIpwmv8dBoG7NOSiqIWh0onxCW9jtzF5uZRCOWHMDuo9zuyirCYFtZedaIEYNvO5kvlKKGPcsaOkX_-lx3uQNcYRg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi0Vk1v3ayAk4Ya-3hSq_yewukk4rRqolm9OXoaR0d3TwcBaV3wkPe8sUNIJ3JiJeWHCNpy-WpyZDERAlhmyl9L31ZcEN1WQKZKfIpwmv8dBoG7NOSiqIWh0onxCW9jtzF5uZRCOWHMDuo9zuyirCYFtZedaIEYNvO5kvlKKGPcsaOkX_-lx3uQNcYRg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiunQ8VcK4bMLIoDlbOzcHq1ZsgjNGC_xqPnaauO2lOCzPchsNmYtlhcI3Uxra5TskmcJgnCrY2hJQqItjMfx98uCgRyrztr1t9drf9a2EtAU3G1JnhREmWaqxomhssyHvkdLVh9TvrX_cXqABskuPwaxkobzhDT-NrxZpga2yup8kW5vMxYjY7OEs-DA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiunQ8VcK4bMLIoDlbOzcHq1ZsgjNGC_xqPnaauO2lOCzPchsNmYtlhcI3Uxra5TskmcJgnCrY2hJQqItjMfx98uCgRyrztr1t9drf9a2EtAU3G1JnhREmWaqxomhssyHvkdLVh9TvrX_cXqABskuPwaxkobzhDT-NrxZpga2yup8kW5vMxYjY7OEs-DA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi68GbE-QcCLVhYXain3KYn60BaAyhGqLDbI4dYU_R-bbl05hA9GuxHh9ZMqrkfDOVhtIYdbxnHOi5zJGjL4Sb1IXiQD_4SS4k8fv6OoEqgCNL0KFy_jtJrV7iz3MuHyX9mhhnVCXvoY1WDLpUzg452BFfWQMymJtpsnzvM-qJOS5gzFUqQxHkK1dXPCw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi68GbE-QcCLVhYXain3KYn60BaAyhGqLDbI4dYU_R-bbl05hA9GuxHh9ZMqrkfDOVhtIYdbxnHOi5zJGjL4Sb1IXiQD_4SS4k8fv6OoEqgCNL0KFy_jtJrV7iz3MuHyX9mhhnVCXvoY1WDLpUzg452BFfWQMymJtpsnzvM-qJOS5gzFUqQxHkK1dXPCw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-EUN3y2wyNWzb4SA2ReGSxY_gq7iQtrWc2D_o8fSiuaLU7FvTMPj4IPmrXsFw4kl0CRW0iUw0Y_KkI3XGWYh5tlucNoAyp8lhKYCEV9SXSCp8qqcHS-ORMlpyJAUymooRKUNqn-eG3fTub-pUtSO__PqXbxD0XLeGun9wiLQhLh71lnYktNWS0ZDS9g=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-EUN3y2wyNWzb4SA2ReGSxY_gq7iQtrWc2D_o8fSiuaLU7FvTMPj4IPmrXsFw4kl0CRW0iUw0Y_KkI3XGWYh5tlucNoAyp8lhKYCEV9SXSCp8qqcHS-ORMlpyJAUymooRKUNqn-eG3fTub-pUtSO__PqXbxD0XLeGun9wiLQhLh71lnYktNWS0ZDS9g=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Once again my mare was awesome in the face of alarming things. Everything was new and scary to her, yet she held herself together and listened to me. It felt so good to ride her where I've ridden countless times on other horses; it's the last place I can get to riding out from home that actually feels like a trail ride. I only got to ride Lance there once this year, looking for wild iris, and couldn't go very far because of all the downed trees and branches from last winter's ice storm. By the time Stella and rode there this month, it was apparent that someone had cut and cleared the old logging road. We could have gone much further than we did, but I wanted to end on a strong, successful note. Stella worked up a sweat as it was!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Unfortunately, the weather turned <i>very</i> wet right after that ride, so our access to the woods through our southern neighbor's property has turned slick and I don't want to tear up his grass. But it's nice to know we can venture there again when the weather allows.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In fact, it has turned SO wet this week that turn-out and riding time in the <i>arena</i> is much curtailed. The water has to have a chance to drain; using it when there is lots of standing water can damage the footing. On top of that I'm working every day this week, so no daylight home-time for me. I'm going to have a very pent-up pony to deal with by the weekend! C'est la vie....</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-89138989040893394212021-09-29T22:57:00.007-07:002021-09-30T08:03:54.267-07:00Another lesson; CliffsNotes only<div style="text-align: left;">Today Stella and I had our second riding lesson with my favorite instructor. We worked in the indoor arena and S didn't take any photos, so this is a "lesson journal" post for me, but you're welcome to read through. 😉</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If our first lesson with S made me feel like I had a real dressage horse, this lesson made me feel like I was riding a just-started colt (filly). There was LOTS of activity in and around the barn, some of which Stella could hear but not see. She was tense, nervous, and reactive (although never to the point of being unsafe), so S's goal for us today was to expose Stella to all kinds of new things while finding effective ways to focus and direct Stella's brain. To that end, she placed a couple poles on the ground, along with some cones, like this: — o — o o o Stella and I walked serpentines through this, stepping over the poles and weaving around the cones with lots of half-halts to slow her turns, alternating with 20m circles at walk and trot. Towards the end of our lesson, we also did several long halts, encouraging Stella to stand and process things calmly. S suggested alternating riding and groundwork during schooling sessions because Stella clearly looks to me for reassurance on the ground and said that will transfer more and more to under-saddle work by doing both several times within a session.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Most of the time we worked on a moderate-length rein, but Suzan did have me shorten them at the end, <i>without increasing contact</i>. Thumbs on top, hands up and not held close together; encourage enough forward that she doesn't get trappy. At one point it felt like, and S confirmed, that Stella offered a bit of passage; nice to know it'll be there when it's actually time to ask for it! S also commented that Stella is going to be 'stellar..' 😁</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-22326841451047879402021-09-28T11:32:00.006-07:002021-09-28T11:34:27.578-07:00Back to the future<div style="text-align: left;">Last week a friend mentioned that a former student of mine who bought my Swedish Warmblood mare many years ago would be riding in a show at DevonWood last weekend. I looked up her ride times online, and decided to run up Friday to watch her ride her current warmblood mare.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_k6eUMhAWes/YVNWMHvWyeI/AAAAAAABGhI/ndvGX360MHAqJw2BNznXsi23CNc0r82ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/falltrees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_k6eUMhAWes/YVNWMHvWyeI/AAAAAAABGhI/ndvGX360MHAqJw2BNznXsi23CNc0r82ywCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/falltrees.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-76x5k1DIJHI/YVNWOy4vXLI/AAAAAAABGhQ/hTS1yjVu1EI-b8aH0fQiW_vayd96DM1EwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Terrace%2Barena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-76x5k1DIJHI/YVNWOy4vXLI/AAAAAAABGhQ/hTS1yjVu1EI-b8aH0fQiW_vayd96DM1EwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Terrace%2Barena.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PudfSdRrBO0/YVNWOgz3bjI/AAAAAAABGhM/6qmi9KC5pSYBDVIeqiitUEzwdF2tWxQtACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/sand%2Barena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1523" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PudfSdRrBO0/YVNWOgz3bjI/AAAAAAABGhM/6qmi9KC5pSYBDVIeqiitUEzwdF2tWxQtACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/sand%2Barena.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It felt good to be at DevonWood again; it is <i>such</i> a beautiful facility. My header photo was taken there; I've danced with three horses in all four of their 'ballrooms' (competition arenas). The first horse I showed there was my Morgan gelding; I can hardly wait to compete there again someday with my little Morgan mare!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ziK-YsjDV3M/YVNWtSVT5MI/AAAAAAABGhg/xM-tK8jXI6wwIfxi-ed5kp-F7jpz8w3lQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/warm-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ziK-YsjDV3M/YVNWtSVT5MI/AAAAAAABGhg/xM-tK8jXI6wwIfxi-ed5kp-F7jpz8w3lQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/warm-up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_AafvUwXXw4/YVNWtU8XjoI/AAAAAAABGhk/6mfosF7xK-gnllfQcDfx11fVYRY_nq3CgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/warm-up2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_AafvUwXXw4/YVNWtU8XjoI/AAAAAAABGhk/6mfosF7xK-gnllfQcDfx11fVYRY_nq3CgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/warm-up2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymVwiEylWLk/YVNXRLXO-QI/AAAAAAABGhs/bMfCDParaZE-rNl8MCK9A2GW8X7EygCWACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/warm-up3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="2048" height="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymVwiEylWLk/YVNXRLXO-QI/AAAAAAABGhs/bMfCDParaZE-rNl8MCK9A2GW8X7EygCWACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h294/warm-up3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">But back to my former student. It took me awhile to figure out which one was her in the busy warm-up arena; I knew I was looking for a mare being ridden by a petite female, but it has probably been a decade since I'd last seen B. As her ride time approached and she headed up the hill to the Sylvan Arena, I followed her train of family and friend to watch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F7cGIQhQPNA/YVNXxbnBqrI/AAAAAAABGh4/sgJ_peE6eSkgwhz7dOW1JYiOMvFOcH-swCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Britni1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F7cGIQhQPNA/YVNXxbnBqrI/AAAAAAABGh4/sgJ_peE6eSkgwhz7dOW1JYiOMvFOcH-swCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Britni1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y76kLexnNZk/YVNXxRy-p0I/AAAAAAABGh0/SZCCQhXweEEFKZEfLCZ_7mC1o6WPqNHdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Britni2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y76kLexnNZk/YVNXxRy-p0I/AAAAAAABGh0/SZCCQhXweEEFKZEfLCZ_7mC1o6WPqNHdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Britni2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGGBlqEiRZk/YVNYQqH_vaI/AAAAAAABGiU/mnX2ouKU-9s0Edl4cw-5ZiXD1fYR1FpVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Britni4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1768" data-original-width="2048" height="345" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGGBlqEiRZk/YVNYQqH_vaI/AAAAAAABGiU/mnX2ouKU-9s0Edl4cw-5ZiXD1fYR1FpVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h345/Britni4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5C2jNpigKi8/YVNYQeycOII/AAAAAAABGiQ/ZakG0KtOpBYaofNUzV1GxyX7mvocbq5kwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Britni3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5C2jNpigKi8/YVNYQeycOII/AAAAAAABGiQ/ZakG0KtOpBYaofNUzV1GxyX7mvocbq5kwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Britni3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Their Third Level test was lovely. The mare is built uphill with expressive gaits, and B rode her very well. I walked over to where she came out of the ring to say hi and be the first to congratulate her; she seemed surprised and pleased that I'd come.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before I left the grounds I looked up her score; wow – 72.5%!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday morning B texted me the following photo – they won their USDF Region 6 Third Level Championship class Saturday. Woot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rL-7Dsr3nBc/YVNa4d5cAxI/AAAAAAABGig/xD1Jsm3u6ksq3lGqBwKOYyDM1HmG6tyZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Britni%252Cribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1496" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rL-7Dsr3nBc/YVNa4d5cAxI/AAAAAAABGig/xD1Jsm3u6ksq3lGqBwKOYyDM1HmG6tyZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w293-h400/Britni%252Cribbon.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><div>B has come a <i>long</i> way from when I first met her, a teenager riding a half-Arab pony....</div><div><br /></div><div>And that burgundy jacket (and, I suspect, the gray one in the photo she sent me)? It is MESH. How perfect is that for the summer show season??? I didn't know such things existed; obviously I've been out of the loop awhile riding compromised horses, training for others, and 'bringing up baby Black Beauty.' But <i>some</i>day, when Stella and I are dancing in the big leagues, I plan on getting one. And since the attire rules for dressage are loosening up significantly this December, maybe I'll be able to find one in Stella's color – "first place blue"!!!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-8112392977626328672021-09-21T09:59:00.001-07:002021-09-21T09:59:59.452-07:00Waiting for eruptions<div style="text-align: left;">No, not behavioral ones; Stella continues to be reliably sane. If she doesn't get regular turn-out for some reason, she is definitely more energetic and tense, but never out of control. The eruptions I am waiting on, before scheduling another lesson, are the rest of her <b>canine teeth</b>. Suzan advised riding her bitless or on a loose rein until those come in and her mouth is more comfortable. Since I don't have a bitless bridle (my German hackamore doesn't qualify), I am riding Stella as carefully as I can to not aggravate her sore mouth. Stella is letting me know that I am mostly successful, and we continue to make steady progress, especially at the canter, riding 4-5 days a week. In our last four rides, she has picked up the correct lead and maintained the canter for several 20M circles with my verbal encouragement to keep going. Can you see my smile from there??? 😁</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We got over two inches of glorious rain Friday night and Saturday, so for right now we get to ride in a dust-free arena. Sunday I turned her loose in it first to let off steam, as the pasture was still muddy and slick.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/xU19diCH3Hw" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hopefully I can record a dust-free ride with Pivo before the arena dries out again; I want to <i>see</i> us canter!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The farrier was here Monday. When he started trimming Lance, he noticed that Lance's right hock was really swollen:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlmrMlL0oUc/YUkSuLpIgGI/AAAAAAABGdA/omA_Q_a7ikciRII4RwE9WADeXMl8lQ2SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9%253A13%252CLance%2527sleg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlmrMlL0oUc/YUkSuLpIgGI/AAAAAAABGdA/omA_Q_a7ikciRII4RwE9WADeXMl8lQ2SgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/9%253A13%252CLance%2527sleg.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">By later that day, the swelling had progressed down the rest of the leg:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hGmnUejIHvw/YUoPHmzvs-I/AAAAAAABGdg/e5oiKrbBWzgfUGF87rVDvckbp2gb31M4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9%253A13%252CLance%2527sleg3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hGmnUejIHvw/YUoPHmzvs-I/AAAAAAABGdg/e5oiKrbBWzgfUGF87rVDvckbp2gb31M4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/9%253A13%252CLance%2527sleg3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I had been gone Thursday through Sunday and Rick had cleaned stalls that morning, so I hadn't been in with Lance, but I still felt bad that I hadn't noticed. I kept the horses in a couple days to keep Lance from aggravating whatever he had done to it, but it wasn't until I turned him and Stella out Wednesday that the swelling finally went down. All that running....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/_3F2XSe0qbA" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/0VcxsHIoWEI" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But the next day it was swollen again – <i>and</i> Lance was lame. 😒</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QlArNxMPW70/YUkTGtM9jdI/AAAAAAABGdY/mvSJQ8FqWIkZdaF9KGSSC9A0w9vzGumrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9%253A17%252CLance%2527sleg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1573" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QlArNxMPW70/YUkTGtM9jdI/AAAAAAABGdY/mvSJQ8FqWIkZdaF9KGSSC9A0w9vzGumrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w308-h400/9%253A17%252CLance%2527sleg.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So we added SMZs (antibiotic) to his Bute (anti-inflammatory) on top of his meds for 'asthma' and 'diabetes,' and although he thinks we're horrid for ruining his mealtimes, the lameness has abated though some swelling remains.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErkU1EvXPDg/YUi51udv5QI/AAAAAAABGcw/ktKt1NWFL3QM0SNlBGwxHQ9cvjl74WopACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9%253A20%252CSMZ%252Cboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1692" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErkU1EvXPDg/YUi51udv5QI/AAAAAAABGcw/ktKt1NWFL3QM0SNlBGwxHQ9cvjl74WopACLcBGAsYHQ/w331-h400/9%253A20%252CSMZ%252Cboots.jpg" width="331" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Telltale signs that you're doctoring a horse</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650503331857488880.post-79015375262088487712021-08-27T17:08:00.001-07:002021-08-27T17:08:58.805-07:00Photos for you; CliffsNotes for me (edited)<div style="text-align: left;">I was curious about just how many years it's been since I have had a dressage lesson, so I searched through my blog. (Excellent source of reference, a blog, which is why I'm going to post my lesson notes here – so I can review what we did.) I had my last lesson with Julie in the spring of 2017, just before Lance's health took a sharp dive. My last riding lesson with Suzan was in 2014 on Lance, which was more of a consolation on saddle fit and discomfort. (Poor Lance; our journey together has not been what I hoped for or expected....)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So I was both excited and a little trepidatious about Stella's and my lesson Wednesday. Have I gotten into all kinds of bad habits working by myself for so long? Have I given Stella have a decent foundation to build upon? Could we progress from where we are, or would Suzan need to tear things down to build them back correctly?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When we arrived, the rider before me had cancelled, so Suzan asked if I wanted to start right away. Oh, o-kaaay; I could hustle and get Stella tacked up and ready. Then she asked if we were doing a long-lining lesson (remember, she gave Stella and I two long-lining lessons last fall) or a riding lesson. When I responded, "Riding," she asked, "Are you going to lunge her first?" Well, no, I never do. "<b>You're just going to climb on?!?</b>" Well, yes, that's what I always do. Now <i>Suzan</i> was trepidatious; she was remembering my skittish, reactive girlie of last fall and clearly thought I was crazy. 😉</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But after a few minutes of worrying about Stella freaking out (she didn't), Suzan settled in to doing what she does best: observe with the keenest eye I know, identify precisely what needs to happen, and expertly instruct the rider on how to achieve it. Before our seven-year hiatus, I took many years of clinics and lessons from Suzan (although I could only afford to see her once a month at most); my first Morgan and I never could have reached the FEI levels without her. So just like riding a bike (riding a horse?), I started following her familiar instructions and felt my little mare transform beneath me. Oh, Stella still had lots of 'moments,' but Suzan attributed those to her teething process. (Since Rick checked her teeth, one canine tooth has erupted and two others can be felt beneath the surface of her gums. We shortened Stella's headstall by a hole to better accommodate them.) Towards the end, Suzan grabbed some cell phone shots. I'm pretty pleased with what I see; look at my dressage Morgan!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHkl1tfYJHo/YSlXgWZWN-I/AAAAAAABGLg/jTn80IJf8y0iPu8Ar1d7sxhdHbwiXQlDACLcBGAsYHQ/s920/8%253A25%252CSuzanlesson1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="920" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHkl1tfYJHo/YSlXgWZWN-I/AAAAAAABGLg/jTn80IJf8y0iPu8Ar1d7sxhdHbwiXQlDACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/8%253A25%252CSuzanlesson1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKOiZfpEkyc/YSlXhEiQZyI/AAAAAAABGLo/xxTUqA1VRWwOFBB93zP3u-JZRWzpZvPLACLcBGAsYHQ/s810/8%253A25%252CSuzanlesson2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="810" height="344" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKOiZfpEkyc/YSlXhEiQZyI/AAAAAAABGLo/xxTUqA1VRWwOFBB93zP3u-JZRWzpZvPLACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h344/8%253A25%252CSuzanlesson2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMlqfGQI2TY/YSlXhJFiAnI/AAAAAAABGLk/bUP5cGKTeg89YNW6HZSO8V7HyXrwsg0bwCLcBGAsYHQ/s773/8%253A25%252CSuzanlesson3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="773" height="374" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMlqfGQI2TY/YSlXhJFiAnI/AAAAAAABGLk/bUP5cGKTeg89YNW6HZSO8V7HyXrwsg0bwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h374/8%253A25%252CSuzanlesson3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXaoRuZQrBE/YSlXhtwH0jI/AAAAAAABGLs/cN6D3eTBUTcPCTSVGqs-NPQJrWW55axGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s722/8%253A25%252CSuzanlesson4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="722" height="324" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXaoRuZQrBE/YSlXhtwH0jI/AAAAAAABGLs/cN6D3eTBUTcPCTSVGqs-NPQJrWW55axGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h324/8%253A25%252CSuzanlesson4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Now for my CliffsNotes:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">(Edited after riding; remembered more things!)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Shorten reins! (Old refrain. I ended up with REALLY short reins at the trot. I <i>must</i> keep the slack out of the reins to keep the bit from bouncing/bumping her and aggravating those emerging canines.) Keep thumbs up, knuckles in, fingers closed, elbows soft, hands apart. Keep lower back relaxed. Follow her head with my hands to keep the connection straight, not broken; if she raises her head, raise hands. (That can <i>feel</i> REALLY high.) She'll bring it back down and connect (sometimes only briefly, but we'll string moments together).</div><div><br />Look at her ears, not the ground; ride her straight with nose between ears so she can use her hocks. Turn her whole body, not her nose. (The first clinician I ever rode with said it should feel like turning a bus, which is a good mental image for me.)</div><div><br />If quick at the walk, half-halt with legs and body only, not hands, for 4-5 strides, then release. (Later in the lesson, Suzan said to take her to the trot when she got quick.) At the trot, slow her by slowing posting rhythm. When giving her a walk break, let her stretch halfway, not clear to the buckle. To encourage her to soften over the topline and stretch, use slow (over several strides) flexes with my wrist; nothing quick.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was the first time I've ridden using bluetooth earpieces. Suzan called me on my iPhone from her cell phone so she didn't wear herself out trying to project her voice, and it worked well. Next time I'm going to see if I can get video footage of our lesson using my Pivo at the same time; we may also try some lessons via Pivo in the future. Times, they are a-changin'!</div><div><br /></div><div>And now that I've refreshed my memory after giving Stella her usual Thursday off, I'm going out to see how well I can repeat the lesson's progress.</div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01550786937196525098noreply@blogger.com7