Training Level, here we come!

I sent in our entry today for an ODS League show on July 28. Like the Intro and First Level tests I rode on others' horses last year, the Training Level tests have changed since I last rode them (probably more than 15 years ago). Time to start memorizing! I'm also trying to convince my friend Debbie to enter the same show and haul down with me. She just had carpal tunnel surgery today, but I'm pretty sure Julie (the young lady we've both taken some lessons from) would be willing to show Debbie's mare if Debbie can't.

Speaking of Julie, she'll be here – for the summer at least – on Monday. I'm excited about getting some feedback and instruction on my boy!

I rode Lance up the road this afternoon; he's more forward outside the arena. I won't get to ride again until next Tuesday, because we're headed out of town. (Sure hope the person doing chores makes sure to clip and chain the stall doors!) After riding I turned the horses out into the lower pasture, and then had to admire the mirror-like shine on handsome Sir Lancelot. (If only he didn't have that big chunk of mane missing. Maybe that's supposed to keep me humble. ;-)

A saddle in my sights

I have a lead on a used saddle of the make and model I've been looking for, and the price is even comparable to what I should be able to get out of my Black Country! The big question is whether a medium tree (rather than a medium/wide) will fit Lance. I will get a chance to find out weekend after next!

Crashing their party

This evening when we came home from our Father's Day activities, Rick said, "What are the horses doing out?" There were Sam and Lance, grazing the edges of the driveway. That it was those two meant one thing – well, two things: someone forgot to secure their stall latches, and  busy-mouth Lance had been hard at work taking advantage of that fact!

The barn was trashed; busted pallets, scattered hay, and other items kept in the aisleway strewn about. You would have thought they were a couple of teenagers who threw a party when their parents were out of town!

We put all four equines out on pasture and cleaned up the mess. I didn't feel bad at all about pulling Lance out for a ride later while everyone else continued to graze. ;-)

Schooling is going well; I keep our arena sessions short and sweet. I've bookmarked an ODS League show in Eugene on July 28 with the goal of showing competently at Training Level. I would also like to take him to the Mustang Show at the State Fair on August 28, but need to see what classes are offered. If nothing else I could show him in-hand; that would take some work with my busy boy!

Pony rides

Last week my neighbor called to ask for a favor. Saturday evening they were having company, including two nieces who I had given pony rides to (on Russell) around five years ago. The girls have remembered that visit fondly over the years, and their grandfather recently committed suicide, so my neighbor was hoping I could let them ride again as a pleasant diversion. How could I say no?

Since Russell, my dressage-partner/babysitter-extraordinare, is living a life of retired ease elsewhere, I turned to Breezy, Brian's been-there-done-that pony, and Lance. As green as Lance is I didn't plan on turning anyone loose on him, but figured he's mellow enough to use as a lead-line horse.

The girls are 10 and 13 now with some riding experience from summer camp, and in the end I was able to turn them both loose as I stood to the side. Once again, I was so pleased with my colt!

Riding, not writing

I realize things have been quiet here. I've been riding Lance (still in the old Wintec), working on conditioning, improving balance, and fine-tuning his responses to my aids. He is picking up and maintaining canter better, which tells me we are making progress on all counts. I gave my camera to my son recently to get some video proof, but it didn't turn out.

The beach is still calling to me, as is the desire for some experienced eyes on the ground. The young lady that I took some clinics with on Russell, Larry and Horton is coming back to the area for the summer at the end of this month, so there is help on the horizon. My goal is to have Lance going solidly at Training Level by then so we can move on with Julie's help. Maybe she'll even want to go to the beach for a ride!