Just Looking

We (my husband and I) are kicking around the idea of having our middle daughter start 4H this year.  I know we need to decide soon as there are fees that need to be paid.  I asked her and she said she didn't know because she didn't know what kind of shows there are.  She's not into Western Pleasure, or any english classes.  I'm thinking she's going to be a speed and action kind of girl - she likes to run on those big horses!  You should see her go!  Last summer we had my brother-in-law's APHA horse at our house, he's close to 16 hh, and she would run him around the front yard like it was no big deal.  She thoroughly enjoys going fast and I think barrels (maybe poles) will be her style.  But I'm wondering if there are those kind of events at the 4H level?  What about doing a trail course?  Do they offer that as well?

I know it's blurry...sorry!  Middle daughter does wear her helmet when riding...she was all done and I wanted a quick picture so she hopped on quick - without the helmet!

Anyway, in thinking about her possible 4H showing this year it got me looking at horses for sale.  No, we aren't in the market right now but I enjoy looking at what's out there.  Do you ever do that?  I find myself looking at horses for sale all the time, not because I want/need another horse but just because seeing what's out there is fun.  I enjoy looking at beautiful horses of all breeds and colors. 

I blurred out her face - middle daughter on Star.  We were doing a photo shoot of the horses and I had her hop on quick.

I think Star could do well for our daughter at the 4H level, with some work.  She's going to need a refresher this spring too because she hasn't been ridden since the bad weather hit.  That mare likes to go and not much phases her so I think she would handle the horse showing thing just fine.  She's never ran a barrel pattern before so she will have to be taught that as well.

Looks like I have a busy spring ahead of me!

Until next time!


Quote for the day:
"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses."

-Alphonse Karr

Our Journey Starts

Hello!  I'm starting this blog because I want to have a training journal for me and Zoe's upcoming training.  A little background on Zoe and myself (and my other horse, Star) can be found on the 'About Us' page. 

My goal for Zoe and I are to be riding W-T-C without round penning first. It's a pretty attainable goal and I don't have a time frame on it because who knows what pace will be right for Zoe?  We will move at a pace that is comfortable to us.  To date,  we have walked and trotted but not without extensive round penning.  She has some buck in her right now that I would like to get past so I don't always have to round pen her before getting on.  I know that with some time in the saddle, she will be able to get past it.  Plus, a few times while being tied, I would ask her to move over by barely touching her side and she freaked out!  Flew backwards and acted as if I had stuck needles into her sides.  I have no idea why or what triggers that but we will be working on that as well.  She's already gotten better at being touched to move over but that's something we need to keep a handle on.

Last summer (when I purchased Zoe), we worked on round penning, ground manners (she's pretty good on the ground), saddling, steering, stopping (AWESOME stop!!!), walking and very little trotting.  Unfortunately, I don't have an indoor arena so our training has been put on hold for now.  Once the weather breaks and more snow melts, we will have a few refresher sessions and then hopefully be able to pick up where we left off. 

Over these cold months, Zoe has become quite accustomed to me and the way I do things so that should help us this spring when training resumes.  I'm really excited to get working under saddle again.  She is very tuned into her rider, very sensitive to cues and a sensible horse.  I know that once finished, she will be an awesome riding horse! 

Until next time!



Quote for the day:
Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.