Tonight was the first time I tried riding Pollyanne under saddle. She is a little stubborn and doesn’t turn or stop, but that only added to the fun of going on a quick ride around the pasture. Even though this is a new bit and saddle she never kicked out and this is going to…
Yesterday I had a wild hair to hop on Mom and Dad’s Tennessee Walker they’ve had in the pasture for the last five years. Pollyanne has always been a friendly horse that loves attention and we’ve been talking about seeing how she would do for a long time. Someone told us she had been ridden…
Today was the most fun I’ve ever had learning to ride a horse. My new friend Juan spent the afternoon teaching me about rein contact and leg positions. These principles unlock an infinite amount of potential and are the beginning of endless amounts of fun. As I began to understand and learn how to apply…
Tonight was a pretty exciting first time leading Phoenix! After a long day of meetings and errands I was particularly interested in spending some time in the barn with Minka and Phoenix. On a wild hair, and in spite of being in the middle of thunderstorms and wind gusts, I decided to try teaching Phoenix…
A couple of weeks ago, just before going to bed, I found Minka limping with lacerations on both legs, a cut just above the hoof, in the rain and mud. I had already scheduled Cowboy for an appointment with Mississippi State, had just saved their emergency line number that morning, and I immediately gave them…
I found an Australian Stock Saddle on marketplace earlier this week. It’s basically a cross between Western and English saddles; the desire being comfortable for long trail rides. Cowboy was not as excited to try on the new saddle as much as I was to try it out! We ended up spending the evening working…
This afternoon I went on my first trail ride away from the farm with Minka. We loaded up and headed to Trace State Park in Pontotoc and meandered through the equestrian trails on the north side of Old Natchez Trace Lake. It was quiet and peaceful; the setting sun occasionally peaking through the trees and…
I’m pretty excited about 2023! We started this year off right with a fantastic weather for ride around the property with Minka!! It took a while for her to get comfortable with taking the lead and going in her own without Cowboy, but after she warmed up we had an excellent afternoon and a quiet…
For Christmas this year I got a Mecate Rein for Cowboy’s headstall. It’s a 22 foot rope that is divided between reins and a weighted tail for groundwork and a lead. I was interested in part because I like how it looks but also in the practical form of having a lead rope always available….
Cowboy is still setting back when tied up. Sometimes it’s discouraging and I forget that we’re making progress because he pulls back with so much energy. However, I had an epiphany today! I think he might be “claustrophobic” when he’s tied up and I begin to work with his feet. I’ve been going through a…