Seems like a lot of people have had a bad 2017, not sure mine was bad, it wasn't great and it didn't go the way I planned but I cant say I hated it and I guess that's all one can hope for. Many things have changed and I have changed and therefore I am hoping more stuff I want to get done this year does and it will be awesome!
1. First off 2 new foals how can that not be so fun! I plan of halter breaking them early of course since its during branding season it may not go as smooth as planned but it will happen eventually.
2. Cutting. I have plans to start riding Easy as soon as I can. I kinked my back on Friday so I'm out for week or 2 and still working on finding a place. Then come April he will go be boarded at the trainers and then if I can't ride at least they will keep him in shape for showing.
3. Finishing projects at home, I have a huge work in progress list, both of crafts, woodworking and building items I want to get done. I have made out a list/timeline and gave myself goals for when they are done I think it will work knowing exactly what I need to do.
4. And of course my other horses, I have goals for pretty much everyone, all listed out, I wont bore you with them here but it starts with getting Rayne started and taking more clinics with Razz to have her calmer and relaxed in groups. And taking Jax on a group ride/drive. And probly leasing Pally out after branding season, I have a few places asking about her and so we will see, not like I won't have enough others around lol. Only one who doesn't have a goal list is Jessie which is weird for the first time ever for her. Still debating on Nita, whether to breed her back or ride her we will see how the foal is and how she is.
5. Enjoy every moment. So even now as I am laying in bed writing this up I have taught myself to crochet. So far just a single crochet in a dishcloth but I want to make some log pillows for my window seat so I need to practice. Times a wasting gotta do something.
Showing posts with label cutting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cutting. Show all posts
Monday, January 1, 2018
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
New Years 2017
Haha Im a bit late but Happy New Year everyone. Time to make resolutions and blah blah blah. Actually I like making resolutions and I really like lists and keeping track of stuff so this year I am trying something new and made myself a binder for all the important stuff. Still working on it and what I like and dont like but after 3 days I like it so far, nice to have everything in one place.
Last year I had lots of goals (written here) and some got done and some changed and some just never got thought of again. Well this year is a little different I have fewer goals but bigger ones.
1. Get out and cut, so much so that I am no eligible for the 2000 class in any NCHA show. I said something last year and Doug said it was possible in a year but wont be easy. That OK who needs easy anyways...and I got Easy (the horse, lol) Also in this goal is another one of getting more fit. I kinda been slacking last few years and I notice it when i ride now and if I wanna be competitive I need to be ready to ride and so I started a workout routine, got it all planned out which helps at least I know what I should be doing when.
2. Big scary news (for me anyways) If all goes well I am gonna breed Jess this year, sent away her 5 panel test and they were doing a special for either color or pattern, well shes sorrel no doubting that so I did pattern, she has a lot of white including a belly spot so we will see, not that it matters the stud Im thinking of is sorrel with white too so I kinda know the color of the foal already. Dont care about color but if it turns out well I am gonna put himéher in training. Yikes! Unless it sells haha and then Ill do it again :) But also because of this this fall I am gonna look at getting a bred mare so I have 2 foals they seem better that way. But I will be picky cause if I dont breed Jess back Ill probly wanna ride the mare so she has to be broke. Well that was a longer goal than I expected but kinda needed to be. No plans to breed Razz yet, I cant find a stallion I like enough for her. But Im sure I will eventually.
3. Clean out old house. Ya that was on my last year list but we just got the garage finished (after a good 6 months grrr) and this week just moved a freezer and fridge over so I couldnt do much before then althoguh I been slowly working on it.
4. Ride more. And Drive more. Now that I got Jax and a cart and harness for him I plan on doing a lot of driving :) and last year was a really poor year for riding so I will definitely have to up my game this year, specially with Easy he will need exercise at least 5 probly days a week. Im gonna start ponying him so hes not always rode will be nicer for him and hopefully get him more comfortable in the pastures. And to have more I need a starting amount. According to AQHA I have 24.5 All breed hours and 98.5 AQHA hours for a total of 123. Which is a lot more than I thought, most of it while Easy was boarded last winter but I need at least twice that to get through this year.
Oh and Shirley the mermaid, I got a better pic so you can see it, I love it! And Mrs Shoes I sure will share the recipe. tomorrow if I get time :)
Last year I had lots of goals (written here) and some got done and some changed and some just never got thought of again. Well this year is a little different I have fewer goals but bigger ones.
1. Get out and cut, so much so that I am no eligible for the 2000 class in any NCHA show. I said something last year and Doug said it was possible in a year but wont be easy. That OK who needs easy anyways...and I got Easy (the horse, lol) Also in this goal is another one of getting more fit. I kinda been slacking last few years and I notice it when i ride now and if I wanna be competitive I need to be ready to ride and so I started a workout routine, got it all planned out which helps at least I know what I should be doing when.
2. Big scary news (for me anyways) If all goes well I am gonna breed Jess this year, sent away her 5 panel test and they were doing a special for either color or pattern, well shes sorrel no doubting that so I did pattern, she has a lot of white including a belly spot so we will see, not that it matters the stud Im thinking of is sorrel with white too so I kinda know the color of the foal already. Dont care about color but if it turns out well I am gonna put himéher in training. Yikes! Unless it sells haha and then Ill do it again :) But also because of this this fall I am gonna look at getting a bred mare so I have 2 foals they seem better that way. But I will be picky cause if I dont breed Jess back Ill probly wanna ride the mare so she has to be broke. Well that was a longer goal than I expected but kinda needed to be. No plans to breed Razz yet, I cant find a stallion I like enough for her. But Im sure I will eventually.
3. Clean out old house. Ya that was on my last year list but we just got the garage finished (after a good 6 months grrr) and this week just moved a freezer and fridge over so I couldnt do much before then althoguh I been slowly working on it.
4. Ride more. And Drive more. Now that I got Jax and a cart and harness for him I plan on doing a lot of driving :) and last year was a really poor year for riding so I will definitely have to up my game this year, specially with Easy he will need exercise at least 5 probly days a week. Im gonna start ponying him so hes not always rode will be nicer for him and hopefully get him more comfortable in the pastures. And to have more I need a starting amount. According to AQHA I have 24.5 All breed hours and 98.5 AQHA hours for a total of 123. Which is a lot more than I thought, most of it while Easy was boarded last winter but I need at least twice that to get through this year.
Oh and Shirley the mermaid, I got a better pic so you can see it, I love it! And Mrs Shoes I sure will share the recipe. tomorrow if I get time :)
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Hes Home!
Last week after Bailey left I went for a lesson. Was really good, lots of people there though but that's OK. Doug asked if I was gonna come the next day I said I planned on it and he asked if I would bring my trailer and take him home and to the show since his trailer was full. So no problem I was going to bring him home from the show anyways might as well. So Friday I brought the trailer and then had another good lesson, I worked a couple cows then he worked him on the flag a bit. It was neat to see him work Easy since I never get to. Took him home put him in the big pen next to Pally and Trio and fed and was done for the night, I was tired and we had a show in the morning.
Woke up the next morning to a gale! I never slept real good cause wind all night and was sure there was gonna be snow on the ground, but nope was actually +8 when I got up that was weird. So did chores and got everything organized and then went to get Easy. Neil was gonna help me cause that wind was so nasty wasn't sure of the trailer door. I walked to the gate with his halter and he come running to me! Probly wanted back in the barn.....sorry bud no barn here. But was cool. Then he did not want to load. Took about 5 tries and he finally got in, but was screaming the whole time. Ugh sure hoped it was only the wind. Cause I know he's been loaded a million times before.
Got to the show and miserable there too. Still screaming in the trailer so I unloaded him and tied him to the side of the trailer with a hay bag and went inside to see what was going on. I was way early they had just finished the open and were settling for non pro. Still had 4 herds before mine. Oh well got to see a bunch of the other barnies show and so that was cool. Easy was still having a fit at the trailer 2 hours later so I finally saddled him up and brought him inside and tied him to the wall and he had a nap. Turns out he never has been by himself before, not in the trailer or anywhere really, always had other horses around. Might have to start hauling the pony with him everywhere we go, hell be like a racehorse haha.
But then he was warmed up nicely and I got on and rode him a bit just to see how he felt and then it was our turn. I was last in the herd of course (again) and so just got whatever cows were left. First one was a black and she run wall to wall. I was pretty happy with it, I made it to the wall a few times, coulda been a little farther a couple times but I have a hard time getting him to go to the wall going left so that was big.
The second cow was much turnier was fun! We stayed on her and she was a good cow. Then only a little time left and I got another one cut out, that was hard but I liked my herd work on it and got a turn and the buzzer rang and so I made one more turn and we quit. Super happy with that run and it earned me a 71!!!! Best score I have ever had, won the class, not that it matters cause next time I will be smarter and enter the non pro so I can go earlier at least at central shows.
Came home, he loaded a little better, still hesitant but at home he went right to see his friends in the next pen and then was just quiet. Bad day to bring him home with all that wind hes not used to. But I feel a huge relief that even though he can have a fit and be so upset he still can show like its no big deal. I love that. And now 2 days later hes just hangs out, not even by the others all the time, i am gonna put Pally in with him soon and they can be buddies. Hes had 2 days off and today will be back to work. I was told I have to ride him everyday to keep him in shape. I will probly go for a lesson tomorrow and see whats going on. Im not showing this weekend so no rush for lessons for me.
(watching me)
(how cute, sniffing noses,
wasn't any squealing or anything I was surprised)
Woke up the next morning to a gale! I never slept real good cause wind all night and was sure there was gonna be snow on the ground, but nope was actually +8 when I got up that was weird. So did chores and got everything organized and then went to get Easy. Neil was gonna help me cause that wind was so nasty wasn't sure of the trailer door. I walked to the gate with his halter and he come running to me! Probly wanted back in the barn.....sorry bud no barn here. But was cool. Then he did not want to load. Took about 5 tries and he finally got in, but was screaming the whole time. Ugh sure hoped it was only the wind. Cause I know he's been loaded a million times before.
Got to the show and miserable there too. Still screaming in the trailer so I unloaded him and tied him to the side of the trailer with a hay bag and went inside to see what was going on. I was way early they had just finished the open and were settling for non pro. Still had 4 herds before mine. Oh well got to see a bunch of the other barnies show and so that was cool. Easy was still having a fit at the trailer 2 hours later so I finally saddled him up and brought him inside and tied him to the wall and he had a nap. Turns out he never has been by himself before, not in the trailer or anywhere really, always had other horses around. Might have to start hauling the pony with him everywhere we go, hell be like a racehorse haha.
But then he was warmed up nicely and I got on and rode him a bit just to see how he felt and then it was our turn. I was last in the herd of course (again) and so just got whatever cows were left. First one was a black and she run wall to wall. I was pretty happy with it, I made it to the wall a few times, coulda been a little farther a couple times but I have a hard time getting him to go to the wall going left so that was big.
The second cow was much turnier was fun! We stayed on her and she was a good cow. Then only a little time left and I got another one cut out, that was hard but I liked my herd work on it and got a turn and the buzzer rang and so I made one more turn and we quit. Super happy with that run and it earned me a 71!!!! Best score I have ever had, won the class, not that it matters cause next time I will be smarter and enter the non pro so I can go earlier at least at central shows.
(I let him graze while I unsaddled and brushed him out,
he dried so quick cause of the wind)
Came home, he loaded a little better, still hesitant but at home he went right to see his friends in the next pen and then was just quiet. Bad day to bring him home with all that wind hes not used to. But I feel a huge relief that even though he can have a fit and be so upset he still can show like its no big deal. I love that. And now 2 days later hes just hangs out, not even by the others all the time, i am gonna put Pally in with him soon and they can be buddies. Hes had 2 days off and today will be back to work. I was told I have to ride him everyday to keep him in shape. I will probly go for a lesson tomorrow and see whats going on. Im not showing this weekend so no rush for lessons for me.
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Sick
Ugh I hate being sick. Its only a cold and I totally blame the hubby for it, he come home last weekend with it and shared it with me. Yay. Well now for a few days rest and hopefully I will be over it in no time (its already been 5 days) So sad today I had to miss out on the chance to ride the pony with my friends today :(
I went riding Thursday and had a pretty good lesson, the barn was so busy so I never ended up staying long afterwards and got asked about it I guess they all stayed till 5 and left me a beer, darn next time I guess. I was told to use my feet more even if its wrong get those feet moving. And I have mostly quit leaning but I still need to keep watching the cow more and stop harder. Always can stop harder and wait, I'm not very good at wait. Then Friday I met up with Shirley in Nanton for a short visit while she was on her way through. Then my friend was is Strathmore so I met her for lunch and we went shopping to the tack stores, never bought anything. And then she wanted to see Easy so we headed up there. Wasn't sure if he'd been rode or not but he hadn't so he said I should get on him and he had cows in so we worked cows. Was super good I dunno what happened but I even picked fast cows and it was good. He asked if I had been drinking, and no I hadn't haha.
Easy didn't even get upset cause when I went to get him he had just got his supper. That's his favorite thing. But next best is working cows and as soon as he saw cows he was his cheerful self again. His previous owner was there last week and asked if I was gonna pay him more for him now that I like him haha not likely. And he said I'm riding him too much he likes to be rode one day a week and eat the rest. I laughed and said wouldn't we all. Doug just shakes his head and thinks its good for Easy to be rode and he seems to enjoy it, he's bored otherwise just hanging out in his stall or in an outside pen pestering the horses next to him.
Oh well soon he can come home and hang out here with the pony, I'm pretty sure the two of them will have to be in all summer cause they will both get obese otherwise.
Still haven't decided on what I'm gonna do this summer. I was given the option of just showing once a month and having fun or really going for it and trying for top 5 in my class, he thinks that's possible but then that means I have to go to every show and that gets expensive and time consuming. Still have a few days to think about it the first summer show isn't till the 15th of April. I'm kinda leaning towards once a month and take the winter off and then next yea go all out. I have lots of other things I wanna do this summer to so its hard to just focus on showing.
I went riding Thursday and had a pretty good lesson, the barn was so busy so I never ended up staying long afterwards and got asked about it I guess they all stayed till 5 and left me a beer, darn next time I guess. I was told to use my feet more even if its wrong get those feet moving. And I have mostly quit leaning but I still need to keep watching the cow more and stop harder. Always can stop harder and wait, I'm not very good at wait. Then Friday I met up with Shirley in Nanton for a short visit while she was on her way through. Then my friend was is Strathmore so I met her for lunch and we went shopping to the tack stores, never bought anything. And then she wanted to see Easy so we headed up there. Wasn't sure if he'd been rode or not but he hadn't so he said I should get on him and he had cows in so we worked cows. Was super good I dunno what happened but I even picked fast cows and it was good. He asked if I had been drinking, and no I hadn't haha.
Easy didn't even get upset cause when I went to get him he had just got his supper. That's his favorite thing. But next best is working cows and as soon as he saw cows he was his cheerful self again. His previous owner was there last week and asked if I was gonna pay him more for him now that I like him haha not likely. And he said I'm riding him too much he likes to be rode one day a week and eat the rest. I laughed and said wouldn't we all. Doug just shakes his head and thinks its good for Easy to be rode and he seems to enjoy it, he's bored otherwise just hanging out in his stall or in an outside pen pestering the horses next to him.
Oh well soon he can come home and hang out here with the pony, I'm pretty sure the two of them will have to be in all summer cause they will both get obese otherwise.
Still haven't decided on what I'm gonna do this summer. I was given the option of just showing once a month and having fun or really going for it and trying for top 5 in my class, he thinks that's possible but then that means I have to go to every show and that gets expensive and time consuming. Still have a few days to think about it the first summer show isn't till the 15th of April. I'm kinda leaning towards once a month and take the winter off and then next yea go all out. I have lots of other things I wanna do this summer to so its hard to just focus on showing.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Bad Show and Company
Well last week went 3 times and rode, one was a mess my horse was being such a dork he would suck back then leap ahead when we worked cows and so I kept looking at him instead of the cows and then of course I would fall forward. Good thing the coach was in a good mood, I sure had him laughing by the time we were done. Luckily Wednesday and Friday lessons were much better. But as I go Friday the one girl comes up and says I'm not entered for the show Saturday. I hadn't even looked just thought he entered me like always before. Well no there was some confusion but luckily he knows the guy hosting it so he phoned and got me in. I was last in the class because of that and the list was all made up already.
It was a horrible show. So many entries and by the time it was my turn to get my horse the nice weather had turned to a blizzard and my horse was a bit prancy outside but we got him ready and they loped him lots and he was sweaty and tired but not really listening to me or ready but then it was my turn anyways. And we go in and get in the herd and I picked a cow and no one was paying attention and I lost it. Well at this point knew no real score so I just worked on my herd work, second cow was better but we kept stopping short and then I lost my balance and accidentally spurred him at the wrong time with the wrong leg ugh. So picked a third cow and made him get up to the fence, its hard to do that (for me). Afterwards I was told I had too sharp of spurs by the other turnback but I told Doug what happened and he said hes done that too and he didn't think they are too sharp either. Ugh went home and thought on it for a while, not good. But the lady I met at the first show got a new horse and she is super nice, she went right before me and she even won money! So excited for her, only her second show cutting and shes already in the money. One day it will be me (I hope)
Then Sunday my aunt Bonnie come out and stayed for 4 days so that was nice for a change. I missed riding but I am going back today, kinda nice to have a few days off. I got to get my pony in if I'm taking her to a barrel race on the 23rd, I like having them out but seems like winter (what little we had) is pretty well over so I'm thinking its time.
It was a horrible show. So many entries and by the time it was my turn to get my horse the nice weather had turned to a blizzard and my horse was a bit prancy outside but we got him ready and they loped him lots and he was sweaty and tired but not really listening to me or ready but then it was my turn anyways. And we go in and get in the herd and I picked a cow and no one was paying attention and I lost it. Well at this point knew no real score so I just worked on my herd work, second cow was better but we kept stopping short and then I lost my balance and accidentally spurred him at the wrong time with the wrong leg ugh. So picked a third cow and made him get up to the fence, its hard to do that (for me). Afterwards I was told I had too sharp of spurs by the other turnback but I told Doug what happened and he said hes done that too and he didn't think they are too sharp either. Ugh went home and thought on it for a while, not good. But the lady I met at the first show got a new horse and she is super nice, she went right before me and she even won money! So excited for her, only her second show cutting and shes already in the money. One day it will be me (I hope)
Then Sunday my aunt Bonnie come out and stayed for 4 days so that was nice for a change. I missed riding but I am going back today, kinda nice to have a few days off. I got to get my pony in if I'm taking her to a barrel race on the 23rd, I like having them out but seems like winter (what little we had) is pretty well over so I'm thinking its time.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
3rd Winter Series Show
Today was another show day. I didn't go to practice yesterday cause the weather was miserable. Kinda nice that my trainer rode him for me and got him ready, but also weird not to ride the day before a show.
Again never left till 8 am, that sure is nice! Got there and the first class was still going. Could leave later since I know the show list and I am way down but it stresses me out not knowing where they are and how long till I go. So I go and sit there and drink my coffee. Hardly know anyone so not much visiting which is fine, I'm not really that social. Kinda wish I was and could talk to anyone like Neil can. But not so so I sit by myself. Louisa visited for a while but she busy riding too.
When it was 2 herds before I went I got him all saddled and the hired guy loped him, that's so nice! He woulda loped him till it was time for me to go in the ring but that's weird for me too so I got on him 4 before my turn. He was acting grouchy and I couldn't figure out why. He was itchy so I let him itch his face and we put boots on and I never use boots but hes had them on before. I made sure the cinch wasn't pinching and it seemed fine and then he kinda settled a bit and then was time to go in.
Didn't have anyone to video so nothing this time :( But the first cow we cut was good to get out of the herd, she just kinda cut herself like they are supposed to....or maybe it was me helping too I dunno. I thought we were way off course so I picked up my hand and turns out we were fine so I got a penalty for that. And one for losing our working advantage on the same cow, not sure what that really is, I am gonna ask when I go back Tuesday.
The second cow same thing she was easy to cut out and worked really well. Was pretty slow but I like slow cows, easier for my brain to understand. No real mistakes there. The third cow I cut out the front one, like I'm supposed to do and didn't pick a cow and go with it. That's hard for me but I'm learning. Helps to have someone telling me that all the time out there too. My herd help is great. I really only notice the 2 at the back talking to me, the front 2 are to push the cow towards me if its not moving or slow it down or turn it off me if I need help. I don't know what they do cause I don't notice them out there yet. But I'm thinking not a lot as I don't need fast cows pushed at me right now.
Anyways ended up with a 68, best score I have ever got, but I was still 6th out of 14 in my class and they only pay till 4 :( But still improving so maybe next time will be a paycheck at the end :)
And then after we cooled out and I went to take hi saddle off I just touched the back cinch and he sucked up his belly. Well shoot someone sucked it up tight and he doesn't like that. I shoulda looked but I didn't. What a good boy to do all the right stuff even if he was uncomfortable.
Again never left till 8 am, that sure is nice! Got there and the first class was still going. Could leave later since I know the show list and I am way down but it stresses me out not knowing where they are and how long till I go. So I go and sit there and drink my coffee. Hardly know anyone so not much visiting which is fine, I'm not really that social. Kinda wish I was and could talk to anyone like Neil can. But not so so I sit by myself. Louisa visited for a while but she busy riding too.
(Practicing with my camera)
(Love this stop)
(getting down)
When it was 2 herds before I went I got him all saddled and the hired guy loped him, that's so nice! He woulda loped him till it was time for me to go in the ring but that's weird for me too so I got on him 4 before my turn. He was acting grouchy and I couldn't figure out why. He was itchy so I let him itch his face and we put boots on and I never use boots but hes had them on before. I made sure the cinch wasn't pinching and it seemed fine and then he kinda settled a bit and then was time to go in.
Didn't have anyone to video so nothing this time :( But the first cow we cut was good to get out of the herd, she just kinda cut herself like they are supposed to....or maybe it was me helping too I dunno. I thought we were way off course so I picked up my hand and turns out we were fine so I got a penalty for that. And one for losing our working advantage on the same cow, not sure what that really is, I am gonna ask when I go back Tuesday.
The second cow same thing she was easy to cut out and worked really well. Was pretty slow but I like slow cows, easier for my brain to understand. No real mistakes there. The third cow I cut out the front one, like I'm supposed to do and didn't pick a cow and go with it. That's hard for me but I'm learning. Helps to have someone telling me that all the time out there too. My herd help is great. I really only notice the 2 at the back talking to me, the front 2 are to push the cow towards me if its not moving or slow it down or turn it off me if I need help. I don't know what they do cause I don't notice them out there yet. But I'm thinking not a lot as I don't need fast cows pushed at me right now.
(my score sheet, 4th down, WS Hesastar)
(tired pony at the trailer
really wanting to steal hay but hes been told NO)
Anyways ended up with a 68, best score I have ever got, but I was still 6th out of 14 in my class and they only pay till 4 :( But still improving so maybe next time will be a paycheck at the end :)
And then after we cooled out and I went to take hi saddle off I just touched the back cinch and he sucked up his belly. Well shoot someone sucked it up tight and he doesn't like that. I shoulda looked but I didn't. What a good boy to do all the right stuff even if he was uncomfortable.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Busy Busy
Been a crazy but fun few days around here. Last week I went riding Wednesday and Thursday, odd to go 2 days in a row I usually don't but I had weekend plans. We worked the flag both days as it was kinda cold and the outdoor pen got real soggy from the melting then it froze again so he was working it and trying to get it to dry out.
I took a scrapbooking weekend, every February we go to Sundre to this wonderful place that has a pool and hot tub, fabulous food and of course some scrapbooking. I spent a lot of time in the pool and hot tub, I really would love a pool at home but Neil hates swimming so probly not ever gonna happen, although he did say he wouldn't mind a hot tub so that's progress. I did get all the pictures I took along done and that was nice, I coulda brought more but I like finishing :) There was 10 of us there that worked really well visiting with people I don't see very often too.
Then yesterday had another lesson and it was 11*C out so my boy got a bath after our ride. His own fault lol. He was kinda a dork when I warmed him up. He hadn't been rode in a few days which is fine and we went to the indoor (mostly so I can use the fence to get on) and rode in there for about 15 minutes, then we went outside to finish warming up and he say the helper walk by the fence and then jumped sideways when he passed the gate, ugh. So we worked harder and then a few more laps of loping he jumped at the other gate at the steer who was there for the last 10 rounds. Ugh again. Sometimes the athletic ability of a cutting horse is not a benefit to me! But I stayed on and rode him more (till I was tired) then we worked cows, 2 were nice slowish and not too turney then the third was really turney, she was pretty playful, I felt kinda like a ragdoll but always got back in position and then the 4th cow was just fast, she liked to run around the pen which was just what I needed, we went fast and stayed at her head and stopped when she stopped and went again. Its hard to think so fast but it was good. And since so warm and so much work he got a bath, which meant he didn't get to go outside but he likes his barn so it was all good. Then afterwards I met a friend in town and we went for a walk, was supposed to be some run but it was too icy out, glad the weather is warmen now we can get outside and walk again.
And today I went down and delivered my Sean Ryon saddle. Kinda sad to see it go, I really liked it was so comfy. But didn't fit Easy so it was the right choice, I think this Roo will fit Jess too so all's well. Finally got to meet Shayla and her 2 horses, she even offered we go for a ride so I got to ride her giant Allie horse. What a star even if her feet were tender on the rocky ground.
And back to riding Easy tomorrow :) Gotta get ready for the show Saturday.
I took a scrapbooking weekend, every February we go to Sundre to this wonderful place that has a pool and hot tub, fabulous food and of course some scrapbooking. I spent a lot of time in the pool and hot tub, I really would love a pool at home but Neil hates swimming so probly not ever gonna happen, although he did say he wouldn't mind a hot tub so that's progress. I did get all the pictures I took along done and that was nice, I coulda brought more but I like finishing :) There was 10 of us there that worked really well visiting with people I don't see very often too.
(Not my picture, but I love this area)
(again not mine, but the pool and eating area behind it)
(and again not mine but the room me and my aunt shared)
(this is mine, I don't know is she wanted her face shown
but she went down the slide, what fun we had!)
(And we drove around town to find this house,
my mom wants to paint her door this color)
Then yesterday had another lesson and it was 11*C out so my boy got a bath after our ride. His own fault lol. He was kinda a dork when I warmed him up. He hadn't been rode in a few days which is fine and we went to the indoor (mostly so I can use the fence to get on) and rode in there for about 15 minutes, then we went outside to finish warming up and he say the helper walk by the fence and then jumped sideways when he passed the gate, ugh. So we worked harder and then a few more laps of loping he jumped at the other gate at the steer who was there for the last 10 rounds. Ugh again. Sometimes the athletic ability of a cutting horse is not a benefit to me! But I stayed on and rode him more (till I was tired) then we worked cows, 2 were nice slowish and not too turney then the third was really turney, she was pretty playful, I felt kinda like a ragdoll but always got back in position and then the 4th cow was just fast, she liked to run around the pen which was just what I needed, we went fast and stayed at her head and stopped when she stopped and went again. Its hard to think so fast but it was good. And since so warm and so much work he got a bath, which meant he didn't get to go outside but he likes his barn so it was all good. Then afterwards I met a friend in town and we went for a walk, was supposed to be some run but it was too icy out, glad the weather is warmen now we can get outside and walk again.
(hes so chill about it, not his face though,
but I think we can get that too soon enough,
helps when the water was warm too)
And today I went down and delivered my Sean Ryon saddle. Kinda sad to see it go, I really liked it was so comfy. But didn't fit Easy so it was the right choice, I think this Roo will fit Jess too so all's well. Finally got to meet Shayla and her 2 horses, she even offered we go for a ride so I got to ride her giant Allie horse. What a star even if her feet were tender on the rocky ground.
(Can't believe its February with these temps!)
(sun was so pretty on the way to pancake supper tonight,
even with power lines in the way)
And back to riding Easy tomorrow :) Gotta get ready for the show Saturday.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Jan 30th Show
Saturdays Show was much better than last time. Sure is nice not having to leave home til 8:30 :) Its a little more than 2 hours there and I just show up and when its time I saddle my horse and get him ready. I forgot to ask if I had to enter so I just did and went back on Wednesday (entries close Tuesday night) and found out I was now entered twice. Hmm well wouldn't have been all bad but by the end of the week it was all changed around another lady wanted my second spot so she took it and I was back to just being entered once.
I felt much more comfortable out in the show pen. Still made a few mistakes of course. I need to stop harder out there like I do at home. I had my reins a bit tight and so got a reining penalty and then I had a hot quit on my second cow. I guess I waited too long and he started moving before I put my hand down. And I can tell in the video I stopped a bit short a few times. Oops but all in all still a better show. And I had no trouble cutting out of the herd that was nice. I figured out why I have trouble, at home we pick a cow for me to cut but at the show we are supposed to pick after they are out top. But its coming I'm figuring it out and Doug's been great, he gave me a cow after they we out this time and that worked a lot better.
I also took a pic of my score sheet but its a bit fuzzy but close enough. I got a 63, not a bad score, sure not good enough to win anything but at least its a score :)
Today is a new month, a day off and we are heading to Lethbridge to visit Neil's cousin and will be back riding on Wednesday.
I felt much more comfortable out in the show pen. Still made a few mistakes of course. I need to stop harder out there like I do at home. I had my reins a bit tight and so got a reining penalty and then I had a hot quit on my second cow. I guess I waited too long and he started moving before I put my hand down. And I can tell in the video I stopped a bit short a few times. Oops but all in all still a better show. And I had no trouble cutting out of the herd that was nice. I figured out why I have trouble, at home we pick a cow for me to cut but at the show we are supposed to pick after they are out top. But its coming I'm figuring it out and Doug's been great, he gave me a cow after they we out this time and that worked a lot better.
I also took a pic of my score sheet but its a bit fuzzy but close enough. I got a 63, not a bad score, sure not good enough to win anything but at least its a score :)
(WS Hesastar cause he really is a star :) 6th down )
(and the bruise on my arm from hitting the saddle
trying to keep my hand down, doesn't really hurt just looks ugly)
Today is a new month, a day off and we are heading to Lethbridge to visit Neil's cousin and will be back riding on Wednesday.
Monday, January 18, 2016
Saturdays Show
Well first the tree. I dunno why I call it a Jesus tree, always have. It just has the shape and all by itself reminds me of a tree that would be in Jerusalem. And its pokey makes me think of his thorns he wore when he died on the cross. Neil thinks I'm crazy but he calls it that too now.
And the show. Not a great success like I was hoping. But all in all not bad since its been forever since I have shown. I made lots of mistakes but halfway through the third cow I figured it out. Bit late by then but usually I think of it afterwards. I was kinda frustrated he wasn't stopping straight and realized if I actually rode him he would have. So he was babysitting me which is nice but not winning worthy. I wasn't in the right position so he was trying to make it easier for him to keep working the cow. I also put my hand down on the second cow when there was too many cows out front, I didn't even realize it until Doug said and then I can't pick it up again or its a lost point. Well I lost that cow cause he picked one when I put my hand down and it was not the one I picked.
I went by myself and got there way earlier than planned (its closer than I thought) so I got to watch almost the whole thing. Met a nice couple people beside me who were new to cutting as well, that's kinda fun. Shes leasing a horse while looking for one to buy. And I got to meet Loiusa too that was super fun.
I went back for a lesson today, he got Sunday off but I coulda (maybe shoulda) given him Monday off as well. Of course I didn't think of it till I was halfway there so we had an easy ride and worked the flag a little bit. If I let him get lazy on the flag he sure will, always turns with it but doesn't stop straight or back up like he knows he supposed to.
Doug says wasn't bad, figures it will take me a year before I can go in the show ring and ride him like I should without getting super nervous and letting him do it all. I told Easy he has to be patient with me cause I'm trying. He seemed to agree. Kinda like when I told him he better be good cause he was expensive, he looked right at me and I'm sure he was saying "I'm worth it" Well so far so good :)
And the show. Not a great success like I was hoping. But all in all not bad since its been forever since I have shown. I made lots of mistakes but halfway through the third cow I figured it out. Bit late by then but usually I think of it afterwards. I was kinda frustrated he wasn't stopping straight and realized if I actually rode him he would have. So he was babysitting me which is nice but not winning worthy. I wasn't in the right position so he was trying to make it easier for him to keep working the cow. I also put my hand down on the second cow when there was too many cows out front, I didn't even realize it until Doug said and then I can't pick it up again or its a lost point. Well I lost that cow cause he picked one when I put my hand down and it was not the one I picked.
(missed first cow, too bad it felt good I'd have liked to see it)
I went by myself and got there way earlier than planned (its closer than I thought) so I got to watch almost the whole thing. Met a nice couple people beside me who were new to cutting as well, that's kinda fun. Shes leasing a horse while looking for one to buy. And I got to meet Loiusa too that was super fun.
(after the run the herd holder gave me my hat back,
Easy wasn't sure that was a good idea)
Doug says wasn't bad, figures it will take me a year before I can go in the show ring and ride him like I should without getting super nervous and letting him do it all. I told Easy he has to be patient with me cause I'm trying. He seemed to agree. Kinda like when I told him he better be good cause he was expensive, he looked right at me and I'm sure he was saying "I'm worth it" Well so far so good :)
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Practice, Practice and More Practice
I have been riding twice this week so far. The drive is getting to be a bit long. But at least the weather has been nice this week. Rode in just a hoodie :) Monday we worked cows and it was good and not so good haha. I started with a black cow and she was fast, run around the pen about 3 times but we were right there when she stopped. Did a couple turns on her and was real good. Second cow was a bit trickier. She was quick! She liked to turn and sneak away, I got behind and even though I never realized it I apparently look at my horse when its too much. She really was too much cow for me right now. But I didn't fall off and even though we lost the cow I did learn something. My horse is awesome! And the third cow, she was the best of the bunch, she was real turney but we stayed with her through it all and ended good. I thought maybe he was too good for me but Doug says no I can ride that and so I guess that's a good thing, just keep looking at the cow! He even was saying cow....cow....cow a few times I was just too concerned with staying on. Well now I know just watch the cow and I will get back in position.
(map my run working cows)
Went back yesterday, a little worried about it and it showed in my work. I was not stopping like I shoulda. We did get there and at least once I noticed when I looked away so now I need to keep working on staring at the cow always!
Going showing Saturday, hoping the weather is gonna be warmer than forcasted but if not oh well I'm going anyway. Doug entered me in the 2000 limit class which I wanted to be out of this year, ugh guess not showing at all wont help that right? But now I got an awesome pony I can do it. I just gotta get there. I'm kinda nervous but I guess that's good right? Just watch the cow, stay level with it and stop when it does. Don't worry about turning the horse will turn. (I hear that about 5 times every lesson)
Well only 4 hours and 4 rides in the horsemanship challenge, I wanted 14 rides and 16 hours by the end of the month but don't think Ill quite make that but it'll be close.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
More on Easy
So yesterday I went to ride my boy again. I picked up his papers and made winter plans. I am going to go every Monday, Wednesday and Friday unless the weather is bad. I am not going in the show this Saturday but will be in the one on the 16th. I just have to show up and my horse will be ready. How nice :) I don't even have to enter, that will be all done, felling pretty spoiled its weird but I kinda like it.
Anyways his papers, pretty good breeding if I have to say so myself but that being said I did not buy him for his breeding I bought him cause how he's trained and how he can help me show. But still nice to know.
I went to K and K and they had a used Roohide there, its in pretty rough shape and of course its my least favorite tooling, barbwire. But I took it on a trial and used it yesterday and it seems to fit him pretty good. I dunno who had it before but the stirrups were way different lengths (like 8 holes) and the cinch was on backwards, the stirrups look like they been dragged on the floor, and the latigo needs to be replaced, but the most important part is it looks usable and the tree is good, needs a good cleaning and some care and maybe even some nicer conchos and it'll be perfect. It felt a bit wider trying it in the store but once I was riding I didn't notice as much. Was pretty comfortable, didn't tip me forward just put me where I should be and never moved even if though when I was done the cinch wasn't super tight, that makes me feel good.
The cows were a bit silly, there was one a hereford cross, she was full of beans, just jumping and running and bucking and being silly was fun to watch her. But she was a trouble maker when working the other cows, hard to keep my horse off her cause she was so out there. Was good for me to be a little aggressive and get what I wanted done. I find I hesitate cause I am unsure but I was told not to, just do it and I will be told if I'm wrong haha well OK I guess I just go for it now. I have a hard time riding right up to the wall but I guess I will get used to that too.
Oh and while I was at K and K I picked up my bit for my pony. Now I can ride her haha, as I just made plans to turn out all the horses till it starts getting warm mid march. Then I can just focus on Easy and not worry about going from home as well. I probly need to get a bit for Easy but while he's at Doug's I'm just using his stuff he said that's easiest. But eventually he'll come home. We practice in a correction bit (too bad the ponies one wont fit him) but not sure what he shows in, oh well I will know on the 16th I guess.
Oh and the owl we saw the other day, turns out it was a short eared owl and even though its not supposed to have tufts ours does, I don't usually see them sitting just flying but he was posing this time.
We have no big plans for tonight going to the neighbors for fondue at 5 and probly be home by 9, perfect haha we must be getting old we don't even wanna go out late anymore. Maybe stay up till midnight and watch the fireworks but who knows.
Anyways his papers, pretty good breeding if I have to say so myself but that being said I did not buy him for his breeding I bought him cause how he's trained and how he can help me show. But still nice to know.
(not a stallion anymore, will have to fix that when
I send them in to get my name on them)
I went to K and K and they had a used Roohide there, its in pretty rough shape and of course its my least favorite tooling, barbwire. But I took it on a trial and used it yesterday and it seems to fit him pretty good. I dunno who had it before but the stirrups were way different lengths (like 8 holes) and the cinch was on backwards, the stirrups look like they been dragged on the floor, and the latigo needs to be replaced, but the most important part is it looks usable and the tree is good, needs a good cleaning and some care and maybe even some nicer conchos and it'll be perfect. It felt a bit wider trying it in the store but once I was riding I didn't notice as much. Was pretty comfortable, didn't tip me forward just put me where I should be and never moved even if though when I was done the cinch wasn't super tight, that makes me feel good.
(first glance at it)
(and before we rode, looks good on him)
The cows were a bit silly, there was one a hereford cross, she was full of beans, just jumping and running and bucking and being silly was fun to watch her. But she was a trouble maker when working the other cows, hard to keep my horse off her cause she was so out there. Was good for me to be a little aggressive and get what I wanted done. I find I hesitate cause I am unsure but I was told not to, just do it and I will be told if I'm wrong haha well OK I guess I just go for it now. I have a hard time riding right up to the wall but I guess I will get used to that too.
(I could take a million pics riding him, he's so awesome)
(so I took a short video as we were cooling out)
Oh and while I was at K and K I picked up my bit for my pony. Now I can ride her haha, as I just made plans to turn out all the horses till it starts getting warm mid march. Then I can just focus on Easy and not worry about going from home as well. I probly need to get a bit for Easy but while he's at Doug's I'm just using his stuff he said that's easiest. But eventually he'll come home. We practice in a correction bit (too bad the ponies one wont fit him) but not sure what he shows in, oh well I will know on the 16th I guess.
(pretty nice for a pony bit)
Oh and the owl we saw the other day, turns out it was a short eared owl and even though its not supposed to have tufts ours does, I don't usually see them sitting just flying but he was posing this time.
(the cool owl, posing)
We have no big plans for tonight going to the neighbors for fondue at 5 and probly be home by 9, perfect haha we must be getting old we don't even wanna go out late anymore. Maybe stay up till midnight and watch the fireworks but who knows.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Easy Lives Up To His Name
So on Monday I went to ride my horse :) He is totally so awesome!!!! He was outside in a pen so I went to get him and before I had the gate open he was there :) I feel silly how much I like him he really lives up to his name, everything is easy with him. I took a selfie with him cause the Horsemanship Challenge starts on the third of January and I wanna make sure I had one to enter.
We worked cows again and started with a slow one which was good and I used my saddle on him and it felt like I was just perched up there. Figured I was out of position or something. Then we got a faster one and it just ran lots but we got it worked then the last one was turney and I felt like I kept falling forward even though I tried to sit back. Bad news. Horse is awesome saddle does not fit him at all :( I went to put him away and unsaddled in the middle of the yard by my truck and got some pics before we went in the barn
And another one in the barn, which don't turn out real well cause its kinda dark in there with windows so the bright sun shines though. But you can see the dry spots. I can use his other saddle till I get my own. Next week I am going to look at another one and already have interest in a sale for mine. So if all goes well......
Hes staying in the barn I had to ask where he goes cause someone always gets him for me, its weird having him at a barn. And weird that everyone knows him more than me. I don't even know what I'm supposed to do except show up and ride. I don't even have my own blanket or bridle for him yet and no one seems to care. Odd. Oh well I will figure it out. Now I have to wait again, probly Monday or Tuesday next week depends on how it goes over Christmas.
(I still look down, ugh at least he looks good)
We worked cows again and started with a slow one which was good and I used my saddle on him and it felt like I was just perched up there. Figured I was out of position or something. Then we got a faster one and it just ran lots but we got it worked then the last one was turney and I felt like I kept falling forward even though I tried to sit back. Bad news. Horse is awesome saddle does not fit him at all :( I went to put him away and unsaddled in the middle of the yard by my truck and got some pics before we went in the barn
(side profile, he saw the dog playing with a toy)
(hmm not quite the right ears)
(oh there we go :) )
And another one in the barn, which don't turn out real well cause its kinda dark in there with windows so the bright sun shines though. But you can see the dry spots. I can use his other saddle till I get my own. Next week I am going to look at another one and already have interest in a sale for mine. So if all goes well......
(dry spots :(
the horse behind him is weird,
it licks his neck then the saddle
and I went over there to lower my cinches and he tried to lick me)
(and evil glowy eyes, haha)
Hes staying in the barn I had to ask where he goes cause someone always gets him for me, its weird having him at a barn. And weird that everyone knows him more than me. I don't even know what I'm supposed to do except show up and ride. I don't even have my own blanket or bridle for him yet and no one seems to care. Odd. Oh well I will figure it out. Now I have to wait again, probly Monday or Tuesday next week depends on how it goes over Christmas.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Cutting Horse!!!
Well I done it. Bought me a cutting horse. I mentioned to Doug in Novemeber I was looking for a new horse, maybe something a little more broke and lot more show experience that was still good for me, I am smart enough to know I can not ride an open horse right now (or maybe ever), Its been a year since I worked cows so we gotta work my way up to where I was and then continue on.
Well he said he had 2 geldings in mind and if they don't work out a mare but she gets cranky and he thinks she's not right for me. And aged mares are a lot more if they have earnings so he was pointing me towards a gelding. Which is fine, just been a long time since I rode a gelding.
Well the one has OCD and he was worried it would go lame, hasn't yet but they don't wanna lower the price on it even though they are honest about it. Well I want something I know will be sound, I know its not guaranteed, but at least start out with no issues is a lot better. So he was lower on the list before I even know I wanted to try the other one cause I know Doug trained him and that's who I been riding with so it makes it easier. And Doug said hes never been lame, they don't even show him in shoes. They gave him a shot of Legend before show season and he was good so far.
Well they brought him there and loped him for a week or so to get him back in shape and then called me and said I should come try him. That was Wednesday. So I did. He was super cool, hasn't worked cows since Calgary and just does it, no herky jerky, no overly excitement just worked cows. Even when I got a little wrong he just does the right thing. Better when I am better of course and Doug said the better I get the better he gets too. But he also said you can just go out and show him and get 71 or 72 no problem. That made me feel a whole lot better. And his steering is good, we did a cut between 2 cows there is no way Jessie woulda done. It was a lot of fun. Fun I been missing out on for a long time.
He is a bit lazy and tends to get fat easy, haha he'll fit right in around here just like all my other fatties. He is super easy going just does whatever its pretty cool. Hes won somewhere near 30,000 so that's a lot of shows. Missed the finals in Red Deer by half a point and made finals in Calgary. Doug said he could be used ranching and it won't hurt him cutting, that's nice to know too. Said they used him quite a bit to get cows in and stuff he goes through mud and doesn't worry about that kind of stuff. Hasn't been roped off but I haven't roped either so no big deal.
Well I had a lot to think about, pretty expensive horse and I already have too many to ride right now. But before I left I made plans to come back Friday and try him again. I had made a budget earlier this winter and it scared me a little but I think it was doable, at least I know how much it will cost for the year, rest of the time I'll just have to ride at home or with friends I guess to keep costs down, which is OK I like doing that too.
Well Friday was cccold but I said I would go and I also had plans to meet a gal in Airdrie for a blanket and mail some tack that I had sold of Facebook. I'm actually going to a tack sale in Taber and have a table there but I had more than a tables worth haha, so I listed some for sale and it went fairly well. Anyways got there and Doug sent his boy to get the horse ready and we visited a while then I went to warm him up and he said the owner was coming out today too. Oh cool but scary for him to see how I ride his horse. He come out to the arena as I was just trotting around and so we visited for a while then Doug came and we worked the flag cause it was cold. He said hes not as good on the flag as on cows just finds it boring, haha so do I really I would much rather work cows than a flag how perfect. But we did it and he tried turning in on one end but it was all me leaning and then he done it perfect. Whew I really like him :)
Afterwards I was gonna take a couple pics of him but Doug said he would unsaddle him and put him away so I could visit. All I can say is hes all red with a narrow blaze. Not real tall which I like and not real wide which will be nice. He warned me I was gonna get grilled (nicely lol) cause this guy really likes his horses. Well he did. Kinda he just wanted to know what we did and where from and if I had been cutting before and owned horses before. I think he was quite relieved when I said I bought a horse off Wayne a few years ago and still had her and I been riding at Doug's a while.
We made the deal and he warned me he was giving me a deal on price only if I would take him to Doug if I had any trouble and he needed tuning and if I mistreated him he was gonna repossess him. Said with a laugh, I think he would like to he really liked him and he's been a good horse. I hope I can do justice by him.
I am keeping him at Doug's for the winter and we are gonna do the winter series, not the first one but mid January till March. That way he will keep him in shape and haul to the show and warm him up and all I have to do is show up and get on and show. He doesn't need much warming up so that's nice, and he said if I cant make it no worries someone else will ride him.
His name is Easy, LOL and he really lives up to is, Doug says hes a character, likes to untie himself and just have fun. I think he likes him. Said the only bad thing about him is he hates needles, but whatever that can be dealt with. Hes good to laod, haul, turn out, catch, just nice all around. I know his registered name but I don't have his papers yet so will wait on that for now. I'm super excited, can't wait to go back next week andtry ride him again!
Well he said he had 2 geldings in mind and if they don't work out a mare but she gets cranky and he thinks she's not right for me. And aged mares are a lot more if they have earnings so he was pointing me towards a gelding. Which is fine, just been a long time since I rode a gelding.
Well the one has OCD and he was worried it would go lame, hasn't yet but they don't wanna lower the price on it even though they are honest about it. Well I want something I know will be sound, I know its not guaranteed, but at least start out with no issues is a lot better. So he was lower on the list before I even know I wanted to try the other one cause I know Doug trained him and that's who I been riding with so it makes it easier. And Doug said hes never been lame, they don't even show him in shoes. They gave him a shot of Legend before show season and he was good so far.
Well they brought him there and loped him for a week or so to get him back in shape and then called me and said I should come try him. That was Wednesday. So I did. He was super cool, hasn't worked cows since Calgary and just does it, no herky jerky, no overly excitement just worked cows. Even when I got a little wrong he just does the right thing. Better when I am better of course and Doug said the better I get the better he gets too. But he also said you can just go out and show him and get 71 or 72 no problem. That made me feel a whole lot better. And his steering is good, we did a cut between 2 cows there is no way Jessie woulda done. It was a lot of fun. Fun I been missing out on for a long time.
(After working cows, cooled him out while Doug worked the flag)
Well I had a lot to think about, pretty expensive horse and I already have too many to ride right now. But before I left I made plans to come back Friday and try him again. I had made a budget earlier this winter and it scared me a little but I think it was doable, at least I know how much it will cost for the year, rest of the time I'll just have to ride at home or with friends I guess to keep costs down, which is OK I like doing that too.
Well Friday was cccold but I said I would go and I also had plans to meet a gal in Airdrie for a blanket and mail some tack that I had sold of Facebook. I'm actually going to a tack sale in Taber and have a table there but I had more than a tables worth haha, so I listed some for sale and it went fairly well. Anyways got there and Doug sent his boy to get the horse ready and we visited a while then I went to warm him up and he said the owner was coming out today too. Oh cool but scary for him to see how I ride his horse. He come out to the arena as I was just trotting around and so we visited for a while then Doug came and we worked the flag cause it was cold. He said hes not as good on the flag as on cows just finds it boring, haha so do I really I would much rather work cows than a flag how perfect. But we did it and he tried turning in on one end but it was all me leaning and then he done it perfect. Whew I really like him :)
(so only got a few head shots of him
but no worries there will be lots more as time goes on :) )
Afterwards I was gonna take a couple pics of him but Doug said he would unsaddle him and put him away so I could visit. All I can say is hes all red with a narrow blaze. Not real tall which I like and not real wide which will be nice. He warned me I was gonna get grilled (nicely lol) cause this guy really likes his horses. Well he did. Kinda he just wanted to know what we did and where from and if I had been cutting before and owned horses before. I think he was quite relieved when I said I bought a horse off Wayne a few years ago and still had her and I been riding at Doug's a while.
We made the deal and he warned me he was giving me a deal on price only if I would take him to Doug if I had any trouble and he needed tuning and if I mistreated him he was gonna repossess him. Said with a laugh, I think he would like to he really liked him and he's been a good horse. I hope I can do justice by him.
I am keeping him at Doug's for the winter and we are gonna do the winter series, not the first one but mid January till March. That way he will keep him in shape and haul to the show and warm him up and all I have to do is show up and get on and show. He doesn't need much warming up so that's nice, and he said if I cant make it no worries someone else will ride him.
His name is Easy, LOL and he really lives up to is, Doug says hes a character, likes to untie himself and just have fun. I think he likes him. Said the only bad thing about him is he hates needles, but whatever that can be dealt with. Hes good to laod, haul, turn out, catch, just nice all around. I know his registered name but I don't have his papers yet so will wait on that for now. I'm super excited, can't wait to go back next week and
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Fun Week
Well after the nice warm weather I was enjoying riding outside and then yesterday a storm blew back in :( Hopefully it will only last a couple more days and back to our regularily spring random weather. Probly still get more snow but hopefully it wont last. We never got any this last storm, but sounds like we were the only ones who didn't.
Monday booked a trip to the Superstakes in Texas, going April 8-14th. Pretty excited, its all the 5 and 6 year olds and should be the best cutters everywhere! Doug's showing down there and so we will see him as well. I wanna see some non pros too even though when we watch them it makes me feel so behind, but still awesome to see what we can work towards. Was so cheap, even cheaper than our trip in November, we are staying at the same hotel and so we hopefully wont get too lost this time. And we have a couple days to tour around there so that will be nice too. we had planned to go on a run/walk in New Mexico (Santa Fe) but winter was soo cold we were not in shape enough and got busy when it was on. Maybe another time and Im thinking it will be all muddy here anyways so it will be good to go down where its warmer and watch cutting couldn't be better.
Then Tuesday I rode out and it was much better, a lot drier out there, walked through the cows again and then came back and rode down the rode. Was so nice out I just wanted to keep riding. I also been working on doing the gate from Jessie's left side and she is super patient now, not sure what happened but I like it.
Wednesday my friend S wanted to ride in Brooks and since our road is dry but the yard muddy so I told her I would meet her at the corner so she didn't have to come in the yard. Took a bit of extra planning, sat on my cooler and wore her halter under the bridle and took my hornbags with water and camera and some money in and off we went. I had planned on 20-25 minutes to ride out the 2 miles but just as I got on she texted to say she was there! Yikes I shoulda known since she hates being late but wasn't expecting that, so we trotted the first half mile and then walked though the gate by the Texas gate and Jess kept thinking we should head back so I asked her for a lope, make it harder for her. We loped a bit then walked a bit then trotted till she could see the trailer and then she was all excited about going there, lol, silly pony!
I unbridled her and loaded her and off we went. Was a beautiful day and we had a wonderful ride and stopped for lunch afterwards and then she dropped me off. Neil said he would clear some snow and so I told her to come in the yard and she got stuck. The mud wasn't very deep but super slick and the trailer was heavy, so we unloaded Jessie and she got out, lol. Guess Jess is a little too fat!
As I got to the truck, S said she was pretty impressed I could just saddle my cutting horse, load all my junk on her and ride her 2 miles away to get in a trailer. Its funny she should say that since I was thinking on the way there about my other horses, Bailey woulda tried to convince me we shouldn't go but a quarter mile out shed be fine, Kali I would probly have to back her all the way out since shes so buddy sour right now, and Razz it woulda probly been a fight the whole way and wed both be sweaty and mad since she hates leaving the yard. However if I pony Kali off Razz It would be a quick trip, those 2 get along great....guess I have somethings to work on this year with them.
Then snow and wind Thursday so it was a stay inside day and today we had our 3rd calf, late at night in the barn Friday so it will be warm. And another calf Saturday night after I came home from the horse sale. Was so happy that I didn't see a horse there that i liked more than mine at home.
Monday booked a trip to the Superstakes in Texas, going April 8-14th. Pretty excited, its all the 5 and 6 year olds and should be the best cutters everywhere! Doug's showing down there and so we will see him as well. I wanna see some non pros too even though when we watch them it makes me feel so behind, but still awesome to see what we can work towards. Was so cheap, even cheaper than our trip in November, we are staying at the same hotel and so we hopefully wont get too lost this time. And we have a couple days to tour around there so that will be nice too. we had planned to go on a run/walk in New Mexico (Santa Fe) but winter was soo cold we were not in shape enough and got busy when it was on. Maybe another time and Im thinking it will be all muddy here anyways so it will be good to go down where its warmer and watch cutting couldn't be better.
Then Tuesday I rode out and it was much better, a lot drier out there, walked through the cows again and then came back and rode down the rode. Was so nice out I just wanted to keep riding. I also been working on doing the gate from Jessie's left side and she is super patient now, not sure what happened but I like it.
Wednesday my friend S wanted to ride in Brooks and since our road is dry but the yard muddy so I told her I would meet her at the corner so she didn't have to come in the yard. Took a bit of extra planning, sat on my cooler and wore her halter under the bridle and took my hornbags with water and camera and some money in and off we went. I had planned on 20-25 minutes to ride out the 2 miles but just as I got on she texted to say she was there! Yikes I shoulda known since she hates being late but wasn't expecting that, so we trotted the first half mile and then walked though the gate by the Texas gate and Jess kept thinking we should head back so I asked her for a lope, make it harder for her. We loped a bit then walked a bit then trotted till she could see the trailer and then she was all excited about going there, lol, silly pony!
I unbridled her and loaded her and off we went. Was a beautiful day and we had a wonderful ride and stopped for lunch afterwards and then she dropped me off. Neil said he would clear some snow and so I told her to come in the yard and she got stuck. The mud wasn't very deep but super slick and the trailer was heavy, so we unloaded Jessie and she got out, lol. Guess Jess is a little too fat!
As I got to the truck, S said she was pretty impressed I could just saddle my cutting horse, load all my junk on her and ride her 2 miles away to get in a trailer. Its funny she should say that since I was thinking on the way there about my other horses, Bailey woulda tried to convince me we shouldn't go but a quarter mile out shed be fine, Kali I would probly have to back her all the way out since shes so buddy sour right now, and Razz it woulda probly been a fight the whole way and wed both be sweaty and mad since she hates leaving the yard. However if I pony Kali off Razz It would be a quick trip, those 2 get along great....guess I have somethings to work on this year with them.
Then snow and wind Thursday so it was a stay inside day and today we had our 3rd calf, late at night in the barn Friday so it will be warm. And another calf Saturday night after I came home from the horse sale. Was so happy that I didn't see a horse there that i liked more than mine at home.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Fun Lesson
Went for a lesson on Tuesday, been a while since I been there but I been riding again and was planning to go tot he show sat so a lesson it was. I got there and it was a lot warmer than its been the last few times, I even didn't wear long underwear!
Jess was pretty excited, she knows whats going on when we go there :) As I got there Doug was walking out of the arena and hands me the reins of a horse and says hold him and walks off. I was surprised but OK, I guess there was a young horse loose in the alleyway and he went to get it, I never even seen it. Then he put the pony away and visited with everyone while they had lunch then I got Jess ready and off we were to go. I rode her pretty hard on Monday and also pretty warmed up before our ride cause I knew she would be fresh, and she was, lol. I love that she gets so excited to work cows, I just wish she would still remember I am there. Finally I got her back where we wanted after about 5 cows and a good kick in her left side and she did it awesome! I was pretty happy with her, got a cow picked out then pulled it out of the herd and worked even when she was silly. Its hard to explain how she acts, I wish I had a video, but I have no one to video me at a lesson.
She was pretty wet again so I untacked and put her cooler on and went back in to visit with whoever was there, her previous owner was and he laughed at my Eeyore cooler on her. We got to busy visiting it was 4 before I left, oops, at least she was dry when i got home, lol. Love the days are longer now that it is still light when I get home at 5:30.
When I got home I got a call from my Mom that she wants us to empty and clean out my Grampa's apartment on Saturday so I guess I will go to that rather than the show. Kinda makes me sad but I was unsure of going anyways not enough practice and I woulda had to go by myself and its supposed to be miserable weather. But all excuses, I really woulda gone anyways but I feel like I have to help clean so I will go to that.
Jess was pretty excited, she knows whats going on when we go there :) As I got there Doug was walking out of the arena and hands me the reins of a horse and says hold him and walks off. I was surprised but OK, I guess there was a young horse loose in the alleyway and he went to get it, I never even seen it. Then he put the pony away and visited with everyone while they had lunch then I got Jess ready and off we were to go. I rode her pretty hard on Monday and also pretty warmed up before our ride cause I knew she would be fresh, and she was, lol. I love that she gets so excited to work cows, I just wish she would still remember I am there. Finally I got her back where we wanted after about 5 cows and a good kick in her left side and she did it awesome! I was pretty happy with her, got a cow picked out then pulled it out of the herd and worked even when she was silly. Its hard to explain how she acts, I wish I had a video, but I have no one to video me at a lesson.
(been working on getting a good selfie with Jess, not it yet)
( a cute little Metalic Cat colt)
(and Lily was cold so she lays on Denny, lol)
When I got home I got a call from my Mom that she wants us to empty and clean out my Grampa's apartment on Saturday so I guess I will go to that rather than the show. Kinda makes me sad but I was unsure of going anyways not enough practice and I woulda had to go by myself and its supposed to be miserable weather. But all excuses, I really woulda gone anyways but I feel like I have to help clean so I will go to that.
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