PipeOpener

This Saturday my Mom and I rode in the Full Moon Farm Pipeopener. I did 2 trips in the baby field hoping Satchmo would finally go through the water...sadly he did not and we didn't have the time to try and wait patiently for him to get over his fear. *sigh* but otherwise we had a good day! Mom and Bella were pros through their round! And Satchmo didn't spook at anything else other than the water :) We all had a good time, too, and they also loaded well! All in all, a successful day! I'm hoping in May things continue on this path. Below are pictures from the day :)

Getting ready for Show Season

Yesterday was a great lesson. Got some scary contruction barrels and the tarp back out to practice getting satchmo used to different stuff being thrown at him. I put the tarp out so he gets used to going through things and not just around or over. Then we did jumps over bright barrels. He was scared at first but was actually braver than he was before. I don't know if following Bella helped....it had to have at least a little. So I'm confident that in 2 weeks at the pipe opener following Bella once through the water will be just what satchmo needs. Mom took some pictures and now I can update with some recent pics of our progress :) Granted this bunch isn't as graceful as usual but it's still ok :)

A Patch of Warmth Amongst a Winter Chill

I had to change my lesson to Saturday because of the threat of rain/snow/sleet for Sunday. I think it worked for the best seeing how Satchmo was in a pleasant mood and the weather was randomly warmer than a normal February day. We worked on the flat and he was pretty good - definitely had a better attitude. I worked on my position a bit. Some transitions, too. Then the real fun started! We jumped! :D And we were doing about 2'7" ish. He was jumping like it was nothing :) It'll be time to break out the scary jump stuff soon in preparation for the upcoming show season. I can't wait! I'm sure Satchmo can though.... lol!

Getting back in the saddle

Finally weather and sicknesses and horse show judging gods aligned and allowed for a riding lesson :) I went out last Sunday and although a little chilly, it wasn't too bad. hardly much wind at all! Satchmo was in a grouchy mood. I don't know why. And although he was pretty good on the flat, he was slow and got VERY particular about where I sit for each gait. And each "seat" he wanted me to sit in was like the size of a dime. Sorry, Satchmo, but my butt is bigger than a dime and you're going to have to deal with that. We did a bit of transition work and sitting trot and then some jumping! This week we learned about Oxers! ooooo new! :D I thought for sure Satchmo would look at it and go "WOAH! What happened?" but instead he just didn't want to jump. After I got a hold of a whip and gave a little tap he went over! And from then on out he started to move forward, too! FINALLY! :D The oxers were good, though! We didn't have to drill very hard and for the most part he participated nicely even though he was still being sort of a grouch. Little did he know Vinece would be coming out later to ride *lol*

All in all, a good lesson! :) can't wait for next week!

Back In The Saddle

It's been a while since I've had a lesson because of weather or illnesses. I was SO glad to get back in the saddle but I don't think Satchmo was as happy. Poor pony seemed to be having back problems. Even jumping he wasn't having fun. I'm assuming it's the hard ground and being a little out of shape due to the inconsistency of lessons. Hopefully once the weather warms up and the ground gets softer all of the horses will feel a little better. Even Bella looked heavy on her feet and they both felt stiff. It was a good lesson though! We did some transition stuff and tried jumping but that wasn't as successful because he was ouchy. Hopefully next week he'll feel a little more in shape and a little less sore from getting back in the lesson groove again. And I'll have to get some pictures up for 2009 soon. It's just been so hard to actually keep to a schedule when it might snow one day and be 50 degrees the next. Ugh! I hate the winter!

First Ride of 2009

This morning - after much hiking and walking yesterday - I went for my first ride in 2009. Satchmo knows when I'm tired and made me work pretty hard during the flat. But it was the jumping that really took it out of me. I just couldn't muster up enough energy to jump much :( we did a few at 2' 4" and I don't know how I managed to stay on a couple of times. If I had had more energy we would've done some at 2' 6". Sorry, Satch :(

My Mom and I decided on horse Halloween costumes so we can be prepared for the Talbot Run costume show in October :P I know it's a little early but at least now we won't have to think up something last minute. I'm going to dress Satchmo up as Michael Phelps with a shoulder guard as his speedo, some goggles, a swimming cap and use some tied up bouys as lap lanes. :P MOm is going to dress Bella up as a Diva, a real one from the Opera :P Horns and braids and all :P very cool!

Last Lesson of 2008

Today I had my last lesson for 2008 with my Mom. Satchmo was muddy but in a good mood :) We worked on the flat for a while and did some walk - trot and walk - canter transitions. It was good :D I'm pretty sure Venice's legs grew, though, because the stirrups seem a little longer than usual. Then we worked over fences and it seems to be working well to just canter right into jumping and sitting back helps, too. I don't think I was sitting back enough so at least that was good.

Last but not least, we jumped 2'6"! That's right, 2'6"! Heck yea! :D Go Satchmo!! I can seriously vision him doing well even higher later in his career! I was so happy! :)

We didn't get any pictures of it, but I have a few witnesses ;) Happy New Year! 2009 is Satchmo's year!