Sunday, January 31, 2010

January 30, 2010

It was a cold breezy morning (about 28F degrees). Gary & Cindy headed over to visit and possibly groom LBR in the afternoon.

When we arrived, LBR had freshly rolled in the mud - he was still wet. So much for grooming. A couple of the retired horses were loose and being allowed to graze in the common areas. LBR did not like this.

We fed LBR his treats after "shoo-ing" the visitors away and he calmed down nicely. His OCD is so funny - every horse has a place/paddock and should never be allowed to move/graze/change, etc.

January 29, 2010

We had about 2 inches of rain overnight and this morning. It cleared in the afternoon so Gary paid LBR a visit. He let him out of his muddy paddock for some grazing in the common area (eek - no halter until it was time to go back to the paddock).

LBR was happy to be out in the grass and behaved perfectly/calmly. Gary was shocked that he hadn't rolled yet....maybe LBR knew it was going to be a cold night.

January 28, 2010

No visit to LBR today due to personal appointments and rain.

January 27, 2010

Once again, Gary groomed and tacked up LBR for a ride in the sand arena. They worked especially on flexing and arc-ing correctly in turns.

After the lesson, they took a trail ride, groomed, grazed and headed back to the paddock for treats.

January 26, 2010

Gary groomed LBR and headed straight out for the ride in the sand arena. LBR was very calm and after the lesson, they took a trail ride on the property.

LBR is getting used to this trail ride thing and horses and objects didn't phase him at all.

They ended with grooming, grazing and back to the paddock for treats.

January 25, 2010

Gary headed over in the afternoon to work with LBR. They groomed, lunged and went for a ride in the arena.

LBR was very well behaved and they concentrated on flexing exercises. After the lesson, they went for a trail ride around the property.

LBR took a double-look at a few things (tire, big rocks, muddy area), but never spooked and was pretty calm.

After the trail ride, they groomed, grazed and headed back to the paddock for some treats.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

January 24, 2010

The winds continued today...sustained between 25-30 mph. Cindy's allergies are bad so she opted out of lessons this morning.

Gary headed over in the early afternoon. The stables had calmed down a bit from the weather change and LBR led quietly from his paddock.

The mud has pretty well dried up in his pen so grooming was easier. Gary tacked up with his saddle, the copper-roller snaffle & German martingale. Gary decided to ride first and they headed to the sand arena. They worked a lot on walking the perimeter and then trotted for a bit. LBR was better today with the well groomed footing (it had been leveled/dragged yesterday). Gary concentrated on a calm walk to a focused point and LBR responded nicely.

They then trotted for a bit and considering the conditions it went well. LBR still had a lot of energy so after riding Gary free lunged him.

LBR was full of himself in the lunge pen but much more responsive than yesterday. When he gets spunky in the lunge pen, he loves to kick a back foot out when he's cantering. We can tell he's an OTTB because these spunky-kicks are easily performed going counter-clock-wise, but take much planning and thought by LBR when attempts to "buck" going clockwise.

After about 20 minutes of lunging and being calm, they headed to the grooming stalls to de-tack and groom. Afterwards, LBR led perfectly back to his paddock for treats and waiting for the food-wagon that was on it's rounds.

January 23, 2010

It's Saturday so we headed over to ride LBR in the afternoon once things warmed up (72F degrees). Gary played in a golf tournament in the morning so the plans were to meet up at the stables.

Cindy arrived first and led LBR up from the paddock. LBR led nicely and stood perfectly for grooming. LBR had rolled yet again so it took a lot of currying. Gary arrived near the end of grooming and we tacked up.

The horses at the stable were feeling frisky as there are several mares in heat and a cold front was coming through complete with 20 mph winds from the NW.

LBR was a HANDFUL in the lunge pen for Cindy. She got dizzy after about 15 minutes so Gary continued the lunge lesson. He was so full of himself that when one of the ladies at the barn said he was spunky - he promptly kicked out and squealed in delight.

After about 45 minutes of lunging, Cindy decided she would ride - but in the lunge pen:-) LBR was pretty good considering the stampedes and distractions in the adjoining paddocks.

Gary rode for a bit afterwards and LBR calmed for a while but still bolted when the neighbors got overly excited, a dog was acting inappropriately and was scolded. Gary ended the ride on a nice calm note and we headed to the stables for grooming.

Gary went to do some other chores and Cindy de-tacked and groomed LBR. He only "spooked' once when feed sacks were blown around and about 30 feet into the air by the winds that were now gusting at 30 mph. Cindy took off one side of the cross-ties and LBR calmed down and fell asleep for the remainder of the grooming and hoof cleaning.

Cindy led LBR back to his paddock and worked on his leading manners (he actually wasn't too bad considering the chaos...mares in heat, proud cut geldings that know that, and feed truck making it's rounds).

Cindy put LBR in his paddock and then she and Gary returned to the paddock to give LBR his appetizers of carrots just before he was fed his favorite....alfalfa and pellets.

January 22, 2010

Gary headed over to see LBR during the spring-like afternoon. They groomed and then lunged very well. They started their ride in the sand arena, but LBR wasn't too sure about the footing so they worked for a long while in the grass arena. They had a good ride and ended with grooming and grazing in the common area.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

January 21, 2010

Finally...we can ride.

Gary headed over in the morning to ride LBR. So much for a bath...LBR had rolled again but only required a leg rinse in the shower stall (which he went into without event). Gary rinsed his legs off, groomed and tacked up with Cindy's saddle.

They headed to the still slippery grass arena and LBR did well being led. They worked a bit in the arena and LBR didn't "like" the footing but didn't act up too much.

Gary trotted LBR on the outside of the arena fencing and LBR was more responsive.

They had a good - mostly walk, whoa, back and some trotting ride.

Afterwards, grooming in the stable and traditional treats, carrots and pats in the paddock.

January 20, 2010

The stables were still too muddy for a ride so we skipped a visit today. We're sure LBR is mad at us for not getting ridden in a week.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

January 19, 2010

Okay...no more muddy LBR. It's warm here (high today of 72F degrees).

Gary led LBR to the stables from his paddock. LBR took three times to get into the wash stall that has warm water, but seemed to enjoy the warm shower (we have heated water....woo hoo). The barn corgie "Owen" wanted to help when LBR backed out of the wash stall the first two times, but was "called off" by the stable owner.

After the shower, Gary dried LBR with the scraper and towels and then brushed all of LBR's winter coat curls down...do they make a straightening iron for horses?

They ended with grazing and playing with the jolly-ball in the common area before treats and return to the paddock.

The arenas are still to wet to ride in...we're hoping for later this week.

January 18, 2010

Gary headed over to visit, groom, treat LBR this afternoon.

LBR had rolled AGAIN and now has 2 layers of mud. Gary led LBR from his paddock and let him graze for a bit but skipped the grooming as his paddock is still muddy and he was wet from a fresh roll.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

January 17, 2010

Gary & Cindy had a "date" with our brother and brother-in-law to see the movie "Avatar" at the Imax theater.

We enjoyed the outing and headed over to see LBR late - 4:00 p.m.

WOW...he made up for the lack of mud yesterday and was still damp from the roll-party. We took him out of his paddock for a while and let him graze. We decided curry-ing was useless as the paddock is still muddy so we didn't go down to the grooming stalls in the stable.

Gary worked him a bit on his lead-line manners then we returned him to his paddock. As we were feeding him his treats, LBR touched the "hot" electric fence and was SO MAD and EMBARRASSED.

We finally got him to come back up to the front of his paddock about the same time dinner and alfalfa were fed.

He's SO PROUD.

January 16, 2010

We waited for things to warm up a bit and headed to the stables to see LBR around 3:30 p.m.. Everything is flooded from all the rain and we expected to see a muddy LBR.

We were shocked when we arrived - LBR had rolled, but the rain had rinsed off most of the mud. We led him from his paddock to the stables for brushing.

LBR went into the wash stall in the dark easily for having his feet/legs rinsed (thank you for small miracles).

After brushing and hoof cleaning, we let LBR graze for a while on the lead-line before heading back to his paddock (he was a bit "hot" and got reprimanded). He got his usual treats of carrots & home-made-cookies.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

January 15, 2010

The rain continued throughout today so we didn't make it to the stables. Tomorrow is Saturday and the rain is supposed to end so we plan on heading over in the afternoon after things dry out a bit.

Friday, January 15, 2010

January 14, 2010

We took a break today and didn't visit LBR at the stables. We've had about 24 hours of a nice slow drizzling rain. We're pretty sure he had fun rolling in the mud and will stop by tomorrow to check it out.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

January 13, 2010

Gary headed over to ride around 11 this morning. He brought LBR up from the paddock and groomed/saddled him. Today he used his saddle, new saddle pad, new girth as well as the copper-roller bit with new bridle pieces he bought at Central Tack for $5.

LBR did well until he saw the evil-chain-link-pole-arena-dragging-device. They came to an agreement that it wasn't too bad.

Gary worked LBR initially in the German martingale, but then took the control part off and concentrated on walk, whoa and leg yields.

After the working lesson, LBR was a bit sweaty and cooled off nicely. Gary de-tacked, groomed and they headed to the paddock for fun.

Gary played with LBR & the "jolly-ball" for a while....Giselle is so JEALOUS. Afterwards, LBR got treats and Giselle received her's too!

We're expecting rain for the next few days but hope it's not going to be too much.

January 12, 2010

It's Tuesday and 6 weeks into LBR's last appt. with the farrier. He got a trim and his front shoes were reset. He did well for the farrier and got a good brushing/grooming.

Christmas came late for LBR. Our catalog order came in last night and Gary headed to the stables with new things:

1) Saddle Covers
2) Curry Brushes
3) Saddle Wither Pad
4) New Girth
5) Peppermint Jolly Ball
6) Size large bell-boots
7) Cooler Blanket for use after long rides or baths
8) Breeches for Cindy (will wear to the stables the next time she goes)

Gary also took over a new tack trunck to hold all of this!

Because of the time spent with the farrier and Gary's desire to play golf in the afternoon, they didn't ride today.

Gary led LBR back to the paddock, gave him some treats and they played tug-of-war with the Jolly Ball....we'll see if LBR finds this toy interesting.

Monday, January 11, 2010

January 11, 2010

It's Monday so Cindy was back to work and Gary had LBR all to himself.

Gary headed over to the stables around 11:00 a.m. as the weather is warming up a bit (high today was 53F).

Gary led LBR from the paddock to the grooming stalls. Gary groomed and saddled LBR with his saddle, the standard d-ring and German martingale.

They rode in the sand arena for a while and LBR did well except for the areas with deep footing. They cantered a little and LBR got a bit 'hot' so Gary worked him in the sand arena a bit more and then ended the ride in the grass arena and on a "trail" ride around the two arenas.

LBR broke a sweat during todays ride but cooled down nicely during the walk around the stables.

They ended with grooming, a walk back to the paddock and some freshly baked (yesterday) horse cookies, carrots & alfalfa cubes.

January 10, 2010

Today was lesson day for Cindy & LBR. We headed to the stables around noon for a 1:30 lesson. It was a little warmer this morning (only 20F degrees overnight).

Gary led LBR from his paddock to the grooming stall while Cindy put LBR's supplements out for the week.

We groomed and saddled LBR with Cindy's saddle, the copper roller & a "loaner" German martingale that a friend loaned us (she's not using it on her current horse).

Gary started LBR in the grass arena under saddle and LBR continues to have more energy that we ever imagined (not in a bad way - we just think he could trot forever).

Due to an equipment issue, we switched to the plain d-ring and Cindy rode for a few minutes before heading into her lesson.

LBR & Cindy ROCKED today. LBR did all of his flat work perfectly until the attack of the squeeky trailer spook incident. Cindy let him watch the trailer leave the stables and then LBR once again did well. They cantered for the first time in lessons.

LBR did his patterns/jumps well (though he doesn't like the soft spots in the arena).

After riding, LBR was wet with sweat (Cindy had to take her coat off during the lessons to keep from sweating).

The videos attached are from today's lessons.

p.s. They did their best ever in a lesson today!!!


January 9, 2010

It was 7F degrees this morning so we took our time getting out and about and enjoyed a big breakfast.

We headed over to a newly discovered tack shop to look at their german martingales. Unfortunately, the reins were partially cotton so we decided not to buy it.

We arrived at the stables around 1:30 p.m. and it was a toasty 45F degrees. We were both layered up including long-johns and it was sunny with no wind so it wasn't too bad.

Gary led LBR from his paddock to the grooming stalls and we groomed and then tacked LBR with Cindy's saddle, the copper-roller snaffle and the German martingale. Gary rode LBR first in the sand arena and LBR they did great. The arena had been "dragged" and was fairly level/packed which was nice.

Cindy rode LBR until they both were tired (walk/trot) and LBR did well even with others in the arena.

We ended with grooming and a walk back to the paddock for treats.

Tomorrow is lessons day for Cindy & LBR so we'll be headed over about an hour early so Gary can pre-ride LBR.

Friday, January 8, 2010

January 8, 2010

It's Friday and we're being dealt a mean cold front. Today it never got above freezing (high of 32F) and we didn't make it over to the stables.

We'll head over mid-morning tomorrow with some warm water for the large trough which should not be frozen yet.

The low last night was only 24F but tonight, "they" are predicting 14.

LBR is nice and furry so he'll be fine in his shelter, but I bet he'll be glad to see us.

Where the heck is global warming????

Thursday, January 7, 2010

January 7, 2010

A wicked cold front came through last night and the high today was 40 degrees with winds out of the north at 25 mph (expected low tonight...18 degrees).

Gary went over to to visit LBR and give him some treats. LBR was in his shelter and Gary walked into the paddock and gave him some treats there. They then headed to the back of the paddock to check the water (it was full). LBR was mad because Gary didn't give him any treats there and sulked as he drank water and Gary headed back to the shelter.

Gary no sooner got into the shelter (provides wind break) than LBR and his neighbor came running up the paddocks.

LBR got his last few treats in the shelter and he stayed there as Gary left.

We're worried about him staying warm tonight, but he has long fur and good shelter so he should be fine.

January 6, 2010

Gary headed to the stables in the afternoon to lunge and ride LBR. LBR was good in the grooming stall and they headed to the round-pen. LBR had way too much energy and bucked/kicked at the canter. After about 30 minutes of lunging, he was responsive and doing his walk/trot/whoa's well.

The trainer was wrapping up a ride on another horse and asked if we wanted her to ride LBR. Gary said "sure" (based on the energy level).

They tacked LBR up and she took him to the sand arena for their ride. She walked, trotted, cantered and he was still full of energy. They did cross rails, a lot of circles and rode for nearly an hour. They had an audience of boarders that were laughing at LBR's energy level.

They ended with some walking to cool down. The "audience" noted that the trainer earned her money today. Both she and LBR were wet with sweat.

Gary de-tacked LBR and steam came off under the saddle. He groomed and cooled him off more before taking him back to his paddock and giving him his treats.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

January 5, 2010

Gary headed over this morning early to groom, lunge & ride LBR. It hasn't rained in a week now so LBR was not muddy...WOO HOO, thank you for small pleasures.

Gary groomed and then lunged LBR for about 20 minutes. LBR has a lot of energy and enjoyed cantering in the round pen.

Gary then rode LBR (in Cindy's saddle) in the dirt arena. The footing is still a little "off" but LBR slowly adjusted to it. LBR was very responsive, soft on the bit with a nice headset (using German martingale).

His energy level dictated a bit of canter in the arena and he responded nicely. His "whoa's" and transition down went well.

Gary had the farrier look at his feet and he suggested re-shoeing next week. The farrier will check for uneven hoof growth which could explain the "paddling" with the left foot (as does steel shoes -vs- aluminum).

Gary de-tacked LBR , groomed him and led him back to the paddock for treats.

Monday, January 4, 2010

January 4, 2010

Cindy is back at work and didn't get to ride today.

Gary headed over around noon. LBR led nicely from the paddock to the grooming stalls for a friend as Gary was grooming another horse. Gary groomed & saddled up for a ride.

LBR was energetic, but very responsive. After a short ride, they changed to Katie's saddle so that she could ride

Katie started with a nice/responsive ride and decided to try the canter....oops, LBR has a lot of energy. They worked back at the trot for a while and ended on a good note.

Tomorrow, LBR will have his shoes checked and Gary plans on lunging some of the energy out before riding.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

January 3, 2010

Due to LBR's over abundance of energy yesterday, Cindy chose not to take a lesson. We headed over to the stables around 1:00 p.m. as the lessons were wrapping up at that time.

We groomed and saddled LBR (no big deal - no rain/rolling) and headed to the grass arena. Gary rode for a while and LBR was energetic, but very responsive - dropping his head nicely.

We are using the copper-roller snaffle and the German martingale to assist with the head position.

Katie (a friend/boarder at the stables) was wrapping up her work with her new gelding (starting under saddle) and we asked her if she wanted to ride LBR...she did. Her last ride on him he was not as responsive. Today both Gary & Katie had him going very well and though he had a TON of energy, he responded perfectly.

Cindy thinks he's finally back to feeling well (good weight, good hooves, etc...) as LBR seems like he could trot/ride for hours.

This isn't the best picture, but gives an idea of how well he's doing.

January 2, 2010


We had a great horsey day today. Visited Silver Hills and their event training show.


We then headed over to see LBR. The sand arena is still closed and the grass arena is a bit messy, but we made the best of it. Fortunately, LBR had not rolled again so pre-ride grooming was easy.


Gary burned a lot of energy off of LBR before Cindy had a nice ride with "lots" of sitting trot (will she be able to walk tomorrow?). The picture was early in the ride when LBR had too much energy.



Friday, January 1, 2010

January 1, 2010

This is the first blog of the new year and my resolution is to blog every day again (I've gotten quite lazy).

We headed to the stables mid-afternoon after it had warmed up a bit (~55 degrees). We knew we were in for a long grooming session as LBR had taken advantage of this weeks rain to roll and coat him self in mud.

Gary led LBR up to the stables for grooming and I took this picture:




After nearly an hour of work with curry combs and brushes (and a shower for the hooves), LBR looked much better:

As expected, the grass arena, round pen and sand arena were all too wet to be ridden in safely. Hopefully, things will dry out enough that we can ride tomorrow afternoon.
Cindy returned LBR to his paddock after grooming and gave him treats.

December 31, 2009

This week, we had quite the adventures with LBR. Cindy's niece was in town and rode LBR on Saturday (Gary & Cindy also rode). They took things easy in the grass arena though Cindy did canter briefly.

On Sunday, Cindy took a group lesson. LBR was well behaved in the round pen (lunging) and the grass arena for warm up. Unfortunately, LBR did not behave in the sand arena...he was very upset by the extremely poor footing and other horses.

Gary rode LBR on Monday thinking he would be better behaved after an additional dry day and perhaps better footing. Unfortunately, LBR was still not behaving properly at first. After a long ride, LBR calmed down nicely and they ended on a good note.

We got rain again on Tuesday. Gary was able to groom him, but the rain started earlier than expected.

The stables were still a muddy mess on Thursday so we just fed treats in his paddock.