Sunday, May 30, 2010

May 30, 2010

Cindy had a morning lesson on LBR. Gary & Cindy also held a fun-ride fundraiser for the LOPE organization.

Cindy's lesson went well though she chose to just do walk/trot and no canter flat work. Cindy spent a lot of energy avoiding traffic jams as there were 4 other riders and some of them are more green than she and LBR.

LBR did VERY WELL on his course work. He troted the cross rails well and jumped the brush box. He tends to move left after jumps so their trainer/teacher is encouraging a lot of left leg pressure. Cindy's left leg is quivering 6 hours later.

After the lesson, Gary & Cindy accepted donations and coordinated the scavenger hunt. They raised $100 for LOPE today and were very happy.

Gary took LBR back to his paddock while Cindy accepted donations. After the hours at the stables, Gary & Cindy headed home to freshen up before going to a graduation party for another boarder.

It's been a great long weekend so far...one more day and it's a promise that pictures/video from this week will be uploaded tomorrow.

May 29, 2010

Gary and Cindy headed to the stables mid-morning for a ride. It's really hot in Central Texas so when they arrived there were only 3 other boarders at the stables. Originally, a trail ride was scheduled for today but it had to be cancelled due to the owners minor injuries.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock while Cindy put the tack and grooming items in the grooming stall.

LBR was very mellow. Cindy rode LBR in the sand arena at the walk trot and did some cross rail work.

LBR was much more settled and consistent than he was the night before. He really does better when he's worked a few days in a row.

After the ride, they rinsed LBR off, let him graze in the common area for a while and then returned him to his paddock for treats. He has made good friends with his paddock neighbors: 1) Double Intrigue - an OTTB 10 year old owned by the stable owners and up for sale, and; 2) Jackson - a quarter/grade? rescue who is recovering from being about 300 lbs. underweight (he's put about 150 on in the last 2 months).

Cindy and Gary then headed out for a bite to eat and a trip to the general store. They are taking him to the LOPE show next weekend and needed buckets for his stall.

Cindy will be showing him in a ground poles class (walk) and a cross poles class while Gary will be showing him in Gelding Halter and Halter/Lead trail classes.

May 28, 2010

Yeah...it's Friday and it's a three (3) day weekend - first holiday for Cindy from work since New Year's day.

Cindy stopped by the house to change before she and Gary headed over to the stables. Today would have normally been a training ride for LBR but unfortunately, the stable owner/trainer was injuried (not seriously) on Wednesday so she is unable to ride for a while.

When they arrived at the stables, the heat was miserable. It was about 95F degrees, 90% humidity and not any wind.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock while Cindy brought out the tack and grooming supplies to the grooming stall.

LBR was almost sweating from the walk up from the paddock and Gary was.

They groomed and saddled LBR and then Cindy took LBR to the sand arena for his ride. Cindy worked him at the walk and trot and LBR was very responsive. They cantered for a short time, but it was SO HOT they kept it to about 3 times around in each direction.

They then worked on cross rails and ground poles and LBR did well. After about 45 minutes of riding, LBR was lathered and Cindy was drenched in sweat. They ended with a cool down trail ride through the grass arena.

Afterwards, Gary rinsed LBR in cool water until he was cooled down and almost asleep. When LBR is this hot, he will let his face be sprayed.

After the cooling shower, Gary & Cindy headed to the common area near LBR's paddock to let him graze. Due to the humidity, he didn't dry much, but as it was getting dark, they returned him to his paddock for a few treats before calling it a night.

Friday, May 28, 2010

May 27, 2010

LBR had a break tonight as he is going to be ridden each day for the next 4 days.

May 26, 2010

Wednesdays are training/schooling rides for LBR.

This one was interesting...I'll post video over the weekend. Everything went well on the flat but LBR was rushing to and away from jumps.

The trainer decided to lunge LBR over cross rails and you would think he was being tortured.

The HILARIOUS video (you have to hear him screaming) will be posted this weekend.

May 25, 2010

Cindy had a great ride on LBR in the grass arena including cantering circles and transitions up/down from the trot/canter.

There were lessons in the sand arena and LBR didn't seem to notice.

After the ride, they groomed LBR, let him graze in the common area and returned him to his paddock for treats.

GREAT RIDE!!!

May 24, 2010

Cindy met Gary at the stables after work. Gary was putting LBR's saddle on by the time she arrived.

Cindy led LBR to the sand arena and they started off their ride with some walking and bending exercises. LBR was more tense today than he has been in a long time. Cindy trotted him for a while but he would not settle.

She decided that lounging might help so Gary lunged him for a while at the walk/trot/canter. He eventually focused, but not quite 100%.

Cindy then rode him for about 10 minutes at the walk/trot and LBR settled down. They ended the time in the arena with Cindy dismounting at the far end and leading LBR out of the arena. It was then that she figured out what was wrong.

The trainer and some of the boarders hauled horses to an eventing farm for a ride the previous day. The trailer was parked next to/near the sand arena. LBR was sure that there were eight new horses on that trailer.

Cindy led him to and around the trailer to show him that it was empty and he calmed down instantly....head dropping close to the ground.

After that, Cindy detacked and groomed LBR before Gary joined them for the walk to the paddock and treats.

May 23, 2010

Gary & Cindy headed over to the stables in the afternoon with plans to give LBR a break from riding and give him a nice bath.

Unfortunately, a water pipe was being repaired and there was they could not bath him.

They groomed him for a while before taking him back to his paddock for treats. It was dinner time by the time they left. LBR really enjoys his meals!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

May 22, 2010

Yeah it's Saturday!!!

The farrier that takes care of most of the horses at LBR's studio had a customer appreciation trail ride today. It was held here: http://rustyswalnutcreekranch.net/index.html






Gary and Cindy headed over to the stables about 6:45 a.m. and hooked up the neighbor's trailer.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock while Cindy got LBR's breakfast and some last minute items from the tack room.

LBR loaded nicely but got a little impatient in the trailer until Gary closed his divider. The neighbor's trailer is GORGEOUS. It's a 3 horse Sundowner bumper pull that looks like it's never been used.

The drive to the event took about 30 minutes along pleasant country rodes. When they arrived, Gary unloaded LBR while Cindy set up the hay net and brought water to the trailer.

LBR was a little quick backing out of the trailer but settled nicely as there was delicious bermuda grass to graze on. There were were around 40 horses/riders at the event. LBR's trainer/stable owner was there as was another lady who takes lessons with us.

LBR was very calm considering this was his third "event". Gary let him graze for a while. LBR stood calmly tied to the trailer enjoying his hay in the hay net and half of his breakfast.

He seemed to miss the other horses when they left on the trail ride but again settled quickly. The first part of the trail ride was to the north and the group returned to cross to the south portion of the ranch after about 30 minutes.

When they headed south and LBR settled, Gary & Cindy tacked him up for a ride in the arena. Gary led him around for a while with the saddle and bridle on. LBR was calm so Cindy decided to ride. Gary gave Cindy a "leg up" and LBR was a bit surprised.

Cindy rode him at the walk for about 30 minutes. They only had one "incident" where LBR spooked when horses in the other arena got frisky. It was the quickest 6 foot sidepass/hop. Cindy was thankful that her legs are strong from all the riding and didn't budge.

After a while, Cindy worked LBR a bit at the trot. He was a little hot, but they worked through it.

Cindy ended the ride with some leg yeilds and flexing bends. Gary led LBR back to the trailer and they detacked/groomed. LBR had worked up a little sweat - but mostly it was just nervous sweat. He cooled of quickly and enjoyed his breakfast.

The trail riders returned and the hamburgers/hotdogs and refreshments began. Gary moved LBR over to the trainer's trailer to be tied nearer the pavillion and closer to other horses. LBR relaxed and chilled out while Gary & Cindy enjoyed their lunch.

Around 1:00 p.m., they all loaded up and headed home. LBR does not seem to like leaving places. He wasn't too bad loading, but it was appearant that he'd rather stay.

When they arrived back home, Gary unloaded LBR while Cindy unloaded tack. They took LBR back to his paddock where is morning alfalfa was waiting. LBR was happy to be home and whinnied at his paddock neighbors.

Cindy & Gary took the neighbors trailor back and returned home around 4:00 p.m.

Cindy is declaring Sunday - Lazy Day!!

May 21, 2010

LBR had a training ride today. Gary headed to the stables around 10:00 a.m., brought LBR from his paddock and groomed him.

The trainer rode him in the sand arena. LBR was a little lazy today - he may have been tired from the ride last night.

He worked nicely on the flat at the walk/trot/canter. The trainer then did some trot to/canter away crossrails and 2' jumps. LBR did the minimum effort to get over the jumps. The trainer joked that he won't be able to be this lazy when the jumps get higher.

After the ride, she said he'll be ready for the 2' class at next months schooling show. Woo hoo LBR - Cindy & Gary are so happy and lucky to have you in their lives.

After work, Cindy & Gary headed over to their neighbors farm to hitch up the neighbors trailer for an adventure tomorrow. The pulled the trailer over to LBR's stables and loaded it up with grooming supplies, tack and hay.

LBR suspected something was up as they pulled into the stables. He knows the sound of the Tahoe but has never seen a trailer attached to it.

May 20, 2010

No pictures of LBR today. This is Moses. He was found 2 years ago as an 8 week old kitten beside a state highway in Central Texas and loves to sleep in a basket.


Cindy met Gary at the stables after work. The heat is on in Central Texas now. It was 93F degrees and about 80% humidity.

They tacked up LBR and because Thursday's are lesson nights, Cindy mounted LBR in the sand arena before heading to the grass arena for the ride.

LBR was a little distracted by horses and goats running in the pastures. Cindy worked him through it - taking him back down from the trot to the walk. Once he relaxed again, she trotted him for a while on the flat before doing ground poles and cross rails at the trot.

As LBR had settled well, she cantered him in both directions including circles at the ends of the arena.

They rode for nearly an hour and both she and LBR were sweaty (LBR was actually lathered/foamy).

Gary then took LBR for a trail ride to cool down. They rode all the way to the entrance of the farm. LBR experienced cows and a passing truck on the trail ride. He took it all in stride.

After the trail ride, Gary rinsed LBR off. Cindy & Gary returned LBR to his paddock for the night.

It was a great but exhausting evening at the stables for all.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

May 19, 2010

Today was a training ride day for LBR. Gary headed over to groom him before the ride around 10:30. LBR has a neighbor in the paddock to the north named Jackson.

Jackson is a rescue that came to the stables in pretty bad shape about 2 months ago. He is slowly gaining weight and health back. LBR has bonded with Jackson, but Jackson has bonded even more strongly. When Gary whistles for LBR to come to the gate, Jackson comes to the gate as well. When Cindy rides LBR in the sand arena (about ¼ mile from the paddocks), Jackson will whinnie once or twice to say “come back”. LBR ignores his calls. LBR has what is best described as a protection bond with Jackson though. One day when LBR was returned to his paddock, Jackson was lying down (something Gary & Cindy have NEVER seen LBR do). LBR nickered softly to Jackson as if to say “Are you okay”. Jackson stood up and LBR pouted as though he had been “punked”.

The trainer rode LBR in the sand arena. She is challenging him with each training ride. Today’s challenge was “okay you can jump, but can you jump in perfect control and keep online after the jump”. It took several attempts, but they finally achieved success.

After the ride, Gary rinsed LBR off before taking him back to his paddock for some treats.

May 18, 2010

Tuesday is farrier day. LBR made it 6 weeks this time before needing a trim (and front shoes reset).

Gary arrived around 9:30 and they were done by about 11:00. LBR stood perfectly for the farrier.

No ride today for LBR due to the trim.

May 17, 2010

Cindy stopped by the house after work to change before heading to the stables with Gary. There were huge cumulus clouds in the distance and thunderstorms about 30 miles from the stables.

When they arrived at the stables, it was 92F degrees and about 95% humidity.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock while Cindy put the tack and grooming box in the grooming stall.

LBR stood calmly for grooming and tacking despite 3 other rhorses being tacked up. Everyone was in a bit of a rush as the thunderstorms were coming our way.

Cindy rode LBR in the sand arena and he responded fairly well considering the other horses were being schooled at the walk/trot/canter and over/around jumps.

Cindy worked LBR at the walk and trot only as he was getting a bit anxious about the approaching storms. He “spooked” (for LBR that means freeze in place) when a loud thunder occurred. Cindy rode him at the trot a few more times around the arena – until he listened and relaxed.

As she was leading him to the stable, the sky darkened and the wind stirred up. LBR was groomed quickly and Gary returned him to his paddock. Gary said it was the fastest trip back to the paddock and was winded from trotting LBR most of the way.

When Cindy & Gary left the stables the temperature had dropped 22 degrees to 70F.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

May 16, 2010

Cindy (yes that is a loose rein...LBR is coming along nicely)

Gary


Gary & Cindy headed to the stables in the afternoon. The weather forecast was for showers on/off all day, but thankfully, the forecast was wrong. It was muggy though.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock while Cindy put out LBR's supplements (Weight Builder) in the feed area for the week.

LBR had rolled in the mud again so some serious currying was required.

They tacked up and headed ot the grass arena for the ride today as the sand arena is too wet to be ridden in.

Cindy rode LBR at the walk/trot only as it was still a bit slick in places in the grass arena and misting occasionally. She trotted him over ground poles and he was very steady and seemed to be enjoying the ride. They trotted some cross rails a few times too.

Gary then rode LBR. It's probably been close to two (2) months since Gary has ridden LBR in the arena (he has taken him on trail rides a couple of times).

They did well, though Gary was frustrated with controlling his leg pressure now that LBR is so responsive to leg queues. Oh well, they'll get used to each other again with more frequent rides.

Cindy finished up with a quick cool down ride and rode LBR back to the stables for grooming.

It was dinner time at the stables for the horses by the time they returned LBR to his paddock for carrot and alfalfa cube appetizers.

Another great day at the stables for all.

May 15, 2010

May 2010 Pictures


It rained overnight (about 2")...yeah!

Gary & Cindy headed over to the Expo center mid-morning to cheer on a couple of boarders who were showing. Afterwards, they headed to the stables knowing that it was unrideable, but concerned that LBR would have rolled with his fly mask on and be unable to see.

LBR had done a great job of coating himself in mud. He was happy when Gary arrived at his paddock and led nicely to the stables for cleaning. LBR walked quietly into the wash stall and seemed to enjoy his rinse. Afterwards, Gary and Cindy clipped his whiskers and feathers on his legs.

They then led him back towards his paddock for some grazing before returning him to his paddock for treats.

May 14, 2010



LBR had another training ride today. Gary headed over to the stables to groom LBR around 9:00.

They tacked up and the trainer decided to change things up a bit and ride LBR in the grass arena. This arena is near LBR's paddock and is more level than the sand arena. This is also where Gary & Cindy rode LBR after his round pen lessons progressed.

LBR and the trainer had his best ride ever. She walk, trotted and cantered on the flat before jumping him at the canter over several jumps. She even took him up a line of two log jumps.

After the ride, she walked him briefly around the property to cool down. The forecast for tonight is strong storms and rain...we need the rain, it's been 3 weeks since it rained here.

May 13, 2010

Gary headed to the stables around noon to meet the trainer for LBR's training ride.

Gary groomed LBR and the trainer rode him in the sand arena. LBR was opening his mouth too much so the trainer suggested we add more holes to the noseband so it could be tightened.

She worked LBR at the walk, trot and canter on the flat to start. After LBR settled nicely, she trotted him across ground poles & cross rails for a while. She then cantered the brush box and gate jump several times.

LBR was over-jumping today which he has never done. After a while, he started jumping normally and they ended with a trail ride around the property.

Gary rinsed LBR before letting him graze and returning him to his paddock.

The flies are getting bad so Gary put LBR's fly mask on.

May 12, 2010

Cindy met Gary at the stables after work. The wind was blowing about 30 mph so all of the horses at the stable were frisky and flighty.

Gary brought LBR down from the paddock and they groomed him and tacked up. Gary lunged LBR in the round pen for a bit and he was frisky too. He then lunged LBR for a short while in the sand arena. LBR was very distracted so Cindy decided to just start riding.

Cindy rode him in the sand arena at the walk/trot for about 45 minutes. Cindy's neck/back was stiff from sleeping on it wrong so she skipped the canter.

After the ride, LBR was groomed and rinsed (he had gotten sweaty from the "excitement" of the wind). They ended the night with some grazing in the common areas and treats in the paddock.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

May 11, 2010



One Year Ago Today


LBR was due for re-shoeing on his front and a trim so Gary headed over to the stables in the morning.

The farrier agreed that LBR could go for another week...we'll see how that goes.

Gary groomed LBR before turning him back to his paddock for treats and another day of rest.

Cindy's manager at work lent her a tiny web cam that will clip on her helmet while she rides. Video coming later this week:-)

May 10, 2010

LBR got a well deserved day of rest today (ridden 6 days in a row including 2 training rides, one schooling ride at the show and a lesson).

He was so tired after yesterday's lesson that he stood in the grooming stall with his head down to his knees.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

May 9, 2010

Cindy Cantering LBR In Lesson

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Gary & Cindy headed to the stables around 9:15 a.m. for Cindy's 10:00 a.m. lesson on LBR.

It's been a long week of very successful rides. Gary brought LBR up from his paddock as Cindy staged the grooming stall.

LBR was very mellow - probably more exhausted and it was odd because everyone (horses and people) seemed to be in the same mood.

Cindy mounted LBR for her lesson in the sand arena. LBR was so quiet. The lesson was small (4 horses/riders). LBR did well at the walk/trot with the whole group. He then got to canter with one other horse for the first time. It was obvious that he was a tired today. He did well at everything asked but had very little "spunk".

After the lesson, Cindy took him on a brief trail ride. When she de-tacked him, his nose was nearly on the ground from exhaustion and he fell asleep as he was being groomed.

Gary led him back to his paddock where Cindy and he ave LBR his treats.

Tomorrow is LBR's much deserved day off....per our trainer - Gary and Cindy totally agree.

May 8, 2010

Walking The Grounds


Schooling Ride

LBR Is At A Show


It's Saturday and Gary & Cindy left the house at 6:00 a.m. to help load up the horses for the Schooling Show.

Gary headed to LBR's paddock in the dark to bring him up and Cindy loaded their Tahoe with the tack trunk, saddle, bridle, treats and LBR's breakfast chops (the last show he skipped breakfast).

They helped the stable owner/trainer load up the horses (LBR loaded great). Four horses went to the show (listed in loading order in the trailer)
1) Brownie - the stable owner/trainer's hunter;
2) Solan - a three year old Belgium/thoroughbred;
3) LBR - star of this blog; and
4) Stormy - an Arabian "pony" with some show experience.

The drive to the show grounds took about an hour and things were very organized when they arrived. The owners of Solan & Stormy arrived at the same time as the horses.

A cold front had arrived overnight so we had winds out of the northwest at about 20 mph. The temperature dropped from about 70F degrees at 6:00 a.m. to around 60F at 8:00 a.m. Many of the people at the show were not prepared as we've been having 90F degree afternoons all week.

Hay nets were tied up high on the trailer and horses were unloaded and tied as well. LBR took all of this in stride and enjoyed the fresh bermuda hay. Cindy helped others with filling up water buckets and everyone settled in.

Brownie & Stormy were being shown in the 2' hunter classes while LBR & Solan were there for the "experience" and possible schooling rides.

Solan did some schooling with his owner while Brownie & Stormy warmed up for their classes. Gary & Cindy put LBR's saddle and bridle on and Gary tried to lunge him. He was a bit insecure so Gary led LBR around the property and down by the arena to get him accustomed to the event. Gary then detacked LBR and tied him back up to the trailer/hay.

Gary & Cindy were able to watch Brownie & Stormy in their classes as LBR & Solan stood nicely tied to the trailer.

Brownie won 3rd & 4th in his hunter classes and Brownie won 1st & Stormy 2nd in their flat class.

After the classes were done, our trainer did a schooling ride on LBR and he was FABULOUS...PERFECT...HAPPY!!!

The day ended with LBR a little hesitant to load (took < 2 minutes), a drive back to the stables, and grooming. LBR's neighbor whinnied as Gary & Cindy took LBR back to his paddock.

May 7, 2010




Gary headed to the stables in the morning as our trainer was doing a training ride on LBR at 9:00 a.m.

LBR led up nicely from his paddock and stood quietly for grooming. The trainer tacked him up with her saddle and bridle (mild edge bit).

Once again, LBR started out perfectly at the walk trot. He was a bit "hot" during his canter so the trainer tried alternating trot and canter. Poor LBR...he became so confused that the trainer had to bring him back to the trot and work for a while to calm him down.

Once he calmed, she rode him through some courses and patterns including the gray gate which he loves to jump now.

After the ride, Gary groomed LBR and returned him to his paddock.

Tomorrow is a big day....hauling to the show and possibly a schooling ride by the trainer.

Friday, May 7, 2010

May 6, 2010





One Year Ago Today




Cindy met Gary at the stables after work. Gary was grooming LBR when she arrived. They tacked LBR with the d-ring edge bit for Cindy's ride.

Because there were lessons in the sand arena, Cindy mounted there and walked LBR around a the sand arena before heading to the grass arena.

LBR was very calm as Cindy worked him for about 30 minutes at the trot. They did rail work, circles and figure eights. Cindy focused on getting LBR to "give" to the bit rather than pull on it. This is something the trainer is working with him on too. LBR did well and relaxed into that perfect trot like the previous night.

After the ground work, they trotted over ground poles and cross rails. When the ride was over, Gary headed out of the arena to walk up to the main barn. LBR wanted to follow him, but Cindy made him stay in the grass arena and walk for a while. They then headed out the far exit and walked calmly back to the barn.

After the ride, Gary groomed LBR and they took him back to his paddock for the night.

His new (rescue) neighbor Jackson whinnied to LBR as they brought him back and nuzzled LBR once he was back in his paddock. LBR has a friend - I think he feels sorry for the skinny guy. He's so kind to him.

May 5, 2010

LBR Takes His First Real Jump





One Year Ago Today



Today was a training ride for LBR.

Cindy met Gary at the stables after work. Gary had LBR in the grooming stall and was ready for the trainer to tack up by the time Cindy arrived.

The trainer tacked up with her saddle and the d-ring edge bit and headed to the sand arena for LBR's lesson.

She worked him for almost 30 minutes at the trot after briefly warming up at the walk. His trot was BEAUTIFUL...controlled, consistent, flexible, collectible, extendable:-)

LBR became distracted by barn activities so his canter was not as good. She decided not to push the issue.

She is working LBR up to "real" jumps. Tonight, he jumped the gate jump for the first time. This is significant because it's the first jump that he has jumped that he hadn't walked over. She approached the jump at the trot. The first attempt resulted in a halt/jump...yes he stopped, but yes, he jumped over.

He became a bit rattled by the gray monster. His jumps down the line over the brush box (with the gate immediately in site) were a bit clumsy as he was focused on the monster.

She eventually got him jumping the brush box nicely and then let him "sniff" the monster before trying again. The second time was much better - not perfect, but better.

May 4, 2010



One Year Ago Today


Cindy stopped by the house after work to change and Gary and she headed to the stables together.

Due to the "heat wave" in Central Texas (It was 94F degrees at 6:00 p.m.) and Tuesday is lesson day, they were not in a rush to get to the stables.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock and groomed him and tacked him up for Cindy's ride. Because other boarders were using the trainer's d-ring and full cheek bridle, Gary used the second full cheek that has stays.

By the time they had tacked up, lessons were over so Cindy headed to the sand arena.

LBR stood perfectly at the mounting block and started out nicely. After a few minutes though, he was tossing his head and rubbing it on his front legs. Cindy dismounted and examined the bridle. The full cheek stays were causing the bit to rub/hit on LBR's bone so she released them. LBR was much happier.

They worked a lot at the trot, did some patterns and cantered briefly. After about 45 minutes, they ended with cool down walks on a loose rein.

Cindy detacked and groomed LBR. They led LBR back to his paddock - letting him graze a bit on the way.

By the time Cindy & Gary were heading out of the stables it was nearly 8:30 p.m. LBR wasted no time returning to his yummy hay - he was munching contently before Gary & Cindy exited the property.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

May 3, 2010



One Year Ago Today


Gary and Cindy gave LBR a break and didn't visit/ride today. He's probably not happy.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

May 2, 2010



One Year Ago Today



Happy trails to you...

After a great lesson yesterday, Cindy headed to the stables mid-morning alone as Gary was golfing with some neighbors.

LBR was very mellow when Cindy met him at his paddock. It was a very warm day and he was standing in the shade of his shelter. He came up to the gate and nickered on his way (so cute).

Cindy took him to the stables for grooming and tacking up. LBR fell asleep as he was brushed. He was very happy to have fly spray applied as this year we have the most vicious deer flies.

Cindy rode LBR for a bit at the walk/trot in the arena and then headed out on a trail ride with another boarder. They rode down to the "donkey/cow/trailer parking" area. LBR wasn't sure about the old house but followed the lead of the more experienced horse well.

They then headed down/around paddocks on the east side of the farm. LBR walked fearlessly past the shaving/plastic tarp area, but did not like the two tires/gate used to drag the arena that were parked outside of one of the paddocks they toured. It was odd that he noticed them on the way into the paddock and his "leader" noticed them on the way out. BP - the more experienced horse is a 25 y/o OTTB. I guess some things never change. Neither spooked at the object, but both thought it "didn't belong".

After riding the east side of the farm, they rode down to BP's paddock. His paddock is on the North side of the property at a slight crest in elevation. He has the most beautiful oak tree that provides great shade. Next to his paddock is the pasture board field (about 10 acres w/ 4 horses). They have a group of visitors that appear regularly and were there on Sunday.....a herd of about 20 goats from the neighbors. LBR noticed them, but didn't get too excited. He watched them as they jogged off to the other side of the pasture with couriosity but no spooking.

The trail ride ended with grooming, sleeping in the cross-ties. Cindy then took LBR back to his paddock and then returned later with treats.

It was a very relaxing day.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

May 1, 2010

Lesson Video - Cantering


Wow...it's May already.

Cindy & Gary headed to the stables aroun 11:00 a.m. for Cindy's noon lesson on LBR. A cold front came through overnight so it was a chilly 68F degees with winds out of the north at about 20 mph. Despite the "brisk" air (okay - by Central Texas it's brisk).

LBR was fairly mellow when Gary brought him up from his paddock. Gary & Cindy groomed him and tacked him up for the lesson. They used one of the trainers "edge" bits as that is what she has been riding him in. It's not a sharp edge - it's barely detectable when you feel it. Cindy warmed LBR up in the sand arena at the walk and he continued his mellow ways despite 4 other horses warming up - 3 of which he has never met in the arena.

The lesson was the BEST ever for LBR & Cindy. LBR did his walk/trot flat work with ease and didn't mind the other horses. His ground pole trips were flawless too. The trainer suggested Cindy shorten her stirrups another notch so Gary helped her with that. Cindy loved the ease at which she could get the correct leg position and LBR responded much better.

The other horses cantered on the rail while LBR waited patiently for his turn alone. When it was his turn, he did GREAT. He got his leads both directions and responded to being ridden with leg.

After LBR's canter rounds, the lesson continued with course work. Again....LBR was the perfect horse - even making some tight turns between jumps fearlessly.

After the lesson, Cindy took off LBR's tack and groomed him. Due to the cool weather, LBR was not sweaty - only a bit damp under the saddle. Gary sponged him down before Gary & Cindy took him back to his paddock. They left the stables around 2:00 p.m. - what a great day!

April 30, 2010

TGIF...no truer words have been spoken than these this week.

LBR was scheduled for a 6:00 training lesson. Cindy headed straight over to the stables after work to meet Gary. This was the first lesson Cindy has had the chance to observe.

It was 92F degrees today in central Austin and about 90% humidity. LBR was in a mellow mood so the trainer didn't lunge him.

They had a great lesson and she has moved him "up" to cantering some cross-rails and low jumps. She rode for the full hour and LBR did well - only requiring half-halts a few times.

She taught Cindy how to teach LBR to "give" to the bit...he can be stubborn, but is figuring it out.

After the lesson, Gary rinsed LBR off (LBR went into a trance as the cool water felt so good). Afterwards, Cindy & Gary led LBR to his paddock for the night. (group lesson for Cindy & LBR tomorrow).

April 29, 2010

LBR had a lesson yesterday and another one schedule for tomorrow so Gary & Cindy gave him a break from riding.

They bought a new camera this week and took a few pictures.

Gary & LBR - Both Smiling


LBR saying goodnight