Friday, July 30, 2010

July 28, 2010







Cindy is amazingly proud of LBR. After work, she and Gary headed over to the stables for Cindy's lesson. Gary brought LBR up from his paddock while Cindy brought out the tack and supplies from the tack room. Cindy was expecting it to be a small group lesson, but there were four (4) others tacking up too. "A" was riding a three (3) year old OTTB; "M" was riding a nice lesson gelding; "C2" was riding a lesson gelding being retrained from dressage to hunter/jumper; and "C3" was riding a lesson mare.

After grooming and tacking up, Cindy mounted LBR in the sand arena and went to the middle to watch the last few minutes of the private lesson that preceded the group lesson. LBR was intently watching the horse jump 3'6". He seemed to thinking..."I could do that some day".


The lesson started off with ground work. LBR was a bit distracted by some of the dogs who were misbehaving (entering the edges of the arena, barking, running around). Someone finally put them in their fenced in area and LBR settled. They did walk and trot with the big group and then cantered in a group of 2 with "A" and the OTTB. LBR missed his lead both directions on the first try, but got it on the second try. Cindy was so proud...he was the calmest cantering horse out of the five. This was especially settling as this was Cindy's first canter since the fall two(2) weeks ago.

After the canter work, the group did some ground pole exercises. They then proceeded to course work. LBR was perfect - squaring up to the center of each jump/cross-rail and taking them smoothly.

After the ride, Gary rinsed LBR off (he wasn't too sweaty as it was only 85F degrees). They then took him back towards his paddock for a little grazing and then treats.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

July 27, 2010

This is LBR grazing in the common area by his paddock.




"A" rode LBR today. Gary met her at the stables around noon.

They had a very good ride. LBR wasn't quite as clean over the cross-rails/jumps but did well. They worked on slowing the canter a bit and LBR was responsive.

After the ls lesson/ride, "A" cooled LBR off by taking him on a trail ride.

"A" de-tacked LBR and rinsed him off. Gary then took LBR back towards his paddock for grazing and treats.

July 26, 2010

Woo hoo - we have rain again in Central Texas. We received about 1 1/2" at the house today. When Cindy arrived home from work, she and Gary decided to go visit LBR and take him some freshly baked horse treats that Gary had made today.

Because of the rain, they headed over in shorts/tennis shoes. When they arrived at the stables, they were so disappointed with their attire. It hadn't rained at all - the stables are < 10 miles from their house.

They decided to bring LBR up from his paddock and groom and lunge him. He was absolutely perfect with lunging. W/T/C with transitions executed flawlessly and always canter on the correct lead.

After lunging, they led him back towards his paddock for grazing and more treats. LBR had a tough day for horsey emotions today. His neighbor was moved to another farm. The owners said LBR watched the trailer w/ neighbor in at as it left the property.

Cindy & Gary were glad they visited LBR tonight.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

July 25, 2010

Today, "A" rode LBR. The hope is she will get enough rides in to be able to show him in Mid-August.

Gary & Cindy headed over to the stables to groom/prep LBR. He was still eating his alfalfa when Gary arrived at this paddock. LBR didn't mind though, so Gary led him to his water trough for a drink before bringing him up to the stables for grooming.

Gary & "A" groomed and tacked LBR up. "A" started LBR with a walk around the arena before starting his trot work. There was another very-green, very-excited horse being ridden in the sand arena too. Amazingly, LBR did not seem to feed off of this. Part of this is "A" & the other rider are really good riders and did a good job of keeping the spacing.

"A" cantered LBR and he did well. She did serveral circles, did some half-arena crosses and did a lot of transitions.

After the flat work, "A" did courses with LBR. Cindy is SO JEALOUS. She cantered him over courses with 3-4 jumps (crossrails, gates, oxer, etc..) and he even did lead changes over fences for her. Cindy will get there....just a bit sad that she can't ride that well (YET).

After their ride, "A" dismounted LBR and walked him around the perimeter of the arena to cool him off. Gary & Cindy felt sorry for her....it's hot in Central, TX. They usually ride him around and on trails/into paddocks to cool him off. It was nice to see her bond with him. He walked in a very relaxed manner and never got pushy about wanting the bridle off.

After the cooling walk, "A" & Gary took off his tack and visited/chatted while "A' rinsed LBR off.

The day/morning ended with Gary & Cindy leading LBR back towards his paddock for grooming and a couple of pepermints (he lifted his head from his remaining alfalfa to enjoy the mints).

On the way home from the stables, Gary & Cindy stopped at a local Cafe for lunch. Sorry my vegetarian friends, but sometimes a tasty cheeseburger hits the spot.

July 24, 2010




Yeah..it's Saturday, though it started off with a call from Cindy's work early regarding an IT issue (she's in IT management and that's part of the territory).

Gary & Cindy headed over to the stables around 10:00. Most of the riders had ridden earlier and were gone by the time they rode. However, a couple of friends arrived while they were there too.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock while Cindy staged the tack and grooming supplies.

Cindy started LBR off in the sand arena. They walked and trotted, working on transitions, haults, turns on the haunches and focus. LBR was a joy to ride.

Cindy then worked him over some courses (still trotting...still sore). He was AMAZING. They did canter away for a few strides from some cross-rails. This was confidence building but a bit painful.

After Cindy rode, Gary rode LBR for a bit in the sand arena including cross-rails. Afterwards, he took LBR down to the grass arena. They cantered...yes cantered the outside rail a couple of times and had so much fun. Gary was beeming with pride - this was the first time he has asked LBR for the canter and LBR picked it up within two steps, got the correct lead, and came back to the trot nicely.

Cindy MUST take pictures next time.

July 23, 2010

Today, Friday, was the final day of Panacur PowerPac for LBR. Cindy had a tough day at work so she and Gary headed over to just pamper the horse.

They brought him up from his paddock and gave him is medicine first thing. Afterwards, they groomed him before heading back towards his paddock for some grazing and treats (he loves peppermints now) in his paddock.

He seemed to enjoy the relaxing evening being pampered by his "peeps" and being alone with them at the stables.

July 22, 2010

Tonight, Cindy met Gary at the barn as she had a drs. appt. and had to make her lesson time. Yes....she's taking a lesson, one week after the fall and still a little sore, but more determinced than ever.

The lesson had three other riders today for a total of four of us in the arena together. LBR did very well on his flat work. The other riders were all experienced and did a good job of staying spaced out. We worked a lot at the trot and transitioning back/forth between the collected and extended trot. Cindy has never done this with LBR and he caught on so fast it was amazing. He was flexible throughout the flat work, did georgous circles and his haults and transitions took no more than 2 steps. WOO HOO!!

They stayed at the trot rather than canter as Cindy is still pretty sore.

After the flat work, LBR did well at on course too. One time, Cindy hesitated and LBR stopped at second jump in a line...it wasn't his fault:-(

The next 2 times, he did that line perfectly - even cantering away the second time beautifully.

After his most-excellent lesson, Cindy cooled him down by walking around the outside of the arena. LBR was so relaxed and happy.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

July 21, 2010

The trainer gave LBR a training ride this morning and according to Gary AND the trainer, LBR was GREAT!

Gary lunged him briefly before the ride. She worked him on the flat at the walk,trot and canter. After the flat work, she trotted some cross-rails, the brush-box and the stable-name jump. She then took him over the rollie-pollie with flowers on top for the first time. They trotted over it the first try and on the second try she had him jump and canter away. This jump is about 2' high with about a 2' spread. She cantered him around and back over the stable-name jump.

They ended with some walking to cool down. Gary then rinsed LBR off before taking him to his paddock. Gary took LBR's neighbor out of his paddock for some ground work and a bath. "Double Intrigue" is a recently retired 10 year old OTTB who won nearly $150,000. He is really cute and very attached to LBR, Gary & Cindy. Gary rinsed him off and then worked in the round pen a bit before returning him back to his paddock. LBR seemed to be a little upset/jealous.

In the evening, Gary & Cindy headed back to the stables to give LBR his Powerpac - day 3. LBR knew something was up as they took the halter down to the paddock and gave them medicine there rather than bring him up the 1/4 of a mile to the grooming stalls. It wasn't too hard (he raised his head a few times) to give.

After the medicine, they took LBR out and let him graze for a while before heading home for the night.

July 20, 2010

Cindy & Gary headed over to the stables after work. The barn was very busy with one group lesson in progress and the second group arriving.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock while Cindy set out the tack and grooming supplies. After tacking up, Cindy mounted LBR in the sand arena and walked around for a bit (there was a break between lessons) before heading to the grass arena.

Cindy was still a bit a sore so she focused on walk/trot and flexing work tonight. A second boarder joined them in the grass arena and although LBR was initially distracted, he calmed quickly. Additionally, LBR had the distraction of Gary & one of our neighbors who came to visit. LBR did not like Gary talking to someone during the ride..."Hello dad...you should be watching me".

After a bit, LBR settled very well despite a 3rd horse who was being horrible joining in the grass arena.

Cindy ended the ride with some walking to cool down. Gary rinsed LBR and gave him his second dose of Powerpac tonight. He took it without any battle.

They ended the night with some grazing and treats back in the paddock.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

July 19, 2010

Today was LBR's day off from riding. Gary & Cindy did go over to groom him after Cindy came home from work. They also started LBR on his Powerpac regemine. He actually was not too bad about taking it and didn't seem to be too disgusted by the taste.

We'll see how tomorrow's dose goes.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

July 18, 2010


"Y" riding LBR today.





Gary and Cindy headed to the stables around 9:30 a.m. They wanted to meet up with "Y' as Cindy is still not strong enough to ride LBR to his potential.

The stables were "crazy"...2 totally green horses in the arena being ridden when Gary brought LBR up for grooming.

After grooming and tacking, Cindy mounted LBR in the sand arena and then headed to the grass arena for their ride. LBR was a bit distracted by dogs/horses running in paddocks, but did well. "Y" brought her horse in the grass arena and Cindy & "Y' worked through LBR being distracted by him. BP and "Y' headed out of the arena and Cindy kept LBR focused on serpentines and half-halts. LBR didn't realize "Y's" horse was gone until he was about 300 yards away back at the stables.

"Y' rode LBR today too after riding her horse, "BP". Cindy was tired and LBR had all the energy in the world. LBR was distracted by the mower and other horses, "Y" was so patient and worked him through it. They worked on transitions and leg yields and ended on a good note with a trail ride around some common areas.

Gary rinsed LBR while "Y", Cindy and others visited.

Afterwards, Gary led LBR to his paddock. LBR is so upset by a mare in his area that Gary had to work with him for about 15 minutes by the mare "Topsy" before LBR calmed down and behaved.

Gary & Cindy gave him and his neighbors treats and said our goodbyes.

July 17, 2010

It was Cindy's first day back at the stables since her fall 2 days ago. Gary brought LBR up from his paddock and they groomed and tacked up LBR. There were no other riders riding at in the sand arena.

Gary rode LBR for about 10 minutes before Cindy mounted for her ride. LBR was a dream. Cindy walked and trotted him for about 30 minutes and he NEVER mis-behaved or became distracted. His trot was a dream and though stiff in the flexing exercises initially, he turned into a "rubber" horse after a bit.

They ended the ride with flexing with leg yeilds and no reins before taking a breif trail ride.

Cindy took LBR's tack off and Gary rinsed him before they all headed for some grazing and carrots in the paddock.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

July 16, 2010

Gary headed over to the stables in the morning while Cindy was at work. She was stiff this morning, but managed to feel okay thanks to aspirin and icepacks.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock and groomed/tacked him up. He worked with LBR in the round pen for a while. They started off walking/trotting together around the rail. Gary then lunged him at the walk/trot/canter in both directions.

They headed to the sand arena to start the ride. LBR was great today. They did walk/trot flat work and then proceeded to cross-rails. Gary used the trick of saying 'trot' very slowly when approaching the jumps and LBR trotted to and away from them without rushing.

After the work in the arena, Gary & LBR headed out for a trail ride. The "stalled" horses are in the stalls during the day now, so they ventured in/out of several paddocks. LBR enjoyed a big drink of water in the paddock that had the cleanest water trough. After that, they rode up/down some hills in the common area.

After their ride, Gary de-tacked and then gave LBR an extra long rinse.

They ended with some grazing and carrots in the paddock.

July 15, 2010

Gary & Cindy headed to the stables when Cindy got home from work around 6:30 p.m. it ws very hot today - 99F degrees and there wasn't a breeze at all.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock while Cindy staged the tack. LBR seemed slightly excited/agitated by the fact that several (5) horses were gone to the show. He has a bizarre obsession with horses coming/going.

Gary groomed/tacked LBR up for the ride. A few other riders were tacking up...mostly on green/under-exercised horses.

Cindy mounted LBR in the sand arena. He settled down nicely as she worked him on flexing exercises a the walk and trot. She took him over several cross-rails and he did well. Things were getting a little hectic with one of the other green horses in the arena - he did quite a bucking fit, but the rider stayed on. LBR got a little excited over it so Cindy worked him on serpentines at the trot in and around the jumps. He calmed down quickly and relaxed.

Cindy decide to canter LBR. She headed clockwise and LBR got his lead perfectly and cantered so smoothly like a rocking horse. As they headed down the long side of the arena, LBR crow hopped. Cindy corrected him and he settled for about 2 strides before crossing a deep sandy spot. He sort of tripped/half-bucked and Cindy went off. OUCH...Haiku:

Thursday horseback ride
Involuntary Dismount
Cindy black and blue

Cindy was fine - just bruised. LBR & Gary were more upset by the fall than she was. Thankfully, another really good rider was finishing up her ride and asked Cindy if she wanted her to ride LBR. She rode LBR for another 15 minutes or so - working him at the trot and canter. The riding ended with Gary taking LBR on a trail ride.

At the end of the night, Gary rinsed LBR and he and Cindy led LBR pack to his paddock for some grazing before treats in the paddock.

July 14, 2010

No ride/visit to LBR tonight as Cindy had a very long day at work and didn't get home until almost 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

July 13, 2010


Picture from the Horse Show Taken on June 26, 2010

Gary & Cindy headed to the stables in the evening.

LBR greeted Gary at the paddock gate with whinnies and a cheerful attitude as usual.

As it was Tuesday night, there were group lessons in the sand arena and the grooming stalls were busy. Gary groomed LBR and tacked him up for the ride. Cindy mounted LBR in the sand arena as the first group lesson was ending. She rode him around a few laps at the walk before heading out to the grass arena.

Cindy worked LBR for nearly 30 minutes at the walk/trot (mostly trot) and he was GREAT. He did half-passes and head-in's/out's perfectly. She cantered him clockwise and he got his lead on the first try...YEAH!
After that, she returned to work at the trot counter-clockwise and only cantered once he was doing his trot properly (sometimes he gets anxious to canter).

After the "lesson" part of the ride, Cindy rode him on totally loose reins - steering him with leg queues only. He got the hang of it and cooled off quickly.

Cindy rode him back to the stables/grooming area and took off his tack. Gary rinsed him off and they all headed back towards his paddock for some grazing. LBR has come so far. The group of horses in the large pasture were being silly and galloping around. LBR didn't even look up as they charged to their gate which was about 15 feet away. Such a change from a year ago - he would have been snorting fire and about 18 hands tall.

After letting LBR graze for about 20 minutes, Gary & Cindy returned him to his paddock and gave him carrots for treats.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

July 12, 2010

Gary & Cindy arrived back in town around 6:00 p.m. and headed over to the stable expecting to find LBR tired in his paddock as the trainer was going to give him a training ride today.

When they arrived at the stables around 7:00 p.m., the trainer was tacking LBR up for his lesson. It was a nice treat to get to see his lesson. The lesson started out amazingly well with LBR collecting nicely at the trot and being so responsive. The trainer then cantered LBR and it was BEAUTIFUL.....he cantered so collectedly and slowly that he looked like he was barely moving.

Unfortunately, a new horse arrived and the owner would not put the mare in her stall...instead she led the horse into the arena which distracted LBR. The trainer continued to ride and asked LBR to ignore the new comer. LBR did pretty well considering the distraction and the lesson ended on a good note.

After the ride, Gary & Cindy gave LBR a good bath (with shampoo) and then let him graze for a bit before returning him to his paddock.

July 11, 2010

Guest blog today as Cindy & Gary were still out of town. Thank you "Y" for taking care of him!

From "Y":

Just wanted to give you an update on your four legged child. Such a good boy!!

i guess it really rained here on Friday as the barn was really muddy. LBR...OMG!! he had two inch thick muballs hanging from his mane, poor thing. I did the best i could at getting them out but he didn't seem to like the water to be anywhere near his face. I thought it best to just let Gary take care of his muddy face. I didn't want to scare him.

Anyway, after i hosed him off i rode in the grass field. I just worked on turning him with just my legs. He picked that up really quick. Then just transistions. He figured that out quickly too.

I thought he would want to trail ride around the property but he just went straight back to the barn. I hosed him off again, let him graze a little then back to his paddock. That's when he got a little naughty as he just kept trotting around me like a prancing stud. So silly!!

July 10, 2010

Gary & Cindy were out of town.

July 9, 2010

Gary & Cindy were out of town. It rained in Austin so no visitors to LBR.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

July 8, 2010


"There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man?"
--Winston Churchill

July 7, 2010

No visit to LBR tonight as there was a death in the family. Gary & Cindy are doing okay, but sad.

July 6, 2010

Trotting:


Cantering:


Trotting:





Gary & Cindy headed to the stables as soon as Cindy got home from work. Going later last night didn't provide any relief from the heat and Cindy had trouble going to sleep after being out/exercising so late.

As it's Tuesday, the stables were quite busy with lessons (the trainer does 2-3 hour long group lessons with 3-5 riders in each group).

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock while Cindy pulled out the tack and grooming box. Cindy forgot her helmet and half chaps (she had taken them home to clean them last night). Fortunately, Gary's helmet was in the truck and Cindy was able to borrow a set of half chaps.

Due to the lessons, Cindy mounted LBR in the sand arena and headed to the grass arena for the ride.

LBR was a bit distracted tonight, but as Cindy worked him on bends and figure eights he relaxed. She rode him at the walk/trot/canter in both directions. They cantered more tonight than ever.

After the ride, Cindy cooled LBR off with a short trail ride. Gary rinsed LBR off after Cindy returned and took off his tack.

They headed back toward the paddock for some grazing and then treats in the paddock.

July 5, 2010

Today was a holiday for Cindy from work. She and Gary chilled out in the comfort of A/C all day.

They headed over to the stables around 7:30 p.m. Gary brought LBR up from his paddock and Cindy got out the tack and grooming supplies.

Cindy rode LBR in the sand arena tonight. It was dry, but packed pretty hard (hadn't been tilled yet). LBR did well at the w/t/c but honestly doesn't seem to like the hard footing.

After the ride, they rinsed LBR and let him graze for a bit before returning him to his paddock in the dark for treats.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

July 4, 2010

Gary & Cindy headed to the stables around noon. There was no rain overnight so hopes were high for a ride in the grass arena.

Gary headed down to the paddock to bring LBR up while Cindy staged the tack and grooming supplies.

LBR had rolled overnight...what a piglet! It was curry-able though as his paddock is drying out quickly.

The grass arena was rideable so Cindy mounted in the sand arena and they headed down for their ride.

LBR was FANTASTIC!!!!! They started with flexing exercises..head in, head out at the walk. At the trot, LBR collected nicely and was very responsive.

Cindy cantered him for a bit too and he settled into the nice easy canter very well. After Cindy had schooled him, Gary rode LBR at the walk and trot for a bit before taking him on a trail ride into empty paddocks.

After the rides, Gary rinsed LBR off. LBR grazed for a bit behind the stables before being returned to his paddock and getting his horse-crack treats of carrots.

July 3, 2010

Gary & Cindy headed over to the stables around 6:00 p.m. There were a few more rain showers today in Central Texas so they knew there would be no riding.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock to the main stables and rinsed the layers of mud off in the wash stall. They groomed LBR and check his feet. LBR had a nick on his front right leg so Gary put some tri-ointment on it (it was really not much more than a fur level scratch - probably from a mesquite bush in his paddock).

After grooming, they let LBR graze for about 30 minutes before returning him back to his paddock for carrots.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

July 2, 2010

More rain today. Gary and Cindy headed over in the evening to take LBR out of his muddy paddock and let him graze for a bit. He is a muddy mess but there is no sense in washing him as he will roll again. Video from the "A"'s ride this week.

July 1, 2010

What we said yesterday...go away rain.

Gary & Cindy visited LBR today and took him out of his muddy paddock for a bit of grazing and walking around.

Friday, July 2, 2010

June 30, 2010

Hurricane Alex....welcome and go away.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

June 29, 2010

This morning, Gary headed over to the stables when Cindy headed to work.

One of the asst. trainers had a planned ride on LBR. LBR was also due to have his feet trimmed/shoes reset.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock and groomed him for his ride. "A" (asst. trainer) rode LBR in the sand arena. She worked him at the walk, trot & canter. As this was their first ride together, she didn't try to make him behave perfectly (i.e. slow down his trot/canter). Video will be posted soon.

After the flat work, she trotted him over some cross-rails and he was good.

When the ride was complete, Gary rinsed LBR off. The timing was perfect as the farrier had just finished another horse. LBR stood nicely for his trim/reset.

After the farrier, Gary let LBR graze for a bit before returning him to his paddock.