Sunday, August 29, 2010

August 29, 2010

Today, Cindy & Gary played golf with their friends. LBR had been worked five (5) days in a row so he was due a day off.

Cindy and Gary are very proud of LBR this month. Some people think OTTB's are too hot, too crazy, or just too much to deal with. With time, training and patience, LBR is none of these.

This is a video Cindy made (1st attempt of LBR's videos - she will get better):



Click here for August 2010 video



This month, he was a lesson mount and therapist for Cindy when she was stressed from work.

He was a show horse for 'A'.


He was a trail mount for Gary(picture taken from LBR by Gary).

August 28, 2010

Yeah...it's Saturday and it's LBR's first trail ride.

Gary & Cindy headed over to borrow their friends trailer at 7:00 a.m. and picked LBR up at the stables around 7:45 a.m. LBR walked into the trailer without hesitating - YEAH LBR!!!

They made the short 15 minute drive over to the friends property for the ride. LBR was a bit excited by the four horses she has, but not too bad. Cindy and Gary gave him his breakfast and he calmed down nicely. Gary tacked up LBR while Cindy tacked up one of the friends mares.

The property has a lunge pen and a half-size dressage arena. Two other people brought their horses in for the ride as well.

Everyone warmed up in the arena and let the horses get to know each other. Around 9:30 a.m., we all headed out. There were six(6) horses total, 3 mares and 3 geldings. Three (3) of them (including LBR) were "green OTTB's".

The ride started around the perimeter of a 60 acre pasture. LBR was a little upset that one horse (Barney) was being left behind, but he calmed down once he was out of site (and sound).

The ride continued up some hills and then into a shaded tree lined area. LBR had a little trouble/fear at the first low water crossing that required navigating a sloped piece of concrete. Gary dismounted and led him across a few times to calm him down.

The ride continued through a gate and along more tree lined trails. Once LBR was up front with another OTTB gelding, he calmed down nicely.

The next low water crossing was a true bridge with flowing water underneath it. LBR crossed without a problem. The trail ride continued away from the stables for another 20 minutes before they all turned around and headed back.

LBR was an amazing trail horse. He never tried to trot up or down slopes, didn't mind the cows moo-ing, wasn't fazed by a herd of horses in adjoining pasture that ran up to see us all (every other horse was freaked).

The ride ended with a leisurely stroll back through the pasture. LBR was walking happily on a loose rein with his head/next relaxed

After the ride, Gary rinsed off LBR while Cindy rinsed her mount off in the wash rack.

Gary let LBR finish his breakfast before loading him back for the drive home. LBR again led Gary into the trailer...so cute.

When they arrived back at LBR's stables, he was calling to all his friends..."I'm a trail horse. I saw cows. I was charged by wild horses". LBR led nicely back to his paddock and enjoyed his alfalfa flake in his shelter.

Cindy and Gary returned the trailer and got home around 3:30 p.m.

What a wonderful, uneventful, long day!!!

August 27, 2010

The cool evenings/mornings continue. When Cindy was leaving for work, it was 70F degrees. She suggested to Gary that he go ride LBR in the morning and enjoy the cool temperatures.

Gary headed to the stables around 8:30 a.m. He saddled LBR with his saddle and they headed to the sand arena for the ride.

Gary focused on working LBR at the walk/trot on a loose rein. LBR responded very well. After their flat work, Gary took LBR over cross-rails and the 18" gates/jumps. They trotted into the last line and Gary let LBR canter away and around the arena.

They ended the ride with a "trail ride" around the property.

LBR got wormed today. What an awful taste:-(

Gary de-tacked and rinsed LBR before returning him to his paddock for treats and the rest of his alfalfa.

August 26, 2010

'A' rode LBR today. She said he did very well. They focused on walk/trot/canter and some ground poles.

Gary & Cindy are really glad she enjoys riding/working with him. There is a show on September 11, 2010 and hopefully she'll be available to show him again in the 2'3" futures class.

August 25, 2010

Gary and Cindy headed over to the stables after Cindy got home from work. We had the first fall cold front make it through Central Texas today. Yesterday was a record high temperature of 107F degrees. Tonight, it was only 90F degrees when they arrived at the stables.

To our Northern readers, that still sounds hot...to us, fall is on it's way.

Cindy bought a new (used) saddle this week. It's a Ruiz Diaz Collegiate 17" that has barely been ridden.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock while Cindy staged the tack and grooming supplies. The barn was very quiet tonight with only one other boarder there.

Cindy rode LBR in the sand arena. As she was adjusting to the new saddle, and LBR was feeling spunky (not ridden in three days, cool weather), she kept the session on the flat at the walk and trot. LBR was pretty foward, but eventually settled nicely.

After Cindy rode, Gary rode for a bit and did some crossrails too.

They took LBR's tack off, gave him a rinse and took him to his paddock for treats.

August 24, 2010

The plan today was Gary to meet "A" at the stables. Unfortunately, 'A' and an unexpected change of plans and wasn't able to ride.

Instead, Gary saddled/bridled and lunged LBR. They worked in the sand arena at the walk/trot/canter and LBR did very well.

Gary set up a lunging jump and trotted LBR on the lunge line over it. LBR kept his pace nicely - not rushing into or out of the jump.

After the lunging, Gary rinsed LBR and returned him to his paddock for treats.

Monday, August 23, 2010

August 23, 2010

Today made Gary's heart sink.

Cindy & Gary had forgotten to take LBR's "Weight Builder" supplement to the stables yesterday so Gary decided to take it over during his daily routine.

When he drove up the entrance of the stables, he didn't see LBR in his paddock. He parked the truck and put up the supplements and then headed down to LBR's paddock for a visit. As he approached LBR's paddock, he still didn't see him...ah oh.

Finally, as he opened the gate to the paddock, he saw LBR laying next to his round bale of hay. LBR was not moving. He approached and quietly said "LBR are you okay?". LBR didn't move. He said it louder and LBR blinked at him as if coming out of a dream. Finally, he said "LBR, it's not a dream" and LBR nickered and stood up.

Gary gave LBR a bite of carrot and they walked to the trough for a drink of water.

This was the first time in 1 1/2 years that either Cindy or Gary have seen him sleeping on the ground.

The stable owner said that he usually sleeps around noon each day by his hay. Cindy and Gary have never gone over at noon during the heat of the summer.

It was 105F degrees today....argh.

BTW...Cindy is so jealous - I guess you can tell who writes this blog. One day, maybe one day, she'll see LBR asleep in the hay.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

August 22, 2010


Gary and Cindy headed over to the stables around 9:30 a.m. Cindy took her close contact saddle to the barn for today's ride.

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

There was only one other boarder at the stables this morning so things were quiet. They groomed and tacked LBR and Cindy led him to the sand arena for their ride. Cindy worked LBR on flat work at the walk/trot/canter focusing on transtions and bending. Riding the close contact saddle was fabulous. Cindy had much better control and a much better seat. When some literally jumped out of the bed of a pickup near the arena, LBR shy'd sideways and Cindy stuck to the saddle like glue.

After about an hour of flat work, Cindy dismounted and Gary rode LBR. They had a great ride too. Gary worked him at the trot over cross rails and up a simple line of 2' jumps. They trotted into the first jump and LBR cantered slowly to the next one and over. They continued the canter at a perfect pace around the end of the arena.

AFter Gary rode in the arena for about 20 minutes, Gary took LBR on a "trail ride" down the to the entrance of the property and back.

When they got back to the stables, Cindy had a bucket of water for LBR. He held his breath and dunked his nose almost to eyes into the bucket before drinking about half of it. It was so funny.

After rinsing LBR off, Gary and Cindy took LBR back to his paddock. He still had his alfalfa flake and a bit of chops. Gary put his alfalfa in his shelter so he could enjoy it in the shade.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

August 21, 2010

Check out these posts for videos and pictures from last weekend's show:



Show Day 1 with video




Show Day with video2




Show Proofs



There were lessons at the barn this morning, but Cindy worked almost 60 hours this week and was too tired to take one. She slept in and they headed to the stables around 9:15 a.m.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock while Cindy staged the tack and grooming supplies. LBR had been fed late as is usual for the weekends and still had his alfalfa flake for after the lesson.

Gary groomed and tacked LBR up and Cindy mounted him in the sand arena. She walked to the center of the arena and stood for a few minutes before heading to the grass arena.

There were a couple of other boarders riding in the grass arena and LBR handled it well. These riders are very good about staying spaced out and they know how to pass correctly too...WOO HOO! Cindy worked LBR on transitions and bending. They worked on the flat at the walk/trot/canter. After riding for about 45 minutes, Cindy handed LBR over to Gary for their ride.

They did GREAT!! Gary did walk and trot flat work for about 15 minutes before doing trot cross rails. Once LBR was doing them without rushing, LBR let him canter out of the last one in the line. They also cantered in the arena for the first time. Gary worked on his ballance and not flapping his arms. They looked great.

After the work in the arena, Gary took LBR for a "trail ride" through paddocks.

Gary took off LBR's tack and rinsed him off. They all headed back to LBR's paddock where LBR enjoyed two(2) carrots before starting his alfalfa desert.

August 20, 2010

Cindy & Gary waited until later this night to head to the stables. It was 105F degrees again today so they headed over around 7:30 p.m. LBR was surprised when Gary went to his paddock. He thought it was his usual Friday night off.

They groomed and tacked LBR just as the sun was setting. Cindy rode LBR in the sand arena - working on pace and transitions.

LBR was very good tonight. He didn't like coming into the bright barn after being in the dark though. Cindy had to lead him in again to make sure he knew that crowding and rushing were unacceptable.

After Gary rinsed LBR and they all headed back to his paddock.

About half-way back, one of this year's foals (Archie) was out of his paddock. LBR was the perfect "Big Brother". He didn't get excited or aggressive and let "Archie" sniff his nose.

Cindy put Archie back into his paddock and followed Gary & LBR back to LBR's.

They headed home in the dark around 9:15 p.m. It was a chilly 92F degrees.

August 19, 2010

'A' rode LBR this morning. Based on feedback from her lesson on Tuesday, she focused on flat work and keeping LBR at a good even pace.

They worked on transitions and bending too.

The ride went well and 'A' was quite happy after having the "hectic" ride during Tuesday's lesson.

After the ride, 'A' rinsed LBR and Gary returned him to his paddock.

August 18, 2010

Today was LBR's day off for the week. Cindy has been working long hours and appreciated the break from the heat.

August 17, 2010

'A' took a an evening lesson on LBR today.

Gary headed over to the stables and because the lesson started at 6:00 p.m. Cindy headed there directly from work.

The lesson had just begun when Cindy arrived. There were five(5) horses in the lesson which made it very hectic.

'A' & LBR got pinned/cut off on several occassions and LBR got frustrated. Watching the flat work in the class was scary but LBR did pretty well during the course work.

After that class, there was a second class with only 2 riders in it...GRRRR!

'A' rinsed LBR and gave him some treats before Gary & Cindy returned him to his paddock.

August 16, 2010

Cindy and Gary headed over to the stables after Cindy got home from work. There were storms in the area and it had rained breifly at the barn. This provided a nice break from the 100F+ degree temperatures. It was 88 when they arrived at the barn.

Gary brought LBR up from the paddock and Cindy staged tack and grooming supplies as usual.

As they groomed and tacked LBR another storm blew by in the distance and the winds whipped up. LBR was calm and quiet in the grooming stall.

Cindy mounted LBR for a ride in the sand arena. About 5 minutes into the ride, it started raining/sprinkling. LBR ignored the rain drops and seemed to enjoy the cool weather. It only rained for about 5 minutes so they continued their ride.

Cindy worked him on walk/trot transitions and cantered him as well. They had a great ride.

Gary rinsed LBR after the ride and they took him back to his paddock for treats.

August 15, 2010

Today was a day of rest for Gary, Cindy & LBR (not a religious thing...they were all exhausted from the show.

Gary & Cindy headed to the stables in the evening to take out LBR's supplements. They also brought LBR carrots which he enjoyed VERY much.

These are pictures taken by the professional photographer at the show.

http://www.heavenshorsephoto.exposuremanager.com/g/ting_em_459

This one says "Look at Me - I can JUMP" http://www.heavenshorsephoto.exposuremanager.com/p/ting_em_459/e1012-2-1870_5_87_3_115

August 14, 2010




Day 2 of the Show and thankfully, things got started a little later. Cindy was up last night until after midnight for work. She and Gary headed to the show grounds around 7:30 a.m.

LBR had finished his breakfast and alfalfa by the time they arrived and was peacefully enjoying his bermuda flakes. LBR had two(2) classes today: "Futures" and a flat class.

'A' schooled LBR in the morning with the trainer and LBR did well. She put him back in his stall until it was time to warm up and ride the "Futures" class. LBR was getting more relaxed and calm as the days went on.

Here is his "Futures" round from today where he did very well until the last jump:


Let's try that one again:


Here is a link to his "Flat" class:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlNNMJPxAmc

After everyone was through showing for the day, the stable owner hauled a group of horses back that had no classes the next day. LBR was in that group so Gary & Cindy headed back to the stables to help unload. It was long day...they got home around 7:00 p.m.

Oh...did this post have a weather report? It was 105F degrees in Central Texas today.

August 13, 2010

The big day has arrived. Gary headed to the showgrounds at 5:45 a.m. He helped a friend from the stables feed all of the horses as they were the first to arrive.

Other stable riders arrived over around 6:30 a.m. and everyone tacked up for schooling. The schooling with 'A' on LBR went well in the outdoor arena. LBR was very calm and behaving perfectly.

After the schooling, Gary & 'A' returned LBR to his stall. He was content to eat his hay and ignored everything going on. LBR's rounds were around 10:00 a.m. Before his rounds he warmed up in a small warm up area indoors. He was NOT happy with all of the commotion but calmed down on the walk to the outdoor arena.

He had a warmup round and his "Futures" class. He is still green and this was his first "real" hunter class. Gary & 'A' were so proud.

This is his warm up round:


This is his 'Futures' round:

August 12, 2010

It's the big day. LBR's first 3 day show. 'A' rode LBR as usual in the morning. They had a great ride.

Gary headed back over to the stables around 2:00 p.m. to help load horses. The stables took ten (10) horses so it took two (2) trips with the truck/trailer. LBR was loaded with the first group. He stopped at the ramp and the trainer said "Get in the trailer". He walked right up the rant and into his slot.

Gary unloaded him at the show grounds (about 15 minute drive from the stables) and LBR settled in nicely. Gary stayed at the showgrounds and waited for the next group to be hauled in. LBR fell asleep and relaxed nicely through the afternoon.

Cindy headed to the showgrounds after getting off of work. When she arrived, Gary was lunging LBR in a grassy area.

Cindy changed quickly into barn clothes and met Gary near the outdoor arena. Gary led LBR into the arena to let him get used to the new place. LBR calmed down very quickly - after 1 time around the arena. The trainer had schooled other riders/horses earlier in the afternoon and taking a break. Gary started leading LBR over the low jumps and cross-rails. Gary would say whoa to LBR, step over the jump and then tell LBR "jump" and he would jump over. It was so cute that people were stopping by the arean to watch it. Some asked "Why is he doing that?" Some asked "How did he train him to do that?". I just smiled and said this is part of his training - ground work trust building.

'A' arrived and schooled LBR on the flat with Gary as the trainer was not back yet. LBR did very well. He walked/trotted/cantered calmly eventhough there were demon ponies and other horses in the ring. The trainer arrived and adjusted the jumps to 18". LBR did patterns at that height perfecctly. The trainer then adjusted the jumps to 2'3" and LBR had a blast.

The original plan for this show was to enter LBR in a couple of flat classes. However, due to his great attitude and performance, that plan was changed. LBR was entered in the "Futures" classes for tomorrow (2'3").

Gary & Cindy headed home around 8:30 p.m. after giving LBR some treatss and saying "goodnight".

Monday, August 16, 2010

August 12-15, 2010

Show updates to come...(August 12-15, 2010) but here is a link to the photographers proofs. "A" rode him and they did GREAT and more importantly both had a blast!

http://www.heavenshorsephoto.exposuremanager.com/g/ting_em_459

Thursday, August 12, 2010

August 11, 2010

There was rain in Central Texas today but it was spotty. It rained heavily at the house but the stables didn't receive any.

Cindy was a little late coming home from work so she and Gary headed over to the stables around 6:30 p.m. It was hot & muggy.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock and he was soaked in sweat. Poor thing - he had to be rinsed off before being ridden. He also had a pretty good bite mark under his throat-latch - presumably from his new neighbor "Vamanos".

After letting him dry and cool off under the fan, Gary tacked LBR up for Cindy's ride. She rode him in the sand arena. They warmed up with flexing exercises at the walk and the proceeded to the trot work. Cindy focused on pacing him without too much rein and LBR did well. Cindy then cantered LBR and he picked up his right lead perfectly - only requiring one step to transition into it.

Another rider joined her in the arena and unfortunately, her horse was not behaving. Cindy decided to skip any more cantering and worked LBR over cross-rails and low jumps at the trot. LBR was very focused and well behaved. Cindy walked LBR a bit in the arena to cool him (and her) down.

Gary took of LBR's tack and headed to the wash rack. LBR did not want to go into/towards the wash rack and stopped about 10 feet shy. Gary coerced him in, but LBR was still upset/uptight. After the shower, Gary led LBR out and back in and commented on the "catch" that the cat had half eaten that was in the walkway. D'oh that's what LBR didn't want to walk past.

After drying LBR off, Gary & Cindy led him towards his paddock for some grooming. Gary let LBR stop by overprotective "Sonny" (he is in love with his new paddock mate "Topsy"). LBR and Sonny puffed up across the fence line and then Sunny realized it was his old buddy and relaxed.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

August 10, 2010

The plans today were for "A" to ride LBR and then have his shoes reset and feet trimmed.

Gary headed to the stables as Cindy headed to work. When Gary met LBR at his paddock, he noticed a missing show. They walked down to the water trough and the missing shoe was found.

Gary and the farrier trimmed and re-shoed LBR on the front and the timing was good so "A" rode LBR.

They worked on flat work today and slowing LBR after cantering...oh my Cindy would love to canter him 1+ miles until he's tired and she thinks everyone else understands now.

They had great ride and ended with a shower and grooming in the common area before heading to the paddock.

August 9, 2010

LBR's night off - no visit.

August 8, 2010

Gary and Cindy headed to the stables early to beat the heat. Gary brought LBR up from his paddock where he was enjoying his alfalfa.

They groomed and tacked LBR up for his ride and LBR was very mellow. Cindy worked LBR at the walk and trot with a lot of flexing exercises. She cantered LBR briefly and he was very responsive.

The trainer/BO brought in a couple of green horses for workouts while they ride and LBR seemed to say "Welcome to my World". After Cindy rode for 1 1/2 hours, Gary rode LBR. OMG...Cindy thought they were headed for their regular trail ride, but when she returned from getting a drink of water, they were trotting cross-rail courses. "Y" commented that Cindy didn't have a horse any more...it was so true - they were doing wonderfully.

After their ride, Gary washed LBR with soap and rinsed him off. Cindy mixed mane/tail conditioner and LBR was pampered.

They ended with grazing in the common area before returning LBR to his paddock. His neighbor has been relocated due to "bonding" issues and he has a new neighbor. LBR was not phased.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

August 7, 2010

Lessons are being held today (Saturday) instead of the regular day of Sunday. Gary and Cindy headed over to the stables around 9:30 a.m. for Cindy & LBR's 10:30 a.m. group lesson.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock while Cindy staged the tack and grooming supplies. LBR was a little excited because the early lesson was in progress and there was a lot of activity at the barn. Also, he did not get his alfalfa flake with his breakfast. The caretaker let us know so we planned on giving it to him after the lesson.

Gary groomed and tacked up LBR and then took him for a quick lunge. LBR started out perfectly in the lunge pen but got distracted by a foal cantering/bucking in the adjacent paddock. Gary refocused LBR nicely and finished the lunging.

Cindy mounted LBR in the sand arena for their lesson and LBR seemed settled. The flat work started off very well until LBR was cut-off and crowded out a few times. LBR seemed very anxious by this but Cindy remained focused.

During the ground pole work, LBR was rushing through the poles so the instructor made them repeat them several times until LBR traveled smoothly on a relaxed rein. Cindy's thighs were quivering after doing ground poles so many times.

The lesson split into two(2) groups next for cantering. LBR missed his lead (he was so distracted) twice and lunged into it on the final try. Cindy circled him at the far end of the arena until he settled into his rocking horse canter.

Due to all of the distractions, they did not canter any more as LBR was nervously chewing on his bit and having a lot of trouble focusing.

Cindy & LBR did a near perfect 6 item course. LBR listened, trotting in and cantering away and coming back to the trot nicely.

Cindy decided that LBR needed some mental focus time so they headed out for a trail ride. LBR was so wound up that it took three times around the outside of the grass arena for LBR to relax.

After that he walked on a loose rein - the only stearing Cindy did was with leg aids.

Cindy dismounted in the common area and took off LBR's tack. Gary then rinsed LBR off and checked his feet before taking down towards his paddock for some grazing.

Cindy brought treats and LBR's alfalfa flake down. She put his alfalfa in his shelter so that he could enjoy it in the shade.

LBR is so attached to them that when they left, he came back to the gate thinking they were going to stay. As they headed back to the car, LBR figured it out and returned to his delicious salad.

Tomorrow, Cindy is going to ride with the german martingale. It has been several months since she has used one, but previously, he responded to one ride in it by being more responsive and less anxious.

August 6, 2010

Today is Friday so LBR had the night off. Gary and Cindy did not visit the stables due to the continuing heat in Central Texas.

August 5, 2010

"A" took a lesson on LBR today. Gary met her at the stables around 8:30. Gary brought LBR up from his paddock and they groomed/tacked him. The instructor worked with "A" on slowing LBR and not letting him rush into or away from the crossrails and jumpes when they did patterns.

"A" and LBR are getting along very well. She will be schooling him at an upcoming show if all goes well this week.

Video from the lesson.

August 4, 2010

Despite triple digit heat (102F degrees), Gary and Cindy headed over to the stables when Cindy came home from work. Gary brought LBR up from his paddock and they groomed and tacked him up.

Cindy rode LBR in the sand arena and he was SO GOOD!!!. They did walk/trot/canter flat work focusing on tranisitions up and back down. After the canter it took a bit to get LBR back to his nice consistent trot, but once he understood what Cindy wanted, he settled nicely.

Cindy trotted a few courses and let LBR canter out of a few jumps. They had a great ride.

Gary rinsed LBR and the led him back to his paddock for the evening.

August 3, 2010

"A" rode LBR early this morning. Gary met her at the stables at 7:30. After grooming and tacking up, "A" rode LBR in the sand arena.

He was very responsive today. They did a lot of lateral work at the trot and LBR yeilded nicely to leg aids.

"A" worked LBR on slowing down at the canter during their flat work. They ended with some course work.

After rinsing and grooming, Gary took LBR down for some grazing before putting him back in his paddock.

August 2, 2010

It's Monday and that means it's LBR's day off. Cindy & Gary relaxed this evening at home trying to beat the heat.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

August 1, 2010

Wow...it's already August. Where has this year gone. Gary & Cindy headed to the stables around 8:30 in the morning. The horses had been fed earlier today so LBR had finished his breakfast by the time they arrived. There was one other boarder at the stables when they arrived. Gary brought LBR up from his paddock while Cindy set out the grooming supplies and tack. As they were tacking up, several other riders arrived at the stables. Cindy rode with the other boarder in the sand arena. She was riding a greenie and she and Cindy did a great job of not interferring or distracting each other's OTTB:-). Cindy did flat work at the walk and trot with focus on flexing and transitions. She followed the flat work with several course and LBR was GREAT. She trotted him into the jumps and let him canter away. He got the correct lead every time today!

Later, additional riders came into the arena and things got more hectic. Cindy wants to post the following at the stables. What do you think?


ARENA RULES AND RIDING ETIQUETTE

1. Always give yourself plenty of space, at least two horse lengths behind the rider in front of you.

2. Horses should always be reversed to the inside (away from the rail), with a quick look over your inside shoulder to make sure the way is clear.

3. When passing another horse in the same direction, always pass to the inside. You may say “passing”. Come away from the rail and pass the horse reasonably quickly, return to the rail only after giving yourself a two horse length in front of the horse you’ve just passed. You should in no way interfere with the horse on the rail.

4. When passing a horse going in the opposite direction you should always be left shoulder to left shoulder. This means you will be going past on the right.

5. Always be aware of your surroundings and the other riders around you.

6. Be considerate and patient of other riders and horses.

7. Do not walk into the arena on foot while others are riding until you have been seen/acknowledged by all riders in the arena.

8. No dogs are allowed in the arena…ever.

9. When entering the arena on your horse, do not impede others who are already riding in the arena.

10. Do not interrupt the instructor giving lessons for anything other than emergencies.


Okay...enough venting by Cindy!

The ride ended well considering that several of those rules were broken. Gary & Cindy detacked, rinsed and groomed LBR before letting him enjoy an extended grazing session. They returned him to his paddock and gave him treats.

July 31, 2010

It is finally getting HOT here in Central Texas. Luckily, it's Saturday so Gary & Cindy headed over to the stables around 9:00 to beat the heat. When they arrived, LBR had just been fed (grrr-this is too late!). Gary headed down to his paddock and while LBR finished his breakfast, he walked his paddock to look for "dangers" (i.e. top caps missing off of poles, water level, hay condition). After LBR finished eating, Gary led him down for a drink of water before bringing him up to the stables around 9:45 (LBR is a very slow eater).

Gary groomed LBR and tacked him up for Cindy's ride. She rode LBR in the sand arena and there were no other horses/riders. It was so peaceful and LBR behaved perfectly. She worked him first at the walk and trot - concentrating on transitions and flexing. She did a lot of stops, walk, trot, stops, etc. LBR was excellent. She then cantered him both directions. LBR missed his leads on the first try but got them on the second try each direction. Cindy and LBR conquered one HUGE fear today....they cantered the line between the rail and the jump where "the fall" occurred a few weeks ago. It was a huge relief to get over that. After the flat work, Cindy did a few courses of cross-rails and brush box jumps. LBR was absolutely amazing today. After Cindy finished her ride, Gary rode LBR in the arena for a while. They focused on walk and trot and did some cross-rails as well.

Gary cooled LBR down with a nice trail ride around the outside of the arena. By the time they were finished riding, other boarders were arriving and the stables got quite busy. They rinsed LBR off, groomed him and let him graze for a bit before returning him to his paddock.

July 30, 2010

LBR gets Monday & Friday off. No visit/ride today.

July 29, 2010

July 29, 2010

Gary headed over in the morning to meet "A" who rode LBR today.

The ride started off very nicely. LBR was responsive and "A" worked him on transitions and flexing. Then the excitement happened.

The barn owner was loading up some horses to go to the vet. All of the sudden, a mare that was loose grazing in the common area started going "crazy" and galloping around. "A" stopped LBR as he was getting agitated. Gary walked towards him to help calm him down when all of the sudden the mare ran into the arena full speed. LBR was so shocked by it that he didn't react. Next, the mare took off out of the arena, ran around the truck/trailer twice and then loaded into the trailer.

The barn owner was bringing up another horse to take to the vet and missed all of the excitement. Gary helped her and one of the staff unload the "crazy" mare.

Once the correct horses were loaded and headed out, "A" continued her ride. LBR calmed down nicely and they worked on walk/trots/canters and a few courses over cross-rails. After the ride, "A" cooled LBR off with a trail ride around the outside of the arena. She took groomed/rinsed LBR off before Gary returned to him to his paddock for some grazing and lots of treats.