Thursday, March 31, 2011

March 30, 2011

Cindy's work has been pretty intense/tiring this week so Gary headed over to ride LBR in the afternoon.

They had a GREAT ride. They did walk/trot/canter flat work and then did some trot-in, canter-away jumps.

This was the first ride that Gary has jumped LBR over the barrels and the wishing well.

After the ride, LBR was anxious to get back to his paddock because dinner had been served.

LBR is being transitioned from 12/2 (protein/fat) to 12/8 (protein/fat) feed this week. We'll see if he gains any weight!

March 29, 2011

LBR had a training ride today. It went very well. The weather was gloomy, overcast and a little 'misty'.

The trainer rode him in the Kimberwick bit again and he responded nicely.

After the ride, Gary groomed LBR and let him eat some grass in the common area before returning him to his paddock.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

March 29, 2011

LBR came into Gary and Cindy's care on March 24, 2009. It's been 2 years now so a review is over due.

March 28, 2011

It's Monday and LBR's day off.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

March 27, 2011

Today, Cindy had a lesson on LBR (Videos Below).

A cold front came through overnight and it was in the mid 50F's with north winds of 20 mph when Gary & Cindy arrived at the stables. Cindy was a bit nervous about a lesson in these conditions @ 9:30 a.m. Gary groomed and tacked LBR and then lunged him for about 20 minutes. LBR is in amazing shape and the lunging just seemed to warm him up.

The lesson today was AMAZING! The trainer had everyone do a lot of different types of flat work. We had to stop our horses with seat only - no rein, only using verbal "whoa's" if we didn't get a response. There was lots of trotting (both posting and sitting) with flexing horses in and out. It was tough work!

We progressed to canter work and LBR was GREAT (see video). His canter is better to the right than to the left (he will lean in to the left) but Cindy learned how to better correct that.

They did a few courses after all of the flat work and LBR continued being a good boy. The lesson lasted an extra 15 minutes. Cindy was exhausted but even the trainer said LBR would probably enjoy giving ten (yes 10) more lessons today.

After the ride, Cindy took LBR for a trail ride. She de-tacked him and groomed him...he's in amazing shape. He lunged for 20 minutes, rode for 1 1/2 hours and wasn't even damp under the saddle pad.

Gary and Cindy returned LBR to his paddock where his daily flake of alfala was waiting for him. They gave him a carrot as well.


March 26, 2011

Yay!! Busy day today. Ride LBR, go to a BBQ, visit a friend doing her first dressage tests at a schooling show and then back to the BBQ.

It was a very warm spring day - high of 90F degrees so Cindy expected a quiet ride on LBR. His flat work was amazing - with the smoothest canter ever. Instead of doing course work, the friends in the arena suggested doing the intro dressage tests.

It was a hoot watching Gary call the tests. However, it wasn't so funny when LBR's turn came and he HATED it. We've done the tests before, but not with Gary calling. LBR was excused from the sand and Cindy took him to the grass arena for an attitude correction.

They did a lot of trotting and flexing and eventually cantered in both directions. LBR was a dream...he tripped once and gently adjusted to Cindy's off balance position before picking the canter up perfectly. After the grass arena, Cindy took him on a brief trail ride to cool down. They were both sweating pretty good.

Cindy de-tacked and groomed LBR before they both took him back to his paddock for treats.

March 25, 2011

The stables were closed today to to the road being repaved. Cindy & Gary are glad that they won't have to drive over potholes but Cindy was dissappointed that she couldn't ride at the end of a VERY tough week at work.

March 24, 2011

LBR had a training ride this morning. Gary headed over to the stables aroun 9:30 a.m. to groom him for his 10:00 ride.

There were several distractions including a trailer and horse arriving for the next lesson (listen with sound and you can hear it).

LBR did a good job of staying focused. Here is some video of his flat & course work:



Thursday, March 24, 2011

March 23, 2011

LBR had a training ride today. Gary headed over to the stables around 9:00 a.m. because the vet was supposed to arrive then. LBR's coggins expired last weekend.


The vet was running late so the trainer started the training ride. LBR was a good horse today but the trainer is thinking of switching to a different bit because he is still strong in the corners. She had a couple of more courses to complete as the vet arrived. He watched LBR jump and his comment was "That's a tall horse"...LOL.

After the ride, the vet drew blood for the coggins and Gary groomed LBR.

Gary took LBR back to his paddock and gave him treats.

March 22, 2011

Due to high winds (35 mph) today, LBR's training ride was canceled. Gary groomed and lunged him for a bit.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

March 21, 2011

Spring has sprung, DST is here and the weather in Central Texas is perfect (well...except for 25 mph winds).

Gary & Cindy headed over to the stables after Cindy got home from work expecting a quiet night as on Monday the stables are usually deserted. Gary groomed and tacked LBR while Cindy visited with a stablemate (Cindy is SPOILED!).

Cindy rode LBR first in the sand arena. Shortly after she started riding (as in the first walk lap around the arena to check footing/foreign objects) the peaceful stables turned into a mad-house.

The caretaker who has 4 large dogs is now keeping them in a fenced area because they have become aggressive. They are not happy and whenever anyone arrives at the stables (even the owner/trainer who walks down from her house, they bark incessantly. They barked for a good 10 minutes and finally calmed down. Just about this time, a truck pulling a trailer pulls into the drive up to the stables and proceeds down the road at about 30 mph. This sets off the barking dogs again and LBR is not amused.

Cindy did a good job of staying focused and keeping LBR's focus too. They worked at the walk and trot and did a lot of flexing and leg yielding in order to keep LBR's attention in the arena.

Once the truck/trailer skidded to stop at the barn, out pops 2 screaming running children. Their parents followed shortly out of the truck.

The kids were INSANELY HYPER...running everywhere, screaming, throwing Tonka toys...OMG.

Cindy continued her ride for a bit and then Gary rode LBR. They did some nice trot in canter away jumps before heading out on a trail ride away from the commotion (Cindy advised this as the visitor and trainer were coming in the arena with two(2) green horses).

Cindy got the kids out of the stables where they were running up/down the aisle pushing their toys by telling them that there was a sick horse in the stables and he needed a nap.

After the trail ride, LBR put up with the farrier and Gary picking up two (2) feet (diagonal front/back). Cindy found it amusing and the farrier was impressed that LBR balanced/tolerated it....most horses won't.

Cindy gave LBR treats for his patience and then Gary took LBR back to his paddock.

March 20, 2011

Cindy & LBR had the day off due to the long day yesterday at the show. Gary headed over to the stables in the afternoon to take out LBR's supplements (Weight Builder) for the week and took him some carrots/treats.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

March 19, 2011

Headed to the stables @ 6:00 a.m. for the show. LBR loaded like a champ! Woo Hoo.

When we arrived at the show, LBR was mister-mellow. He didn't give a hoot about being tied to the trailer and munched on his hay.

After Cindy checked in and Gary had groomed/tacked LBR up, Gary legged up Cindy onto LBR..he took a couple of steps but didn't do anything bad - we need to work on this at home.

Cindy warmed him up in the arena and LBR was such a GOOD boy. The only problem was the crossrails were deep/wide and LBR would not trot out/over them.



Schooling Video




He even did a flying lead change during warm up that Cindy thought was a buck....clever he is.

Cindy decided to scratch the classes and just school LBR. He's such a GOOD BOY.

Loading back onto the trailer was just as easy...and they were done by 11:00 a.m. with Cindy taking LBR his alfalfa flake to his paddock.

Cindy thinks she may be over mounted based on pictures from the show:

Cindy on LBR:


Another Rider on their mount:

Friday, March 18, 2011

March 18, 2011

Two(2) visits to LBR today. Gary went over during the day to groom and clip him. After work, they are headed back over so that Cindy can ride.

Tomorrow they're all off to a schooling show.

March 17, 2010

LBR had a training ride today. Still working on not rushing into lead changes in the corners. His flat work, simple lead changes and jumping were fabulous.

He had 2 good training rides this week - way to go LBR!

Video to be posted this weekend.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

March 16, 2011

Yay!!!! Gary and Cindy headed to the stables after Cindy got home from work. LOVE DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME.

Cindy rode LBR in the sand arena. They had an excellent ride after LBR focused inside the arena (that took nearly 20 minutes of trotting, leg yields and transitions).

Gary rode a friends horse "Derby". He's a 16 year old perfect hubby-horse.

After the arena work, they took a trail ride around the property. They groomed and returned their mounts to their respective paddocks and gave them treats.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

March 15, 2011

LBR had a training ride today.

His flat work was flawless and his jumping was good. He did get a little strong during one course going up hill but took those jumps well coming back down the hill.

He did simple lead changes on the flat and flying lead changes during the course work.

It was cool this morning (low of 44F degrees overnight) so LBR didn't sweat.

He is however shedding like crazy!

March 14, 2011

Today is Monday - LBR's day off.

March 13, 2011

Today Gary and Cindy headed over to the stables in the late morning. Cindy had a great ride on LBR. They worked on "focus" and though initially distracted by things, he eventually relaxed and gave his undivided attention to Cindy.

This was quite an accomplishment as a new horse was being introduced to the arena. The trainer rode her first and then Gary and the owner rode.

After the ride, the next stable chore was at hand....cleaning and raking LBR's paddock to prepare it for seeding with bermuda seed. Gary did the work with LBR curiously following him around.

The bermuda seed that was originally purchased ended up not being suitable for livestock use (had anit-fungal chemicals that are toxic) so Gary & Cindy headed to Bastrop (about 20 miles) to buy livestock seed at Tractor Supply.

They then returned to the stables and sowed the seeds....we now just need some rain!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

March 12, 2011

Videos have been added to March 8 & 10, 2011. This post is a reflection of today's visit to the stables by Cindy.

Sometimes I wish I understood horse herd behavior and communication better. A mare at the stables slipped a foal this morning (due in May) and after the foal's body was removed from her paddock, she neighed and whinnied for several minutes.

I was riding LBR in the sand arena near her paddock. He replied with whinnies and froze in place (with me on his back) facing the mare. The mare and he whinnied back and forth several times.

We skipped the lesson that was starting, lunged to regain focus and then rode in the grass arena at the other end of the property (actually had a great ride).

I really wish I knew what they were communicating. It was very interesting.

March 11, 2011

Gary headed over to ride LBR in the afternoon. He groomed him and tacked him up and they had a nice quiet ride in the sand arena.

Gary was so happy today. In addition to cantering LBR on the rail, he cantered him in circles.

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

March 10, 2011

LBR had a training ride today. His flat work was excellent.

On the course work, his jumps were beautiful with great form, no rushing in or out of jumps. He struggled a bit with the corners - getting a little stronger than his trainer likes.

She worked with him on that and eventually, he softened up.

After the ride, Gary rinsed LBR and let him graze on the fresh spring grass in the common area while he dried.


Thursday, March 10, 2011

March 9, 2011

Gary headed over to the stables in the afternoon. He rode LBR in the sand arena and worked mostly on transitions from walk/trot/whoa without reins - using only his seat.

LBR responded nicely.

After the transition work, they went for a short trail ride around the property.

March 8, 2011

LBR had a training ride today. HE'S BACK!!!! Doing flying lead changes, listening and always getting his correct leads.


March 7, 2010

Today is LBR's day off.

Monday, March 7, 2011

March 6, 2011

Cindy had a great lesson on LBR today. The stables were quiet when Gary & Cindy arrived - just a small lesson going on in the sand arena.

Gary brought LBR up from his paddock while Cindy put out LBR's supplements for the week and staged the tack and grooming supplies.

LBR was a very mellow horse in the grooming stall. As other horses were brought in to be groomed for the same lesson, he napped.

Cindy mounted LBR in the sand arena while the other lesson was going on and LBR continued his mellow ways. The lesson started off really quiet. After about 15 minutes though, two (2) trailers pulled up next to the arena - one bringing a horse and one taking one. LBR was distracted but never totally lost his focus. He did get a little excited a couple of times.

Once, all the horses on the property started calling when the horse was being taken off property and once when the new horse was unloaded. Cindy was supposed to be turning him on his haunches but told the trainer we were going to watch the horse unload and then turn on the haunches. He did a perfect turn.

There was another "incident" when a jump fell down. LBR just looked at it but another horse "spooked" so LBR spooked 4 feet left in one move. Cindy just laughed.

LBR rocked at his walk/trot/canter ground work and did his cross rail courses perfectly. After the lesson Cindy went on a "trail ride" with another boarder.

Gary & Cindy then de-tacked and groomed LBR before returning him to his paddock for carrots.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

March 5, 2011

Gary and Cindy headed to the stables at 5:15 a.m. to hook up the trailer and take LBR to a one day show. A wicked cold front had arrived complete with rain and 30 mph winds around 4:30 a.m.

Well...the trailer fairy was kind to them this morning. No lights. Although the trainer offered to put LBR on her trailer, Gary and Cindy did not think the weather was conducive to a good show experience and decided not to take LBR.

They did go to the show and cheer on the other stable people that were showing and had a great time. The weather early in the morning included sleet, rain, thunderstorms and winds blowing up to 40 mph. Fortunately, by noon it cleared up and was a nice sunny afternoon.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

March 4, 2011

Gary went to look at a companion for LBR today...a nice paint north of where we live.

After riding that horse, Gary returned to Austin. He rode LBR in the sand arena doing trot in/canter out work and flat work at the walk, trot and canter. Afterwards, Gary groomed, trimmed and prepared LBR for a single day show tomorrow.

March 3, 2011

LBR had a training ride today. Things went really well - especially considering that LBR is on his 2 steps forward, one step back. The trainer focused on traveling straight today. So weird that we have to worry about this still.

After the ride, Gary rinsed LBR before letting him graze to dry and returning him to his paddock.

March 2, 2011

Gary rode LBR today and had a great time. They did flat and cross rail work in the arena and then headed out for a trail ride.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

March 1, 2011

LBR had a training ride today. Gary groomed and tacked him up before the ride.

LBR's flat work was fabulous. He was nicely collected and rounded out. After a while though, he became agitated by the ground poles and started to be easily distracted. He quit tracking straight and the trainer was baffled. She commented though about the training process and that sometimes it's 3 steps forward, one step back.

During the session, LBR started bowing out. The trainer halted him and side passed him in the opposite direction all the way across the arena.

This worked and LBR stayed focused for the remainder of the session.

LBR was a sweaty mess so Gary rinsed him off and let him graze/dry before returning him to his paddock.

February 28, 2011

Today is LBR's day off:-)

February 27, 2011

Cindy was sick today (bad cold) so Gary headed over to ride LBR in the afternoon.

It was 83F degrees in Central Texas today.

They had a really good ride in the sand arena with trotting in, cantering away from cross-rails.

After the ride, Gary rinsed LBR off. LBR has not lost a single hair from his winter coat and gets sweaty easily.

Gary let LBR graze on the spring grass until he was dry.