Rupert is coming home!

By next weekend, Rupert should be at home in Texas. He is fat and happy at Rose Haven, but that is in Virginia and I am here. I miss him so much and want to work on training him to be a reenacting horse. Most importantly, I want to give him lots of attention and love.

Let the Sunshine In

Since my last post, there has been much in the way of rain, snow, and frigid temperatures all of which do not make for ideal riding conditions. That being said, I have been able to actually ride a few times. The past few days have been sunny with highs in the 50's so we are trying to fit in as much riding as we can before the rain starts again in a couple of days.

On January 2, I went to my first play day event. I am riding in the Novice class and did surprisingly good.

I arrived to the barn early to hook up my trailer and get the tack on. I was able to get everything hooked up except for the emergency chains but Mark who works for the ranch did them for me. I loaded my tack and my friend Beth Ann loaded hers. Everything fit nicely. I was then asked to haul one more set of tack and an additional horse. I was a bit nervous since my only experience hauling a horse was a 20 minute lesson a couple of days before. Kid loaded great as did Kad and we all set off. I had no problem driving or maneuvering around. The only thing I didn't like was the extreme crosswind we were experiencing but now I know what to expect. I love my trailer and my truck.


Spurs - did not place and had trouble getting Kid to go straight. A strategically placed pop with my whip got him going. Our time wasn't fast but I did trot the entire course.

Barrels - 3rd place!!!!! No problems with Kid and after we rounded the 3rd barrel, we loped all the way back. Other than up hills, I have never loped. It was awesome!!!!!!!! I could actually hear someone yell, "Marguerite's loping". I was so happy I almost cried when I was done.

Poles - disqualified for knocking over a pole. I will work with John to learn how to do pole properly

Flags - 1st place!!! Okay, I was the only person left by this event but I did not drop the flag at any time and actually did not stop as I put the flag in the flower pot.

I was cold, cold, cold that day, particularly as the sun went down. Also, it went on for 8 hours. Once barrels were over, I knew if I got off Kid, I wouldn't be able to get back on since my hips and knees were cold and stiff. I had a wonderful time, though, and signed up to join the riding club. Our first official play day is February 28, I believe.

Yesterday, I got up early and went and helped clean stalls at the barn. It was oddly soothing and appealed to my sense of order. I didn't realize how much work it actually was but enjoyed doing it.

After going to Waffle House for breakfast and a trip to the butcher in Azle to pick up a butchered cow, Brad, Beth Ann, and I saddled up and rode across the street. I definitely was outside my comfort zone but did fine. We went up the steep sand hill I wouldn't ride down in October (see picture from October below). I hadn't planned to go up it but Kid followed the other horse and I just held on and left the reins loose. I really was proud of my self.


The only time I got off during the entire ride was when I got tangled in the trees while beginning to try to ride up a horribly steep hill. I ended up walking up the hill and then it took me awhile to get back on since my hip had been hurting.

After we finished riding across the street, we went to the far back pasture that I had never been to and rode for a few minutes. We saw a herd of big wild pigs running through the brush. Once the ride was over, I was walking a bit bow-legged and ached all over. I was ready to go to bed after such a long but wonderful day.

Today I learned how to longe Kid in the round pen. It turns out John had never worked with him in the round pen before but Kid did great. I can't wait to work with him again since it really is a good way to bond and build respect. Tomorrow - we ride!

There is Always a Reason...

The vet was out at the barn yesterday working on some of the other horses there. Since I hadn't met him before, I wanted to stop by and introduce myself. While we talked, it was apparent that no one could remember whether Kid had ever had his teeth floated so it seem a good idea to have the vet check them. Turns out the vet had never worked on Kid's teeth and further more, he still had his wolf teeth.
We expect this little tooth might have been the cause of the head tossing when I would turn since the bit would put pressure on the tooth. I can't wait to ride again and see how it goes. I love my big baby and don't want him to be in pain.

I Hate My Horse Today

Because it was going to rain today, I got up early and headed for the barn about 7:30. I never have ridden Kid in the morning so it was a new adventure.

We have been working on turning using stirrup pressure first and then neck reining with a light touch first and then as needed, lifting the reins higher to get the desired result. My practice outside of lessons has been more than satisfactory until today. After 15 minutes or so, my ability to turn my horse disappeared - seriously. On top of being depressed already, this new revelation had me in tears. I sat on Kid in the middle of the pasture and cried and cried. At one point, he headed back to the barn and I couldn't turn him around. It actually got dangerous because we were in heavy mud and he was in the barn doorway. I FINALLY got him to head back to the pasture at which time the crying started. Every time I tried to turn him back to the barn, he would toss his head and continue east. After being dragged through tree branches and backing out from between two fences, I got him to go back to the barn. I got off, put his tack up, lead him to the pasture, and left.

I went back after a couple of hours to work on my trailer and to get him measured for a winter blanket. When John was measuring Kid, Kid tried to kick him. Apparently while I was gone another one of the horses threw a big hissy fit about having to stay in her stall with the paddock door closed.

There was a full moon last night and the coyotes were out and howling in full force, from what I hear. I wonder if all the horses were on edge today?

The rain started this afternoon and should continue through tomorrow afternoon - ugh! I will go out tomorrow and spend some with Kid. We will see how grooming goes. Oh, and the vet will be there so I will get to meet him.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon

I rode tonight in the pasture and it was dark. I learned quickly that I had to trust Kid or else be scared because I couldn't see. I had a great time.

Ditto

Rained again last night and today and probably early tomorrow morning. What does that mean? No lessons or riding. On a good note, it is supposed to be sunny and nice for the next 9 days.

Kid has been hoof-picked, curried, brushed, and fly-sprayed. He looked gorgeous.

No Lesson Today - AGAIN!

Due to the extreme rain that started late Sunday and continued after midnight on Tuesday, I did not have a lesson today. Instead, I took pictures of Kid sleeping, standing, etc. They didn't even turn out very good.