My arms hurt!

I spent nearly 3 hours at the barn today... doing what you ask?

Turning this:

Do you see the mud stain on his back leg??? That was ground in a month ago...
Note: No amount of currying was getting that out! I tried until my arms fell off.

Into this:

Much more presentable!

We got to about 60F today, and my trainer sprung on me that we're going to have a professional photographer at the Fun Show tomorrow... which of course is going to be 40F and windy... eugh.

That said we don't have hot water at the barn (yet... it's on the list to do!) so there was no way I was going to be able to bathe him. Trainer recommended Cowboy Magic waterless shampoo. Which would be perfect except Tractor Supply didn't have it...

Thankfully a lady at the barn did (THANK YOU) and let me use her's and that, along with hot toweling, curry combing and brushing.... 2.5 hours later you have a nearly white Ashe again :) 

We had a lovely desensitizing/you will stand lesson with the mini scissors I use to lightly trim his muzzle. He was having NO part of that (as in full body lurching backwards and running) and I had to resort to a nose chain as he think's he's trapped then so he stands still, no pulling, no jerking, no antics... it seemed to turn his brain back on. I normally would work through his issue over time, however I didn't want to accidentally poke him (they are blunted kiddy scissors but still) or pinch him with the scissors.

I will be buying a cheap pair of battery clippers to start desensitization so I can use those instead. He is used to the scissors, stood perfectly fine for a touchup of his bridle path, ears, and legs, but it just isn't as neat/close enough trim.

After that a quick in hand session to calm him down and get some positive back in the brain, a small "on/off" trailer reminder for tomorrow and he was settled in for the night with his dinner and peppermints. 

Tomorrow's show should be a blast! (though cold, WHY can't it be 60F like today??)

A Princess Tale... and Circles!

One day a Princess and her noble steed were invited to a grand gala! Of games and food and fun galore! Unfortunately the noble steed required his royal feet to be tended, and a visit from the royal vet for his yearly irritations. That left the Princess's wallet empty... and very sad, for she could not afford to go to the gala...

Then her mother the queen the cooler princess (because princesses have more fun than queens apparently) remembered she still wanted to gift her daughter with a christmas present and offered to pay for the show fees! So the Princess (the younger) can once again attend the grand gala and all is well with the world...


Okay enough of that.


Ashe and I had a decent ride today. Working on bending, stopping on the seat, and.... we started working on turning on hind/fore.

Had a lot of temper tantrums, and I have to wonder if getting a full cheek might help with him figuring out what I'm asking. We got some really good steps in but I think this is going to take a lot of time and practice.

Other than that he was awesome jumping and cantering though tired quickly. We're still out of shape from having nearly 3 weeks off but it's quickly coming back. We're going to practice for Sunday's fun show this week as well. Should be fun and hoping for warm weather!

It's getting warmer!

This past Saturday was amazing, and I hope it is a sign of what spring will be. 50's sunny with a slight chill to the wind. I actually was able to ride without half a dozen layers!

Even Ashe was enjoying himself!

But Moooooom, 5 more minutes??

Rode outside for the first time in months! After a few Bonkers "look, tense, step, tense, attempt to turn back to the barn" moments we did great, even went up the corn tunnel path at a nice trot and cantered a little as well :) The ground is soft, but firm (Ashe gives it a thumbs up for perfect mud bath weather!)

Hoping to attend a local fun show this weekend, however we'll have to see what the vet bill comes out to be. Spring shots plus a new coggins, oh how the wallet cries!

Also, we're going to be reestablishing some basics that were missed. Turning forehead/hind, leg yielding and backing straight all in hand and under saddle is my newest assignment before we progress any further for dressage. Also looking forward to jumping higher than 2ft again!

Also, had to show off our newest halter! I've always wanted a nice leather halter with a nameplate!

Ain't he a cutie? Who could imagine this innocent face is so devious!

Stay tuned!