Show results!

Having arrived at Come Again Farm safe and sound, I unloaded the horse and found our stall. There was a little bit of yelling on his part, but as soon as I threw him a few flakes of hay, the screaming and talking stopped for the rest of the day. Good boy!

Because of the drama with the trailer, I had arrived later than I had planned and had only about 30 minutes to clean him and tack up before I wanted to go lunge and warm up for our first test: Training Level Test 1 Novice Horse. I had hoped to at least handwalk him around the show arena (it's an indoor in another barn on the property), but I was out of time. We would have to enter the show ring cold turkey.

Our warm up was ok, but we did battle some tension. He was well behaved but was tense in the back and his strides were short and choppy compared to what his normal gaits were. Surprisingly, he didn't buck into the canter transitions which is normally what happens when he is a bit tense. But the canter was out of balance and "Thoroughbred-like." No offense to TBs, but I think everyone will know the "type" of canter I am referring to when I say it was TB-like. It wasn't ugly, just not has rhythmical as he is capable of. My parents were both there and my father is the ultimate ringmaster  - giving me the time and minutes I had left before my test each time I trotted by. LOL. I said he should be careful or someone is going to rope him into being a warmup ring steward at a rated show.

It was time and we walked over to the show ring.

And to my pleasant surprise, Hampton handled it well - having never seen the ring before in his life. No spooking, although he did want to stop at the big open door a few times. Our test went pretty well, the canter was still icky but we had good moments. 64%!!  First place!

After the first test, things just kept getting better. He really started to relax. Second test was Training Level Test 1 Open. Better canter, more good moments. And more sucking back at the open door. This caused us to break at the canter once, but I had a good recovery. Another 64%. First place!

Last test was Training Level Test 3 Novice Horse. I had a brief moment of panic when, while walking over to the ring, I realized I did not have this test memorized! Damn Karen what kind of moron are you! So I would have to mostly guess at what I could remember from reading it a day or so ago. This time, during the warmup I schooling him past the open door a few times and booted him past it when he sucked back. HA! I thought, fixed that issue.

We started our test and NOW he spooks at the OTHER end of the arena! LOL!!! We had a really good test except the last canter he did one of those spook-canter sideways-deals which then caused me to forget where to do the stretchy circle. So -2 points there. With those bobbles, 62%. First place!

Frankly I could not have been more happy with his behavior and performance. He is green, I am green and rusty. And I consider it a success when you take a young horse to his first show and 1) you do not fall off. 2) you stay in the show ring and 3) you don't plow someone over in the warmup. The good scores and great rides were icing on the cake!

My friend took photos which she will hopefully send to me soon. Hampton was so cute with his mane braided!

**

In other news, my friend's father was nice enough to fix my trailer for me while we were there. The door is shut now, but it will need new welds and hinges in order to be usable again. Next week's project is to take the trailer in. If it's going to cost a ton of money, I'm just going to sell it and get a new one. It's not worth putting a lot more money into it, in my opinion. We'll see.

It's always something!

Saturday morning started out great. The roads were clear and I was up and out the door on time. Everything was packed, I got Hampton fed, braided and cleaned up (as best I could having just pulled him out of the field). Got the trailer hooked up and it was 7:29 a.m. Perfect!

Hampton loaded up like a champ. I got the back ramp closed and went back up to the front to tie him and shut the side door.

It didn't shut.

Hmm, ok so I slammed it a bit harder.

Nope.

Slammed it a couple more times (all the while Hampton was standing quietly munching hay, such a good boy). It was soon obvious that in the process of opening the door in the first place, the cold and the rust and the fact that the trailer is old... that something was now bent and out of whack. The door was not going to shut.

Shit.

I can't drive down the interstate with my side door half open! I briefly considered just not going to the show. Cursing at myself because it's always something!! The last time I tried to go to a horse show it was 2009 and T-Bone tried to KILL HIMSELF before we even hit the road.

Sidenote: I looked back in my blog and can't believe I never wrote about that day. In a nutshell, T-Bone was loaded in the front slot in a 3-horse slant. We had the second horse in and T-Bone, normally a decent traveler and certainly never one to flip out, suddenly DID flip out - throwing his body around and managed to mostly jump over the divider (I had released the slip knot he was tied with). He got 3 legs over, but his left hid leg got stuck and left him straddling the divider. He was just hanging there ... and then went into shock. His gums and eyes turned grey and he stopped responding. I really thought I was going to pull  a dead horse off the trailer. With the vet on the phone, he suddenly came to and slid backwards off the divider. Amazingly, he was no worse for wear except a big bruise in his crotch and a small cut on his side. It scared the living crap out of me and my friends who were there. Anyway THAT was the last time I tried to go to a show ...

My friend and I tried numerous ways to tie it shut. After about 45 minutes we finally came up with a combo of bungees and a lead rope and got the door to stay as shut as it would go. She said she would follow me and if at any moment she noticed the door bouncing or anything else go wrong, I would turn around. I agreed. Feeling like a hilljack who has to rope her trailer door shut. God.

Thankfully, the trip was otherwise uneventful and we made it to the show safe and sound.

To be continued! ...

The Halflinger and the Thing: Part 2

He's here!

PONY!!

Name: Baxter
Age: 10
Breed: Halflinger

The BO and I are splitting Baxter's costs, as he will also be used as a horse for her to learn dressage on as well as a lesson pony for advanced riders. He is also my little schoolmaster of sorts so I can practice more advanced movements before teaching them to Hampton. Baxter knows all the second level work, plus half pass, piaffe and a little passage. A few years ago, he was champion in training level at the USDF regional championships (for young riders I think? I'd have to check).

There is only one problem. (and thus why he came to me)

Mr. innocent

The pony is a shit.

He's not dangerous, but he can be obnoxious on the ground and will test you under saddle. He proved to be too much horse for the previous people who had him as a lesson pony, so his owner (also my instructor) thought I might enjoy having him and enjoying his training. Uh, duh! 

I'll be riding him tomorrow for the first time and I can't wait. :)

Can you imagine me pulling into a show with Baxter and Hampton! LOL!! Hilarity. Two totally opposite horses in just about all respects. I know he'll be good for me to refine my skills. I don't have a problem dealing with his antics. So exciting! He's a super nice pony so I hope that at some point I can afford to show him.

Keeping my fingers crossed that this "winter storm" they are predicting does not keep me from going to the show on Saturday. Otherwise, i really need to memorize the tests and clean more tack. Hampton is ready. :)

He has a full head of hair now ... but not for long ...

A quick update

In typical Indiana fashion, the sun is (sort of) back out today, and it was 35! Enough to make the areas nice enough to work on. Yeah! Got some lunging work done with Hampton today. He will go under saddle tomorrow and Friday then.

Also rode Zippy today - who was so good. It's obvious that he just needs a confident leader. Poor guy is just insecure. But he did much better with steering and was quick off my leg this time. His does need his wolf teeth pulled, which I checked after he was a pig to bridle. But otherwise, he was much more quiet in the bridle to ride. I'm happy with how he's coming along. Such a good soul.

Annnnd got the ride times for the show on Saturday. 11:09 is our first go, 12:57 is our last. This will make for an easy day! Booyah!

That's it for today's quick update.

Plug your ears.

Yesterday it was 34 degrees and pouring rain. I didn't work Hampton. Sorry, I'm just not that hardcore. No biggie I thought. Well today Indiana decided that 25 degrees and snow sounded like a plan. Ok, I can suck up the cold.

Oh but what do you know. Both arenas are - yes, FROZEN with lots of ruts.

Excuse me for a minute.

AGRGAHAGAHAGH F*&**(*( M**&() AGRHAGAHDGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He worked like such a champ last week that I'm not too worried. I do hope we can fit it a few more work sessions before the show this weekend. That would be nice. But if not, I'm all about winging it. I'm actually thinking about hauling him down Friday night now, to allow for a little more time for him to settle. And it would  be a good experience for him to have an "overnighter." We'll see.

I tried not to stare at him too long today. He's got mud-cycles at the end of his tail and on his fetlock hair. his needs clipped. his trace clip is horrifying ... he does not look like a show horse right now. ugh.

In other news - I have managed to give his bridle a really good cleaning. it will need another once over before the show, but at least I've been somewhat productive the past 2 days.

How to pack for a horse show

I used to be a groom for a Morgan show horse barn back when I was a teenager and in college. So I know all about how to pack up trunk after trunk, bussles, sheets, blankets, bridles, saddles, hay, grain, supplies, jog carts, and stuff them all into a horse van.

But.

It's been a few years since I've shown and had to pack for one. Like since 2007. I am really nervous that I am going to forget something really basic when I take Hampton to his first show next Saturday. I mean it's only a one-day show, but still. I feel rusty!

So I'm making a list. It's mostly for my own purposes but feel free to borrow and copy it if you want. :) Oh and if I forgot anything really obvious for a schooling dressage show, please for the love of God let me know.

For the rider (me):
• Helmet
• Hairnets
• Riding gloves (just going to wear my school gloves at this show)
• Tall boots w/ spurs
• Garment bag (which already contains bobby pins, hair ties, boot pulls, knick-knacks)
• Will dress in the a.m. and just put sweats over my warm beeches so no changing needed at show

For the horse:
• Old towels for grooming
• Groom bucket (already contains brushes, combs, curry, hoofpick, etc.)
• Braiding supplies (if I do not braid him first at home)
• Saddle
• white show pad
• Bridle
• Side reins
• Lunge line
• Lunge whip
• Riding whip
• Sponge
• Polos for schooling
• Cross ties
• Water bucket

Misc:
• Video camera
• Nikkon D50
• 4-5 flakes of hay to last the day
• Cooler (the horse kind)
• Cooler (the human kind, for drinks)
• Folding chair
• Show bill w/ ride times

This list will be much larger for a recognized show where we would likely travel far enough to have to spend the night. And all Hampton's paperwork (Coggins, etc.) has already been submitted. I'll probably bring an extra copy just in case.

Anyone else have any packing tips, tricks or funny forgetful stories? :)

The Halflinger and the Thing: Part 1

I am going to be a busy girl this spring.

In addition to Hampton, I now have 2 additional creatures to work with.

The first guy is named Zippy.

Don't laugh.

A halter champion he is not.

The BO purchased Zippy to be a therapy horse (she runs a therapeutic riding program as well as the boarding portion of her barn). He is 4 years old. No one will be able to guess his breeding so I'll just tell you. Arabian. Belgian. Appaloosa. Yeah. You read that correctly. Anyway, she needed a horse that would be capable of carrying some of the heavier riders.

Zippy accepts a rider on his back. But that's about the extent of his training. I worked with him for the first time yesterday and it took me 5 minutes to even get him to lead out of the barn. He just kept backing up. Um, ok. Then he shied and ran into me. Not allowed. So after a few minutes of explaining to him what leading is ... he decided to walk nicely by my side to the big outdoor ring.

I introduced lunging to him - which he picked up quite easily. This surprised me considering he really wasn't even halter broke by my standards. Then I got on. He stood nicely to be mounted so someone obviously did a good job on that. But that's about all he knows. Steering? D+. Whoa? B+. Go? D+. Although I must say that he did learn that legs=go now without an issue. I didn't even have to smack him with the whip - just a tap tap did the trick and soon he was moving off with light leg pressure. So he's a sensitive feller and really quiet for how green he is. We just worked on steering and walk trot transitions with some whoas thrown in there. He's like riding a young horse on its 2nd or 3rd ride ever. He's clueless, but willing and not silly.

So I'm getting some extra cash for putting miles on him. This really helps me out with finances and Zippy will learn what life is like as a working horse.

The other project - the awesome Halfinger arrives next week. More on him soon! To be continued ...

The horse gets a bib

After working the horse the past few days, I finally broke down.

I gave Hampton a trace clip.

I gave him a version of the above Strip Clip (heh heh no many jokes there), or a "Bib" as some people call it. I just clipped the under side of his neck and his chest. I was going to try to get some of his belly but he was so filthy that I decided to spare my clippers. As is to be expected, he was a good boy for the procedure. My clipping skills however, still leave much to be desired.

I also took him out to the big ring (today was the first time I've seen the actual footing in this ring since ... uh ... I dunno, November?) ... for a lunging session. After I stepped in several large, icy cold puddles - in my sneakers - GENIUS - we went to work. He looked awesome today - pushing from behind. Balanced canter. Big, lofty trot. Relaxed. All this while slopping through a very wet (but thankfully not slick) arena. He looked so lovely that I had forgotten about my soaked shoes and socks. 

But this girl doesn't make the same mistake twice. I hopped on him on our way back to the barn so that he could walk through the mini-lakes and I didn't have to. And I'm pretty sure his back isn't sore at this point. All I had was one of those smallish blocky mounting blocks and he is 17.1. Deeerrrr, so I had to do one of those cowboy leaps, wiggle, get my leg over types of deals. Took me two tries. Second try I landed on the surcingle and bruised my stomach - again, GENIUS. But I did scramble up! And he never moved a hoof the entire time. What a good, good boy.

I'll try to get pics of my embarrassing clip job soon.

Ulcers

I think I'm hypersensative to stomach issues in horses mainly because I have severe GERD myself. I've been scoped for ulcers and have had a biopsy done to test for Celiac disease and H. Pylori. The doctors found nothing wrong with me. Yet, I have been suffering from awful stomach issues ever since college. A script of 80 mg of a proton pump inhibitor makes my life almost normal again.

But ANYWAY ... my point is is that I can really relate to the pain, discomfort, frustration and general crankyness that comes with a constant stomach ache.

Which is why I think Hampton may have an ulcer or be uncomfortable.

It's not outright obvious ... but when you know your horse really, really well, you pick up on little things. Here are the signs that lead me to think he might be uncomfortable:

• He's lost weight this past month. He's starting to look that "rangey" weight that he was last year. He's not skinny by any means, but not as round as he has been.

• He is girthy. And by that I mean it's so so so mild that most people would never notice. See, Hampton will stand quietly to be groomed. He will lower his head, lick and chew and rest a hind leg (yes, the boy luvs his groomins'). Once I place the saddle on, he starts to move around just a bit. It's not obnoxious. It's not rude. I've checked his back for soreness and it didn't seem to be, although it could still be part of it. I've checked his girth area for sores of a battle wound and can find nothing. I just SENSE that the girth it sort of bugging him.

• He has started having moments of nervous chomping on the bit while riding. Again, this could be the fact that he is just not strong. It's normal young horse behavior, confusion, etc. BUT ... again I just sense that it's coming from some internal tension. It doesn't last the entire ride, maybe only for minutes.

These symptoms could be a lot of things. His living situation is pretty ideal. He lives out 24/7 with free choice roundbales. He gets some grain (Triple Crown Complete) that I always mix with alfalfa pellets or cubes. He eats his lunch like a champ. He has always had a good appetite. He doesn't seem like a candidate for ulcers ...

Regardless, I am going to get some U-Gard and see if that helps improve any of the above issues. He's also due for another visit with the chiro - he could be just tight, weak and maybe out of whack.

For more info:

Here are just a few signs that your horse could be suffering from an ulcer:
(Here's the link to my source)

• a change in attitude – Is your horse more nervous than usual or less willing to perform? Does he seem grouchy or “out of it” for no apparent reason?
• poor appetite – Is he eating as much as he normally does for the amount of work he’s accomplishing? Is he leaving any of his feed uneaten?
• colic – Is your horse showing signs of low-grade colic, a persistent mild discomfort that may cause him to turn his head toward his flank, lie down excessively, paw or fail to finish a meal?
• decreased performance – Is your horse not as “fluid” as normal? Could his usually fine movement be described as below average?
• a decline in body condition – Is your horse’s coat not quite as sleek and shiny as it once was? Does he look “unthrifty” or just plain poor?
• weight loss – Has your horse dropped weight, up to but not more than 10 percent of his body weight?
• dull – Is your horse generally lackluster and seemingly without energy?

Why I fell in love with my horse. :-)

The Literary Horse and a few other bloggers have written about their love for horses lately. (oh yeah, it's Valentine's Day. duh). I'm lovin' the stories, so I'll share mine. Plus I think perhaps some of my newer followers don't know how I got Hampton and why.

***

In June 2009, I sold my Morgan gelding, T-Bone, who I had had for 5 years. I started him as a 2 year old and when I sold him, he was tinkering on third level dressage. Don't get me wrong, I loved T-Bone. He was a super horse, very friendly, sane, never bucked and was quite intelligent.

However, dressage was a battle with him most days. Looking back, he would have made a much better eventer or jumper. He loved to jump and was quite game.

T-Bone and I. (my awesome horse-show dad shines my shoes!)

I invested thousands of dollars taking lessons, going to clinics (including names such as Tom Poulin, J. Ashton Moore and Christpher Taylor) ... a few helped a little, but not really. Horse shows became hellish  since at every. single. one. he would scream and scream (in warmup and the test). Despite hours of lunging, he would still be tense. I tried ulcer meds. Calming supplements. Massages. Chiro. More lunging. The fact remained that the horse was not fun to show. His underneck muscle was embarrassing and just made the work that much more difficult. It became obvious to me that the upper level work was just not going to happen. And it was not fair to me to keep asking him to do it. I was struggling financially as well. So, I sold him - to a great lady who spoils him. And he is back to a training level horse.

Yeah this is pretty much our relationship.

Not more than a month after I bid T-Bone farewell, my friend and mentor calls me up to ask me if I knew anyone who wanted a 2 year old colt, unbroke, warmblood cross, bay. This is the same lady who bred T-Bone and sold him to me, so I decided "just to go look." She said that if she couldn't find him a home soon, she would "send him down the road." I'm not sure what exactly that meant.

She warned me that the colt "hadn't been handled much" and led him from his stall to the indoor so I could see him move. He was barely halter broke - leading much like a drunken sailor.

The day I met him

She turned him loose and he went haulin' ass around the ring, snorting, bucking, passaging around.

And after he got the sillies out, he came right back up to us to be caught. Good boy.

I spent a little more time with him in his stall and despite his limited handling, he let me scritch him all over. He quietly stood there - watching me intently. I told his owner that I would go home and sleep on it - knowing full well he was already mine. I just knew.

Once I got him home, I began working with him on basic "how to be a horse in a human's world" stuff. He was big as a 2 year old (just over 16 hands), but was never rude. He trusted me right off the bat and within a week was wearing a surcingle.

2009 as a 2 year old babeh

Throughout the process of starting him, he rarely caused me a problem. We had such an instant bond and trust between each other that it was so easy. By fall 2009, I sat on him for the first time.

The first ride.

It seemed like everyday, he improved. He was so pleasant that at times I was nervous that one day he would just explode. Well he never did. Still not yet. :-)

First time trotting under saddle.

As 2009 came to a close, I decided to basically let him have the winter off to grow. Every once in a while I'd take him out for a light lunge, or even an easy ride under saddle. But we didn't really "officially" ride off the lunge line until March 2010. 

About 20 rides under saddle 

It was then when our progress started to just blow me away. When I started taking lessons with my dressage instructor in April 2010, we went from a wobbly greenie, to training level dressage horse in a matter of weeks. Yes, we face some normal and typical young horse issues but that's ok. He is "the one" I have been waiting for since I was 7 years old. 

He is the only horse I have owned that comes up to me every day in the field when I call for him. Some days he will even whinny at me. His personality cracks me up. The BO had to change all of the locks on the gates because SOMEONE learned how to unlatch them. He always tries to please me and will be a fancy dressage horse one day, and the next I can hop on him in just a halter and lead rope and take a trail ride. He is a total flirt and wins over everyone that comes in contact with him. He has one of those cute faces that makes you felt. He is curious, friendly and such a kind soul. 

He is why I fight so hard with finances. I'd rather be broke and have this horse, than not worry so much about money but not have him. I really cannot think of any other time I am so happy as I am with Hampton. I put him before my own needs (this why he eats Triple Crown Complete and I eat Ramen noodles, lol). 

Sometimes I think it might be a little unhealthy that my life literally revolves around horses. I mean, I do like other things in life but nothing comes close to the equines. Should I maybe back off the horse world and expand my interests?

Nah.

In which I sort of acquire another horse ...

This morning I woke up depressed and defeated. I literally do not have a cent to my name and my truck is out of gas. This means no going to the barn today to see Hampton. It means I am going to have to pawn something to eat until Friday - payday. I work so hard and for what? The horse show I was planning on going to ... I kept thinking maybe I shouldn't go. I will be able to afford it come Friday, but gosh if I'm so poor that I can't afford to EAT - am I stupid for wanting to go to a small schooling show? Maybe I don't deserve to ... maybe I'm a fool for thinking I should even have a horse when I can't afford to eat!

Toxic, toxic thoughts.

Then early afternoon my friend (the one with the TWH) called up and offered to come pick me up! Annnd it was 45 degrees. Day = made.

February 2010 zoomins'

The small arena was wet and sloppy, but the footing was good. Hampton felt uphill and reasonably strong. I tried left lead canter and it was egg-beaterish but this may be because we had to canter on straight lines due to the mountain of snow in the middle of the ring which made circles impossible. So I said forget the canter and worked on shoulder-in, leg yield, transitions and just finding a nice rhythm in general.

There was some moments of bracing in the neck and uncharacteristic nervous chomping on the bit. Hmmm, I just sent him forward and flexed his neck a bit and he softened and then took contact back. Not sure what that was about but I need to be careful to not let it become a habit. My previous horse, T-Bone, was the KING of bracing the neck and dipping behind the contact. I want to be careful not to make the same mistakes. I sort of wonder if it's Hampton's teeth might be causing him discomfort, or if he just wanted to duck behind because it's a strength issue. Anyway, I was glad that I was able to get him back in front of vertical and taking a nice contact. Woot.

I am sure you are wondering why I named this post what I did.

Well, at the moment this is a BIG BIG maybe but ... the BO and I may be taking on a little project together. And by project I mean a certain equine who is trained through 3rd level, piaffe, passage and is a Regional Champion.

Here is a clue to who he is:

... to be continued!

Back to my roots

So, unless another blizzard or severe arctic blast comes our way, I am entering Hampton in the Feb. 26 dressage show at Come Again Farm.

We are going to attempt Training Level Test 1, and Training Level Test 3.

Both of these tests are well within his abilities. Yes, we will both be a bit rusty and out of practice (unless the weather really does a turnaround and I can get in some serious riding time before then), but I am sort of one to wing things, especially for little fun shows. Hampton has been off the farm twice now, so I know he isn't likely to flip out at this new place. He will have a stall to hang out in (no standing next to a trailer) and plenty of hay to eat. Plus, these shows tend to be laid back and are run well so I see it as an opportunity to have a fun, relaxing day with my horse. And get some feedback on our progress ... derr, how badly we came out of the winter. haha.

Plus, this particular farm means a lot to me. I literally grew up there - back in the day when it was a Morgan training and breeding farm. My show horses Doc, Wilson and Sparkle were all in training there. My previous horse, T-Bone, was born there. I have spent hours and hours riding on that property (and around the country roads). Saw many foals born, had many laughs and good memories. Chased numerous loose horses down the lane. Cleaned those stalls hundreds of times.

I just love that the current trainer has turned it into an eventing and equestrian haven.

It is the farm that built me.

Some memories

Me on T-Bone, visiting Sparkles and Corinne.

T-Bone at 2 years old. 

Riding on the 1/4-mile track

Shaq walks down the lane at Triple Creek

The hill-jack adventures of Karen

Yeah so today gets 2 posts because this morning was just too funny.

I drive out to the barn to feed Hampton and when I walked into the barn, I notice that a trash can is toppled over and trash is everywhere. My first thought was a stupid raccoon had a good time.

Larry the donkey

Then I hear hooves. Like, a lot of them.

Around the corner come the 3 donkeys and Hershey - a 30 year old pony. I capture Hershey easily and then tried to get one of the donkeys, thinking if I had two animals the others would follow me back to their own pen. Um, no. Little did I know, the donkeys are not halter broke. Although one is wearing a halter, so yeah for that. I decided to try and grab him.

After shoo-ing the donkeys into a stall, I get a hold of the one with a halter. He is not pleased with this and drags me out of the stall and down the aisle. By then, the other two donkeys are out of sight so he stops. I try to lead him forward, his throws his head every which way and drags me a little more.

(keep in mind the whole time I am hanging on this damn donkey, Hershey the pony is following me obediently, even tho the halter I grabbed for him was too big and was now around his neck)

After a few minutes of rasslin' the donkey, I figure out that he WILL back away from me. So yes, ladies and gents, I made the donkey back all the way to the other barn where his pen is. So here I am, one donkey in front of me backing and a pony behind me. I get to the barn doorway and the donkey turns around and bolts - I let go and he went back to his pen. HA! Score. Pony goes back in easily.

Now back to get the other two donkeys.

Amazingly, I was able to get a halter on one of them. Maybe he leads? Eh, sort of. Enough that I get him to the other barn and the other donkey followed. However, neither one wanted to go back in their pen. When I tried to get Donkey #2 through the gate, he planted his front feet. So I stepped to his side and gave him two big smacks on the ass (heh heh get it), prayed he wouldn't kick me and in he went. One donkey left!!

He was standing in the aisle, eyeing me. I had to leave the gate open so I just hoped the others wouldn't come back out, and slowly walked over to Donkey #3's other side and clapped and spooked him back into the gate. Success!!!

:-)

**

And in other news, I bought Hampton a new medium weight blanket. Ya know, since he shredded his other one. I hope this lasts at least until the end of winter.

Snow picture! (what a novelty these days)

Here's a photo from our snowy ride yesterday. That's 4 out of the 6 if us that were riding. I just love our little crew: 2 tobiano Paints, 1 chestnut/sabino QH, 1 appy, 1 black Walker mare ... and big old bay Hampton. :-) (on the far right)

Snow poneh

35 degrees means I actually got to ride in boots and beaches and NOT my coveralls! You know you are in the dead of winter when THAT makes your day. :-)

When I got to the barn, it was like a riding party as 4 other people were also getting ready to ride. The big arena was plenty large enough for all of us and I really like riding Hampton around other horses as much as I can. He has never had a problem with it, but it's always a good experience.

The footing was decent, it was a bit deep but still solid enough for trotting and cantering. I only cantered one direction because Hampton started to get a little sweaty and I figured that working in the deep snow might make him muscle sore so I backed off. But he was brilliant. Forward, connected. We had some mild issues with bulging through the outside shoulder .. but I know it had to do with avoiding a deeper snow drift and nothing else. He also was a bit cranky about backing. Again, deep snow and I suspect he was getting tired at this point and it was just too. much. work. :-) He is just so freaking pleasant to ride. No lunging required. He will stop and stand. He will leave the group. I got him to stretch nicely while also trotting through the snow so his back got really swingy. He did everything I asked.

And now of course temps are going to plummet again so who knows when I'll get to ride again. I do think I am still going to aim for the dressage show later this month and pray the weather holds up. I think we can wing training level and I don't feel like it will be a disaster.

Famous last words?