Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Fall is pretty but its also cold and dreary....

... and today is one of those days... Cold, windy and dreary. Taking down the last few leaves of the season so that we no longer will be protected from the cold north winds as they shear through the trees and chill us and our steeds to the bone! UGH... makes me really want to pull on my riding breaches and go out there to be consistant with my riding routine!

Yesterday I got a ride in before the sky turned dark letting on to what was coming up the coast. It actually was warm out with cloud cover and I was able to get some canter work in with Angel. Right lead good.... left lead nope, left lead nope, left lead Angel... nope. UGH... exhausting... but finally .... left lead...... errrrrr but not behind.... well... that will have to do for today. Refined the cues for side passing and his head set is looking great! Accepting the bit, just need to be consistent and get it at the trot when asked ... every time. I actually had to bring a crop out with me as his trot is so slow and peters out when I am trying to get collection. See I dont want to dull his sides so I had to incorporate the crop. :( Poor Angel. BUT.... NO COMPLAINTS HERE! He is really coming along.... every day... EVERY DAY riding does make a huge difference folks! I never had the luxury before now and my eyes are opened!
For all of you who need a little awwwwwwwwww..... on such a dreary day, check out what my camera phone captured while going out to ride Angel in the ring...

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Up To Pasture....

The freedom of fall and enjoying a perfect sunny day frolicking.

Yet another perfect day for riding....



Well with the weather change - from chilly to cold we now cannot ignore mother natures demands. BRRRRRRR. I had left the stall windows open all summer and cracked both front and rear sliders for evening air.... but no more. Two nights in a row there is banging in the barn - I know who - Charles - awakened by evening chilled air making sure misery enjoys his company. Last night more of the same at 1 a.m. except his pal Baby was more than willing to chime in with her grain bucket banging choir. Such darlings - I may never EVER get to hear the child cry for momma at wee hours of the morning - but is this not close enough? Well tonight I made sure they got thier fill of hay, put extra bedding down and closed the barn up tight - hopefully that will lull them thru the morning hours. Although the barn is at least 250 feet away - on a crisp cold night its like they are in the next room! Nobody was shivering this morning but they feel anxious - hence the frisky activities while trying to lounge Angel this evening. I dont make much of it, just try to keep him on task with consistency in asking and body language. I was able to work more at 1/2 seat and the burning thighs returned. I know its a good thing, but I have been cracking the whip on myself daily and I feel like I have been run over by a bus. Some day though ....it will pay off!


Today we introduced the 1/2 pass at the trot. Not as good as he is at the walk but it will come easily for him. Charles made sure to create chaos in the arena from the adjacent paddock. It was a good test for Angel to see if he can keep his mind on what we are working on. Charles, such a little helper :)


The sun barely warmed you while the slight cool breeze took it away, but at least the bugs have gone. Angel definately cannot concentrate if the bugs are attacking, so we will now make great strides this fall, and I look forward to yet another perfect day for riding!


REIGNITING THE PASSION FOR EVENTING

 My blog name has changed over the years, but my goal always remained the same, to be in eventing! I had goals, but never knowing how to att...