My Big Boy and Jill!

Gorgeaus Pony!

Here's a little January 6th photo and video of Kelsey putting a beautiful ride on Renny.  This lesson went quick and short and beautiful because every step was so thoughtful and good.  Renny just came out balanced, true, even and soft and gave his upward and downward transitions beautifully and then jumped like a champion, giving flying lead changes.  He was wonderful.

And I am writing this entry on January 15th, a Sunday, the day that Renny had his first jumping lesson with Jill, a Hunter/Jumper trainer at the University of Findlay English Equestrian Program.  Again, Renny was a solid citizen. He worked for over an hour -- giving polite upward and downward transitions, trotting deep and then shallow serpentines, trotting and cantering a ring of ground poles, and then jumping sweetly and softly and listeningly at the trot and canter.  Jill said he was a "Wow" pony and a natural.  I do adore him.  

And yesterday in his Saturday morning lesson, he was terrific about trotting and cantering in a box of ground poles.  And he was light and responsive and true on leg yields.  He's awesome.  But I do note that his little bit at 4.5 seems too tight now.  Tomorrow I am going to see how Violet's 5" bit fits and go from there.  Renny will need either a 4 3/4 or 5" for sure because he's a big talented growing boy!  I know that I eventually want to get him a loose ring dressage bit and bridle too, down the road.

Jacques Mamou Lagniappe

Namaste.

Relaxing After Our First Jumping

Here is a picture of me with my Renny on May 10, 2011, a week after his 3rd birthday, on the evening that we jumped for the first time.  He was a wonderful sensible relaxed boy.  He was on his way to begin his training as a fantastic little hunter pony!!  And now we are truly happily Team Renegade!

Joyful Running Baby!

Here's a photo of my gorgeous sport pony on November 1, 2008, three days before his weaning, as he canters in a relaxed balanced fashion up a slope.  I love this boy!

Handsome and Annoying

Here's a photo of my beautiful Renny with his first girlfriend, Ruthie, on August 28th, 2008, a few days before he was weaned.  You can see his sassiness.  He has this sassiness even now, as a hardworking three year-old boy!

Nijinsky

Here's a painting of the beautiful Nijinsky, looking gorgeous, lean, and athletic.

Winter Storms!

I'm writing this entry on Saturday, January 14th, 2012, and this photo is from March, 2011.  I love this photo because my beautiful little Zelia is enjoying a winter snow storm and this morning we had our first storm of 2012!  Today was pretty bitterly cold though, so we had a fun morning walk, but then just took a good strong sunlit nap!

My Main Cats!

My beautiful cats relaxing on a sunlit March 2011 day, knowing that they look gorgeous!  Namaste.

Rest is Good Too!

Here are a photo and video from Thanksgiving, when Emily made some time to help Violet develop her skills.  I want to focus on the photo here -- in this photo, you see a happy relaxed Violet striding out after working hard and well at her task.  Rest is good too!  Let me enjoy rest and relaxation with my horses both on the ground and after our fun labors!

Rising to Fun Challenges!

I'm writing this entry on Friday, January 13th and we have had a snowy, windy, bitterly cold day!  But these photos are from just a bit earlier this year when we had our first not very convincing snow.  You can see my little snuggle bug pony coming up for a kiss.  He's such a sociable guy.  And you can see that his nose doesn't look too great!  Poor fungus boy!  Anyway, over the past few weeks, I jumped him and it felt like a little slice of heaven -- he was relaxed, balanced, unrushed, elegant.  And I did a trotting turn on the haunches with him which also was a slice of heaven, and we cantered this hourglass pattern with total ease.  And he was super duper fun in his first dressage lesson.  And I rode Violet over several jumping courses, including a really fun gymnastic without reins.  And it was fun!  Because I have talented athletic horses.  So, what I hope for this year is that each time I mount, I remember first and foremost that the ride should be fun -- for the entire team. We should work, we should mean it, but we should have fun with our talented selves!  Namaste!

Aging Beauties

This photo was taken on March 9, 2011 and I'm writing this entry on January 13, 2012.  This photo shows Jackass and Arcangelo.  And as I write, I'm sitting in bed with my darling Zelia snoring next to me.  This year, I can really see the age on my beautiful Jack and Z.  My dog is more likely to be picky about food, feel vulnerable, and sleep more.  She also has more days of difficulty getting up stairs or jumping on beds And it's harder and harder to keep weight on my cat. But that said, we are doing pretty well.  We are enjoying each day and we love each other well and we remember to say it to each other all the time in every way with lots of pets and cuddles.  Plus we get lots of treats!  We treat each other to yummy stuff as much as possible!  In fact, Jackass will just stand in the kitchen and meow until I hand him over his treats!   

Breaking News! Hailee Delivers Second Foal -- A Filly! Congratulations to the Newton Family!

Here is a photo of Hailee in the days before she delivered Renny.  I am delighted to report that Paula Newton posted pictures yesterday of a brightly-colored chrome-splashed little filly with her mama, Hailee!  It's amazing!  Paula fussed over and groomed Hailee for two hours and then hand-grazed her in plush grass and not once did Hailee act like she would deliver.  And then in the middle of the night, Hailee had her baby.  I'm so glad it happened that way!  Paula said it was a big surprise and that Hailee is a wonderful mother and she couldn't be more proud of her and that the filly is a perfect doll baby and smart and fast.  Namaste to Paula, Mark, Hailee and Baby Girl!!!

My Buddy's Nose

I'm writing this entry on January 13th and here are some photos from our first snow day. Renny had been in an isolation pasture because he'd been framed and this was his first day out.  I enjoyed coming to see him with snow falling all around him.

But the things that makes me sad right now is that I don't seem to have nipped the fungus on his nose in the bud.  He still looks pretty pink and sore and he's totally bald at the end of his muzzle and the baldness is creeping up past his kissing freckle.  So, today I put in a call to Dr. Zimmerman and we're going to try Malasab shampoo for two weeks -- with the treatments put on his nose for 20 minutes at a pop before being washed off.  And if that doesn't work, Dr. Z will come out and take a look.  I hope he's not super uncomfortable. I hope we nip it in the bud.  I hope his cute little hair grows back.  Sending up prayers!

Winter Hawk and Dance Routines

Here's a photo of a hawk that lives in the neighborhood and likes to just hang out in the big tree in my back yard.  I don't precisely know what kind of hawk, but it's big and relaxed and happy. And she probably wishes I would let the chickens out -- just a little!

Anyway, I'm writing this entry on Friday, January 13th, and this coming month I have to pay for my horses to belong to the Equine Wellness Program.  This time of year is important.  And I would like to save up my pennies to buy portable speakers and portable mesh pockets, so that I can set up music right onto my saddle pads.  This year I would like to practice more whinny widget routines, as well as do some dance routines with my horses.  I think it'd be fun to do some Queen, Michael Jackson, William Tell Overture, and even Hip Hop.  It'd be fun to ride Renny to a little Young MC and MC Hammer.  And Violet would be a hoot to ride to some of my favorite pop girl bands!!  Looking forward to messing with this adventure in the coming year!

Working on Myself

Flying with Violet!

Aloha, 2012!!!

Here's a photo and video taken of my beautiful Violet on New Year's Day with her friend, Emily.  She worked so kindly and gorgeously for her, except, of course, for a few obligatory battles at the gate!  But not on this day!  On New Year's Day, all she had for Emily was softness, roundness, and sweet quiet happy jumping skills.  It was amazing.

As for me, I've been battling my poor girl for awhile now.  I am not very soft, supple, obliging, or temperate.  So, Violet often has a pretty harsh rider.  I've made a commitment to try and improve myself.  So, I have New Year's Resolutions to "Sit tall.  Open shoulders.  Elbows soft.  Heels down."  And I'm reading about how to train Hunters.  I'm only two chapters into this one book and it described how to be soft with your hands on upward transitions, so the horse has a comfortable escape upwards and feels relaxed and free while still being on contact.  How to do half-halts that really come from the legs and seat first.  How to use indirect and direct reining, leg aids, and how to consider when and how to use long frame versus more collected or short frames.  It was really an inspiring book.

So, yesterday, in our Thursday night lesson (I'm writing this entry on January 13th), I really tried to implement the few new things I'd learned.  I chanted my New Year's Resolution out the entire time, I purposely gave her a long free rein at the start, letting her pick directions, I didn't punish her at the gates, and I tried always to sit up and be as soft as I could before going to the hands.  And Violet was happy and relaxed for the whole lesson.  She was happy to be on the rein in a long relaxed but feeling frame.  We were great!!  

And then we had a jumping exercise where we had a ground pole into a cross rail, a ground pole, an exit cross rail and an exit ground pole.  We had to jump that several times without reins and use my eyes to get the lead.  We were awesome.  I felt like Kate Winslet at the front of the Titanic.  Happy free flying.  And I could just feel Violet's happiness too.  She enjoyed the lesson and activity and enjoyed pleasing and being with me.  Stacey even said each time that we looked great.  One time she even shouted "Magnificent!" And she even said that my canter was "the best one" at one point.  I mean, I was working my tail off at being soft soft soft, but there and centered.  It's going to be hard long work to correct my hardness, my snatching, and my leaning, but I am committed to trying!

Such a Handsome Sport Pony!

Handsome Jumping Pony!

Here's Renny at work on January 6th -- bringing a good heart to necessary sport training.  I just love how he carries himself under Kelsey's aids.  He lifts his head well, feels for the reins, and moves out!  I had him wear his standing martingale for his work in his private lesson with Stacey this past week.  She said he looked so cute.  We both agreed that it was a silly fashion, but made him handsome.  He just cracks me up, he's such a perfect combination of decent, athletic, and quiet.

Christmas 2011 - My Birthday!

Here's my family, celebrating my birthday.  Notice Woody and Jessie to the left, and then notice the CEO and bored Texas Ranger, two mamas, and one daddy.  These are my favorite people!!

Renny Loves Rewards and Relaxation!

Sweet Dancing Jumping Renny!

Here are some photos and video of Renny taken on January 6th, 2012.  I just love the photo of him trotting.  And I love the photo of his long cow pony stretch.  Kelsey and I both agreed that he would love to have the opportunity to go to Wyoming and be a ranch pony.  Renny would be the most amazing awesome cow pony, riding the fences to look for holes, chasing cows, doing work, and then being mellow and standing around.  He just loves to do his tasks crisply and quietly and then makes the biggest happiest blow out noise when Kelsey releases the reins and gives him a pat.  He enjoys his "good work" reward with real deep pleasure.  What a good pony!

Christmas 2011 -- Cookies and Presents!

Namaste!

My Mellow Pony Looping Around in the New Year!

A Relaxed Loop of Jumps!

Here are some photos and a little video of Kelsey and Renny taken just this past January 6th -- less than a week ago, since I am writing this entry on Thursday, January 12th.  Renny was amazing on this day.  During his ride, he performed each task so well that the lesson was quick, quick, quick.  Kelsey said that he was straight, true, balanced, even.  He was supple and quiet.  He didn't hold on any reins.  He responded to each request quickly.  And he took the jumps so well.  He surged a little on a few jumps, but took correction quietly.  He stopped square.  And he gave lead changes in both directions quietly and effectively.  Totally amazingly awesome!

Christmas 2011 - the Cowboy Dance!

Christmas Cowboy Dance!  

   

These wild ones crack me up.  This year we spent Christmas in Texas which was wonderful.  And the kids kept putting on shows which were fun and hilarious and so cute.  Here's a sample!

Beautiful Working Horses

Renny's Big Boy Graceful Jump!

I'm writing this entry on Thursday, January 12th, and this picture is a winter break photo of Violet working hard and the video shows Renny jumping in a relaxed graceful fashion.  I really feel blessed to have these two horses in my life.  This morning I was listening to the Dressage Show of the Horse Radio Network as they interviewed Valentina Truppa, a young Italian dressage expert, about her opinion of her stable.  She has two Grand Prix horses that she loves, as well as other horses she is training.  She respects her animals for their young qualities and characteristics.  And that's how I feel about mine.  She said that she likes a horse with character, but not character against the rider.  I knew instantly what she meant.  Violet gets pigeon-holed quite a bit as being a red thoroughbred mare -- meaning that she likes to negotiate, test, take charge, be right, etc.  And I love that about her when she's trying to bring her best to being a teammate and a star and be with me and please the team.  Renny, on the other hand, is my sport pony.  Valentina said that she thought that geldings were true sport horses because they could bring their character and panache to the work without distraction.  And that is my Renny in perfect description.  He brings his work ethic best to every task I ask!  And he doesn't get flustered about being asked new things.  He's unafraid and brave and athletic and kind and true!  

Christmas 2011 -- At the Apple Store with My Posse!

Over winter break, I was at the pinnacle of my Steve Jobs crush.  I was busy helping mom set up her iPad and helping Elena with her new iPad and iTouch.  I got her iCloud set up and FaceTime.  And I was busy getting tons of photos set up for the both of them.  And just generally being an Apple nut.  So, of course, when we went to the mall, I had to get a photo of my cowboys at the store.  I thought it would just be a we all stand there photo - but my posse felt that it needed to have a little rodeo circus effect.  Love it!

Renny's First Dressage Lesson

Athletic Pony, Talented Trainer!

Here's a winter's break photo of Emily and Violet, and a little jumping video of Renny and Kelsey.  I'm writing this entry on Thursday, January 12th, after coming off a great winter break of seeing family, resting, and watching Emily and Kelsey put beautiful rides on my darling creatures.  This past weekend, I had my friend, Lex, ride Violet with me and Renny in a dressage lesson hosted at St. George.  We had the Head Dressage Instructor from the University of Findlay as our instructor.  I've been talking up my sport pony to Janet for months, so I was so excited to show him off.  And he was just terrific, as usual.  He was hardworking.  He was responsible.  He listened to my natural aids well - my seat, hands, legs, and voice.  He was just so smooth.  She said that he was a very good boy and that she'd be happy to help me develop him as a dressage pony and get flying lead changes from him.  I look forward to working on these skills with her over this year!

Christmas 2011 - My Posse

Here they are, my posse.  How lucky can a middle-aged cowgirl get?!

My Wonderful Sport Pony

Renny Jumping Sweetly for his Friend!

Here's a video of sweet Renny, jumping for Kelsey on December 30, 2011.  He's amazing.  I'm writing this entry on Thursday, January 12th, and on this past Tuesday, I had a private lesson with him and Stacey.  He was so good.  His trot was pretty.  His transitions upward were polite and prompt.  He was happy to do simple lead changes on the diagonal at the canter.  His serpentines, long and short, were pretty balanced and fluid.  And then when we jumped!  Well, it was the best feeling.  Stacey set up a little gymnastic that had a ground pole leading into the cross rail and then three ground poles afterwards.  So, he trotted perfect and smooth into the cross rail, jumped quietly and smoothly, and cantered off and over those ground poles just so fluidly and floatingly that it literally felt like nothing at all -- like being on a cloud.  He didn't change his pace, he didn't jump the poles, he didn't speed up.  He just cantered off, and cantered down the length of the arena and stopped square and still at the gate.  He did this three straight times -- three slices of perfect.  I just love him!

Christmas 2011 -- Best Gift Ever!

When we were in Texas for Christmas, my mom wanted to buy the kids cowboy hats, so after the toy exhibit, we went to the Pinto Ranch Western Wear place and it was very very easy to find a cool black hat for Emma, pink hat for Clara, and this rocking Lone Star state cowboy hat for my favorite little Texas Ranger.  And you can see that this gift was very well received. He gave an immediate thumbs up to the staff.  I don't even think he really fully processed that the gift was from Grama.  He just was so happy to receive it that I think he just took it as a true gift from the universe itself!

My Respect for Team Easy

Team Easy

Over winter break this past year, Kelsey kindly put two exercise/training rides on my little Renny which was awesome because he's been a fantastic pony since he returned from Quicksilver, but I haven't been able to show him to his advantage!  So, here is a little footage of their work together on Friday, December 30th.  Kelsey really does a beautiful quiet job with him and Renny just thinks she is the cat's pajamas!

Christmas 2011 - My Favorite Herd Ever!

This photo was taken the day after we arrived in Texas for Christmas.  My sister took the whole family to this ritzy mall in Dallas to see an exhibit of toy trains.  The toy train exhibit was right next to a Barney's, Pinto Ranch Western Wear, and Apple Store!  It was crazy crazy cool fun.  And just quick as a heartbeat, I got this great photo of my sister and her kids!  

Jumping on New Year's Day with Emily!

Happy Flat Work on New Year's Day!

Round, round, round!  Soft, soft, soft! Straight, Straight, Straight.  Rhythm, rhythm, rhythm. Shanti...

Violet Jumping Softly with Emily on New Year's Day!

Violet's Lovely FlatWork on New Year's Day!

Because I've had a little dose of fear lately (I'm writing this entry on January 9th), I really very much appreciated watching Emily ride Violet over winter break.  I could see that my girl likes to work and that she's beautiful and athletic and willing.  And I could see that she's calm and reasonable and knows her job -- even if she's just a green girl at her job.  I could see that she was very happy to take jumps calmly and with an even pace.  So, Emily gave me goals to aspire to.  And she even told me that horses could be helped to be rounder over obstacles.  So, that too is worth learning and aspiring to!  I would like to learn how to ride at an even pace without leaning and deep into corners and let her pick distances and help her be round and happy and center over the fences!!

Eventing Experts and Quality Horses!

Violet Halting at a Wall!

Here is a picture taken on New Year's Day and a little video of Violet warm-up jumping with Emily.  Emily has her canter quietly right up to the wall and Violet doesn't know whether she's offended or not.  But you can see in the video that Violet is very handy and quick and light on her feet. She can toss that cute behind around super quick and light.  She could be a ballet dancer, if she wanted!  Anyway, today is January 9th and I am listening to the Horse Radio Network shows just to see what they have to offer.  And today I listened to a show from very famous people who design and think about cross country courses.  It was amazing.  They were talking about how the level of technical difficulty of courses has increased almost exponentially recently and that people seem to have forgotten that cross country is not stadium jumping and that horses should be moving "cross country."  And they said that they've noticed that the horses who seem to be doing the best under all conditions are the horses with "quality" with a heavy thoroughbred pedigree -- they have the heart, strength, intelligence, bravery, endurance for this work.  I was really proud.  They said it several times.  And though I may never event with Violet, I can tell you that she does indeed have a champion nature!!!

Jumping with My Gorgeaus Thoroughbred!

Beautiful Round Girl!

Lately, I've had a bit of fear about jumping Violet again.  The fear just sort of snuck up on me.  So, I am trying to get back to basics again.  I had a great jumping lesson with Jill Jewett, a jumping instructor from the University of Findlay's English Equestrian Program.  And she told me that I needed to work on straightness, rhythm, and suppleness, but that when I was jumping, I needed most especially just to keep on saying "heels, heels, heels."  And let me tell you, that latter piece of advice helped a great deal!  It forced me to really push push push those heels down and when you're doing that most every other part of your body falls into line AND your hands become more attached and following with your elbow.  So, I can feel Violet speaking to me more clearly.  It's a wonderful thing.  So, anyway, because I stand in my stirrups and because I lean forward and curl my shoulders and because I'm nervous, I convey to Violet that I would like to rush the jumps.  So, she's very responsive.  She will listen to my half-halts and stop on a dime after jumps.  But we are working on me sending her a clean message of the same quiet pace please!  And we are having lots of fun.

Another nice thing about this whole process is that Emily has been helping Violet tap into her own talent -- helping her jump smoothly, responsively, responsibly, and higher!!  Violet loves it!

Violet's New Bit

Beautiful Thoroughbred, Happy New Year!

Right on my birthday, Violet's new bit arrived.  I ordered her a Sprenger Dynamis RS D-Ring with 14mm Aurigan mouth and 65mm stainless steel rings which had a copper mouth and bean joiner.  I think she liked it from the very beginning.  She was much softer and more supple and willing from the very first ride.  So, I was pleased as punch that I was going to be able to see Emily ride her with this bit.  I think it was a good decision!  I wish that I could maybe move to that kind of bit for Renny rather than his slow twist.  But it's all a work in progress!

Violet's Sweetness and Athleticism on New Year's Day!

My Gorgeaus Girl and Her Friend!

Watching Violet work with Emily on New Year's Day was amazing.  Violet looked like the athletic talented gorgeous granddaughter of champions.  She looked fit, relaxed, happy and capable. And she looked like she wanted to please Emily, but also be appreciated for her fabulousness. I was so impressed by her.  She was wonderful.  The next time that Emily rode her, a few days later, was even more impressive.  Violet attained a new level of soft and supple and obedient.  And she didn't fight about the gate. I just felt enthusiastic about our progress and happy about the journey ahead!

Violet and Suppling on New Year's Day!

Violet Learning to Jump!  

Over winter break in 2011/2012, I asked the Krull sisters if they would put some exercise rides on my horses.  They are just amazing riders.  So, here is a little photo and video from Violet's New Year's Day work with Emily.  Violet kicked up a fuss at the gate and Emily made her work through it.  She just kept making her work harder and harder in that corner until Violet wanted to give up that evasion.  And then she jumped Violet at 2'9".  She said that because Violet was so handy at 2'6" and could trot that height that she would have no problem at all learning how to jump 3' this summer!  I am very excited! Emily is a very nice person and kind. She said that she could really feel the work that I'd put onto Violet, and that Violet was much softer.  And she jumped the 2'9" much more easily and relaxed.  Emily said that was because I had muscled and prepared her for that task and so it was easier for her.  She's a gracious horsewoman.  

My Sweet Boys

Namaste.