Trrrrot!

Last night Shane and I got to the barn a bit late and didn't have a ton of time, but we did have enough time to get Frosty in a snaffle for the first time and get Shane finally trotting on Trinity! His form has improved DRASTICALLY since he first started riding. He still has a bit of a beginner elbow and hand issue, but for the most part I am really impressed with his form and his hands. He was a bit strong on her mouth, but by the end he has really loosened up quite a bit.

I started Frosty for her first time in a bit in the Balance System. I wanted her to get used to having something put pressure on her mouth, without me fighting her. I kept the whole system very loose so that it wouldn't pull on her, but it would bounce and put enough that she got used to the metal on her tongue. She fought for a while, but she ended really well. I didn't get pictures of the end result.

Mom, it tastes yucky! Get it out of my mouth!!! Plewie...

Blech, Mom, Blech!

le sigh...I guess this is okay... 

...and even put some fancy leg work in to the mix. This was about half way through her session. She only got better from here. She started stretching down and poking her nose. It made me really happy! I think I will do 2 or 3 more sessions like this before getting back on her. 

After the ride I did some stretching work with Frosty. We flexed left and right, and I tried to get her to stretch her neck through her legs to get her back. She is VERY VERY stiff. I just need to focus on flexing her laterally to really loosen her neck and body, then we can move on to the vertical flexion piece. I really hope it works. She is an amazing mare...and I want Trinity back from Shane, which means Frosty has to be ready for him... :-)

Trinity did an great job for Shane last night. She really gave him a workout though. I don't think I have seen her that lazy in a while. She worked at about 30%. I want him to get her to at least 75%. He started learning how to ask for her face, flex her nose, and bring her belly up at the walk. He is still a bit green at the trot, and is still learning the give and take. I think he is getting better though. What are your thoughts? 

Tracking Left. Ignore my annoying voice. He is still bouncing a bit, but his butt is staying in the saddle. His elbows need to come in and his hands need to stay quieter. 

Tracking Right. Again, ignore my annoying voice. He needs to give her a swift kick in the behind, so that she gets a move-on. It was also dinner time, so she was really giving him a test ride!

Trinity is certainly doing better than when I first put Shane on her about 4 years ago. I will have to find a picture. She was a snot and kept trying to run away with him. He also looked like a chicken with his elbows flapping around. I am so proud of both of my babies! All and all it was a good night at the barn. The ponies did really well and are looking good. I am very happy with their progress. 

The Girls are Great!

I guess at some point I will have to stop apologizing for being a bad blogger, as it has become the norm. The girls are doing awesome and we have been out a few times since I last blogged; however, I have been awful about taking pictures. Shane has been riding Trinity and is feeling much more comfortable in the English saddle. He hasn't trotted yet, but I am hoping he will soon! Frosty is getting better and getting more and more miles on her. She is still very stiff. I want to transition her from the hackamore to a simple snaffle to help get some flexion. I think the hackamore is too unidirectional to work on the kind of softness I want from her at this point.

Aside from the horses we have been working our garden a lot. We even got one green bean off of our plant; however, we picked it and then the plan died :-(. We have a ton of Grape tomatoes and a few full-size tomatoes forming and SEVERAL zucchini, which I am super stoked about. So far my peppers and broccoli haven't done much of anything. I think my cucumber and melon are getting ready to start producing as well. I don't want to jinx it, but I think that we may have some good produce this year!

Our one green bean! We were so excited, then the plant died :-(

Our garden bed. This was a few weeks ago. Things have grown significantly since then. I need to get an updated picture. 

Over the 4th of July holiday our HOA put on a pool party. We had a blast. Shane and I have joined the social committee, so we were a big part of putting it on. We did the Costco run, Decorated, and Grilled! Everyone really enjoyed themselves and we had a fantastic turnout of about 50-60 people (there are 180 home in our neighborhood). That isn't too bad, considering a large population of our neighborhood are elderly. 

Shane manning the grill. 

Pre-party pool view!

I have some very exciting news coming in the next week or so, so stay tuned!

Liebster Award

Oh My! I just got nominated (TWICE!) for a blogging award. It is very exciting. When I started this blog I never intended to have followers and awards. I am so excited. I have met some great virtual friends over the time of my blog and love getting to know them and their lives through the words and pictures they post frequently. Thank you to both Alicia at The Adventures of Crispy Creme and S. Lauren at Riding Again. Both of your blogs are so exciting. Alicia, I love hearing about the adventures in Australia. S. Lauren, I love hearing about your lessons and your wedding planning, since I am planning a wedding as well. 

How to Accept the Award: The Liebster Blog Award is a way to recognize blogs who have less than 200 followers. Liebster is a German word that means beloved and valued. Here are the rules for accepting the award:

• Thank the person who nominated you and include a link back to their blog.
• List 11 random facts about yourself.
• Answer the 11 questions given to you.
• Create 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate.
• Choose 11 bloggers with 200 or fewer followers to nominate and include links to their blogs.
• Go to each blogger's page and let them know you have nominated them.

My 11 Random Facts:

1. I am engaged to my best friend and I am getting married on October 12, 2013!
2. I have been riding since before I turned 7.
3. I work in the Audio/Visual Industry and have gotten 4 promotions in 2 years.
4. I have 2 horses, 3 dogs, a cat, and a rabbit.
5. I am a very close friend, I don't do acquaintances very well. I like to have close friends better than people I just know sort of. I will do ANYTHING for a friends, but burn me or treat me bad, and I am done. 
6. I look like I am 16, until I put a helmet on, then I look like I am 12. 
7. My entire family lives in Texas and I miss them every day, though I can't imagine moving back (internal turmoil!)
8. I am headed to Cancun for 8 days in October for my honeymoon. 
9. I want to breed Trinity to a paint SO BAD! I think she would be an awesome mamma, I want a horse I have raised from birth, and I love colored horses (can that count as 3 things?).
10. I am lazy. I mean really lazy. I have to force myself to get up and do things. When I do I am happy, when I don't I am sad, but it is still an internal struggle.
11. Sometimes I still feel like I am play acting this whole adulthood thing. 

My 11 Questions from S. Lauren:

1. Describe your dream horse: My dream horse would be a Trinity Filly from a Paint Homozygous Stallion. It would be stocky as hell, about 16HH, and all attitude!
2. What kind of pets do you have: I have the 2 girls, 3 dogs (Remy - Beagle/Border Collie, Dixie and Sadie - Rat Terrier Litter Mates), 1 Cat (Kieren - 20lb. monster), 1 Rabbit (Pepper - also known as Crock Pot)
3. Your favorite food: My favorite food is probably Frozen Yogurt. If it was calorie free I would eat it every day. My other favorites are salty carbs (french fries, chips, etc.)
4. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go: I have always wanted to go to Greece, Scotland, Ireland, and Australia!
5. What are your favorite stores to shop at: Murdochs (yay Farm Supply Stores!)
6. What are some things on your "bucket list?: Going to the places listed above, Having a Trinity Filly, Owning my own little farm paradise
7. What are you talented at: Riding Horses, Troubleshooting Audio/Visual systems, Puzzle Games. I wish I was talented at drawing or painting...does that count?
8. What are your pet peeves? Oh man, I have a ridiculously low tolerance level. I have so many pet peeves it isn't even funny. The one I can think of right now, because it just happened, is people who leave a voicemail and don't say who it is or leave a call back number (unless your my close family, assume I DONT recognize your voice!)
9. Favorite quote: "The Outside of a Horse is good for the inside of a Girl"
10. If you magically got $1,000 how would you spend it: I would put it in savings to use on my Honeymoon for ridiculous spa treatments and awesome adventures!
11. What's an act of kindness you've done: I try to always be kind and reach out for people. I hate when people either don't recognize it or burn me for being kind and supportive. I often will pick up the bill for dinner or something if I know someone is having a hard time. I try to always show extreme thanks and giving back when someone does something for me. I can't think of one specific thing right now. 

My 11 Questions from Alicia:

1. If you didn't ride horses- what would you be doing? I would probably be an expert puzzle game player or something. I have had horses since I was 7, so I have no idea!
2. What was your most amusing fall off a horse? I was doing a trial ride on the big tiny fat fuzzy grey paint pony. She was HUGELY fat. We cinched her up as tight as possible and I got one. As I was trotting the saddle started slipping, slipping, slipping. I finally just plopped off and the saddle slid completely under the pony's belly. 
3. What is your most visited website? Blogger! HAHA! It used to be Google Reader, but they discontinued it and I am SO MAD! Also, probably Facebook (to keep in touch with friends that are far away). Then, probably Netflix (I like to have stuff playing in the background).
4. Favourite game? (computer game, sport etc.) I have recently started playing Dungeons and Dragons with some friends (nerdy I know!) and I LOVE it. I always made fun of it, but it is difficult, strategic, puzzles, and so much more. 
5. What was your first car (or future first car)? 1999 Ford Explorer Limited Edition. I LOVE that truck. It is still chugging but I have a new Nissan XTerra. 
6. Do you have any pets? Name?Species? 2 Horses (Trinity - Thoroughbred, Frosty - QH), 3 Dogs (Remy - Beagle/Border Collie, Dixie and Sadie - Rat Terrier Litter Mates), 1 Cat (Kieren - 20 lb Cat Monster), 1 Rabbit (Pepper - crockpot)
7. What food is irresistible to you? Frozen Yogurt! Or Salty Carbs!
8. If you had to choose between living in a desert or a rainy climate- which would you choose? That is so hard! I can see the benefits of both. I think a rainy climate would be nice, because when it wasn't rainy it would be gorgeous; however, I hate humidity...
9. What first got you into horses? I started taking lessons when I was 6. I am not sure what got me in to it, I guess I have always loved horses. 
10. If you could own any animal in the world as a pet- what would you choose? WOLF (as long as it wouldn't eat me!)
11. What's your favourite song right now? I love any country music. I like Taylor Swift (no Taylor arguments please!), I love country with a beat, a story, and singable lyrics. 

My Nominations:
AHHHH, All of my favorite smaller blogs have already been nominated...blast me for waiting so long to do this!

Questions for my Peeps
I have no peeps :-(

Frosty Pants

I got off work early yesterday, which was exciting; however, it was tainted by the reason. The reason is I have several 6am mornings ahead of me, bleh! The bright side though was that Shane and I were able to get out to ride the ponies early enough in the day that we didn't conflict with feeding time and we still had time to take the dogs for a romp in the gardens before our dinner time!

When we got to the barn I grabbed Frosty Pants and Shane grabbed Trinity. I really want to ride Frosty mostly this summer so she is ready for Shane to really get a feel for her. She is an amazing horse and her gait is SO smooth, but for a beginner any horses trot (no matter how smooth) is going to be a bit jarring. So, I want to work on getting her to a good place for him. I stared by lunging her really well to let her get some steam out. We got a few crow hops and then she settled in to work.

She has the cutest movement, don't you think?

Shane did really good with Trinity. He had to ride English, because we only have the one Western saddle right now. His form is 100x better in the English saddle. I think it is just the way my amazing saddle holds you. English is definitely the way to go to learn proper horse posture. They mostly walked and turned. I am sure Trinity was thrilled to have a walking lesson. It was good for Shane as well to get the feel for it again. 

Look at that form! Better then mind, I am embarrassed to say!

After we lunged I got on Frosty and we did a lot of trot work. Mostly learning to turn and listen to the new hackamore. She hasn't quite gotten the whole steering concept. That is something we REALLY need to work on. She is so stiff in the neck and almost dead to me legs when trying to bend her around my leg. Anyone have any ideas? She was cowboy broke (we assume), so I am wondering if they killed her face and sides with thumping? Any suggestions would be appreciated! 

Here she is resisting to the pressure on her nose. She does not get asking for softness, roundness, or flexion.

Doing better but she is counter bending the wrong direction.

I love her stride. She is so the cutest little thing. Here she is relaxed in the reins, but she is still stiff through her whole body.

Shane also took a video so we can maybe see if there is anything I am doing or I could be doing to make it better. I am just at a loss right now, she is the first total stiff horse I have worked with...

It is Summer

I don't care what the calendar says, my internal clock says it is summer. It is staying light until after 8:30pm, it is hot as all get out, and I got my first sunburn. This was TOTALLY on accident. I know I need to be super careful this year so I don't have a major farmers tan on my wedding day in October, but I forgot it was summer in Colorado (we are 5,280ft closer to the sun than most people!).

This was a rare moment of calm in turnout!

Saturday I spent a good 4 hours out with the girls. I started by turning them out in the small arena/paddock and let them run and roll. And Run they did! Even Trinity was tearing around like she had a bug up her butt! I went to catch T and she was like "Nope, still playing, Thanks Mom!". She never runs from me so I just let her keep going for another few minutes. Then I brought her in and gave her a good grooming and braided her mane to keep it off her neck during the hot days.

"Hi Mom, I was enjoying playing with my sister..."

"I am going for the rugged, wild Mustang look here, whatcha think?"

Then, I outfitter her in the balance system and we went to work on another lunging session. She is doing so good and is really building back up. I can't wait to get back on her! While Trinity was being lunged, Ms. FrostyPants got put on the Hot Walker and walked and walked and walked for about 45 minutes. It is good for her brain!

Trinity did really well! We started out going left and she really stretched in to the system several times. I am so excited to see this, because it means she is working her back and really getting a good stretch of those muscles. 

As you can see, the lines were pretty loose most of the time. She is starting to remember where to hold herself and how to really get the most out of her sessions. Nothing will replace riding in the way of getting her to come up through her belly and step out, but this system really helps to start developing the right muscles in her top line so it is a bit easier once we get back to riding. Sh also REALLY needs her feet done, the farrier should be coming out next Monday.

I love this mare so much. It is so hard to believe that I almost lost her only 8 short months ago. She is my little rockstar and I wouldn't trade her for anything! When she was done, I untacked her and gave her a good squirt off with the hose. She loves baths and even loves getting her face washed, which is so rare for a horse! When bath time was done she swapped with Frosty on the hot walker and had her brain decompression time!

I groomed Frosty up real quick and got her all saddled up. I fitted her into the mechanical hackamore for the first time. As she is growing she is getting a bit to strong willed for the simple side pull that we have been using. I would love to get her started in a snaffle bit, but she needs her teeth done first. So, we worked in the hackamore. She actually did a really good job and the curb strap definitely seemed to get her attention. 

After her lunging session I got on her and we took several laps around the big arena. She did a great job. Frosty's biggest issue that we are working to overcome is that when she is tired she is DONE. She decides that is it and puts her feet in one place and stops. We worked passed it this time and even went on a tour of the property. She was really really good. I do know, though, that I need to wear spurs today when I go ride. 

All in all thought it was a really good day at the barn! Then, I came home and went to get in the shower only to find a dreaded farmers tan sun burn! GRRRRRRRRR!

Welcome Back

HELLO OUT THERE! I am so sorry for the LONG LONG break away. I haven't been a horrible and neglectful mother, though most of my breaks are because I don't want to admit that. I have just been super busy doing wedding planning and living life with the boy, the horses, and the puppies. We spent a few weekends getting the back yard all situated and looking pretty. Last year we moved mid-summer and we never had time to get the house looking like we wanted it to look. So, it never felt cozy. This year is different. We got some Tikis, and fire pit, put down some gorgeous mulch, and planted some pretty flowers. I like it! Then, we spent some time out there with the puppies!

Enjoying the fires with the three girls! 

We have also been doing a great deal of wedding planning. Mom and Sis came for a visit to do a whirlwind weekend of planning. On top of a ton of stuff we bought my boots and the bridesmaids boots (yes we are all wearing BOOTS! YAY!). 

I don't know why this is upside down or how to fix it :-(

Shane and I also found our wedding bands! We were so excited to find them that we went ahead and bought them! YAY!

Shane's Wedding Band

My engagement ring set inside my wedding band!

Then, work sent me to Florida to get my Certified Technical Specialist Exam. It is the only real international certification for my field. It means I know my stuff! The trip was fun, but Florida was miserable. It was hot and humid and yucky. PLUS it made me miss a whole weekend away from my ponies... :-(. I passed my test though, so I was very very happy!

Setting up for the show!

MY NAME!

Yay! I was the first woman to pass during the conference!

So, on to the horse stuff, which you care about. The ponies are doing so so well! We are very happy with them. I am headed out as soon as I write this blog post. I am hoping to get on Frosty today and let Shane work with Trinity. I really want Frosty to start getting some good conditioning and some time in the saddle. We shall see how they are feeling today. 

I love the skies in these photos! Trinity is doing really well!

Starting to get into things! She has definitely lost some of her extension. 

Finally, We had a photographer come out and take some engagement photos with us and the girls. The couple that I have seen turned out so so well! I am so anxious to see the other ones, but the photographer hasn't posted them yet... BOO!

Getting Prepared for their photo shoot!

I absolutely LOVE this photo!

Baby girls!

Checking on the girls

Shane and I went back out to the barn on Sunday to check on Frosty's leg, unwrap it before the snow storm, and worm the babies. As soon as we got there it began to rain/snow so we grabbed the girls and hustled in to the indoor arena. After playing with the lights for 20 minutes or so, we were able to get enough light to groom them up, check Frosty's leg, and shoot some nasty tasting wormer into them.

The outside of her hind left leg. The purple is the antibacterial stuff we put on it. It dried the wound out really well.

The inside of the same hind left leg. 

We thought about actually working the girls, but at that moment 50-60 mile an hour wind gusts began slamming in to the barn, which neither girl liked. So, we decided to just give them time to breathe and get cleaned up. Besides that...there is not much to report. 

Shane worked on getting Frosty to follow him.

My gorgeous big mare!

Eeyore!

ugh that withers makes me cringe! I can't wait for her to gain weight!

Whatcha got, Mommy?