Sunday, June 27, 2010

Words don't convey

Today I realized during our ride that so much communication betwixt rider and horse cannot be communicated by words. Tiny movements. Consistency. Balance. All these things are the currency of communication.

We are doing better every day. We sure have a great Whoa. And getting the trot is far less effort. This little horse has a good attitude. He tries. I adore him.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Zwarte would rather not do this.


Zwarte seems sluggish. Since I haven't been permitted to use a whip, I flail and flap until he finally picks up a trot. Grudgingly he goes and if I don't pay close attention, he slows into a walk.
So different from Sam. I could think what I wanted him to do and he pretty much did it. He was so light to ride. Perhaps it was foolish to think that this new horse would develop the same traits as Sammy had.
But Sam is gone. And it remains to be seen with Zwarte.
Worked on leaning back. Keeping centered in the saddle. Posting.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Fell off again.

This is getting old. Thank goodness for my helmet because I hit my head hard and saw woozy stars and tweety birds.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Rasping a hoof

One thing my little horse has is fine feet. Like rocks.

Even so, he chips the edges so that I need to get him trimmed. Today, though, I got a lesson from Marty on how to rasp the cracked edges of his hooves. I worked on just one because it is hot. I managed to be dripping sweat from my nose and pumping sweat from my face. Out of breath, I stopped.

Yep. It is summer here in Arkansas. I believe that $30 for the trimming is probably money well spent.