Another Weekend Clinic

Another lesson recap coming up. 

(Yes, you're still on the right page, the one with the horses in the backyard and baby welsh cobs where nothing much of note happens. We haven't seen this much activity here in years;) 

With Buck still in the middle of a bit of a recap of what he knows and the rules still being the rules even when he's worried, I opted to take Reggie. Buck is just keeping it real with baby ponies having baby pony feelings and attention spans. I probably wouldn't even mention it much because it feels pretty normal, except I sort of feel like I have to when I'm here blogging horsey adventures and it's all Reggie did this, I took Reggie there, Reggie was such a good boy, and oh yeah, Buck stayed home and ate shrubberies all day in the yard :). Buck is not being ignored in favor of Reggie, he's also a very good boy that I think just needs a little more time to mature.

Buck is very busy eating and sleeping

Saturday's lesson was a recap of what we know and my homework from last time. Reggie was SUCH a good boy. He's naturally very light and tuned in so it looks like I do a lot more with him that I really do. It's very rewarding feeling to have a horse that's so interested in learning and happy to be doing things. He literally trotted into the trailer loose when I opened the door to put hay bags in and get the trailer ready for him. He was that excited to go somewhere.

practicing moving shoulders

He jumps! ;)

Watching and learning. The standing quietly away from home part is actually more important to me than the 'doing things' part right now

 

Sunday

Sunday was ridiculously hot and muggy and my lesson time was at noon. I wasn't really feeling it, but of course Reggie was unbothered and still all in for an adventure. He was again a good boy. We tackled a tarp and some barrels set up as a little obstacle for him to cross solo and he went from uncertain and trying to figure out a way to do it without actually doing it,  to  'yes of course I can do that!'. Love the brain he's got, he is sensitive and quick thinking but equally he's very sensible and curious and adaptable. He took the lining himself up to the mounting block practice from home and easily adapted it to the big arena and me using the judge's box/gazebo railing and standing 5' above him lol . At worst you get a 'maybe, let me think and try' when he's not sure of something rather than a 'no'. 

The one and only picture I took Sunday. I didn't have the heart to ask anyone to wait around in the heat and take pictures of our lesson. We had a golf tee time immediately after pony time, so we didn't linger afterwards

I got some big compliments this weekend on my baby horse 'training', but if you've been here any length of time you know it's not me, it's just having good minded ponies.  

We finished the weekend playing with some fun stuff like will he lift a leg on cue, how about building blocks to spanish walk in hand or bowing? I was a little skeptical of opening that can of worms with 10 minutes of lesson time left and other places to be, but of course he was like "yes! I could do that!" So that might be my fun little rabbit hole to travel down this summer. I'm learning there is value in playing with things in the moment and just seeing where it leads rather than being more structured.

My homework this summer is literally to just keep having fun with him. He's checking all the boxes for what he should know, so ideas to keep it fun and engaging include setting up some new or interesting obstacles, teaching him some 'tricks', ground driving etc. Basically just keeping his mind busy and learning until his body catches up a bit and riding is more of a thing. 

That's my cue to share pony sitting picture from a few days ago. G led me around and I was very happy

I'm very much enjoying these clinics. It's the perfect laid back, fun atmosphere, for me and the cob boys. This clinician is very good at taking the starting pieces and adapting them to things that will serve us well long term and consistently translate from ground to saddle. 

He's starting to look big compared to me

Another pony sitting pic, unrelated to the weekend but how can I not share them

If you're curious, I can give an example - I've had a few people show me how to use a dressage whip on the ground to tap the top of the hindquarters and have the horse move into you (sometimes for a leg yield towards you, most often to have them bring the hindquarters over to the mounting block). I've always wondered why moving into pressure was OK in that scenario, and I guess I'm not alone because she's very much on the same page and lining up at the mounting block is an extension of sending them straight and forward rather than a 'parallel parking' exercise. Leg yields on the ground mean you need to be adept at being on both sides of your horse so the cues are consistently 'away from pressure'. Tapping the top of the hindquarters is only ever going to be a 'step up and forward with that hind leg' cue, until it's overshadowed by simply lifting your seat bone in the saddle because we're piaffe-ing now. I laughed and the clinician was like "why are you laughing, this is a nice horse, of course you should be training with that in mind!" and I was reminded that self belief and dreaming big isn't a bad thing.

Having inconsistent instruction is often a bit of challenge, but it's fun when it brings us such a variety of people and thoughts. I feel like there's always something I can take home that makes sense to me and that I will use moving forward.

G and I have some fun vacation plans coming up, so the horses will be back to their moderately uneventful schedule through mid August, when we'll pick back up again with clinics and outings.

WW: Free Candy

 

Things. They Are Happening

I've been taking a much needed break from the real world this month and working more minimal hours. Things have slowed a little in general, but I'm also feeling like I can be a little more fussy about the extra contract work I take on. I feel twitchy turning down income (all those new trailer and barn dollars), but the weather is nice, I have a ton of paid vacation from the real job to use, and the horses are waiting!

With that, I feel like I'm going from minimal equine happenings and updates, to doing (and wanting to document) all the things, all at once. So, get ready.

It's been riding prep central the last couple of weeks. The horses have all day turnout in the 'big' field for the season, so doing such things now makes sense - they are warm and full and tired from a long day of running and playing and eating and less likely to be looking for reasons for chaos.

Too tired to eat dinner standing up

Reggie has become a pro at all things saddle/surcingle/tack. I have not used a bit yet, because... I actually don't know why. No reason not to, but also no reason to add it either. He's soft and round and easy, and if you pushed me I would add it, it just seems like more gear on his face when for now ground driving and longeing is easily a halter or cavesson activity.

The mounting block situation is really good, it's already been the best purchase. I actually could use an extra step - I'm still about to dislocate a hip stepping up on to a round cob. And yes, that has finally happened, with no dramatics. I've just been sitting and hanging out bareback the last couple of evenings, sometimes practicing some flexions or a few steps here or there before I slide off. He's happy to participate and is a pro at lining himself up with the block. Who knew he'd be such a sucker for wither scratches? :)

I thought I too so many 'riding' ear pictures, but there's exactly one :D

I think I'll have to bring the saddle into the conversation soon - for the initial stuff I prefer to be able slide on and off easily and move around everywhere but I'm no pro and a saddle will be required for anything beyond a slow trot on a baby. Initial impressions are that he's sensitive and forward but very sensible too, just like on the ground. Plus exactly the best shape and height, which is great - that's the intangible piece you don't know until you've sat on them. I'm super excited <3

It's a very curious situation

Buck is coming along as well. He's just a little behind Reggie because he tends to ask more questions, and get in his head a little more. He can get worried and lose confidence easily. So it's smaller chunks at an even steadier pace for him. He's a funny guy though - once he's confident he's CONFIDENT, so you might feel a little stuck in one place for a bit, then he's good with it and catches up to Reggie in a big progress leap. 

does not want to be left out of the action

The thing he was unsure about and everything associated with it are suddenly solidly installed forevermore :) Currently, we're working on him consistently aligning at the block and not getting too wiggly/impatient/distracted by his friends while I lean on him and scratch him. There's still the trailer situation too. Progress is being made, but it's the 10 steps back sort where I'm happy all over again that he eventually put all four feet in there and then calmly backed out. 

growing his food baby

So much grass to eat

Home Schooling

 G is so funny. Miracles did not occur as a result of the clinic, and we're doing remedial trailer loading 101 with Buck. G's idea to 'solve' the issue is that Buck just gets 'homeschooled' and doesn't travel to clinics or outings. He hates the trailer so why make him go in there? It's probably a blessing we didn't have actual children :D 

That adorable little face can do no wrong

This past week, Buck has let it be known he is a smart, independent Welsh Cob and had a think on the weekend prior's events and has decided he wasn't a fan. Parts of this week with Buck were honestly terrible, boundaries were being pushed and my resolve was definitely being tested. He's not 'mean' and isn't going to scare anyone, but he's presently very willing to just say no and that's a bit of a safety issue in itself.

Low quality pictures this week, scraping my phone for media

This is the demoralizing place I kind of knew was coming because I haven't done enough with him, and he is of a personality type where I sort of figured we might visit this stage eventually. Watching him interact with other the other horses right now, he's testing everything with them too and the testosterone seems like it's overly present.

The trailering and outings are temporarily on hold. If we can't do it calmly and safely, there's no point and we need to step back. I had a built in excuse anyway because it's hay season and I needed the trailer this Saturday and Sunday for hay pickup. Add in work, some social events, a round of golf, a trip to a local island, and a heap of yard work, and who has time for ponies? I was dreaming if I thought a pony trailer outing was happening this weekend, training issues or not.

Island hopping

But, this is me. I of course still have time for ponies, and homeschooling is an option. I spent time this week reestablishing whoa and go and traveling in the direction I point...ie, all the pieces that make trailer loading successful.  They had all become questionable participation activities for a day or two there. 

Lest you think Buck's enjoying a win, no he's really not. He's rooming with Sophie now and she wants none of his current King of The World, I Do What I Do persona and is actively shaping him back into a good citizen. Working smarter, not harder over here. I have slightly Evil Farm Overlord status because I stand back and watch the consequences of his actions come back to him with great satisfaction :D

Shawshank activities potentially relating to his current cellmate

In the meantime, I have been doing a lot of things with Reggie. I'm feeling VERY grateful for that variety in my life. I bet you never thought we'd see the day where it's Reggie with the angel halo, but here we are. Like Buck, Reggie is also a legend in his own mind, but he's so desperate to be a part of things I don't think it would occur to him to decline any invitations. He's mentally a lot more mature this spring and is itching to learn all the things . He's starting to finally grow into himself too, and is looking more and more like the pony I hoped for when I bought his little one week old self.

I've splurged and bought a three step mounting block. It was very spendy for what's essentially a simple plastic shape, but hopefully worth it for years to come. I could have built something out of left over building materials (and I have some strategically placed boulders pre-existing around the ring for mounting) but something lighter and entirely portable felt like a better option with 2 young horses.  Reggie and I are at the point where light rides could be in our near future, and I think Buck won't be far behind.

I still find this the most enjoyable part of horses - everything is new and each day brings different adventures and challenges. They're such different personalities too, they really couldn't be more opposite. I like them both equally well, but honestly I wouldn't mind if the universe wanted to send me an easier day or two with Mr Bakari next week!

Good TImes

 It feels like I'm out of practice giving lesson or clinic recaps - probably because I am! The boys are 3 now, which means I've been over here for 3 plus years just biding my time. The time out without any goals was actually super productive and enjoyable, but I'm ready to get back at it.

Quick check in with riding ponies of the past this weekend. I still can't quite believe the small world that has resulted in Stormy and Bridget living a semi retired life together here in our little community (Bridget is still mine, but on long term loan to a friend - Stormy sold out of area 20 years ago and found his way back this spring).

The clinic this past weekend was super fun. It's a really informal series that is organized every summer, and it attracts a really good group of people, all long term horsey friends, some of whom I even grew up with. My young cob boys were definitely the equine outliers, with everyone else bringing their long term riding partners. That's actually a win for me, because the other horses being 'been there done that' setting a good example for the boys.

I didn't camp on site this time, although I had regrets when I saw the 'glamping' set up the ladies made, with a bellini machine and pizza delivery :) Next time!

We trailered Reggie in Saturday morning for a lesson. He was overly excited to start, but settled well and was a good boy. The overly excited part is on me, he was a last minute addition to the schedule as the clinician had space and I thought 'why not?' without actually considering I hadn't taken him anywhere since last summer.  I feel like he's just the kind who likes adventures and new things and isn't ever going to be overly fussed about going new places.

Umm, when did he get so tall? I'm there somewhere behind him, lol

Teaching him to line up and stand at the mounting block felt really exciting to me :) 

And some assorted lateral work on the ground, featuring me hanging on my inside 'rein' just as I do in the saddle ;)

I had a nice 2.5 hour window between lessons, so Reggie went home and G and I went for a pub lunch. Which, in retrospect might not have been a smart choice as far as allowing enough time for Buck. Because, yeah, he didn't want to load and I only left myself 15 minutes to do it. We all know how that story was going to end, so I basically called it right away and texted the ladies to say I'd either just come later or I'd see them the next day. I didn't want the pressure of feeling like I needed to rush. I did end up loading and unloading a few times and then just put him away and drove back over to the campsite  later sans pony for pizza night with the horsey crew. I don't know who this new me is who was zero percent bothered by my plans going sideways, but I'm liking it.

With how the trailering thing went the night before I planned more time Sunday morning and took Buck to the first lesson. He was still more hesitant than I would like about loading. 

I walked around the trailer after loading and G was like "WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR FACE!" and it turned out what felt like it wasn't going to leave a mark was actually bleeding and progressed into a fantastic looking black eye as the day went on. I was hanging a hay net and the bungee trailer tie caught in it and rebounded. The metal snap end of the tie and part of the hay net into my eye. Not even directly a horsey incident. I feel like poor Buck got framed because trailer loading issues + me rolling in with a black eye does seem kind of suspicious :D

visual of how my face is always at trailer tie level, even on my tiptoes :D

ANYWAY. Sunglasses on, the day is not lost - Sunday was a planned power outage all day so guess who already had a cooler full of lunch, drinks, and most importantly, ice I could use for my face? Silver linings.

Buck was a bit of a wild child, but I had expected that - he hasn't done much of anything, ever and it's all new to him. He's a smart guy and he wants to be good, so me saying he's wild doesn't mean he's unmanageable or unsafe at any point, more just overstimulated and lacking enough of an attention span. There's way to much to see out in the big wide world. Since Reggie suffers from a busy brain on the regular, I was already feeling a bit familiar with some of the tools. I like this clinician because she's zero percent about the old school 'give them a job/tire them out'. That never works for the spicier horses or overachievers that just bring more energy to the table. She's more about teaching them to self regulate and chill. I'm of an age where I don't find a horse that needs me to give them a job 24/7 overly fun to ride so installing a 'chill' button now is good by me!

Another one I can hide behind

Learning to leg yield on the ground with the aid of the fence

Rather than going home and trading horses again, I opted to stay for the afternoon and explore the trailering situation with Buck. That also set us up for an opportunity to stay in the outdoor stalls like a proper horse show or camping situation. He struggled with that for about half an hour, but then settled and ate and drank well. Trailering lesson time came quickly and I'm so glad I decided to do that. I haven't had my own trailer that long and never had a horse be sticky about the trailer. There were some definite gaps in my knowledge and the majority of recent issues were simply a matter of changing my methods and adding clarity to things. That session was entirely straightforward and stress free, it felt like poor Buck was like "FINALLY! Now I get it!"

Since I'm also feeling totally over the current trailer tie situation, she had me teaching Buck to self load and stand and then I just walk in after, close the divider, and don't bother tying for now. If I do feel I need to, I'll do it from the outside of the trailer via the drop down window. It seems like it's pretty even mix of people that tie or don't tie. The tying isn't so much an issue horse wise, more a me thing where I am not tall and need to reach too high to get to the attachment above the window, meanwhile any hanging trailer ties seem to always be tangled in my hay nets or frustrating to clip/unclip. 

Whew. And...we're doing it all again mid June. Next time I'll camp for the weekend, and I do think I'll bring both boys again. It feels nice to be back to semi regular horsey plans.

Like A Grown Up

 Progressing onwards from last week, I FINALLY trailered Mr Bakari all by himself. With his first solo trailer ride, came his first visit to our equestrian club grounds across town. We explored the grounds and some obstacles set up at the ring. By happy coincidence a friend pulled up shortly after us with some more horses for company so we weren't completely alone. He was a 'up' and pushy and a little vocal, and needed some reminders about manners. He was also a little fixated on his new friend horses - Bridget lives near there and when we walked by he remembered her and was like "wait I lived with you for a bit when I was a baby!' It was kind of cute. For a first outing I was very happy with him and give him a 5 star review - he was a really good boy, especially considering I kind of threw him in the deep end with a lot of firsts this week. 

Practicing grown up horse stuff at home first

I think this was his first time with a girthed up saddle

No pictures of our adventure because honestly I just wanted to really focus on getting it right and giving him the best possible experience - I'd be lying if I didn't halfway expect dealing with a handful of a 3 year old baby horse and the consequences of my own inaction this past year. Luckily, he's a generous guy and exceeded any hopes I might have had.

Handsome guy

Incoming potato!

The clinic this coming weekend is undersubscribed, so I'm going to try to take both boys. That will be fun, but I'm going to be super busy trying to fit in four lessons and the extra 'real job' work I'm still doing.

Watch out world, they're both going out in public this year ;)

This past weekend brought the return of regular summer 'big' field time, everyone has been very happy about that. I was wondering if walking 2 three year old cob boys there and back every day might be too much, but although much bigger, they're much less rambunctious this year and leading both at the same time still feels safe. 

Still a pair of ridiculous creatures by any normal standard, though

Happy Reggie

We thankfully had no tree collisions this year - the 2026 edition of horses making me anxious about the most seemingly random of things. Other people see a field with a pretty willow tree, I now see skull fractures x2 and a hefty vet bill. I may or may not have procrastinated taking them over there until I knew I'd be around part of the day 'just in case' :D

'the' tree

Please continue to avoid high speed collisions with the tree this year, Sophie

My long weekend concluded with a lazy afternoon repainting poles, harrowing the ring and fixing the sprinklers and odds and ends around it. I'm starting to feel serious about riding some cob ponies this summer.

See you next time, hopefully with lots more pony progress to share - I'm feeling awfully motivated again!

Baby Steps

 I'm sure we have all figured out that learning and new experiences are the most fun when you're engaged, interested, and confident because things are right in that happy place of new and challenging, but also not completely outside your comfort zone.

The research agrees horses are pretty much the same. Just like people though, it's interesting seeing the diversity of where that natural confidence or comfort zone sits.

I keep second guessing myself a little with the cob boys. I had zero hesitation with taking Reggie out to clinics and get togethers last year. Obviously I used common sense and did the homework so he'd be successful, but basically my mindset was that I knew he'd be fine, and so he was fine.  That pretty much expands to anything. He's certainly the more sensitive of the two, but generally if something's new or a little outside the box, Reggie is my guy.

Never fear, Buck. Reggie will lead the way!

Buck, I tend to treat like a baby. Tiny steps for everything. Huge praise, wow isn't he just the most amazing pony ever?! While poor Reggie is there hopefully not wondering why I just expected he'd do it 6 months ago, and without the carrots ;)

Reggie being fierce

In the theme of that, trailering. I've spent so much time just loading Buck in and out of the trailer. The trailer is not a big deal, it is a happy place. I don't think hauling him cross country as a weanling made him feel overly positive about trailer adventures. Finally, this winter it felt like he agreed maybe the trailer was a good place to be. But still, I had not actually taken him anywhere. This week, my husband likely thought I was crazy because I wanted to hook up the trailer and haul the horses literally 250' down the lane to their summer field.

G is a good sport

And so, I loaded Buck in the front, then Sophie for moral support in the back.

 

Baby step of it's own - putting them in adjacent paddocks for a week until he wasn't scared of her. (Yes, they go out together, but her joy in chasing him is strong. It's all just a fun game to her but I don't think he knew that, her way of showing affection is weird ;)

Then my husband drove them around the block while I walked Reggie over (because of course Reggie would be fine without his friends, right? ;) Then, that evening I went and picked them up. Same thing. Buck said it was a bit hard and scary and claustrophobic and he maybe put a tiny dent in the trailer roof, but he tried and was a good boy and got all the treats. We found a happy relaxed place at the end. Probably I'll do the same thing again next weekend until trailer rides = going to fun places more than scary claustrophobia spaces.

I don't think there's much bad in breaking things down to the tiniest baby steps and good experiences, but on the other hand, I need to be accountable for myself. Like is his comfort zone smaller and he's more of a worrier because I expect him to be? And is Reggie super confident because I just expect he'll get on with things? And Sophie dramatic because...well...she is? I have to be careful about that and remember to just meet everyone where they are each day.

They are a diverse crew

Anyway, 2026 is the year of Buck and he's got his first clinic at the club grounds in a couple of weeks. I might camp again this year, or maybe just trailer in both days. Reggie came camping with me last year, but we'll see where Buck is at with that. Lest you think I left things a little last minute, yes I did as far as the trailering and no he doesn't have to go if he needs more time. It's kind of the last outstanding piece of the puzzle with him. I think the whole 'trust bank' analogy explains the situation well - and it's only been the past few months where I've felt like there is room for bigger withdrawals without him going back to deciding humans aren't fun. The missing pieces I've been indirectly picking away at all this time have started coming together all at once and I think he's going to be the most fantastic guy. Honestly, no regrets about the snail pace - I think he just needed the time, because once he's good with something, he's absolutely solid and his confidence seems to spread rapidly.

Being his adorable self the other night. He'd like you to know he went over poles on the longe, all by himself AND remembered how to whoa and think about it when he wasn't sure.