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