Obsessed

OK, so I know I said last time I'd be all organized and fair and each pony would have their own update post. I'm failing at that task, partly because I didn't take 'nice' photos, and mostly my phone camera roll tells the truth - I'm apparently just a little bit obsessed with Buck at the moment. Reggie and Sophie obviously do get lots of time and attention, but you wouldn't know it from my photos - it seems     I use my camera clicks on Buck right now.

Such a flattering pic of Reggie

The long ago plan was to sell Buck once he was riding age, since I didn't want or feel like I had space or time for three equines. That's obviously another a failed plan, helped in part by the fact these two get along so happily. They still peacefully share an oversized stall and paddock and there is no obvious 'boss', they share everything.

Another not great Reggie photo

G saving me by having multiple Sophie pics on his phone this week. He spoils her and lets her into the yard around the house to eat grass all the time

Obsessed. He's so cute.

Summer was full on this year, so their field still has a ton of grazing either they or I need to mow soon, before the winter rain and mud comes.

The days are getting shorter, luckily both boys aren't bothered by little training sessions when it's getting dark

He's learned how to park and it's so cute. He gets really excited for when I cue that he can come say hi again

Friendliest horses ever, they'd both follow me around all day and their 'help' is abundant any time there is work to be done

 I did sit on Reggie once or twice since last time, just for a quick walk around. He's a cob so he looks fairly stout and sturdy, but the reality is he is still quite physically immature, so I'm definitely going to leave it at that now and we'll get back to things next spring. He's at about the same place as Buck training wise and he's been such a good boy this summer, I couldn't ask for anything more.

Buck's been getting short sessions pretty consistently and he's also been great. There are of course ups and downs and good days and not so good days, but again, for a 3 year old gelding, I don't think I could hope for any more. I'm lucky, and both boys are a credit to their breeder - they have such good brains and reliably come out interested and engaged and ready to offer their best, even with the dirtbike track neighbour (or wildlife/bears!) distractions and recent wild weather. There's a lot to be said (at least for a rider like me) when you can hop on the three year old that barely steers, with all kinds of potential distractions going on in the background, and feel confident about it going well.

I do have a clinic spot booked in a couple of weeks, and I'm a bit torn about what I want to do with it. I'm motivated to support the local group, and it's the annual fun weekend at a friend's place, but I will have to think on who I want to take and what I might want to do. Reggie went last year. The obvious choice this year is Buck, but a weekend away camping might be an unfair ask for him. 

Where it's at - Buck

I've not been the best blog updater. Same old story: work, life, busy. And also, horses! I have had quite a bit of horse time the past bit and we're at the super fun part where there are a lot of firsts. I need to document it all for posterity!

In the interest of being somewhat organized in my brain and photo dumping, a post for each pony seems reasonable? This week, we'll start with Mr Bakari ("Buck" to his friends)

He's spent some time being chased by Sophie

He's also spent a lot of time eating and growing

He's even spent some time under saddle. With accessories to help us make the corners, but no human helpers on the ground required anymore :D

Weebly wobbly

He's about 14.3 now, he looks bigger to me in the riding pictures though

He is proving to be a very reliable and willing to please guy. Might be time to get the Pivo back in action rather than poor G. Actual conversation: "are you done yet? It's getting dark!" Me: "If you take some pictures first!" Him: picks up phone and snaps 10 consecutive pictures as quickly as he can ;)

Tarp and zero drama. This is still big news after the first two years of his life being 'instant diarrhea' scared of 1. bright blue items 2. blankets and tarps

walking over jumps and poles, also no big deal. I'm going to be mean and get a couple more poles and paint them bright blue

My current set up to encourage turning in a timely and consistent fashion, we really need the help.

Arena harrowing for riding is a lot more fun than just harrowing for maintenance. The footing is needing a little more sand, so I'll be back with my shovel and landscape rake for an upper body boot camp this fall :)

Days getting a little shorter, lots of sunset or nearly dark adventures

Trying on saddles, it's time he has his own. No big purchases planned (fingers crossed hard!), because I've been hoarding cob shaped saddles for a while now.

 

glamor shot

It's no secret I absolutely love this guy. I struggle a little to describe him honestly without coming across a little mean. He takes a lot of time and work. He's not unwilling, nor is he slow in any way. I think he just REALLY worries about getting it right and so either gets overwhelmed and uncertainly tosses out a million solutions (not ideal) or we take time and go slow. I keep things very simple and easy so he stays calm and confident and retains things for next time. The riding around at a walk with some form of steering and whoa has taken quite a few sessions where (spoiler alert) Reggie easily translated from the ground work and was soft and easy on the first ride. I appreciate Reggie more than I can say, but there is something I like about having to be a little more methodical and really taking the time to break everything down into little pieces. I do think I thrive a little more with that sort of horse, where the more impulsive and confident ones sometimes leave me a little uncertain about whether my input is going to be respected if things ever go sideways. Buck is so generous and tries so hard. I enjoy working with him so much that the extra time is time very well spent <3