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.