Sunny Spring Days

Spring is here and so is spring grass! This is the time of year when we all watch our horses to make sure they don't eat too much. Around here, the grass is growing fast and it's sweet and fresh! Spring grass can = colic or founder to many horses.
I put up a little fenced area for Chester and let him eat for a little bit. It was a beautiful day and quite warm! He enjoyed it and gobbled that grass quite fast and yet very alert to what was going on around him. The way I put up the fence, he could go back and forth from his yard to the little grassy area. He ran in once when he got spooked because my mom was pulling some blackberry bushes out of a tree. But I went and got him and he happily went back in and started munching again. Silly boy!

On Sunday though....I let him out again and he did much better. He did run back into his yard when a big noisy truck was trying to get into someones driveway. But after that he got so comfortable that I couldn't get him back in his yard. =)

                                 Here is the biggest tree on our property. It's a biggy!


                                                          Beautiful thing, aint it?

There's my fat pony...he's gained a lot of weight this winter. And I'm very happy about it! =)

As you might guess, he loves to roll in the mud. But what horse doesn't? I have yet to meet a horse that doesn't.

                          Ya, he's dirty. Dirty and happy! He's been much worse though....

Right behind him, you can see where he can go back into his yard. This is just a little temporary area where he can get used to eating and what not. I'll take it down soon. (My mom doesn't want the yard to turn to mud. I agree...) =)

                                                              Look at that belly! =)

                                                         This is just SO goood!

Here are the goats right below him.

"Hey, I thought you were taking pictures of me!" I was Chester, but I have to give the goats some attention too!

Here you can see it all in perspective. That's his trailer and the main gate I use to take him out of his yard, is to the right of that over turned black bucket.

                                                          This is from the drive way.

The round pen is almost dry. When it is, I will hopefully be doing lots of ground work and some simple riding. Chester has lots of energy so it will be a bit of a challenge to work him, plus, he needs to remember to respect me. I'm so excited though to get back into riding and working him! =)

Little Letters

Dear Followers: Thank you for being so awesome.


Dear Chester: Why do you have to be so stinkin cute?


Dear Saddle: Don't worry, your turn will come. Just keep on looking really cool.


Dear Round Pen: I want to use you so bad. But when you are full of puddles and silky mud it's really hard to.


Dear Blog: Sorry I haven't been faithful to you. You see, there isn't anything real exciting, horse wise, at the moment.


Dear Grass: You're back from a long winter's rest. As I watch you grow, feel free to fill my hills with lushess long arms for my pony to munch on.


Dear Wind: When I feel you on my face I can tell summer is on it's way. Please, do help it along it's way and get it here real soon.


Dear Birds: I've missed your songs you sing all summer long. I'm so glad you're back.


Dear Garden: I see you growing through the soft brown dirt and am so glad to once again nurture you as you grow.


Dear School Books: I am can see the light at the end of the tunnel and will once again be saying farewell; and this time it will be the last.


Dear Shiny Pony: I'm coming, I really am. I'm looking forward to the warm summer day's when I can ride you bareback with the sun on our faces and a breeze at our back.


Dear Winter Coat and Boots: Your turn is almost over.


Dear Lovely Cowboy Boots: You will soon be put to work. The work entails a horse, so don't worry, it won't be boring.


Dear Lawn Mower: We shall soon be close friends, once again.


Dear Iced Coffee and Iced Tea: Sorry Tea, I already had an iced coffee on a really warm day so I will have to figure out a time to have you.  


 Dear Sunshine: Please hurry!


Dear Rain: I love you, but do hurry up and leave. You have made our property so so wet. And I can't do anything when it's wet.


Dear Clear Night Sky: You. are. amazing. I could stare at you for ages.


Dear Moon: You are beautiful. 


Dear God: You are awesome and I love you. Lord, I need you, oh, I need you. Every hour I need you.

Annul 4H Tack Sale

I went to the annul 4H tack sale. (No, I don't go to 4H. It's open to the public.) =) This was the second time I went and I absolutely love it! I wait for it all year! It is huge! There are rows and rows of saddles, tables full of saddle pads and blankets, racks and racks of halters bridles and ropes, tables full of reins, bits, boots, cinches, wraps, breast collars, books, anything horse related, it's there! New and used! It awesome! For the first five minutes you walk around like a kid in a candy shop, in aw of all the stuff. Then you pop into action and start scanning and scanning, looking, oooing and Ohhhing and fingering through as much as possible!
So many choices!
You really need to do your research and know what you are after before you go. I knew what I was after, but I hadn't done my research. There was lots of options: I had my list so I knew what I needed and wanted but when there are about three options to one thing, it gets hard to chose and what to decided.

This was my list;

                   -Single rein(s)
                   -Bridle with "Lupe reins".....(Hackamore?) 
                   -Shin guards
                   -Saddle pad
                   -Breast-collar? 

That is how my list was, question marks and all! =) The most important thing to me was the reins. When I was riding lots last fall, the split reins where a little hard to deal with while I was trying to pay attention to everything else that was going on. I thought, why not get reins that aren't split. Well, long story short, I found out that besides split reins that have a connector, I don't know if you can get western reins that are "one rein". What do you guys have to say about that? Are there such reins? Or, can you use English reins with all western tack? 

My main throw back though, was all the beautiful headstalls....I don't know how to put a bit on a headstall. I have a question for you all. Do I have to get a special headstall to put on a hackamore bridle piece? I didn't get any headstalls, even though I found two that I really liked! I didn't want to get them and then never use them.

I ended up getting a new saddle pad and a lead rope. It's a nice lead rope, (Was hoping for a longer one, but silly me didn't measure the one I already have before I went.) =/ and I absolutely love my new saddle pad! It's purple! I know none of my other tack is purple but it was a nice pad and (hopefully!) it will go better with Chester's coat then the other colors they had.

I am going to be doing some research, and I might be buying a new bridle depending on what I find out and if I think I really need it in the end. =)
I am thinking about getting a single ear headstall. Like this....

Or this....

 One thing that I was thinking about doing....but not sure of you can.....is getting a single ear hackamore bridle? Is there such a thing? I recently heard, for the first time, about a bit-less bridle. Do any of you have any yays or nays about those?

                                                           Hackamore Bridle


One of my goals for this summer, is to work on Chester's leg cues. I am really hoping that by the end of the summer, I will be able to ride tack-less a little bit. My point is, I don't know if I should spend the money on a bridle when I'm not sure if I'm going to use it a whole lot.

Here are some pictures of the saddle pad and lead rope I got.

                                                                             Purple!

                                             I tied it up like that myself! Did I do it right? Haha!

                                                                  I think it's brand-new!

                                    Lets see how many pictures of a lead rope I can take!
    Just kidding! =)

 Here's my purple saddle pad! Have you ever tried to take a picture of a saddle pad? It can be quite hard. Well, if you want it to stand up. They don't like to stand up on their own. Hence my foot...

                        This might be used, or could be new. It was a good price and I liked it!         



Blessings to all my wonderful followers! 

Day Fourteen

Day Fourteen- Your dream barn/farm.


I don't know if I have a dream barn or farm. I love ranches and I know I love the big red barns. Ok, so I do have a dream barn and farm. = ) Maybe we'll sum it up with, a ranch. Would that work? = )

I would love a barn like this! With lots of stalls, a high roof and a windmill next to it! Oh, and notice it's sunny with no mud!! = )

                   This is a cool barn too. But I don't know if I would want to use it every day.

 My dream barn/farm isn't this perfect picture. I like things loved and used. Here is a picture that I found and for some reason I love it. I think it's because it's used and it's not perfect. It's loved.
I do like a clean barn/farm though. I keep my barn very clean. So in other words, if this were my barn, I would probably clean it up a little bit. = )

I couldn't find a picture of a farm I liked or I would want to have as my dream farm. Just think of a dusty ranch with horses, a couple lazy dogs, (but ones that are willing to work) = ) some cats, other animals, and the smell of fresh baked bread coming out of the kitchen window. You should find me somewhere on that ranch; whether out riding my horse or in the kitchen baking. = )

Day Eight and Nine

Day Eight- A little about the barn/stable you are at.  

I am very happy to say, I keep my horse at home on our small farm. He has his own shed/little barn. It's a two stalled barn- with an open stall for him and a tack/feed stall. It was custom made by my dad and me, so it fits us both for our sizes. (If that makes sense.) So if I was another foot tall I would have duck to get into the tack room and also Chester wouldn't fit too well if he was a 16 hand horse. = )
We both love it and Chester stays nice and dry through our wet winters. Sometimes he doesn't even come off his rubber mats. When I feed him he will manage to turn around to say hi, turn and have his head in front of the feed stall door, and then turn back into his stall with out touching the mud. Pretty smart. = )

He has a small yet good sized yard. Mostly fenced in with wood fence but still some electrical fencing, as we haven't finished the wood one yet. He respects both types of fences; which is nice.  

 In the summer I put him out in our field, we have a small one closer to our house and then a big one farther out. I usually have him in the closer one because when he's out in the farther one he is icealated from everyone and doesn't like that. Which, I could work through that but there is plenty of grass in the "First Field", as we call it.

Here is the most recent picture I have of our horse barn.

                      This is from down the hill a little bit. On the path that go's to the main gate.

I wanted to show you guys what it looked like when we first got Chester. It was definitely cleaner and there was no mud! = )

We hadn't finished the upper door on the tack room when we got him.

                                             A couple hours after we brought him home.

He didn't want to walk on the rubber mat. So we took his hay out of the feeder and put it closer to him. This was hours, well maybe one hour, after we got him.

                         Then some pictures from last spring when we added on more roof.

                                                              Further down the hill.

                                                               A little up the hill.

                                              You can see the goat barn below, there.

      I love this picture- Chester's like, "Are you done taking pictures? Can I please eat in peace?!"



Day Nine- Any injuries you've gotten from riding

I haven't gotten any injuries from riding and I hope that I never get any serious ones. = )
Or any at all for that matter! lol  

Day Three

Day Three- A picture of your best riding. 

I don't think this counts as we are standing still. 

I really don't have that many pictures of me riding. These are the best ones right now.

Day Two

Day Two- A picture of your horse.

A Cool Chart

I found this chart and thought it was totally cool! I found it on Paola's Horse Blog. 

Which, she got it from here! http://kppusa.com/tips-and-topics/gym-membership-when-horses/. I think I am going to start doing horse stuff by the hour. lol! It's kinda hard to do stuff by the hour, when you only have one horse; only one stall to clean, one horse to groom, one horse to feed. But, I will get my exercise out of the chores I have to do. I only ride once a week but when I do I make it worth all my while! = ) Go head and take a look! It's pretty neat!

It's the time of year when we all start figuring out how we are going to keep in shape during the winter. I think it's fun to figure out how you want to exercise each day, but it's also a time when you need to commit yourself to doing it. Really. You know the saying, "It's easier said then done." Well, it really is easier to say something and then not follow through with it. (At least it is for me.) = ) I hope you will all take up my challenge and follow through with your winter goals, for you and your horse.

As I am deciding, right now, what I want to do for exercise this winter, I will follow up later with a post on what I am doing. = ) I would love to hear your winter plans! Not just the ways you are going to stay in shape, but also in regards to your horse. Are you going to be riding through the winter? Do you have goals to accomplish with your horse this winter?

With Chester, I am still deciding what I really want to do. It's really hard in the winter months/even the spring time, because it is so wet and cold here in Washington. So if it's not raining, the ground is still soggy. My horse sinks in the ground and then panics (overall not fun). Even in the summer I am limited to where I can work and ride him, as our property is very bumpy and has lots of hills. I don't lunge him during the winter unless it froze and the ground has hardened up. And, even with that, it's just a little trotting, as I don't want to hurt his joints. I then switch to basic ground work and some bare back riding (mainly walking around). You gotta love Western Washington; the worst place to own a horse. = ) BUT! This winter should be different, as I now have an arena to use!

Good luck on those winter goals! 

~Your Cowgirl Friend~

Chester; What's Your Problem?!

Over the last few days I have been putting Chester out in the field for a snack in the afternoon. He gets hay in the morning and at night but it's nice to get fresh grass too. And right at the moment I am trying to up his weight. Which, I think he is gaining nicely. So no worries there!
In the summer time I slowly work him up to about four to four and a half hours (twice a day) being out in the field. Making sure he doesn't get too much Spring grass. Right now though, it's just a snack, and a time away from his little barn. There's a problem though, he doesn't want to stay out there for more then 30 minutes. He doesn't like being out there by himself. I have a crazy horse- he gets to go out in a field with tons of grass, with no other animals to bug him or eat the grass before he can- and he wants to go back up to his yard. (Where he can see the goats.) He is actually not that far from the house at all. You can totally see it! We have a farther field and I have tried putting him out there and he doesn't like that at all. But, he does like being closer where he can see the house. Normally he likes to go out and graze but he goes in spurts where he doesn't.
He is all happy to go out there, then 30 to 40 minutes later is is running up and down the fence line.

Here is his view, from where I have him now.

I have a question for you all. How do you get a horse to want to stay out in a field? Besides!!!.....buying another horse, or sitting on his back the whole time he eats. ; ) I did that the other day. It was fun! I memorized as I sat there.

                              I wore a helmet......there I go again; being safe! ; )

My First, Official Ridding Lessons!

Hey Ya'll! I hope you are all having a great week! I am doing lots of school while trying not to dream about the summer. 

I wanted to show you guys my first official ridding lesson. I already had two lessons, but they weren't private. (Now they are) Which was totally fine- they were technique ground work lessons but my teacher wanted to move on- so these pictures are from my "first" riding lesson. However, it turned out to be really unique and extra special. I got to drive cattle! Yes, me, some ol' country girl who never dreamed that I could ever do that, did! 

So as you know I Love pictures....I posted a lot! Tons! Enjoy!

 

Unloading- he has adapted to the slant load really nicely.

 

Hey look! Grass!

All tacked up, and putting my, bike, helmet on. = ) Don't have a real helmet yet, but I am staying as safe as possible. I don't want no concussion....I like being safe then sorry.
Have you heard that horses are unpredictable? Ya. well. 

                                                           Warming up!
Dani said to warm up and then they would let the cows in. Oh boy! =) She said it's only scary for the first couple minutes. To tell you the truth, I didn't expect her to say that. You know? They usually say, "Oh, you'll be fine!" Well, I guess not! = )

 

Cows are in and I am waiting excitedly/nervously for directions. (I'm on the far right.)

                                             Here we go! driving cattle!

At first I let Chester get used to them; by walking through and around them. He was awesome! He was curious, but warmed up fast!

                                   

 

Getting instructions from de Cowboy.

                                          Come on cows, keep moving!
Chester wasn't fond of the blue tarps and whenever we would go over there, he would try and stay as far as he could away from them. It could have been the cows behind them too. The whole thing was scary to him! =) I worked with him though and he got better.

Chasing one down with a smile on my face! Look at those ears! Chester is totally listening to me!

                                         Mooooooove! Everyone together now!
A couple of them got out of the penned area and then they were put into another one instead of bringing them back in. So the other cows wanted to stay on that side of the arena where they could talk to their friends that were "locked" up for escaping.

                                                 The cows got kind of bored.

Oooo.....look at that horse paying attention!

Actually, I think in the picture, we were watching some naughty cows. One of the cows, that wasn't out, decided to jump one of the panels. He bent it, got his legs caught, got undone, and then ran to meet his buddies leaving the panel bent and allowing more cows to get out. 

Silly cows.

                                                        Lookin at something...

                                              On we go! Not waisten time!

          Taken a short quick break- Chester's listening though! I love my boy!
It totally looks like Chester has a cow tail. But there is actually a cow back there that flicked it's tail. 

                                                     Ok, get em rolling!!

                                                  Right through them!

                                                  Hey you cow. Smile!
Actually, one of the bigger cows-one with horns and a temper- butted Chester in the hip. I didn't like that and after that I didn't like the cow either. Chester kicked him though, so he should think twice before he does it again.   

Well, that's it! I leave you with this one. My concentrated face, Chester's cute face and part of the American flag. God bless America, land, of the free.