Please Excuse...

My inability to stay consistent in posting. It is mainly due to my laziness.

One of my favorite boarder's horse standing like a boss.
They aren't here anymore..

Things have been pretty well. Ava and I have been trying to spend more time outside if the weather permits and are working on our western pleasure prettiness. She is becoming very soft in the mouth, almost to the point where I can barely touch the reins and she will give, it looks so lovely too! The only thing is is that she is becoming harder to catch. Like today I walked in and she and Poco start walking away from me (surprise surprise) so I moved them off. They started out slow but then for the next few minutes they were cantering and galloping all over their pasture (most of it was me but I didn't have to do much...) I'm not sure as to why she is being such a butt but hopefully we'll get through it.

One other thing that I want to make a note of is that she gets a little fidgety when I cinch up. Keep in mind that I don't go straight for ultimate tightness all at once, I gradually tighten it. Maybe the saddle is bothering her or possibly being in heat could make riding a little more agitating... I've also been wanting to get a pad that fits the saddle better, maybe that would help...

As for our moving plans we are still a little in between... I don't want to get into it because it could take me forever to explain but I will let you know our committed plan when we come to it.

After a nice bareback ride

Today it was freezing cold, only because of the darn wind! We rode inside and did a little with the cows, Ava gets excited when the cows are around. One tried to ram his head towards her too! Ava reared slightly but handled herself well. Finally when the cows were gone we worked on our western pleasure and transitions, she is getting really good! I also tried her in a new bit and although it has a shank I could tell that she liked it much more than her snaffle. After that we helped a novice rider by having her horse follow behind Ava as we cantered. Other than that we rode a little outside and finished up.

Ava sniffing Morris the barn cat

Sniff sniff, Morris is so sweet!

Hi there!

Today I also finished the book Horses Never Lie by Mark Rashid. Holy cow, it has been moved to my all time favorites list. Wow!! It was amazing. Really gave me a good look at horse training. I've started applying some of his teachings to Ava and it really helps the both of us.

Check it out!