The Busy Bee Barn

Holy moly! The barn was so busy today!!

I ended up only working Ava because there were a lot of people down at the barn today; Poco needs a calmer day to focus as she progresses though the more commotion I will let her take on. Anyways I brushed Ava off for a minute while waiting for a horse to be moved out of the round pen but another person ended up going in there so I just lunged Ava in the arena. After I got her all warmed up I scurried back to the cross-ties and tacked up. Then another cutting lesson started in the arena. I don't mind the cutting lessons too much but it takes up the whole arena and since the outdoor is dumped with snow it would be almost impossible to get anything done. So I stuck with the round pen and the holding area. We worked on disengaging the hindquarters around the mounting block, sidepassing, and backing. When the arena finally cleared I long trotted Ava around quite a bit and then finally cantered. We worked more on collection but she is starting to resent her bit a lot and it is becoming quite agitating. I'm looking for a new one, I'm thinking just to move her in a curb, it is about time she was to be moved to one anyway. After she got all huffy and puffy I worked on her neck reining, she can almost be ridden on a nice loose rein! Then we cooled out and ended on a good note. Very proud of her. Besides resenting the bit she is coming along just fine.

I have also decided that I would like to start Ava's showing career in roping. As I think about it more and more it becomes more and more our thing. Even during the summer I loved working on the metal calf and lassoing a cow for the first time, Ava is also very tolerant and learned all of it so fast. So, for now that is what we will start towards. I also saw this roping saddle from Cultured Cowboy, it would be astonishingly perfect for us, so I want to start saving up for something like this.

I won't be going to the barn for a few days. I have work scheduled at the times I would be heading down there; not only that, school starts on Tuesday! I swear, the time flies when you don't want it to!

We Like to Rope and Pony

Well, these past few weeks have been quite interesting. Although, there are two big things that stood out the most.

The first thing being is that Ava has a job now. She ponies horses! It's true! My aunt's horse Poco doesn't need to be trained by my BO anymore so to help out Ava ponies her before she is ridden. Ponying is kind of difficult to manage but it is so good for Ava to get used to it. Sometimes Poco will rub right up against Ava and she tolerates it so well. I'm glad she has a little job, I think it makes her feel like she has a purpose.

The second thing is that I roped and caught a calf off of Ava!! Besides rope burning the top of my hand hand pretty bad it was a lot of fun. I was even surprised that she didn't get more freaked out when we went into the arena with them, so proud! It was kind of hard having to deal with the rope, controlling Ava, and getting a good position with the cow but practice makes perfect! I hope we get to practice this more.

Besides that she is still doing pretty good with her riding. Today she was a little off and wouldn't soften as easily as she usually does but it may be because she is a little sore. The farrier will be out in a few days, so maybe that will help. We'll just have to see.