School started last week and I had high hopes that I would be able to have tons of free time if I organized correctly. Wrong. I am packed full of school work and know I will only be getting more throughout the semester. I have enjoyed it so far though. I am taking Biology 2, Chemistry, Equine Nutrition, and Web Authoring. Biology and Equine nutrition are by far my favorite and think that I will definitely get a degree in biology. As for miss Ava, I haven't seen her for a few days and don't have enough time to ride at the moment (a very sad human here!). And we just got hit with a lot of snow so I don't know when we should have a nice day again, hopefully soon! Besides crappy weather and a buttload of school things have going well.
I hope to write a horsey post soon!
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Introducing: My New Saddle!
Some of you may know that for a long long time I have been in search for a saddle that would fit my goofy backed girl. Well, today my search is over!
A little over a week ago I saw that a blogger friend of mine, Mary (all of you probably know her amazing blog) was selling her Wintec 500 Dressage saddle. Of course I was interested but after I read more about it I knew this was the saddle for Ava and I. After messaging back and forth (quite a few times may I add, lol) it was settled that I was going to buy the saddle. So after anxiously awaiting it's arrival it finally came in the mail. I am so freaking excited!
I brought it down to the barn, brought Ava in and tried it on her. It fit so well! Praise the Lord for Wintec saddles! I can't wait for many new adventures in this saddle.
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| Tags still on girth :P |
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Monday, January 13, 2014
Worth Their While
When Ava and me used to board at The Ranch things slowly started to get better in our training. For the most part at least, there were always ups and downs. Although as the months went by Ava started to become resentful and extremely difficult to catch. Of course this was frustrating and after she would finally be caught she would sometimes be very agitated in the workout and throw a tantrum. Later I found out she was just sore from being ridden so much, bad owner! But, even after I gave her a wonderfully long break she was still difficult to catch. I didn't know what to do, what was there to do besides run her around the pasture until she was too tired to run anymore? Well! After moving to Sunset Ranch I found the answer.
Horses (or mine at the very least) like being rewarded, one way or another, some more than others as well. The sweet satisfaction of a reward after a hard days work is wonderful in almost anyone's eyes, so why would a horse be any different?
I slowly caught on that a reward after a hard days work was all Ava was after. She wanted some kind of something that was not work related to show that she did a good days job. So, after a long days ride and sometimes even during the workout Ava would get rewarded with grain, a treat, or even some extra hay (especially in the winter). Horses are grazers, they 99% of the time want to be eating, so channeling that into the workouts really worked wonders. Now she is literally the easiest horse to catch on the planet. Not only that but our relationship seems to be stronger because I play a small part in when she can eat or not, so she will anticipate food when she sees me, somewhat like a dog to his owner. Some people may balk at this because then your horse may eventually get pushy. Although I have found a very interesting way to keep the horse from grabbing at your hand when you offer food. If you have a treat in your hand keep your hand closed until your horse has stopped trying to eat the treat out of your hand. Another useful tip to help a horse not be pushy with treats is to actually substitute a treat with some of their grain. I am happy with our method of rewarding and know that people have their own opinions and their own way of keeping a good relationship with their horse. You never know, this could be a completely terrible idea for you and your horse but this has worked wonders for me and my girls and I thought I would share it with you all.
Owning a horse is a partnership. It is our responsibility to make and keep the horse happy. Our horse doesn't strive to make us happy, they are just as content to sit in a pasture all day eating without a care in the world. It is our job whenever we are with them to make it worth their while.
Horses (or mine at the very least) like being rewarded, one way or another, some more than others as well. The sweet satisfaction of a reward after a hard days work is wonderful in almost anyone's eyes, so why would a horse be any different?
I slowly caught on that a reward after a hard days work was all Ava was after. She wanted some kind of something that was not work related to show that she did a good days job. So, after a long days ride and sometimes even during the workout Ava would get rewarded with grain, a treat, or even some extra hay (especially in the winter). Horses are grazers, they 99% of the time want to be eating, so channeling that into the workouts really worked wonders. Now she is literally the easiest horse to catch on the planet. Not only that but our relationship seems to be stronger because I play a small part in when she can eat or not, so she will anticipate food when she sees me, somewhat like a dog to his owner. Some people may balk at this because then your horse may eventually get pushy. Although I have found a very interesting way to keep the horse from grabbing at your hand when you offer food. If you have a treat in your hand keep your hand closed until your horse has stopped trying to eat the treat out of your hand. Another useful tip to help a horse not be pushy with treats is to actually substitute a treat with some of their grain. I am happy with our method of rewarding and know that people have their own opinions and their own way of keeping a good relationship with their horse. You never know, this could be a completely terrible idea for you and your horse but this has worked wonders for me and my girls and I thought I would share it with you all.
Owning a horse is a partnership. It is our responsibility to make and keep the horse happy. Our horse doesn't strive to make us happy, they are just as content to sit in a pasture all day eating without a care in the world. It is our job whenever we are with them to make it worth their while.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Riding Warehouse Tack Haul!
I made a miniature tack haul video yesterday. I would really love to make more YouTube videos, they are so much fun and I truly love to do it. Can you take a guess of what I am getting? The answer is in the video!
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