Where have I been?!

Ah, the joys of a busy life preventing regular blog updates. Sigh.

Here's the run down of what's happened since we last met!

The weather turned foul in November and it's not looking up yet. We made ends meet with some light hacking in the snow until I had to go home for my December break, which was enjoyable enough (though cold). I acquired a lovely saddle - Courbette Vision - that fits Domino and me really nicely, and I now have a functional bridle again, too! It was quite the shock at first, but we're both back to being fine in normal tack once more.

Then the snow came. It was cold, but pretty. Domino practiced being a handsome studmuffin model for me. I learned that Vaseline does wonders for keeping ice and snow out of pony hooves. His feet have looked pretty great for him, with his notoriously crappy feet, this winter.

We did have to spend a depressing amount of time indoors - and this is still true - but we kept our chins up. And ate lots of carrots. It was a difficult job, but Domino was up to the task.

I returned to school in January after a break over the holidays. Domino was doing well, but starting to show his frustration at the awful Ohio weather. I started paying for use of an indoor arena about two football fields from home. We had a couple rough spots due to me struggling with personal issues and Domino being a bit of a manipulative little dude. The first few attempts at walking over ended in tears, a pony dead set on rearing/spinning/bolting, and other frustrations. I learned, however, that with the company of a friend, I became much more confident and the walks got easier. This way, Domino and I made it over to the arena for a few productive rides.

Now, things are slowly starting to look up. I'm dealing with my issues and getting some of my confidence back (i.e. not letting my pony try to trample me). Domino is remembering those things he has called manners. All in all, we're learning to enjoy ourselves as best as we can in the sad weather. Domino has proven very good at enjoying himself.

Next up? Trick training to beat the winter blues! Domino is going to learn to look "ashamed". I'm sure he will feel ashamed that I have started making him do these silly things.

Trotting and tractors!

This week has been going outstandingly. Considering our mediocre-at-best tack setup at the moment of leather halter with extra long leadrope and saddle without stirrups, Domino and I have both been doing wonderfully.

My core had gotten really weak just because my only ride time was in lessons, and unfortunately I just can't afford enough lessons to really keep my physical stamina up. But posting and sitting the trot for significant chunks of our 30 to 45 minute sessions is already helping! I managed to do almost all posting trot work today for a good 20 minutes. My legs are killing me, but I can't wait to be back in good, strong riding shape. And I can't wait for Domino to get his fitness up again, either.

After my successful little ride today, I decided to take Domino on a walk around to do some bombproofing work. We encountered tractors and trucks and bright red trailers, and he took it all in stride. Clever, clever pony. I think he'll be ready to start trying some trails soon, but I'll be waiting for real stirrups and an actual bridle for that.

Happy weekend!

A Hectic Week

As of Friday night at around 10:00pm EST, I am once again in possession of my Domino pony. He arrived at the barn and unloaded like a pro. Unfortunately, I was showing about three and a half hours away in Michigan and could not visit him until Sunday night. I was very happy to find my fuzzy monster looking well.


On Monday I went to do a thorough check of his condition, since I couldn't see very well the night before. I also had to check the fit of my saddle, but the poor thing was covered in mildew so I decided to take it home to clean it up that night. Domino seemed happy and healthy, so I let him go out in the outdoor arena for a little play to watch him move. He let me know he was feeling just wonderful. After a couple laps around the ring, he settled in to graze on the short grass and I let him enjoy his turnout and stretching time.

As I started to clean the saddle up, I discovered that it was a nice old Crosby! I rode in a Crosby Prix des Nations for a little while and loved the saddle, so I was immediately excited and hopeful about the fit.

I went to visit him on Tuesday and turned him out in the big field with three other horses. He was being a bit of a brat with the foal - I don't think he's ever seen one before - so I ultimately separated them and decided it was time to try a little riding. Domino hasn't been ridden since the last time I saw him in August, so I wasn't expecting much. I also didn't have a bridle or stirrups on my lovely saddle, so this was shaping up to be an interesting ride. I checked the saddle fit and was moderately pleased with it, so I "tacked up" (aka, attached an extra long leadrope to the leather halter and put a saddle pad under my stirrupless saddle) and headed out to the arena.

Almost immediately Domino started dancing around the mounting block and being a pain. I finally got my butt in the saddle, fully prepared for a short bolt or buck. What did I get? Absolutely nothing. I was thoroughly surprised. I nudged Pony on with my heels and he stretched down into the contact/halter, rounded up, and stepped off. He rode off my seat and leg cues perfectly - so responsive and willing. We had a little walk/trot work and ended on a nice little leg yield. Not bad at all for an out-of-work pony's first ride at a new place with no bit in his mouth in a forward cut jumping saddle!

Today I headed up to the barn after class and turned Domino out with two of the horses from yesterday, but no foal. He settled right in with them, so I'm letting him spend the afternoon out. I'll go ride him again in a little while after he's had some social time.

Pony love for all!