Entries from October 2009
Went to the barn this morning with zero expectations (except for a nice morning of grooming out burrs!). The morning was cool, rainy, and windy – not too pleasing for the fair weather rider!
Upon arriving, I decided I would do more than groom. I set up an obstacle course within the indoor arena and thought of doing some great ground work. My friend, fellow boarder, Allenna asked if she could use the obstacle course as she long-lined her mare, Summer. Of course, my answer was – OF COURSE! At this point, I decided to not only do ground work – but follow it up with a ride as now I had a human partner to share the morning with. While Allenna did her long-lining, I worked on the ground. When we were both finished, we had a good ride within the indoor arena and then spur of the moment – went outside to play!
The ground was soft and muddy, but we enjoyed our walk in the WINDY outdoor ring, me riding in tandem with Allenna and her lead mare, Summer Rain.
I thoroughly enjoyed my ride today, there were so many positive, confidence building points within it. Thanks so much to Allenna & Summer for their positive energy and excellent company.
Heather
Categories: Henry Fjord
October 30, 2009 · 1 Comment
Rode for about 20 minutes tonight (short, but sweet). Follow the Rail, Weave and Figure 8 patterns.
Anthony sat with me and offered great moral support!
Heather
Categories: Henry Fjord
Had a very good ride. Special thanks to my friend Chris who gave much moral support and cheering me on as I plugged away at Freestyle Patterns. Tonight, we accomplished “Follow the Rail”, Figure 8’s (even through a pool noodle car wash), Clover Leaf Pattern and Weave Pattern.
Great night!
Heather
Categories: Henry Fjord
The day after an intense 3 hour private lesson with Ron and my muscles were aching. On the ride home from work, I wondered if I could manage the trails again (my own personal emotional fitness). Well? I did it. Ground work and a bit of “ride the rail” in the Indoor Arena, then I did some Figure 8 patterns (Freestyle) in the Outdoor Arena – and then we hit the trails.
Allenna/Summer led us out and Henry & I rode, while my friend Chris gave emotional fitness rallying support from the ground (walking with us). As Allenna/Summer grew more distant – emotional fitness began to wail – but Chris kept me breathing and talking. At one point, I did feel a tiny bit of worry from Henry (probably feeling it from me!) – so … I GOT OFF! yes, in a positive manner – I got off and Chris/I walked Henry deeper into the trails. Then, as Allenna/Summer returned from their gallop – I got back on and rode back to the barn.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step (or shall we say hoof!).
What an incredible “day after” and intense work out lesson session from the day before.
Heather
Categories: Henry Fjord
Lesson Day – 26 October 2009 – details to follow.
Categories: Parelli Clinics · Riding Lessons
With special thanks to friend and fellow CSC’er Heather W. who made it possible for Henry Fjord to make his debut appearance as a riding horse at our monthly CSC Play Day held on October 18, 2009. Heather kindly transported Henry for me to the event and her kindness is sincerely appreciated.
Henry was such a good boy! WOW! At 3 years of age, he shows off tremendous maturity and takes new things in with such heart and courage. New obstacles that he has never seen before were approached with curiousity. He never refused one obstacle and he had a very positive expression on his face all day long. From ground to saddle – he was a star in Mummy’s eyes.
Looking forward to many happy trails together,
Heather
Categories: Henry Fjord
Play Day: Pre-Flight Check
Since Henry’s arrival home, I have been riding him the indoor arena due to bad weather. Today, I wanted to do a “pre-flight check” outside, as we are attending a Carrot Stick Club Play Day and it will be outdoors.
All was great. Henry did very well and we did a good amount of trotting (good amount for me, Henry probably could have used more 
). We also played quite a bit on-line and at Liberty.
Thanks to Chris & Anthony for their excellent moral support, as always.
Heather
Categories: Henry Fjord · Natural Horsemanship
Had a great ride with the Debbie/Banu partnership. I had set up the Parelli Patterns “Question Box” and Debbie and I worked through it. We had so much fun. We played “Simon Says” with the pattern.
Fantastic company (Debbie/Kim) and great night overall.
Heather
Categories: Henry Fjord
One week today that Henry has arrived home from training. I cannot believe how time flies by when you are having fun!
This morning went for another ride. This time I did have a plan! walk only, no trotting (let muscles heal). Work on following the rail on a casual rein, change of direction/transitions along the rail and then work on weave/figure-8 patterns. ALL went well according to the plan.
Prior to riding, I had alot of fun during the pre-flight check. Adding to the usual – I then played with Henry at Liberty. Figure 8’s, Weaves, Sidepassing over the Pole and Following the Rail (with walk/trot/halt/backup transitions). Henry was with me every step of the way.
Great morning with the boy.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!
Heather
Categories: Henry Fjord
Sore but still riding! More relaxed today and was able to ride on a casual rein, following the rail. Did a few pattern exercises of weave and figure-8’s – and also some transitions along the rail (change direction, halt/back-ups).
Too sore to attempt trotting today – decided to just concentrate on building a riding relationship with Henry today, versus being task-oriented.
Heather
Categories: Henry Fjord
