12 October 2009

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

11 October 2009

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

10 October 2009

Had a nice Saturday morning ride working in the area with Heather/Tiago, Allenna/Summer and Debbie/Banu. Good experience for Heather/Henry to deal with a little “busy-ness”.

Thank you to Chris for being my moral support and letting me know when my hands and seat were messy BIG help but even bigger for the moral support – trying to expand my emotional fitness as I deal with physical fitness!

Heather

08 October 2009

Henry and Heather

Another ride with the Debbie/Banu partnership to classical music. Very relaxed ride (mostly walking and confidence building). Muscles are very sore today – so just took it easy.

Feeling like I am all thumbs at times …

Heather

06 October 2009

First solo ride (aka ride without coach Ron present). Rode with Debbie/Banu in the indoor arena. A very nice quiet ride to classical music playing. Debbie/Banu are fantastic to ride with.

Heather

05 October 2009

Henry the wonder pony returns home! Ron did such an amazing job with him. Now, it is up to me to keep it up.

Very short clips (14 seconds to ~ 1 minute each) of Ron (Trainer) working with Henry – his last week of training.

Then, a little longer clip (~ 3 1/2 minutes) of me riding Henry on Monday when he came home [aka Flight Check - prior to Ron leaving Henry in my hands ]

Here they are:

# 1 – Self loading into Trailer

# 2 – Teeter Totter Bridge

# 3 – Trotting to and jumping over a ditch

# 4 – Flight Check prior to Ron’s departure, leaving Henry in my hands. Please ignore my terrible seat – muscles are being rediscovered!!!

Ron was very kind and said it was very easy to work with Henry based upon the foundation of groundwork that I put into the boy.

Heather

Heather’s First “Ride” with Henry – 21 September 2009

Henry Fjord left September 4th for training. Yesterday (Sep 21st), I experienced my first “RIDE” on the little Peanut. I have backed him a few times throughout the course of the year, but have never “ridden” him (I honestly just didn’t know what to do or how to get there – LOL!).

Ron, my trainer was just so patient and generous with his time and knowledge. Yesterday was certainly about “coaching Heather” and the time that Ron took with me throughout the first ride process was absolutely amazing and is so greatly appreciated. I am just in awe of what transpired …

My next visit is next Monday and it is “Trail Ride” time (Henry has already been out on the trails with Ron – but now it’s up to me to raise the ante and get out there!). Time is flying by and I cannot wait until October when the little Peanut comes home!

Here is a short video clip (7 minutes) from my 3 hour session yesterday (3 hours consisted of on-line ground work and then riding).

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/e4168f3fde18042ea668c7fd8a5e486b/video/6284785

Still floating on Cloud Nine …and looking forward to the future as Henry & I grow together …

Heather

A day at school …

Stick to Me

Well Deserved Shower

One Rein Stop

Pre Flight Check

Sideways with Saddle

Pre Flight Check

A few photos from Henry’s training grounds.

I couldn’t be happier! Henry is taking everything in stride (non eventful) and has a great rapport with his leader, Ron.

Thanks ever so much to Birgit who captured the moments! very much appreciated your great company

Henry goes to school!

Henry on the School Bus

I have owned Henry for 14 months now, passed our PNH Level 1 and now it is time to let go and send Henry to school to be started riding. For months I have searched for Trainers and there were seemingly many good offers out there. But, none of them felt comfortable and my inner voice kept on telling me to keep searching.

Then, what seemed “suddenly”, I came across a PNH Level 3 Graduate who has experience with starting horses. I held my breath and wrote him a note – asking if he would consider helping me with Henry. He accepted! Henry is now in the Niagara Region with new found friend/trainer, Ron.

I have complete trust that Henry is in very capable hands and the same language of PNH that has been spoken to Henry will continue on (actually Henry now has someone who can clearly speak the language!).

I am very excited about the next 30 days!

Heather

The Red String Arrives! finally …

Graduation Photo – PNH Level 1

The Red String finally arrives (with graduation certificate, Level 1) and a nice pin. I had submitted my Level 1 on April 30th and received notification that I passed in July 2009.

On September 1st, the awards came in and Henry – with his broad shoulders and big neck – wears it well