Awesome first ride out...

     Camryn & I trailered out for our first off property ride yesterday.  I was so proud of my Hafy Gurl, she was a ROCK STAR!  We rode with three other horses, two she knows well, one she's met so I'm sure that helped.  Apparently Camryn doesn't mind riding alone as more than half the time we were waaaaaay behind the others LOL.  I didn't mind as I thought of it as a test.  The others even turned out of sight a few times, Camryn couldn't have cared less.  Her only concern was if she could sidle over to check out the greenery along the trail sides.  Yes, once I did allow it, just cause she's a ROCK STAR though.  Came across a downed tree which was over her knees, I was hesitating on if she could do it.  Shouldn't have doubted the ROCK STAR as she walked over as if she'd been doing it daily.  Encountered a group cantering towards us, ROCK STAR was like "hey, hi you guys".  A dog and his people, Camryn wanted to say "howdy", several joggers and a group of Fox Trotters doing their fox trot. 
     At one point just beyond a bend in the trail was a house, someone out of sight was pounding a hammer.  Lead horse was, "nope not going there", second horse was with him on that decision, third horse agreed as well.  Camryn was, "what's the hold up guys, let's get going".  We ended up taking the trail away from the house, I'd have been interested to see how Camryn did up close. 
     On our return the lead horse I understand has a habit of hurrying home, his rider was having an arm wrestling match to keep him from doing so.  The second rider having experienced her horse taking off to follow before, had plans to bail.  The third rider decided her best bet was to ride with Camryn &, I'm guessing because calm begets calm.  They never did take off, but it wasn't for lack of trying on the geldings part.
     Camryn did pick up her pace a bit on the way home, merely walking a little faster.  Once she attempted to out trot a bomber fly, settled right down with a half halt.  Several times we trotted to catch back up, again slowed down to a walk as soon as she was asked.
     Everyone (especially those who'd ridden with my TWH) were so thrilled at how Camryn did.  None as much as I though.  Camryn got lots of petting on the wither with a "That a girl" thrown in.  Hopefully out schooling will have her ground manners as good as her in saddle manners up to par soon.
     Only negative is that her trailer loading after our trial run went to H in a hand basket.  While it doesn't take long to convince her it's OK, she makes it clear it's not her idea of a good time.  Something we'll be working on, do have to wait till our area is dried a bit, can't circle till it's her idea to go in with all the mud out back.  I am wondering if taking the middle partition out in the trailer would help?  For the most part, we won't be trailering with another horse.  Once in she settles, exits calmly as well.
     Once home she enjoyed her sponge bath very much.  As I did her udders, her head lowered, eyes closed, lips just smooching a way LOL  She even quit eating to experience it properly.
My birthday truck pulls the trailer like there is nothing there at all!

GOOD GIRL CAMRYN!!!

Did I mention she's a ROCK STAR?

Practice makes perfect (I hope)...

This afternoon I hooked the trailer up to my new truck & drove it around a bit empty.  Hubs made me back it from the road into the driveway.  Don't know why but, that is way difficult for me to wrap my head around.  I can back straight, or curves but, sharp angles make me sweat.  I did do it but, took forever.  Hubs makes it appear so effortless.
Anyway, afterwards my neighbor came over to assist/support me in loading & taking Camryn for a short trip in the trailer.  All went well, I'd practiced loading several times though had never closed the butt bar or shut the doors.  Camryn was concerned when she felt the butt bar, once we'd closed the doors we heard road apples hit the floor inside.  She did move around a bit, nothing involving kicking or load noises.  So, off we went around the block (country block which is 4 to 5 miles.  Once home while Camryn didn't back off as slowly as in practice she didn't fly out either.  She was damp from sweat though not dripping by any means.  I'd call our maiden voyage a success.
Tomorrow we have plans for our first off property trail ride, the drive is just about 10 minutes more than today's drive.  While she'll be trailering alone, we'll be following and riding with her two best buddies (weather permitting of course).  I can't wait, while both Camryn & I have trailered out to rides, doing it together we're virgins!!!
Wonder if I'll sleep tonight, very exciting week with new truck now our first adventure too.

Best Hubs ever/Camryn's butt fan...

I do believe my Hubs qualifies for a "Bestest of the Best Hubby Award".  As I already posted this past Wed. was my birthday.  Hubs had to be out of town for business but, had left a card by the computer.  The card made honking horns noises upon opening.  Besides your typical birthday greeting was a note "Now lets go look for a F-150 4x4".  Believe me, once I finished my mental cartwheels I was calling his cell to make sure I wasn't hallucinating LOL.  I wasn't, and today we went out shopping & purchased...








"New 2 Me"

It's rather buggy here with all the rain we've had, I keep a fan just inside the barn door.  Camryn prefers being outside but, has discovered the fan keeps her bum bug free.  Smart girl stands with her bottom just inside the door to enjoy it's effects.

Oh, Camryn is very excited about "her" truck!

Lots of differant "stuff"...

Guess I should start with the fact that today is my birthday.  Suffice to say the numbers appear better reversed!!!  Hubs surprised me with a cute little card, inside a note says we'll be shopping at truck dealerships this weekend!!!!!!!!!  What guy, and no he doesn't have any brothers.  I'm so excited, Camryn has requested a pink truck by the way.
The baby robins have flew from their condo.  Sunday morning I noticed only one left in the nest as I went to fetch the paper.  A little while later I noticed the little guy was flapping about so stopped to watch him.  He hopped on the doorway, leaned out and "flew" off.  I'd never ever seen a first flight that wasn't part of a documentary.  It's one of those experiences I think that stay with you always.

Day before they flew from the condo

If the weather holds (fingers crossed) Camryn & I will have our 3rd class this afternoon.  We've been doing our homework.  She now backs with just a wiggle of our fingers, then comes into me as I turn my shoulder away.  This is one she must enjoy as she's constantly offering to back away LOL.  I've also been working on sending her away, it had been something we could do but, with no consistency.  As I suspected it had been my body language all along.  I'd either be to far back causing her to disengage her rear, or to far forward telling her to stay put.  Now that I have my part down, she moves out smoothly.  We're also working on side passing from the ground.  I ask for her shoulder to step over, then quickly the same on the rear.  Once again she's one smart gal, while it's not 100% she caught on after just a few tries.  Clicking with a jackpot of treats really says "you got it girl"!  Still issues with criminalizing grass as we lead, just can't help herself on that one I guess!!!
Danette & I rode the girls thru the woods, as we're headed back to the barn I lost my left stirrup.  I fished around with my foot only to find that I'd literally "lost" my left stirrup.  It was laying on the trail a few feet away!!!  Doesn't say much for Cashel's rotating extender does it!!!  Seems that as the stirrup rotates it also unscrews itself.  Camryn of course was a good girl, we finished the ride back to the barn with my having just the one stirrup.  She also didn't bat an eyelash as I dismounted from her off side. 
Her sweet itch is beginning to rear it's ugly self once again.  Also Camryn was feeling quite hormonal, normally I have no clue when she's in season.  As soon as we walked into the arena she began squirting, Danette saw the "wink" from across the arena.  She didn't want to leave the gelding area, stood with her rear legs splayed behind her.  At one point she attempted to back her bottom at one of the boys.  Danette has noticed that Camryn had been quite vocal yelling towards her place from the paddock the day prior.  I'm guessing that will be my first sign now that I don't want to tempt her with boys LOL  Poor girl.

Belated signs of spring...

The reason for "Belated signs of spring pics!  Hubs is studying hard...

Taken on one of many rainy days...

I wish the blooms would last longer than the rain...

Can you guess what these eggs will hatch out as?...

Mrs. Robin keeping her eggs warm.  They've since hatched into three little ones.  Not so little any longer, while Mom picked a cute condo it's really way to small for her three growing babies.  Sorry not pix of them, being bombed by Mom Robin isn't something I wish to happen...

Little Ms. Ivy caught in action climbing the pond rocks.  She's adorable even being naughty...

Ivy: Uh Oh!  I've been spotted, time to vamoose.

Lots of bedding...

Finally, found a place to get stall bedding that doesn't cost an arm & a leg.  70# bags for 3.50 each plus the guy helped hubs load it.  It's not that chunky stuff like at TSC, that stuff is so nonabsorbent it's ridiculous, it's so thick it doesn't fall thru the rake causing to much waste, plus soooo pricey in teeny bags.  Farmer's Exchange stuff is more absorbent but, once again pricey & small bags.  Another place I tried was virtually sawdust.  This stuff seems just right, falls thru the rake nicely, absorbent, huge bags and great price. 
 Camryn gave the bedding a big hooves up literally!!!  Wish I'd had my camera, as soon as she entered her bedroom she did a stop, drop, and roll.  Not her norm,  I was concerned at first till she hopped up with a vigorous shake.  She does lay down at night to sleep normally which is evidenced by bedding all over here.  Her tail is nearly always filled with bedding each morning.
Yet another plus for having a horse trailer is I was able to get 35 bags rather than our normal 20. Having just Camryn it should last us till fall.
Got half of the load in the barn, the rest will be stored on pallets & tarped.  I've been trying to loose some poundage so have taken on this task myself.  Ughhhhhh....

no lesson this week...

Had a lesson planned at neighbors arena yesterday.  Anna was having her lesson first so I went over to watch.  I learn tons just watching others as well.  It was getting about time for me to go fetch Camryn when thunder began rolling in.  It was suggested I hurry to get her before the storm hit.  My feelings were, perhaps I'd get her to the arena but, what would I do after the lesson?  I mean it's not like she lives at the boarding barn LOL.  So, I rescheduled for next week.  Very thankful I did as it was one H of a storm system!!!  The wind was blowing the rain sideways.  I ended up trapped in the barn with Camryn (not a bad thing at all), hubs called my cell laughing.  Camryn was munching right inside the barn door when a huge branch came down just outside.  She did her splay the legs spook, realized what it was then went back to eating with purpose.  Had to laugh, my old horse woulda been thru the back gate in a NY minute.  Love my girls no nonsense attitude, she's like "hey, stuff happens, why get bothered".
The trailer loading is going quite nicely, haven't tied her yet but, she's going in, standing for a few minutes then backing out slowly when asked too.  Storms expected all weekend so practice/training may be on the back burner for a few days...

Lexi riding Camryn...

This one is going to be picture heavy.  You may recall my blogging about my friend Debbie with her granddaughter Lexi stopping by while we were playing at the arena.  Debbie who's quite the photog took these.  I think she has more coming so expect another photo heavy blog coming soon.
I couldn't pick a fav so am just posting them all :)




Is this a happy little girl?

Camryn enjoying her neck getting scritched...

Lexi pointed out that she sits straight due to her piano lessons...

Longing Camryn so Lexi could feel a trot...

More at the trot...

Just chilling for a few...

I think we've created another horse addict here...

THE END!!!

I lied I do have a fav, it's now the header LOL

Latest in training...

Of course being a Mother on Mothers Day yesterday & being one of this Mother's favorite things to do is be with Camryn...
Danette & I told our husbands the girls wanted to go for a walk yesterday.  So, off we went thru the woods walking with our girlie girls :).  Camryn did less grass diving she was much more focused on me.  She did grow a tad worried when she spotted Marty squatting beside his burn pile.  Once he waved I could feel relief washing over her. 
Once at the arena we took turns working at liberty, then attached their lines and played about with our homework assignments.  Both girls (Camryn & Dakota) are really catching on well.  It's nice having someone along as at times it's easy to mix up things a bit.  Training feels very much like line dancing to me, sometimes I forget my steps :)  Afterwards we took the girls outside the arena to a grassy area to hand graze a bit before heading home.
Today we gave them a day off from homework.  Camryn & I worked on something new (to us together).  My truck is to small to pull my trailer, so I'll be using my sons larger truck.  As Christopher will be in Texas for two weeks, I've got his truck.  After Camryn enjoyed her lunch she & I grabbed my clicker, loaded up with treats & headed to the trailer.  I kept expectations very minimal, if all she was comfortable with was sniffing the ramp I was cool with that.  One neighbor decided to begin target shooting at this time, Camryn is used to this so we continued on.  First we simply walked to the trailer (c/t), backed from it (c/t) repeating this several times.  Camryn knows the touch command so I then began asking her to touch the ramp (c/t), more repetitions of this. Next, I asked for front feet on the ramp (c/t) once she felt comfortable with that & had begun peering in the trailer I asked for front feet in the trailer (c/t), again several repetitions.  Camryn was getting very curious about what was further in.  All this while neighbor to the side is shooting, add neighbor across the road deciding he needed some target shooting as well!!!  I finally asked Camryn to follow me in the trailer ( stepped on foot out the escape), imagine her delight at finding a jackpot of treats in the manger!!!   I'm sure she thought that was magical LOL  After her find, I asked her to back out slowly & lesson over.  I did find she was a bit edgy as we worked, she hasn't trailered since moving here, plus she's used to a step up stock, I've got an enclosed ramp.  Still all in all, I ended feeling we'd one good.
Over the next two weeks I'll be practicing towing the trailer empty to and from work.  There is a great place at work for me to practice my backing.  So, if you see me comin, get outta the way LOL

Mother's Day Memories...

My Mothers Day today has started out AWESOME.  I woke much earlier than my norm, actually awake and ready to get out of bed and start the day.  I actually questioned myself on why I felt willing to do this.  My cell phone rang just as I started my cup of coffee.  It was Jillian calling from Africa!!!  Yup, I know why I got up early now.  I hadn't expected to hear from her at all, what a totally  lovely surprise.  Thank You God.

Thought I'd reminisce back a few years and share the best Mother's Day memory for all.  Back up a bit to 2006, Christopher was serving a tour in Iraq, the plan was to surprise me with coming home on leave.  Well, he was so excited he couldn't keep the secret at all.  So, instead we all decided he'd surprise Grandma (my Mother).  Adam (youngest) picked her up at her place to bring her for a cookout (this isn't the norm).  Upon their arrival Christopher hid in the kitchen then bopped out like he'd seen her just yesterday.  The rest I'll just have to show you...

This needs no decription...

Mom can't believe her eyes...

Applauding the perfect Mothers Day gift

Happy Mothers Day to you all

day 2 of homework...

     What can I say, some good, some bad.  Headed over to Danette's with Camryn to meet up with her and Dakota.  We lead the girls thru the woods practicing "whoa & backing" that went well.  Not perfect but, as she's learning a different cue for backing I was happy with the results.  We did have a few arguments over forging for grass, but much better than our first trek leading thru the woods.
     Once there we discovered a few of the boarders were also at the arena and planning to ride.  Rather altered our training agenda but, decided to make the best of it.  I was "attempting" to long line Camryn!  Could tell her focus was totally not on me but, on the door leading out to "grass".  My attempts to regain her focus were met with a look of "cut it out "B" or I'm out of here!".  A temper tantrum was imminent.  I know I'm a wimp but, for safeties sake I altered my plan and worked on our ground tie (she's doing that nicely), some leading, whoa, disengaging...I also opted to click treat.  SIGH why do people think that's "spoiling" your horse.  They just do not get it, & why do they feel the need to voice their opinion?  I keep my mouth shut unless asked for opinion unless something could be dangerous.  Took all I had to keep my inner growl to myself!!!  Anyway, with Camryn now focused and "wanting" to play I mounted up.  Boy is she rusty, my fault as I'm a winter wimp, I was rusty too.  Still all in all it went well, I mostly worked on getting past the open door without needing to one rein stop LOL.  We never did end up outside so that went well!!!
    Once the boarders were finished riding I unsaddled, Danette stalled Dakota, shut the outer doors & I longed Camryn at liberty a while.  Danette keeps some hay within nibbling range at the indoor gate.  So my goal was getting her past that point twice both ways without reminding Camryn to continue moving her feets.  Took a bit, but my agenda was met.
     As I'm working on this Lori a friend came with her horse, her son, a friend and the friends two little ones.  Then a friend of mine had stopped by my house, hubs sent her and her granddaughter over to the arena.  A good time was held by all, the children in particular.  I did find out that Camryn likes kids a lot, I led Lexi (friends granddaughter) on her for quite a while.  Debbi is a photographer, so I hope to soon have some good pix of all the kids having fun.  The other two were way little, Angie still in diapers, Charlie approx. three.  They so enjoyed their time on Eclipse, Charlie giggling the entire time, Angie with the biggest grin.  At one point Charlie lost his little boot, his Mom Suzanne hopped up to get it.  I suggested she stay put as Camryn would take care of it.  First Camryn gave the boot a good sniff over, then did her thing and handed the boot to me.  Little Charlie & his Mom were in shock LOL.
     Two storms passed over as we played.  Another was on the way, as Stephen Lori's son is in a wheelchair we decided we'd better hit the road.  They got Stephen on the ATV (he can't walk but, he can drive), the little ones in the trailer behind it.  Lori lead Eclipse behind them as Danette & I brought up the rear riding the girls.  I can tell since Camryn's diet she feels much perkier LOL.  No lagging behind for her, she behaved nicely a little spook as we passed a burn in the woods, but not a biggie by any means. 
   The walk home, wasn't a pretty site, the grass once again brought out the criminal in her, I'd forgotten to put on my "no you can't eat the grass" gloves so we had several arguments over that SIGH.  Won't forget to wear the gloves again I promise!!!
     As soon as I get pictures I'll post them.  Can't wait to see them myself, Deb takes such awesome photos.  Corgis and horses are my thing, Corgis and camera's are hers.  She's a much better photographer than I am a rider however!!!

PS, Wishing all you Mum's A Lovely Mothers Day.  With daughter in Africa, eldest son away in Texas for a week, youngest son being the most forgetful is the only one nearby.  Go figure LOL.

first official training session...

     Yesterday was a big day, first off it was actually SUNNY!!!  Secondly Camryn & I had our first training class together.  One of my neighbors boarders sister-in-law does natural horsemanship training.  Having seen what a month of classes has done for another boarders gelding, we call it "magical horsemanship" training.  Cameron (not my Camryn) has really turned the corner so quickly it's been amazing to watch.  Realizing I've allowed Camyrn to lack in the groundwork dept. (aside from our click training) I decided to work on that with Barb.  Camryn is a good girl for the most part, not spooky at all, our long lining leaves something to be desired, I knew this was more my body language than Camryn not listening, & in the spring having been on dry lot that grass causes my dear girl to be a huge barger.  Green just turns her into a common criminal!!! 

     First as Camryn's pasture actually had ducks in residence, rather than going back via our property, Cam & I headed over via the woods, she's great when walking down the road.  As I enter Danette's drive, her A-hole neighbor sees us, he gets in his truck and heads our way.  I didn't give much thought to it at first, he heads down his yard, between his house and Danette's drive.  As soon as he's alongside us he doesn't just rev his engine, he adds the blare of his horn!!!!  I don't even know the guy and he's trying to get me killed???  Camryn being Camryn doesn't even look in his direction let along spook "goooooood girl Camryn", I can only imagine his disappointment in that :).  He then drove to the woods turning to come back and luckily (for me) he got a bit bogged down so didn't get a second pass at us in time.  I'm guessing he doesn't like horses &/or their people???  He doesn't actually live there but, is the son of the woman who does.

     Anyway, good girl kind of disappeared as we neared the barn & grass surrounded her, the common criminal personality roared to life LOL.  Danette walked along with us, as we passed her home barns pasture, her horses of course come a running.  Camryn had been pretty intent on figuring a way to barge to the grass, so when they appeared she did spook a bit, regained herself quickly as going for the grass was way more important.  We made it back to the boarding barn without major incident, but boy was I tired!!!  If I'd doubted we needed to work on manners, that doubt fell by the wayside then LOL. 

     During the lesson Camryn was a good girl in that she's totally unemotional in regards to our putting "energy" into the rope.  Actually, I think Camryn thought it quite amusing!!!  Barb was totally as soft as possible but, at firm as necessary.  With gurly gurl she got pretty firm a number of time, Camryn was like, "Oh, I think a fly is smacking my butt"!  Being unemotional one doesn't need to be firm as Camryn gets to thinking "how can I get this fly to stop stinging my bum?".  Rather than some of the other horses loss of brain power at light energy coming there way, Camyrn figures it out pretty quickly.  I knew she'd give Barb a bit of flack at first, not acting up in anyway, just choosing to ignore and remain unmoving.  Camryn also likes to see just how much a new person knows and test them a tad.  So she also figured out that Barb was no slacker in short order.  No horses were injured in anyway for those who think what I've just described was abusive. 
     I did discover as I thought, my body language was blocking Camryn when long lining.  So rather than sending her out, I was stopping forward motion.  That and my former horse was highly emotional and polar opposite of Camryn.  I wasn't emitting enough energy to motivate my girl to actually move her feet.  Her backing was good enough but, just that good enough.  Kind of "Ok, you asked me to back, I'll do it as slowly as I can Mom."  Anyway, we worked on several things I'd been having trouble with (note I had the trouble not Camryn).  As one of my concerns was leading thru the woods without barging Barb decided to end our lesson by walking back and showing me what I needed to do.  Of course after an hour of class, Camryn was a the perfect lady heading home!!!  She didn't barge even once!!! 
The lesson really pointed out the holes within our program, & that this spring tune up is a good thing :)
Sorry I tend to write in such a rambling way, so I'll add some pix one of the others took to rid you of any headaches occuring due to my narrative:



Aisle at Danette's boarding barn...



The arena, Camryn awaiting her next instruction from Barb with me listening attentively...



I believe Barb is asking her for a back here...



Camryn making a liar out of me as Barb leads her thru the woods...
Danette (R) & I (L) most likely talking about this!!!

Fav photo

 We have homework to do, next lesson in a week...

She's off to Africa...

My baby girl is off to Africa, Morocco to be exact.  Don't know exact details it's some type of a Military Goodwill Mission though.  Jillian is an Army Surgical Specialist, her unit is there to take care of any Marines and/or African Army soldiers should anyone be injured whilst unloading equipment off carriers.  Apparently something normally happens so they always have surgical staff on hand.  This isn't her normal unit, she volunteered for the mission.  She's quite excited and frightened at the same time.  They'll be camping in tents, and apparently the area their assigned has lots of cobras!!!  The military did have someone that specializes in cobra removal clean out the area last week!!! 





I'm soooooo proud of my Jillian.  She is truly a special person, her civilian job is as a nurse for OSU.

Contact will be sparse at best, she's only to be gone approx. 3 weeks.  It's going to feel like forever though.  She lives two hours away normally, so while I don't see her as often as I'd like we do talk frequently.  Both of us are American Idol fans so we're texting thruout each episode LOL