Syncronize with me!

Yesterday, Allison and I had a blast playing with the horses.
We made a game of doing things in sync, and having the horses do thing together. Eddie had a blast, and I think Scout did too!
The games we played were:
Jumping in sync, doing circles where they would meet in the middle, circles when they would be going the same direction and same speed. Then we did some sideways in sync and also pedestal play together. It was really fun, and Eddie and Scout were very good together! It also really made me 'talk' to Eddie, and he was so focused on me because I was telling him not to jump on Scout. ;)
So it was fun!

It's really windy today, so Eddie and I may just do a few small things today!

~Lea & Eddie~

Job 19:25

For I know that my Redeemer lives,
      And He shall stand at last on the earth;

Such a Beautiful Day!

Eddie and I had a wonderful day today!!!

We went for a walk through the orchard, and played with some things over there. We did some sidepasses, and we went under the grape arbor. He was really good and was totally confident in me. Yippeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So we went in the round pen next and did a really fun, new pattern! I set up 6 barrels in the round pen, for him to weave/circle around. He was super interested and did them at a trot, on the second try!!

Oh, I love you so much Eddie! You bring me so much joy!!

To end the day, I gave mom a lesson with Scout, and showed her a few things. Ah... It was exactly what I love doing. I love to teach!

Hope you all had a wonderful day!

~Lea & Eddie~

Luke 19:10

for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

A Lovely Day!

It was a beautiful day outside today! The sun was shining, the fruit trees are all in bloom, and it was an amazing horsey day!
Mom and I did some horse nutrition this morning, which went very well (I got an A) then I read a chapter in KC La Pierre's book. It was really good! 

Then I went out and played with Scout first and he was awesome! We did some zone 5 driving and lots of point to point with the long reins. Then we did some running around time because he's had a lot of energy lately. We also tried some sidewaysing over logs, which he usually has a bit of a hard time with, but he picked it up really quickly and went about halfway over one. So that was pretty big for him. We ended by taking a lap in the track and he was so calm and relaxed.

Eddie was next! We went out to the pasture and played with the 45 foot line. He was really silly and quite hyper! So we did lots of cantering, pedestal play, jumping various things, and doing friendly game with the bunnies! lol! He hates bunnies! But he did really good as a few shot past us. I don't know why, but it seems like all horses hate bunnies! hehe! Poor guys!
I got quite a bit of video, so I'll see if I can have a vid up by tonight. 
It was a really, really fun day, and it was so nice outside!


Hooray for lovely days!


~Lea & Eddie~

2 Corinthians 12:9

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

3 Year Anniversary

Well today is Eddie's and my 3 year anniversary.

Three years ago today, Eddie came home to live on our farm. It basically changed my life, and nothing has been the same ever since. I thank god every day for the amazing horse he has put in my life!

Here's a little video I made for our anniversary:

Today's play time was a lot of fun though!

We went and played out by the trees and had a ton of fun! We jumped over two barrels in a row, did some fun traveling circles and we squeezed between a log and a very tight space. It was really fun! Oh, and we also sniffed the laundry on the line. Which was big for him, considering he was deathly afraid of it to begin with.

We went in the pasture after that and played with long reins. I set up a sort of  'pool' with a tarp and water on it. We played over that, and then did lots and lots of transitions from zone 5. I think this was the best long rein session we've had! We jumped some more things, rolled some barrels, went for a lap on the track, and ended by running inside together!

We had a blast and I'm so glad that he is in my life!

~Lea & Eddie~

1 Chronicles 29:13

   Now therefore, our God,
       We thank You
       And praise Your glorious name.

Going for a Walk & Lots of Fun!

Today, Eddie and I had a wonderful day!

We went for a really long walk, all around the property. We went by the pumpkin field, by the garage, in the orchard, behind the pastures, through the front yard and back yard and.... well just everywhere! And it was really awesome, because he was so confident in me, and not caring about the other horses. That's never really happened before, when we could just go anywhere, and he was totally confident in me. How awesome! YAY!

We went back into the paddock when we were done with our walk, and I let him have a little break. He got a drink, I sat down for a little bit, and then he was ready to go again!

Then we went into the pasture and played with some fun online things. I asked him to squeeze through a few barrels and then jump over them, which was really fun and got him thinking. Then we did some traveling circles with some simple changes of direction (where he goes down to the trot, from the canter.) We did those a few times, then we went to liberty!

We just did a few fun things, that he likes to do. Because, today he thought that running away and running back to me, was really fun! It made me laugh! :D So we played with some chase me game, running around, and pedestal play.

We ended by me hopping up onto him and letting him think for a few minutes.

He did really good! And we both had a blast!!

~Lea & Eddie~

Ephesians 6:10-13

¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Lots and lots of fun!!

Oh, today Eddie, Scout and I had SO much fun outside!!

First, Scout and I played out in the pasture for 45 minutes. We did lots of little things and he was SO soft. His head was so low the entire time, which is big for him, and he was so interested in me. I don't think he really wanted to graze that much (which is big for him too.)

Then we went in the track and did some zone 4-5ish driving. We played with some transitions and again, he was very soft, willing and light.

Once we were done, I let him go graze, and I brought Eddie out, and let Diesel out too. All four of us went for a walk together in the track and we trotted around/walked a whole lap. It was really fun, and I think Eddie, Scout and Diesel all enjoyed it!

Eddie and I went back into the pasture and just had a blast! We played at liberty in there for a little bit and he was just amazing! We jumped lots of things, did lots of point to point and even some circling game. Woohoo! It was a ton of fun!!!

Then we went from no lines, to 2 lines! We did some zone 5 driving to lots of different points in the pasture. All the while, being focused on what direction we wanted to go, and what speed. He did so awesome with that, that we upped it to the trot! Then we did some clover leaf from zone 5 and ended with some trotting and jumping and straddling!

I had a blast, and I think the horses did too!

Hooray for pony play days!!

~Lea & Eddie~

Yesterday & Today

= FUN!

Yesterday Eddie and I played for 2 whole hours! We had a blast!!!

First we went to the round pen and played online in there for a while. He did really good! He wanted to graze a lot, but who would blame him? The grass was just so lush! So we played with lots of little things, and he did great!

Then we went for a walk around the orchard. It was so pretty! The pear trees are in bloom, and the apple trees are just starting to bloom. We grazed down there for a while, trotted around, and then went back into the track. We went for a lap in there, and by that time we had been playing for an hour and my sister came out to play with Scout!

So we all played together in the pasture. It was fun, and interesting for us all, because we did some things together. :)

Lastly, we played at liberty in the outdoor for a little bit. Eddie did amazing! He didn't leave me once, and was so engaged and happy to play! So we ended there, at exactly 2 hours! It was really fun, and pretty nice outside! :)

And today is Eddie's BIRTHDAY!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EDDIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He turns 8 years old today! And on the 21st, is our 3 year anniversary! Yippee!!

Today was interesting... It was really nice out, and there was no wind. However, Eddie had a pretty spooky morning and that must have carried into this afternoon. We had a not-so-pleasant ride, which ended in playing around in the pasture from the ground. :-/ Oh well!

Here's something I said earlier:

"Lea Henze is finding that no matter what happens, I will always still love my Eddie! We may not be able to ride very much, but there is no doubt that our relationship is strong. You never leave at liberty, and are a true partner online. I love going for walks with you, Eddie, even at your side!"

And it's totally true! We had a great session at liberty after we were done in the pasture and ended on a great note!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EDDIE DEAREST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

~Lea & Eddie~

An Interesting session.

Hmmm... This session was... puzzling, a tiny bit of a break through, thoughtful, and different.

I've been thinking about this quite a bit during the night/day. There are some things that Mark Rashid talks about in his book, that are mind tickling and they really make you stop and think. Here they are:

• Lightness is the outside of the body, usually a bit disconnected/a result of repetition.

• Softness is the inside of the horse. It comes willingly and rarely. It has to do with the horse's heart.

Then there's this one:

• Be precise about what direction you want your horse to go, the speed you want your horse to go, and the destination you want your horse to go. Or else you will be riding in somewhat of a 'bubble.'

 And those really made me stop and think, especially the one about lightness. It's what Parelli says to aim for. 
But I think I'm changing my focus from lightness.... to softness. And you can aim for softness. It's given to you, and it's the result of phenomenal trust.


Anyway...


I shouldn't have been contemplating that when I went out to play with Eddie. But... I was. So, I looked around the pasture, (and my brain is talking to myself the whole time) Almost like I'm giving myself a lesson. So, I look around the pasture, and see all the obstacles, or play things. I realize that we have done every imaginable thing with them. Sideways over them, jump them, touch them, sniff them, put a foot on it, sideways towards off of it, sideways onto it, circle around it, circle over it, circle under it, jump it, straddle it, sniff it. You name it.
So we decided on a question box, sort of game. He changes gait every time we go through it. Well... His attitude was definitely snarky. So I stopped, let him graze. And rewound what just happened in my mind. He had thrown out a buck, hop, and snort when I asked him to go faster with a phase 3. Hmmm... Thinking.... Thinking.... Thinking..... My mind started talking to me again, saying,
"What does he look like when he does that?" The instructor inside my head asked.
"Mad." I answered.
"Try again..."
"Bored?"
"Bingo!"
He had done this so many times, that he was literally going, "Not again!" And I have seen that look. It was when he was tired of doing the 7 games. So with nothing more to go on from Parelli, I turned to things Mark Rashid had stated.


I began to ask him, more precisely to go somewhere, at a specific speed. And once we were doing that, he was much better. But once I started it, after a somewhat unsuccessful draw, he started offering all these things, like sidewaysing over poles and anything he knew how to do. But it wasn't a good thing!!!! It was like, "Here, I'll do this real quick, then I can go graze. Just let me graze!"
So it was really eye opening. But then I asked him to move up into the canter, and I was precise, not firm, about where I was going, and he got to come with me. Then we started doing some really amazing things. Each time he went over the log, which is only 3 feet long, I asked him to do something different. At first I asked him to canter to it, and canter after it. With me just thinking it. Then by the next lap was made, I asked him to canter to it, and trot after it. Which he did with me just thinking it. Then by the last lap, I asked him to trot to it, and trot after it. Which took a tiny wiggle, but mostly just with my intent.


WOWZA!


I think Eddie has given me his whole heart. And I've given him 99.9% of mine. It's just that .1% of trust when I ride.


So there were a lot of downs, and a lot of ups in that session. Just sort of mind boggling to him not wanting to do anything, to him offering his heart.


Lots to learn, lots to learn!
I think we'll have another short session later today and see how things go.


~Lea & Eddie~

Check out my new website!
http://www.wix.com/spendthethyme/TrustMeNaturally

Proverbs 4:23

²³ Keep your heart with all diligence,
      For out of it spring the issues of life.

Fun with Scout & Eddie ~ online and liberty

This afternoon I played with Eddie out in the pasture. First we went out to the track and and did a lap. He was really happy, and once I helped him figure out what I wanted, which was to 'go,' he went very happily! We jumped a barrel that had blown into the track, and went over that a few times. It was fun! Then we went in the pasture.

We did some cavaletties, cutting game, a few circles, pedestal play, and I set up a fun jump that was wide, and taller than normal. He jumped it without a problem! It was really fun!

Next we went to Liberty. I unhooked the lead line and we jumped the big jump, and just GALLOPED inside to the barn. It was so much fun! Eddie had such a funny look on his face, his ears were pinned, and he was getting ready to buck. It was so funny!!

I played with Scout next. We went in the pasture and played with a few things. We did some sidewaysing over poles, played with the log and grazed. Then we went for a walk on the track, and then we played at liberty in the outdoor.

He was really sleepy, so we didn't do much. We trotted around, over the poles, to the pedestal and... back to the pedestal. ;) Scout was so good though. He's such a good boy!

~Lea & Eddie & Scout~

Romans 3:23-24

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

April 10th.

Our play session yesterday was one step short of incredible! And today's was no exception.

My mom had turned all the horses out on the pasture, so it was a little tricky getting Eddie to come to me. But he followed me as soon as he figured out we were going to do something. We did some trotting stick to me and then we went to the canter. It was incredible!! We were just flying across the pasture!!! And I like to sprint, so I was running, and he was cantering after me. It was so, so, so much fun! And I'm even happier that I got most of it on video.

We did some sideways, straddling, jumping and some pedestal play.

Here's the video I made of our play session:

 

Now on to our play session today, the 11th! *whew* I'm finally caught up!!

April 9th.

Eddie I had an one of the most AMAZING play times!

First we went online and did some liberty prep out in the pasture. We trotted over the cavaletties, went for a walk, and played with the pedestal.

We went to liberty next and had a ton of fun! We played the chasing game, pedestal play, circling game, sideways and lots of other stuff. He was so connected and wanted to do everything I asked him.
So, since things were going so great, I grabbed a 12 foot line, tied it into 2 reins and went for a ride out into the pasture. He did awesome! I had read a few things in Mark Rashid's book and I was playing with applying them. It went really well, and when he would have a few little problems, I just asked him to stop, and go along with him. Which made him not want to go where he wanted to go anyway. It was amazing! We were going to trot, but the wind was really bad, there were tractors everywhere, and he was a little weary of the wind. But it was really fun, and I can't wait to ride again!

So with that in mind... We had an awesome liberty session out in the pasture on the 10th!

April 8th.

On April 8th, Eddie and I had a great play time. We went for a nice walk in the track, and played in the pasture. It was really wet again, from a night of rain, so we couldn't play too much.

But guess what?! We got our baby chicks!!

5 little bard rocks and 1 little araucana. They are the cutest little things!

April 7th.

On April 7th, Eddie and I went for a walk, and continued to watch the rain pour down. It was not a very pleasant day!

Time to get caught up!

April 6th.

On the 6th, Eddie and I had a grooming day and a small little liberty session in the round pen. It poured rain all night, so the next day was VERY wet. There were some really, strong storms that went through the area that night. Yikes!

Here's a picture of the lightening!

Sometimes the best way to put the relationship first is......

Not do anything!
Yesterday was Easter, so I decided not to play with Eddie. It was also really, really windy, and Eddie was really sleepy. So I groomed him and we shuffled the horses in and out of rain showers. It was a wonderful Easter though, and I love spending it with my family!

But today it was pretty nice out and it was really sunny and warm. So in the afternoon I let him sleep and then once the sun went down, we played for a nice long time! We went in the round pen and played with some liberty and change of directions. He's had a little trouble with it lately, so we played with it online and then went to liberty. He did great with it and was really connected and willing! Then we did some stick to me, squeeze game, and lots of pedestal time! See, I made a pedestal before I played with him. I put a small tire in the round pen, and filled it up with dirt. It worked really well, and I had it filled in, in no time!

So, anyway, back to my title. Sometimes it's just nice to go out to play with your horse, and just go graze, or just go groom him, or even just take a walk! And of course the horse appreciates it. Who wouldn't want to graze the spring grass?! :)


Three cheers for putting the relationship first! 




~Lea & Eddie~

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

April Happenings!!

It's April already!! And so far, it has been VERY blustery and warm! It's been in the 80's all week, and a storm is rolling in just now. The second storm of the year!

Anyway, I've been playing with Eddie every day, despite the wind. He's done great!Yesterday we played online with a few little things, because it was so windy. It was up to 40 mph gusts. Very crazy!!

Then today we had an awesome session online in the pasture.
We did a lot of zone 5 driving, and playing at the end of the 45 foot line. First we did some circles in one corner of the pasture. He had a little trouble maintaining gait, but once I put some more effort into it, he did too. His change of directions are getting a lot better too, so that was really fun to play with!!
Then we did some point to point to different barrels in the pasture. For the fun of it, I tied another rein for Eddie and went to zone 5 driving. We did more point to point, then he offered this AWESOME trot from zone 5 and we just trotted everywhere! It was really, really cool!
We ended with straddling a log, and sidewaysing off of it. It was really fun, and he was having a blast! :) Yippee for pony play!!!

~Lea & Eddie~

March 31st.

Liberty Play

Eddie and I had an awesome session in the round pen today! We played with a lot of change of directions, and just had a ton of fun!

Here is a video I made of us playing!