Is it Summer? Or Spring? It just can't seem to make up its mind.

Well, there has been a lot going on lately and it seems like spring only lasted for a couple of days before the 80 degree weather kicked in.
Ah well, can't complain. It's been nice to be outside barefoot and hosing the horses off. It was almost warm enough to go swimming today too - if only the pool was open. ;-) hehe!
So, let's see... Eddie and I have been working on lead changes on the ground. His right side is weak, so I am helping him build that up and get equal. So we'll start on the left lead going on a right circle and then I'll have him go over a high cavaletti. So he changes leads and is on the right one! Yesterday he was on his right lead for a whole circle, so that was great! He didn't switch back to his left.
While riding, we've been doing sort of the same thing. Shoulder in going to the left while he leads with his right fore. I know, it's kinda confusing, but it's so much easier when riding him. We did that a lot today and he was getting a lot better with it. "As we leave the rail (coming off a circle), come down the rail." I remember learning that years and years ago and it has stuck like glue. And let me tell ya, it works!
We've also been working on our cutting game while I ride. We'll ride along the fence line and then turn it into a sidepass while he disengages his HQ. So that turns into a turn and then we ride along the fence back the way we came. He's really getting it and yesterday we did it without the fence. Very fun! Now we just need some cows! :-)

Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

A Beautiful Day!

The sun was shining, it was above 40 degrees.... It was a beautiful day!
I played with Eddie for an hour. We rode, went for walks out around the property and played out in the pasture. When I rode, we worked on lightness and feel. For about 20 minutes we played with it and by the time we were done, I could back him up with just a shift of my weight and turn him too without touching the reins. I own a pretty amazing horse.

I took Diesel out next and we went for several laps around the property, through the trees, a lap on the track, around the buildings, through the south line... We had a blast and we were so pooped when we were done. He went to take a nap and I went to go and get their hay around the the night. *sigh* have I ever said that I love the smell of hay & horses? There isn't anything better.

Scout is doing much better too. His feet are cool and he isn't shifting his weight anymore. Also, he went for a little walk today and was perfectly comfortable. Slow. But comfortable. So this evening we're going to take his pads off and let his feet air out. Also, I thought I should share this with you all... If you need any information about horse nutrition, laminitis, or really anything relating to the horse's diet, this is an excellent, excellent, excellent, resource. http://drkellon.com Take her courses, you won't be disappointed.

A Lovely Ride

It was sunny, still and beautiful out today. One of the last nice days before the cold weather comes.
So, naturally I spent the majority of the day out with the horses! Eddie and I rode first thing in the outdoor. It was really muddy from Wednesday's rain, but we were still able to do some things. We worked on lightness and he is doing amazing with it. I've taken on even more of a soft feel and our backing up has gotten a lot better.
All I have to do is pick up the reins and sit deep and he stops. YIPPEE! Usually it only takes that much to back him too. He is such a good boy, I love him so much!
Then my sister and I took the horses for a walk in the track and then Eddie and I played in the pasture for a little bit.
We cantered around, he jumped over the cones and then we played with our cantering. He didn't want to pick to the right lead, and he has had some trouble with that lately. So, we'll have to work on that tomorrow too. But he picked up the left lead fine. It was just weird, because he also got stressed when I was asking him to canter to the right. Hmmm... Poor Ed... I'll have to see how I can help him with that...

~Lea & Eddie~


Ephesians 2:14
For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.

Riding!

YES! I rode today and yesterday! Yippeeeeeee!!!!!!
Eddie and I started by going for a lap around the track. Then we went into the outdoor and did some more liberty. Cantered a few laps, and lots of cavaletties. :-) Just for fun!
Then I hopped on and we just had a jolly good time. We trotted to the gate, worked on our soft feel and just dinked around. We walked over the cavaletties and did a soft back up too. After watching Buck's documentary three times (and finally decided to send it back to the library) I realized how important a soft feel is. Before when I would ask Eddie to back up, he would just stand there. Now I have meaning and feeling to what I'm asking him to do and I think he knows it. He just wanted me to figure it out. :-)
We did some sidepasses and called it a day there. I didn't want to push it and he was being such a good boy! I love my Eddie, he is just the best!!


~Lea & Eddie~

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;