MEGA-WEEKEND! *Less talk, more photos.

Adorable.

Finally! Weather that was 40+ degrees. Emily and I couldn't wait to get out to the barn  to play with our ponies. She just picked up a fantastic new prospect by Two Punch and she was dying to take him on a little hack. When i got to the barn Emily had a little twinkle in her eye and thought we should try to set up a free jump school in our temporary riding ring. It has rounded corners which help, and most of the horses are fairly familiar with free schooling so why not? We had quite the peanut gallery while we worked with everyone and each and every horse exceeded our expectations over fences.

Twinkle Toes.

Riley was up first and I let him warm up his muscles a little and get some sillies out why we set things up. He was more than adorable... and oh so fresh! He trotted and cantered around looking so fancy! He's looking quite sound and even though the footing was a little slick, we was quite sure-footed, balancing himself nicely in the turns. We started off with a small X and worked up to a little oxer. He hasn't really jumped anything in months so we took it slowly with him, we want to build confidence and impulsion without scaring him with too much too fast.

But first, he flirted with the mares.

Which led to some showing off -- check out his heel-first landing!

Aw, baby's first cross rail. I'm not worried about his lower legs for now, he'll figure that out, and he seems to learn from his mistakes pretty well. I like how much he brings his knees up though.

First time over the little oxer. Without proper impulsion has a tendency to jump in two parts, he gets to the jump, brings his knees up, pauses and them powers through behind. It's never dangerous and doesn't really jump you out of the tack, but he jumps much better with his engine revved.

So we put the oxer up a little and let him go through a few more times. He was really game and impressed us both by learning each time he went through. Keep in mind we were doing this in a space about the size of a normal arena so their willingness to play this game with us was awesome. I added a little video of him figuring out the oxer and feeling very proud of himself.

This is where we ended up. I think there's some potential there! *Love his listening ear!

I know I gave you guys a link to Emily's log last post, but I can't help but share pictures of her mare Kiwi. Kiwi has been with Emily since last summer and she's a bit of a tough sell, you know the whole Chestnut Mare Beware thing... but she exudes raw talent. It's taken her a bit longer than the other to really flourish post-track, but she came from a really good trainer and Emily has given her all the time she needs to figure things out. From the very first time we free-schooled her at the old both Emily and I couldn't get over her fluid gaits and natural ability over fences. She has all the makings of an upper level horse. But she's not the ride for everyone. She's the kind of horse that walks with a purpose, whether its out to her pasture or hacking around. She's excited about being tacked up and wants to get right down to business. After we showed her what we wanted in the free school, we had to catch her each time and she dragged us to the corner where she couldn't wait to attack the jump again (I can't even imagine what she was like in the paddock at the track!). When we finally called it a day for her she sent herself around a few more times for good measure. All I can say is WOW.

Um, overachiever. Also, she is the most tidy horse with her hind end, ever.

Kaboom! The fence lines are 5 foot. She makes everything look effortless.

 So, who is looking for their next upper level horse?

We put a few more horses through the chute (but I'll let you check out her blog for more details on that) and then we decided to take Riley and her new boy out for a hack. We couldn't help ourselves with the nice weather. I still don't have a saddle to ride in, but Emily's Berney Bros fits him well (even though it's 18.5") but it is actually quite comfortable. If anyone sees a Berney Bros 17", medium floating around for sale, please let me know! Both boys were wonderful as we explored our surrounding roads.

Heading out. Happy ears. These two were instant buddies.

Yay! Happy Niamh, happy pony!

Emily's new boy, Brody. What a cutie!

Gorgeous shot of those two in the fading sunlight. We are surrounded by miles and miles of roads like this (usually we just ride on the wide grass paths).

Heading home, so beautiful.

Riley and his new friends. Such a good boy.

Sunday my dear friend and her son came our to the farm to meet the lambs, feed all the horses carrots and play with Riley a little. Luke got to learn how to curry and brush Riley, he discovered that horses can't throw up and why, and even discovered all the parts of a horses hoof. He's such a curious and intelligent kid and I love spending time with him. I've known him since he was 5 and he's the most inquisitive, sensitive 9 year old I know. He was really good at following my instructions with Riley and better, Riles didn't seem to mind a little person moving around him in an unfamiliar way. I LOVE this horse. I think Riley was just happy to have someone feed him an endless supply of carrots. I worked with him in the Pessoa a little but the footing was REALLY chopped up so he only did about 10 minutes worth and then free schooled him over jumps again (which is so much harder by yourself!) and he was quite good, if a bit lazy. At one point he actually turned away from the cross rail and instead jumped the 2' 9" jump next to it (you can see it in the photo of Kiwi above) from a jog like it was no big deal. This horse!?!

Lastly I cleaned him up a little, washed off his muddy legs, gave his feet a good picking and pulled his feral mane. I'm a little out of practice so it took a bit longer than I anticipated, but he stood quietly for almost all of it, save for the last 8" near his poll. I cut a haphazard bridle path since I'been letting his ridiculous one grow out and he looks so much better now!

Before.

After. His neck looks so much longer!

Oh, and just for good measure, one more photo of fancy pants.

Ridiculous.

Well, 6-9" inches of snow today so things are on hold, yet again. At least we had an action packed weekend! Stay tuned for more adventures! I'm bartering some blanket repairs for training rides on Riley by Emily which I'm excited about too!