Horsin' Around, Part I

A couple of people in my family call the time we spend with our horses as horsin' around. For example, when my dad asks, "are you horsin' around this weekend?" it means he wants to know if I am riding. This past weekend we had perfect horsin' around weather, so I spent the weekend at the Painted Creek Farm with my sister. When we got the horses out on Saturday we quickly discovered that my sister's Paint mare Fritzy was favoring her front left leg. We noticed a teeny tiny rock embedded in the sole of her hoof. My sister really had to pry it out with a hoof pick. She was much improved by Sunday, and we are hoping she doesn't end up with a bruise and/or abscess.

We were going to ride off of the property, but did not want the lame mare to run around in a frenzy, so we just took the horses up to the arena. I am usually the one taking all of the pictures, but at one point I handed my camera to my sister and asked her to snap a few of me.

It is always interesting to see pictures or video of me riding my horse. I am always critical of my equitation, of course. Are my heels down? Are they pushed down too dramatically? Am I looking up? Are my arms angled properly, hands low? Am I holding the reins right? Why do my legs look so short? No wonder I can never cue My Boy properly with my legs. Yes, they are wimpy and I need to strengthen them, but they barely make it down the sides of his sausage belly! This day I had decided to part with my usual Rodney Atkins impersonation (baseball cap) and was actually wearing my cowboy hat.

My sister was having fun taking pictures and ended up documenting me mounting my horse. By any means, please do not view this as a tutorial of what to do. In fact, as I looked at these photos, I burst out laughing at one point (you'll know when you see the picture.)

I must be doing a last minute check on my cinch here.

I gather my reins. My Boy is really good for mounting. He usually stands very quiet and still. Notice how I can barely see over My Boy's saddle? Getting ready for lift off.

Goodness! What is THIS move? This is the picture I about fell on the floor laughing at. Although, I am pretty surprised at the extension and flexibility I have in those legs. I know that my horse is on the tall side. But I did not realize that I put so much gusto into my leap up. Also, I think many riders mount by facing the back of the horse and turning the stirrup. I have never done this. When I was young I had a pony that tried to bite me in the hiney when I turned around to mount. Maybe I developed the habit of mounting this way to make sure I could keep an eye on the horse's head, er- teeth. Or maybe I just like to do things my own way. Whew! I am in the saddle. I really prefer to use a mounting block when I can. I hate pulling on my horse's back. Once I mount, I have a ritual that I do. I lean forward and slick down My Boy's mane. Not that it even needs fixin', but I always do this. Always.

Have you noticed that my horse's expression hasn't really changed in all of these pictures? What do you think is going through that equine brain of his?

I do a little flexing to each side before we walk off. It's a nice check in. And to remind My Boy that giving to the bit is key.

We worked on our walk. Walking with momentum. Like we are going somewhere!

A little work with the softening exercise I learned from an episode of Ken McNabb's RFD series. Lots of turns, pressure on the bit, and immediate release once he gives to the bit. Also, flexes at the poll, and change in direction.

A little jogging, and some trotting out, too. No loping today. The arena is still a bit slick on the corners from our previous week of rain.

Goodness, it was warm. I love those days. Personally, I'd much rather be on the trail then going in circles in an arena. This schooling work is just a time passer for us. But it's important to keep both of our skills fresh.

My Boy's got that dang expression again!

Aww....that's better. Pony Girl always knows how to get her Appy pill to smile!