we're still getting along,he knows I own the all and he's not allowed to be mean to anyone so when I'm not looking he will sneak his head and lay his ears back at the other horses but when I look he pops his ears foreward like nothing is going on. I just wish I was 10 yrs. younger I'd have him on his knees.....or better yet I wish things would have worked out so that I could have kept riding him when I had him started as a two year old...but things were not in my favore at the time. :( he wears the saddle ok but I've seen him buck and I'm not a bronc rider....hmm gonna' need one a' those in my back yard too LOL ;) headin' to the horse sale then to a horse ranch to look at a few teams of perchrons to buy...a nabour down the rood raises and breaks teams and these are gentaled broke sh

when they're gentle broke they make the best team.

I have that old song playing in my head now "Why can't we be friends!" Are you the other 'featured blogger' for this month? I enjoy writing mine - it will help me recall how far we have come. Looks like I will be aiming for a 50 miler in October - assuming we survive the 25 this month!

Barnmice Mouse

Big Hugs !!! just stopping by to see whats new :)

Hi :) Thank you so much for the comment on my blog post. I have no idea either, I suppose I have to track down a landing site or something and feed her there 3 times a day hehe no I don't know...let me know if you come up with something ;)
~Hannah

Hannah said… Hi Jackie. When the time is right we will start all over again. I'm just not sure when it will be. We both have to mend first ;) thank you again for your comment and when be start training again, I'll post a blog on what we decide to do! hehe but thank you so much for the tips! they are great! :D

~Hannah

Which one, Jackie? The one i just put up?
It is lovely isn't it. I just wish there was one with me riding him that's as good, but my presence always seem to ruin it, except the profile picture I use, where I'm distant enough. He looks so happy there because he loves MAT, who is riding him.

Thanks, Jackie. I like your horses too - very pretty.
The bridle you see in the photograph is long gone, and I suspect was borrowed in the first place. When he came to me, I bought a new bridle, which fits better, however, he's now riding in a bitless bridle borrowed from a friend. I'm about to pick up our own bitless from Wilton Tack where they have it on hold for me. It's a Nurtural-type.
I'm nervous about the Dr. Cook. They look to be great but there's that poll pressure aspect that I think could cause issue. The Nurtural is closer to what we are using now, which is working out well.

"Idiot proof", that's what I like to hear. Thanks for the vote, Jackie.
Summer heat is wonderful - especially for us Canadians after the kind of winters we have, but it is hard - hard on us and hard on the horses.
I usually only ride really early in the morning during the summer - before it gets hot and before there are too many bugs. I know this is nothing like the challenges you face, but the other day we were cantering through a field and a black fly flew right into my eye. I was riding blind for a few seconds at a canter on a horse who was feeling his oats, so to speak - not a nice feeling. You probably don't have black flies where you are, be glad. They are the first insects to appear here in the spring and I react very badly to their bites. One of their worst features is they don't just sting, they actually take a chunk out of you which then bleeds, attracting more of them. Thankfully they die once it gets really hot.

The lack of flying insects - especially mosquitoes was one of the things I loved the most about California when I lived there. I'm one of those people who is a magnet for the little monsters. My ride this morning was ruined by them, so I have to start riding even earlier.

North Carolina is so beautiful. I've been very impressed when I've gone there a couple of times - gorgeous landscape and flora and, of course, a more forgiving climate than we have here. Unfortunately, living somewhere like that is very difficult for a British born, naturalized Canadian, even if he is American educated as I am.

I'm so happy for you that you continue to ride even with your current challenges, Jackie. I suspect that it is as good for the horses you work with as it is for you. It is good for you, isn't it? Rather than you riding despite the advise of doctors?
Yes, voice commands. I love them. I'm so lucky that I ride a horse who was originally trained to drive and knows a lot of words, and I'm now a huge fan of ground driving as a part of training. It's hard to know how much Zuckie responds to voice and how much he is picking up on other signals, but I've laughed out loud at some of his actions. Like, once we were on trail which unexpectedly led out onto a road and I didn't want to go there, so I said, "I think we'd better turn around here". I was more or less thinking out loud, but before I was aware of giving him any other aids, Zuckie whipped around and reversed direction. Whatever caused him to do that, he is so smart.

You're welcome, Jackie! I do hope you'll continue your wonderful blogging!
If you want more info about where to buy the products in the U.S., you can contact Patti at Omega Alpha right here on Barnmice. She would be thrilled to give you the info. :)

Which horse? My horse is Idaho.

She is a racking horse. Idaho is the horse that was stolen from us in 1997 and was gone for 51 weeks before we found her and brought her home. She is the reason that Stolen Horse International and all the info on the internet about theft and stolen horses is here today. We stay busy help victims around the country.

Hi Jackie,
Sorry I've been out of the loop for a few days. The mosquitoes are the big problem here right now, more than flies. I've come to realize that I'm only going to be able to ride very early in the morning for the next few months because even with a fly mask and fly spray, Zuckie is super bug-phobic and it is no pleasure for either of us.

I've also given up on the bitless bridle experiment. He turned out to be one of those horses who accepted the bitless bridle just fine for a couple of weeks and then decided it was not for him. He would ride along with his head inches from the ground and no amount of tugging on my part could get him to raise it. It was uncomfortable and felt dangerous on the trail. Given that I tried it because he would freak out when the bit was removed, despite no teeth problems, I followed a friend's suggestion and tried a rubber bit and it seems to be the answer.

What I bought is not exactly rubber, it's Happy Mouth eggbutt jointed snaffle. It was so funny watching his reaction when I put it in the first time - surprise in a "Oh we're going back to bits" kind of way, followed by major salivating because of the apple flavor it is infused with. He seemed happy with it when we rode and it came back out without the stress a regular metal bit was causing him. Whether his issues are real or psychological is unclear, but they exist nevertheless, and I hope we have reached a suitable compromise in dealing with them.

We had a decent ride yesterday, but the day before, the first with the new bit, was just super. We worked in the sand ring and he yet again amazed me with his knowledge and responsiveness.

I've been reading a lot lately about the pros and cons of talking to a horse while training. It seems most trainers disapprove of it, perhaps because it might become a habit that gets repeated in the ring. Since I have no interest in showing and have a horse who was driven and knows many voice commands, I'm not interested in stopping talking to him. Besides, I like it.
I spent my career talking (as a professor) and I'm not about to stop now. Even as a child, I was one of those kids who just couldn't shut up, lol.

Oh, yes, Jackie, I do have a gem.
He is such a sweetheart and so responsive.
His only negative is also his great strength and that is he's intelligent and has been through a lot. So, he knows things and has opinions.He's not one of those guys who just plods along and looks to me to be in total command. With Zuckie, it's very much a partnership, and I love that.

As a teacher, I was very much the "guide by your side" rather than "this is how I do it, so you must do it that way, too". So, I love that rapport, that give and take, and the voice is very much a part of it. I can see how it would be very important for you, too.

I think my experience in the sand ring the other day reminded me how important it is to keep working on our skills. I try to be aware of everything I'm doing even on a trail, but there are so many distractions there - sights to see, chatting with friends who are riding with us. It was good to be back in the ring with just the two of us, really focusing on the important stuff like getting the correct lead every time - and we did, bless him.

Neither Zuckie nor I really enjoys too much ring work, but that day it was a charm, and I stopped and rode him through the farm fields before he got bored and frustrated with me.

I hope you are enjoying a great weekend. It's close to 30C here and too hot to ride, so it will be a very early morning tomorrow.

Jackie, I should have mentioned that I have no idea what "forward seat" means.
Can you educate me?

Thank you so much Jackie.....your support is GREATLY appreciated....happy days...William

Hello Jackie and thank you so much for your comment. Norway is very proud of their history and celebrate their birthday all over the country, everyone walk in parades and sing the anthem and other patriotic songs but may 17th is mostly for the kids. As in, everyone does everything to make the kids happy. We have games, food, ice cream and so on. It's the best day!! hehe The pony is doing great thank you, the vet told me I could start training her again now, slowly so yesterday we were in the river and walked around and she even swam a little :) There will be a blog later today if you want to read it. Again thank you so much for your comment :)

~Hannah

Well, Zuckie definitely thinks he's fascinating. I'm never so confident about it.
Thanks for the information about forward seat. I'll look for your blog entries on the subject.
John

Hi Jackie,

Thanks for the comment, my horses are doing well. One of my minis had her foal on May 15, a lovely colt.

Glad you like my pictures, the little sorrel gelding in some of the pictures is only 29.5" tall and is an amazing jumper, best one out of all my minis, He can jump a lot higher than his own height. It's amazing.

Yes Jackie it was awesome, and we are so lucky to have all this open space so close to where we live. Maybe someone should start asking about creating bridle paths like they have in England, so all the farmers land is connected through a network of trails to maintain the riding country. It works in England, you can ride for miles on those bridle paths, cheers, Ann.

Hey, have you ever ridden @ Ultimate trail ride camp? UNREAL!! Many Gorgeous waterfalls w/awesome tie up lines for your horses and great trails, altho you do have to share with bikers and ride down a busy highway about 1/2 mile to get to the trail head, but well worth it!!!

I'm so sorry to hear that, but glad you're able to still get in the riding time! And trotting for me, I've just been too spoiled to ride it now. I'm 41 and now use picnic tables to get on my 14:3 gelding..lol So Kudos to you for riding like you do! You're so right, there are many folks turning to walkers for the smooth glide ride, people with injuries, health issues, usually bad backs, or retired folks that are wanting to cover ground in a nice relax run walk. As for Arabs, I started out breeding them years ago and that was all I trail rode too. They are gorgeous creatures!!

THANK YOU!

Thank you for your comment regarding The Squirt. The vet stitched his leg on Friday and rechecked him today. We had to turn him out today because he was going stir crazy in the stall and we were worried that he was going to hurt himself because he was getting so worked up. He got a little silly in the paddock at first, so we had to rebandage it 15 minutes after having bandaged it before turning him out. Youngsters, aaargh! Now the yummy grass seems to be distracting him (and his turnout buddy) so hopefully he (they) will settle down. Cross your fingers that he behaves and the stitches hold!

hi

thank you so do you

Good I'm glad you liked it! Will try to do more!

Thank you!!

Thank you! I'll do my best to keep writing good stuff! ((((HUGS))))

Thank you Jackie! I aim to write the best blogs I possibly can and get mad at myself when one doesn't turn out as well as I'd wished.

Jackie, thanks for your reply!
Not only do I have fybro, but I have ostioarthritus in my back, as well as in my knees and ankles. As well as ITBS (torn tendon from hip to knee) torn and destroyed ligaments in my right ankle and chroniclly F L A T feet! I'm an absolute mess!

Do any of the things your suggested such as hemp poweder interfere with other medications such as birth control? I am in the process of dropping a bunch of weight so I hope that will help my soreness,as in the last few years ive gained quite a bit which is where my pain has become worse.

Thanx Jackie for the comment, it was very nice of you :) I am taking care of my self thanx :) a bit tierd though have to give Charm antibiotics at 9 o'clock evryday :) but it's for her own good :)today she has been very weird and being scared of soo many little things :( I don't know what is wrong with her. I think she might be confused cause she can't lay down with all of the pain at her back side :( poor baby:( thanx for caring :) your really nice :) bye have a great day :)

Hi Jackie :) this is Heaven, Cassidy and Ferdinands new colt .... he came out BAY !! imagine that !! we love him dearly and is our best foal yet !

Congrats on being a grandma !!!!

Hey Jackie :)

Charm is doing well thanks. She has been running around and we think she is in season (explanes the additude lol) ok thanx for askin :)

Hi Jackie! I'm new here--trying to find my way around the site. Tons of info, and nice people. Best of luck with your dressage quest!

Good evening, Jackie!
Many thanks for your friend request, which I am very happy to confirm. I am sorry for the delay in getting back to you, but I had a very heavy-going weekend last week - including a round trip of well over 500 miles - which, in an old and slow Land Rover on English backroads, is no joke! Most of this week, when not at work, I spent catching up on my sleep.
But it went well. I was at a historical re-enactment event in Suffolk, with my unit, Battery 'B', 2d US Artillery, which was raising funds for a charity which helps injured ex-servicemen and women - Help for Heroes. We were taking part in a cannonade by the largest line-up of black powder cannon in England since Queen Victoria was on the throne - 23 in all - and ranging from the early Tudor period through to the American Civil War. The organisers told us later that the full volleys could be heard from 8 miles away!
And a tough riding lesson this morning - working on controlling the energy in a trot by using my weight, rather than legging on. I think those inner thigh muscles will be creaking a bit in the morning!
Hope you are well, and that the weather has cooled down a bit by now for you. Here it is now about 60F, with frequent heavy showers - but it could be worse. In the recent past, Buxton has had snowfalls in July and August! And blazing sunshine in December . . .
With best wishes,
Jack

Hey Jackie.... thanks for the comments.... when my trainer said a few things to me like, he knows you don't trust him and you don't have a rhythm.... right at that time my girlfriend told me about getting the feel of the horse.... my time on the ground with Oliver doing relationship work makes me totally agree with you.... I think I can "think forward" and he will at least walk now.... he would nibble on my jeans more than actually bite at me... he's more curious and nervous I think than anything... he sure didn't want to go anywhere when I sat on him, lol.... can't wait to jump on again and see how we do with out new relationship... !!

Really? You impressed? That is saying something.. thank you!!

Thanks Jackie! I'm having a horse vetted and I'll hear back on Monday. Fingers crossed!

Hi Jackie! I received an email from Barnmice and it prompted me to stick my nose into a few forums! I do love to teach and hope that people don't take my advice in the wrong way. My aim is to help people understand horses more and treat them like the sensitive and magical creatures that they are. Also, there's more to classical horsemanship than most people realize...it's for everyone, whatever discipline they enjoy!

You know, I bought an ice vest from Dover....Cool Medics is the manufacturer. I feel kind of clammy when wearing it but I guess it's better to be clammy and cool than hot and sweaty! I thank you for telling me about them!

How are you doing?

thank you for the tips!!:)

Lol! I think he got over his homesickness the moment he realized that I always carry treats in my right hand pocket!! :)

Have just read your profile and think you are amazing!I have been wingeing on about how stiff I am since having a year off(arthritis at 65)but so pleased to hear you are still riding and enjoying.Still no luck with the mare's foot but in every other respect she is perfect so far,mind you it is early days.

Thank you !
During the winter I work in Bariloche, the mountains are beautiful, however I prefer San Martin de los Andes, probably because the mountains are smaller, there are large farms and great opportunities to ride.
Hope you can come back some day!

Thanks for the advice Jackie. im greatful to have you as a friend. i just dont believe my mom who has trained horses and knows how long it can take would take him away. this is the second time that a horse was taken from me. hopefully things will get better for me.

Hi Jackie:

Thanks for the friend invite!! That was really nice of you. Again I cannot commend you enough for your strong conviction, courage, and dedication in riding your 4-legged pals. They are beautiful too. Was just running through the pics once again...as it has been awhile. With your permission I would like to download one or two to send to Grandma Teddy.....so she knows who she if friends with. You take care.....and I better get off this puter now!!! Been on here too long already!! *L* Trying to make up a slideshow for my 16 year old grandson ---with pics of him doing his extreme biking!! He absolutely loves it!! Otherwise haven't been on here for a day or so. Just wish they didn't live so far away!!! You have a great weekend!! I better get to some housework tomorrow..my best friend from ThunderBay is coming down for a wedding so we hope to get togethr on Sunday!!

heyy!