Saturday we were going to go outdoors with another rider but by the time I got the grooming and everything else done she was finished so I rode inside. I did some ground work first with the rope halter on. We set up some trot poles and went over them a few times. I have been doing some stretching exercises on Coopers legs and they have really been helping. His muscles are not strong enough yet or something, that is why he kept slipping with his back legs.

I rode with the bit and…

I got off work early and at the barn by 5:30 p.m. for my 8:30 lesson!!

We were still getting ready by lesson time LOL.

We worked in the round pen for about 20 minutes, but first I groomed him and did some stretches on his legs.

He did great, a little stiff but much better.

I was having a hard time keeping him going slow again, he just wanted to go go go fast fast fast.

We did more circles at each end of the arena outdoors then when they others were doing…

I gave Cooper the weekend off as it seemed he was sore after a lot of hard work that he is not used to. I worked him a little in the round pen, he was a little stiff on his left rear leg. He went at a nice slow pace, kicked out a little when asked for a lope (canter) but did very well. I did some stretches on his legs and tacked him up and went for a ride. We were both relaxed and it was a very nice ride. We didn't work long, on the ground for about 15 minutes and in the saddle for 15. We…

Much, much better ride tonight during our lesson.

I got to the barn early and did some natural horsemanship ground work in the indoor arena. He is very bored with it, you can tell. I have to start doing some of the things from the next level, challenge him more. I am still doing Level 1 Parelli things with him. I am also viewing my Jonathan Field dvd's, I think I might do his method when I finally add in loping to our work with the rope hackamore, which is still a long way off. I do…

Phew, what a challenging lesson again! I was getting frustrated again but not as much as before and things are getting better. I still forgot to try the leg cues while using the elastics on the stirrups, was too busy trying to get shoulder and speed control.

I was having such a hard time controlling Cooper, he just wanted to go go go and I just wanted slow slow slow!!

His poor mouth, I had so much contact almost the whole lesson!! My prosthetic leg was sore and rubbing again…

We had an excellent night together at the barn. I put the natural rope hackamore on and we did some ground work in the indoor arena before I got on and rode him for about 20 minutes inside. He hasn't forgot anything, responded so well, an excellent whoa and back up with the rope hackamore.

I then put the bridle and bit on him and we went outdoors to practice lesson 3 patterns. I could not for the life of me remember how the pattern was!! But we did some great circles in every corner,…

We have to have some bad nights and this was one of them. 

I could not grasp any of the lesson that was being taught. Circles in both corners at one end of the arena in something like a figure 8 pattern.

We weren't out there maybe 15 minutes then the mosquitos came out. I have big bites on my face, arms and neck. 

Cooper was trying to stay close to other horses, going too fast as usual. I was bouncing too much, couldn't get my legs relaxed, hands were all over and…

July 17 to 21st did not go out to see Cooper or practice at all because of the heat. The Thursday night lesson was cancelled, thank goodness!! I probably would have passed out from having to wear that helmet in that heat.

I went on Friday to try an english saddle on him that a friend was selling. I didn't even ride, I was so hot, sweating and not feeling well.  My stump was hurting from a sweaty prosthetic sock and the other foot was all swollen and bruised from an injury a long time…

We had our 2nd training lesson on Thursday July 14 with Karen this week as Gail was away.

We were learning to slow the trot down to a jog, or trying anyway. Also trying to lower Cooper's head down more in a frame, is that what it is called? We did do good several times, even slowing down very nicely to a jog without coming to a walk.

There were more horses in this weeks lesson and Cooper was excited to see them all LOL. No pictures or video, forgot the camera on Thursday and…

July 9 & 10 2011

We had a very good weekend together. I rode Cooper both days.

On Saturday we were both so relaxed. Rode indoors practicing what I had learned during our lesson on Tuesday. 

We were working on the outside supporting rein doing figure 8's at a trot. Yay!! Yes back to trotting again but need to really work on that steering. I also have to work on my leg position, it's hard to try work, but will get there someday.

We also worked on whoa and back…

July 2/11

Finally got back in the saddle. I rode around at a walk only for about 15 minutes and got off. I was tense but things went well, just me being worried. Another boarder got on Cooper after and gave him a little workout. They did great together, an experienced rider makes him look so good.

July 5/11

We have finally started taking training lessons together with Gail Haynes at Five Star Ranch where I board. At first I was very nervous and tense and almost…

Friday May 13 2011 Had my first fall off of Cooper today, rider error. It was pouring rain as we rode in the indoor arena. A black cat ran by, I don't know if there was another noise, it all happened so fast.

I was trying to do shoulder over at 9 o'clock position and pulled too hard at the same time that he spooked. He went one way, I went the other way off his right side. I held onto the reins too, green rider thing, and almost pulled him right down on top of me by doing so.

I…

Going to another Lyons Symposium, this time with John on April 15-17 2011. I saw Josh last year at Five Star Ranch.

I have also signed up for a Lyons certified instructor riders clinic with Cooper on April 22-24 2011, I just hope my rotator injury is better by then!!

I moved Cooper April 1 2011 to the barn where I will be taking the riders clinic, now I will be right there to get help with him.

I rode Cooper April 7 after over 3 1/2 months of not riding him because of an…