Two Amazing Things...

Darling still searches for the perfect 'Dwight Storm' and thinks perhaps this mare may fit the bill?

Flashy gelding was one of the few adopted this past weekend.

A tall, brown yearling filly...I think Darling may need her, what do you think?

Really. I promise. It's amazing!

Are you ready for this?

I went to an adoption and didn't bring home a horse!!!

Told you it was amazing.

Wait...I brought home Sandy. But that doesn't count, right? I didn't bring home a new horse is what I meant to say. Although...there were a couple that caught my eye! In particular, this lovely four year old mare. She was listed as brown, but there was a nice big stripe down her back, which of course makes her a dun. Not that it matters all that much what color she is; I just loved how she was put together. Nice big hip, kind eyes, and well balanced. A wee bit long in the back, I suppose, if you want to get picky, but a nice looking mare over all.

One of Sandy's new girlfriends was a lovely little strawberry roan. She was a bit on the playful side, and I think Sandy found it charming. She'd come to the corner and begin splashing water all over the place, and it never ceased to draw his attention and cause him to walk over to her. I wonder if this is the horsey version of a wet tee shirt contest?

It was a disappointing adoption in terms of how few horses were adopted out. With 30 or so available, only 7 found new homes. We've got one more adoption in WA in June. Our local fair has agreed to let us do a mini-adoption and gentling demos up here in August, however, so perhaps we'll be able to move a few more into good homes. Anyone here feel the need to adopt one of America's Living Legends?

Okay, are you ready to be amazed a second time in one post?

Sit down deep in that computer chair, now...

We loped today! Oh...and was it ever a dream. Smooth as silk. It all went very well, too. I'd worked him from the ground for a couple of hours, then asked Curt to fix my reins (there was a slight malfunction) and while he was out I let him know I needed him to stand alongside Sandy so I could mount.

Curt had other ideas.

What's new, right?

He put the lunge line on and sent me off at a brisk trot, had me turn and sent me off the other way, still fast. Then off came the line and back he stepped.

"You're going to get to about there," he pointed to a spot about three strides from the wall, "and ask him to pick up his lope. I'll just stand here and block his way if he tries to come this direction."

Um...yeah...you'll stop him. Okay, Curt, whatever you say. The first few circles were done at a trot, and when I reached the gate I asked for a stop. This had him thinking 'quit' rather than run off a few strides into his circle. Once he had that routine down, I sat down deep and let the reins go, asking him to step into a lope. And he did! A couple circles around using half the arena, then stop, turn, and trot off the other way before repeating the pattern. And we never had to test Curt's ability to stop a runaway horse!

A couple hours later, Jay showed up. I told him about the first ride, and he and I repeated it. Two rides in one day...and nice loping to boot! What a great feeling...

Please say your prayers for Sandy! Ask God to find him the perfect new home so that I don't need to worry about him :)