Steve Holt!, week 9

I'd forgotten what it was like to see that little ticker on my blog. I sign in and there it is, reminding me that I am no where near ready.

Yesterday Darling and I went down to the trail with two other women, but our time was limited. Steve Holt! wasn't sure about the other horses at first. After all, there was an Arabian there, and he most definitely did not like that little horse. Eventually he forgot the horse was there (probably because it was in the lead, and he was at the end of the line) and walked nicely down the trail following Sandy's tail. Eventually we changed positions, and he led for a short bit, then Sandy jogged past us and led the rest of the way back. It was a nice break from the arena.

I rode in the Aussie saddle for the first time yesterday, first on the trail and then in the arena. I was thrilled to find my leg back where it belonged. I'm wondering if it's just the stiffness of that particular western saddle that has me swinging forward so much? Whatever it is, I'm going to use the Aussie for a while so that I'm in a more user friendly position with that right leg.

I've not got much of a list when it comes to new accomplishments this week.

1) His feet were done for the first time. Just a bit of rasping, enough to relax and get used to them being handled. Plus, it was his first time allowing a man inside his private circle.

2) Riding on the trail in a group setting.

Aside from those two things, we did a lot of review. More circles, more working on getting those shoulders where they belong, more effort poured into setting up for picking up correct leads. My friend Shelley said recently that training horses is boring work. And when you get to this point...yes, it truly is. Repetition, however, is what we need right now.

Peek A Boo!

For those of you in the northwest, you may be interested in a Steve Rother clinic that is coming up. Jamie Thomas, another EMM trainer, is organizing the event and asked me to pass along the information. You can contact her at jthomas@midpointcad.com

The Trouble with Video Is...

Doesn't Steve Holt! look happy?!

You know the trouble with video? You're forced to look at each and every flaw in your riding style! Oye, vey... Well, according to the little ticker up there on the right side of the page, I've still got 40 days to fix not only myself, but get Steve Holt! spiffied up a bit more as well.

Heartbreak...

Poor Quiet Storm just can't catch a break. About a month ago I received a call from her new owner, sobbing, in tears, telling me she'd have to give up the mustangs. She'd just been through heart surgery and the bills were coming in. I asked if I could buy her a couple months time, would that help? Yes...she said.

And so the word went out, and a few extra bales brought in. And she was overjoyed. But she's still struggling to get things straightened out with the hospital, trying to get a payment plan that will work, and tonight I heard from her daughter saying that her mom had decided she just can't take any more charity and has decided she needs to give the horses up.

Which means that our dear little girl is again in need of a home. If anyone here is in the northwest and would like more information on this now 4 year old sweet as can be little mare please let me know.

Also available is Mist (Firecracker). For those of you who've not been at the Diaries for long, she's a 5 year old Kiger mare. Debbie has been on her, although I don't know how many rides.

Should anyone want to help contribute to their care until we can rehome them, I'd be much obliged! You can paypal mustangdiaries@gmail.com where an account has been set up especially for them.

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Yesterday Lynda the reporter and Alan the photographer were back. We met them at Curt's place so they could watch while I took a lesson, plus Jay had promised to meet us there to give Steve Holt! his first trim. Darling had her camera, but when I asked if she got video of Steve Holt!'s ride, she said..."Um...No." What?! Sigh...what will I do with that kid?

Curt had offered to let Lynda ride one of the cutting horses, and Darling did get that recorded. She also got Steve Holt! being introduced to a pedicure.