Oh What a Sunday - Clinic @ Cherry Croft

I need more space on my computer so I can get these pictures up faster, but it's not going to happen any time soon unfortunately. Maybe I can sneak on Dad's a just finally get all those pictures I keep talking about up on the computer. I still have to post the pictures from the photo-shoot with Bre!

The big plan for today was to go to the confidence and balance clinic at Cherry Croft. I showed up in shorts, sneakers, and ready to take some pictures. Deb and Greg were there with General (their old man horse). Deb rode Kid in the beginning and then switched off after doing "around-the-world" at the walk. I thought it was hard doing it at a stand still. They did some work on the fence, focusing on shoulder control (something I just started with Brantley). A few back up steps and then ask to move the shoulders over. Wait for the cross-over and release. It was great to see so many people ranging from 20's-60's out in the ring, smiling and having a good time. CB sent everyone around the ring standing up in the saddle then sitting. Then they had to reach their arms out from side-to-side, letting go of the reins. 

After trotting with the same exercise everyone did around-the-worlds and then came the cut up pieces of pool noodles. Two-by-two the groups walked and trotted around handing each other the noodles in all sorts of ways; behind the back, over the head, down by the stirrups. Everyone was having a great time.

During the lunch break, a boarder, who's horse is in training (Gigi, the 4-year old buckskin mare), asked me to get on her horse. I quickly changed (always ready) and jumped on. Walk, trot, canter. She was great. I did some fence work, applying what I got to review during the beginning of the clinic. Worked on some serpentines. Her owner called me over and asked if I'd like to continue riding her in the rest of the clinic... OF COURSE!

We did a little relay race with the noodles after the break, that was interesting. Then the fun began. CB rolled out 3 barrels, 3 cones, and made 3 start gates. We had to jog around the barrel one way, stop square with the start gate, sit back, push the shoulder over to turn into the barrel, go around again, turn again, grab the cone, jog back through the starting gate. My first run with Gigi was a little discombobulating but then she showed everyone up. Yes, I was proud and so was mommy. Then we had to run past the barrel, jog or lope, grab the cone, and continue to the other side of the arena. This little buckskin was BOMB! Yes, I said it. Sweet, and soft, and ready to run.

Time for the round pen! Halter and lead, it was Brantley all over again. Gigi and I were pros. Flip the rope over her head, turn into the fence, pick up a lope. I had a fantastic time and was ready to go ride my own pony.

I got to the barn right before feeding, grabbed Mr. B and tacked up. I actually put his medicine boots on for the first time. As always, he loped off when I asked for a trot but as long as he's moving I'm okay with that. We're finally out on the rail and going in the straight-direction. I took full advantage of that and worked on turning into the fence. Sit, disengage the hind end (which always made me nervous on him), point and look where I want to go, and send him through with his shoulders. Guess who's a pro?! BRANTLEY! We did it at the walk and at the trot. Last but not least, one-rein stops at the walk, jog, and lope. Took him a while to give in and tip his nose, but he'll get there. We both will.

PICTURE TIME!!!