Not Just A Hobby

Sorry I made this so big, but you needed to be able to read it.

A lot of times people meet me and they hear I ride horses. I make friends, meet guys, and usually I get "Oh cute, you have a hobby"

When I saw this I thought it was perfect.

It's for those friends/boyfriends who start off with that's cool, do your horse thing;

To getting mad about me prioritizing these things before going out to the bar or partying with them.

It's not just a hobby, it's a way of life for me.

Horses saved my life, I owe them more than my time.

I owe them my patience, my trust, and my respect.

Ride 11: Friday during my split shift I tacked up Mr. Brantley and hit the trails. I needed it. He needed it... I wanted to not go back to work and be out there all day. Yes... I went alone. And of course I took all the more scary trails: hills, stairs, bridges, water... I think we were both just happy to get out. Ran into a family walking their dog and an older Duck Dynasty looking man who just loved the boy. Last trail ride I went on, someone actually asked to take a picture of us. Creepy? Eh, why not. I look different on a horse vs. in person. Two others horses crossed on the bridge while I was talking to a friend who was fishing. He asked if he climbed in the bed of the truck, would it scare the horses? It was nice to be around a couple other horse people that said, "If it does, they'll get over it." 

It's funny how people are so careful around their horses and quiet. I feel like sometimes it just makes them more of a spook. Big example... Brantley. Yes, there are some things I'm hesitant doing on him just yet but that's because I don't have a round pen I can work him in and let him go while I try to take off my jacket or raise my hands in the air. We're working on it, slowly. But putting his blanket on and haltering him? Make your intentions clear, don't beat around the bush. Walking into his stall going, "Easy Brantley, you're okay, shhhhh, easy boy" he responds, "What... What's going on? Why are you being sneaky, quiet... WHAT THE HELL?! I'm so confused. Please don't touch me." and then he starts running away from you or spinning around in his stall. Had to explain that... Again today. You have to build a trust and a bond with him. But don't make it scarier than it is. Luckily he's got a couple of good aunties at the barn who don't baby him... You know who you are.



After my ride with Brantley, I went back to work and got to sit on the computer and re-enter invoices from the past 4 days... Long story short, we spent 2 days (and overtime) putting in new software. After 4 days we realized that it was too powerful for our OS and well, now have to spend the rest of the week re-entering all the data into the OLD software. I did get to hold a pet... Or two.
GIFSoup
I made my way back to the barn to play with the Princess. A is sick at the moment so I'm playing step-mom... More like evil step-mother. We warmed up with one-rein halts which she had kind of a forgotten since the last time I worked with her, but picked it back up quickly. We did them at the walk, then at the trot. Next step? Let's put the reins over the horn and let the OTTB trot around the arena at any speed she wants... As long as it was at the trot. I basically let her go around and around, switching directions, leaving her to be responsible for her own body, feet, and speed. If she tried to break into a canter, I'd bend her down, then send her back out. We did this for about 30-45 mins before we had a nice cool down in-hand. It was actually pretty successful and she only got pissy with me once. No bucking (yay!).

Ride 12: Quick ride on Brantley after new job intro training. Nothing very interesting but raining so I couldn't hit the trails. K met me at the barn and I hopped on Lucy again. I had a feeling that since Mom was there she was going to be a nut job, but she surprised us both. Even for us to have a little canter around the arena... Okay, more like around a barrel like pattern on her own accord. I had my hand on the rein but only to be able to quickly break her down if I needed to. This horse put herself on tiny circles and then slowly moved out along the fence. Most she's cantered in a while. I really focused on putting my leg on her with she does NOT appreciate. Not a go-go-go leg but a bending leg. Just a guide or aide. First time I did it she did a little kick and for that she got her nose turned into my toe and a swift heel in the gut, then back out on the rail at a canter. I know it sounds mean... But she didn't do it again and honestly... She could kill me.

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Ride 13: Okay, I won't lie. I didn't ride my horse today. But we did work. I think that should count right? I did ride Lucy again and she was well... Definitely a little peppier and anti-Maddy, but it was easier to bring her back which is exactly what I was looking for. Instead of starting her loose around the arena, I asked her to get on the bit and I think that may have been her being "da f*ck do you think you're doing?" But she finally gave and as she relaxed, I gave her her head back. I focused on asking her for more than I had been so instead of letting her go where ever she pleased, I lifted the rein just a touch to ask her to go in a specific direction. She gave in more and more while we went. Lots more cantering and she relaxed enough for me to completely drop the rein and let her go around in circles. They started off small but as she started to breathe and get her feet underneath her, her circles got slower and larger. We actually had a nice canter around the entire arena in both directions and a basically non-existence (but prepared) rein. Good ride? I call it a success. Hopefully A can make it out tomorrow and do some ground work with her. Fingers crossed for a good ride.

Brantley and I borrowed K's long-lines and headed out to the outdoor. We had a really nice work out in the arena and for me to be behind him at first his head was up and ears were back. But it's not his first rodeo. I've done it before and Cowboy tied tarps to him and sent him around the ring in lines at CC. He got comfortable really fast and we did some walk/trot work over poles that had been set up and then did some good loping at both ends of the arena. I was very impressed how he got under himself and even framed up through his neck and back. He's getting new kicks tomorrow so we'll see how my work day goes and if maybe I can hit the trail tomorrow. Not likely.