Getting ready for Ride Season 2014

Mister and Willow's most frequent winter activity 2014!

Last winter we rode a TON but this winter's weather has not been as ride-friendly, so much ice! We've had Willow to the indoor only a couple of times and sometimes weeks went by with no riding at all. But then came some nice snow! We've had a few good snowfalls with nice fluffy snow, so we've been back having fun riding. Willow's shoulder seems to be Ok, she was a tiny bit limpy after an hour of indoor in October. The riding we've been able to do lately hasn't revealed any limpy-ness. Whew, for now. We think that speed is, although fun for her, not the best thing for that shoulder so no CTRs this year for her. If we can get to LDs and/or JPs, we'll be happy.

Mister has been doing well in the weight department, he gained in the fall once we started feeding an extra mid-day meal. He's been keeping it on and he's looking healthy. He's happy to go out riding most times and if he isn't (he goes very slowly to communicate this!) then we don't ride long. He seems content to watch Willow keep going while he gets the hay to himself. 

Marie and Mister Jan 2014

Miss Willow gave Marie an awfully hard time this morning. When I looked out at them riding in the pasture I could see Mister taking slow big steps and Willow trotting tiny circles. Eeeek! That's usually the last step before "off & lunge". And it's hard to ride those circles on her bareback! By the time I got out there, lunging was in progress - tail flagging, head shaking, canter when asked to trot, neck sweating & blowing. Nice.   Was a long session full of transitions and "deep breath breaks" as I watched from a distance. Into the barn for blanket, cool off & snacks & hay & water. More lunging. Another break.
Now she & Nicole are riding double, one blanket blowing in the wind like a cape and Miss Willow as nice as can be. They said, "She's being SO GOOD we never want to get off!" The girls came in hours later, smiling telling how perfectly Willow did what they asked. They took turns in the double driving seat and they even got in some cantering. They're thrilled! Each time I saw them, Willow looked just as happy.
That's how Willow is, when she's good she's very, very good!
Whew! I was proud to see them work it out.

Willow with Marie and Nicole Feb 2014