A lesson in itself. { Training Take 2}

 The vet came today!! Everyone got their shots. Check ups went well. Polaris was actually a good boy and Lil Star was the one pitching a fit?

With my schedule as it is currently, the horses had no choice but to spend most of the day indoors.... To make the most use of our situation and while we were going to have to wait and be ready for the vet, anyway ~  

We decided to spend some time, practicing 'being tied'. "Cross tied" in the isle. We also practiced, whether it was intentional or not, .. "Going in and out of our stalls, when we're told".  Stubbornly standing there was not allowed. Grooming time for everyone! Socializing....

There was some hanging out time, with the upper doors open. For Polaris, this means "making sure there is no pushing on the door, or reaching out to nip anyone who happens to be standing there, or walking by." He does like to reach out and pick up his halter off the hook and toss it. Or knock the rake or broom over. If there is a brush or container near by, it too will be in his mouth.... 

As it turns out both my vets agree on Polaris's age, being that he will be 2 this spring. There was some question that he might be going on 3 according to rescue records that were not completely accurate. So, in knowing that he's not even 2 explains a lot ~ and it helps with setting up a better training regiment and schedule.

His new rain sheet came in the mail, something new to learn! And he finally will have his very own coat. Hopefully that fits.

Star Bright's new bridle came as well, only thing I forgot was to order a 'black' chin strap... so dark brown it is for the moment.

Pictures tomorrow if I remember, I'll be driving around helping someone out as well as my own routine, so tomorrow is going to be a crazy day. 

Question of the day...

Are you getting the virus vaccine? 

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.

Who's training who {Training Take 2}

 Today was the beginning of something different. I didn't rush into the barn and hurry up and take everyone outside. Instead I opened the top doors, the brought Lil Star out, tied her in the hall and cleaned her stall. Then she got groomed and put back in. I dumped the cart and came back for Polaris to go next. Star Bright was the most patient and went last.

After everyone was done getting groomed and stalls cleaned. It was time to start lunging for Polaris. Only he and I went out to the paddocks. We only did a short work out, then he spent the day in a dry paddock ~ running, bucking and running some more. Worked himself up a sweat for the first time. Hopefully we'll be able to do this regularly, daily preferred.

Next Lil Star went out. She'll do a work out tomorrow morning after her spark of energy and high spirited walk out today. There is only one paddock that is heavy enough in gravel to use for their work outs and today was Polaris. 

Star Bright went out for a bit while I went home for lunch, then I came back and we went for a full saddled ride. Tim came along on the bike, as we are working with her on trails sharing with bikes and people with dogs. She's pretty bomb proof, but there is always something new to overcome.

Getting out of the driveway was a bit challenging. There's a barn next door that is falling down and looks pretty creepy. She wouldn't walk past it to go down the driveway. We took a couple laps on the outside arena then she was willing to cut across the yard and follow Tim on the bike. Once she realized we were on a trail, there was really no holding her back.

We rode to town and back to the trail head twice. Tim was Geo Caching and since she don't stand still very well, we practiced riding up and down the trail. On our second trip to town we all went all the way to the trail head. On the way there was a small green field with a bit of a trail worn into it along the trail. Star Bright cut into the grass trail and we had to have a gallop for a few minutes. 

On our final trip back toward home, I dismounted and walked her. I like to always refresh and keep her up to par on her manners. Walking toward home at the end of a ride, rather than running or running me over - is an important practice. She was hot and pretty sweaty, so it was a perfect cool down walk as well. 'Multi tasking'.

Star Bright's new bridle and Polaris rain sheet are both due in the mail this coming week.! I sure hope they fit like they are supposed too. Vet appointment Tuesday, everyone's getting shots! and quick checks. Busy week coming up. 

Blessed by God 

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.