June 26 2009
We took it easy today, since yesterday we worked the boys pretty hard. We only went 4 miles, at the walk. Apollo and Ollie were both jittery, and were jumping at every little sound and movement. Maybe the storm got their blood up. Courtney was down in Utah county today, so her husband Kyler filled in for her.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Fourth ride
June 25 2009
We went 7 miles, with twenty minutes of total trotting time. We ventured into the hills, where there aren't any roads, and they were so steep that the horses were having a hard time climbing them, so we hopped off and walked beside our boys.. man, those hills really were steep! At the top, we enjoyed the sunset, took pictures, and let the boys eat. Then, we started back towards home, in the pitch blackness. It was a three hour ride.
We went 7 miles, with twenty minutes of total trotting time. We ventured into the hills, where there aren't any roads, and they were so steep that the horses were having a hard time climbing them, so we hopped off and walked beside our boys.. man, those hills really were steep! At the top, we enjoyed the sunset, took pictures, and let the boys eat. Then, we started back towards home, in the pitch blackness. It was a three hour ride.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Bitless Riding
I started Apollo under saddle and with a bitted bridle when he was three years old... I didn't do anything fancy, I wasn't trying to get him going fast, I just started slowly and let him do things at his own pace. Now, two years later, he goes very well at the walk, trot, and canter, thanks to a local trainer, Kate Nelson, who got him geared up for the summer. You see, I sent him to the trainer's for a refresher course, since I hadn't really worked with him much for about a year. I had always noticed that he was... reluctant about going when I was riding him, and he always felt so heavy in the mouth, but I just assumed he was that kind of horse. Not so. Just recently, I have become insanely interested in bitless riding, but I have never had the guts to try it... until now. I was always under the impression that bits helped with control, and "without a bit, you have no control". However, I have been doing lots of research about bitless riding, taking information and anecdotes from bloggers (such as Tamara of inthenightfarm.blogspot.com) and other internet resources. I finally mustered up enough courage to try an Indian Bosal, a bitless option that incorporates direct-rein but is not as harsh as a hackamore or a regular bosal and mecate. This Indian bosal is a lovely specimen by Debbie of CrazyRopes.com, proudly presented by the indomitable Apollo:
So we tried it. And we are NEVER going back to using a bit ever again! Apollo is so happy about being ridden now that he is a different horse! He is more than happy to move out at a good clip, he has happy lips (loose hanging lips), and he feels so light in the mouth. So, my horse is happy, and that makes me happy.
So we tried it. And we are NEVER going back to using a bit ever again! Apollo is so happy about being ridden now that he is a different horse! He is more than happy to move out at a good clip, he has happy lips (loose hanging lips), and he feels so light in the mouth. So, my horse is happy, and that makes me happy.
Third ride
June 21 2009
We went 6.6 miles today, and trotted for fifteen minutes. The horses were fresh and Apollo drank at the stream, but Ollie didn't until he got back home. Apollo broke into a canter and it was exhilarating! It took all my strength to bring him back to a trot; he was feeling so fresh, even after the ride. The boys got a good bath afterwards to wash off all the sweat, and they were happy to get their grain and vitamins, and then have a good roll.
We went 6.6 miles today, and trotted for fifteen minutes. The horses were fresh and Apollo drank at the stream, but Ollie didn't until he got back home. Apollo broke into a canter and it was exhilarating! It took all my strength to bring him back to a trot; he was feeling so fresh, even after the ride. The boys got a good bath afterwards to wash off all the sweat, and they were happy to get their grain and vitamins, and then have a good roll.
Second ride
June 19 2009
We rode at night, 4 miles. Footing was mostly asphalt, and we only walked. We went looking for a better route from the ranch to the dirt road into the mountains. No such luck.
We rode at night, 4 miles. Footing was mostly asphalt, and we only walked. We went looking for a better route from the ranch to the dirt road into the mountains. No such luck.
First ride
June 18 2009
Ollie and Apollo and Courtney and I went 6 miles at the walk. It rained and the footing was muddy and slippery half of the way, so the boys were slipping and sliding all over the muddy dirt track. It was kind of comical, how they both would slip and then act like nothing had happened, and then slip again and huff and snort impatiently. Funny boys.
Ollie and Apollo and Courtney and I went 6 miles at the walk. It rained and the footing was muddy and slippery half of the way, so the boys were slipping and sliding all over the muddy dirt track. It was kind of comical, how they both would slip and then act like nothing had happened, and then slip again and huff and snort impatiently. Funny boys.
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