JR’s Journal – The Energizer Bunny

March 11, 2006Posted inJR
Ah, a 70+ degree in March. The sun is shining. A gentle breeze playes with the dead leaves. It's in the afternoon and everyone at Pine Dell has already been out riding. I've been to a 4H tack sale. I've eaten lunch and I'm ready to ride. It's the first trail ride and we are alone. I decide on James A. Reed. If I fall off, someone is bound to see JR and come and find me. Yep, James A. Reed Park is the destination We arrive. We warm up.…

Nova’s Notebook – The Beginning

January 13, 2006Posted inNOVA
Pat Parelli is always telling us how he's got yearlings on up that have happily learned the level 1, 2 and 3 tasks. Since Nova is at Pine Dell boarding stable, I decided that she should become a level 3 baby. I've given Jennifer Vaught this task. This is what she looks like at 18 months! Jenny has fallen into the "I Love Nova" club. Jenny reports that Nova is bright and light. Nova is fox trotting and trotting during her training sessions. We've not seen any sign of the…

Nova Notebook – Early Days at Pine Dell Farm

December 27, 2005Posted inNOVA
Did I mention that Nova has learned to walk on water and escape from the pasture. That was when the water was ice. Then she learned to walk on real water and escape from the pasture too. The fence guy showed up today. Thank Goodness. When Nova comes home from Pine Dell, she won't be able to escape. Fast forward to Pine Dell. A new training horse is kept in a stall for a day or two while it gets accustomed to the routine. Then the horse is let out…

Nova’s Notebook – First Clinic!

July 16, 2005Posted inNOVA
Nova and I attended a clinic called Young Horse Development. Both Jenny and Tony Vaught were the clinicians. The clinic could be called Extreme Desensitizing & Bonding! Before a horse is ready to ride, can you: Bounce an exercise ball on horse's back? (Tony told us that he doesn't start riding a young horse until he can bounce a ball off the horse!) Play goal as you and a friend roll a big exercise ball back and forth between the horse's legs? Have your horse carry two tied-together garbage bags filled with…