Saddle Hell Saga

October 1, 2016Posted inSaddle fit
I was a beginning adult rider in the mid 90's and started out my riding life using my childhood saddle.  My childhood saddle fit my large pony and a narrow Saddlebred horse back in the sixties. After some months of daily riding, horrid silver dollar size white spots developed on Sage's withers.  My saddle was too tight and cut the circulation off at those two spots.  After no blood flow for a while, the horse's hair grows white.  It was a blow as it meant young Sage had experienced pain…

One in Six Saddles Might Have Broken Trees – AKA Death of a Saddle

September 26, 2016Posted inSaddle fit
I love Circle Y Flex tree saddles so much that I have three of them. A couple years ago I managed to let go of the ones I don't use to get them checked and cleaned. However. I couldn't let the one that I use daily leave to get cleaned and checked. I had bought this saddle a long long time ago and it was checked out before I bought it. This summer was a horrid hot and humid one. I stopped riding plus I was going on a week…

An Amazing September 2016 Weekend!

September 21, 2016Posted inCISCO, Missouri Fox Trotter
I spent three days at the World Show watching Velvet and Powder perform magnificently in their classes. Way to go Nichole Hack and Caitlyn Vaught! You both are amazing and bring the best to these lucky horses you ride! They are truly blessed to have you. That was three exciting days. I arrived in Ava, Mo and discovered, I left both my iPad and my iPhone at home. That was not acceptable since I was going on to Colorado,for more marvelous picture moments. I drove back home...200 miles... on Monday…

Cisco 2016 Post Parelli Summit

September 14, 2016Posted inCISCO, Missouri Fox Trotter
I went to the 2016 Parelli Summit for one and maybe two reasons. I went to learn more horsemanship so I could be a better human for Cisco and because it was the 20 Year Anniversary! I attended all three days Of David Lichman's breakout sessions on advanced liberty training. His mentors have been Pat Parelli, a circus Liberty horse act performer and the woman who invented the clicker training with dolphins. You can't get much better mentors than that! I learned more advanced techniques in how those experts communicate…

Lucky Star’s AKA Name is Always Adventure

August 26, 2016Posted inCountry Frank's Lucky Star, Missouri Fox Trotter
I let a beginning rider have a beginning rider lesson on Lucky Star.  We went through the required seven games and some required rules before mounting.  That went well.  Our rider mounted.  I did neglect to give the rider the mandatory mounting rule, but it went well.  Now the signal to walk forward was given and Lucky's response was ears back in protest.  We tried the turning on the hindquarters and then walking forward.  That is when Lucky decided to move and place his front feet in front of the…

City Dog Adventures

July 26, 2016Posted inCity Dog
City Dog is a Puggle. He is a very loyal dog and protects his humans. Last night, he protected me against thunder. If he is outside, he runs towards the thunder, barking. During our Fourth of July party, he protected the entire party attendees against all their firecrackers. That was the day that drove him crazy. He had no idea that we were causing the evil dangerous something. But, I digress. City Dog is a loyal protector. We mowed the pasture today. The pasture has long grass with weeds. If…