JR’s Journal – Jenny’s Opinion

Posted inJR
JR’s proud Daddy came over to see him and Jenny wanted to show us how she first gets on a colt. She gets on the colt bareback. In case she has to suddenly bail off, there’s no stirrups, horn, etc preventing immediate ejection! Jenny got a small stool and stood by JR’s side. He moved and she went through about 3 minutes of moving him around until he was very grateful to stand still. She jumped up on his back and just hung there, rubbing him all over with her…

Velvet – Level 2 clinic with Jennifer Vaught

Posted inVelvet
The day was sunny and bright. It was warmer outside in the sun than in the indoor arena, so we were outside all day long. But it was cold in the morning, so we started out in the heated lounge. We had a knot tying class...we learned 4 knots. We got our circulation started with balancing games. Jenny had purchased a round board with a bump in the middle. The object is to stand on it without the edges of the board touching the floor. Then we had to stand…

JR’s Journal – Kindergarten Days in Jenny-School

Posted inJR
A couple of years ago, I decided that I knew what I wanted in my next horse. I wanted a naturally gaited, athletic horse. My baby's name is JR and his mommy and grandpa can do flying lead changes. JR is 2 1/2 now and he went to Jenny school yesterday. I talked to Jenny after work and she said guess who I rode today? I couldn't guess. She said, "I rode JR". Well, there's another JR in the barn, so I said which JR. She said, "YOUR JR!" WOW!…

Velvet at Equitana -Velvet the Slow -Herd Breaker II

Posted inVelvet
The 2nd Savvy Demonstration was held in Freedom Hall. That's the ultimate facility. It was full to watch the much talked about Parelli demonstrations!This is the facility where the evening performance, the Mane Event, is held. You can be in the arena and look up at the seats that go to the sky. The instructors came and wowed the crowd with the things that they can do with their horses. People were abuzz about this one and that one. Velvet seemed to be much more relaxed on this day. She…

All Fox Trotter Natural Horsemanship Clinic

Posted inVelvet
Those participating in the clinic were as follows: Heidi Pollen, Ava, Mo; Pat Anderson, Estacada, Or; Judy Casper, Cabool, Mo; Kathy Doman, Rogersville, Mo; Liz and Joe James, Greenfield, In; Jennifer West; Diane and Dallas Hudson, Ava, Mo; Ken Kemp, Alta Vista, Ks; Ann Kolaz, Springfield, Il; Anita Rolfe, Mansfield, Mo; Carole Sharp, Taylor, Mo; Sue Steggal, Ava, Mo; Sandy Streweski, Billings, Mo; Karen Thompson, Galena, Mo. Some of the auditors were Marshall and Lee Yates, George Caspar, Elmer and Suzanne Scott, Mona Dollarhide and members of her family, Jo Hubner, Elaine Graham, Ava, Mo; Pete Rolfe, Mansfield, Mo; Cathy & Bill Lansdown, Ava, Mo; and Kim Stewart, Galena, Mo.

Velvet – You Can’t Scream Outloud

Posted inVelvet
Lately, I've been feeling really confident, riding Velvet.  During the last two group lessons, I did not touch the reins.  I steered her with my body and legs.  I also carry two carrot sticks.  These are 3' long extensions of my arms.  They are fiberglass and lightweight.  If Velvet doesn't pay attention to my eyes, belly button, legs, then the carrot sticks are used.  Carrot stick comes to the right side of the head means turn right and vice versa with left.  Crossed carrot sticks in front of the horses…