This was Baron’s third trip to the beach, and the first time that I rode him for any distance. The first time I took him, I just walked along beside him because I didn’t know how freaked out he would be. He was pretty freaked out about the water. He’s actually still pretty freaked out… Continue reading Baron’s 1st Real Beach Ride
A few years ago I had a really unpredictable mare who had a habit of dumping me when I least expected it. It was not a good experience, to say the least. Previously I had been pretty fearless. I wasn’t particularly skilled, but I was a competent rider. I was always learning and trying to… Continue reading Having Anxiety and Riding Anyway
I’ll be doing a longer post soon about the logistics of owning a horse on an island, but I wanted to share these pictures of Baron’s first time visiting the beach. I trailered about 10 minutes from my barn and walked him over the dune onto the beach. We walked until we found an empty… Continue reading Baron’s 1st Trip to the Beach!
I read a book a while back that said the main indicator of success in any venture is perseverance. People can have jaw-dropping talent or innovative ideas, but only a few of them have the persistence needed to hone the talent or develop the idea into a business. The book called it “grit.” It got… Continue reading Do you have grit?
On Sunday I trailered Olaf to an obstacle practice day at a farm nearby. These obstacle challenges have become popular in my area and I’m a big fan of them. They allow horses to learn how to approach scary objects in a safe, calm way. Obstacles force you to think differently as a trainer, to… Continue reading Olaf’s First Obstacle Challenge
I did one thing that made me a better trail rider and horse owner in general. It wasn’t following any particular trainer or method, it wasn’t watching any particular video or reading any particular book, and it wasn’t even taking lessons. It was learning about endurance riding. I had never heard of endurance riding until… Continue reading The One Thing I Did That Made Me a Better Trail Rider
Spring is on its way, the time when horse shows, trail rides and obstacle challenges get going for the season. I finally have a sane, safe horse and I want to do a lot with him this year, hopefully some short competitive trail rides and obstacle challenges to start. I’ve got to build up his… Continue reading Olaf Goes on a Solo Trail Ride
You can read the story of my little donkey here but, if you’re short on time I’ll recap it for you. I got my donkey off Craigslist in Alabama for $75. He was supposed to be a pet for my daughter, but she quickly lost interest and he became mine. My daughter named him Rusty.… Continue reading Project Pack Donkey Update…
I really enjoy walking alongside my horses, as much as, if not more than riding them. It’s unusual, I know, but to me it feels like a different kind of partnership when we’re both walking. When I ride, the horse is lending me so many things- his back, his strength, his agility and his speed.… Continue reading Hiking with Horses
My draft horse, Olaf, has become extremely attached to my half blind mule, Ellie. More accurately, she is attached to him, and he is more than happy to comply. Ellie still has one perfectly good eye but, since going blind in the other, she’s let Olaf become her security blanket in life. They are sweet… Continue reading Night Walk with Olaf
