OYY Ivan and OYY Dante came up to see what they remembered after 10 weeks of pasture rest. I am pleased to see they have matured and the time off was well spent. They both grew a bit and certainly filled out a lot. Both boys were excited to be ridden again-- Ivan is such a handsome 15 hand 3 year old gelding. He has an incredible mane- full and bushy 
on both sides of his neck. We discussed actually roaching it- but today Jennie braided it in one big long braid down his neck. It looked great for about 10 minutes, then we could see that hair madly trying to comically blast out of the braid. Lisa rode Ivan first.. and he behaved as though he has never had any time off. Jennie climbed aboard, walked Ivan around to get a feel for him-- trotted a bit and then-- like any 15 year old in the saddle... did not want to stop. Ivan has a great big comfy walk and a nice steady trot. In the spring, he was a lot more "goey"-- wanted to canter all the time. Being young, he used that canter as a little bit of resistance and avoidance I think. Now, he is happy to listen and take it slow. He has already been down the road many times and on the trail- which he loves. He's going to make someone an awesome mount !
Dante is a brave little gelding.. on the ground he is not fazed by 
anything. Under saddle he was a bit more worried. After his short time off, he has gained much more confidence and he will progress well from here with his new found poise. He's 14.1 hands now and bulked out quite a bit. Dante has not yet had the chance to get down the road or on the trail -- but this fall for sure.
OYY Brigitte also has been put on the roster for more riding. For a few months, she was pushed down the list- especially since we were busy practicing for our October show. Then, poor girl, came up lame with an abscess- which thankfully healed quickly and she is not off anymore. Brigitte loved her ring work last summer- but this year she really just wants to go out on the road and trail. She will somewhat begrudgingly do her ring exercises-- but trotting down the road is what thrills her most.
Yesterday, Halloween day, Brigitte went out for a quick trot after her ring work- and had a blast. Then- she had the opportunity to try the natural water obstacle on the farm- the brook. Hesitant at first- she splashed a bit and then enjoyed a walk through the water. I made a video of her Halloween ride out- you can view it here ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoRlNUAQioY
Brigitte is a beautiful mare- loads of fun. Someone will truly enjoy themselves with her as their personal mount.
OYY Little "Z" , ABC 3625, ICHO 915-D, out of Ahmet (the 15.2 hh broodmare with a nose for porcupines) and Mead's Chocolate Chip ~ came up for a little photo session. Z is a lovely athletic filly- 2 years old and already 15 hands ! She's smart and we are looking forward to starting her off with her training, which 
will be this winter. Z is a maternal sister to OYY Elektra. Her dam's full brother is a super gelding who is used for pleasure riding and eventing by his owner. Here's a photo of Winston with his owner.
For fun, I made a very short video of Z
My daughter and I got in some great rides- and most exciting-- I purchased and received my NEW SADDLE... a Barefoot London treeless saddle. I have ridden in it twice now and love it-- so, news of that will be for the next post, so stay tuned *
Enjoy your day ~
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