The First of May - obstacle training makes for a Solid Trail Mount

It's been another busy week. Riding and training- Today is the first of May so the RAC mini contest is officially over. We will keep our obstacles set up though as they are such an invaluable training tool. Thanks to Denise Conroy for the motivation to keep me thinking and improving- each year I add more challenges ! And the horses continue to meet those challenges every time.. good breeding, good training :)

OYY Dante, a lovely 14.3 hh, nearly 4 year old black gelding out of our HoneyBee Gal and Homefire Curlies' WCC Benjamin is just one example of good breeding and good training. He's been back up for his training in the last month and again- this week he did the obstacle course, but many more hurdles to experience. This develops true confidence, trust and makes for a super trail mount.

here's his little video from the other day-- so quiet and self-assured.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6eIzM_8bJI

The following day, Dante went out on the trail for the first time. Keri and I rode along to act as chaperone, but Dante was lead horse the entire way and not the least bit worried... in fact- with ears forward and a happy face- he seemed to be thinking , what took you guys so long ?

Careful navigation down his first downhill and no reaction what-so-ever with the puddles and mud.

Dante is going to make someone a super handsome trail mount !

I mentioned on Monday- our 11.2 hand POA pony Pal O' Mine delivered a wonderful curly colt sired by OYY Finnegan (his 4th curly colt of the season). Here are a few photo's of the little fellow- who I named Pal's Piccolo, after the flute so often used by composers to symbolize joy and happiness in a musical composition, probably best recognized as the instrument used to represent Sacha, the bird in Peter and the Wolf. Pal is a fabulous ride/drive pony as is Finn- so this wee fellow has a good solid start to be either or both ! When the solid genes are there, the training will be easy.

Piccolo will make a nice stud prospect for other Curly Pony breed programs or a stunning gelding for riding and carting.

The shad bush is blooming here.

The Shad Bush is another name for the Downy Serviceberry. This bush, which is the first to bloom in the spring, is called the Shad Bush because it is usually in bloom when the shad are running up the New England rivers including the Connecticut River. The red berries are edible, and are often eaten by birds.

The Shad fish travel from the oceans into fresh water rivers to spawn-- So whenever the Shadbush is in bloom I think of my Dad, who used to travel, like the shad- north to visit and we would go out to eat together. He always ordered Shad -- which I have never tried actually.

There is lots more to report-- OYY Queen Jane Approximately (out of Lilly and Mead's Chocolate Chip) is in training learning and advancing quickly. OYY Little "Z" is being long-lined and ground driven. News of their new skills another day.... Time to get to my daily chores.

Enjoy your day ~