Boys in the paddock, Houdni Duke

Seems like 2 weeks ago after Duke and I had a weekday lesson, Duke was very stiff.
The rock hard ice in the paddock is bad for him. Hes got his shoes but its hard to walk in he ice.
Hes been getting along great with the boys, Doc was alittle jerky yesetrday but all of the other days hes been much better behaved.  I have bonded wiht Muke too. I spend tme in the paddock with them. Yesterday Doc got too pushy out side but it was the apple thing.
Im going to keep trying.
Krystyn said over the past few weeks, Duke has broken out of his paddock area while they were cleaning and ran out into the field they had to chase him.
Then later he broke out of the stall and raised hell in the ailses snacking and tearing things apart.
Last week I had said I hadnt been there so it wasnt me. Krystyn admitted she closed that day.
Bonnie said it was her she left the lock too lose. Its pretty funny when they do it.
Last week visited for about 3 hours, cleaned stalls and worked with Duke but didnt do as much as usual. Feeling like Im not as engaged lately need to up my Duke time.
Asked Krystyn if GEorge could go into the arena for a while before June took it over. Last week he was there for like 2 hours and he wqas so cute. Yesterday only about 10 min or less. Glad to see him happy.

[POST PICKS FROM:  In the paddock and picks of Duke aqnd George running around

Christmas Time its been shorter visits

I have been cut back on visits to see Duke. Im hoping its not because Im worried about him. Hes been working with Krystyn and myself on the off day of the week (Wed Tues or Thurs) when Krystyn has some extra time.  Two weeks ago I was explaining to Krystyn of how Duke does not like to be ridden and especially in the arena he veers to the left.  I tacked him before she got there. The month of Nov to Dec was terribly cold and snow eadh week sometimes 2 storms 3 snows in one week. This makes it more diffcult to get to the barn.  Well I tacked him we worked on mounting in the arena an then I got on, Duke had done good. Well I went around one time and he looked very uncomfortable. He scaredmme with his actions.  I sometimes thinks he may not likeme  but it comces down to the fact that maybe hes in pain. Maybe his saddle is very uncomfortable on him and he back is not up to being ridden.
Well This week I as was working with him, he was particularly pushy, kicking nearme.  when I was working with Krystyn she reminded me that I need to not let that happen. This stuck in my head, why was he doing this? Was I not hard enough on him? I think I need to use the whip.
He is ok with the treetment and I like how Krystyn incorporates it into the training.
I feel like Im missing out on the ground work that we used to do and then I would walk him on the road.
Yesterday the stupid car was racing its motor made me uncomfortable.
Should I be walking him on the road but I have since stopped doing that.
For Christmas I order him a treeless saddle that is treeless and its an endurance saddle.  Krystyn had said that June used one on her horse and that it was helpful. It was on Africa the older horse.
Idlike to stop using my current status on his working.
He cxrowds me in the arena hes fine to handle around the farm. I think Ill put in my cleats and walk around outside. Avoiding the arena may be better for me.
Last week I was getting him ready for his picture and he was so jumpy iwth th Alpacas. I blamed them but I still concerned that its not really the alpacas but hes just too jumpy.

Thanksgiving visit with Duke

Quiet beautiful barn with sweet Lily sticking her head out to say hi when I drove up. Doors open but the wind wipped all over. I grabbed a hate. I  felt cold. On the holiays the barn is covered lightly. so I thought I would bring over the extra meds for Dukes arthitis, Previcox. put in th eoffice.
Brought a giant bag of carrots. I fed all of them on one side and then a little over the other side.
Grabbed the halter and worked iwht Duke in the arena. Hes been better than last week. I decided if June is there hes terrible. He just needs to be focused. I know for a fact that Krystyns help will pay off for me.
I can uplaod a pic later.

Shorter visits and, missing my Duke

Its been crazy lately on the weekends I havent had teh hours I like to spend over with him shortened to 2 hours we dont get to do as much. I had gotten to the barn late and missed helping with the chores. my head hurt form some kind of a gluten thing.
I went over on Saturday and June was working out Cisco. She said hello from the arena. I was brushing him out after I had gotten him from the paddock.  Doc/Dusty is getting better and having Muck next to them both is great. I saw Duke standing over with Muck in the sun.  Makes me feel great. As I come over now, Doc respects me and allows Duke (doesnt get in his face and block him) to come over and be taken out. I bring snacks for the family (Doc, Duke and Muck) . I shew Doc away when its time to get Duke out the gate.  Things have improved dramatically.
Well back to the story. Duke was covered a bit with the crusty black mud. Its fun to groom him and love it.
As I was brushing him out and treating his itchy tail June said if I wanted to go into the arena there was time before her lesson with Krystyn taking some video of Ciscos progress etc.
I was a little bit hesitant to take him in becicase I was just going to sort of hang out but reluctantly I went in with him. He was just about the worst he'd been in a while.  Like I said hes terrible ehen ever June is at the barn. Well he was kinda jerky but did get his exercise. I walked him a bit and then finished his brushing. I decided that he needed some exercise and I had really diciiplined him at the arena when he was misbehaving. We went out down the road. It went well and I left on a good note. :)
Got him all cleaned up took the walk and grazed in the field. When he returned in the paddock I felt much bettter. And again the guys in the paddock are much better than last winter.  Looking forward to some time with Dusty snacking too.

Equine massage with

Sat Equine Affaire, Sunday training, workout and grooming

This years Equine Affire was interesting as it always is. Went with our nieghbor and her daughter. It was very focused on the 6 year old from the beginning and I knew I had a lot of things to do for the event. Made a plan on what I wanted to get done, shopped got new boots that were on sale 75 dollars, new Ariates and then Dunbarry boots for Ashley. 

I stopped at almost all of the rescues that I could find, Gerdas used tack and contest, Blue someting rescue donkeys, Dorsett, Farm rescueing the horses.

Fantasia was amazing with Phil Whitmore's award winning Drill Team, met the kids they were amazing great attitudes and all smiles.  Looked so good I had some nice video of them too.There was a woman from Action doing dressage on a beautiful horse, some trick trainings where the patient grey percheron was so great. The Australian Dan who was doing some of the horse spins and quick stops, his horse was amaing. I talked to Krystyn and she thinks hes too rough on the horses, unneeded for training. I liked how honest she was. I attended a . nice talk in the coliseum called Chris Cox and the talk was, Is it me or is it my horse.

I had a great time and I thought the MGM was really fun. If I had attended with an adult it would have gone a lot differently.  I wonder if I would drive  alone and

First Cold Weekend Nov Alpacas and Dukes doing good

Saturday, I was up in NH iwht April when Krystyn gave me a note, she asked if I could help her clean up the stall for the new Alpacas we were picking up iwth Liv on Sunday. So exciting, I made sure my heair was almost perfect and then I rushed down to the house to change and run over to the barn. When I got there pretty late the stalls were still not finished and Bonnie and Krysten were very busy but really smiilng. Duke was in the paddock and I slipped him an apple before talking with the ladies.  There was another new horse coming the one from Bobbys did not decide to follow through. Not a problem because she may not be able to fit. Greenwood has alot going for a horse owner whos looking for a rich experience for her horse and her too.  Luckily Krystyn is a trainer and doing lots of work with the horses at the stable. Oh yeah Duke got his shots last week, 30 bucks and hes ok

Anyway, so many good things happened I want to list them now.  Duke was able to be taken out of paddock without Dock acting up.  Duke did excellent work in the arena although he only wants to go one way, its ok because he has issues. We were able to walk approx 2 miles together did a small farm walk and a warm up in arena and then his work out. I did quite a few stalls to pitch in and the best news is that Imgoing over to get the Alpacas with Liv, Bonnie Krystyn in Sudbury on route 27.
Im so happy. Duke was excited to do his work out, he rolled like a puppy over and over then jumped up iwth no problems. I had plenty o apples and was able to share with all of the horses. I like how Muck, Doc and Duke stand otgether. I find that Duke is somewhat happier. Hes feet were absolutely soaked iwth mud I dried out his feet while walking in the arena and brushed off his mud brushed him out. His tail and coat look amazing, so good. I thought this summer was a touch time and he looked ouchy and stiff many days. Hes better now!  Hope to keep it going all winter into 2020
Hes been so good, I just love him so much.
Even that I didnt take his picture it just doesnt matter hes looking so healthy fat and happy. Hes an older horse but he looks like a million bucks. We will keep working out each week with Krystyn all winter and then I hope to be able to do some riding in arena and then the fileld.
today Ill be going to get the alpacas with the barn ladies and with Liv.

She said no payment, meet at 1030 her house, Im meeting over at the barn at 1010 so Im leaving here at 930, so very exciting <3
Ill do a couple of chores and head out.
Heres some pictures from Sunday after we came back from the alpacas Kristie and Johnny