pictures for print

Tacked Duke up myself 69 degrees and hes looking great

Barn was too busy

New Treeless English for 2020

Raining out and I headed over after my morning chores.  I checked in with Krystyn to make  sure that we were still on for 2pm. When I got there Kristin An was in the office anacking eating nuts alone. The barn didnt look that clean. I was imagining that she had finished the barn work early and was taking a break.  The horses were in their stalls and I got my new saddle and brought it in, put the saddle stand up and started to put together everything. I put Duke into the arena to play a little bit before he was tacked. I looked around the tack room to gather my stuff up. I had brought some pads I had bought a couple of years ago from Vovo Stables was moving. I felt like I was getting ready to go English with this saddle treeless but totally english, called Endurance saddle. I prepared to get stuff ready and groomed him up. I was thinking of tacked him up but waited, I had arrived about 45 min before the lesson. I was and still am very excited about commiting to the new saddle, method and the new Duke. I wont deny that he may not be able to take me he might not be able to ride with me anymore. This is something I might need to face in the next few weeks/months.

The lesson was great, I had him run around first as i was doing chorses. I then took him into the cross ties and gave him the usual amazing spa treatments for his tail, main, head tuft and all of his coat.  Hes got the healthiest coat he makes me smile at how he carries hiself around. His attitude is so lively.  Krystyn came quickly I actually thought she came early. I know we are both excited about trying out the saddle to see if he is happy.  Well Krystyn and I tacked him together. I was not very familiar with the saddle or english. I asked Krystyn to look at us as New Saddle, New Rider.

She did good. Duke went out and was pretty happy with the saddle seemed comfortable. I let her get him going and get some energy going. Because hes been in that day he really enjoyed the attention. I after some of his workout I got on him. Just before Krystyn had worked with him at the mounting block to see if he can improve on his behavior at the block. After the workout Krystyn thought I should put some more weight on him on the saddle.  Short amount of time. She had spent time at the mounting block and she had placed her weight on him for a while to see if he responded at all.  It seemed to go well.  Then I got on him for a small sit. Krystyn thought that we should walk around the arena. I didnt put on his bridle or use the reins. Im not sure how I felt.

I am not very happy with how I feel yet on the saddle but I think I can work it out over some time, maybe all winter.

I got on and Krystyn and I took it easy walking around. 

Jan 2020 First Lesson of the year - Krystyn said best yet

Had a 1pm lesson set up with Krystyn, when I got the there they were loading a little brown horse onto a trailer I didnt recognize., it was the nice lady, I think Andrea she had switched her horses. Brought one in a small little light haired like a blond haired . Sweet little horse, 14 hands or maybe less. When I pulled into the driveway of Greenwood I noticed it wasnt really plowed at all the icy snow was everywhere and the path to get into the barn was very narrow. I backed out from the hay barn area and turned to park in the big puddle at the corner in the top of the driveway. I parked grabbed my stuff camera, apples small amount of snacks,
Well I saw that they might be really busy and its not looking good for time our lesson.  I went in and saw that they were only 1/2 way through the stalls.  I did Gaelens, Johnnys, Dukes and Lilys.
I got out the black saddle, brushed it ll cleaned the latigo strap, Ill need to get it all cleaned up.
Well when I got him all set up with the back albeta saddle he aljmost smiled. I had to tack him in the stall because Bonnie and Krystyn were cleaning up the stalls. George was in his stall again, he cant go out because its too slippery. I think its not fair he needs the shoes so he can enjoy life. He started to take down the wall of te stall and they had to replace it iwth boards as I was getting Duke all tacked up. The saddle was in rough shape and I had to try to get the stirrups fixed. I remenber when the stirrup just fell off when I was in the arena. Well I found the rest of the parts, stirup and the cobble strap. I had a heck of a time putting it back on and making sure it was afixed to the clasp.  Patti was there she is a verynice person. As I had the saddle holder with the saddle Duke was leaning out of the stall making funny sounds in my ear.
I noticed when I took him out of the paddock he was very sweet, completely inthralled with me. As I was closing the gate he usally pulls on the lead line and then pulls toward the ground to smell grass.  Instead this time his friends were watching me lovingly. I didnt have any snacks and Duke was walking with me in a very happy way. He attitude is very good lately. I brushed him out and did his tail with the anti fungus. I brushed him out more with the mud brush that I got at equine affaire. It was very nice, then I also brush his face he really likes that. Im going to get the brushes that . won from Gerdas Rescue in Nov. I love his face brush he loves it too. then I used the mohair brush and a toothy one for his tail.
Well we finally got into the arena, I think it took a while, to get him tacked properly. He looks good with the black saddle. Ill need to clean it and oil it well before the next ride this weekend. Maybe we will be all set with this saddle.  Duke seemed so much happier with this saddle. HOping its right.