Beauty & Carmen

[Carmen]

Thought I would keep or try to keep a log here as I can type faster than I can write. Anways Beauty came home just 4 days ago. We have been walking around the farm and the neighborhood getting used to things. After being in the same home for 12 years I think i would be a bit nervous going somewhere else so she probably is too.
Today I decided and I think she was feeling pretty settled too that we should go on a wee bit of a hack. So we tacked up as well as my 9 yr old daughter and her horse and we rode down the road to the big indoor arena. I probably needed somewhat of a confined/secure environment evan though Beauty is used to wide open spaces.
We had a most excellant time doing some walking and trotting. She's a little overweight and so am I. So we are embarking on getting in shape together. She'2 had 2 babies I've had 6 so we both have some toning to do in various places.(LOL)
She was marvelous and handled herself with such grace. I was a little nervous as it's been a while since I've been in the saddle.

Anways, I think we're off to a great start.
Carmen

[Carmen]

A quick stop here after doing the dishes and getting the house in order. Another succesful outing with Beauty and I as well as Bobbie and Charlie.
Did lots of walking and minimal trotting as I was trying out a saddle. Very much like the saddle but in love with the horse. She was very good and I realized how much more she knows about what we are doing than I. As well as how forgiving she is when I am unsure.
It's something amazing to be a mother of 6 and having my nine year old daughter giving tips on how to ride correctly.
She's is still a little nervous with different things. But read a good articlehere about how to help horses overcome their fears. Most helpful and filled with some good food for thought.
C

[Carmen]

Another pleasant ride. I am sure there are *moments* to come. Today went for a hack in our fields and it was great. Hopefully gonna start lessons soon and that should be a good improvement for me in order to communicate more effectively.

Let down and let my daughter ride her for me last evening as *someone* had left the feed gate open and beauty ate more that her share of beat pulp for the week. Nothing came of it and she is fine but wanted her to get out and get some exercise.

Off to do the mother thing.

[Carmen]

WoW. I got more rides in than I have in a long time. Rode for about 1/2 hour today while my daughter gave a lesson to my niece. Beauty was great. She doesn't like having fly spray put on her back legs and doesn't like to be hosed in the back legs either. Something to work on.
Gave my 4 year old a lead around on her and all Dyanna can say is "mom can I canter" she has no idea what that really is yet but she'll loon soon enough.

[Carmen]

Still smiling. Went over tonight rode in the barn. Another good evening. I am amazed at how well trained this little mare of mine is. I let my 9 yr old ride around on her and she was such a good girl. Coming home while it was dark ashley's horse(6) spooked cause of some horse running up and down the field Beauty was cool as a cucumber as they say.

Another succesfull outing. Working at gaining trust and bonding. She seems to be settling in right at home.

[Carmen]

Few weeks rolled into one.
I'm still smiling. My precious Beauty is something special.
have had longing lessons and gaining lots of experience.
We are lessoning once a week.
Today worked on half halt. Forward movement. Walk to trot transition.
We are making excellant progress and really bonding.
The kids also love her. yesterday ash rode her bareback and did walk/trot/canter.
i have lots to learn and work on but one day at a time. Each week seeing more progress.
In Dec. or jan. we will do a novice class at a local schooling show. What Fun.

[Carmen]

This time is a few weeks rolled into one.
Beauty and I continue to lesson once a week and we are really coming together.
Today was the first time that I have noticed how much the hard work was paying off. She has really calmed down and the respect is working both ways. No longer does she try to push me around with her big head. She is a QHX.
We also a couple of weeks ago went on a trail ride up in the mountains. She was extremely calm and well behaved.
She continues to know more than I but I am learning and the communication is becoming easier and easier. We are still working on walk/trot. The girls are bugging me to do my first show on her in jan. I am looking forward to it.
We don't get to ride as much as I like but a minimum of two days a week. Other than that I just take care of her and do the things that she needs done on a daily basis.

Carmen

[Carmen]

Beauty and I continue to grow. We have made some changes as far as the instruction we are receiving and I think it's going to be very positive.

She trailers well.

I am very happy she is mine and I look forward to many years ahead.
Carmen

[Carmen]

Man do the weeks fly by.

Beauty and I continue to lesson once a week. We are continuing to bond.

We are working on a few things. Transitions up and down.

Huge victory for me was to keep her going in a trot around the whole arena. I though she was outa shape it looks as though I need to do some muscle building my self.


We are putting in our own outdoor in the next couple of month which will make riding a little easier.

She continues to be smarter than I but I'm catching up.

I have decided her show name when I get that far will be Mystical Beauty. subject to change as I get to know her better.
C

[Carmen]

Finally a quick not to remind myself how we are doing.
Yesterday we hit the trails and rode for a couple of hours. Considering I hadn't ridden in almost 3 weeks she was great. Took her the first .5 mile to calm down and get in the grove. I think she was just happy to get out.
Tonight we had a lesson on our own. No other kids involved. Made huge progress as far as me understanding halts/half-halt and getting her moving off my legs/seat etc. We actually cantered a few strides and i am beginning to see my balance improving and gaining more confidence every time I ride. She continues to be the best horse I know. We are a great pair some day we are going to do a walk/trot show. My hubby and kids are gonna be my cheering section, what a day to plan for and work towards.
Attaching a pic of her and I on our trail ride yesterday.