The barn has been super busy, horses coming and going, things getting done to make everything look spiffier, and of course the regular work schedule of everyone, including myself in between.
We most recently had two horses stop by for a long weekend, Bonnie and Diesel owned by Kate and Keith Beatty. They decided to come and enjoy and explore our seemingly never ending trails. They did a fair share of exploring but did not see it all, so hopefully we will get another visit from them soon.
Ryker (as seen on The Thoroughbred Chronicles) has also stopped by for a week of board/training in layover from Vermont to Alfred. He has certainly come extremely far in his training since the last time I sat on him back in May, and it was nice for the family to be reunited again!
Patch has been enjoying a break from his training with the hustle and bustle of everything else at the barn but will resume again this week. Not to get too into "training talk" here, but I do think that it is important for horses in training, especially babies to get a break to let what they have learned sink in and not become too stressed over the new routine. In Patch's case especially, he had not been handled in over a year so to move to a new farm and be tossed into a training program was probably very stressful, We got to the point of a quiet walk/trot/canter and it was just time for all of that to sink in. It will be back to the program this week. I will certainly keep you updated with that.
Jolie has been doing some lessons for me, which is super for her experience all around. From fresh beginners to adult amateurs, she is proving to be a fun and honest mount for all. She and I have been taking some lessons with a local Grand Prix rider, and she is progressing loads at the moment. She's jumping around a 3' course easily and is brave and honest and a TON of fun. On the topic of new lessons, we have also welcomed a handful of new lesson kids and two working students into our program, yay us!!!
Stevie is jumping on a consistent basis now too. I wish I could refer you to the Throughbred Chronicles site to read more on that, but I have been just as lax updating his page as well!!! IF you visit our facebook page there are numerous photos and videos there that chronicle our progress pretty well.
Oz is back to schooling some serious dressage and started jumping again this past weekend. I am not too serious with his program anymore, despite the fact he would like me to be. I am a little too careful about his work load considering his age, but he's game and ready so I really should not be over cautious and instead allow for him to dictate what he can and can't do (he knows better than me, but I am a nervous, frantic MOM about him, haha).
The barn is getting a new makeover as well. Our lounge is beginning to get cleaned out of polo stuff, and I have been asked to help with that task. Our arena has also gotten a makeover with freshly painted and brand new jump rails, and our roof is getting redone this week. WHEW! so much going on, but I think I have updated everything.
I have said it before, and I am sure I will say it again, I will try and be better about the updates!!!! You know, after I finish the sales prep on the yearlings and weanlings at work.......and barn chores are done :)