My new job has now officially gone full time, so I'm now experiencing time constraints like I haven't in years. I'm so grateful for having had the opportunity to play intensively with Guinness from April to July. It has really allowed us to establish him as a useful riding horse!I've booked a standing date on Friday evenings in a friend's lighted arena for as long as the weather cooperates (end of November?). Early next spring, Guinness & I will probably sign up for more practice sessions in the indoor arena of our local riding stable. My goal is for us to be prepared to participate in Carol Coppinger's L3-4 camp in Bristol next May!
Lots has been happening over the past couple of months. The biggest one is that I coordinated our local fair's horseshow for the first time. It was a blast & a great way to expose local folks to applied Natural Horsemanship. I promise to blog more about it.
I've also discovered a wonderful tool called a "jumping hackamore." I purchased mine from Amazon. (See the photo at the top of this page.) Since I've never ridden Guinness in a bit, and ACTHA prohibits riding in a halter, this has been the perfect solution! It is even milder than riding in a rope halter (which hasn't been an issue for us), and provides instant release unlike my experience with bitless bridles.
Also, have you guy noticed what a great value the "Get Started" equipment kit is on the Parelli website? $60 for a stick, string, halter and 12' rope (Savvy Club price). My stuff is finally wearing out (8 years later) and I'm thinking of springing for one or two of these!Well, that is it for now. I'm planning to take Guinness on a little hike this afternoon, so I'd better get moving. We have signed-up for another ACTHA ride next Saturday! :-)
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