Trails were lovely today and the sun was shining. Our trail buddy was very tolerant of trotting up his butt, as I had little control with my phone in hand. I was lucky to not drop my gloves or phone in my filming sequences.
Riding is down ⬇️ Dog training is ⬆️. Our little bichon puppy is now 10 months old and is a confirmed lap dog, but also a certified trick dog, and novice in scent tracking, agility (no jumping), and has started swimming lessons. We have definitely double downed on lessons and training at home. As a result, its been harder to fit in the riding and the worsened commute to the barn (now 2.5/3hrs round trip) as a result of road construction. But when I show up, Q is happy to provide kisses and look for carrots. He has been a good egg in my 1-2x a week habit. Big changes have happened at the barn where resident trainer was kicked out and we went to a coop style management, with double the turnout. Everyone seems happier. What hasn’t changed is how Q continues to be my greatest muse. He makes me giggle and happy cry almost every ride (when solo). There is just an incredible emotional resonance with this horse. Such joy. The gross hot weather of the summer now seems to be over, and Im hopeful...
Shortly after my last post we picked up the newest member of our family, a 9 week old female Bichon Havanese. The last 6 weeks have been a whirlwind of potty training, chewing, accidents, and incredible joy. Oh, and sleepless nights. Riding has been on the backburner, but trails have been bad with all ice and no snow. So I haven’t missed much. The few times I tried to ride, Q made it clear that he expects more attention if I want him to behave. So Ive been trying (somewhat unsuccessfully) to string together 3 days in a row of lunging, training, riding … but sometimes with our poor sleeping schedule I just dont have the energy for the 2 hour drive plus barn stuff. So I nap. And puppy naps too. I just found out recently she needs 20 hours a day of naps. Otherwise she gets cranky. 😂
One of those kind of trips where you don't actually go anywhere, but your mindset shifts and you feel the whole planet twist under your feet. A puppy. What a trip! Puppy is about to turn 5 months, and has been in our lives for almost 3 months now. We have mostly conquered potty training, crate training and the basics of obedience. Puppy has also conquered us, as she has transformed our cold icy hearts into piles of mush at the slightest whimper. We had a brief medical emergency this week when we discovered blood in her stools. Off to the vet to find out that there is a big difference in bright red (goodish, ie intestinal inflammation) and dark red (scary, ie internal bleeding) blood in the stools. We did a quick diet correction and within 24 hours we had a great reversal in her condition. We have been exploring lots of different training avenues on top of basic obedience, including agility for puppies, tricks, and soon scent training. I have big plans to have her certified as a the...
I was bribed to come for a weekend in Calgary with a promise to go to Spruce Meadows. Always one to jump for a new adventure, we quickly secured our plans and booked our trip. But I had another special plan while my husband hung out with his childhood buddies ... and it involved horses. About 30 minutes from Spruce Meadows is the beginning of Kananaskis, and the Moose Mountain. I booked a dayride at a local outfitter and got the homerun: great weather, solo ride with an awesome guide, and a good horse (Noah). The trail conditions were SO SO different from what Im used to in my cushy bridle paths back home. Here it was up, down, over trees, mud, aspen forests, amazing lookouts. It was wild and beautiful without a hint of development or urban sprawl. The ranch is on 380 acres of their own property and the horses are out 12-16 hours a day on huge meadows to hang out and play around. They live in a big herd of 40+ horses. My sweet steed Noah was quiet and responsive, never trying ...
It was not the plan. I was supposed to go on a trail alone to get to section 1 and capture some media of our long sandy galloping tracks through the forest. It was a beautiful day with warm sunny weather and a gentle breeze. The bugs were out, but with my ultrashield fly spray and bonnet, Q and I were well covered. Our fearless leader asked if I wanted to tag along on a small group ride in the afternoon. A group of ladies I knew well and had great respect for their riding abilities. A group I could have fun with, go fast, and not have a single worry. I thanked her but declined, saying I was planning on a longer trail further out. As it was my first day of vacation, I was slow to get ready and just enjoying the slow roll. I took my time grooming Q, while he parked himself in the aisle "naked". Can you believe he is actually better behaved without restraints? Otherwise, he can get fidgety and paw. Finally I decided to join the group, postponing my solo adventure to ano...
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