Colours in my life

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Lobster extravaganza

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We have been in Connecticut for four days and in that time I have eaten three whole lobsters plus oysters, clams and smoked salmon. We have had them steamed and roasted over an open pit fire. Our favorite place by far is Abbotts in the Rough. This BYOB gem is on the waterfront where we watch the sailboats go by as the sun sets. We have also logged some serious beach time in two different parks. On our comfy camp chairs, covered in SP50 and nozone shirts, with our cooler packed with ice, beer, cidre, and fresh cherries. The water was a bit chilly (but the Long Island Sound shallower waters makes it warmer than Maine or even New Jersey) but a blessing on these hot sunny days. A few more days here, with more lobster, oysters and beachtime in store. Then its up to Vermont for more of the same on Lake Champlain. Then its back to work and more horse adventures.
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Life is upside down

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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. 😂 
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My muse

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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...
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Goldilocks and Bits

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My quest for a good enough bit is still ongoing. I had a great d-ring copper thin snaffle that worked great for 3 years from our early saddle starts to our summer trails of 2019. But then I noticed lip rubs this summer and realized that Q had outgrown his bit. I switched to a hackamore while his lips healed, and then I borrowed BOs eggbutt stainless steel snaffle in a slightly bigger style. Q was ok with it, but he had become quite mouthy, often fussing with it. My guess is that his small sensitive mouth does not handle this thickish snaffle very well. So then I borrowed a myler comfort snaffle. It was ok on trail, and ok in the arena. But he was still fussing when the contact started. And more importantly he stopped wanting to take the bit when I bridled him. Which was outrageous because Q has now learned how to bridle himself and will usually grab the bit on his own. Now, he was spitting it out. I took it as a sign. So we tried a smaller copper snaffle and Q liked th...
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What a ride!

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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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