sweet horse's breath

Had one of our best rides on Saturday.

Laz was a calm, super star. 

I started out with some Parelli games to see where his mind was. He was IN TUNE and wanting to listen. Good Boy!  The weather was a balmy 37 degrees so in my new WARM awesome coat, I decided to ride and enjoy the day.  We did some schooling of walking, trotting, stopping, leg aids, figure 8's, etc. Laz was such a good listener. Sometimes it freaks me out how in tuned he is and leaves little room for me to mess up.  He's very forgiving actually because I know I send mixed signals all the time. Sweet Bay.

Anyway, since our ride in the round pen was going so nice, I decided to test the water and walk around the property.  The last two times I hand walked him out there, he had some major meltdowns and we worked on our Parelli games to give him some confidence and focus.

Well, I'm happy to report we rode around the outside of arena, the front lawn, the road (no lame steps on gravel road!!!), the driveway, etc with NO SPOOKS. He was attentive but even kept his head low(ish) and sighed a lot and licked a lot. Brave boy! I was so proud.

These are the little things that can sometimes go missed, but 2 yrs ago, I couldn't even lunge this boy without him having a panic attack.  Big steps in the right direction of a happy horse!!!

I hope to go trail riding this spring and want him to enjoy it too!

Come spring, I'll have to start using a saddle again, lol.

 I made his Slurpee and boy is he quickly learning that after our ride, his grooming, when I open the grain room door to grab my pre soaked beet pulp...he is practically drooling!!! I had to remind him of some manners when he dove into the bucket while I was walking him back outside to eat it. 

 Not acceptable Laz ;)

NommmmNommmsMMmmmm

 Soon, Laz will be able to be part of a herd again.  The BO's are taking in a new boarder and her Senior Arab, so that means some re-shuffling will happen.  We hope Laz can go with the BO's herd of the geldings, which should work out fine since they play over the gate. 

It will also encourage Laz to keep moving over the winter and play again.  I know he'll love it.

Laz with his too young girlfriend, 2 yr old Ellie

Inappropriate!

 I'm also thinking I need to bring out the cavelletis and work off that belly and strengthen his back a bit.  He's starting to sag...any other suggestions for that? Rounding up too I know helps but it's still a bit hard for him to push off with his hind end.  In time. I just don't want his back to weaken

 And in dog news...Mason apparently is a Husky MAGNET

This is our behind our house neighbor's dog who is an escape artist.

 They played for about an hour when I decided to take her home being no one was out looking for her.  This is the 5th time we've returned her.  Kind of annoying.  If either of my dogs were missing, I would be hysterical that the town over would hear me.  

 For for those who live in Michigan, do you know we have some amazing dog parks?!

This one was SO great and only 10 minutes from my house and I just stumbled on it Friday afternoon while out for work.

 Of course, I had to pick up Mason after work and go check it out.

It was hysterical!  There were about 15 dogs and the park was HUGE

 What a great way to burn some energy off.  

Mason was the oldest dog there being 6-1/2, the others were all around 18 months so he had some energy to contend with but held his own.

Lately, I've been really appreciative of what Michigan has to offer.....it's actually A LOT!!!

Growing up in a North Shore suburb of Chicago, I took a lot for granted and moving to Michigan for College and life thereafter was an adjustment, but actually, there is more here than I realized.

And it's growing.  More culture (love that), great ethnic restaurants, shopping and outdoor activities.

And beautiful snow falls...