About this Blog

Meet my very 1st horse, Lazarus.
I couldn't wait for Santa anymore or ask one more time for a pony for my bday (after age 30 it got embarrassing). I took matters in my own hands and I finally decided to pick a pony that needed a new home. Laz found me as I contemplated with this idea. He was sweet yet very sassy, fresh off the track, Thoroughbred (OTTB).
Join us for our re-training, rehabbing from laminitis and testing all parts of mixed up horsemanship and partnership, and luck...

Sunday, December 12, 2010

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...

6 comments:

  1. Happy post - it is so nice to hear about Laz and you riding out around the property. I also love when someone looks into their own neighborhood and realizes how great it is. Hooray for you finding that you love where you live. Love the reflection in the bridle photo too!

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  2. Laz looks cute with his furry little hay belly, lol. You could have him do belly lifts to help build up those core muscles. The book/video "Activate Your Horse's Core" is great (and was created by peeps at...um, whatever Michigan university that Dr. Bowker works at!) I highly recommend it. :-)
    That Husky is adorable! Much thinner than my Sashi-girl, who is on a major diet now. Huskies are known to be escape artists, but I think Sasha stays put because she knows she has a good thing going here!

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  3. I so can't wait for spring and trail riding again. Ugh.

    Glad you and Laz are doing so well.

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  4. Hahaha, going after the youngins. That's a cool pic of your reflection in his bridle too. Got any hills around? That will help that belly!

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  5. Happy to hear that you had a great ride.How does Pat say: "Prior and proper preparation prevents p-poor performance." :-)

    Petra Christensen
    Parelli 2Star Junior Instructor
    Parelli Central

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  6. Jealous. I wish we had dog parks. :)

    Laz is such a good boy!!! It sounds like you had such a fantastic day with him. :) I think cavaletti are probably the best for building up the back. Hills would help the back and haunches. I'm glad he gets to go out with a herd soon. :)

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