What we've been up to....

So, these picutres of my boy - our oldest Curly gelding - were taken two weekends ago when I decided it was a good idea to ride and train all my horses. I get so caught up with riding Traveler and keeping him in training for competitions, that some of the younger horses are a little neglected. With great aspirations I saddled up and rode for 7 hours on Saturday switching horses and helping my kids ride, ground driving, jumping etc. Let me tell you, I could NOT get out of bed on Sunday morning. Ooops - what was I thinking. Thankfully, theses picures don't reflect the level of exhaustion I felt later on in the day.

I have been working with this gelding (Khatmoondhu) on and off all summer. I am proud to say that I broke him to ride, myself, and he is an absolute great horse. He's fun, starting to be more responsive and not flighty at all. We worked over trot poles and did a little cross-rail and he took it all in stride. What a good boy. He has started in having official lessons with our dressage instructor and I am really looking forward to seeing what he will be able to accomplish.

In the picture below you can tell we are working on our headset. He doesn't quite know where I want him to hold his head - (really, just not straight out and up like a giraffe.)

Seeing how far I have come with Traveler, their dad, I am really excited to discover what his sons are capable of achieving. Traveler only started his training when he was 8 - and it was a bit of a steep learning curve for him and me - to start a horse at a young age, from the ground up, is a really exciting prospect.

And now I have to update you all on my big boy, Traveler. I actually get emotional when I think about what we were able to do this last weekend. I started my 2-day intense training sessions, again, to work on dressage and jumping with a world class eventing trainer. At the end of the second day we were completing some really technical, tight jumping patterns that required Traveler to jump a 3'6" oxer, canter three strides, and almost turn on his hunches to hit another fence 6 strides away at a canter. And then keep going, doing the same thing for about 8 fences.

Doing this really tight and precise canter work is really hard for Traveler (and me), but he is coming along.

I guess the emotional part comes when you ask your horse to do some really hard work and they respond and give it all they have and you have this amazing connection which is almost telepathic - it's only taken us 4 years to get it.

The really neat part - because in Eventing Traveler is an absolute anomaly - he's short (compared to their horses), he's a Curly (and noboby knows what kind of horse that is) and he's a stallion - is that Traveler is really proving himself, and the Curly breed. Where before we might have been "dismissed" - he is getting noticed.

Some of the really advanced riders came in during our riding session and I overhead them talking to the instructor - one said,"is that little horse jumping those jumps?" And the instructor told them to watch because Traveler can jump like nobody's business. And so we proceeded to do our "round" with this critical audience and they were taken aback at the end - because, yes indeed, this "little" horse can jump. Like a powerhouse.

At the end of the lesson the instructor told me that when Traveler and I can really get our canter work down - we are going to be jumping huge!

I am so proud of Traveler - this has been (and will continually be) a long work in progress, but every now and then it's really nice to get some great feedback from some really good riders. (It kinda evens out those times you leave the lesson in tears of frustration.)

Back to AhD

Sweet November.
During the last month or so, due to lack of confidence (wussyness) on my part and high reactivity and energy (brattyness) on AhD's part, we have not made good partners. But, today, I am proud to say that we are back in the groove.

Nights after work during the week, I had little ground work sessions with AhD, to remind BOTH of us just who was the boss in this relationship. To start today off on the right foot, I harnessed AhD up and ground drove him on a tote road. I was thinking of Donna and Linus.

I attached the reins to his webbed halter. When we hit speed bumps of misbehavior, I just folded the reins over his back and led him, practicing frequent whoas and backups. Since AhD was not wearing a bit, I was quite pleased at how this worked for us. I was exhausted and roasting in my fleece and heavy boots by the time we got back to the barn. AhD had a tiny bit of the edge taken off.
We posed for Sept mini-contest pictures, but I'm not wearing my SWEET new fleece jacket because I needed to stay with the red/orange theme for the woods.
We hit the trail.
AhD was high energy and very forward, but controllable. We zoomed here and there, with two of my dogs at our heels. Fake spooks or full-alert looks into the woods earned AhD tight circles. We did less circling than I expected.
When I saw this patch of beech, I thought of my friend and fellow RACer Betsy.
We went up and down a lot of hills in our area. Halfway down one very steep hill, AhD gave a little toss of his head and flicked his ears. Small signs, but right away I sensed that I need to give him something else to think about, and I urged him on with my voice and criss-crossed him sharply across the steep path. Whew! At the bottom of the hill after another head toss, I dismounted and we did some ground work to remind him that, hellloooo, I was not taking any of his sass today.
We walked quite a ways down this stream and let the dogs enjoy. On the way back, coming down off of a hill, I could tell that AhD was planning to jump the stream instead of walk through it like a good trail horse. I picked my battles today, and decided this was not the one. I thought, "I'm up for a jump!" and we SAILED across. I held him in check on the other side, turned him back around and made him stand to take this picture of the spot where he jumped the stream.
We had to bushwhack to bypass this fallen tree. AhD was a trooper! He is so good at that. I got a sapling whipped across my face and another across my neck, but the sting didn't last too long, especially when I remembered that I had to stop AhD a couple of times, back him up, and place him between trees to maneuver our way through that maze. I was on cloud nine at the way he so willingly listened to my every cue.

I was really happy with our ride today. Because I took charge and did not let him intimidate me, I got to enjoy the Maine woods on the back of my forward, willing, exciting mount. I think AhD was happy as well, because not only did he get out and about, but he was rewarded with some sweet lawn grass to boot.

Fall Rides, RAC 2011 just up ahead!

This week I have been preparing for the upcoming RAC 2011 competition...brainstorming on the new logo, new ideas and getting new forms, details prepared. Stay tuned as I will be posting the details by December 1st!

In doing that, I pondered the activities of this year and thought I'd post a little something. What an incredible year it has been. No fancy shows, expos, fairs, parades or endurance for us this year. No agenda except to pleasure trail ride, build new friendships and to reconnect with Reese in a brand new way.


I have had the pleasure of riding every weekend since Mid September with a wonderful, adventurous and caring group of women. Typically there are about 12-14 of us each ride. All levels of ability, every breed of horse.


With Reese's winter curls coming in more and more each ride, I have had the chance to talk more about the breed to those that ask. It's so cute because last week a friend said..."Watching Reese's curls appear is like watching the grass turn green in the spring." AND, really exciting news is that one of the gals I've been riding with, just bought a curly! He is an 8 year old straight curly gelding named Tygs. It's going to be really fun to have another curly in the area and due to knowing his bloodlines, it will be a hoot to watch his training progress as well.

This fall, my confidence has grown beyond my wildest dreams and Reese has responded beautifully to the new switch from english/endurance to western. Yes, it's true! ...we are now western riders and I have to say I never plan to go back. =] I think Harold will be glad to hear that! =] I bought a treeless Bob Marshall with a Kuda Correction pad and found the combination unmatched to anything I have ridden in before. Reese is SO happy and relaxed, even on our big huge 4-6 hour rides. I also switched to an "O" ring snaffle and Reese is much more responsive and light. Of course, my improved cues might have something to do with that too. =] I think after years of experimenting with many disciplines & tack over the last 6 years, we have finally landed into OUR "equine" niche! I think Reese is relieved! Lol. It's clear we have found what we are both born to do because of how happy we both are! Our plan next year is to do more camping, tons of group rides and maybe a parade or two; as well as build more and more friendships along the way.

Our rides have been a blast because we are always looking for new challenges on the trail. Bridges, Lakes with rolling white caps, rushing creeks with monster rocks, steep cliffs, bogging muddy crossings, roads, dirt bikes, 4 wheelers, sand dunes, bushwacking and much more. We also packed a lunch many times and just enjoyed conversation and the smell of the fall season.

As I close, I have to say Thank you to all those that encouraged me this season....many of whom are RACers. (you know who you are! =]) I am also so thankful for answered prayer and a renewed joy in riding and in training Reese. God has so perfectly fit all the missing puzzle pieces together in my life in a way only God can do.

p.s. Not only did God connect me with amazing women to ride with who share the common love for the trail BUT they also LOVE to take pictures as much as I do! I couldn't believe it! So thanks goes to them for the above photos. =] Note the last photo...two of the three women have cameras in their hands! Such a hoot!

Pure Pleasure

As Lynn mentioned in her blog post; Eastern Ontario has had some absolutely fantastic weather recently. It's about time too!! As you can see from the pictures, there is still a fair bit of mud around. Linus WAS clean prior to me taking the above picture. Dad passes the chain harrows up and down the laneway with the 4wheeler to keep it smooth and dry and when he does this Linus races all over the place!! I know its not the best picture of Linus, but it really shows his growth and he is gorgeous so it doesn't matter! lol

I ran up and down the fence a bit with Linus bucking and kicking and running around some more. Its a really great way to get the "P & V" out of him before I work with him. I took him out when he had settled and tied him to the stock trailer to groom him. He was much more settled than I thought he was going to be. He danced a little bit when I put the harness on his back but was quick to settle and have it adjusted. It has been too long since I have ground-driven him up the road, so to be fair to the both of us I decided to not keep my expectations too high and be prepared to offer lots of reminders. The clucking and whoaing that I use when teaching to lunge and when we go for walks is really paying off and his response times are getting so fast. We first went up the road to the near corner and then had a really good turn around. He wasn't too keen on heading back towards home already but the side road is freshly graveled (more like small rocks!) and its hard for both of us to walk on. So, whenever I needed to I lead him and whenever he was ready to I drove him. There is a new family on the road and new dogs too. So there were a few new things for him to see but he handled it all really well. I find him lately to be in a very vulnerable stage. Like he is always asking me if he is doing the right thing. I can see it coming and try to reassure him before his pace slows or he thinks about shying. It really seems to help keep him confident. SO important in a young horse. We were met and passed by trucks pulling trailers to the dump, a very old and noisy tractor and a first was a car with quite loud music sporting hockey flags from the rear passenger windows. I don't think Linus even noticed them!!

We had an extremely pleasurable outing on an incredibly nice day. Lets hope the weather hold and we can keep getting out there!!

Fall Riding




Lynn & Samurai. 
At 16'3 HH Samurai is amongst the very largest of Curlies.


All winter preparations are now complete and now it's time to wait for snow.  We've had the nicest week weather-wise and it looks like the warm temperatures and sunshine will last until Monday.  For the first time all year (hmmm - probably in the last 2 years, come to think of it) I've managed to ride 4 out of the last 7 days and am loving every second of it.  I have to be careful as the horses are well on their way to growing their winter coats and could easily over heat in this weather but otherwise it's been a complete pleasure to be out there with them again.
We were fortunate to have Trish from Yanagi Stables spend a couple of days with us this week.  It's always nice to have someone to push me a little further than I am inclined to push myself.

Some great news on the horizon.  Donna (of Linus fame!) and her family will be visiting at the end of the month.  It's been too long since we've seen each other.  I am hoping Donna and Stu will get some riding time in while they are with us.  Of course Owen will partake - he's always up for a ride and ANY horse will do.  The next bit of good news is the farmer who leases 24 acres from us has agreed not to till the soil this year so that area of the property will be prime for riding on.  It's the first time since we've lived here that this field will be fully accessible to us.

Last note before I head out - thank you to everyone who posts on this blog.  I enjoy reading about the adventures and the great work being done to promote the Curly horse.

Kendahl's Birthday party and Rowan

Well this past weekend, Kendhal had a couple little gals over for her birthday. Saturday she took the girls out and caught up Rowan. They groomed her and then Kendahl proceeded to teach one of them how to lead a horse, was too cute. She then put the bareback pad on and gave them some rides, after that we bridled her and she rode her around a bt, had to do it all in the driveway as we have had tons of rain, you will see how wet Rowan is. So our ridding area is way too muddy. anyhow wanted to share Kendahl's fun weekend and how much a hit Rowan was...

Curly BLM Mustang,Sparky, is on the Photo of the Month - My Horse University

Hello Curly Friends,

Our Curly BLM Mustang, colt stud, Sparky is on the photo of the month on My Horse University.

http://myhorseuniversity.com/resources/etips/November_2010

This is a great newsletter and they offer on-line classes for horse owners. Check them out.

Angie and her Golden Curlies

RAC Mini Challenge - Chester shows off his ribbon at the Barrel Race

Hello All,

Folks at the arenas here in Texas are use to seeing my Curly Stallion Chester at the barrel races. Now, that it's getting a bit chillier they really turn and look as he has the most beautiful waves. Last night they had to ask about the beautiful ribbon he was sporting and we were more than happy to tell them all about Ride-A-Curly and our adventures.

Join us in Texas where we "ride the waves" year round{:>

Angie and Chester

Big hugs and Congratulations to our fellow RAC winners

a Good Lesson

Its raining...again. There is so much mud that we cannot wait for things to freeze up and get a good cushion of snow. We did have a couple of very nice days this week. I took advantage of that, though for not as long as thought I would be......the excitement in Linus on the weekend when I took him out really enforced for me that I have to play him out a little bit and help him expend some of that energy before we do much. I haven't tried lunging much since the May mini-challenge because I wasn't sure if I was a bad teacher or Linus didn't know what I wanted or both. So, Tuesday I went out with halter and carrot stick with the aim to teach him what I wanted no matter how long it took. I had the afternoon to do it if that's what it took. Within about 10 minutes Linus was trotting around me on the line. I didn't get it. Why all of a sudden did it click. I was being more assertive and projecting a stronger leader role so maybe that helped. But he is also older and more mature so maybe that played a role too. There was some bucking but I just took a strong step toward him and flicked the rope and kept him moving and he seemed to figure out that as long as he kept on the go things were calm. He stopped on whoa and turned to face me right away. I walked up to him and he dropped his head, licking and chewing. Then I swung the rope from the carrot stick all over his body just to make sure he was still ok with it. It was a really great session. I kept it short and then took him out to a pasture that we have moved the cows out of for the season. He had a good run then started going at what was left of the pasture. He should have new harness in a few weeks. I stumbled across a seriously well-priced website for horse tack. Its worth checking out. www.chicksaddlery.com

Watching Linus grow this past year has been pretty exciting. Hard to believe that by this time next year I will have at least sat on him, if not had a couple of short rides. I will soon have to take an "anniversary" picture since Linus has almost been home for a whole year. He has grown so much. Its truly been a blast!!!

From the Beeches to the Top of the world :)

Monday was a BRRRR kind of day -- we layered up for our ride on the first day of November.  I actually refer back to this as our Slow ride.... Keri and Teasel - normally excited to get out together - were definitely moving slowly and in the mood to stroll.  We started out down the paved road, swung left into the snowmobile trail headed for the ridge views. 

I think I snapped a very similar photo last year -- as we move from the forest out into sunlight.. here's a hint of the 'view from the top'.

Still in the shadows...

Looking out here, don't you feel as though you are, indeed, at the top of the world ?

And do I have to remind you that there are LOTS more photo's on the farm blog ?? because I just love clicking that shutter for a view :)  

We mosey along the ridge top soaking up the heat of the November sun admiring our world from one of the best places to be -- in the saddle atop our favorite mount !!

We trot down into the valley into the woods again... which way today ?






We climb back up where there is evidence of an old homestead -- with all new growth trees you and the stonewalls.. you can tell there were once fields.

I took this same photo last year... an old well blending right in with the scenery.  it's just too overgrown in here to do any exploration to find if there are any old cellar holes up here. Was there a hard working farm family nestled up here once ?

The forest trail leads back down into the valley again -- where we find another beautiful grove of beech.

  From here.. we trot down onto the back roads for home.  Just ambling along like two old Vermont cowgirls. While most times I do like a bit of 'quick' to my trip.. I was happy to stroll in this beauty and peacefulness with Keri and Teasel this fine first day of November.


Enjoy ~

Autumn riding with Sage and another Curly Mule update

Autumn is here! And, I have to say, it's my favorite time of year. Trail riding with no bug bites! What could be better? And gorgeous fall foliage all around as we trot down the road...I have certainly been enjoying the fall, in between nor'easters and other assorted Vermont weather of course.

Josie (our curly draft mule) is getting properly curly again! She came to use last March covered in curls but this time her coat is so shiny! It is wonderful to see her so healthy and happy out in the field.

Just had to share some pictures of her curls up close and personal. These are the waves on her butt. I figured everyone else would be curious to see mule curls. :)

And here's the best picture I have of the what I'm guessing are the biggest Curly ears on the continent. Any takers??

Curls on Jo's forehead. I am still having a lot of fun working with Josie, but wish I had more time for her. We played around with putting her blanket on last weekend and she did well until we got to the second surcingle. Then she had one hoof cocked and ready to go if I pushed her too much. So I didn't try to do up the second surcingle, just rubbed her flanks where she was feeling nervous and quit when she relaxed a bit. We're getting there with her, and the time and patience we've given her is starting to pay off. :)

This is from my most recent trail ride with Sage--it may be the last snowless ride of the year!

Sage on the autumn trail...

We got back when it was mostly dark. Darn these shorter days!!

Here's my wonderful trail steed in the field, hoping for hay pellets as I take his picture.

I'm not online much these days unless I'm making websites, but I did upload a bunch of pictures from our trail rides on Facebook, so feel free to friend me if you want to see more photos. Hope everyone else is having a terrific fall.

Brie