Harnessing the Autumn Colors

Autumn has arrived here in Vermont. After several nights of frost, the sun came up strong and we have enjoyed several days of Indian Summer. ~ The same weather as Donna W. of Canada and Susan L. of Maine. This RAC blog surely connects us all in a much smaller, yet big world !

Here is the perfect autumn horse, with his deep red hue. This is my favorite 12.3 hand smooth coated pony gelding I call Ozzie.  You might remember him from being ground driven during the winter months.  He is back in harness after all those months off. He'll be turning 3 in the spring.

He remembers all his lessons from the past so far, So the re-introduction to his harness work went well.  Monday - we worked in the indoor and then out on the driveway, walked down the road where we met plenty of cars, trucks and trailers.

Ozzie is such a delight to work with - he's so responsive and smart.  Also - in my eyes - beautiful to look at while we are ground driving around.

Yesterday, Ozzie pulled a tire with his breast collar.  This turned out to be an easy affair with no reaction -- just a ho-hum, let's do it attitude.

We went down into the big ring, where there are many cones set up for practicing an intricate cones course pattern.  This was real work for Ozzie's brain as we tried some serpentines and pulling the tire through many of the "gates".  This training will also greatly benefit him when he is under saddle.


There's no fall foliage that can match his color and vibrance ! Just like harnessing up the pretty harvest leaf colors.

Here's a video of his trip down the driveway dragging the tire.

and here is the gorgeous guy down in the big ring concentrating on circles - it was a totally different feel down there with the long grass and in some spots- still squishy ground, causing a lot more drag and vibration in the tire behind him.

I am proud of my boy and excited to get him hitched. What a handsome driving pony he will make. He has a lot of genetic positives going for him --   with many fine horses in his pedigree... Nimue being the one that stands out the most, as she is his Aunt.  His sire is OYY Salvadore.

Salvadore is also back in driving training.  We started him in harness a few years back - but ended up putting him under saddle, at which he excelled, never getting back to the driving aspect of his schooling until now.



Tuesday, he pulled the evener - no tire yet.

For a little guy - at 12.2 hands - he's quite majestic.  Love his rippled coat which he keeps all summer.  Ozzie is the oldest of Salvadore's offspring so far.  I'm by myself for this - so not a lot of photo's -- when you are behind the horse, there are only so many options when it comes to the view !

One more of Ozzie - after we are all done. He has such a combination of his dad and mum, OYY Niobe,  (who you can see here if you are curious )  in his face.  Good looks and plenty of intelligence from both sides.  Stay tuned for our first hitch and trot down the road ! Since it's the start of hunting season I imagine we'll be on the road more often for a few weeks.

I must also not forget to mention - this spectacular fellow is for sale !



Ozzie (OYY Walkan Osier), Salvadore, and Betsy in Vermont ~