Trail in Hand

I have been looking for some new activities to do with my little girl when, I came across a class that I was unfamiliar with. Our local fair will be holding a class known as "trail in hand". This class has a pattern of multiple obstacles such as walking over a bridge, opening a gate, stepping over logs, and more. I thought that Siren would enjoy the challenge of trying something new. So, I decided to set up a coarse in the arena to practice with yesterday. She loved it! She hopped over all of the poles I set up, backed through the tunnel I made and stepped over the bridge. She seemed to have a great time! I am so excited to practice a little more with her and compete! I have no idea how she will do, showing in the class, but I am just excited that she has a new mental challenge to keep her sharp and happy!

I can not believe how smart, calm, and willing Siren is. It amazes me! I love her so much!

Rain, Rain, Go away!

If any of you live near where I do, you would know that the weather lately has only been favored by the local ducks! It has rained for quite a while. So, I had all of my fun rain gear up at the barn when, Siren just needed to be protected from the rain. The result... adorable!

Sleepy Siren...

Siren and the other horses have been getting turned out over night for the past few nights. This is optimal time for them since there is no intense sun, bugs, or unpleasant heat to contend with. However, this makes for one sleepy baby in the morning when she is brought in! Today, I saw her laying down sleeping, so, naturally, I had to go and pet her while she was being so adorable! I sat down next to her and rubbed her neck. She loved that! Before I knew it, she had stretched out and was laying her head on my lap napping! It was too cute! The feeling I had was unexplainable! i just felt so loved. This is an experience that truly connects you with your horse. I cherish every day with this amazing girl.

 She apparently thinks she is a lap dog... Haha! I love this little cuddly cutie! She is growing up so fast.

                      

*Unfortunately, there was no other person present to help me take the photo, therefore, I had to (attempt) to take it myself... This was the best I could do to capture this adorable, memorable moment!

Saddle up and get ready for adulthood, Siren!

Just the other day, Siren experienced something new! She was saddled for the very first time! I brought up my old Wintec saddle, which is very light, for her first saddling experience. I decided that while working on this, I would keep her outside on just a lead line. This way, if she became uncomfortable, she would not be confined in a barn where, if she were to become wound up, she could hurt herself. I began by allowing her to get used to the saddle pad, which, I waved in the air and over dramatized the lifting and throwing of it up above her back, and laying it on her back. I also drug it over her back and got her used to it being all over. It was then time to place the saddle on. I prepared her by lifting it up onto the air as if I were going to set it on her, a few times. I was fairly surprised at how calmly and well-behaved she stood during the process. Including, while I tightened the girth, which came next. I had prepared Siren for weeks for this by wrapping my arms around her, imitating the girth. At first, she thought that I was weird for doing this, but, she got used to it and stood quietly. I put the cinch on slowly, and tightened it over a short period of time. I did not want to tighten it right away, that would not make for a happy Siren! She was so precious! She stood just like she has been doing this her whole life. I then walked her around with it on to get accustomed to the feel of it. Then I took her in the round pen to lunge her with it on. I expected her to go a little crazy with it on. On the contrary, she was very well-behaved and calm about the entire situation! I am so proud of my maturing little girl!

Relaxing and Learning in May!

The weather has been pretty good up here, and Siren has been spending most of her time playing with the herd of horses outside in the fields. I noticed that she enjoys hanging out with the other mares, more than the geldings. She loves to run around out there and munch on the grass. I think that it is absolutely adorable that, even though she has grass and friends there, she still comes to me when I call her name! She is just too cute! She is really starting to look just like the adult horses out in the pasture. 

Aside from relaxing with friends, Siren has also been learning! I have been ponying her off of my pony, Twister. I have taken her onto the trails like this, where she has encountered a creek and hills, and I have also just worked her in the arena like this. That is a good way for her to exercise without having to lunge all the time. Also, since my round pen is located in the indoor arena, I am able to put Siren in there, while others are riding in the indoor. This allows Siren to get used to commotion and chaos in the arenas while people are riding. The other day, some friends and I were in the indoor jumping. Siren stood in the round pen and watched all of us with curiosity. This will help for when I work her and eventually ride her in the rings with other horses and riders. 

A leap into spring....literally!

It's spring! Even though the weather still feels a bit like winter. The outdoor arena was very busy last night! With all of the commotion and horses running in the pasture as well, Siren was a bit hyper. Siren is typically so well behaved, until everyone has their eyes on her! Haha! I took her into the outdoor arena to lunge her. Siren was rearing and bucking and bolting. She was so spazzy! I have never seen her like that! It was actually very cute and funny. She was never out of control, just very full of herself. It did not take long to settle her down, and she was soon lunging like a pro! Silly Siren...

Happy Mother's Day!

This is a picture of the adorable baby Siren with her gorgeous mother. Siren and I would like to wish all of the terrific mothers, especially ours, a wonderful day!

Our Second Show!

Siren attended out second show today, on mother's day. I could not have asked for a better yearling! My little Siren was amazing! She was a little bit nervous when we first arrived at the show, but quickly settled in. We entered in two halter classes. Siren was so well behaved! She walked and trotted with me perfectly, just as we practiced at home. She stood so still while in line up. She perked her ears and showed the judge her cuteness! Who can resist her cuteness? Not the judge! Siren took first in both of her halter classes today! Siren and I were elated! Siren was so excited about her shiny trophies! She sure deserves first place in my heart as well. I am so honored to be apart of her life as she develops into such an outstanding horse!