Spring Fever

Hello all who still bother to come and read this neglected blog! I have allowed many things to come between me and maintaining this blog, and for that I apologize. I have been nothing but busy for the past several months, but the most important thing is that I am here today to update you all!
All of the ponies are doing swell. They are all shaping up nicely, shedding their winter coat, and putting some muscle back on from the exercise they have been getting.
I have begun giving riding lessons, and Woody has been deemed the residential lesson pony. He is taking his new job in stride and helping two women, so far, better understand and communicate with stubborn, hard headed ponies like himself. He's been a doll for these ladies though, and they've really enjoyed their weekly lessons. On top of being a school pony, Woody has been learning more and more about collection and using his body properly whilst being ridden. More to come on that later.

Charlotte is back in work and being ridden at least once a week by my mom. She's been being ridden for the past two months, and so far, there is absolutely no sign of her lameness. At this time, Mom is planning on taking her to the Harry Whitney clinic at the end of the month. Fingers crossed she stays sound!
Teddy has turned into a little work pony as well! Last month I was working with him quite often with getting him used to a saddle, bridle, and bit. That's right. My little Teddy is turning into a riding pony. He is a large sized mini, and I'd love to be able to give lessons to some kids around here on him. It is a slow process, but so far he has accepted everything quite well, and even allowed my brother to sit on him while I lead  them around. We still have a lot of work to do, but this little one has a promising future.
And last, but most certainly not least, is my girl Stormy. Stormy has continued to settle in quite nicely, and is really finding her stride on our farm. I've been riding her a great deal, and though there are still some things I need help on, we have been able to chip away at a lot of her issues under saddle. She is now able to take a 2'6" jump calmly without rushing and galloping afterwards, and she picks up upward transitions easily and calmly now. We have done a lot of trail riding with Mom on both Woody and Charlotte, and she LOVES when I take her galloping in our hay field. All in all, she is making huge changes in her mentality and work ethic. She is simply an amazing horse.

Now that I have filled you in on all the equines featured on this blog, I'll let you know what's going on in my own life!

I have recently made some big decisions regarding the direction of my life, and I am VERY pleased to inform all interested that I am going to be an incoming freshman in the fall of 2011 at Bridgewater College. I had my heart set on VT once I was accepted, but after visiting Bridgewater as a formality... I changed my mind. Bridgewater College is located in the small town of Bridgwater, VA, right next to Harrisonburg. There is a total of 1700 students, and the campus is small, intimate, friendly, and VERY horse focused. They have a beautiful barn and facilities, and they also offer a large minor in Equine Studies. I am going to be a business administration major with a minor in equine studies. I also am going to take two lessons a week at the Bridgewater barn, however I will be leaving Miss Stormy at home for now.

Because of her condition, it is recommended she have maximum pasture turnout, with very little stall confinement. At the BC barn, stall time is required, and the boarding fee is outrageous anyways. Until we can find a better situation, Stormy will be staying home to take it easy with her friends, and I will be coming in on the weekends to give lessons and ride her.
I am very excited for what this fall has to offer, and I am really pleased and content with the decision I have made.

Up Next : Notes from a JP Giacomini Clinic and more details about the Harry Whitney clinic coming soon!