no stirrups, right?

Technically, I did No Stirrup November, since I didn't ride at all with a saddle. This will continue into January. 

Just sitting, and trying to keep her from eating grass. So she decided to try to eat the picnic table instead. 

I had another "reining" ride on Shyloh this weekend. She was spinning, spinning, spinning. The ride actually started out really well. Me and Terry on Reba walked out back and took a newly cleared path behind a mountain of dirt. Then we went off to the side of the property, where for some unknown reason there is a wagon that is stored in front of some empty stalls. Shy always gives this wagon the hairy eyeball and a wide berth. As if she were to walk close to it, it may just attach itself to her and she would have to pull it. 

We stopped to talk to some friends and this is were Shy got silly. She could see her "spot" and wanted to go there. I would turn her around and then around we would go again. Round and round, I was getting dizzy! And each circle brought us closer to her end point, where there was also a drop off of about a foot. So I got off, walked her back to our friends and got back on. Shy was fine with that for maybe 10 minutes, then she got bored and wanted to go back again. This time, it was a head tossing spin session. I was able to get her straightened out and still and not facing the coveted "spot". Then I hopped off and made her stand for a while. After a while, then we went to the spot. 

Incredibly smug look because she is happy to be at her spot.

Oh, and I made it through a scoot! And survived!

Chilling out on the pony while she eats

Ugh, her and that spot! But I do realize that it is my fault, it is where she gets tacked and untacked, gets fed, gets treats, gets groomed. And she can survey most of the comings and goings about the barn from that spot. But, being a pasture boarded horse, we do not have many options of places we can use, so it is just something I will have to fight Shy about. 

The day before, Beth came up from Ohio to visit. We went out to the barn and Beth got on Shy bareback and rode her for a minute in just her halter. Shy even trotted nicely for her! Of course, Shy decided she had to be extra silly all day, just because she can. It was a fun day.

Beth and Shy

And for a little belated Thanksgiving thanks, I am so thankful for Shyloh. She is just so much fun and has come so far. I can do things with her I never thought possible and she puts up with all of my craziness. I am also incredibly thankful for all my horse friends who have been there and encouraged me through some of our tougher times. I am also thankful for the support of blog land and those who continue to read (sparse at it may be now-a-days). It is reassuring to know there are others out there like me and the kind words and support have been amazing! Thank you!

happy thanksgiving survey

Cob Jockey had a survey on her blog. It looked like fun, so I joined in! 

Enjoy and have a Happy Thanksgiving! I know I have much to be thankful for . . . my husband, my family, my friends, my dogs, Shy, my job, my home, my fellow bloggers, and everyone who has helped me with Shy! Thank you so much!

Splurge or save:

1) saddle: save, I have no problem buying a nice, cheap, used saddle. As long as it fits me and Shy, we are good!
2) board: save. I don't mind paying for Shy's care, but I like to be able to work some off!
3) halter: I would love to splurge on a nice leather one, but I save on the regular ones.
4) bit:  Save, again, I don't mind buying used. And I don't want to splurge on something that might not work/fit. When I find the right one, a Mylar perhaps, I'll splurge.
5) bridle:  again, save. Shy is so hard to fit.
6) saddle pad: save.

7) trailer: save. But I won't sacrifice safety or quality for a little bit of money. I guess the moral of the story is that I am a saver! I don't mind used stuff. 

First thing that comes to mind: 
1) Haflinger: Shy of course!
2) Quarter Horse: Ryleigh
3) Thoroughbred: Racing
4) Warmblood: big, fancy dressage horse that I'll never own
5) Welsh Cob: Conner over at Cob Jockey

This or That:
1) english or western: Western
2) tall or short: short
3) trail ride or beach ride: both! But I really want to get out on the trails!
4) long mane or short mane: long
5) hunters or jumpers: Neither
7) outdoor arena or indoor arena: Outdoor
8) trot or canter: trot
9) canter or gallop: let me get the trot down first!
10) paddock boots, tall boots, or cowboy boots: cowboy boots
11) horse shoes or barefoot: barefoot
12) saddle or bareback: saddle, even though I don't have one now.

About you: 
1) How long have you been riding? Less than 2 years, I think. I'm a newbie.
2) Do you own or lease a horse? Own
3) Breed? Age? Height? Name? (if you don’t own or lease, you could talk about your lesson horse) Haflinger, 6, 13.3hh, Shyloh

4) Do you have any other pets? Two dogs, Cooper a golden retriever mix and Maggie a pit mix. And a bunny

5) If your horse was a person, what kind of voice would they have (you can use a celebrity for an example) Hmmm. . .I think Shy may have a lower voice, she makes low sounds.

6) Does your horse have a “color”? If so, what is it, and what do you have in that color? Shy is generally a navy blue horse, but for shows we are currently doing teal and purple.

7) Does your horse do any tricks? Yes! Shy can wave, smile, give me a kiss, honk a horn, take something from my pocket, and stand on a mark.

8) Have you ever dressed your horse up for Halloween?  Yes

Favorites: 
1) Breed? Haflinger!
2) Discipline? Driving and trail riding

3) Coat color? chestnut with a flaxen mane

4) Famous horse? Pippin, the Haflinger that won the Extreme Cowboy Race
5) Horse race/competition? I don't really watch any.
6) Brand of tack? None in particular
7) Thing to do with your horse?  Everything! Teaching tricks, learning to ride and drive.

gobble gobble

We have so much to be thankful for!

I am stuffed full of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, corn, bread, and sweet potatoes! 

I hope everyone had a great day!