Current Banner Photo

Just a quick entry regarding the current banner photo. Belinda Mayberry, photographer extraordinaire, AKA  Pinky's Pics came out to Happy Camp (Holly's Land Stable) for a photo session. She took these three photos when Delgado and I were playing around.

Below are just a few of my favorite photos.  

I chose this one for my Facebook profile.

Glory and Peggy in the round pen.

Delgado and Peggy in the arena.

Glory and Peggy in the arena.

Lake Poway Ride

Last Sunday, Diane and I rode  to Lake Poway. This outing was challenging as we must ride past the Ramona Reservior, and down the steep road on the other side.The view below of the Romona Reservoir, was taken from a different vantage point on a previous ride. If you look closely, you can see the dirt road on the right of the water, leading to the dam at the far end.

 Distant photo of the Romona Reservoir

Diane and Telma on the way down from the Ramona Reservoir.

Telma is a fabulous Paso Fino with incredible horse sense and endurance. I love her and am grateful to her. She provided me with a life-changing experience back into the world of horses.  I leased her from Daniel in 2009.

Apparently, a few years ago, Telma had a bad fall on a paved road and injured her knees. That has led to her being very careful on the down hills. She goes slowly. However, unlike some horses I know, Telma conserves her energy and often shows impressive stamina on long and difficult rides.

Delgado and I heading down the far side of the Ramona Dam.

 We passed a few people walking but for the most part, we had the trails to ourselves. Delgado did really well on this excursion. I was concerned that he would over-extend himself as he sometimes does, by prancing and wearing himself out. I am happy to say he didn't do that this time. The last ride when we climbed up the Romona Dam, Delgado was so exhausted, I dismounted and walked him up this road.

Diane and I enjoyed the fabulous views as we headed down into the valley. You can see the ribbon of dirt road as it leads down to the Live Oak trees below that are part of the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve.  At that point we didn't know what wonderful surprise was ahead of us.

The oak trees provided a shady and most enjoyable route along the now, dry river bed. We rode along discussing how much further we should go. Diane had brought a couple of champagne splits to drink and we wanted to stop to enjoy them. We started up  the trail to Lake Poway. The sign said it was 1.2 miles. We were due back at the stable for a BBQ at 5 p.m. Diane wanted to "go a little way to see what was up there". We proceeded along and what should we find but the Wilderness Picnic Area! It has several picnic tables, permanent restrooms and horse tie-ups.

Diane and I put Telma and Delgado on either side of one of the tables and sat sipping our champagne. Telma nibbled on the little, Live Oak leaves that had fallen on the table top. I was surprised they would be appetizing but she seemed enjoy them. She likes to eat.

Del stood beside me and nuzzled me on occasion. He seemed happy just to stand there and rest. What a find! This picnic area is inaccessible by vehicle, so the only way to get there is either through the ecological reserve or to hike down from Lake Poway.

Added this image from Daley Ranch on a later date for testing.

Riding to Cordiano Winery

Riding to the Cordiano Winery - Primo Amore, by horse back is supreme equine therapy if you manage to get there when they are open and serving. The winery is on Highland Valley Road about a mile and a half from the stable. Of course, riding horses on Highland Valley is out of the question. Even crossing the highway is a concern as cars, trucks and motorcycles drive quite fast.  It is a narrow, winding road. In the past, the riding distance was shorter. It now takes a couple hours each way around John Peck's property.

Starvation Mountain from Eagles Crest Road

My first visit was with Daniel was on a test ride. The plan was to organize a group and return some day soon for wine and pizza. That was several months ago. Fast forward to Diane's arrival at the stable and then the interest grew to make the ride again. Diane is an experienced and enthusiastic connoisseur of wine. She has had much experience wine tasting in the past. Last month, on a Monday, we made the trip only to find the winery was closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. We were disappointed but determined to return soon. A week later we rode again on Delgado and Glory and were successful.

 On the way, we pass by, and look up at Starvation Mountain. It's elevation is 2,103 feet. There are fabulous views in every direction and while some of the ride is slow due to being on asphalt, we take it easy and enjoy the scenery.  On the initial ride with Daniel, we met Steve the geologist. His home is at a distance beyond Diane and Telma in the photo below.

Steve was very kind and told us that we could stop and water our horses at his barn. He has three of his own. One is a gaited mare of South American bloodlines. She is a real beauty.  Steve mentioned to Daniel and I that he was planning to leave the following Wednesday for Catalina with his horses. They were going to spend five days riding and camping on the island. I thought that sounded so fun. I hope to be able to do something like that in the future.

Steve's mare Mocha.

As we ride by Steve's property we enjoy a section of dirt road and then arrive at the top of another crest affording 180 degree views. Below is one photo that looks out towards where the Wild Animal Park is located on San Pasqual Road in Escondido.

Thunderheads at a distance over San Pasqual Valley.

This is a steep little downhill stretch of asphalt that leads us down in to the avocado groves. We ride carefully. Our horses are barefoot and for this type of riding its a good thing. Horses with shoes would be challenged to keep their footing on a road this steep.

Delgado and I follow Diane and Glory through an avocado grove.

Riding through the avocado groves is wonderful, especially on a hot day. The groves are shady and cool. You have to watch the occasional  branches hanging down on the path. When I rode with Daniel, who rides at a fast pace, I was hit on the head by an avocado. That was painful!

Past Glory's ears you can see Highland Vally Road as a horizontal line below the  horizon.

On the day we rode to the winery and found it open for business, we were able to tie up the horses. One of the owners brought Delgado and Glory alfalfa hay and water. The horses drew much attention from the visitors and owners alike. Diane and I sat just above the horses on a balcony overlooking the valley.

Delgado standing patiently.

Glory enjoying her alfalfa hay during our visit.

Diane toasts to our successful arrival.

The often strenuous, two hour ride is happily broken up by our time tasting wine and eating pizza. We met and enjoyed a conversation about horses with a couple at the next table.

Paso Peggy enjoying a glass.

It seems that on that occasion, our pizza was slow to arrive. Of course that meant that we ran out of wine and in the end, drank more than I would have considering I was riding Delgado. However, we had an uneventful ride home and arrived safely back at Holly's Land Stable in good condition.

Ride with Kris

Kris Nugent, my colleague and friend rode with me. After several days of triple digit temperatures, there was a tropical storm that brought us relief and an opportunity to ride. When I arrived at the ranch, Jennifer, our stable manager, discussed possible changes to the pasture that Del will be moved to. When more horses are added to our pastures, a shuffle can take place. If Delgado moves in with different horses how will he fair? Herds are comprised of horse pecking orders. There is the alpha, leader horse, and apparently, the rest of the herd order is dynamic but based upon dominance . The alpha horse is the one that makes all the others move (their feet). When Del and I are together, we are suppose to be a heard of two, and I am the Alpha horse. I am working on that one.

Back to preparation for our ride. Kris helped groom and get Glory saddled up. I showed her how I was training the horses to pick up their feet willingly. Del does it with gusto. I show him the hoof pick (he knows he will get a reward after) and his hoof just comes flying up towards me. When I first show him the hoof pick, he occasionally tries to eat it, until he gets with the program. Its sort of funny how enthusiastic his participation is. I move from his front to hind hooves, around his hind quarters, and then end at his nose again. The reward is usually a piece of carrot. It took about a week for him to get this one. When he wants to be Delgado is truly brilliant.

After we mounted, Kris and I headed for the trail to the grasslands. We must cross Highland Valley Road. Care must be taken not to begin crossing the highway when a fast car or motorcycle is close by. Across a dry river bed and up through avocado groves, the trail climbs quickly  to a plateau of chaparral. Kris handled Glory with confidence and ease.

Kris and Glory on the Romona Grasslands

We stopped up on the hill overlooking the Romona Grasslands. The thunderstorms seemed to skirt our path the entire trip and while we witnessed lightning at a distance, neither of us seemed concerned that it was anything more that a beautiful, natural display for our enjoyment. I suspect that we both find pleasure in the power and beauty of the natural landscape. I have not even mentioned that Kris is an accomplished, Plein Air painter.

From Delgado

The point on the grasslands where we stopped was a favorite of mine, the vernal lake.  I have been there many times and it is always a welcomed sight. The water holds reflections of Live Oak trees, cattle,  clouds and ourselves if we have enough skill to get our horses in the water or at least near the edge. Note: Delgado is not even close to being comfortable at a distance. There is always water in this vernal lake even though its size varies with the season. We stand in the shade, at a distance, and watch the activity  a body of water in an otherwise arid landscape attracts. Cattle and  water birds are common sights.

On our way back home, Kris seemed to be enjoying the smooth speed in Glory's gaits. She even cantered with me, an unexpected but enjoyable event. Kris and Glory took it all in stride.

Kris and Glory

After we returned we washed off the trail seat and dirt and gave the horses treats. Del will drink water from a hose in my hand. It is so endearing. All and all, it was a great ride and a great day. Thanks Kris.

Del drinking water from my hand.

Delgado and the Water Crossing: Part Two, Three, and Four

This is a recount of the second, third and fourth time Delgado made it across this water crossing which is really just a wet spot in the road.

The infamous water crossing.

Part Two:
My friend, Diane, rode with me on Telma and I rode Delgado to practice the water crossing. It must be passed on the way around Peck's property to access all other trails to the west of the stable. I took Del's lead rope and halter along after doing some research on how to help Del get over his fear. I tried riding across but Delgado refused to step near it. We tried with the lead rope with me on the ground. I sent him back and forth in what they call the falling leaf pattern but he would only go so close. After some time, doing approach and retreat, a man on a tractor from the property up above us offered his help. He had been watching us with some interest. He first suggested using a nearby hose behind Del. That didn't sound very safe to me. Del can kick and is very sensitive when it comes to ropes and things touching his hind legs. (Another challenge we need to work on : ) Then the man suggested he use his tractor and push dirt over the area. Well, at that point, I was ready to move on. I was tired, sweating and we had only come a very short distance on what would be a long and taxing ride. About half way to the Winery, we rode through one of my favorite areas where there is a shady avocado grove. The leaves rustled as we rode down the cool path. Every so often we had to duck low, hanging branches.

Avocado grove with Diane ahead.

We made it to the winery, but unfortunately it was closed! We were disappointed to say the least. Turning around, we retraced our path. About a quarter mile from the avocado grove, Delgado stopped and would not go forward. He was obviously tired. Delgado is such a prancer that he tends to wear himself out.  I decided to get off and walk him for a while as Diane needed to return to the stable. I walked beside Del as we climbed up through the groves and out into the sunlight. There was one more, very steep section of asphalt further on,  so I stayed on the ground and continued to climb. What a workout! Out of breath, I mounted up and we headed downward toward the geologist's house where there was water for the horses.  The remainder of the ride was uneventful, except at the very last hill near the stable. That darn Delgado got his second wind and nearly tossed me when his legs tangled with a branch in the path.  He bucked on the downhill! What a horse.

 Part Three:

The water crossing was wet again.  This has become our main obstacle (I say this has become in the present tense because we are still having issues crossing). Diane went with me again to practice.  It is on the way to all trails west of the stable. My memory is a bit confused on the details of this water crossing however, I do remember that after some effort, I gave the end of the lead rope to Diane. She was mounted and on the other side of the water. Diane pulled on Del's lead while I pushed in the saddle. We managed to get Delgado to cross. We thought we had the answer....

Part Four: 

Diane and I planned another attempt to ride to the winery. This time Diane rode Glory and I rode Del. Glory went right over the water. What a good girl! I had done some preparation for this water crossing on Del. In the arena, I dug out an area and lined it with black plastic. After successfully getting Del over it, I put water in the shallow depression. It did take a while but he finally would stand on it. Most of the water had leaked out but it was still wet. I praised Delgado, and even gave him a peppermint reward. I thought we were prepared and that he now would cross more easily. When we got to the water crossing, Del refused. Diane came back and we tried again to have Del follow Glory close behind. No.  I tried some approach and retreat and then we tried the method that was successful last time. Diane pulled and I pushed. No. Delgado was being stubborn I believe. Since he had crossed this place a number of times now, I felt it was no longer a big fear factor for him. Sweating and frustrated, I picked some cattail reeds to swat his rear as Diane pulled. He jumped across. I have had some conversations with Jenn, Del's previous owner. She is trying to help me understand Del better.

Glory and Diane stop for a bit of rest and a drink of water.

We made it to the winery that day but that is another story in itself.

Bushwacking with Joe

On Memorial Day, September 6th, Glory and I took a ride into the hills nearby with Joe and Soldier. Joe feels that this type of riding off the trail helps build confidence in both horse and rider.

Left to right: Roberta, Parker and Dan.

When I first came to the stable, I rode Telma with a group of riders that often did this type of riding. Roberta, and her husband Dan would cross Highland Valley road and  head off into the chaparral. The rides were fairly casual in terms of challenging horse and rider. 

Joe has been training his paint, Soldier, to do many different things. He has become active as a Patrol rider for the San Diego Parks and Recreation Department. He has also participated in riding parades with the Escondido Mounted Police. While Joe states no horse is "bomb proof" Soldier demonstrates how calm and willing a horse can be with a dedicated rider who is paying attention to the trial and the surroundings. I was so proud of Glory. This was the first  ride of this type that I took her on. Soldier plowed through the brush and broke off charred branches that still litter the landscape from the fires of 2007. He just moves along like a bulldozer, a beautiful one at that! Glory was just as calm and followed behind not seeming bothered or stressed by the challenging terrain. Once, we were too close to one of the charred branches and her rein was caught on it. I asked here to stop and she stood for me to untangle it. I know other horses that would have been afraid and thrown a fit in that situation. She is such a versatile horse! 

Joe and Soldier Memorial Day, 2010.

I think Glory and I  were paid quite a compliment when at one point later in the ride, Joe said that someone else he had ridden that area with would not have gone where we did.

Glory and I back at the ranch after a great ride.

Crossing Water

I am hopelessly behind on my recording of experiences on the horses. Yesterday's ride was an exciting one with Daniel on Tiena, and myself on Delgado.  Daniel told me we would be bush-wacking. I decided to wear my helmet as the last time I rode with him we went through areas with low, hanging branches.  Our goal for that ride was to find a way around John Peck's property. This is a story in itself. Peck's property is a beautiful tract of land, about one hundred and sixty acres, that he intends to develop. At one point, when I spoke to John Peck, he agreed that if I were to write a letter releasing him of any liability, he would allow me to ride on his land. I did so, and then he changed his mind. A few days ago, Peck sent both myself and Daniel a letter threatening legal action for trespassing on his property. It is unfortunate since this is a gateway to many miles of trail riding.

Setting out to find an alternate route, we rode up behind Daniels property. He brought his machete and occasionally got off Tiena to cut away a branch here and there.

This is the "water crossing" that Delgado has been having problems with.

Then we came to a little water crossing. I say little, however to horses who cannot judge the depth of water this can be very scary. Apparently, Delgado has not had much practice with water crossings. After unsuccessful mounted attempts, I got off and tried to lead him. Daniel also tried leading him. We finally got him across, but I realized that I need to go back there and spend some time working with him so he is not afraid.

The path we took circumventing Pecks property requires traversing a substantial gully lined with Live Oak trees, brush, occasional patches of Poison Oak  and boulders. At the bottom, there is the gully, that is passable, but the horses tend to want to jump over it. I was grateful it was dry at this point. Delgado gets pretty worked up in these situations. About half way down we got off and walked the horses. Del doesn't really walk, he prances and sometimes moves faster than I want. We definitely need to practice this type of activity as well. He jumped the gully at the bottom and I managed to stay out of his way.

Mounting up again, we continued through Avocado groves. Then we came to another area of the dirt road we were following, that often has a little run-off of water. This is more like a sheen of water about ten yards across. I am doing what you are suppose to, keeping momentum and focusing on the other side. As we rode on to the wet area Del put on the breaks. All four hooves skidded along for a bit. I wish I had a photo of us for I'll bet it was funny!

Daniel and I continued along one of the asphalt roads, dirt roads and trials in the back country around Starvation Mountain. We arrived at one point that we both know, a beautiful tractor road down through more avocado orchards. It is very cool, shady and normally quiet, except for the rustling of leaves from the horses hooves. This is another area that it is nice to have your head protected by a helmet. I have been conked more than once on the head by an avocado in the low hanging branches.

At the bottom of the hill we decided to turn back and retrace our steps. We had achieved our goal of finding a way around Peck's property. At a distance I noticed a man by his garage. We stopped to talk to  ask for permission, having ridden on his property. He was most gracious and offered us water for the horses. He has three horses of his own and is leaving this week for five days of riding on Catalina Island. How cool is that!

Since we were having good feelings about talking to people along the way, Daniel stopped at another property closer to the stable. The couple who live there are just finishing rebuilding after the fires that swept through the area three years ago. They are adjacent to Peck's property and said we could ride across any time. It is interesting how different peoples' attitudes are concerning their land.

The water crossings went progressively better until the last one where I had first led Del across. I tried to keep momentum and stayed mounted. At the last moment Delgado jumped high into the air over the water. Daniel saw me fly up off the saddle (he said two feet) but fortunately, I didn't loose my balance and stayed on him. It was probably more like a foot, but I was way up in the air. I think I must be addicted to the adrenaline rush that Del gives me!

We headed back over the last little mountain to the stable. It is a steep hill and Tiena was moving along quickly as she can do. I somehow missed seeing the low hanging branch and rode right into it with my head. It hurt my neck from the impact! Needless to say, I have decided to make a habit of wearing my helmet when I ride Del.

Settling In

Delgado: After nearly two months I have seen a great change in how Delgado feels at his new home and with his new human. Del seldom bolts or jumps as I lead him around the ranch. However, last night he did go a little right-brained (he lost focus and became jumpy) as we walked past the round pen where Larry was cracking a buggy whip to make his new horse run around. For a few seconds Del was not listening to me as I led him past. I realized at that point Del has made great progress since he first came to the ranch. I am convinced it is, in part, due to the ground work we are doing. Yesterday, we practiced the Parelli, 7 Games.
Here is a youtube video of a girl doing them at liberty which is more advanced that we are doing. I am working on line (lead rope).  I also shadowed Del for the first time today. I read about this practice and thought he might enjoy it and I would learn more about him. I stayed at zone 3, at his side, moving only when he moved in the area. He was at liberty. I followed him for about ten minutes. I rather enjoyed it. Not sure what he thought about it.

Glory: Glory and Cupido share a large pasture.Cupido, also a Paso Fino,  is the horse on the right (below) and he is in love with Glory. Just past the fence, Del shares a pasture with an old mare of twenty plus years and six goats. We felt since Delgado thinks Glory is his mare, it might not be good to put the three of them together.

Yesterday, I worked on the ground with Glory as well. I admit I have put more time into Del at the start as he was so challenging and Glory is submissive which has made her easier to manage. I found she is a very quick learner! Where Del will loose interest quickly and zone out on me, Glory doesn't. I also saddled her up and borrowed a bridle (see more about the bridle below) and rode her in the arena. We practiced maintaining gaits (speed), circles, figure eights, stopping, backing up, etc. She did well but did play with the bit some.

Catching up:  I want to record that I put Tiena's bride (with a bit) on Glory and we took a nice ride with Millie and Cupido.  Glory seemed to mostly forget about the bit as we went out on the trail. I believe that it will help me collect her (at this point she moves along with her head down like a quarter horse). This puts her weight too much on her forehand (front of her body) and is not such a great position for gaiting.

I have also ordered and received a hackemore to try on Del today. I am sure it must be partly my doing, but out on the trail with other horses, he pulls so much my hands get tired. That is my body's weakest part and I am hoping this will help. I plan to take care and have a soft rein today and see if this will make it easier to slow him down. I would rather not put a bit in Del's mouth if I don't need to. He doesn't have the collection problem that Glory does and frankly, I have always been amazed at how well he goes in the hackemore / lunging bridle Jenn trained him in.

Starvation Mountain Ride

On Wednesday, Daniel and I rode Glory and Delgado up to the top of Starvation Mountain.

Peggy and Delgado in his new saddle on top of Starvation Mountain.

I have done this trail twice before on Telma. There is challenging part and we found it more overgrown than before, sometimes with  vegetation 2 - 3 feet tall. This made it even more difficult.  I was first up and decided to get off and lead Del. It was very difficult keeping him on the trail  as I climbed along beside him. With more training, I might have felt I could lead in front of Del, but I didn't have enough confidence that he would stay behind me and feared he might knock me down in the process.  That part of the trail (no photos as I was way too busy just trying to keep us safe) is narrow, rocky and steep. On one side of the trail it drops off rather quickly and there are large boulders, trees and bushes. Add the overgrowth and it was hard to tell just where the trail really was. As I write this, I a remember thinking that I would not take this route again unless we were to go up and do some serious maintenance on it. Daniel followed leading Glory. Her calm nature and the fact they were following must have helped, as Daniel led her up with less difficulty. What I learned about Delgado is that he does trust me. I am so glad I have been doing the ground work with Del "on line". Meaning, we have been working while I am on the ground, with a lead rope, doing things like backing him up, making him stand, moving him sideways, forward, etc. I know he was scared a few times, but he did as I asked and we made it through the difficult part in good shape. I praised him big time when we were up on a flat area standing, while we all caught our breath. I believe I have never challenged myself, or a horse, in such a manner. If it hadn't been for the fact that I had ridden up twice before, I probably would not have even attempted this route. The rest of the ride was not nearly as difficult!

Daniel and Glory on the top of Starvation Mountain.

At the top of Starvation Mountain, Daniel and I rested the horses while taking in the incredible views. Then, we proceeded to go down a different way. Daniel led and I followed on Del. I forgot to mention that we had taken his dogs with us. About half way down the other side of the mountain, we were in tall Deer Brush and we heard a rattle snake. Later, RD told me "If you hear them rattling, that means they are too close!" We moved along quickly and Daniel called the dogs. We were happy to leave that snake behind!

At one point we stopped and traded horses. Its fun to ride Glory and watch how beautiful Del looks moving. We finally made it down to an asphalt road. I made a movie of Delgado (its too big a file at this point to offer here) and when RD watched it with me he thought I had the camera settings wrong. He said Del was moving too fast. Funny, that was real time! He his legs do move that fast.

The rest of the ride was uneventful. I was extremely proud of both Glory and Delgado. What great horses they are!

Paso Ride with Daniel and Larry

Monday, Daniel called to invite me for a ride. I love to ride with Daniel. He likes to largo meaning we can go fast sometimes. I had a date earlier to visit with my friend Mary, who is also my coach. I met her at school and she loaned me some Natural Horsemanship materials. We talked about strategies for my work with Del and my mounting issues. At the heart of this philosophy is Language, Love and Leadership in equal amounts. When I went out to ride, I followed her advice and worked with Del in the round pen after I saddled him up. I also followed Mary's advice about my body language when I sent him out to circle. I believe I noticed a positive difference in his behavior. If he decided to come in before I asked him to, I petted him and sent him back out. Then, I tried mounting him from the block. He did fine. When Daniel was ready to ride he offered to try mounting Del from the ground and was successful. Then, it was my turn and he stood for me without much trouble. It is amazing how we take things for granted. I feel Del and I have been making real progress. However, I know we have only begun.

Daniel is tightening Tiena's girth at the top of the hill overlooking the Ramona Grasslands.

Larry came with us to the lake. He rode Telma but the saddle was too small, so Daniel had him ride Tiena.

 
As you can see, Larry has long legs and he rides his stirrups long as well. He just bought a beautiful Thoroughbred that is in training. He will be learning to ride trail soon.

We rode to the lake on the Ramona Grasslands, one of my favorite rides.  There was a herd of cattle near the lake and Del was very interested in them. They are a little hard to see here but the camera is set on wide angle. I was trying to pose us for a photo but Del just didn't want to stand still, or put his back to them.

At last, Delgado stood long enough for Daniel to take our photograph.

Daniel and Telma

On the way home from the lake when we were riding through the chaparral, my rein came untied. Del was pulling a lot on this ride. In other words, he wanted to go faster than everyone else. He likes the lead and when he has to follow I must work at keeping a space between the horse ahead. When the rein came loose we were on a steep hill and negotiating through Laurel Sumac that had burned in the fires a few years ago. What is left is a combination of new growth and burnt branches that are quite hard.

This is not the exact place. No photos, I was too busy.

As I tried to stop Del with one rein, he thought I was trying to turn him. We went crashing off the trail into the chaparrel.  I tried to get him to follow Daniel and Telma who were in the lead until we could reach flat ground. It must have been quite a sight. Larry called it a rodeo! Jumping and rearing, we broke branches but finally made it to safe ground without any harm. I dismounted, retied the rein, mounted (he stood perfectly still) and we continued the rest of the ride. I was so glad Del was not hurt! Needless to say, I have decided to permanently fix the reins.  Coincidentally, one of the articles Mary wanted me to read is on giving your horse more responsibility on the trail (in other words, a loose rein where the horse in not micro-managed at every step).  That means I need to practice more Natural Horsemanship techniques.

Back from Georgia

Returned from Georgia on Saturday evening and couldn't wait to see the herd on Sunday. Del is now in a new pasture and besides an older mare he shares it with 5 goats. It is a little hard to see but the Billy Goat  on the left. You can click to enlarge the image to see him and the mare in the background.

The goats can move in between the pastures. Del was relocated to this pasture while I was away and Daniel called me at one point to tell me Del was playing with the goats and having a good time. I was so happy to hear that.

As I walked to the edge of the parking area I called his name. Del threw up his head. With carrot in hand, I walked down to the gate and he came to me. The carrot probably had something to do with it, but I honestly think he missed me. I was helping Alysa, my daughter, move from Colorado to Georgia the last couple of weeks.

Before I left for Georgia, Del was having trouble standing still while I mounted him. He took off and threw me as I began to get on him. RD was out at the ranch with me and saw it happen. After some first aid, RD held Del's head as I mounted. Prior that that, Rose had taught me a friendly way to mount. There are so many approaches to correcting this type of problem, but I now know that the friendly way (calm and petting, approach and retreat) only works if Del allows me to mount him.Of course, I thought about this problem endlessly while I was away. I realized that he had never stood still when I mounted him and it had been getting worse.  When I arrived at the ranch on Sunday, I had planned to only work on the ground with Del. However,  he seemed calm as we played games and worked in the round pen so, I decided to try mounting. Since Jenn, his previous owner, had mounted him from a block, I deciced to retreat back to what he was accustomed to. That was successful. I sat on him for a while just there on a loose rein. I mounted from the block once more with success.  This, I considered, was a good step. We rode in the arena and Del was cooperative. Then we headed up that steep hill. The one he gave me a problem with the first time I rode him alone. This was my second ride alone. I would have gone a different way but that means crossing Highland Valley and I felt we would be safer on this trail since we were alone. For a horse which so much "go" it is striking to have him stop and refuse to move forward. At about half way up he stopped and would not talk a step. I used my leg and seat, then slapped his rear with my hand. I used all the correct verbal language, so I knew he was challenging me. I decided to play his game but if you know me, I don't sit still very well. I wished I had a book on with me!  After several minutes, probably not long enough, I tried again. He still wouldn't budge. At that point I regressed to what I had done the last time. The closest bush I could reach provided a feeble, little, green branch. I whacked him on the rear. It was just enough to get him going. Needless to say, I need to work on being the leader. This was a total sign of disrespect. He stopped two other times. After about a mile he quit testing me and we had a great ride. Since we had not been out for exercise recently, I tried to make it a fun and easy ride.

Sunday was a two horse day. Millie and Karen came out to ride with me on Glory. She did very well. We rode to the reservoir. I can ride in the lead or Glory will happily follow the horse ahead. She can be ridden on a loose rein. We do need to work on her walk. She weaves a little like a drunk driver. Joe later told me horses naturally do not walk in a straight line but must lean to do this. With more momentum, Glory moves forward nicely. She has a wonderful little ambling gait called the corto. It is a four-beat gait that can be quick but very smooth. Glory's corto is fun. Jenn calls it her daisy clipper. On the way to the reservoir, there is a nice dirt road that we went faster on. That is the largo. Glory has a nice largo gait as well. At the reservoir, I led her close to the water. She likes to eat, so I lured her to grass at the bank and she happily munched right near the edge of the water. Next time I will try to get her feet in it.

Glory is so different than Del. She is calm and easy going but willing. She gets along well with other horses in close proximity. Its interesting having two horses that are so different.

I was so preoccupied, I forgot my camera! Next time there will be photos.

Revelation

I rode Del yesterday with several horses on a trail ride. Gena, Larry's wife, and Courtney's sister have ridden  a little in the past. Cindy was inexperienced but seemed a real natural on Telma. Joe rode his beautiful big, paint horse. I had been asked by Rose to be the so called leader. A BBQ was planned for after the ride. Rose stayed at the ranch to give Larry a lesson on Sky, his new horse. In my role as leader, I neglected to bring my camera. Funny, the photographer in the group forgot her camera!

Del did really well. He even walked for me : ). That might be due to the fact I led the group most of the time. But what the hey.  There were only two Pasos and with the inexperienced riders it was a casual ride. This was just our fourth ride together. We went out to the Ramona Grasslands toward the pond. When we came to a heard of cattle, I decided to turn back with Gena and Cindy. Telma is afraid of cattle and I didn't want any bad experiences as everything was going so well. The rest of the group decided to come back with us instead of going on. As it turned out we were gone much longer than we planned. When we returned, there were jokes about riding to Texas.

While I was riding I had a revelation. When Del didn't want to go up the trial Saturday morning I think he was remembering that 5 hour ride he went on! I think he  thought "No way, I don't  want to do that again !"  I hope  because I just made it a short ride that day, it will change his mind. Perhaps the next time we go up that way he will not associate that trial will our first, five hour ride. Imagine five hours of hills and not much walking.

Early Morning Ride

Made it out to the ranch by 7 A.M. this morning to beat the heat. Day before yesterday it was 106 degrees and pretty tough on horses and riders alike. The ranch was quite. Del was calm, and at first I thought we would be out and up the trail in no time. Delgado is testing me at every turn. He didn't want to go past the busy truck and tractor area. I had to work at it. Then he still seemed unwilling so we went down into the arena and rode around doing figure eights, and circles. I noted how sensitive he is with his hackamore. I barely have to use the rein to turn. Jenn calls it riding with your "pinky". He backed up well and I decided to move on to the trial. There was another truck blocking the path to the trial so I got off and we walked around it. Then we started up the hill. Del didn't want to go. Late,r I felt perhaps I was sending him mixed signals. I was saying "go" and maybe it sounded like woah? I have since changed to "walk on" and I believe that has made a difference. We did finally make it to the top of the hill at about 8 A.M!

Abby came on our first ride alone. She was a welcomed addition. I think Del has already gotten used to having dogs along on the rides. Del and I continued on to the water tanks near Starvation Mountain. We had a wonderful ride. Funny how things go. I think my persistence paid off. However,I was so busy riding that I don't have any great photos. Just memories.

I went back out with Glory in her new hackamore (side-pull) and did the very same ride except she was perfect! No hesitations. I think she liked the hackamore (like a bridle minus the bit) and will keep it. All and all it was a great morning.  

Ride 2

Yesterday, Del and I went out with Millie, Pam and Jo on what I would call a bushwack trail ride. It is a ride of mostly walking and single file as the chaparral (Deer Bush, Buckwheat, Laurel Sumac) is thick from the winter rains. The trail is narrow or we just pick our way through the wilderness. Del likes to go faster. I had to keep him back from the horse in front. Jo was mostly in the lead. I could see him look over his shoulder to see if we were too close to his horse. Del didn't want to walk so he gave himself a workout : ). Almost like running in place. While I feel in control with his hackamore, bit-less bridle, it  required me to pull back quite a lot. Overall, Del showed his heart and willingness to do new things. I think he is used to more open landscapes with less vegetation. When we got back to the ranch, Millie discovered that her cell phone was missing. I had wanted to ride Glory as well, so I volunteered to go back and look for the phone. Millie stayed and took care of Del and Cupido (her Paso).

Millie took this photo before I left on the first ride. We forgot to make one of me on Glory.

This was my first ride on Glory (since my test ride). I tried using Del's hackamore on her. It felt like I was riding with a halter! Jo and Pam went along on the search for  Millie's phone. We only had to go about a mile or so and we found it! Amazing! We continued up the mountain just to give the horses a little more workout. Glory was much calmer on the ride than Del had been. She is a wonderful mare and I think she will be like Telma. Telma is very versatile. She can be enjoyed by experienced riders as well as a novice. She adjusts to all skill levels. She has a great largo (that is the fast gait). I want to work to train Glory to have this kind of versatility. I really believe she has a similar horseanality (personality) - left-brain introvert. This last photo shows how much Del loves Glory. Glory seems less interested : ).