April 27, 2013
The other week Carol Ann and I gave an intro to games clinic at the Saddle Doctor in Timberville, Virginia. It was a really fun day. We had 9 adults in our clinic, and they all had a great time. We went for a good full 2 hours, and accomplished quite a few races.
I was really impressed by the enthusiasm and fun everyone had. Excellent attitudes. Riders were laughing and smiling while going through races, and cheering each other on while waiting for their turn.
Posted by riderofchaos on April 27, 2013
https://blueridgepony.com/2013/04/27/the-saddle-doctor-intro-to-games-clinic/
Last week we had a few particuarly nice days in a row. I gave Simon a good bath and pulled his mane. Then I pulled Linus’s mane. His mane is pretty thin, and it only took a few minutes to shorten it, but he stood quietly, and let me work like it was no big deal.
I do use a short cut when pulling manes. I brush them out, and use a small metal mane comb to collect a few hairs and back comb them, as is typical. But instead of pulling the hair I cut it with scissors. Much easier on me and on the pony.
Linus before
Linus after
Simon after – he has a very thick mane, that falls fully on both sides of his neck.
Posted by riderofchaos on April 26, 2013
https://blueridgepony.com/2013/04/26/mane-pull/
Linus was terrified of the vet and it took a while to get some sedatives into him. Luckily my vet is fantastic and a very patient man. It took a while, Linus was soaked in sweat and steaming, he was terrified, pancake eyes and shaking all over, but sure enough, Linus had a wolf tooth that needed to come out.
I am giving him this week off, so his mouth can recover, and so I can focus on getting Simon and I ready for our first big competition of the year this coming weekend. But next week has been reserved for Linus.
Waiting for the vet
The tooth
Posted by riderofchaos on April 25, 2013
https://blueridgepony.com/2013/04/25/linuss-teeth/
April 24, 2013
Linus likes to nap. I catch him quite frequently. He likes me to rub and scratch him and join him for a break. Until Simon sees us and gets jealous and puts an end to it.
He likes to fluff up a pile of hay, and nap in the middle, where he can eat while he relaxes.
Posted by riderofchaos on April 24, 2013
https://blueridgepony.com/2013/04/24/napping-pony/
April 23, 2013
This weekend we have our first big team competition of the season. So I am focusing on schooling for that for the next few days.
Today I tacked up Simon and headed down to the riding field to get in a nice schooling, and Linus followed us. I walked around the field setting up some equipment, and Linus followed behind messing it back up. It was a little frustrating but also very comical.
I got in some litter practice, which was not my smoothest, but had a few nice bottle picks, places and turns. Meanwhile, Linus got in a good full body scratch on a tree and then moved to a bucket of balls, dumped it and knocked the items around. I ignored him and moved on to some two flag practice, which was going smoothly, until I turned to run through it again and found Linus pulling the first flag out of the cone.
He eventially started cantering along behind Simon.
I think he is eager to start his training back up next week!
Posted by riderofchaos on April 23, 2013
https://blueridgepony.com/2013/04/23/todays-ride/
Blue Ridge Pony 