Things here in CassidyLand are running along fairly smoothly. Training is still in progress for both girls, mostly Cass, but Becca gets her share of little sessions. The cool thing is this past week they were put into the pasture together to see how they would get along. They are fine and seem to be enjoying the company on a different level. The baby stuff is no longer working on Momma Cass. She told Becca from the get go that she was in charge out there. If you remember, when Becca left for weaning in October she had started thugging her mom around a bit. Cass let her get away with it then, not so now. They’ve worked it out and never even gave any kicks or real bites.

Part of Becca’s lesson this past week involved trimming that crazy mane to make her look  like a fjordygirl should. She was excellent for it. She wasn’t too hip on me using the clippers so I did it with shears. It’s not the best at being even but we got the job done. She’s such a good girl she stayed ground tied for her haircut. Her momma’s do will be next on the agenda.

Both girls have their winter coats but they are shedding out, too, since our weather is so crazy. It’ll be 35 at night and 80 during the day. They don’t know where they are! I do miss seeing them everyday (especially Cass) but being at Partner Up right now is what we all need. I can feel the relationship between Cass and I changing, but all for the good. She and I have had a special bond from the minute we met but she’s seen me a lot of the time as the treat and hay lady. That is no longer my title. Now, she is genuinely happy to see me and it’s not about her expecting food. This past week when I went out to get her for round pen work, she was clear across to the back of the pasture standing in the doorway of the foaling barn. I called to her from halfway, she raised her head and then amazingly trotted all the way to me! It was spectacular.

Training two horses is far from easy. I’m not in the shape I once was, either! Scottie and I have made a commitment to work on that where both of us are concerned. I’ve been fumbling around with my coordination carrying the whip and making the right turns, all while keeping my body in the right spot toward the horse. It’s easy to get dizzy! This past week we used the long lunge line and things actually clicked for both me and Cass. It was a nice to feel successful and inspired. I can do this! (Excuse my hoosier look w/the cowboy boots and shorts! It was one of our hot days.)

Leslie is always there to correct us when we need it.

Now it’s Baby B’s turn. She is a smart girl and nothing much phases her. It’s been interesting seeing the difference between she and her momma. Becca has known nothing but good and we can only guess the things Cass has known. She’s much more suspicious and easier to fluster. But she’s a fast learner. She recovers quickly when she does get frightened. (This was a few days before trimming Becca’s Tina Turner mane.)

Let’s not forget our friends, Sam and Gayle. They are doing so well. Sam tries hard for Gayle and she him.

This lovely boy is Jasper. He is Leslie’s special boy and he was gracious enough to allow me a ride. I realized I need to get back on a horse to remember the feel of what it is I am working toward. I’ve never taken riding lessons. What I do know just skims the top of what it takes to really know how to ride. I have kept this romantic notion of only riding Cassidy and not wanting to ride any other horse because they aren’t her. That’s silly. Scottie, as usual, put things into perspective for me. He said, “an astronaut doesn’t start off flying the Space Shuttle, they have to fly a few planes first.” Got it.

So, Jasper and Leslie started teaching me yesterday. He’s a lot taller and bigger than Cass but I wasn’t afraid of him. I’ve gotten to know him in the time my girls have been there. I tacked him up with Leslie coaching me. He could probably put his saddle on all by himself, he’s so smart!

She showed me her way (and the natural horsemanship way) of putting the bridle on. The horse is taught to lower their head so it is easy for you to reach. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it done this way before.

We did his round pen work and he showed me the way it’s supposed to be done. He’s so unbelievably smart. He’s a good example for us to work toward.

It was time to saddle up! I don’t think I’ll be needing any steps to get on Cass, Becca maybe if she keeps growing like she is, but never Cass. Whew!

Gayle was taking the pictures and had to leave before I started my actual riding lesson. Jasper was kind to me but he did test me several times. Leslie coached me from outside the round pen telling me which leg to apply pressure with, to turn my body and stop looking down at my horse! We walked around the round pen to let me get the feel of things. When we were done, Jasper walked right out of the pen and over to the barn to stand politely to untack. He was doing all the work but I had spoken with him beforehand and explained how little I knew so he took care of me. When I was leavivng that day, he poked his head out of the stall and stuck his tongue out at me! That’s one of his favorite games. I believe he and I are going to become pals.