Max is back! I think.

I know I keep going on and on with the excuses for not blogging as often. But seriously. TWO frozen busted pipes in ONE week..flooding in the bathroom, flooding in the office. Damaged ceiling and floor...I mean..really winter..go away already!!!

Anyhow..now that I've gotten that out, we can talk about the fun horsey stuff!

I showed the same video I shared on this blog to J and she diagnosed it as him feeling stuck and not moving forward, plus a combination of the cold and the fact that pretty much every horse was feeling fresh at the barn that week.

So I signed Max up for two training sessions a week with her, and a lesson for me every weekend for two weeks. Then back to a more regular once-a-week lesson schedule. I may have her hop on him once a week as well, if the budget allows it.

Real exercise? Me? Bleaahh!

Our first lesson was lunging on side reigns. This really helped me move him forward and get his kinks out without actually being on his back. And I swear, after our first session I was GLAD I was not on his back while we worked out the kinks. The side reigns helped encourage him to keep his neck straight so he could get into a more correct position when moving forward.

After that I hopped on and he was spectacular. Forward, quiet, willing. What a difference!

All sweaty and happy from a successful lesson.

Today, two training sessions and two lessons later, it feels like he is pretty much back to working mode. Winter break is over Max! Time to get ready for the fun busy warm months ahead!! Oh! And if everything works out our very first spring outing will be May 2nd at a communal trail ride organized by the Horse guard. AND our very first schooling show will be at our barn on May 3rd! We will probably do something like Intro B and Training Level 1 or 2. So very excited!

Maybe he'll get to wear this new brow band with some added bling. Stay tuned for that!

Mmmm Camera is derishus!