Lejonhud Farm

Winter Riding Weekend #2 of the Year

2012-01-08T15:23:00.000-08:00

I had a great time riding this weekend with family and friends! Saturday, Scott and I started our trade, where I teach Curena to ride and he teaches Zach to play guitar. Now that’s a win-win situation if ever there was one! Love my sister in law Curena. She hit it off with Al, who is just the best guy for making a beginner feel comfortable. Within an hour, we were out riding on the snow covered trails, and Al was taking good care of Curena. Don’t they look great together! We both had a ton of fun. Afterwards, Layla asked very politely if she could have a turn, so I saddled up Al again and gave her a thrill. That little girl giggle is music to my ears.

Sunday afternoon, I picked up my neighbor Deanna, and we took a few turns around Jason’s loops, avoiding the Steep Hill and any icy spots. The Lab gang came along and had a blast as usual. There were a lot of wildlife tracks, including fisher, so I hope my cat doesn’t wander too far from the barn. Ah-D had too much energy again, and he wanted to put it to bad use with the occasional fake spook. I must say though, overall he was very good, considering he has been cooped up in the paddock and our little traipses aren’t doing much to dissipate all that excess energy. Al was a good boy, and Deanna felt she did better with him today than she did last week. She is getting to know his quirks a bit better and can head him off at the pass when he tries to do the decision making.It is soooo nice to get out and about in the winter instead of sitting in the house like a slug. The days are just an itty bit longer, too, and Mother Nature is being kind with her 30 degree weekend weather.

Starting out the New Year Right!

2012-01-03T09:29:00.001-08:00

in the woods of Poland,Maine and

My handsome boy posing on the shores of Estes Bog, Poland

Oh, wow, what a blast I had riding over the long weekend! I had a cyber ride New Year's Eve with Denise Conroy, founder of the RAC, and the other Curly Riders. Ah-D was FULL OF HIMSELF. The only thing that held him in check were the slippery conditions and the treats in my pocket. :)The Lab Gang was along, scampering here, there and everywhere, noses on full alert. New Years Day ride was pretty similar, except that I took both horses out for a spin. Ah-D was still wound, but I was still able to keep him in check and on the right track. It was fun taking Allie out for the first time in a long time for me. I did notice that he "walks right through" the bit and pays barely any attention to it, so we brushed up on that. He was pretty energetic and gave some fun trots and canters.

My best ride was definitely on Monday, when Deanna and I loaded up the horses late morning and headed over to Poland to ride with Ulla. Great company, great scenery, great horses, beautiful weather (for January in Maine) - what more can I say?Deanna is tall and slim and Allie is short and stocky, but they make a great team on the trails! Ulla led most of the way on Gabby the beautiful Morgan. Her trails are quite hidden and difficult to follow unless you know them like the back of your hand.We traversed through the woods until we came to the shores of Estes Bog. I attempted to take a photo of all three of us, but it didn't work out.First I tried setting the camera on a rock on the ground, then hanging from a tree. About all that was good for was some laughs, as the wind blew it and I got a good picture of some branches. We were successfull a little later on, though.As we headed back towards Ulla's, we had a big surprise - Luvon on Indigo!We all decided this was an excuse for a longer ride. :) I missed a really good photo opportunity when Allie ran Deanna into a small leaning tree. She was screeching, "Whoa" and Allie paid no nevermind (remember, previous comment about him running through the bit!) and kept on a-trucking! We all turned around to see Deanne carrying along a tree about chest high. Well, Ulla started laughing and so did Luvon and Deanna, and I laughed so hard that I could barely control my bladder. I dismounted and helped Deanna with the tree, and we all composed ourselves and continued on. A bit later, Indigo decided that Gabby was too far ahead, and she MUST catch up at a gallop...well, Luvon of course did not think that was necessary so a battle of wills ensued. Luvon won, I'm happy to report.She is an excellent horsewoman. Deanna quipped, "Um...just for the record, I'll take the tree." Hilarious!!!We trotted back to Ulla's.

Here are the Four Amigos. But wait, the excitement was not over! The new American Cream Draft pastured adjacent to Ulla's horses decided to gallop over to meet Ah-D and Allie. This beautiful boy is built like Al, but BIGGER, so it was quite the experience for Al, who was quite unnerved.

What a great ride, a fabulous way to start out the year!

December Personal Challenge: Driving Training Blog I

2011-12-03T09:12:00.000-08:00

Some of us in the RAC have personal December challenges, and mine (inspired by Betsy and spurred on by Donna) is putting Ah-D to a cart. We actually have gathered a decent amount of ground driving under our belt over the years, so this is a good challenge for us. It will require a fair bit of work and determination and time, yet is attainable.Day One: We are not starting at the beginning (thank God!) because he already is very familiar with the harness, happy with his simple open bridle fitted with a Mylar bit, and ACTUALLY WILL MOVE FORWARD AWAY FROM ME to ground drive. Sounds simple and easy, but it was a huge obstacle for us! Didder lacked confidence and wanted to be in my pocket, and he just didn’t GET IT that he was supposed to walk out ahead of me. Phew! We are past that point! On to Blog I. Early this morning, I took my XL thighs, my trusty pony and my five Labs out on the trail to traverse Jason’s Loop. I was pretty darn happy with the outcome. Gee and haw are really clicking with Ah-D, and I am doing my best to keep them straight. We practiced WHOA a lot, and STAND just as much. His attitude was pretty good. We did have one oopsie moment when he kicked out at me, but I just said, “HEY, HEY, AAAAAATTT!” and took it down a notch and had him stand to chill for awhile while we discussed it calmly, verbally and non-verbally. The air is quite brisk, and he was feeling rambunctious, so I made sure that I didn’t blow the episode out of proportion. I mean, there I am right beside his butt, so if he really wanted to, he could lambaste me good – but he didn’t. His attitude actually improved afterwards.

Back at the barn, we practiced our side passing, since Ah-D is going to have to learn how to step sideways and push the shafts over to turn the cart around. A successful lesson for both of us, SWEET!

A Range of Weather

2011-06-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

The weather started out nice and hot for our Saturday ride. I took several small video's during our trek, but they are refusing to download. Luckily I took a few pictures as well. As usual, we did some stream walking. I bet the cool water felt really good on Ah-D's hooves.

After the stream walking stint, we climbed the powerline for a while. I usually don't do the powerline during super hot weather, but some clouds were starting to roll in and a nice breeze came up. I admired the wildflowers along the way. So beautiful! I will have to get some pictures for you all.
I think you can tell what is happening now by the darkness of this picture. Right about here, we hightailed it into the woods lining the powerline. It started sprinking, but we were dry under the heavy tree cover. We meandered around and explored, taking our time. By the time we found this new trail down by Back Street, I could hear thunder big time.It got so dark, this is the last picture I was able to take. The heavens opened up, the lightening flashed and the thunder rolled. We just continued on continuing on. :) We paid no nevermind to the storm, but by the time we were only about 10 minutes from home, oh my Lord, it was crazy-raining. The very last portion of our ride on the road turned into a Susan-and-Didder-jogging-beside-each-other-festbecause I was afraid if a car passed us 1) they would not be able to see us for the sheets of rain and 2) the noise of the water might spook my horsie. There were rivers of water flowing down the road. What an experience! Once in the barn, I hung the tack to dry and slicked off Ah-D. The only dry portion on him was a small place under the saddle. There were no dry parts on me. I even had to wring out my underthings! You may be thinking, "how awful," but it really wasn't bad at all! A good journey!

Cold Air Makes For Frisky Horses and Ponies

2011-01-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

I have been enjoying the forward energy of AhD (Didder) the Curly horse and Alley the Haflinger pony this season and managed to take a couple of videos of our rides together. Since I have been on trails and avoiding roads lately, I’ve been able to take at least one dog, and usually three, on our rides together.

Here is a video of my Saturday ride on Didder.

I just LOVE how forward he is on a loose rein. Didder has an AWESOME swingy walk, when he applies himself. He did break into a trot, and I went to put away the camera, but he slowed back down without a fuss so I filmed a bit more. I still have not even come close to figuring out exactly WHEN I am taking a video and when I am not, so it ads a bit more amusement, especially in the Al video to follow.

It is not surprising to me that Didder is forward, but Al has delighted me with his energy. We went out Sunday evening on the trails. It was cold and windy, so I layered heavily for warmth and used a bareback pad instead of a saddle. Al seems to take to me riding bareback; he willingly offered to trot down every single hill available (I even had to use a one-reined stop once!) and gave me several delightful ongoing canters. His back is like a big comfy couch – until he trots!I challenge anyone to sit to that choppy pony trot, but nonetheless, it is wonderful.
~Enjoy your day, get out there, and HAVE FUN!~

Youth Day

2010-10-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

Today being Youth Day ~ as in kids hunting deer ~, Alijah and I donned our red and orange (and flannel lined jeans and wool socks!) and headed up the road to Back Street to try out his brand spankin' new Easyboot Gloves. I am in love with these boots, and I'm pretty sure Al is, too.
Back Street is still really beautiful, full of deep yellows, with the strong fall sun casting long shadows. Al kept wondering why we were sticking to the road instead of taking some of the many trails that lead into the woods. He willingly trotted and even cantered up the side of the road. The wind was blowing a gale, but Al never spooked once, which is very typical of him. Steady Eddy.
This maple was spectacular against a clear blue sky.
I think this is my favorite picture of today. You can see what a good attitude Al has now that his front feet are protected. He also had more vroom in his step, even when we first started out and were heading away from his bossy buddy AhD. He walked at a nice fast "We're headed home!!" pace right up the road, not the pokey, "Oh, jeez, are you REALLY going to make me WORK??!" pace. His trots had more energy, less tripping, and were way more rhythmic, making it much easier to post. Ian is going to love it!
I meant to stay on the road, but this wide open field beckoned me for a canter. We got in several good ones, and not even a hint of a buck!
Hmm....now I am re-thinking that "favorite picture" statement I made earlier. This shot is pretty nice and reflects the flavor of the ride. We went all the way to where Back Street meets up with Route 119. I toyed with the idea of making a big loop and taking 119 home, but then two trucks went by at about 55 mph, and I very quickly changed my mind. I think we went about six miles today.
Here we have returned home, and Ian took our picture in the yard. I told Ian all about the changes in Al with his new boots, and how he trotted farther and cantered nicely, and then turned Al into the first pasture to actually show Ian the difference. Al picked up the canter after only three strides of trot! TA DA! No hunting on Sundays, so back on the trails we'll be. It will be Ian's turn to experience Al with his new boots while I will be on my sweet but finky AhD.

Fall Riding

2010-10-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

I have done a lot of fall riding this year, but it is never enough. Here are some pictures from some of my bestest rides. :)
Last weekend, Ashley and I loaded up Al and Didder and headed out to Ulla's house in Poland. We tooled around her back roads and woods until she arrived home from church, and then we all went out on a long trail ride.

I've been for some very nice rides on Alijah, too. He is comfy and dependable, and he never spooks, even when it is windy. The dogs love to come with me, and I love having them.

This was taken on Horse Hill in Norway. I have always wanted to get Didder up there for a ride against this view! We also rode in the woods, along trails that Doris and Grace discovered.

Here is Ashley riding Al in the ring at Ulla's. Love the color in this picture! We had such a good time.

Riding along the back roads in Poland.

This doesn't even include any of the pictures from Acadia! They deserve a whole blog to themselves.

2010-07-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

We’ve been on some nice low-key rides along the roadsides and in a field or two lately, still avoiding the dratted deer flies. In a week or two, AhD and I should be back on the trails. We have been meandering up and around Back Street, admiring the view and trotting here and there. We have also been across the road on our neighbor’s property, wandering among the planted Christmas trees and cantering up the road through his mown field. One day, we stopped at the end of our ride and let AhD and Alijah (Fat Albert) enjoy a green apple treat. Sunday was our longest ride. We trailered our horses over to Poland and rode along the back roads over there.

The highlight of that ride (other than the great company!) was when AhD departed from a walk right into a light springy canter that was like riding on air! It’s so nice that AhD now has more collection and balance to his gaits! I would say that the low part of my ride was the good sized buck and kick he let out just as Ulla’s Gabby started trotting away up ahead of us…but I can’t really say that was the low point at all. The buck/kick didn’t unseat me at all, and AhD stopped his misbehavior immediately as I pulled him in and told him, “No!” in a firm tone. Ian didn’t have nearly as much fun as I did on this ride because he developed a saddle sore – ouch! Fat Albert the Tank is build for strength, not speed, so he had to trot considerably more than we did to keep up. We all dismounted and walked for a while. Back at Ulla’s house, we enjoyed an incredibly tasty pasta salad and then headed for home.
Yesterday, I was at Ulla’s house for “lunch” – a horse lover’s idea of lunch, which is all riding and no eating. Dozie gave me her usual high energy dances, which included high speed side passing and an incredibly extended trot, not to mention a good dose of parking out. Of course, I did not specifically ask for any of these gaits, which makes them an extraordinarily special gift. Thank you, Dozie!

Horse Meets Horsepower

2010-07-13T16:06:00.001-07:00

Took AhD out after work to try out the bareback pad, and the first thing we did was to check out our new motorcycle. AhD was pretty curious; perhaps a bit intimidated by all that horsepower?? He is always very suspicious of new vehicles in the yard. We crossed the road, and rode down to the ponds. I absolutely love this new pad, thanks Denise! It is comfy and much less slickery than AhD's shiny curly coat. We tested it in four gears, w/t/c and Curly Shuffle - but we will leave overdrive to another day! I can tell I am using new muscles to sit to AhD's very English trot. I love the way I can wrap my legs right around his barrel and feel close to him.
I said a prayer for my fellow RACer Terri's family and friends as AhD strode along. Every minute of our lives is precious.

Summer Riding

2010-06-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hot and muggy, but still a beautious evening to ride! We trotted to keep ahead of the deerflies.

Dedicated to Amy

2010-01-17T08:35:00.000-08:00

I took a ride on my devilish Curly AhD yesterday and wrote all about it for the Ride A Curly blog, but I also took a second ride on the gentleman Mister Man that I wanted to share with Amy. When I saddled Mister up, he was quite bent out of shape because he had been crying for AhD the whole time I was out. Originally, he was REALLY hoping that he and AhD were going to go out for a ride at the same time, but since there is only one of me and Ian was involved on the computer, Mister was quite disappointed. As I tacked him up, he was weaving in front of the back barn door, unhappy to be separated from AhD again...but this time the tables were turned, and AhD was the one running around outside whinnying. Nevertheless, he stood like a statue to be mounted and listened to me as we headed up the road to Back Street. Saturday is Dump Day in Hebron, so there is always a steady stream of cars. A quarter of a mile from the house, five cars/trucks in a row passed us, and one of them must have recognized me, because the driver tooted a greeting. Ignorant!! but Mister paid it no mind. We headed up Back Street, but I noticed that the saddle was hitting Misters withers, so I turned him around and headed back to the barn. His adorable ears perked right forward. Mister must have been shocked when I saddled him back up, this time with the addition of the cutaway pad, and headed down the road for the second time out. He is such a good boy on the road. I am very comfortable with him.

We went all the way to my church, and stood for a moment in the parking lot. We had a good view of the beautiful old buildings of Hebron Academy.

The sun was warm and felt wonderful! Halfway back to the house, I pulled him into a field, and we walked around. The footing was excellent, so we took a few turns around, trotting and loping, before heading back to the barn. By the way, I want to mention that I have had no problems whatsoever with Mister being cinchey or taking a bit. Ian and I have been using the hackamore on him, but I have a beautiful silvered western bridle that I tried on Mister and AhD yesterday morning, just to see how it fit. It is too big for both of them, but I plan to try to adjust the size today. When I held it out for Mister, he dropped his head and opened his mouth for the bit and looked quite happy about the whole thing! It sure was great to be spoiled by two horses on the afternoon of my birthday and the anniversary of my Dad's death. Both of these boys offered me comfort and companionship.

A Doggone Good Time!

2010-01-09T13:45:00.000-08:00

We went sliding for our 4H meeting today. All the dogs joined us, and we had a blast! Brave Grace likes to slide, and wow, was it ever fun taking trips down the hill with her! I'd call her into the front of the sled, flip her on to her back, and hold her tight. Her little tail was wagging back and forth in joy. What a card! Usually, she wiggled and spilled me before we hit the bottom. If I had her facing me, she'd bite the rabbit fur on my bomber hat.

I have had some spectacular rides this year so far. Last weekend, I rode four times, and usually saucy AhD was just wonderful! Is he finally coming around to settling down? I took him out again today, but didn't ground work him first because I was trying to slip in a ride before dark. He was back to his old ways. He was fine until we turned around to head for home, and when he heard a snap in the woods he used it as an excuse to bolt. I turned him back around, and took him even further down the trail. I could tell he had an attitude, and when we came to this hill

...he took off again, careening down it and even throwing in a buck or two. There is a sharp turn at the bottom, and I was attempting a one-reined stop, but I had to drop the rein because I thought he was going to run right off the trail into trees and perhaps take a tumble. He is very athletic and made the turn, and then I was able to stop him in short order. Gotta love that deep snow! Back we went, up the trail, further than before...and he was done with his antics. So there, you little turd! Tomorrow, you can bet I will be doing a groundwork session before I swing into the saddle.

He looks so innocent! ;)

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-18T06:46:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, everyone!It is bitterly cold here in Maine, but the horses are outside today because the wind is not blowing like it was yesterday. Mister is all bundled up in his Weathabeetah blanket and is done with his round of antibiotics for his hoof abcess. He is coming along nicely; still favoring that foot a bit but that is because there is still a good sized gash in the back of the frog right up onto the bulb of the hoof (owie). AhD is feeling his oats after being cooped up in the barn and is taking it out on Mister Man,

but that is a horse's life ~ so be it. The Girls are doing fine and don't seem to mind the cold at all. They keep begging me to take them on a walk, and I will oblige this weekend

Raking Leaves

2009-11-22T02:54:00.000-08:00

The Girls ~ Sapphire, Ruby, Grace and Aaralyn ~ "helped" us rake leaves off of the lawn yesterday. They make any chore fun. They love to stand in the path of the rake since that is where you focus your attention. We had beautiful fall weather, unbelievable for mid-November in Maine, and the leaves smelled ooh so wonderful. The Girls also enjoy playing lacrosse during breaks.

Here is The Rubester getting a pat from her boy Zach. Ruby is due to have pups by Can. Ch. Swentina Dress for Success, CGC in a week. I'd say this is going to be a SMALL litter! Instead of yellows and blacks, we are probably going to have a yellow OR a black! It's awfully hard not to get attached to the pups as it is, and when you have a really small litter, it is even harder. The last time we had a litter of one, we couldn't resist. :) Here she is, sweet Aaralyn.

Another Visit to Range Pond State Park

2009-11-15T17:09:00.000-08:00

Although I did not get to ride my beloved Curly AhD today, I still had an incredible ride with Ulla and Heidi at Range Pond State Park. The unseasonably warm weather and leaf covered ground made for an earthy smell where ever we rode. The same flock of Canadian Geese were resting on Range Pond, adding beauty to the water. We explored several trails, and even climbed some steps to top a hill near the pond. On the other side was a cute little hidden beach.Gabby truly enjoyed splashing about in the water, and she also thought the sand looked roll-worthy. I truly enjoyed the challenge of riding the fiery Dozer. We all allowed her to be in the lead. The feeling of her power walk is incredible, and I was getting it from her on a loose rein. A couple of times, I did get an easy trot, but generally I was getting an extended trot that required my full concentration. I even dared a canter on the beach.Good weather, good friends, good horses...make for a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Quote of the Day

2009-11-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

"Remember, horses are programmed to mirror the emotions of the animals around them." - Julie Goodnight

Ball of Fire

2009-11-06T12:09:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful, refreshing lunchtime ride on the Morgan Ball of Fire Kennebec Dorothy, otherwise known as Dozie. I had my hands full, she is one powerful and energetic mare, but she did listen to me and didn't blow me off. Originally, I was going to be riding Ulla's new Morgan Gabby, with Ulla on Daisy...but Daisy refused to load onto the trailer...so we made lemonade out of lemons and loaded Dozie instead. And, it was delicious lemonade, too. I never would have thought I'd be riding THIS horse last year at this time when I first met Ulla - this is the type of horse that I USED to love to ride. It feels good. In fact, it feels GREAT!

The wind was gusty and brisk, and the landscape was just gorgeous in Range Pond State Park. There was a huge flock of Canadian geese on the bright blue water. Gabby and Dozie enjoyed splashing about. Sue's Saturn and Kid took a nice long drink out of the lake. Leaves blew in swirls around the horses' feet along the wooded paths. Not a hunter in sight, and we didn't hear a single gunshot, but we were prepared in advance with our red and orange.

What a way to spend a weekday lunchtime! I'd take riding with friends over eating, any day of the week.

Rainy Day

2009-10-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

Cold, windy rainy. Perfect day to catch up on housework. Still, I introduced the jingle bells to AhD and Mister. There was very little reaction from AhD and virtually none from Mister. Excellent! I will be putting the jingle bells to good use for fall riding during hunting season. I also tried Magic's old winter blanket on Mister. It fit nicely; what a bittersweet moment.Zirado's Magic Star, pictured June 2005 at age 30.

Powerline Ride

2009-10-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

Ian and I took Mister and AhD down the powerline yesterday. I just love this photo I took of Ian and Mister; I'm thinking of framing it and sending it to Mister's owner Amy. Ian and Mister just look so relaxed and contented. The streaming late day sun was incredibly beautiful, highlighting the late season reddish-brown grasses and wildflowers.This is what happens when you don't hold on to your tacked horse while you tie your shoes! Mister found the eating to be better on the lawn than in front of the hitching post.

The colors of the leaves lining the pasture pathway are quite lovely, but as I mentioned before, missing the reds of other years. I'm thinking this must be New England wide, because my dear friend Betsy in Vermont has noticed the exact same thing.The weather for our ride was truly wonderful. A little chilly, and I turned around to find Ian riding with his arms tucked inside of his t-shirt. He is so completely unaware of the dangers of doing silly things like that. When I told him to knock it off, he said, "But, Solamy (his pet name for me), why didn't you tell me to wear a sweatshirt?" This is a running joke between us; I DID tell him to put something over that t-shirt...and whenever he realizes that Mom's advice was good, he pretends that I never gave it out. At least he made me laugh after being annoyed. Mister and AhD are quite bonded.Horses attitudes towards each other are so foreign to us humans. AhD bosses Mister around terribly...but separate them, and they are both lost and nervous. After Ian and Mister had had enough of the powerline, we backtracked and cantered back up one of our neighbor's PERFECT trails. Ian was in his glory; he loves to canter. Back out into the sunshine, Ian snapped this photo of me and my handsome steed.

I continued my ride after Ian and Mister had had enough, and I let Grace come with me. Grace was awesome, and she stuck right with us. She was in her glory, as she LOVES to come on trail rides. AhD is doing much better tolerating her, and paid her no mind. Now I will probably have to shut Grace in a crate when AhD and I hit the trails. I had been taking her with us in the winter, but the first time I left her behind, she jumped the fence of the dog pen and hurt herself upon landing. She was lame for two months. It's the only time she has ever jumped the fence, so you can tell how badly she wants to come along.

I am hoping the rain holds off long enough today so that I can have another glorious ride. Not looking too good right now. Time to get ready for church!

In the Beginning

2009-10-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my first personal blog.

I have had a ton of fun this year riding my Curly RCR Ah-D-Das in the beautiful state of Maine. A thrilling trip to Old Orchard Beach. An incredibly rejuvinating five day camping trip to Acadia National Park.
Riding with friends, most notably my friend Ulla and her Morgan Dozie.
Even realizing my dream of riding with my son Ian. Our leased QH gelding Mister Man has proven to be a dependable schoolmaster on the trail, a gentleman on the ground, and a tolerant companion to my fresh and spunky Curly. It's been a wonderful year so far, and now the brisk October air and beautiful leaves of fall have come around again. Happy trails! -Susan