"Cantering" a video with Kenny Harlow, an update on Sebastian

Here is a photo of Sebastian - do you remember the Friesian/Paint I owned a while back?  Well, we still get to watch him in training with James Cooler (Click HERE for Facebook link) and handle him a bit while he is away doing clinics and such this summer.  He is doing well and is a sweet boy.

This is a video of Sebastian when he was a baby (his original name was Falcon).  I posted this for a few of my poetry blogging friends who like horses (especially Fireblossom):



And for those of you with a few minutes to spare, below is a video of James Cooler explaining how Sebastian played an important role into James being selected as a Wild Card for 2014's Road to the Horse!  Notice: he rides him with no bridle.




A gentlemen I just found and find interesting is Kenny Harlow.  This video is a series and I think it is the third of a three part segment:  (This isn't new to me as we have worked with something similar to this with James Cooler)

...and we can't forget Oberon.   (FYI:  my daughter always wears a helmet riding except for a few photoshoots - so don't give me grief.)  We've been working on "perfect" transitions and beginning collection.

Oberon & my daughter "The Greatest Gift" a poem

The Greatest Gift

Gentleness is
a gift far greater
than strength,

like filtered sun,
seeps bone deep,
settles the heart

and peace is born.

by Margaret Bednar, June 3, 2013

"Teamwork"

Teamwork

Seventh place, dead last,
sixth, fourth, two thirds,
smile upon her face, unforced;

perseverance, a beautiful canter,
a winning smile,
and their first blue ribbon.

Matches the one
she carries in her heart.

Margaret Bednar, May 6, 2013

Linked with Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's "Open Link Monday".

Haven't posted for a while, but that doesn't mean we haven't been busy at the barn.  My daughter's have been working hard preparing for a few open shows.   Oberon has been "adjusting" to a tighter rein.  He's not as thrilled as the girls are, but he's been a good boy.   I will share some lessons with you in the next few posts...

Julie Goodnight YouTube Video on Transitions

Transitions with Julie Goodnight.  I really like this.  My daughter was in her first show recently and we realize Oberon's transitions need to be worked on as we have spoiled him a bit.  James & Kate Cooler will be working with us on this, and I think this is what they have been talking to us about... it's all in the seat.  We will see next week as we have lessons scheduled.

What do you think of this video?

My daughter showed Oberon for the first time at an Open Show which was held at our "home" barn.  I am not sure if I have mentioned it, but I moved to a place called "Flintrock Farm".   They have a number of fun events planned on their calendar HERE and we are looking forward to May's "Horsefriend's" Open Fun Show Horse... specifically the games "Egg & Spoon" and "Ride a Buck" to name a few.

She entered in a walk/trot class and she did very well.  Two fifths and a sixth.  Not bad for JUST LEARNING what a diagonal was and holding leather reins in her hands for the first time (she likes her rope reins).  Oberon has been a tad bit spoiled and his transitions have gotten sloppy.  Believe me, my daughter is already on it!!  He could also be a bit more collected in his head carriage, but we will work on the issue of smooth, quick transitions first.  And Emma is just learning how to ride two handed.

Doesn't he look handsome in his English garb?

Hopes & Dreams

Hopes & Dreams

Simplicity

I grasp

as day

gives way

to evening

shade,

hopes

and dreams

illuminated

and shared

as my pony

nickers

and nods

encouragement.

by Margaret Bednar

Linked with the poetry site "Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's Open Link Monday"

My son, the youngest Horse Whisperer?

My son, possibly the YOUNGEST Horse Whisperer ever?!  Maybe he can help James Cooler with his three year old colt, Duece ... for Road to the Horse 2014!?  He is also on Facebook under Cooler Horsemanship.

Road to The Horse 2013

James Cooler was selected as one of eight qualifiers for the Wild Card entry for Road to the Horse 2014.  HERE is a description of the eight finalists.  They pick up their three year old colts March 17.

HERE are some of the horse people attending this year's celebration of the 10th Road to the Horse Competition.  I also heard Buck Branneman was going to be there... but I don't see his name on the website.  HERE is the weekend's agenda.

What is really fun for me is that the horse I used to own, Sebastian (above) was the colt used for the application video.   James Cooler is now starting a year's journal highlighting his one year journey with a 3 year old QH colt he will select and come home with from this year's Road to the Horse held in Lexington, KY, at the Kentucky Horse Park.  You can find it and updates on Cooler Horsemanship on Facebook HERE.

He will train the colt for a year and return next year (2014) and compete for "best hand" with the other eight for a wildcard entry into Road to the Horse 2014.

My blog friend and barn friend, Mary, explains it exceptionally well here at "Galloping Mind".  Not only is this post well done, but all her posts are informative and entertaining.  Please, check it out - you will be happy you did.