Day 18

6/18/09
I went out to the barn today. I found her flirting with Deno (as always) in the run-in. But she was kinda leaning a bit on the wall. Then When I tried to pick up her hooves; she was really unbalanced and she was stubborn to pick them up. When I finally got the right one, she was really unstable. Were going to try to get the vet to see her today or tomorrow. Fingers crossed.
**Update: I went out to catch her in a thunder Storm so she wouldn't be running around. But we got there a little too late. She was running in, trying to get in the run-in shed. As she was trotting, I noticed how lame she really is on that one leg. Hopefully the vet will come tomorrow. Until then its stall rest for my poor pony.

Day 17

6/17/09
I went out riding today. But she was kinda moving funny. I though maybe it she was just warming up. So I ignored it. Then Ryan came out and told me she looked a bit lame.):): So, I had my Mom call Sissy. She said Alison noticed it too.): I went back later that day to put more flyspray on her. She was still funny with her right hoof. Will have to see tomorrow.):):

Day 16

6/16/09

Today was Lacy's day off. I went to see her this afternoon. The spot on her shoulder is all scabbed up. I cleaned it and put more swat on it. Hopefully it will heal fast. I let her graze while I braided her tail. Then I couldn't resist hopping on her. But I forgot my helmet! Shhhhhh! Don't tell Sissy! I swear. Sometimes I can be so absent minded. Overall, it was a nice day. She was being such a sweetie today.

**Update: We went out later this afternoon. She was really antsy and I could tell she was about to rear. So, I smacked her with the lead rope. She was kinda frightened by it because it caught her off guard. But she was obedient after I corrected her.(:

Week's Conclusion

We've had a good 2nd week. She's getting a lot better with her feet. She's even jumping! I guess this week has mainly been about her well-being. First with the sunburn, then the fly eggs, and now the lumps and sores. I think she'll be fine though. Just a few minor ouchies. She's coming along nicely. She even braved the scary world of washstalls! My goals for next week is to get her to canter and get her distances to the jumps; while healing up her sores. Happy riding!

Day 15

6/15/09
The farrier came today! Her hooves look so pretty. But now she has these big weltches on her right side. Poor Lacy. It seems like theres always something wrong with her. She also has oozing sores where she's been trying to get the flies off by biting herself. Poor girl. I rubbed swat, sunblock, and fly spray all over her. Hopefully all her sores will go away. The good news is that her facial scars are healing nicely. Our ride was pretty good today. She couldn't get that right lead, but she got it cantering away from a fence. I took advantage of it and cantered her around a few laps. Were working on being straight, and keeping a steady pace through out the line. She was being a such a sweet girl today. I just wish she could get ride of all those bumps,lumps,and rashes.):

Day 14

6/14/09
I gave her a bath today. She was kinda freaking out; So I did most of the washing outside. Then after she was all shiney I put the new fly spray on her, and swat, and put her back in her stall. She wanted to go out so bad. But I just knew she was going to roll. Then I came back at 7:15 because it was my grandma's birthday. She was GREAT with her hooves! Our ride started out okay. She couldn't get that right lead no matter how hard I put my inside rein, outside leg on, and bent her. Then I decided to trot her over some tiny tiny crossrails. Then she did the unthinkable. SHE CANTERED TO THE LINE AND JUMPED THE 2 CROSSRAILS! My little western pony jumped! Knees tucked and everything! AHHHHHH! I'm so proud of my baby! I feel like a mother when her baby takes its first steps. I am so happy.

Day 13

6-13-09
I took her out to groom her in the morning. When I was brushing her, I saw bot fly eggs all over her legs!!!!! They were so nasty! I had my grandma run over to Fleet Brothers to ask for advice. We ended up getting really powerful fly spray. Karen ( Fleet Brothers employee and William and Mary's trainer) said to put the swat on the top of her hoofs and legs. We'll see how that goes...

Day 12

6/12/09
I called Sissy and told her to leave her in in the afternoon. So, I thought she was going to be mad. But she stood in the crossties pretty well. When I went to put the bridle on her turned away. But I got it on. She kept shaking her head. I took her out and she danced around the mouting block a bit. I think it was because she reins were crossed. So, I got off, fixed the reins, and rode around bareback. We went threw a course of poles each direction. Then I took her out for a short walk in the grass. I wanted to ride her longer, but I had to go to my dad's house at 5:30. While we were there my mom and Sissy talked. She said that the farrier was coming monday morning...Finally!(: Also, I am going to work in the summer camps this summer! I'm finally going to be able to pay my share of the board for the summer.(; Maybe, if I sell my western saddle and bridle/bit I might be able to afford that new saddle I've been wanting! Oh, and when I was taking Lacy out, I let her graze for a bit. She didn't full out bolt when I turned her out! Overall, it was a good day. I just have to work on those bad barn manners of hers.(; Have fun this weekend guys. Remember to put sunblock on your horse's little white noses. Trust me. Poor Lace is so burnt!

Day 11

6/11/09
I am so mad. First, when I went to get her in the field she started walking AWAY form me. Then she did pick up her hooves. But she was slow in the ring and couldn't get her leads both directions and she kept stopping by the open gate. UGHHHH! But hats not the worst part. When I brought her in she reared and broke the cross-ties. Then she tried to escape to her field! Oh My God! She was being so pissy. So, I threw her in her stall. Then, she knocked her head on the door a few times; trying to get out. I put all the tack up and curried her. But I didn't have the time or patience to properly groom her. So I was very mad, so I walked her out, stopping every few steps. So she couldn't go straight out to her friends. As soon as we got in there, I stopped her, and took her halter off. She BOLTED into a full gallop, trying to get to her friends. God. I'm so tried of her bad behavior. All she wants to do is graze. Tomorrow, I'm going to tell them to keep her in in the afternoon; that way I can turn her out and let her graze for a while. On Saturday, I don't know what I'm going to do. I just hope she freaking comes to me in the field next time. God. I am sooooo MAD!

Confromation Pictures

Day 10

6-10-2009
This was Lacy's day off. She was a little frustrated because the flies were eating her alive and it was like 88 degrees with 90 percent humidity. So I got all four hooves but I had to push. Then I took her outside to grazed while I brushed her. After, we rode around bareback. I Love riding her bareback! She has such a long back; its so comfortable. I tired my new bareback pad but I ended up ripping it off. It was so annoying! I put her back in her stall and sponged her off while she ate her dinner. I was a nice day over all. Except her hooves are really overdue of a trim. I'm hoping we'll finally catch the farrier this week. Every time he comes we seem to miss him!

Day 9

6-9-2009
Oh my gosh! Lacy picked up her feet, got her leads, and trotted over a line of poles! Today was a great day. It started off a little rainy. But as soon as I got into the field I was already in a better mood. We even trotted in a little. Then she let me pick her front hooves with only a little bit of pushing! During the ride she was great. Sure, she was a little crooked when we were going through the 'line', slow in the corners, and didn't get her leads right away. But she tried and that's all I can ask for. After, we rode around bareback. She wanted to go back in; so I threw the saddle back on and walked in. The saddle fell off in the aisle! She didn't even blink! So I gathered the tack back up,and put her in cross ties. When I brushed her she didn't even try to leave! I gave her a few treats for being so good. Then she galloped away to see her friends. That's what I call a good ride. Happy Riding!

Week's Conclusion

In this first week I've come to realize; its not about riding anymore. Its about the bond between the horse and her partner. A bond that hope to achieve someday. I'm not going work on being a better rider. Atleast until I have established a partnership with Lacy. Then things will go much easier. Good Luck with your relationships guys.

Day 8

6-8-09

I've been a horse owner for officially 1 week! Today was SUCH a great day. I had to walk half way out in the field today. But she took like 3 steps towards me. Pretty soon she'll be coming to me! Then, she was a little pushy in the cross-ties; but she gave me her feet today with minimal effort. I'm so proud!Then, I got on her and she didn't try to move around the mounting block! I proceeded to walk, trot, and canter her. She got the right left lead. But, I couldn't get the right one. So then we weaved in and out of some cones. Then we trotted over a pole! I'm not bragging, but she was AMAZING!!! I'm so happy! After, I rode her out bareback around the ring. She didn't even move when I hoped on without a saddle. She is doing such a great job with all of her training. She went from a western trail horse to an English pony that can even go over a pole! My little Lacy is such a sport.

* Oh, this guy told me that she was so pretty; and such a good horse. He wanted to know who trained her, where I got her, and how many years I had her. It made me feel so good. I think were actually starting to bond with each other.(:He kept saying she was so beautiful. I'm so proud to be partners with such an amazing pony.

Day 7

6-7-2009
She rears. Today I went to the barn early in the morning. She was just about to be put out with her friends. But then I got there and started grooming her to ride. She was PISSED! She kept throwing her head around to look at the field.So I turned her around, which made her even more mad. Then when my Mom tried to hold her head down; she reared just to be defiant. When I tried to mount her she was walking all around the mounting block. So I took her to the one that's not near her field and got on her. She was fine when I rode her. I think I was because she knew she lost the battle. But I don't want to fight her! Then I put her out and she full out galloped to her friends. I think I'm just going to ride her in the afternoons from now on. But I hate it that I have to stick to certain time just because she wants to go out with her friends and graze. Further more, I'm going to groom her in the school section so she can't even look out at the other mares. I just don't know what else to do.
But on the up side she picked up her hooves to day with out a lot of pulling!(:

**Update:

I've been looking online, and I think my problem is that she associates me with bad things. Like working, getting her hooves picked,ect... So I went out later this afternoon. I brought treats and she came to me fairly easily. The I grabbed a big dandy brush. I took her out in the open and just let her graze. While I talked to her and brushed her. I also took her in and out of the indoor. She was a bit scared.I regret doping it now. But in the and I gave her lots of treats and let her go back out with her friends. Hopefully our bond will get better with time. I love her so much.

Day 6

6-6-09
The first weekend day with her! She was sooo good in the morning! She even cantered on the right lead about 3 laps each direction! YAY! But, when I came back in the evening; she was out in the girls field. I had to chase her down to catch her! Finally she went in the run-in shed and I managed to corner her. She's such a brat sometimes... Its probably because she just doesn't know me very well yet. She was also stubborn with her hooves again. I'm just going to keep pushing her until she gives me them. In hope that one day, she'll be good and give them to me willingly. But until that day comes, I just have to keep squeezing and pulling. It was a nice day overall. I went to fleet brothers and got her some SWAT to put on her facial bug bites and scratches. Plus, I got new brushes!!!(:
I just hope I can teach her how to come to me, pick up her hooves, and *eventually* jump. Sorry. No picture today. I'll try to take some new ones tomorrow. And to all you horse owners out there, whose horse will come to you,be thankful. You don't know how luck you are.

Day 5

6-5-2009

Rainy days are here again. It has been raining so much today. Luckily, I got a little trotting in before it started raining hard. The puddles in the sand arena were huge! But she went right through them like the good girl she is. I need to work on hr barn manners this weekend. I know if I keep asking her and asking her for her hoof; she'll eventually give it to me. It's so frustrating pushing a pulling at her legs. I'm hoping getting her hooves trimmed will make things easier. And when I was about to get on, she kept walking forward, and throwing her head around. I kept telling reassuring her, and when I finally got on, she was good. Lace is kind of forward in the ring. But I really like that she's so responsive.

Not to totally change the subject, but she got moved in with the girls! Both the Sissy and Alison (Sissy's daughter) told me she did really well! They even let her in the Run-In when it started raining! I'm so proud of that social little girl! Everybody seems to love her! I know I do(:

Day 4

6-4-2009

Don't get me wrong, I love Lace, but she was being a stubborn pony today. She was happy to see me, and she stood in the cross ties like an angel. But when it comes two those front hooves;she is just so unwilling. I had to push and squeeze her legs for like 5 mins. to get her to pick up on leg! Then I gave up, and went to get her tack. She was moving her right front hoof around ( the one I couldn't get) so I tried to get it. She lifted her leg up!!!! I'm not really sure if shes unbalanced or just unwilling. So I'm going to test her tomorrow. But I'll elaborate on that tomorrow. When I rode her she was great! We went in the sand ring for the first time! I cantered her around. She got the wrong lead at first, but then I stopped her, asked again, and she got it. But she kept running out of the open gate, so I'm going to shut it tomorrow and see how she does. Then I tried cantering her in the grass, but she always trips on this one turn. After, I brushed her off, and gave her these new treats. They kind of remind me of horse cookies. Lace usually doesn't beg for treats, but she LOVED these!She couldn't stop eating them! Here's a link if you want to try them. I strongly suggest them!http://www.statelinetack.com/item/applezz-noats/SLT203910/ ...and they're cheap too!

Lacy is improving everyday, and I'm very proud of her. She's getting moved in with all the other mares tomorrow; and I can't be there because I have my final in algebra tomorrow. So fingers crossed!

Day 3

6-3-2009

I got her to pick up all four feet today! It took some pushing and shoving for the front feet but she was such a doll for the rest. We walked/trotted/cantered again today. I took her out with other people for the first time today. She was kind of nervous. But she was just looking at everyone. She never did anything mean. She was getting bad in the ring on the side near the boys field. She was very wiggly tyring to look at all of them. But that can be fixed. Also, She needs to work on her turns at the canter and learning to stay on the rail at the canter. Plus, I need to teach her her leads! So much to do! But, I'm excited about teaching her. And I have a feeling She'll be a quick learner. After the ride I put her out in her field. But I had to rush back 3hrs later because a big storm rolled in. When I was running to her in the pouring rain, She looked at me like, ' where on earth have you been?!" I was walking her to her stall and it thundered really loud the a big lightning blot lit up the dark sky. She look at me, and I looked at her. It was then that I realized we really are going to be great friends.

Day 2

6-2-2009

I got picked up early again today because it was my birthday. I started by tacking her up, and it wasn't going so well. She wouldn't pick up her feet! UGHHH! I was so frustrated. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't get her to pick up her front left foot! So, I brushed her, and put on my saddle. I thought the girth was going to be too small but it turns out a 46' fits her just perfectly. I nervously got on with a positive attitude. We walked around a bit, then I took her out in the grass field and trotted her and cantered her down the straight-away. She did SO good for her first time in English tack. Then we went over next to the boys field. She whinnied, and this gorgeous palomino gelding came over to the fence and whinnied back. Then he just stood there; staring at Lacy. She's such a flirt! She was still a bit nervous today, but were making giant leaps of progress.

Day 1

6-1-2009

Most Exciting Day Of My Life. I got out of school early today, to get Lacy. It felt so unreal. After 7 years of lessons, and 2 years of asking, 1 year of saving, and another 6months of horse-searching, I am finally getting my horse. When we got there; Kristy, her old owner, was tense. Lacy felt her energy which made her nervous. She kept her tight on the lead all the way to her new stall. Then she talked to my mom, and the barn owner Sissy. Meanwhile I was in the stall petting her, trying to settle her down. She was pacing around and around her little stall. So then Kristy left after telling us we need to get her hoofs done in about a week. (there REALLY chipped!) But the good news is she doesn't wear shoes, so it's only 30 dollars every 8 weeks! She has such wonderful feet!So then we went to the Fleet Brothers, to get some of her old feed so we can wean her off it slowly. After we got back she was a bit calmer but she just looked like she hated her stall so much. So, I was kind of scared to take her out. Because Kristy said she might be nervous. And she didn't tell her until we gave her the check. But if she gets really scared, she rears and tries to run. So great. Now I have this scared rearing pony. I got her halter on, and walked out with my optimistic energy flowing. She was amazing! She was so calm even when the big mare were sizing her up! And in the sand ring! Then i decided to put my English saddle on her for the first time in her life. When I was trying to put the girth on she put her head down.It slide all the way down her neck! Then fell right by her head! But she just kept on grazing. I was so relieved! So then I put her in her private paddock, and she just ran out and started whinning at the other mares, she such a social butterfly.