Nikolaas' Adventure into Dressage

My sweet Nikolaas RIP June 3 2011

2011-06-23T09:03:00.004-04:00

It is with great saddness that I will post that Nikolaas was euthanized on June 3 2011. He had a bout with gas colic the day before which seemed to resolve but in the morning he didn't seem right so we trailered him to NE horse hospital where they found a tear in his intestine. The surgeon felt that the survival rate with this type of problem was basically zero. We had him euthanized and cremated and will bury him at our farm. He was the best horse and riding partner a person could hope for. He was gentle, willing and a joy to have. He will always have a place in my heart.

Nikolaas Dressage at Saratoga 2011

2011-05-29T21:48:00.002-04:00

Getting some air time!
Nik's first time at First level, 68% and High Point First Level horse! He pooped out on his second canter lengthening. I'm a proud momma!

Nikolaas Training 3 Saratoga

2011-05-28T22:12:00.000-04:00

Our first show in over a year. Scored 68% and won Training level test 3. We earned our first qualifying score for the Fall Festival. Tomorrow is our first test at First level. Nik was so well behaved. I'm so proud!

Our first time riding together!

2011-05-23T14:04:00.001-04:00

Here we are with our first attempt at riding together for our Pas de deux. They like each other and rode nicely together. Now we have to finish editing music and do choreography!

Nikolaas 5/2011

2011-05-18T02:06:00.002-04:00

I wasn't able to go to the Mother's Day show because I got a cold. Here I am schooling some leg yields on a circle and lengthenings. It was a cold windy day and Nik had lots of impulsion!

Getting ready for show on Mother's Day

2011-05-04T08:07:00.003-04:00

I had a lesson today. It's been a while as we have been getting back into shape from being off for the winter. We worked on lengthening on the circle with lots of bend , going back and forth. Really helped with the hind leg push. (look up) Transitions with more bend to keep his head from popping up. Canter lengthening to collected canter to uber collected for 2 strides back to lengthening. Trot, halt, back, trot. Leg yielding- to the right almost counter bend because he drops his right shoulder.

I also trimmed him up, still a little hairy but he looks even more handsome, if that is possible!

Nik April 2011

2011-04-27T20:14:00.000-04:00

Finally some sunshine!

2011-04-26T13:58:00.005-04:00

The weather is finally good riding weather! Nik has really been behind the leg so I have been working on a lot of transitions. Our first recognized show is Memorial Day weekend at Saratoga!

Back in the Saddle after a long winter

2011-03-05T15:02:00.002-05:00

I rode Nik today after having over 2 months off. He was super. I even walked him in the partially defrosted outdoor arena too!

I know there is some grass down there!!!

2011-02-07T22:55:00.001-05:00

This weather has been ridiculous! Not much riding this winter in fact there is so much snow on the roof I am afraid to bring them into the barn. We need sun!

Totilas look alike!

2010-09-22T08:09:00.002-04:00

Bought Nik and new brow band at the NEDA Fall Festival. I had a lovely weekend being a ring steward as I spent the summer on crutches. Here is Nik and I think he looks like Totilas!

Escape!

2010-09-16T01:40:00.001-04:00

Getting woken up at midnight by running hoof beats is never a good thing. Looks like itchy butt Nik pushed down the top 2 rails of his paddock fence. He meandered over to Tiki's paddock and got her running. This woke me up and startled the dogs. I put the back light on and noticed a horse shadow outside of the fencing! The donks just stayed in the field like good donkeys! Nik was easy to catch and the fence was a quick fix.

Beauty Session

2010-08-29T23:12:00.003-04:00

It was a beautiful end of the summer day. We hacked around the farm and enjoyed the weather. I then gave Nik a very needed hair spa day with a shampoo, condition and braid. He is so patient. Our sites are headed to show in mid October in the Mystic Show.

I'm riding again.......if you want to call it that

2010-07-28T21:07:00.001-04:00

I have been cleared by the Orthopedist to ride as long as I don't fall off. ha ha. I've walked 4 times and yesterday I trotted for one long side. It was not very enjoyable but I hope it will be getting less painful soon.

Nik Gets Shoes

2010-07-16T22:29:00.002-04:00

I have been very fortunate for the last few years for Nik to remain barefoot. His feet have gotten so chipped in the front that I had to have shoes put on his front feet. He was a good boy.

My Current Life

2010-07-14T21:51:00.001-04:00

Here is Nik getting his weekly beauty treatment for his mane and as always being a good boy and holding my crutches for me.

Nikolaas Training level test 2 April 2010

2010-06-06T21:54:00.001-04:00

Unplanned Flying Dismount

2010-05-28T12:03:00.001-04:00

3 Weeks ago I was bucked off our young pony Kade. Unfortunately I broke my left hip and had 3 pins placed. Another summer wasted. I'm enjoying the horses from the windows of my house. Hopefully I'll be back to riding soon.

Relaxing in the Hot Tub

2010-05-16T08:30:00.004-04:00

Need I say more.........

First Schooling Show of 2010

2010-04-26T16:55:00.006-04:00

We showed at Mount Holyoke College dressage show. Nik was good except for some spooking problem near one of the corners. I was very happy that he was forward, calm in the warm-up (since I ride him alone at home) and mostly attentive. He scored a 65% (2nd place) which was good considering we received a 3 and 4 during his inattentiveness. The bad news is it took him 2 hours to load into the trailer. He has been dining in the morning in the trailer since the show!

Nik goes to Florida for the winter

2010-04-04T22:19:00.003-04:00

What a fab winter we had. Trail riding at Black Prong in Florida and getting back into shape. Near the end of our stay I did do some serious dressage. We worked on lengthening his neck to help gain more swing in his back, W-C, C-W, Baby counter canter, LY, started trot and canter lengthenings. He made a lot of progress and gained confidence in his trail riding. Fun, Fun, Fun!

Trail Ride Along CT River

2009-12-03T16:20:00.002-05:00

We had a lovely day a few weeks ago. I went on a trail ride with 2 other Friesian owners. Nik was really well behaved! We had some trouble going through water but we worked it out and he did get his feet wet. He only get a little excited when he saw other horses in the distance. He also led for awhile too. It was a great day with beautiful weather.

Friesian Drill Team

2009-11-21T13:51:00.000-05:00

We had FDT practice at my house today. Nikolaas was a little off guard and out of character when we first started. He was very excited about the other 3 horses in "his " arena. He soon relaxed and was a good boy. It was a beautiful day, sunny and a lot of fun.

Fabuloso Clinic

2009-11-14T20:36:00.002-05:00

Despite a crummy rainy day, I went up to Amherst for a lesson with Chris. We really worked on his one big problem, reaction time and forwardness. Our exercises involved slow trot to working trot with a big push from behind. Some ground work with turn on the FH and getting a reaction from the whip. Great time and some friends came to cheer me on. Fun Day!

Back in the saddle

2009-11-11T12:29:00.001-05:00

Now that I am done with treatments and feeling well, I am back to riding full time. I just joined a Friesian Drill team and have had 2 practices. Nik is a natural and loves the other horses. It has helped with his motivation problem. We have just gotten Kade, the welsh cob, home from Gina the horse backer. I have started riding him too. This weekend is Equine Affaire, aka as shopping time, and I have a lesson with Chris on Saturday. Lots to look forward to!

Summer fun

2009-08-30T08:10:00.003-04:00

Nik has been ridden a lot out back on our grass track. It has helped with his forward issues. Karen has been riding him twice a week out back and I have been riding about 2 -3 days a week in the driving arena. He is doing great. Learned walk-canter transitions, better bending and connection. Leg yields are better and straighter. Our next obstacle is getting him through water. We have a brook and have been working at getting in it. Karen is making some progress but he is really scared. Hopefully I will be back riding full time in about 5 weeks, once my radiation is over. Just in time for the cold weather.

Update

2009-07-17T07:59:00.001-04:00

Well, Mr. Nik was very behind the leg at the show. The good news is that he was very well behaved but he wasn't interested in cantering. Hopefully he'll get out to another show before the season is over.
Nik has been doing really well. Karen has been coming 2 times a week to ride him during my illness and I ride on my good days. We rode Nik and Tiki out on the grass track and walk, trotted and cantered together and they were perfect. Ari and I hope to take them both to the beach this fall.

Getting ready for Show time

2009-05-12T18:43:00.002-04:00

I have my one and only show this season this weekend. Will be doing T2 and T4. Hope we have good weather. Nik has been going well, canters are more prompt and less lead swapping. There will be a few friends showing so it should be alot of fun. My big hurrah before surgery....

ITS BEEN AWHILE

2009-04-25T17:28:00.003-04:00

After being diagnosed with cancer at the end of January, my riding has been off and on due to treatments. The last few weeks have been steady and he is coming along nicely.

Ice falling off the roof and I lived to tell about it!

2009-01-10T20:53:00.001-05:00

Today while riding, we had some ice drop off the roof. Nik did spook a bit but he calmed down right away. I was worried that we were going to have a full roof slide so I did a short ride. We did a 10M circle and leg yielded to 20M with a 10M in the opposite direction on the open side of the circle. Also working on smaller circles, bending and listening to my forward aids.

Nik grew 1/2 an inch!!!!!!!

2009-01-06T18:50:00.003-05:00

Nik is officially 15.2 1/2! I was tacking him up yesterday and noticed he looked taller so I measured him. I then rode outside in the snow for the second day in a row. He seemed to enjoy it and I had a lot of fun.

Back in the saddle again!

2008-12-29T23:10:00.000-05:00

After a good 2 weeks off, we are up and riding again. Today I rode outside and Nik was nice and forward. We even worked on W-C transitions and lengthenings. He was a joy to ride.

FAbulous Ride

2008-12-03T11:56:00.001-05:00

We did our first walk-canter transition. Basically off the voice but he was willing to try. We've been working as starting SI, LY away and towards rail, lengthening, canter forward and back, med walk to free walk and back, stretchy circle.

2 Great Lessons

2008-11-22T12:19:00.003-05:00

Had 2 really good lessons this month. Nik was very good and forward. (so it was 30 degrees, windy and dusky) Some notes: Keep off inside leg, more responsive to leg aids, no potty breaks, leg yield then straight then LY, rt hand down, sit still with upper body, few strides of lengthening,
start ly against wall at trot, start moving shoulders for SI, work on keeping weight in contact and stretching into contact esp. in downward transition, try work in hand to get more responsive, keep legs relaxed.

I'm a BAD boy

2008-11-09T19:50:00.001-05:00

Well today, Nik decided again to stand in the water trough and mangle another water heater. Not only that but he also stepped on one of the cats. Thankfully the cat is fine.

Enjoying the weather

2008-11-08T08:31:00.001-05:00

Nikolaas' canter has really improved over the last month. Lots of trot to canter transitions. The crisp air gives him some extra impulsion.

First Ride in 2 Weeks

2008-10-11T20:49:00.003-04:00

Nikolaas is all better! I did a light outside ride and he felt great. During our 2 weeks off I took some photos of the farm to keep myself busy. Here is an artsy close up shot.

Coughing Brook Farm

2008-10-08T22:49:00.003-04:00

Tiki came home a couple of weeks ago from the Gladstone CDE and must have picked up a virus. It managed to spread to Nik and Kade. Nik has been off work for 2 weeks and still has a slight cough so I will wait alittle longer. The good news is we have found a digital thermometer that takes a temp in 8 seconds. When you have 3 sick horses it is very handy!

Update photo

2008-09-26T19:40:00.005-04:00

Here is a recent pic of Nik from a video. I have been riding outside for all my rides. Yesterday he cantered on the track for 1/4 of the way around until he started going alittle too fast for comfort. He can canter all the way around the dressage arena and driving arena. His strength is improving!

2008-09-07T07:57:00.002-04:00

Super BIG Brag

2008-09-07T07:29:00.004-04:00

Nik went to his first schooling show today. Intro A and B with 69% in both. He was calm, relaxed and just plain fun. I was so proud! The only problem we had was he was afraid to back out of the trailer. We moved the divider and he contorted himself out.

BIG BRAG

2008-08-25T21:29:00.002-04:00

Nikolaas made his grass track debut today. We trotted once around in each direction. He was alittle scared but soon calmed down. I was so proud!

Riding in the "Real Dressage Arena"

2008-08-24T22:23:00.003-04:00

Nik is going nicely and has graduated to the unfenced real large dressage arena. We have even attempted to canter a 20 M circle. It wasn't really a circle but he did complete it! Today after our ride I walked him on the woods trail and trotted him too. He was perfect. He is leg yielding nicely and cantering longer distances without constant reminding from me.

Lesson during aThunderstorm

2008-08-02T14:40:00.004-04:00

Had a fine lesson today in the indoor and of course it was raining and thundering. Nik as usual took it in stride and was perfect. Some reminders to work on:
Leg yield at trot, come down to walk if not responding
shallow serpentine
stretchy circle
TOF off left leg walk forward during
Use the Verhan saddle.

Nik's New Friends

2008-07-27T09:07:00.002-04:00

After Chelsea pony had to be laid to rest last month, someone offered us 2 donkeys to keep our horses company. Introducing Omar and Milton. Our new welsh cob, Kade, arrived last week too and all 4 are getting along perfectly.

Nik is starting to look like a dressage horse

2008-07-26T20:49:00.004-04:00

Nik is starting to become rounder at the trot and he is trotting nicely forward. He is really coming along. He is starting to canter but he doesn't want to go very far yet!

First Tail Ride

2008-07-16T22:17:00.002-04:00

Nik has been going well in the outdoor arena so I decided it was time to venture even farther. Ari rode Tiki and I rode Nik. Nik actually wanted to lead! He didn't spook but was looking about at times. We did our little walk thru the woods and on the grass track and came back. Then I rode him with Tiki in the ring. He has never been ridden with another horse. He was pre-occupied with Tiki. Did I mention he is in love with her? So it did take some effort to get him to pay attention to me. Good learning experience.

Moving right along!

2008-07-02T09:28:00.002-04:00

Nik is really learning. He has such a wonderful attitude. Could be alittle more forward in his thinking but his overall demeanor is great. We have graduated to being able to ride in the whole outdoor arena even the scarey area way at the end. I am also cantering him outside. He can't canter for a long distance yet but he did canter the other day with just voice! I am also working on turns on the forehand, off the left leg he is great off the right leg he isn't very reponsive yet. Overall he is coming along. I'm riding 4 days on and one day off. Alternating inside and out.

Update: CANTERING undersaddle

2008-06-22T18:35:00.001-04:00

It was a great day us today. I cantered Nik for the first time undersaddle. He picked it up in both directions but only cantered for about 20 M. But he was perfect and it was a great first time. I also started him trotting over cavaletti again and he seems to enjoy it.

Update

2008-06-04T21:10:00.003-04:00

Nik has been coming along very well. We should be able to canter undersaddle later this week or next. He is doing well cantering on the lunge. He can almost do a full circle! Bob lunged him before I rode him and really got him listening. Nik was very forward and reponsive. Ari watched me ride him last night and she was impressed that he was going so well. Our immediate goals are 1. cantering under saddle 2. learning to bend and move away from the leg 3. rounder outline.

A Good Week

2008-05-20T07:09:00.001-04:00

Rode outside a couple of times, 2 days off, lunged some. Worked on Cantering on the lunge. We did it out of the corner and down the long side and that seemed to work. He is gaining strength and balance.

He's getting it!

2008-05-13T21:00:00.003-04:00

Last night I did a lunge session with sliding side reins. They worked better than the side reins. We worked on cantering and got a few strides. That's our next feat to accomplish.

Today I rode inside as it was very windy. He has improved so much! We steered with a light contact and he went forward nicely.

Mother's Day Video Outside

2008-05-11T19:44:00.003-04:00

We had great weather and enjoyed another great ride outside. Bob also led us around the farm. Nik was tense at times but calmed down after awhile.

Another beautiful day

2008-05-07T21:49:00.003-04:00

Rode outside again. He was nice and forward but he did try and go out the gate when we trotted by. Bob then lead me around the outdoor unfenced dressage arena. Nik was alittle scared but he behaved himself. We will try and do more outdoor excursions.

Beautiful weather

2008-05-06T13:46:00.002-04:00

Monday I lunged and today I rode outside in this beautiful weather. He behaved perfectly.

Last weekend Tiki had her first CDE of this year and at a higher level, preliminary. She was really good in the dressage phase, needed energy in the walk and her rein back was bad. Probably the best she's ever done. Bob had one cone down in the cones, usually he goes clean. The marathon was tough as the first hazard was water. She stalled and we took forever to get through. Hazard 2 and 3 went well. Hazard 4 she stalled again got hung up and then we went thru a gate that got us eliminated. Hazard 5 she did well. So we have alot to work on, but considering it was the beginning of the season we were happy.

Excellent ride tonight

2008-05-02T07:50:00.003-04:00

Thurs. night I had a great ride on Nik. He was very forward and willing. We're off to NJ on Fri. for a CDE for Tiki so Nik will have a few days off.

Cantering on lunge

2008-04-30T18:23:00.002-04:00

We rode outside the day after the first time and Nik was perfect. Then he had 3 days off .Today I lunged him and Nik cantered in each direction. YEAH!

First time Riding Outside

2008-04-26T08:34:00.003-04:00

On Friday, I lunged Nik outside and he was very comfortable so I decided to ride him. He was very good. I kept it short, he went forward and steered as best as he could.

First time riding at night

2008-04-25T06:47:00.003-04:00

Tonight was the first time I rode Nik at night with the doors open in the indoor. He did very well and after a couple of slow times around I got him moving forward enough to even do a circle and diagonal. He was excellent.

Love is in the air

2008-04-23T07:53:00.003-04:00

Nikolaas has more than brotherly feelings for his sisters and now has to stay in his own paddock. The girls are in heavy heat cycles, even 34yo Chelsea. We had the vet out to check his hormone levels.

First Lunge Outside

2008-04-20T16:15:00.002-04:00

After a nice forward ride yesterday, even trotting on the diagonal to change direction, I decided to do a lunge day outside. He was very forward, using his big boy trot with some bucks and cantering. When I changed direction he settled down nicely and stopped when I asked! Plus it was a beautiful 70 degrees out and the horses are shedding like crazy.

Mastering the Forward button

2008-04-18T22:51:00.002-04:00

Nik has been doing really well, picking up the cues to stay trotting and not stopping. He is funny, he usually poops twice and sometimes stops to pee. Anything for a break. Today Bob led me around the outdoor arena. He was very good, had alittle spook from the cat rustling in the leaves but then was fine.

Nikolaas Canters on the Lunge

2008-04-13T23:34:00.001-04:00

Nik was so forward today that I actually got him to canter on the lunge line in both directions. I did have to chase him into it and he had an awesome extended trot. He was such a good boy!

Still working on forward

2008-04-11T09:42:00.001-04:00

Our main theme has been forward. He has made some improvement but needs alot more get up and go.

Working on Forward

2008-03-31T22:09:00.002-04:00

Friday,Sat and Sun. we worked on going forward on the lunge and riding around the ring. Monday I just lunged and he was better about trotting forward and not stopping. Tomorrow he will have off.

One step forward, 2 back

2008-03-26T16:55:00.002-04:00

On Monday, Nik was having an out of body experience and decided to gallop off to the other end of the arena. He still doesn't have great brakes so it was quite an adventure. So Tuesday I lunged him and Wed. I lunged and then rode again but Bob kept us on the line. He was fine and we will resume solo riding later this week. Babies!!!

Nik trotting solo

2008-03-23T08:46:00.002-04:00

The 40mph winds are over

2008-03-22T19:07:00.002-04:00

Nik has had 3 days off due to gail force winds. Today I rode him solo and Ari took some photos and a video. He is steering better but needs more forwardness.

Our first spook

2008-03-19T19:33:00.002-04:00

Monday I didn't lunge and just hopped on. I worked on some steering on the line and one of the crazy cats ran into the indoor right under his legs. He jumped to the side and then stood there. Then I went solo and trotted around the indoor in each direction. The steering is getting better. Today he had a day off and we did beauty parlor. Worked on his mane, clipped his head. He didn't even blink when I clipped him.

Lots of New Things

2008-03-16T17:18:00.001-04:00

Thursday was a day off. Friday I lunged and the Bob lunged me. Nik was a real slug. I think it was because we drove Tiki and Nik was running around the field wondering why Tiki was going by. By the time I rode him he was tired.
Saturday Nik was really good. After a short sesson of riding on the lunge I went solo. We trotted down the long side twice and worked on steering.
Sunday we long lined Nik in preparation to teaching him to drive. He took well to the lines and we worked on steering and stopping. Bob lined from the rear and I stayed near his shoulder with a line. Afterwards I led him around the outdoor arena and he did great. No problem.

Great Job!

2008-03-12T13:00:00.002-04:00

Today I lunged with tack and side reins. Bob led me around the arena twice. Nik was very relaxed.

Vaca is over, back to business!

2008-03-11T18:06:00.001-04:00

I finally defrosted and am starting Nik back up again. Today I lunged him and he remembered everything. Tomorrow I hope to hop on.

Taking a break

2008-02-07T13:25:00.000-05:00

Because of weather, snow and life, Nik has had a small vaca since the 2nd week in January. I plan to start him back up in a couple of weeks. He also deserved some time off.

It's 60 degrees out today!!!!

2008-01-09T21:42:00.000-05:00

I'v ridden a couple of times this week. Once some snow slide off the roof and spooked Nik alittle. Today it was VERY windy but warm. We opened the indoor doors to let some sun in. He was a tad nervous a few times with some heavy gusts so I just rode on the line. We are working on forward thinking.

Very Forward today

2008-01-02T11:21:00.000-05:00

After a few days off for snow, Nik was very forward today. He trotted and listened well on the lunge and then went over a cavaletti pole. I rode on and off the lunge for a bit.

Getting better

2007-12-30T20:15:00.000-05:00

Yesterday After a lite lunge with sidereins, I rode solo. I went around the entire arena. Did some trotting. The steering is still alittle scarey but we got around! Today, Nik got a well deserved rest. Tonight we are supposed to get more snow.

Trotted Solo

2007-12-28T18:44:00.000-05:00

Today I trotted Nik by myself!!!!!! He needed some encouragement from Bob on the ground with the lunge whip but he was excellent

Riding without the line

2007-12-26T22:12:00.000-05:00

After a short lunge in side reins and Bob lunging me on Nik, I rode around at the walk off the line. I did some turning, stopping and going. I carried a dressage whip to help with the going.

Christmas Day

2007-12-25T22:25:00.001-05:00

Today, I lunged Nik with side reins for the first time. He was fine. He then had his homemade Christmas horsey treats. YUM.

Christmas EVE

2007-12-24T23:45:00.000-05:00

After a week off because of bad weather, I started Nik up again. Bob lunged me on Nik at the walk and trot. Afterwards I walked around off the line, worked on stop and go and steering. He was awesome!

We trotted together!

2007-12-14T15:52:00.000-05:00

Today, after a lite lunge, Doris came by and lunged me on Nick. We worked on steering and stopping. Then we trotted on the lunge line. He was a bit confused at first but then we trotted in both directions. I am going to start to lunge him in side reins.

Steering and stopping

2007-12-12T22:04:00.000-05:00

Today I rode around the arena, steering as best as we can at this point. I worked on stop and go and turning. Bob had the lunge line on but stood off to the side. If the weather is good we'll try a trot tomorrow!!!!

Frisky Friesian

2007-12-09T12:49:00.000-05:00

Today during our lite lunge, Nik was full of himself. A little buck and cantering. Nice to see him with his own impulsion. After, Bob led me around and then we walked on the lunge line in a circle and worked on stopping and going. He was a good student!

Pony Ride

2007-12-07T18:24:00.000-05:00

After a lite lunge again, Bob led me around again on Nik. He seemed more comfortable.

Riding on the lead line

2007-12-05T12:46:00.001-05:00

It's been bad weather for a few days but today after a lite lunge, I got on Nik and Bob lead me around the arena in both directions. He was perfect.

All Aboard!

2007-12-01T07:27:00.000-05:00

After light lunging, we brought Nik over to the mounting block again. First Ari leaned over him. Then I leaned on him and then just decided to climb aboard. The first time he was eating a sugar cube and I don't think he even noticed. Then I got on again and patted him and moved around. He was perfect.

Maple Syrup fix

2007-11-29T21:44:00.000-05:00

Nick loved the bit tonight. A little wif of the maple syrup and he couldn't wait to get the bit into his mouth. I then lightly lunged him with the bridle, saddle and the stirrups hanging and banging. We then practised standing at the mounting block. He's a good boy!

Lunging

2007-11-28T21:48:00.000-05:00

Another day with light lunging with the saddle on, no stirrups. Working on keeping him going and staying on the circle. He seems very willing. The bad news is Tiki is now in heat and driving him crazy. I had 4H tonight at our barn and the kids just loved him. They were intrigued with his amorous feelings for Tiki. A little embarassing.

Wearing the Dressage Bridle

2007-11-27T21:06:00.000-05:00

I believe Nick has worn a bridle for the keuring but today we wore the big boy dressage bridle. Well at least we fit it. He is wearing a full size bridle but needs an oversize noseband and browband. I put it on and within a minute he stood quietly with it on. He wasn't thrilled to put the bit in so I'll do the molasses dunk the next time.

Lunging with the saddle

2007-11-26T08:10:00.000-05:00

After 2 days off for good behavior, I lunged Nick with the saddle last night. He was excellent. Went like he didn't even have it on.

Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T20:55:00.000-05:00

Today we lunged with the surcingle on. Then we went over to the mounting block and I layed over his back while Ari fed him 3 horse cookies. Yum.

Surcingle on

2007-11-21T18:15:00.000-05:00

Today Nick wore the surcingle in his stall for awhile. I worked on lunging at the walk and the trot.

Let snow, let it snow, let it snow

2007-11-20T22:13:00.000-05:00

Not even Thanksgiving yet and we had our first snow fall. A cold, cold day. Just did beauty session, saddle on with stirrups and walked him around. Will lunge tomorrow when it warms up!

Our First Lunge

2007-11-19T13:38:00.000-05:00

Our session started with a deer running past the arena door. He was a little inattentive after that but then he got better. We worked on walking and stopping and trying to stay on a circle. He even walked over the cavaletti because he wanted to. We then worked on backing, yielding to pressure, whoaing, standing. He didn't seem to miss Chelsea at all.

Walking with the saddle on

2007-11-18T21:30:00.000-05:00

Tonight after our grooming session, Nick walked with the saddle on with the girth lightly tightened. He was a little tentative but followed the program. Tomorrow I will start to longe him a little.

Saddle with girth pressure

2007-11-16T21:30:00.000-05:00

After I brushed him, I placed the saddle again ,this time with some girth pressure. He handled it all in stride. Did a little hair maintenance too. He is another really neat in the stall Friesian. Puts his piles in the back. Makes my job easier.

Height and weight

2007-11-15T21:48:00.000-05:00

Nick measured at 15.1H and 960 lbs; we need a couple more inches in the future.......
After I brushed and picked his feet ,I placed my saddle on tonight without the girth. I will need to have the tree narrowed for now. He is still a slim boy. He was a very good boy. It was raining all day and when I walked down to the barn with my umbrella Nick came over to me at the fence line to check it out. He even touched it with his nose. He certainly has a brave spirit.

I'm such a Good Boy!

2007-11-14T21:51:00.000-05:00

Today is Nick's 3rd day at our farm. Everynight I have been putting him on the cross ties and brushing him. Tonight he was very comfortable and stood perfectly. I even put a saddle pad on him and moved it all over. He didn't even flinch. This afternoon I walked him in the indoor arena over the ground poles and over to Bob's carriage. He was very relaxed. Seeing himself in the mirrors did perk him up a bit. I'm so happy with him.

Nikolaas has arrived

2007-11-13T19:13:00.000-05:00

Nick has arrived at Claybrook Farm on Sunday morning from Wausau Wisconsin. My awesome husband went 20 hours to and fro to bring him home to CT. He has settled in nicely. Our 34yo mare thinks he is her own personal boy toy. His arrival knocked her right out of menopause. He was recently gelded 6 weeks ago and still has some stallion mannerisms. He is a Friesian by Anne out of a Jacob mare. I purchased him from Northster Friesians. He is unbroke so I will chronicle our journey together.