Friday, April 1

[gottawonder]

Today I am grateful for:

Sunshine and snow melting. We have some bare patches now.

I went to see River, and that was good. He was relaxed, and a little pooped out. R worked with him yesterday to see if she could understand the issues with his popping his head up during transitions, and she lunged him for quite a while with different bits, as well as tried some training to see if anything helped.

So I didn't work him too hard today. We did some ground work/Liberty, and rode when the other riders came in, but just did a little work on walk/trot transitions, nothing too strenuous.

R is suggesting that we try a different bit; she used one of hers on him that he responded to well. She thinks he has a low palate, and maybe fleshy lips/cheeks, and thus he might find his current bit bulky? We might also consider a bitless bridle if he doesn't improve with a different bit.

It was nice to socialize today. I did ride with the special needs person, and L (R's teen daughter). Everyone was chatty today.

My Sweetie decided on the contractor to work on our stairs. This one was experienced, had a plan that was clear, could be ready for when my husband is home this Friday to install the stairs together (this guy will bring the finished stairs to our house, and the two of them can attach them), and had a clear estimate. The other guy not so much.

My husband is even open to the idea of getting this contractor to frame in the walls for the down stairs bathroom next, provided that he does a good job with the stairs.

I learned today that prior to human settlement, the only land-based mammals on Iceland were Arctic foxes.

Comments

[cf2princessawnw]

Really glad to hear about the contractor, and that your husband is open to his helping with other things. I really hope for you that this gets things moving as you need them there!

[gottawonder]

I am hoping that seeing a bit of progress made with the contractor helps my husband to move past the planning and thinking stage he's been stuck in lately. He needs to move into "actualization" mode where the things in his head become real physical realities.

[cf2princessawnw]

Well put. I hope that will happen for you as well. Men are more visual usually, so yes seeing that progress might help him especially!

[lantairvlea]

If you want to chat bitless options let me know. Most people don't understand how tricky bit fit can be. No, if your horse is constantly mouthing or chewing the bit it is NOT comfortable with it or "just likes to play." Large diameter bits are viewd as milder, but if there's no room for it, still not comfortable. Good luck in your bit/bitless hunt.