Catching up.

Whew, the end of a school year can be crazy! When you have tornados that cut the year short by a week - it is even crazier! Finally all of the students and teachers have been sent home for the summer and things have quieted down.

DON

I have been working with Don on his Whoa and body cues from the ground. He is also learning what ground tying is. I think that he is beginning to feel better and definately track better. The newness of being worked daily has worn off, and he can't wait to get back to his "girls". This is great, because it helps instill a work ethic and develop patience. He is still a bugger about picking up his feet, but seems resigned to comply. All in all, things are progressing well. His back seems to be staying looser, but he seems more lame in the left hip now as opposed to the right hip. Still working on the massage, stretches and linament daily.

JAZZ

She is conditioning up well and her cut has healed great. Crunch time to get her ready for the District show in June. Clipper lessons, halter lessons and trailering lessons - Oh my! She has such a good mind and willing attitude. She is fearless about new things and has so much trust. I can hope for great success, but will settle for a positive experience for Jazz. I am still hoping to get her hauled to some of the Playdays before the show to get her accustomed to new and different.

RIDING LESSONS

Start back up this week. Sadie really needs the regular exercise. She is getting so very round. A daily lunging work hasn't even begun to harden her up. I have kept Brandy exercised all year long. She is older and already has some arthritis issues, the exercise keeps her loose and feeling good. I am hoping to fit Colty into the string this year, but he still needs a little work to lighten him up. He is by far the most sensitive to leg cues. The other two have been ridden by little kids and beginners to long to be really sensitive to the small cues.

4H CLUB

We are having a summer BBQ party this week. I think it is a fantastic way to kick-off the summer. Last weekend, the club went to a Horse Workshop sponsored by the Oklahoma Pinto Club. We all had a great time and learned some great tips about grooming for show day. I am now thinking about registering a couple of the horses as Pinto (9 out of 10 qualify) and showing at a few of their shows. Who knows.