[KrazyTBMare]

Today I was going to have a lesson with Dean Graham over at my friends equestrian neighborhood. Dean always gets on first and then I usually get on the last 20-30 mins. Today there was a lot of outside stimuli and Dean stayed on the whole time which is fine with me because I know I can ride the horse but when hes spooking and really distracted and a little up, Id rather him work him through it correctly than me struggle to get through it.

After being down for 7 months, Rex still gets *very* excited when he sees other horses around so when my girlfriends lesson ended and it was Rex's turn, well he locked eyes with her gelding and his brain melted away lol. He was just being a typical 4.5 yr old with some silly little spooks and not paying attention, etc. Dean is great though as he just rides them forward, ignoring their antics, making them think and work. The ride was very productive. He worked in the dressage arena, through the woods by the arena where he was spooking, across the field, through more woods with bushes, back into the ring via jumping up into like a bank on XC, and then the hunter ring where they did their first sets of trot poles u/s.

GOOD NEWS is that if you guys have seen the last few sets of pics of me riding I was really struggling with keeping my position. I knew that the saddle needed to be adjusted after the time off but didnt realize how much.

The saddle was brand new when I got it and only had like 3-4 rides on it when he got hurt. So its sat for 7 months other than a few rides on Layla. Then hes been ridden in it like 6-7 times since Nov. The wool had compressed as new saddles will and it was sitting really low up front, completely throwing my balance forward which caused me to push my leg forward to brace to keep my balance, and caused me to post forward/backwards and sit too far back. My fitter lifted it up and after seeing it on him (I knew it was a little low but didnt realize how much) and then seeing it adjusted, it was a good 3" or so up off of him and balanced again. I havent ridden in it yet but sat in it and I had that same "rock solid" feeling I had when I first sat in it last year. Rex also went really lovely today in it even with all the tension and excitement.

Anyways, lots of pics. Ill link to the FB album but wanted to link to a few of my favs

warming up
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...71503213_n.jpg

wee canter - he had a little air time
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...65506222_n.jpg

one of the little spooks - my girlfriend was hosing her horse off after her lesson and Rex was really distracted by him
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...34123225_n.jpg

luckily the spooks last all of 5 seconds and then he gets back to work
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...30192474_n.jpg

through the scary woods near the pump house
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...48422573_n.jpg

oops now we are scared of the woods over here
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...56774002_n.jpg

so marching into the woods he goes
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...54861435_n.jpg

marching out of the woods
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...88407041_n.jpg

I like this pic bc I think it shows his width/size more
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...76130026_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...64434627_n.jpg

lol such an eventer - Dean had him jump up into the dressage arena from the dirt arena so it was like a little bank jump
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...97334285_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...97244488_n.jpg

chilling out a little
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...38987754_n.jpg

"oh no! my friend is getting onto the trailer!"
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...06639047_n.jpg

relaxing a little more and stretching a little more
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...98958928_n.jpg

this is after everyone (and horse) left and he was alone - this started the calling and some tension but he was still very good
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...79016461_n.jpg

second time through the trot poles
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...01024687_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...62244330_n.jpg

at the end with a good stretch
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...40765090_n.jpg

until he came around the corner and saw the *gasp* gazebo lol
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...29145266_n.jpg


The whole album is here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...1&l=5df5415062

[NOMIOMI1]

yayay!

Sexy rexy holds true to the name!

He looks great! Gettin fit OOooOO

[xrmn002]

Gorgeous! I so want a chestnut next!!

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

As I said, I am thrilled for you. He looks great!

[rprincess73]

LOVE the pics! I was so focused on Paddy...I didn't see any of this.

The pic of him jumping into the dressage ring is priceless!

Have to say...even though there were a TON of distractions today...both boys did well. I hadn't heard Paddy neigh until today...and that was one heck of a voice with him calling back to Rex

[LarkspurCO]

Stunning, as usual. I covet thy Rex.

[KrazyTBMare]

Thanks guys! I'm excited with how he's coming along. Hopefully I can get on him this week.

[Valentina_32926]

KTB - have to tell you that first "spook" picture really shows he can site - Piaffe here we come!

[belgianWBLuver]

Lovely - just lovely. Keep posting; I have a greenbean too and love to get inspiration from you two!!

[Essie]

Dean and Megan put Essie's basics on her. They did a tremendous job of taking the mystery and spook out of things. I will say that Essie was/is brave. You are lucky that you get to ride with them. Have fun!!

[KrazyTBMare]

Thanks guys!

Sandy, thats promising! He def has no problems sitting back and standing straight up in the pasture either!

belgian, Ill keep posting as long as you guys dont get tired of the pics. Its a nice way to chronicle his progress.

Essie, thats so cool! Dean and Megan are amazing!

[bizbachfan]

Looks like Dean had a fun ride!! Sexy Rexy looks wonderful!!

[idlemoon]

Wheeeee!!!!! Such a silly boy! He looks great! I always enjoy your updates! Keep them coming! How about some with YOU on him? ; )

Lisa

[KrazyTBMare]

No one is around at home when I ride! I will get pics with me up soon though I didnt mind Dean staying on during this ride.

[ohrebecca]

I'm definitely in the Rex fan club - he's amazing!

[KrazyTBMare]

Thank you!