Summer Days

I haven't posted in a while and I'm feeling neglectful. To recap: Amanda was supposed to come up with the crew so that we could go to Soak City for Hannah's bday since it rained the weekend we were supposed to go. Driving down the street to get onto the highway, on a beautiful, warm, sunny day, a large limb crashed down onto my sister's car as she was driving. One limb smashed into the front window and cracked it. The other branch hit the back window of the van and the whole thing shattered on my nephews. Amazingly enough everyone was okay despite some cuts from the flying glass. Ben was completely freaked out though and refused to get back in the car. After help from the neighbors, they cleaned up the car and went on to make other plans. Elena's mom drove Amanda to rent a car and they ended up driving to Cleveland that day after all. We had a nice swim day in the pool and went to Soak City the next day. Ben didn't come.
We had a great time, but the majority of the day I spent with Finn and Tali, which was really nice. The three of us had a good time together. Finn really liked the wave pool and was fearless as he dove in and out of the waves. Tali waited on the edge until the waves subsided for "rest period" and then came in and joined us. We spent 8 hours in the sun. It was a great day!
We had a pool party with Michele, Joe, Cathy, Dave and the kids. Mark had to go somewhere with Erin, so he wasn't able to be there. Everybody seemed to have a good time. Dave played for a long time with Audrey, Sophie and Daniel in the pool. I was happy that Michele and Joe stayed late. We went for a goat hike and Mark took the kids for a "hay ride". I showed the kids how to milk Raisin and like Hannah, Maylin took right to it.

Equipment

What a difference specialty equipment can make. I bit the bullet and went to Tractor Supply today to load up. I got another book on equine behavior, a sponge, sweat scraper, longe line, longe whip, and a riding crop. I also got a curb chain to hook onto the halter to stop her lunging forward. My favorite purchase is a pair of steel-toed Timberland boots/shoes. With my shoes on and the riding crop in my hand I felt much more confident meeting her in pasture. The riding crop is like an extension of my arm. When she started to plow into me from the front I used it to pat her on the chest and tell her whoa. I also was able to use the other end of the crop to bump her in the face when she rolled her head into me. She even stood still quietly while I put on the curb chain. More and more progress every day.

Finn and Tali's Ice Cream Parlor - FARMER STYLE

Finn

Swimming

Here is a perfect before, during and after. I hope it posts properly.

Swimming with Kennedy

On Thursday Ann and Tanya brought Karen's daughter, Kennedy, over for a swim. She was very shy at first, but warmed up after spending time in the pool and on the swingset. Then she didn't want to leave! We had a great time.

Touch and Go

The last few days with Ruby have been touch and go. She is trying to bully me and it is a struggle to know the right thing to do. Gaining her trust and forming a bond is imperative. It is the groundwork that sets the tone for everything else. We are making progress little by little. She won't let me spray the bug spray on her, but I can now rub some on her face. She will let me brush her with a soft brush, and last night I was able to use the curry comb. She is very pushy though and likes to push into me, which is a bit scary. I have to learn to stand my ground, but I admit, I'm nervous. I'm sure that doesn't help. She can read my emotions even though my intentions are determined. Yesterday she reared up in her stall when I had her in a halter and on a lead, and tried to push me into the corner. I finally got pissed and gave her a smack on the chest. That definitely surprised her. It would have been comical if I wasn't in such a precarious position.

Putting on her halter and leading her in and out of the barn is getting better. I really need to get a riding crop. I need an extension of my arm to get her to move away from me. I let her out into the pasture on Thursday. She ran up and down for awhile getting the jiggys out. We kept the donkeys in the other corral for two days so that they could see each other over the fence. Yesterday we let them out together and the donkeys want nothing to do with her yet. They don't rush her like other horses would. She would start toward them and they would begin running with her trotting after. At one point it was a beautiful train of Pickles, JoJo, and Ruby bringing up the rear. I think in time they will like each other.

One thing I do like about Ruby is that she will come to me if I walk out into the pasture. I don't have to catch her which is a real blessing. She is very friendly and likes people. She will stand quietly while I put on the lead. Last night, after running around all day with the donkeys she was beat. She could barely keep her eyes open as I rubbed her neck. It was pretty funny. Rachel is coming over Wednesday for our first training session. We are going to do two weeks a month working on groundwork with Ruby, and two weeks a month me riding at the stables.