Whose Mounting Block Is It Anyway?
- April 01, 2010
- Category: Daily Diary
- (18) Comments
If you’ve been reading my blog, then you know I stopped riding Khrysta late last summer. We’ve been doing ground work which has consisted mostly of trick training but lately with spring, my thoughts have turned to riding once again.
Enter my new friend, Jane Jackson, owner of Bookends Farm, and clicker trainer extraordinaire. She’s been encouraging me and offering me suggestions on how to get from ground work to actual riding. So today, an unseasonably warm day in the Northeast Kingdom, I decided to use her suggestion to incorporate the mounting block into our daily routine. It’s been gathering dust in the barn and too heavy to move without Mountain Man so I thought I’d just go ahead and use it there. My plan was to get on the mounting block, just stand on it and maybe, just maybe lean on Khrysta’s back. But once my mare saw me climb up there, she was not willing to be left behind and our time together turned into something entirely different.
Up I went on the mounting block and she followed right behind me. I was so surprised, I jumped off, ran in and got the camera and then, of course, my comedienne, Khrysta, started hamming it up for the lens.
How do you like my legs this way?
Or maybe this way? The “thinking mare” I call it.
Or perhaps you like the hoof bent back?
Or maybe you like this angle better?
Aren’t my legs gorgeous? See that flexion? Eat your hearts out stallions!
How about this?
I can get up there this way too Mom!
Did you hide any treats under there?
But my favorite way is to run right up there.
And that’s why I love my goofy mare, Khrysta.
How darn cute, she is such a love of a mare.
Date: April 01, 2010
Oh my… how precious she is!! Great photos MW!! Thanks for the smiles today
Date: April 01, 2010
Lol! she’s so cute!
Date: April 01, 2010
Have you ever thought about just getting a little 2 wheeled buggy thing, with a brake on it (not sure what they’re called) instead of riding Khrysta. ? Mountain Man could build one no ?
Date: April 01, 2010
How adorable. I don’t know anything about training horses, but I sure do love horses. They are very intelligent creatures.
Have a terrific day.
Date: April 01, 2010
Oh my, those clicker trained horses are so creative! I’m not sure you’ll be able to use that mounting block for its natural purpose any more unless you do some serious shaping! I confess I’ve had the same problem. I had spent some time teaching Ande to stand on a mat and then when I wanted to teach him to stand at the mounting block, yes he tried to put his foot on it instead. But mine is storebought plastic, not Mountain Man made, so that, in addition to the fact that I did NOT want him joining me on the mounting block, caused me to “redirect” him instead! Remember, you can click for standing NEXT to the block…
Date: April 01, 2010
Hope you can enjoy riding her again soon!
Date: April 01, 2010
Your horse pictures are so lovely , I can smell the horse smell and hay just looking at these photos. The energy will be moving soon, I really don’t know what it is about this time of year for me always a bit of a struggle even tho it is getting warmer , this year has bigger challenges and changes brewing along with a fall about Valentine’s Day that slowed things down, I hope you can smell spring in the air , I had to move the grass today xxx
Date: April 01, 2010
That’s some delightfully fancy footwork!
Date: April 02, 2010
I have such a soft spot for Palominos. She’s gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.
Date: April 02, 2010
She is so smart and funny. I loved those pictures. Your place looks great too.
Date: April 02, 2010
How cute! Khrysta is one smart cookie…and she does have magnificent legs!
Date: April 02, 2010
What a big Ham!……….
Date: April 02, 2010
Wow! I’m way behind on reading. Love the new look of your blog. You have been busy, on the internet & in your life.
Date: April 02, 2010
She is so cute! Amazing what a whistle and treats can do. Be sure you wear a helmet when you start riding again.
Date: April 03, 2010
She’s so pretty…and cute!
Date: April 03, 2010
Khrysta is so cute….what a personality! She reminds me of my little Arabian Keefer…..he was just like a goofy puppy and had to go and do what ever I was doing. I love horses with personality..makes life way more interesting. Good luck with your training!
Maura
Date: April 03, 2010
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Date: April 03, 2010