Mandreica Saddlebred Stud

November 4th, 2008 - Duke is settling in beautifully, yes we do have our discussions LOL but we are getting to know each other! Unfortunately not much training is going to happen in the next few weeks, we are wrapping up the academic year and need to knuckle down for the finals.

October 22nd, 2008 - I really did not feel like that Law Assessment!
Instead "Duke" (Star of Knight) had his first bridle and training session. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask

And, Options and I had our first ride... YaY !!!!! Am soooooo looking forward to some more

but all in good time.

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October 6th, 2008 - After so many successes, I just have to try one more thing... Long Lining!! See photos below.

October 2nd, 2008 - I have resumed training, and am firmly under the impression that yes, I have horses in my stable but I cannot saddle up one of them

Well, there is one horse that will show me how wrong I am...

We start with the basics - groundwork. Shads goes first and all we need to learn today is to actually do a full circle, stop when called to do and canter. Hmmm not too bad, considering we haven't done this too often.

Next is Options, previously when I had her in the round yard, I got the distinct impression that she knows this stuff! She trots on the outside of the circle, she looks to me for confirmation and I actually need to slow her down a bit.

At the dinner table I said to my family, tomorrow I'll put on bridle and roller and let's see what she does.....

Well, today October 3rd, 2008 Craig took these photos.........

A million dollar horse!
I still cannot believe my luck!! Options took her tack as if she's done it every day for 15 years...	Added the sidereins after a brief warm up. Yes, very loose but it's our first time.

Am I a lucky lady or what??!! To be able to purchase this mare, win her trust, love her, feed her, groom her... And she returns all this in full measure... What a horse!!

04 October 2008 - I am still speechless... I'll let Options and Alain do the talking....

Saddle up...
YiP.. I agree!! What a sight, and she didn't bat an eyelid.

What is all your fussing about...???? Come on, what's next??	Well, ok Alain is next...
	Soooo smug.... !!!

Long lining
Shortened the side reins, and it became apparent that pressure on the bar was unfamiliar.	Head still up and back stiff, but it's ok, all in good time...
Starting to drop her back ever so slightly
	Ok... let's see how much you remember...
Not too happy, but accepting...

Considering that it's been at least 12 years, this is amazing!!	Fully concentrating and total co-operation - what a pleasure Options is!!
That turn went well...
Isn't she amazing....

	Once we've built some muscles, we'll start working on the set, should not be a problem at all, even after 12 years she is not pushing her nose!
Whoa with this horse is like pulling a hand brake... Didn't she park beautifully?! Oi, come down here, I want to check that the snaffle didn't hurt you...	Don't ask - got slobber all over me!
A good stretch on a downward slope - us humans would call it stretching the hamstrings - after some excercise I like stretching my horses, and do some flexing excercises.