Fox Hunting with "Bobby"
A member of the Thornton Hill Fort Valley Hounds, my daughter loves the sport of fox hunting -- and riding her American Paint Horse "Bobby"!
Here we had a Shenandoah Valley "Perfecta" -- a perfect day, perfect weather and a PERFECT horse!
Here we had a Shenandoah Valley "Perfecta" -- a perfect day, perfect weather and a PERFECT horse!
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It's "Twilight" time in beautiful Page County, Virginia
Twilight about three years ago
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Twilight is a changed gal
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"After working for a little over an hour with her skiddish little filly, Twilight, my daughter had her outfitted with saddle pad, saddle and even tightened girth - and to our surprise, proceeded to put the bit and bridle on her. Within weeks, Twilight had taken the saddle with confidence, and today, Twilight and her young rider easily circle the pen together.
"Twilight is a changed gal - and is on her way to becoming an event horse. She is a warm-blood too. Fully grown, Twilight will end up about sixteen or so hands high. Twilight is a big girl now."
"Twilight is a changed gal - and is on her way to becoming an event horse. She is a warm-blood too. Fully grown, Twilight will end up about sixteen or so hands high. Twilight is a big girl now."
Jumping Bobby
Jade and Bobby had much fun jumping the brick wall ...
She won 1st place in a gambler's choice class (her competition was adults) over this wall with her American paint... |
Jumping Outlaw
Jade has started training her Arabian to jump
- had him going after just 2 days of work in the saddle ( he can really jump)... He is a green broke 6 yr old. |
Friends gather for some casual grazing...
While the fog lifts off of the Shenandoah River...
...a couple of characters take their exercise
Horse and cart...a natural pairing...
"My daughter broke her first horse at ten years old (we took him on his first trail ride yesterday, with me walking alongside for about a quarter of a mile). She taught her pony to drive a pony cart! Her riding instructor is calling her a "little horse whisperer" ...isn't that cute? She does have a way with her horses..."
Friends start out on the trails...
"Why did the turkey cross the trail?"
"We may never have the answer to that question, but we do have another horse tale out of Page County! My daughter was out walking our rescue horse, Sir Trenton, on one of the trails behind our house a short time ago, when all of the sudden, Mama Turkey crossed right in front of them, followed by her six little babies. Without flinching, Sir Trenton stopped in his tracks, lowered his head, and calmly watched Mrs. Turkey and her children pass directly underneath his belly as they crossed from one side of the trail to the other -- as did his rider! It's all about confidence -- and if you don't spook, neither will your horse - he takes his cue from you!"
...See you at the 1850's Massanutten Springs Retreat!
Trigger was a rescue horse. When Trigger came to me, he was only skin and bones, but after much love, proper care, and lots of feed – he rebounded.
Trigger stood 17.2 hands and was a big baby when it came to getting his feet wet... Lisa, Jade and Katherine would all laugh as we would trail ride and come up on a creek. I would say, "Oh no! Oh no!" - as Trigger would get so excited and just leap high in the air across the creek. I said my prayers and held on for dear life... lol ...One day Lisa said I looked like a pro on that one.
Trigger stood 17.2 hands and was a big baby when it came to getting his feet wet... Lisa, Jade and Katherine would all laugh as we would trail ride and come up on a creek. I would say, "Oh no! Oh no!" - as Trigger would get so excited and just leap high in the air across the creek. I said my prayers and held on for dear life... lol ...One day Lisa said I looked like a pro on that one.
Horses soothe the soul: A tribute to Trigger
On the trail with Trigger
I enjoyed riding Trigger so much; so did Jade - he really taught me to ride and always took care of me... I am grateful for the time spent with Trigger - he touches our hearts to this day.
Trigger was such a great horse. I believe he knew we saved his life and he was grateful for all we did for him.
Trigger, we are grateful for all you did for us!
Trigger was such a great horse. I believe he knew we saved his life and he was grateful for all we did for him.
Trigger, we are grateful for all you did for us!