Wizard Ride 325: Last Year’s Man

Sunday, 1/1/12

My mom always said that how you spend your New Year’s Day will reflect on how you live in the upcoming year. Sooooooo, I went on a trail ride with Wizard and Kris and Sunny :^) Before our ride, I knew Wizard needed to blow off a little steam. There is a big weather change on the way in, and the warm air is being chased out by a cold front tomorrow (Monday). The air today was very mild and sunny- I think it got over 50 degrees.

When I went out to Wizard’s paddock to bring him in, he walked over to me, which I always think is really cute. Some days, he actually runs to me, and some days, it’s a meandering walk with a few stops. But giving up his turnout friends for me is a compliment indeed.

I could tell Wizard was “fresh” as soon as I had a halter on him. He was prancing around playfully as we walked down the driveway. I turned him loose in the outdoor arena and he went BANANAS, leaping and running, tail flagged. He took every opportunity to gallop, spin, and spook. He was still sparky when I took him out of the arena. I tacked him up and then I longed him in the round pen while Kris longed Sunny in the other end of the indoor arena. Someone was working on some equipment in the storage space behind the side wall of the indoor arena, and Wizard hopped around every time he heard clanging. He’s not a spooky horse, but he had an excess of energy today and showed me at every opportunity. He did some work in side reins, and that helped him settle a little. In the very beginning of longeing, it looked like he might have been a hair off again in the left front, but it seemed to go away- whew. On Wednesday night, he was looking funny on the same leg when I let him trot around the arena. His right hind also looked a little “hitchy”. On Saturday, it was gone. I have my eye on it.

I mounted up, and Kris and I headed out onto the trails. Wizard stood like a stone while I got in the saddle, and walked nicely in the arena, but as soon as we started to head down the drive way, he began hopping and prancing. I sat firmly and quietly, and he settled once we were in the woods. With every leaping squirrel and every fluttering leaf, Wizard twirled his head and thought about reacting. I focused on some shoulder in, and sitting as balanced as possible. He nervously chewed on the bit, but by the time we reached the third leg of the ride, he was settled and in his groove. There were dirt bikes in the woods, but none came within our sight or onto any of our trails.

Even when we were walking back up the driveway, Wizard was alert. Usually, he’s loose and relaxed on the last bit of the ride, but not today! He felt as fresh as he was when I pulled him out of the paddock. I brought him in the outdoor arena after our trail ride, and just trotted about 5 laps around the arena. He was so excited about his surroundings that he barely flattened his ears or kicked out. He listened and he felt really nice, but was definitely FIZZY. Hopefully, I’ll schedule a vet appointment this week so I can figure out if the fizz is a physical issue. He also has a farrier appointment for Monday- he’s overdue (8 weeks- ack! I try to keep him on a strict 5 or 6-week schedule).

Photographer Sarah Andrew: 2011- A Year in Photos

2010 in Photos
2009 in Photos
2008 in Photos

Happy New Year! I cannot thank everyone enough for all the support and friendship, through the highs and the lows.

First… the good:

– My work was published in four books and a variety of web/print publications, and featured as album art for two bands. The friends and colleagues I’ve met through the TDN and through my freelance work are tremendous people.

– Since January 2010, I’ve photographed over 2,500 homeless horses. On my many road trips in 2011, I visited 10 rescues in 7 states. I try to put a face on the “unwanted” horse population, wherever these “unwanted” horses may be, from local rescues and farms to the horses at Camelot Auction in Cranbury, NJ. Each week, I meet these horses and spend time interacting with them. The proprietors of the auction have been very gracious in letting me photograph their livestock, and our network on volunteers help to give these horses a unique opportunity. The horses continually surprise me. Over 2,500 animals beg to be captured by my camera.

– The impact and scope of the Camelot Effort has reached far beyond my wildest expectations for both the horse community and my personal views as a photographer. The public response to the auction photos has been overwhelmingly positive, and it became clear that they had value far beyond their initial “mug shot” for identifying horses’ faces and conformation. Although my time and budget were already stretched painfully thin, I embarked on a huge fundraising project with my friend Gina Keesling from HoofPrints and together, we created a calendar of our favorite auction photos. Gina volunteered weeks of countless hours designing and producing these calendars. The final product was not a simple 12-month, 12-photo calendar, but was instead a masterpiece of inspirational quotes and over 100 photos. Although the auction photos could have easily created a gloomy tone, we worked hard to keep the theme positive and uplifting. In the end, I think we were successful. We are doing a THIRD print run, and you can order a calendar here (click here).

100% of the profit is being donated to One Horse At A Time. OHAAT is an appropriate charity, since they are not a rescue that houses horses, but rather an organization that helps horses in need across the country. What I particularly like about OHAAT is their gelding grant program- how wonderful would it be for photos of our own Camelot horses to help control the unwanted horse population? To date, the calendar has raised over $33,000 for One Horse At A Time.

Penny Austin, co-founder of One Horse at a Time, said it best:

“Those of us who have these calendars know how special they are. Not only are they a work of art, they are an incredible teaching tool, but most of all, they are a resounding testament to the power of each one of us doing just one thing – and how each of our “just one thing” combined with everyone else’s has the power to MOVE MOUNTAINS. Don’t ever forget that. Don’t ever think that you can’t offer but a little. Your little is mighty. Always.”

Check out some of the great reviews of and discussions about the calendar:
Teresa Genaro’s Raceday 360 column here.
Fran Jurga’s Horse Tip Daily Radio Show here.
My own blog account of the project, along with dozens of amazing positive comments here.
A nice mention in the EQUINE Ink blog here.
Horse and Man’s “Booty with Benefits” gift ideas here.

And now… on to the photos!

A chilly New Jersey January 2011 greeted the horses at Camelot…

On what had to be the coldest day of the year, I took a drive to Long Island and visited Project Sage Horse Rescue. Not only was I delighted to see a barn full of happy, healthy horses, but I was touched to see the enthusiasm of the young volunteers at the rescue. The impact that these organizations have on the community and youth organizations is profound.

Brittany Rostron, founder of Project Sage Horse Rescue (and Sal!)

Fred, a beloved resident of Helping Hearts Equine Rescue braves the NJ cold with his friend Hayley for a photo op.

Blonde, Brunette, Redhead

Wintertime Wizard

The Mane: a study in texture at Camelot

A photo that was used for a successful fundraiser for Beech Brook Farm Rescue

Tristan, a Belgian purchased at New Holland Auction, and his friend Tyler, at Horse Rescue United in NJ. He has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, but surgery on his eye has greatly improved his comfort and he’s currently living the good life at the farm.

Two heads are better than one at Camelot

Lean on Me

Romeo’s eye at auction (he is in the care of Hoofing Around Rescue)

Bedded down

Wizard steals a kiss while I’m trying to put my hair in a ponytail

Watching over you

Sleeping beauties

Slade loves the Asbury Park Press

And Slade has his eyes on the prize

Lily caught spring fever during a February warm spell

Trolley at Horse Rescue United after a successful surgery on the hole in her head

Duke at the Standardbred Retirement Foundation. Duke, 21, also known as Neet Control. He is blind and lives with his paddock friend Taxi at the SRF.

Standardbred Retirement Foundation. HEY! What are you doing to OUR hay rack???

Wizard, under the arena lights on a cold February night

Camelot Auction

Readymade Breakup at Maxwell’s. Hoboken, NJ

Julio Mendoza of Mendoza Dressage, LLC on Friesian gelding Meindert- dancing alongside Lindsey Winkler. Theatre Equus- Horse World Expo – MD & PA 2011.

Lily and the Peep

Stay Thirsty and Ramon Dominguez win the Grade III Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct

Jonathan Andrew at Maxwell’s in Hoboken. Mike Ferraro and the Young Republicans record release party.

When Irish Eyes are Smiling

Gatsby, a Camelot Auction graduate

Mimi, another Camelot grad

(Mimi at auction)

Juan the Hinny

Come hither

Rosa and a friend at Camelot

Rancocas Farm gate on the property of Helis Stock Farm in NJ

Zoey at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue (after photo)

Zoey (before photo, ©HHER)

Burke’s fabulous feathers

Wood You Believe? Toby’s Corner takes the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct

Wizard at night

A conversation at Camelot

This one reminds me of the scene in The Black Stallion when Alec leaves sugar cubes on the ledge for him to eat…

Love this mane…

Wizard, all shed out in the springtime

Rocking my retro Navajo saddle blanket

Welcome, Blue and White Brigid!

Pony dreams

“I thought I heard a peppermint…”

“Hey, buddy, you have a little piece of alfalfa in your teeth…”

Atlantic City Race Course

Happy Mother’s Day

Camelot Auction graduates Chip and Dale, in the care of Liberty Equine Rescue in NJ.

Things always look better in the morning

Wizard and me

Ashley Adams and Vaunted- through the Keyhole at Jersey Fresh. Vaunted is a Thoroughbred by Two Punch- he raced twice. Read more about Thoroughbreds who were racehorses and became eventers here: http://thetdnblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/from-finish-line-to-start-box.html

Learning how to share

Rosebud, official mascot of Central Virginia Horse Rescue

Esme

Maryam and Sienna

The end of May can mean only one thing…

Esme

John the Mule loves Laffy Taffy

Bogey at Central Virginia Horse Rescue (after photo)

Bogey (before photo)

Rosebud’s “bell tail”

Push In the Chips BFF, aka Chip, a Tennessee Walking Horse

Hi-Ho Final!

Wayward kitten

GKB Coal Magic, Morgan sporthorse stallion

Groucho Marx, a Camelot bunny who was adopted

Chance, available for adoption from Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

Simon is a man of few words…

One of the most striking examples of the hard work of volunteers and the strength of the equine spirit is Zodiac, a Thoroughbred currently living at Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Maryland. He was a victim of severe neglect, and over the past 18 months, I have been able to document his progress from standing in his sling to frolicking in his pasture. Zodiac is a farm favorite, and many volunteers have remarked that just saying hello to him in the morning can brighten a gloomy day. He is a horse with the heart of a lion, and he’s also a symbol of the spirit of rescue.

Zodiac at Days End Farm Horse Rescue (after photo)- read more here

Zodiac (before photo)

Belmont Stakes winner Ruler On Ice

Fly like a Wizard

Black on Black

Cathy and the wish lantern

Jonathan Andrew

Sophia, future mouser of America

Kris and Philly

Flying

Kat and Chip, her Tennesee Walking Horse

Wizard wants to be an eventer when he grows up (me too)

Curves

Abstract: fly spray

Draft board meeting

The fabulous flying Wizard

MOR at Kaboomfest- Marine Park, Red Bank, NJ

Bright eyes

Taste

Smell

See

Touch

Hear

Stiletto Slim, available for adoption at Scarlet Rose Farm Horse Rescue in CT

The everyday care of rescue horses is something so inspiring that it begs to be photographed. The selfless devotion that these people have for their equine friends is beautiful.

Percy at Scarlet Rose Farm Equine Rescue

Percy at auction

The Big Mare

Cosmo, Ponytales Rescue in PA

Little bubbly green cocktail at the Haskell

Chaps

Coil and Martin Garcia win the 2011 Haskell

Haflinger Hugs

The Dog Days of Summer

“Is that MY pedigree?” Whippendeal (Unbridled’s Song x Dream Supreme), Hip #111 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale

Rajiv Maragh and Tizway- Whitney winners

Curious

Creature comforts

Shackleford’s workout

Saratoga morning

A 5 o’clock shadow and swishy tail usually end up in the photo cull pile, but they are key elements in this one…

One, Two, Three

Sunny, adopted from Helping Hearts Equine Rescue- Wizard’s new neighbor

Real Men Wear Pink

Wizard, prepared for Hurricane Irene

Valentine

Will this hideous watermark prevent this Havre de Grace portrait from ending up on eBay? Probably not

Larry Jones, trainer of Havre de Grace

Silhouette

Hopping hay bales with the Wizard

Do you hear what I hear?

Gatsby’s calendar photo

Jonathan Andrew and MOR at Buddie’s Tavern in Sayreville, NJ

FOG

THE fog comes
on little cat feet.

It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.

-Carl Sandburg

Between the bars

“Hello, Mo!” Havre de Grace eyes Uncle Mo at Belmont Park

Portrait of a Mule

Friends

Combined Driving at the Horse Park of NJ

Galileo- Friesian stallion

“I’ll lean on you and you lean on me and we’ll be okay” -Dave Matthews Band

Mr November

“The sincere friends of this world are as ship lights in the stormiest of nights.” Giotto di Bondone

Wistful

Slade vom Marinik

I get by with a little help from my friends

Wizard’s whiskers

Wizard and me

Zodiac at Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Penny, Charm, and me with the calendar check

Playtime

Indian Delight: from Camelot Auction to Kentucky

Indian Delight at auction

Zorro, a Camelot graduate

Zorro (before)

Silver Gem at Horse Rescue United

Attentive

Sophia

Boys will be boys- Zehpyr and Mini Cooper at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

Dragon Fire

My volunteer work started as a way to carry on the legacy of Alibar, my beloved first horse. It has shaped my philosophy as a student of the horse and a photographer. A “horse in need” can take many forms, from a horse standing in a feedlot, to a free pony on Craigslist, to an abandoned pet, to a critical case at a rescue. The face of equine photography is changing faster than you can imagine. I find myself photographing less frequently at the racetrack, where there is a line of a dozen photographers all trying to get the same shot; I find myself more often at a unique location, taking a unique picture, trying to make a change.

Next time you are feeling frustrated, I challenge you to take some time and give back to your community. Photographers: craft your own style. BE DIFFERENT. You may think that you only have a little skill and time to donate, but as you continue to give, you may find that you are able to give more and more. The horses will thank you.

In memory of Homeward Maryland, aka Mary

In memory of Royal, aka Dirty Dog

In memory of Rahy

In memory of Frisky Spider

In memory of Run Kiva Run

In memory of Bart

In memory of Devil May Care

In memory of Jade Hunter

In memory of Norman

In memory of Fleet Indian

In memory of Tulip

In memory of Kensei

In memory of K R’s Regent

In memory of Giant Moon

In memory of Dodger

In memory of Avalon

In memory of Jake

In memory of Angel

In memory of Flame

In memory of Lotto

In memory of MollyCakes, aka A Passing Motion

In memory of Roxie

In memory of Meg

In memory of Legacy

In memory of Stormello

In memory of Thelma

In memory of Sergeant

In memory of Cellar Dweller

In memory of Jake

In memory of Weston

In memory of Goldie

In memory of Payton

In memory of Spencer

In memory of Michael Baze

In memory of Jess Jackson

And most of all, in loving memory of my father, Peter Anderson. “Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.” ~Emily Dickinson

photo ©2005 Wells P. Wilson

Wizard Sessions 311, 312, Ride 313, and Chiropractic Report: Through the Dirt and the Gravel

Wednesday, 11/16/11 and Thursday, 11/17/11

I’m lumping these two days together as one since I basically just turned Wizard loose in the indoor arena and let him go bananas on Thursday. On Wednesday, we had a little more of a planned routine, with some clicker work and free longeing. It rained for two days, so the horses were pretty stir-crazy in their stalls. Wizard was so cute when he was turned out in the arena- the footing was perfectly groomed, and by the time he was done, it looked like I had ridden him for an hour with all the hoofprints in all directions.

Friday, 11/18/11

Wizard had a VERY busy day on Friday. One of his paddock buddies was swapped out for Gatsby, a handsome Camelot Auction graduate. Wizard and Gatsby have very similar personalities, and got along like peas and carrots. They played all afternoon with no excessive biting or rowdiness. With JR, they played hide and seek, tag, and “who can rear up the highest”. After romping all afternoon, Wizard was pleasantly tired for the chiropractor- she was not my regular chiropractor, but she did a nice job and Wizard loved her. He really enjoyed the body work, and was quite receptive to her. She said his atlas was the worst area on him- worse than his back, pelvis, neck, etc. All the crookedness she felt in his pelvis felt old and fused, so she was actually not too worried about it. She said he had a decent amount of flexibility in his pelvis, spine, etc. She was amazed at his Gumby-like ability to stretch his legs, and asked if he had any ligament issues (knock on wood). She also asked if he was definitely 15 and definitely a Thoroughbred. I think she was wondering if he was older due to his teeth and maybe gaited due to his limber movement :^P She looked at the saddle fit and thought it was reasonable fit. She did not think it was too wide or narrow, but recommended shims for his wither pockets. After his adjustment, I lightly longed him to help him hold his adjustment. I put his sheet on him, since it was COLD out, and put him to bed.

Saturday, 11/19/11

The weather was milder on Saturday. I longed Wizard for just a few minutes to loosen him up. Then, I saddled him up… AND RODE! Hooray! Wizard went out with Zeke and Lily on the trails. For the first half of the ride, he was doing his same ear pinning, belly kicking, tail swishing routine. But about halfway through the ride, shuffling through the dirt and leaves, it subsided. We even rode to the hot dog truck, and he was very good. The only thing that caused concern is that he’s still tripping/stumbling on occasion- he did it maybe 4 times during the trail ride. When we got back to the barn, I brought him into the indoor arena for a little ride. There were trailers and people bustling around the arena, preparing for barrel racing. All the activity was PERFECT- it distracted Wizard enough to forget about his ear pinning and fussing :^) We rode for about 15 minutes at a nice, swingy trot, across the diagonals. He was perfect, he stretched into the bit, and I tested him with a good amount of leg. He was responsive and happy.

So was it the three weeks off from riding? The new saddle? The longeing? The new shoes? The chiropractor?

And, more importantly, will it be the same tomorrow?

Wizard Rides 286 & 287: Is It Magic That Makes You Appear?

Wednesday, 9/21/11 For the first time in a few weeks (months?), I longed Wizard. I did not have a lot of time at the barn, but wanted him to get out and exercise a little. He was a really, really good at all three gaits in both directions.

Thursday, 9/22/11

Thursday’s ride was a little Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde. Thankfully, it ended really well! In the beginning of the ride, Wizard was a little resistant to the aids, hollow through his back, and a little quick at the trot. But as we warmed up, the Awesome Wizard showed up. At the trot, I asked a few more times for him to reach forward instead of his little “typewriter trot”, and he lengthened. I popped him over a few cross rails, and he began to use himself more. By the end of the ride, he was using himself, and was very balanced and relaxed, happily purring as we trotted and cantered around the arena. Did the jumps improve his mood? Whatever switch flipped was a great one. We did a slow, meandering course of cross rails, with the final jump being the hay bales, turned on the taller side (see photo). I got a little ahead of him, but he looks so game! He’s such a fun horse.

Before our ride, I also led him over a little black pipe jump- it’s probably about 2 feet tall. He hesitated a few times, and then hopped over. Perhaps we’ll jump it soon :^)

Saturday, 9/24/11

Kris and I took a relaxing trail ride, walking the whole way. We rode the short loop behind the barn, and when it was too short, we took the trail across the street as well. Both Wizard and Sunny were their usual wonderful selves.

Wizard Ride 256: Don’s Upset the Rhythm (Go Baby Go)

Thursday, 6/30/11

It was a beautiful day, and Mom came out to the barn with me. After I warmed Wizard up, Carole rode him for a little while. Carole worked mostly in a half seat, sitting lightly and encouraging Wizard to move freely. After some trot work, she got him into a really nice, huntery canter. It gave me hope to see how floaty he can be. Carole is the first person I’ve seen ride Wizard at a canter, and it was a pleasant surprise! Carole has a really nice feel with Thoroughbreds, and Wizard seemed to appreciate her. It was actually really good for me to see that Wizard was playing with the bit with her as well, so I’m not the cause of his busy mouth!

After Carole was done riding, I did a little over-fences work with Wizard. We started with an outside line of cross rails. We trotted in, and cantered to the second jump in five strides. As usual, the first two times were really good and then I began to over-think things and we rushed the third time. Then, I halted Wizard in the middle of the line the fourth time so he would listen instead of immediately focusing on the next jump. It helped me to sit up and focus as well.

He took the line nicely the final time, and we moved on to an outside line on the other side, also five strides after trotting in. We upped the jump to a little vertical. Wizard blew through the line the first time, flat and fast- photo here:

The next time, I worked on keeping the rhythm the same and it really helped. Just focus on the rhythm and the horse will do the rest. I can’t jump for him, but I can make his cantering approach easier for a successful jump.

Wizard Ride 231: Contact

Monday, 5/9/11

Before work, I snuck over to the barn to enjoy the AMAZING weather. I took a quick trail ride with my friend Kris and her mare Philly- we covered about 3 miles or so. Wizard was ready to rumble when I first got in the saddle, but he was settled and was perfectly warmed up by the time we got back to the barn.

After the trail ride, I did a little arena work with Wizard. We worked at the trot, and I worked on my hands, specifically maintaining contact. I tend to fall into the awful habit of fiddling with my hands, feeding the reins through my fingers, and throwing away the contact. I made a concerted effort to keep contact, and Wizard liked it! He stayed on the bit through serpentines, and his transitions were nice. Now all I need to do it remember this :^P

1 Photo, 75 Words: Wizard At Night

Taken on April 11, 2011 under arena lights in unseasonably warm weather at 1/500 sec, f2.8 as Wizard frolicked and showed off his physique. I’ve been experimenting with the arena lights and hoping for this image for a few weeks now, and last night he ran under the perfect patch of light, muscles rippling and neck arched. Some photos require a team of helpers and some are simply a dance between photographer and subject.

Camelot Auction Graduates- Before/After Photos

One of my favorite things about working with equine rescues and auction horses is seeing the transformation that takes place once the horses are in their new homes and are blossoming with good care. It takes a little imagination for your mind’s eye to envision a slick summer coat under a fuzzy winter coat, and to add 100 pounds to an underweight horse, but these photos can help to crystalize the potential that these horses have:

Gatsby was already sold by the time I arrived at Camelot Auction on a Thursday afternoon in October 2010, but he was so handsome and proud that I photographed him anyway.

“#111 aprx 16 hds Gray Gelding rode thru calm very thin $325.00”

Gatsby at auction ©Ida Howell/Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

Little did I know that he was sold to someone who was going to keep him at the same barn where Wizard lives! I’ve had the pleasure of watching Gatsby turn into a well-loved jumper. He still has that same noble appearance, but now his coat gleams with good care and he is being prepared for the 2011 show season.

Gatsby in March 2011:

Gatsby at a schooling show in November 2010:

Gatsby at Christmastime…

Mimi is another stablemate of Wizard, and she has also become a barn favorite and a lovely riding horse. Here she is at Camelot…

“#66 Sorrel Mare 14.3 4 yrs rode thru calm- one blue eye the one she kept closing- when I blocked the light she opened it, she is very sweet and thin. $260.00”

Mimi at auction ©Ida Howell/Helping Hearts Equine Rescue

Her runny and sensitive eye cleared up in a matter of days and now her vision is perfect. Mimi in March 2011:

Mimi and her Santa outfit:

I met Ursula at Camelot in December. She was probably my favorite horse of the day; while all the other horses munched on hay and rested, she romped around her pen, leaping and playing. She has a sparkle that immediately caught my eye.

Ursula at auction.

“#746 Bay filly. 12H and yearling. Standardbred. Scared and very thin. Needs tlc big time. Led through quiet. $50”

(middle)

And here she is in March at a local barn in New Jersey:

With horse show season just around the corner, please contact me if you know of any Camelot Auction graduates who are competing. I would love to cheer them on and take some pictures.

Intermission…

So I got x-rays and an MRI of my back. I’ve got a herniated disc, among other things. Next week, I’ll talk with the doctor about a treatment plan. No riding for now, and limited photo work.

In the meantime, I’m visiting Wizard and making sure he’s happy and getting the proper amount of Wizzy Buns.

While we wait, check out some of my recent favorite videos…

Wizard Rides 213, 214, 215, & 216: Life Begins at the Hop

Thursday, 2/17/11

Fizzy. Wizard was fizzy indeed. We rode outside. He reminded me of his great-grandsire Seattle Slew when he did his famous “War Dance” in the paddock before races (click for video). I felt in control during the ride, but it felt like he had about five shots of expresso before the ride. We did a really easy ride, and I basically stayed out of his way and asked for a few transitions.

Friday, 2/18/11

Wizard is beginning to de-fizz. I rode him outside under the lights, and he settled twice as quickly as the day before. Again, our ride was very basic since we’re both getting back into shape. Walk, trot, canter, circles.

Saturday, 2/19/11

WINDY! I rode outside again, but the wind was wild so it cut our ride pretty short. We rode outside with a barn buddy and Wizard was even better than he was the day before.

Wednesday, 2/23/11

It was a COLD night, but the ground was unfrozen so we braved the elements and rode under the lights outside. Before I rode, I turned Wizard loose to limber up by himself. Our ride was short but really nice. He picked up each lead the first time and was softer on the bit at the walk and trot. Wizard has a really nice mind- he rode outside in the dark under lights alone and never turned a hair.

My plan is the put together a few exercises to add some structure back to our rides in the upcoming weeks.