DefinitelyDressage.com

A month or so ago, I talked to our trainer at the barn about starting Phoenix and what he would charge me. I've finally got my answer and I think I can make it work if they let me work as much of it off as I can (which I already do for board, plus they pay me every month for what I work over that).
The trainer will not be riding my horse himself, his working student from Whales will be (which makes me extremely happy, he is a talented young guy!) He has to go home this month and try to get an extension on his visa, but if all goes as planned I think Phoenix will be going under saddle in January. It will be a few months early, but he's thinking he will only get another 3-6 months in the US and I want her in training as long as possible.
I am seriously beyond excited.
Stay tuned for a lot of proud horse mom pictures in the near future!

Sounds wonderful! Keep us posted

So cool! I hope everything goes as planned. Can't wait for the plethora of pictures.

Go Phoenix! I am also looking forward to updates (and photos)

super news!

It's official! They are starting with her Tuesday or wedensday of this week!
I'm so thrilled, feels like I've waited forever for this

I am thrilled for you, jingling that it all progresses very smoothly

After having to skip the barn last week due to ice, I got to watch them work with her today. I'm very pleased! She is wearing a surcingle and wore her bridle for the first time today. The trainer says she is taking it all very well and is not easily frightened, describing her as a "strong personality" which I took in context to mean she's confident and adjusts well. He says she'll start wearing a saddle in the next couple days.
I got a few pictures, not the best quality as I was really zooming in with my phone, but I'm sharing them anyway because this thread needs pictures

yay! Lovely pictures of your pony. I love this early stage when everything is brand new to them. I hope all continues to go well.

Very Exciting! My mare is at the trainers too, but the weather has been such crap they haven't been able to do much. Hoping I'll get pics of her working soon. Jealous of that nice big indoor.

She looks quite grown up in one photo, and still a babe in the other. I will be excited to see further updates

Things are progressing quite nicely! She happily wears and accepts her bridle, and she doesn't mind the saddle at all. Today she lunged with side reins for the first time, and they are starting to put weight on her back. We had exceptionally nice weather today around 70 degrees so I took advantage and gave her a much needed bath and spent some time grazing her after while she dried. I cant believe I can already see the grass starting to turn green... in February.
Oh. And she's now hit 16h... As a 3yo. I'm thrilled!
For your viewing pleasure, a lunging video with the first time the side reins were clipped to the bit, and a short clip of starting to put weight in the saddle. Plus, pictures

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTf-Sn2rfiI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuuDeRVyOxk

Obligatory Bath photo

And they're on her! This was a couple weeks ago already, and I'm told they've trotted on her on the lunge line now also. The day of these pictures was the first time they swung the leg over and really sat on her. I had originally thought we'd only do 3 months of training, but we are on month 3 now and there is no way I'm climbing up there yet. I'm going to try to afford an additional 3 months. I'd like for her to be doing w/t/c off the lunge line with little to no shenanigans. She doesn't need to be super great for me, just not dangerous.

Love how slowly and correctly they are starting her. She looks great.

That's so great phoenix; it looks like they are doing a really nice job. The more you put time and money into a really good start, the better horse you will have in the long run. Great job!

Thank you both! I'm just thrilled! I haven't see it yet, but I'm told they're now riding her off the line some too!
Her "rider" is back in Whales this week before trying to come back for another 3 months. Fingers crossed everything works out on that front or else I'm not sure how we'll continue her training. As long as they let him come back, I think we're all set for another 3 months!