Happy Birthday buddy! - more pics added

[Rosie B]

Hi Guys!

Bliss turned 7 yesterday. Where does time go? I couldn't ride because I'm sick and he has a stone bruise, but he thoroughly enjoyed his grooming and treats.

Notice we had some company, too. Kai is quite content to hang out in the barn for a while.

[Josette]

Happy Birthday handsome boy!!

[Chisamba]

aw, so cute with your two boys, Happy birthday Bliss

[Imperini]

He is such a handsome boy, happy birthday!

[Hayburner]

Happy BIrthday - Bliss!!!!

[Ryeissa]

7? wow, time does fly! Both boys are super cute! Riot just turned 13 this week! April 20

[Flight]

Happy Birthday!! Cute pics

[Backyarder3]

Congratulations on having a lovely 7 year old,he looks so sleek and shiny!! Great barn help you have there!

[piedmontfields]

Happy birthday, beautiful Bliss!

(am I right in remembering that you've had two children since you got Bliss? Your progress with him is pretty darn awesome

[Rosie B]

Thanks guys! Yes I've had two sons since getting him as a two year old.

Here's the coles notes: I broke him while pregnant with my first son, then he had 8 months off to grow up a bit, then I rode him lightly his 4yo year. That winter is now referred to in these parts as "snowmageddon" (due to having had close to 5 meters of snowfall in about 2 months) so he had another four months off (I don't have an indoor). Then as a 5 year old I showed him training and once at first. I rode him (outdoors) consistently through the following winter and then got pregnant with my second son. I rode up until I was about 5.5 months pregnant then continued working him as much as I could in hand as well as teaching him how to long line.

Then I sent him to my friend and she rode him for me working on the very basics and I just got him back a couple weeks ago. On a good day we're schooling 2nd level with some third but most days we just work on the basics. No changes yet though. I want to make sure he's got the prerequisites well in place first.

Thanks for that piedmont - I've been a little bit down lately about how far "behind" he is. Which I know is ridiculous but still.

And here's a pic from 2 weeks ago:

[Sue B]

Hey RosieB, every time you think you are behind, just remember that my Tio (who is a year younger) just learned to canter on command!

[Kyra's Mom]

So handsome .

You have some very nice boys in your life!

Susan

[piedmontfields]

Yes, Rosie, you are not behind but are right on time for enjoying your beautiful horse! I think your commitment to supporting very solid basics will really pay off in the long run. Look forward to continued updates.

[musical comedy]

I never thought I'd see the day that I'd be more smitten by a human baby than a horse, but that baby is beautiful!

Don't concern yourself with being behind. Just care about keeping him sound. You have much time to get where you want to go.

[Rosie B]

Aww thanks guys. That makes me feel better.

MC, he's a cutie for sure. I've been blessed with two beautiful boys, and I'm of course ridiculously biased.

Here are a few more pics of Kai... since he's cute and I can't resist.

[Rosie B]

Aaaand a few more of Bliss. Bliss loves to have naps in the hay pile and enjoys when I come hang with him while he's resting. Today I went and sat on him for a bit. It was lovely, for both of us I think.

[khall]

Love them both!

[Chisamba]

so sweet

[kande50]

I never thought I'd see the day that I'd be more smitten by a human baby than a horse, but that baby is beautiful!

He is very cute, and I just love babies now, too. So much so that I find myself going back and watching commercials with babies in them just to see the baby, even though I almost never watch a commercial otherwise.

Don't concern yourself with being behind. Just care about keeping him sound. You have much time to get where you want to go.

Agree, because I can't imagine anything more frustrating than putting years and years into a horse only to find out that he's become damaged beyond repair.

[Flight]

Both sets of photos are just adorable

[fergusnc]

I love all of the photos! And starting to get down to brass tacks at seven or eight after a good, healthy bunch of easy years for the horse is a great place to be! Our last trainer took in an unstarted eight year old that had been a pasture puff all of his life, and in just a couple of years he was showing successfully at GP. He was all done growing when she met him, had no baggage to unpack, and was emotionally ready to learn.

[TeresaA]

Happy Birthday! I have a 7 year old mare that I'm just now able to show training so if you want to talk slow.....