DefinitelyDressage.com

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.

Happy Birthday handsome boy!!

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

He is such a handsome boy, happy birthday!

Happy BIrthday - Bliss!!!!

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

Happy Birthday!! Cute pics

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

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

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:

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!

So handsome .

You have some very nice boys in your life!

Susan

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.

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.

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.

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.

Love them both!

so sweet

musical comedy wrote: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.

Both sets of photos are just adorable

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.

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.....