On Sunday I trailered Olaf to an obstacle practice day at a farm nearby. These obstacle challenges have become popular in my area and I’m a big fan of them. They allow horses to learn how to approach scary objects in a safe, calm way. Obstacles force you to think differently as a trainer, to… Continue reading Olaf’s First Obstacle Challenge
Spring is on its way, the time when horse shows, trail rides and obstacle challenges get going for the season. I finally have a sane, safe horse and I want to do a lot with him this year, hopefully some short competitive trail rides and obstacle challenges to start. I’ve got to build up his… Continue reading Olaf Goes on a Solo Trail Ride
I really enjoy walking alongside my horses, as much as, if not more than riding them. It’s unusual, I know, but to me it feels like a different kind of partnership when we’re both walking. When I ride, the horse is lending me so many things- his back, his strength, his agility and his speed.… Continue reading Hiking with Horses
My draft horse, Olaf, has become extremely attached to my half blind mule, Ellie. More accurately, she is attached to him, and he is more than happy to comply. Ellie still has one perfectly good eye but, since going blind in the other, she’s let Olaf become her security blanket in life. They are sweet… Continue reading Night Walk with Olaf
I took Olaf on his first off property ride last weekend. I got him 9 months ago, but for the first few months I didn’t ride him at all and let him work on gaining weight. This summer I started riding him on short little hacks around the barn property to let him start building… Continue reading Olaf’s First Field Trip
If you’re an equestrian, you’ve no doubt heard of No Stirrup November. It’s when riders all over the globe try riding without stirrups. Some of them go bareback and some remove the stirrups leathers and irons from their saddles. The goal is to improve your riding by forcing yourself to use your seat and not… Continue reading I rode bareback for a year and this is what happened…
After puzzling over it for months, I think I have finally figured out what Olaf’s breed is. I knew he was definitely at least half Belgian, but he’s only about 16.1, which is little for a full draft horse. I didn’t think he looked like a cross with a thoroughbred or quarter horse because he… Continue reading Update on Olaf the Draft Horse
Olaf came to live with me in February of 2019. He was skinny and not looking his best back then. It is now July and he’s put on about 150 lbs, his coat has shed out to a beautiful champagne color, and he continues to be the sweetest horse in all the land. I didn’t… Continue reading Update on Olaf the Gentle Giant, July 2019
Overall, Olaf is doing very well. He is gaining weight steadily, although not as quickly as I’d like, and he has the most delightful personality of any horse I’ve ever owned. He is a sweet horse with a heart of gold. He seems to be filling out from the bottom up. His belly is nice… Continue reading Update #2 on Olaf the Gentle Giant
Olaf has finally gained enough weight where I feel comfortable starting to ride him. I’ve led the kids around on him for a few minutes at a time, and I led my daughter on the trail for about 20 minutes. I don’t feel comfortable going any longer than that, simply because he’s still thin and… Continue reading First Ride on Olaf the Gentle Giant
Simple Southern 