Skeeter update! He is just the bestest teacher! :)

[Scarlett 001]

Wow! I have been blessed with such an amazing horse!

Lessons with the new instructor are going fabulously. In just 3 weeks, we have got Skeet relaxing so much (by improving my contact - it was uneven in lots of ways, working on getting rid of knee pinching, relaxing my lower back) and he is moving beautifully. Nice forward, rhythmic trot, happy and willing attitude. The great part is that the second I let something fall apart (such as letting the outside rein lose contact and then my arm drifts forward), he lets me know by resorting to some head jerking - nothing dangerous or mean - he just tells me I am not being as kind as I could be and he is unbalanced. I fix the problem, and back into position he goes! :) He is a fabulous teacher for me. Such a perfect angel.

He is still bubbly and happy, and having a second childhood (or "colthood"). My instructor said in the field he still always is trying to get someone to play with him - he is having a blast. Another sign of his renewed health and vigour is when I went to lunge him this weekend, he did not even wait for me to ask for trot (technically he should wait I know), but just started trotting about me merrily with the sweetest little look on his face - he was so happy and willing! Also, his weight is fantastic. Several more people have commented he looks so filled out and hardly looks like a thoroughbred any more - they think he must have something else in him.

This amazing horse is letting the training of this rider proceed so smoothly. He is the bestest teacher I could ever have found. :) The most amazing part is he needs me just as much as I need him (many of you have already read about his history). I love truly mutual relationships.

[KarinUS]

Glad to hear Skeety and you are doing so well. :)

[Scarlett 001]

Thanks Karin. I am enjoying reading about all of your updates! I must say, given how much of my time having one horse in board is taking up, I appreciate how much time it must be for you having 3 horses in your own care - nearly a full time job I would guess. Lots of work, but lots of love and satisfaction.

[CanadianRider]

Fantastic . . . I am so happy for the two of you.

[Scarlett 001]

Thanks.

The neatest part is I can almost *hear* the conversation going on his head. For example, if I am riding half-decently, he might drop beautifully into a vertical profile with his head, relax his body and you can see a lovely arch/curve in his neck - he seems to be thinking "This is not too bad - I'm feeling good about this". Then if I am inconsistent he seems to think to himself, "Can I trust this contact - is it consistent? I'm not so sure about her" - so he might raise his head and jerk it or poke it out a bit. Then if I sort myself out again, he seems to realize it is better indeed where he had been and relaxes again and says "thank goodness, I can relax again".

He is really *thinking* about trusting me. It is interesting to watch him go in and out of an outline so obviously in response to my riding. I will be able to gauge my progress by seeing how consistently I can get him to relax.

[galadriel]

What a happy, warm-fuzzy post. Big smiles.

[Scarlett 001]

Thanks Gal. I am feeling very warm and fuzzy about Skeeter. I have always had extremely intense and loving relationships with the animals in my life. Skeeter is a cherished member of my animal family. It makes me feel so good just sitting here imagining him at this very moment all content at the stables with a big bunch of tasty hay in front of him. :)

[kedwards]

Awesome Scarlett!

It sounds like he's turning into everything you've hoped and more. Of course, he's found himself in a pretty good situation as well (with someone who cares for and listens to him so well).

[CityGirl]

So thrilled to read this post - sounds like such a wonderful post! You're so lucky to have found him & he to have found you...

One complaint - where are the latest pics of Skeet??? I want to see him all fat & furry :D

[Scarlett 001]

Thanks kedwards and cg, your sweet comments mean a lot. :)

Now in regards to photos - a friend is going to the stables with me on Friday, so maybe we will have a photo shoot that day. The only thing is that it will be evening so they will be inside pics. I will go to the stables over the weekend and make sure I also get some outside shots.

[Grace]

Hi Scarlett!

What an awesome post...I am very thrilled for you! And getting Skeeter working so well already...I'm jealous ;) I love hearing Skeeter stories.

[Scarlett 001]

Hi Scarlett!

Hi Grace! Great to hear from you!

I think Skeeter was a considerably more talented horse than anyone had realized, and that is why he is coming along quite so well (plus he responds well to consistency and fairness - not something he had been getting). Riding-wise, when I bought him I thought he was safe, calm, reliable and a decent little rider. But he is really quite beautiful in his gaits and position. The main lingering issues that need to be tackled are his overall stiffness and his topline issues (which I think are related) - once those are tackled I think he could do some lower-level dressage comps in the future if we choose to go that route.

Now, I have a question for you. Did you ever post pics of your horsey??? :)

[Grace]

:o I suppose I really should learn how to use our digital camera :o

[Scarlett 001]

:o I suppose I really should learn how to use our digital camera :o

Yes, you should!!! :D