14/06/2025
I’m proud of how far Clooney and Aspen have come in the last few months.
Clooney hunted a bit last season, as much as I could get him out with the wet weather. He started hunting m well but as the season went on, got worse and worse. He clearly was not enjoying himself. I’ve since figured out he hates being in the back. Hacking alone and leading, just fine. When you don’t have your colors, there is no privilege to hunt in front.
Also, it took us a while to get this nailed down; Clooney had a trouble time with castration adhesions. He needed quite a bit of careful bodywork through several modalities to get sorted. As you know, stallions either have a “muscle through it” or “nope, I will not participate” reaction to discomfort. Finding a middle ground and encouraging him to participate in his rehab was a learning curve for both of us. Much more of a challenge than working with gelding or mare that generally don’t bring quite as much pride into the relationship.
It’s been a team effort developing his new body and ridability while keeping him happy, engaged and feeling empowered in his work.
Aspen has taken to riding much easier than I thought she would. Stephanie did most of her basic training, Haley is prepping her for show and I have been developing her strength and mechanics. She is a lovely lovely filly. Charming, easy, and beautiful mover.
Both are soft and engaged and ready to get serious about jumping skills. I will not rush a horse into jumping. #1 They only have so many jumps in them. Best not to waste them on crappy form and disorganization. #2 Until their canter is developed what’s the point? They won’t be ratable or adjustable. #3 They need to be fit and strong enough for the questions asked.
They both are on schedule to show multiple times the next few weeks.
I’m talking to several agents to reserve stalls to have them sold. These are quite nice horses; personable, easy, like kids, trailer and tie well, good for farrier (work barefoot!), sound and pretty. Well cared for and thoughtfully produced. I understand we may not be geographically desirable so they will be going either to NOVA or PA on consignment. I’d love to move them along before incurring commissions. Plus, honestly, it would be nice to get to know their buyers and share their histories and home enviorment making the transition to their new home a little easier. I have put a lot of time and love into readying them for their careers.
