Dior getting loved on by Stephanie

Hi Mom

Dior and Stephanie

Sore back

Dior has a swollen spot on her back. ): Poor girl. I gave her a gram of Bute last night. I hope that the different saddle will make a difference. But who knows. Hopefully soon I can get my own saddle and all that stuff. I am working on it. I can't wait for her training session tonight. According to J, she did great on Friday. I missed it because I had to work late. Saturday he noticed the sore, warm spot when brushing her. She did well on Saturday, too. Sunday I went up there to brush her, check her spot and give her meds. She was a good girl.

Jackie and Joaquin leading Dior

Riding is coming along stupendously

I just wanted to inform everyone on how well Dior is doing in her training. Joaquin got on her yesterday, and she has improved with the leg cues, steering and didn't buck like a rodeo horse. Henado has been riding her with little to no problems as well. Another good thing is Dior hasn't been spooking around other horses. In fact, there was a horse going around the arena with two people on it, and Dior didn't mind. My friends Cheryl and her daughter Laney Jane came to meet Dior yesterday. Laney seems to really like Dior, and fed her several treats in the grain bucket and petted her face. Dior was very calm around Laney and Cheryl. I can't wait until Dior is trained and sound enough for little ones to ride her. I think riding is in Laney's future... She wanted to stick around and pet all our horses and say hi to them. Super cute. I am trying to work something out where I trade Dior for Laney, but I don't think Cheryl is on board. I guess I will keep Dior then. (: She may not walk on two legs and look like me, but she is my kid nonetheless.

Love,
Victoria

Dior likes Laney!

Dior meeting Laney Jane

Henado riding Dior with Joaquin holding lounge line

Henado riding Dior without lounge line!

Officially 4 years old and a MARE!

My little baby is growing up! No longer a Filly, at 4 years old, she becomes a Mare. I can't wait to see how she matures. I heart Dior! And, I think she may start to recognize me. But, I could just be hopeful. P.s.- Dior, I am the one who loves you and keeps footing the bill, love me, please! (): LOL!

Dior in a cooler after training

Dior standing for Farrier John

Time for a Pedicure!

Today Dior got a horse pedicure. It is called a trim when the hooves are clipped and filed by the horse farrier. John Simon (farrier and friend of Joaquin's) came to the barn this morning to trim Dior's feet. He put her in the cross ties and clipped/filed away. She was very curious, sniffing around him and at one point I think she thought about maybe nipping at him, but he was onto her and stopped her before she could attempt it. Her back right leg was a bit of a challenge, but overall, she was a very good girl. I was so happy she behaved. Not so bad for a young baby! John was very good with her, and although she squirmed a bit, he said she wasn't anyt worse than a horse that gets it done all the time. And, after a few more times, she will stop being squirmy. He checked her back legs for any leg problems and said that she probably just lifts her legs to what is comfortable for her, which is out and up. We were wondering if there was anything wrong with her hind legs, seeing that the one was sore a month ago. But, all is a-ok so far. Knock Knock.

Tonight is another riding night for Dior and Henado. Cross my fingers for a great training session!

HAPPY NEW YEAR from DIOR!

Hello everyone. These past few weeks got pretty hectic, so I didn't get to blog about Dior. I have wonderful news though. She was ridden for the first time last Monday, December 28th, 2009. Joaquin's friend Henado, who used to break horses in Mexico rode her while Joaquin held the lounge line. Dior didn't seem to mind. She didn't buck or rear. She did bunny hop a little when one of the other horses in the arena kicked a pole on one of the jumps, but other than that, she was terrific! Henado came out again on Wednesday, Dec. 30th. She did great that day, too. At one point she did start to trot a bit fast, and then broke into a lope, but as soon as Joaquin asked her to trot again, she trotted. I was so proud of her! I have video of all of this, and will continue to tape for a while. I love all these little firsts that I get to experience with her.

Yesterday Henado came back to ride her again. Joaquin had her walk, trot and lope in both directions while Henado was on her. Henado used the reins to steer her. For most of it, Joaquin removed the chain and allowed Henado to steer and have control of her. Henado used his legs to train her how to go off the leg on the walk, trot and canter. Canter (English) and lope (western) are when the horse is in a rocking horse motion.

Dior did amazing yesterday. Everything that Joaquin and Henado asked for, she did. She picked up the correct lead each time as well. And, when Henado steered, she followed. What a good girl.

Tomorrow Joaquin said Henado is coming back to ride her again. Joaquin plans on letting Henado ride her without the lounge line. I hope she does as well tomorrow as she has been doing. I am so amazed at how quickly she is progressing. What a smart girl she is!

Thanks to Dior's grandparents, John and Nancy for the $ towards Dior's necessities. She was really happy and wanted to buy all sorts of candy, but I told her she needs a blanket. Still working out the details on the size she needs... Definately will come in handy, it is freezing outside!

Thanks to Aiden, Bella and Stephanie for Dior's engraved stall nameplate and show halter with engraved nameplate. That was a very thoughtful gift. Dior can't wait to wear her new Show Halter off the premises. She is going to look striking in that brown halter! I bet she would trade it in for the purple/pink one she has now!

Can't wait until I get to ride Dior. Soon. Very soon.

Love,
Victoria, Dior's proud mamma