Today is Lyoshka’s 4^th birthday (4-11-2010), so I thought I would send you some pictures that were taken today.  He is a bit taller and has filled out a bit, but still not as tall has his big sister Anya.  He had a lot of time off over the Winter, two blizzards and the roof of our indoor arena collapsing from the weight of the snow, but he has now resumed his training and is coming along nicely.  He had only been ridden in our indoor arena when I broke him last summer, but I have started riding him in the outdoor ring now and have ridden him short distances around the farm property.  I even trailered him off the property once and rode him at another farm.  He is doing great!  I plan on taking him out on the trails very soon. 

We received the beautiful 2009 end of year awards for both Anya and Lyoshka.  Thank you very much!  The trophies from Flying W are awesome and so are the plaques from the IGGHR.  What a nice surprise!

I hope you are doing well.  Meghan will be sending some pictures of her riding Anya in a separate email.

Take care,

Eileen

Hi Robin & Fredericka,

I thought I would write to you and let you know how Lyoshka is doing and send you a couple of pictures.  This horse is such a pleasure to work with, that I love him more and more each day.  He is very sane and accepting of just about everything. While is obviously nervous about so many new experiences, he is so non-reactive.  I really love that about him. 

 

Lyoskha now knows how to cross tie and loves being groomed.  He is getting  good at picking up his feet and is accepting of fly spray, the wash stall, tack and long-lining.  Putting on the saddle for him was such a non-event.  He didn’t react at all!  I have also been on his back three times now and he was great.  He didn’t buck and he is getting more and more relaxed as I continue to work with him.   I can’t tell you how much I am enjoying breaking and training my own horse. 
He is more than I had ever hoped for.

 

Eileen