back in Switzerland

I am back in Switzerland again. The trip home wasn't too bad. I don't like to be in a plane for 8 hours. It's soooo narrow and stinks sometimes. It looks like everytime when I come home it's getting harder ! As soon as I am in the plane I miss everything from Canada. This time it's very bad ! Like I already discribed before I miss all the silence, horses, cats, people.... And I found out what I totally forgot to do : ride Seven (how can I tell if he is the best horse in the world when I never rode him ??), go to a horse auction and go on a pack trip in the moutains. So, that sounds like a really good reason to go back ! :D

my last day in Canada

It's my last day here in Canada. I will catch the plane heading to Europe in the afternoon. First,I will go for a walk in the rain. Check out the stores and let the town vibes affect me. I don't look forward to go back to Switzerland, to be honest. I guess I left my heart in the mountains, the Robson Valley.... where the nights are so dark, the sky is full of stars and the only sound you hear in the night is a car /semi from time to time and otherwise just silence. Or coyotes howl. Oh how I wish to be there right now !!! I already miss it. And I not even left the country yet....

final stretch

My time in Canada is almost finished... :( I took the Greyhound bus at 6 am to Prince George and there the plane to Vancouver. Now, I am at my friend's place til tomorrow. We have a good time, talk, eat and laugh a lot. I continue my journey to London tomorrow. I will take the plane in the afternoon. I don't wanna leave but everything has an end... right ? I got lots of invitations to come back... which I maybe will do.. ;) I will have time to find out what I want during winter. All I know now it will be pretty hard to live in a city again. All the noise, smells and planes... I will miss the dark sky with millions of stars.. I will miss the mountains, so close... and sure I will miss the people I met or went for a visit. Of course I also will miss my room mate, Shy. No one will sleep on my legs anymore or sit on my chest and purr ! :( All the horses... especially Alberta. I guess it's a good thing to be in Vancouver first and then return slowly to the noisy city Glattbrugg again. It's kinda a retraining from the countryside to the life in the city.... I prefer the country life, to be honest.

wonderful trail ride

Reg and I went for a trail ride yesterday. He rode Seven and I could ride Colt. Colt is a nice horse, nice trott. He was pretty hungry yesterday. :) First, we went to check out a trail to Swift Current Creek. The trail begins pretty good, wide and no bush grows into the trail. Then after awhile the bush gets thicker and trees are fallen down. Reg had to jump off the horse to cut some trees. It is a beautiful up there. Nice and quiet. It's like you are in another world. We rode as far as we could to a creek, another one then the Swift Current. It was amazing just to watch the water roars down the hill.... I totally forgot to take pictures of this creek I was so fascinated of it !!! Reg and I crossed the river over a fallen tree. It was a bit creepy to see the water roars under your feets and you only have to make a wrong step and you get wet... We made it across the creek and went to check out the trail on this side of the creek. It was a bit disappointing 'cause the bush got thicker and thicker the more you followed the trail. So we decided to climb up a hill and enjoy the view. Then, we went back to the horses and rode back to the trailer. Our goal was the trail to Little Lost lake. The trail started steep and the horses needed a bit of speed to climb up the trail. After we detoured throu the bush, 'cause there was a big tree across the trail, we came in a nice forest. Ceders gave the forest a touch of a rain forest. Nice, I really like that. It was like we dove in a different world ! Almost like Narnia :D And then there was the Little lost lake. Quiet, nice and wonderful. We tied the horses up which they liked so they can eat again :) We were alone which was good. I don't like to be at a place like this with hundreds of tourists... The lake gave me a feeling of calm and the sun made me sleepy. I realized I need places like that from time to time. This is a place where I can breath and enjoy a beautiful piece of nature !!! Before the sun went down we climbed on the horses and rode back to the trailer. It would be amazing to see the sun go down over the lake but then we would have ride back in the dark... and some places on this trail would be a bit tricky in the dark. I really enjoyed this whole day and I can't get enough of it. I really hope to go in the wilderness one day and just ride or hike in this wonderful area.

one thing I realized

When I came here in April I had no problem with jumping on a horse I don't know. So I jumped in Bandit's saddle and went for a trail ride. I completly trusted him... til I found out he tends to rear ! GREAT ! I sit on a box of tnt. And soon, he went up in the air ! My trust in horses was half way gone ! After my rides on Bandit in the clinic with Trish it was completly gone ! What now ??? I had to find it again. I tried so hard and worked and worked... finally, it came back piece by piece. The last two month I could ride Cody without my safety vest in the arena. For every other horse I wore the vest. I didn't take my vest to Edson just my helmet. I trusted Kidd enough so I can ride him without. This is a big improve for me. But still I won't ride Bandit even I found my trust again. It's not worth. All this, I noticed when I was out in the bush on Kidd's back watching out for places where cougars could hide.

visit in Edson

After my hard work at the Chris Irwin Clinic I went with Linda to her place in Edson. We had a good time together. I saw all the funny animals (again) : Cruiser, Mikey, Pluto, Pepper Ann, the stallions Banner and Rio, my cutie Kidd, Bam Bam, the Chicken Mafia,... Monday, we just relaxed, worked with horses (I worked with my cutie Kidd in the round pen :D) and then in the evening we went to Hinton for supper with Krissi and Lennard. Yesterday we went for a 2 hour trail ride in the bush. I had the chance to ride Kidd again. He is grown and has a good balance now. Kidd is not spooky at all. He really enjoyes the fact that he can walk in front of Scooty (boss) without getting punished for that :) I had to laugh when I saw that. I also was surprised when we met a few cows in the bush and Kidd pinned his ears at one cow. He dares to do much more then the last time I saw him. He is a horse again :) That's so nice to see. It was a pleasure to ride him. We had to keep an eye on the trees 'cause of cougars. It was a bit creepy to ride in the bush and not to know what's around the next corner. The good thing was I wasn't nervous at all ! I was sooo proud of myself.

Chris Irwin clinic II

We headed for Whitecourt on Thursday Sept, 17th. On Sept 19th and 20th was the Chris Irwin clinic. We went two days earlier to get the horses used to the new environment and Birgit and Mayo took a lesson at Chris'. I took Alberta with me. She was a bit nervous when her friends left her. The good thing was she could see her buddies when they were in the arena. The first evening I only lunged her which turned out pretty good. She is a good girl. The first ride the next day was also good. Then, the next day she got a scratch on her cheek which was pretty swollen and hurt. It was the first day of the clinic. So, Missy was good on the lunge line but as soon as I rode her and used the sidepull she showed me that her cheek is aching. Alberta was after a short time pretty pissed and I didn't dare to ask her for forward. All she did was try to rear, hop around or stall... She also refused to bend to the right side. It wasn't fun to ride !!! So Petra suggested a horse change. I got one of Chris' lesson horses, Thunder. We had a good time and he was a good teacher ! I had quiet to work on him. :) I also rode him the second day of the clinic 'cause Alberta's cheek was still infected. The second day was pretty busy for me, twice in the saddle and once round pen work... BUT I got my Bronze Certification for riding. :D I am soooo happy ! Linda, my friend from Edson and Mireille came to audit the clinic.

quiet a character

I had another funny ride on Miss Alberta today. She was pretty fast the last few days.... I guess she also likes this rides to a certain degree. Once she decided to have enough she just hopps around or speeds up for no reason. I hit this point today and she spooked 'cause of a tarp. I almost came off her. Alberta was nice and stopped so I could sit back in the saddle again. Then I should lope on the right side. She struggles with that since a few days. The left lead is no problem. As soon as you ask for the right lead in the lope she pins her ears and dashes forward only to make a turn then. It's kinda weird to sit !!! And all this without any bend. I have no idea in which lead she is when she pulls this stunts. Or sometimes she only hopps around and tosses her head. Yes, that's Miss pissy Pants live !!! Birgit put the lunge line on Alberta and I rode her in the lope on the right side. For some reason she started to hop around with her hindquaters which felt like bucking. It was pretty weird. Mayo and Birgit laughed pretty hard. It must look pretty funny ! Sometimes I think Alberta has no idea what her hindlegs do.... I wasn't scared even when she did her bucking thing ! I guess I am back again :D

a first lope with only a sidepull

Today was a normal day again which means feeding /cleaning in the morning. After breakfast horse work til noon. In the afternoon riding lessons and feeding /cleaning again in the evening. I rode Alberta again. We had a discussion on the right side 'cause she didn't want to stay on the rail. After a few taps with the whip she found it a good idea to stay on the rail now... Then the fun part started. We trotted, first 'large' then circles as well. In the meantime Birgit and Mayo loped Miho and Mojo. I really wanted to try to lope Alberta too... but I wasn't sure if we are already ready for that. Then Birgit asked me if I would like to try a lope with Alberta. :D Sure, we tried. We should lope behind Mojo. I usually prefer to do stuff like that alone. It's easier so I only have to concentrate on what I do. We tried first behind Mojo but after a half round we lost Mojo. So this didn't work and I decided to try it on my own... Alberta had some problems to find her right lead and so we were all over the place which was pretty funny. She switched the lead herself. It was pretty hard to sit ;) The left side was no problem and we were pretty fast !!! :) I had to yell at Mayo to speed up otherwise we would collide with Mojo. And all this with a sidepull !!! I decided to take Alberta to the Chris Irwin clinic. This will be fun !!!

only 14 days...

I can't believe how fast the time flys here !!! I am only here for 14 more days. Oh my god !!! I have to do as much stuff as I can in the next 14 days. There will be the Chris Irwin clinic, the visit at my friend's place in Edson, a trail ride (hopefully), take pic's of Dolly and Sunny and then the very last thing the cattle drive. Now, I hope the time will creep as slow as it can. On the other hand I look forward to visit my friends in Vancouver as well. But I definetly don't look forward to the journey back to Switzerland. I already know, I will have some problems to live in a town again. All the people, the crowds, cars, noise, planes... Oh my goodness !!! How many new buildings will be in Glattbrugg when I come back ?? I don't wanna think of that, not yet... I still have some time to push it aside. I already know a piece of my heart will stay here !!! And sure, I will miss all my new friends from this area.

Fall Fair part II

We rode in the parade of the Fall Fair in McBride today. It was fun and I was surprised I wasn't even nervous !!! Looks like I get used to stuff like that now :) I rode Cody just with a sidepull again. He was just looking around and not goofy at all. Nothing even bothered him... He just looked bit longer at the llama ! And sure, after the parade I needed to check out if my Engadiner Nusstorte got a prize ! YEP, I got the 3rd place for it. I was soooo excited when I saw that. Even I just got something like a ribbon, I am pretty proud of my tart :D I guess I wouldn't get a 3rd place with a Black Forest Cake...

fall fair

I dropped off the tart at the Fall Fair in the morning. Then we went to do a few times in town and back home. Around noon we had to help Marc put tarps on the round bales in the field. We were finish at 2 pm and squeezed in a quick lunch before we went for a trail ride up the loging road across the highway. I rode Cody again with the Sidepull. The loging road is pretty steep and there are every few meters ditches in the road. It's pretty annoying to ride there. These ditches are too narrow sometimes to walk throu. It must be an pretty intelligent person who had this idea.... ! Oh well, Cody could manage them pretty good. The view was unbelievable nice ! No clouds, just sun, mountains and trees. A great view over the Robson Valley. (once again I wished to be in the back country...) We rode to a point where the loging road ended and had to turn around. To turn around and go home was Cody's favourite part !!! If it was up to him he would trott down the hill... ! :) Then, when we had to cross the field he tried to go to the end of the field where the gate is. We wanted to hurry 'cause we were pretty late. The plan was to leave the house for a party no later then 5.30 pm. We were still on the horse out in the bush at 4.30 pm. Before we leave we have to do chorse and put all the horses and the tack away.... We managed to leave the house at 5.45 ;) One of Birgit's neighbours gave a Chilli Party. The food was tasty and we had a good time at the camp fire.

fall is here

It was pretty foggy in the morning while I was out and did chorse. The geese went for a fly like they do every morning since a few days. Yep, looks like fall is coming to the Robson Valley. I love fall it's my favourite season beside spring. Today, I wished more then before I am somewhere in the mountains... where I can enjoy the view of the fog hanging around the mountains, touch the treetops, then suddenly disappear and let the sun shine throu... I hope I will see this someday ! Anyway, It was too wet to ride in the arena and so I was pretty busy in the kitchen in the morning. I baked apple crisp for the party we'll go tomorrow and I also baked the Engadiner Nusstorte which I will take to the Fall Fair Baking contest tomorrow. In the afternoon we went for another trail ride. Mayo and Birgit rode the training horses, I rode Cody with sidepull. First, I wasn't so sure about that... But then I just decided to try it. He was fine. Only in the lope he had quiet some speed and when I wanted to block him he was stubborn and tried to speed up more ! Okay, I had a taste of Cody in speed :D Usually, he is pretty slow ! I was quiet surprised !!! ;) After this new experience we turned into the bush and from here we went up and down hill. Some parts were pretty steep. No problem for Cody :) He is a good horse for riding in the bush. Cody is funny... after awhile he had enough and just headed home :D The two training horses were pretty impatient and so they got a lesson in standing still. Cody was pretty bored, he gets this expression on the face... Soooo funny !

new week...

There were no lessions today which is good from time to time... We started work with Karma again, then Samy, B and Fire. My job was to get horses ready and treat B. She keeps to refuse work on the left side. I checked her quickly before she had to go to work. Her neck and back were definetly tense. After B's session in the arena I gave her a massage incl. stretches and mobilizations. I am curious how she is tomorrow... ! In the meantime it was 2.30pm and I didn't have lunch yet. We wanted to go for a trail ride and after go to town for groceries. The trail ride was fun again, I rode Miss Alberta. She did great even she found always a chance to eat... poor horse is always hungry ;D On our way home we saw three coyotes on the neighbour's field. That was nice !

Jasper National Park part II

Birgit, Mayo and I went to the Jasper National Park today. It was Mayo's first time in the National Park. We drove to Jasper Town to pick up our lunch in a bakery which makes tasty things like cookies, danish pastry, biscotti,... As soon as we had what we want we hit the road again. This time we went to the Valley of the five lakes. The weather wasn't the best, rain, clouds and sunshine. It was a 1 1/2 hours walk around the lakes. A nice view... which made me wish I could go for a ride on horse back here... (You are only allowed to ride a horse in the park with a permit) Our next stop was the Athabasca falls. Impressive like the last time, the water flows strong and fast down the falls... brave water drops... ;) Here were a lot of tourists !!! Unbelievable, how some of them were dressed ! One woman wore high heels !!! We took off to the Columbia icefields, just to see there was more rain, more tourists and a crowded gift shop. Then, was it time to go home again, all of us were tired. It's an 1 1/2 hours drive from Jasper to the Falling Star Ranch.

intresting trail ride

It was still to wet to ride in the arena or the round pen, so we went on the trail again. This time we took the two training horses, Karma and B, and Alberta. Mayo and Birgit rode Karma and B and I rode Alberta. She was pretty impatient when I groomed and saddled her. We took the trail throu the back field and then down to the Fraser river. It was the first time since a long time Alberta was on this trail to the back field. And sure, there were a lot of scary things... She was snorting and pretty forward at the same time. As soon as we were on the 'old highway' Alberta just walked forward and the other two had a hard time to catch up. We were all over the place, once right then left then in the middle of the road again... That's because she sees left and right intresting stuff and where she looks there she goes ! We looked like we were drunk !!! And then suddenly she stops and wants to eat. It was fun to ride her. Even Alberta is only four years old, I never felt unsafe on her back. Little horsey was pretty brave, she went on the trail without one of her friends. :) Karma and B are not exactly her friends, they are in a separat pen.

trail rides

After the down pour yesterday the arena and round pen are too wet to ride in. So we went on the trail today. Cody and I joined Mayo and Birgit who rode the two training horses. There is this field on the other side of the highway, it's big and we loped on it. It was my lope on a field with Cody. He was fine and I could enjoy it. Cody is always glad when things like that don't last for long.... :) 'cause this is too much work ! But when there are cows involved.... that's a different story :D After lunch we went for another trail ride. This time I rode Alberta, one four years old blue roan paint mare. After the session yesterday in the arena I wasn't so sure about rididng Alberta on the trail... but she is soo much fun to ride outside the arena. Even she loves to eat all the time, dreams and has not much of balance, she is nice to ride. I really enjoyed it. Miho, another youngster, didn't lift his feets high enough over a thick branch on the ground and it swang back when Alberta and I wanted to turn around the branch. She jumped to the side but it was so fast and not high. Til I found out what happend her feets were already on the ground again and I am still in the saddle. That was a cute hop ! I laughed so hard !

already september !!!

I rode Alberta yesterday for the first time. It is really different to ride a 'green' horse then one which is ridden it's whole life ! But Alberta is not a boring horse ! She is quiet and not spooky at all. We only worked in walk and trott and it went pretty good even I never rode with a bosal before. The ride on Alberta today was a bit trickier.... She found out pretty soon I am careful with her bosal and so she tested me again and again. Alberta just refused to stay on the rail and went 'large'.... When I tapped her with the whip she started to toss her head or hopped around. Yes, she is still Little miss pissy pants ! If Missy doesn't want to do something she can be pretty stubborn. And the funniest thing is Miss Alberta looks so innocent when she does this stuff... She can bite you with an innocent glance. I really like Alberta. Maybe I will take her to the clinic instead of Cody. We'll see... First I want to ride her a few more times...

long trail ride

We went for a trail ride to the Dunster Store yesterday. It was my day off and I had to send a postcard. I rode Cody. He was in a bad mood when I saddled him but then he really enjoyed it not to be in the arena... I enjoyed the ride as well. Twice I almost fell off the horse. We jumped two ditches and I wasn't prepared enough for Cody's huge jump over a diny creek. And the saddle I had is not the best for things like that. It was so funny on the way home Cody was so impatient :D He had enough and only wanted to go home. It was way too much work for him to be almost 3 hours on the trail :D Cody can be sooo funny ! As soon as we were home again, after we cleaned all the tack I got ready to go to town with Birgit. On our way home from McBride the guy in front of us on the street couldn't drive straight ! Scary ! Birgit called the police and we followed him when he turned to Hidden Lake Road. Finally, we went home and the next thing was to get ready to go to Reg's place for a visit.

fantastic ride on a fantastic horse

The day started like the ones before yesterday. Feeding, cleaning and then after breakfast get Karma ready for work. I have to do some In hand-leading first so she can benefit a lot while she is here. As soon as Birgit took her to the round pen I got B ready for In hand leading and round pen work. In the meantime it was noon already and I had to eat lunch to be ready when the first student came at 1.30 pm. When Bandit was ready and good to go the next student already showed up and I had to get Cody with her. I had the order to get Fire ready for me after the last lesson. Usually, I am nervous when I ride a horse the first time. Not this time ! I also didn't bother to wear my safety vest. I saw what he can do, rear up... But for some reason I knew he will be good :) He is a good boy ! And he looks so cute but he is still a stallion and loves to compete. He loves the speed and the work. I could feel that yesterday. As soon as I asked him for the 'Whoa'-stops he was not bored anymore and asked for more. I had sooo much fun to ride him. Now I know why Birgit loves to ride this horse. He is not one of this hot heads without using the brain... :)

another accident

It was just another day of work. It should be a real busy day.... After I was done with feeding and cleaning in the morning I had to lunge Alberta. I got her ready and was on my way to the arena when she suddenly spooked 'cause of something in the bush. Alberta jumped right on my foot and got me on my ankle/heel. I saw some stars !!!! I barely could walk to the arena. But I had a job to do, so I did it. Just until Birgit came to the arena and told me I had to run to keep up with Alberta during lope. NICE ! I told her I can't. So she took over and I got the job to get Fire ready for riding. My foot felt like it burns. And still it's burning and feels hot and thick.... I guess I will not be able to ride this week !

a huge bike ride !

Mayo and I went by bike to the Beaver Falls yesterday. One way was 2 1/2 hours. It was nice weather and not too hot. At the dry beaver pond we saw a Bald Eagle. All began when the chain of my bike went out. Then we had to go throu the 'mud whole'. This is the same part we chased the cows throu on the cattle drive. I was lucky to find a bear track in the mud... After this 'nice' part we came to the highway and from here it wasn't so far anymore to our aim. The beaver falls are unbelievable nice. Not so big but nice. Mayo and I wanted to see the salmons but there were no fish around ! Maybe too much water and too fast running. 'Cause the view was soo nice I missed a whole in the ground and my bike bucked me off ! My left knee was the unlucky part of my body who hit the ground first. It's bruised, hurt and the skin is a bit gone. Anyway, we made it home and it took us just 2 hours to get home even my knee hurt like crazy.

horse whispering demo

Today was the big day : the first horse whispering demo for tourists. It was a group of 9 persons. And there also were a few from Birgit's neighbours. First, we went to the field to meet the horses and show them the bear claws on the one tree. The next point on the list was the round pen session with Mojo. She was a good girl. Then everyone was hungry and we headed for the BBQ. I made a pasta salad and a green salad, we also served chips and baked potatoes, steaks and saugages. It was sooo tasty. After the meal the group wished to watched a bit more "action" which means work with a horse which does some 'bad stuff' like throw the hip in, turn in butt first,... So Birgit did another demo with Carma, the new training horse. She did some of the bad stuff but clued in pretty quick that it's easier for her to be good. The group still wasn't quiet satisfied and wanted watch Birgit ride Machlon. The sessions with Carma and Machlon weren't on the schedule ! So we ate the dessert pretty late. Everyone like the cakes ( thanks !!!) Then finally around 5.30 pm the group decided to leave. Our job were now to clean up, put all the left overs away and do chorse. It was a long and exhausting day. But it was fun and really would like to repeat it....

day off...

It was my day off today. I did not much... sleep in, watch two round pen sessions with the new girls (horses), bake cookies, read and have a nap. From time to time I need this lazy days. So I just can hang around and get new energy. 'Cause tomorrow will be another busy day for me.

famous ?

The three of us went to the movie set at Terracana yesterday. I rode Cody. He was in paradise. High grass to eat between the filmings, stand around, walk throu the Fraser and enjoy the cool water in the face on a hot day. Cody hold his head down while he walked in the river. :) Then the final scene was a lope uphill. I never loped Cody outside of an arena before ! I wasn't worried just careful. But he had fun I guess the first time. The second time was too much work then and he was glad when he could trott and then walk again.... ;) As soon as he saw Machlon change to trott he changed too. Lazy horse ! :D The whole thing was fun and I really enjoyed this trail ride. The view at Terracana is beautiful especially the river. I love to ride in the bush. Bandit was funny everytime when he saw a camera he looked right into the lense :) he is a real movie star !

time flies

It's already mid August ! I can't believe it.... So many things happend, good and bad stuff... ! We are busy all day... Tomorrow should come two training horses, then on Thursday we will act in a publicity for Terracana Ranch, on the weekend is the horse whispering demo with BBQ. I totally envy Reg who is on a 4 days ride in the mountains !!! He went to the place where the horses were last winter which had to be rescued. I really want to see the place where the horses were ! Maybe I can talk Reg into taking me up there.... ;) According to Birgit it should be possible to go there in two days.

the day after...

We enjoyed a quiete day after a busy weekend. Majo had the day off and I did some easy work in the kitchen, apple crisp, cookies and jam. The cookies taste good but don't look good ! Oh well, as long as they are tasty ;D They should be S'mores cookies. The jam worked out pretty good, it's the first time I made jam. I am so proud of myself :D My next project will be making jelly.

last day of kids camp

It was the last day of the kids camp. We all are glad no one of the kids got hurt (well.. I got kicked by Cody and Machlon stood on my foot). And everybody had fun during the three days. All of us are pretty tired and ready for bed.

I took some pic's of Twister today. He sure gets light coloured all over his body. Cutie looks like a real Appaloosa ;D

kids camp, day one

Today was the first day of the second kids camp here at the farm. This time we have 8 kids. It's kinda more busy now... and it takes a lot of energy to be aware the whole day. Make sure no one get run over from a horse, get kicked or get a step on the foot... And sometimes more then one kid talk to you at the same time. I am really surprised I am still pretty patient. ;) I do the half of the theory now and Birgit the other half. It's a lot to explain and it works pretty good even it's all in english :) We talked about feeding/stabeling/bedding and grooming today. And in the afternoon I was in the round pen again with Machlon. We did an obstical course again. And this time we have groups of two kids at the time. It's a bit easier 'cause I have to explain the exercises only 4 times. It's fun and intresting to see how the kids solve the tasks. Some of them have some 'intresting' ideas... Then I have to tell them they don't really wanna do this 'cause it could be pretty dangerous.

my best ride ever since I am here

I rode Cody today. He felt not so sticky anymore. It was like you sit on a horse's back not just a wooden board. I had to work pretty hard to get him in frame. He never gave me something for free... ! But I guess I don't want it for free ! :) It felt soooooo great ! Now, I can hope to get my Bronze in September ! Not that I ever had a doubt on that.... but now I can see a light in the dark. I am closer to my goal. I have to work pretty hard now to get it faster ! I look forward to my next ride on Cody or Machlon.

monday...

We started again at 5 am. It's getting cooler in the morning again. Looks like fall is coming :D I was soo busy I didn't have the time to be cold. I made a video of Fire in the arena. He got a vaccination yesterday and was pretty stiff today. Poor boy ! But still, he had his fun being attitudy in the arena. It was funny to watch. After we worked all the horses the chiropractor came for Cody. She found two vertebraes out in the withers, three in the lumbar area and the pelvis was down on one side too. I really hope Cody feels better now. He stretched his head down when Emilia worked on his back. It was so nice to see.

rain forest visit

The five of us went to the Ancient Forest near Dome Creek. It was so nice to see all the old cedars. All of them are pretty old, about 1000 or more years. Sure, there also were the mosquitos but not that much.. It's amazing to see there are hidden places where you never assume it. I never would think of a rain forest in the Canadian Rockies ! I was so surprised. After our visit there we detoured to McBride to cool off with an ice cream. Delicious, like always. :) Home again, I just was lazy and read in the shade. We will go to the pub for dinner. It's a nice change from time to time.

good teacher

My day started like the days before at 4.45 am with feeding Fire, Bluey and Twister. Then get all the stuff for Fire from the tack shed and get him ready for riding. He is always so pissed when I groom him while he eats his breakfast :D The next one was Mojo. She was nice and quiet while I got her ready. As soon as I wanted to lunge her in the outdoor arena she started to play her little game.... She reared up pretty good and tried to impress me ! WOW, I am scared now !!! If she wants to scare me she has to try something else then that. Bandit could scare me with that but now I just got after her for that, without emotions ! Just crack the whip, push her forward and stand behind her girth... She clued in pretty fast this didn't work on the left side.... but on the right side. This is her "trained" side and she is pretty fast ! Holy... ! But I learned with a little help from Birgit how to prevent that ! :) After this lunging session I was pretty tired ! Hard work and not even a piece of breakfast in the belly.
My next teacher was Machlon. I try since a longer time to get him in a frame which never seemed to happen... til today ! Hell, I worked so hard on this horse today ! I was sooooo tired afterwards again. Now I know how I can get him in a frame. I only need some practice in this case and of course muscles.

still hot and dry...

It's still hot and dry here. So dry it's not allowed anymore to make a campfire :( We start at 5 am til about 11 or 12 am. The hot time in the afternoon we have off. At 5 pm we have to be outside again to feed the ponies. I will bake white chocolate chip cookies ;) in the afternoon and have to get supper ready so we can ride in the evening.

hot hot hot....

Since a few days it's extremly hot ! Between 36 and 40 C. We started today at 5 am with horse work. It was soooo nice and cool til about 8 am. We have a siesta now til 5 pm and then after the lesson I will ride Machlon. I hope it's not sooo hot anymore at this time. This is a good way of work. I am so lucky to have my room in the cool basement :)

kids horse camp

Friday til Sunday were the kids horse camp here at the farm. Everyone of us had a part theory and riding to do. I had to talk about feeding/feed, bedding and anatomy in the mornings and in the afternoons I was in the round pen and let Machlon thru an obstical course while a kid rode bareback. The kids had to ride over a 'grill', play broom polo, ride a figure 8 around two barrels, bag jumping with the horse beside them, ... all this when the sun was shining and it was 36 /37 C in the shade ! Crazy but funny ! The kids were pretty keen to learn all kind of stuff around horses including anatomy. Yes, it was fun ! In two weeks will be the next kids camp....

trip to Jasper

On Wednesday we went to Jasper and Jasper National Park. We took this day off 'cause it was pretty hot and we wanted to have a break before the kids camp on the weekend. Birgit, Alana and I went to the Athabasca Falls (pic's) and to the Angel Glacier. Both was unbelievable nice. The one bad thing were all the tourists ! There were soooo many of them in Jasper. We stopped at the ice cream shop and enjoyed a tasty ice cream :) Then we went to two gift shops just for the fun of it. I am not used to so many people anymore ! I was a bit shocked ! Unbelieveable how fast you can get used to something...! After the two gift shops we headed home again to feed the ponies.

an almost lazy day

Yesterday, was my day off but I had to help unload the trailer full of hay bales. This time there were 100 bales on the trailer which I unload myself again and put on the elevator. After this pretty sweaty job I headed for the shower and continued my lazy day. I really need a lazy day from time to time or I am grumpy.

a normal day at a farm

The started with feeding, cleaning, let horses out in the field,... doing chorse. It was just Alana and me, Birgit and Marc slept in 'cause they came home late last night. It was no problem for us, we are kinda good team. Then after breakfast the horse work started. Alana and I had to help Birgit with Miho. We rode all together in the arena to get Miho used to the scary corner. He did pretty well. Miho is a good boy, a brat sometimes :) I had a good ride on Machlon again. I can trust him so far that I can ride him without my safety vest in the arena. Since my totally crappy ride on Bandit at the clinic in June I have a hard time to trust the horse I ride. And this make me sooo mad ! Where is my patience ? coolness ? I used to have no fear on a horse, I am just careful... Birgit told me I will ride Fire (!) on the lunge line just to get my confidence back. Oh wow ! He is a great horse ! I really look forward to this ride :) Then Birgit wanted to ride Fire after lunch and told me to get him ready. He was so cute, he talked to me ! I really like it when he talks, that sounds sooo cute. And he was a good boy when I groomed him. He just tested me a bit but not more then the other horses do and finally, he really enjoyed it. Now, it was time for the lessons. The two studens were 30 min too late ! GREAT ! After get Cody ready and put the first student on the horse, it was time for cleaning tack and doing chorse.

barrel race Valemount

My first barrel race was a bit of a shame ! Machlon and I only made it to the first barrel at the rodeo in Valemount. I don't blame Machlon I totally understand him. He doesn't know me, doen't trust me enough to perform in an arena he doesn't know and also when there are so many people. I was suppost to start with Cody but I decided to change the horse 'cause Cody couldn't focus anymore and only screemed when he couldn't see his buddys. NICE ! When he can't focus while we warmed up how can he focus in the race ?!?!

training day

We had rain the whole week and so we were busy in the house. Alana and I worked on the games for the kids camp today morning. After a trip to McBride (buy groceries, hang up flyers) we saddled the ponies and went to the hay field. We had our last training before the big day tomorrow. BARRLE RACE ! We must be crazy to sign up for this with horses which never did this before... Well, it was my idea to go which means I must be crazy ;D I just hope Cody behaves tomorrow and won't play his little game "blow throu the outside shoulder". He was sooo mad today :) 'cause I reminded him on his manners. Cody showed me he doesn't agree with me so he rear up a bit and bucked but I stayed on the horse. After this little show he could behave pretty good even he was still mad. I almost had to laugh... poor Cody. :D

hayday and more..

Today was my day off which means I could sleep in. I really needed it 'cause we came home pretty late last night. We were at the ice cream social with dance. It was so delicious all the cakes, ice cream, pie's and other sweets. :) Then today we got the call to pick up the hay bales. It was pretty hot and soon we had hay everywhere... I am glad I took the anti allergic pill ;) When we were done with all the hay Alana and I went to the neighbour's place to have a look at his horses. He showed us around on his property and sure we had the chance to see the horses. Nick has a nice property with access to the Fraser River. NICE ! I love that. Alana and I can train one of his horses if we want and earn some money. I look forward to work with this horse.

practice, practice, practice...

We are pretty busy practise for the barrel racing Sunday next week. I had a good ride on Cody today again (the one yesterday was pretty crappy and so frusturating). Cody tried to blow throu the shoulder again but I had a whip this time and could talk him into the direction I wanted. So we had a few good "goes" around the barrels in the trott. I will practice a few more times and then I think we are good... It's not so difficult ! I only need to have the control of Cody's left shoulder and the rest is peanuts ;D besides I am nervous...

july 1st

Today, July 1st is Canada Day. I only work this morning and then we will go to town. At 10pm is the firework. I really look forward to that. I am pretty curious how the Canadians celebrate their national day. Is it like August 1st in Switzerland ?? We'll see....
Yesterday we did some barrel racing. I rode Machlon. He sure loves it. We don't have the correct frame yet... and I decided to start at the Valemount Rodeo in 10 days at the barrel racing. :) We still have 10 days to practise. I will ride Cody. Birgit will ride Machlon and Alana will ride Bandit. I think it will be fun even we won't win. It's just for the fun of it. Hell, I am already nervous !!! We will wear a nice top, jeans, cowboy boots and cowboy hats. Unfortunatly, they won't let us wear a helmet. I think this is totally stupid ! Birgit asked if we can wear helmets and I guess she didn't get an answer yet... we'll see....

moving cows

I went to the cattle drive yesterday. I rode Sunny, Kris' horse. Reg picked me up and we went together to the pasture where the round up was. He rode a young horse which never was on a cattle drive... Sunny also never was on a cattle drive before. He is a small happy horse, a Fjord mix. We had a good time together even I always had to drive him forward. All he wanted to do was eat and enjoy the view. :) I really like him. We were at the rear and only had the chance to herd some cows on the highway... I was fine with that. Reg and I rode back in the ditch along the highway to Ray's farm. It was a nice ride and we had a lot to talk about. I really enjoyed it.

maybe a cattle drive... ?

Today was my day off. I took the chance and slept in. I really needed it. Around noon we went for a trail ride. It was my first one on Cody. He was a good boy ! My first trail ride here in Canada without rearing ! I was pretty nervous at the beginning... but after awhile I could relax. So tomorrow is the big day : the cattle drive. I don't know if I will go yet. I won't ride one of Birgit's horses if I go I'll get one from Reg. I will ride with him then. Reg will tell me if he goes tomorrow morning.

Great news !!!

We went to the Chris Irwin clinic in Whitecourt last weekend. It was amazing. We had to drive for 5 hours and finally we arrived at the Riversong Ranch in Whitecourt. After a cool night in the horse trailer the clinic started. First we had some theory about riding. The most stuff I already heard from Birgit before and of course from the dvds. Everything was so exciting and I was so nervous. I learned a lot only from watching. In the afternoon it was my turn to ride. I had Cody with me. The ride was crappy I wasn't satisfied afterwards. But for some reasons Chris didn't correct me all the time.... so I assumed it must be not so crappy like I thought !
The second day I was quieter and we did a GREAT job in lunging and riding. Cody helped me so much even he blew throu the shoulder a few times and counterbent... I had so much fun and in the end I could ride him in true bend and he also stretched down. Thanks Cody, you are great ! And at the end of the day Chris told me I got the Bronze Certification in ground work !!! OH MY GOD ! I was surprised and speechless ! I am the first Chris Irwin Bronze certified trainer in Switzerland !!! It wasn't enough for the riding part. I need to improve my hands and arms first.... So I will work hard again to correct this bad habit ! And then in September I will go to a second clinic and hopefully get my Bronze in riding too. :)

preparation for the clinic...

I am so excited, tomorrow we will hit the road and heading for Whitecourt to the Chris Irwin clinic. We got all the tack ready today, cleaned everything and also the horses. All of them will wear a fancy halter :) We have to get up early to make sure everything is in the trailer and we also have to clean the truck. Departure will be at 9 am. I sure as hell will be pretty nervous when we have to ride in the arena on Saturday. I really hope I don't make so much mistakes ! It's pretty importent for me to do a good job !

a changed world...

I had a good ride on Machlon today. He's a 21 years old arabian horse. I had to ride him in a correct frame. I already tried it yesterday which went good. Today, it was great. I was soooo happy. After the hard work this is the reward :)
Bandit had the session with the chiroprator yesterday. He had several problems. A rip was out, almost all of the lumbar vertebrae weren't alignend anymore and the pelvis was dropped down. Holy...! That hurts pretty much ! Birgit rode him today and he was a totally different horse. No popping up of the head during saddling... soft in the bridle, searches the "down"under the saddle... AMAZING ! I really hope we could break the circle of pain and fear now. It would be great for Bandit. His eyes are changed now, not fearfull anymore, just quiete. I am so happy for him. We'll see what happens next... I will try to help him with acupressure to let the energy flow in the right direction.

a hell of a weekend...

The last weekend was the clinic with Trish Hyett. I rode Bandit all three days. The first day was pretty good. We worked on my blocks. Then it got pretty crazy when I had to ride Bandit in a frame. He started to rear up ! I was scared to hell !! On the last day I rode first Cody to get a feeling of riding a horse in a frame. Then I jumped on Bandit and tried it with him. He acted like crazy again. Three times I caught him before he could rear and three times he reared up. I was pretty shaky. We were lucky not to flip over.

I checked Bandit's back and found some sore spots on the spines. They look like small bumps sticking out of the spinal column. My first thought was kissing spines. So I told that Birgit. All the symptons Bandit shows are typical for kissing spines (doesn't like to be saddled /groomed, rear up, ...). The chiropractor will come on Sunday and has a look at Bandit. I am curious what she thinks about Bandit's back.

foal news

Baby is pretty independent and gets more curious everyday. He already chews straw or hay and drinks water. Cutie loves his races around the corral. He also figured out how good it feels when somebody scratches his bum. Blue is more quiet now when the little man is in the stall and she's outside. Looks like she figured out he can't go far away.

farm auction II

We went to another farm auction today. It was the same company like yesterday which sold all the stuff. This time it was a smaller auction. It was less intresting then the one yesterday. But the weather was gorgeous again. Maybe a bit on the windy side but gorgeous... I met a lot of people again and of course also new people. We only went there for a few hours.

auction

We went to a farm auction today. It was my first one and so pretty exciting. It's amazing what kind of stuff and chunk was for sale, from halters to the biggest hay machine ! There were also four horses for sale. Two of them were draft horses. The white one had a hugh head ! :D
We spent the whole day at this farm. Birgit bought two piles of bits, three saddle pads for the dogs and two head stalls for draft horses.
The farm is in beautiful area. Big pastures surrounded by forest and behind the forest are the mountains. It must be amazing to go for a ride throu the bush.

a new member...

Yesterday was an exciting day. Blue's foal has arrived. It's a dark bay colt, maybe he is a dark bay roan. Cutie has no name yet. He was born at 1 pm. The birth was pretty hard. The foal's feets didn't come together so Andy had to push it back and search for the second foot. Blue was so tired afterwards. She didn't move for quite a while. I felt so sorry for her. I can imagine how she felt.... Now, she's fine and pretty busy with the little man. Cutie is so independent. He likes to go for a run in the pasture and mommy has a hard time to keep an eye on him and eat.

He wasn't even 24 h old and already tried to eat straw, drink water and roll in the straw. Baby likes when you scratch his bum. He tires to scratch you back then. :) So cute. He is already pretty pushy. Yes, he's defenetly Fire's son.

It was so funny. Yesterday morning I saw Fire had a nap and crossed his hind legs. And Baby was just born and tried to get up- with crossed legs... :D I had to smile when I saw it.

a wonderful hike in the mountains

I went for a hike with Andy in the mountains yesterday. It was unbelievable nice. The sun was shining and there was a little breeze... The path was pretty steep on some places. I felt my muscles after awhile and my condition also isn't the best. I had to catch my breath several times...

I enjoyed every minute.

I don't regret my decision not to go to the cattle drive. I saw a bull moose and a mountain goat. This was reward enough. :D

exercises, stretches,...

I went to the women's fair today in McBride. There were several workshops I could choose from. I chose nordic walking, yoga and two workshops for back exercises. So, I did a lot of stretchings and exercises today... It was nice we did the nordic walking and yoga outside in the sun. It felt sooo nice. I met new people and the food was pretty tasty. Especially the white chocolate cookies, yummy. :)
I really enjoyed the day. It's been a while since the last time I left the farm. Don't get me wrong I really love to stay at the farm but sometimes I need a few time somewhere else... ;)

a hairy day...

When I looked out of the window this morning I thought I still dream ! SNOW in the middle of May ! Okay then... let's dress warm and go feed the horses. Crazy ! Soon the snow turned into rain and so we decided to clean the dirty house. I grabbed the vaccum and started. I guess it took us 4 hours to clean upstairs. We ran out of cookies and so I baked some. A tasty reward after all the dust, dirt and hay...
the sun showed up and tried to tease us in the afternoon. The weather forcast says it should be better now... we'll see what happens.
Finally our internet is also working again...

The next thing for me to do this evening are exercises.... Usually, Birgit and I do them together but she has to do some other stuff.

a great lunging session

It was a productive day today. We worked 6 horses today. I got the three youngsters ready and Birgit rode and lunged them. I get faster and faster in grooming and put the saddle on the horse. :) Routine is everthing.
In the afternoon I could lunge Samy in the outdoor arena. Birgit gave a lesson and kept an eye on us. When I sent Samy out he just raced on the circle ! Crazy ! So I had to calm him down first. After a while he leveled his head, relaxed and we could start our work. It was soooo great. I really missed this kind of work. Yes, I lunged the youngsters but this work was different. I could ask him to make smaller circles, bigger circles, transitions trot-canter / canter- trot without racing and in a nice frame. Samy listend so good !
I had to practise an exercise I will have to show Chris when I do my test. It's moving circles around. We did a good job and all in the trot. :) He sure can be a good boy... if he starts to think instead to see all the pink monster's around him... I was so pleased. I hope we can repeat this session soon..

another busy day...

It was a busy day today. I spent the morning in the kitchen. I made cranola, ginger cookies and a pasta salad for supper. The cookies turned out sooo good. Soon I will have to make another load :)
After a few yard work and a fight with the rooster we had lunch.
Then I had to get ready Jonny for his lunging /riding sesson with Birgit. I couldn't be there and watch I had to groom Alberta. She was in a better mood then yesterday.
I could ride Bandit in the outdoor arena today. Birgit gave a lesson and had an eye on me. Oh well, I think yesterday I rode better ! My muscles on shoulders and legs are pretty sore from yesterday. :( But at least I felt how it should feel to follow the movement of the horse's back. My legs are getting better. I only have to try again and again.

Riding is work !

It was my day off today. Brigit and I went to a Mother's day yard sale in Dunster. It's a kind of flea market. I love this trips and to meet people. Some of them I alreay met before.

In the afternoon Jonny's owner came for a visit and watched a training session. I helped Brigit during the canter part. My job was to support her aids with the lunge whip. This is a good exercise for me to practise the lunging position. :)
Later I rode Bandit in the outdoor arena. Hell, I have to correct my legs as soon as possible. They have too much movement at the wrong time ! So I provide myself to ride with short stirrups for the next few weeks. This should help me to keep my heel down and the leg on the horse. I already tried it today and my legs are better, well at least at the walk...! Also my ellbows need a correction. I want to know when I learn all this bad stuff !!
I have to practise pretty hard the next weeks. It's good, riding is work !

first riding lessons

We had two students here for riding lessons. Both are beginners. I helped to get Bandit ready for the first lesson. Brigit told me I would give the lesson today and she will help me... Oh well, first I had to remember which exercise the students need to do... then explain what the horse's barrel does while the horse moves. It's pretty difficult to correct your body position, lunge the horse correctly and watch what the student does on the horse. After the two lessons I was tired and energyless.
Brigit had a big argument with the young training horse, Jonny. As soon as he feels pressure it seems the mind leaves the body. You can see it in his eyes ! Today wasn't the first time I saw it. It really hurts to see this in a young horse's eyes.

After lunch Brigit wanted to ride Miho after I lunged him. It went pretty good. He never tried to stop on the left side. :) Miho was also good under the rider. Looks like he enjoys it.
Then was it Alberta's turn. As far as I could see she also did good. I had to clean the corrals it was almost feeding time.

busy days...

I long lined Cody yesterday. He was nice and did all what I wanted :) I also have to do it at the Certification test. I need to practise it again.
I also did assist Brigit while she rode Miho, the youngester. First, we worked with him in the round pen then Brigit rode him. He was so cool and relaxed very good. I guess it was the third ride this year and he also loped with rider.

Today, it was only a yard work day. Brigit went at the Terracana Ranch and I worked in the house and yard. The arena got sand and it needed to be spread. Marc did the big part with the tractor. Brigit and I only raked and shoveled along the walls and the corner. There is also the round pen which is left. I guess we will spread the sand there tomorrow.
We also have two lessons tomorrow afternoon. I will help to get the horses ready for the lessons.

At the moment it's raining. We had changing weather today, rain and sunshine.

Back...

Finally, our internet is working again.... It was down for two days.

We had beautiful sunshine the last few days, sunny and a light wind. T-shirt weather, awesome !
Oh well, looks like the sunny weather is already over again. The forecast for next week is rain and snow... we'll see !

Brigit and I went to a party on the riverside of the fraser yesterday. It was fun. I really enjoyed the evening. We did a roast at the bonfire. Friend's of Brigit gave the party. I met some nice people there. One was a girl from Switzerland. She also stays at a horse farm.

Jonny, a new training horse arrived today. I am curious about his gaits. He's a Tennessee Walker. :) Brigit wanna work with Jonny tomorrow in the round pen. And of course I will be there too. Samy and Jonny are in the same corral. It looks like they get along together pretty good.

I saw my first black bear today ! Exciting ! It was in the field across the highway. (Un)fortunatly, I couldn't take a picture 'cause it was too far away.

the season just started...

We were pretty busy the last two days. I did some yard cleaning today in the morning while Birgit was at the Terracana Ranch.

After lunch we started with the horse work. I lunged Samy in the round pen. He had a lot of energy. I could train to slow my body down and keep Samy calm as good as I could. It's kinda hard work but it's a great way to work with a horse. I really enjoy it. I missed this kinda work so much.
On Saturday will Birgit have lessions here at the farm. I look forward to that and also to Sunday when the new training horse will come. :)

spring is coming...

It was a nice day today. Sunshine, no clouds but a cold wind. I did some cleaning in the hay yeard in the pasture. All the horses came to have a look what I did. I really enjoyed the work outside.
Everywhere are birds around, yes spring is coming !

In the afternoon Birgit showed me the round pen work with Miho. After her work with Miho I could try to make him follow me. It went pretty good so far ! I was happy.
Then the next horse was Samy. He challenged me. With the help from Brigit I could work a bit with Samy. Oh well, he knew right from the beginning I am a beginner ! I had some problems with the right moves from time to time...
Then we also worked with Alberta. I did some big mistakes and she responded pretty good to it. My goal will be to work with Fire, the stallion, in the round pen... But til then I need more training.
It was a good start !

riding lesson

Birgit and I went to the arena today. I was the third student who had a riding lession. I rode Bandit. The topic of the lession was 'bending'. Both, Bandit and I had to work hard and I learnd a lot. An importent thing is not to pull on a horse's face. It's kinda hard not to do it anymore when you are so used to it.
The more I learn about Chris Irwin's method the more I think it's the right way for me to work with horses. Like I said before you only need to think like a horse...
As soon as the ground is dried I can start to work in the round pen. I really look forward to that. I barley can't wait !

It's my day off tomorrow and the day after. It depends on the weather what I will do...

friday, indoor arena day

Birgit and I went to the indoor arena today. She gave two riding lessions and worked with two horses afterwards. I had the chance to groom Birgit's stallion, Fire. It was the first time I groomed him. When you groom him you need to be 100 % aware of what you do, where you stand and what he does. Fire is a good teacher. I learnd a lot today. Body language is so importent when you work with a horse.
I also could feed him in the evening, Birgit helped me to do the right moves :)
All this is pretty new and so I am not sure if I do the right things... I need more training !
Oh well, as soon as the outdoor arena is dry I will get a lot of horses to train with.

another day went by...

Another day went by and I had a good riding lesson in the pasture today. I rode my first turn on the haunches. yuppee ! Birgit told me what I have to do and it turned out pretty good. I also rode leg yields and turns on the forehand.

Spring is here. The grass is growing and on some trees pop the leaves out.

first news

I am here in Dunster, Canada since 2 weeks now. The last two weeks I learned a lot about horses, all kind of work at a farm und how to train horses. I will learn how to interact with a horse with Chris Irwin's method. It's different then the things I learned about horses before but it is a challenge I really need.
I already lunged twice and had 3 riding lessons. So I have to learn, read and train a lot til June. We will go to a 3 days Chris Irwin clinic in Whitecourt then.