Category Archives: Neuf

Minis and Carts and Paso Finos, Oh My!

Posted on March 25, 2017 by Mel

Today, I took Neuf down to the Virginia Horse Festival.  We were to be a demo rider for Sonya Crampton, who has North Slope Stables in Bluemont, VA.  I have ridden with Sonya before and saw she had an opening for demo … Continue reading →

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Three Days…Four jumping lessons

Posted on February 20, 2017 by Mel

Last week had a few LONG days at work, so that meant I could leave a bit early on Friday, to get a lesson on Neuf, in the uncharacteristically spring-like weather. Friday’s lesson consisted of working on me being able … Continue reading →

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Facing the Fear Factor: Developing positive memories

Posted on December 6, 2015 by Mel

I have not been following the book’s protocol completely, even though it says that is the way to the best results, largely because while I’m afraid in a few situations, I’m not a fearful rider about almost everything. But I’m … Continue reading →

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Facing the Fear Factor

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Mel

I’m still struggling with confidence on Neuf. I’m going to be more strategic in my dealing with my emotions, fears, anxieties and successes and I’m starting with some books. I’ve purchased a book Riding Fear Free and it is interactive, … Continue reading →

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Ruts can develop FAST!

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Mel

If you’ve ever been stuck in the mud, you know that the ruts that start when the tires no longer have forward traction can get deep, and astoundingly fast. Sunday, on Neuf, he was pretty forward, but also starting to … Continue reading →

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Fall Morning lessons

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Mel

The air is crisp, the wind leaning towards gusty, but the sun rises over the barn as I ride Bali, always my first lesson. I am working on establishing a good marching walk from the get go, focusing on bend … Continue reading →

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June progress report

Posted on June 21, 2014 by Mel

I’ve been taking my lessons before work, which means I often don’t have time to jot down my lesson notes. Today was lesson day. I always ride Bali first, then Neuf. Bali We worked on keeping her really though and … Continue reading →

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April Updates

Posted on April 25, 2014 by Mel

The inevitable happened April 5. I came off Neuf. He spooked at C and bolted, bucking down the long wide of the arena. Around K, I was not recovering, so I kicked free and pushed off the right side. I … Continue reading →

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Just Ridin’ in the Rain…

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Mel

I had lessons today!!! I LOVE my lessons. The weather was above freezing, but it was raining. But that’s ok, I had lessons! I have not completely forgotten how to ride, I’ve just lost a few of the finer points…but … Continue reading →

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Riding? What’s that?

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Mel

I have ridden less this winter than in the past 8 years. The weather was just not cooperating. But, I’ve been attempting to at least keep the ponies civilized and non feral. I’ve settled into a nice routine of either … Continue reading →

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