10 months with Ryon

Haay girl, do you work out?
In the past few weeks, cold temperatures have rushed in like cattle through a corral chute.  Heavy blankets were hastily brushed down and thrown on.  Fans were quickly turned off and the barn is now eerily silent at night, without the whooshing of over a hundred fans spinning endlessly in the heat.  But contrary to his past behavior and everything I saw in him this spring and summer, ever so quietly, gently, and softly, Ryon has eased into winter weather.  Perhaps it's finally getting past his 9th birthday and emerging into adulthood, but our boy has grown up - no longer spooking at every dark corner and throwing a tantrum when his extra large personal space bubble is intruded upon.  He's still a character, don't be fooled.  He is still impatient in the cross ties and when waiting in the arena and will kindly remind you with a nudge when he thinks we're done riding for the evening.  But things rarely phase him now and his confidence has increased dramatically.

Ryon's also been jumping like he's been born to do it.  I honestly think he's been waiting his whole career to be challenged to this level.  The more complicated the course, the higher the jumps, the more technical the turns, the more he likes it and enjoys himself.  He pulls on the reins with his mouth as if to say, "Mom, just sit back and relax and let me figure it out.  I got this."  He's terribly independent like that.  Don't fuss at him, don't micromanage.  Just breathe and sink into your heels.  My trainer paid him the kindest compliment tonight, saying that he is the most progressed horse that she works with and has come the longest way with his training.

Our "accidental" cloven hoof
If you're friends with me on Instagram, you'll also have noticed the steampunkish (thanks for ther term Amy) contraption on his back hoof.  Ryon's had a half crack in that hoof for forever and as we've signed on to a new farrier, he's suggested a different way at attempting to fixing it.  It works similar to braces, where Warren can tighten or loosen the device as Ryon's hoof grows out, to bring the hoof walls closer together.  It doesn't hurt him and he doesn't seem to notice it, but only time will tell if it truly works or not.

Our boy is growing up (sniff sniff) and it's really just been over the past few months.  Let's hope this good behavior isn't a fluke and he improves to the point where I can take him out in polite company.  So long as they don't mind getting licked and slobbered on.


Comments

  1. I like that you seem to have a connection with your beautiful horse and can read him so well. I don't have a lot of experience with horses, but they really amaze and humble me. Where did the name Ryon come from?

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  2. oh, there goes the proud mama :)

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  3. Is Ryon becoming a solid citizen???

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    1. PS - I know I've said it before, but you've been really good for Ryon...and now he has a chance to realize his potential.

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  4. Awww, Ryon! This makes me so happy, I love that he's an ambitious jumper!

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  5. He is such a good boy! In the evening I always go and visit two horses and they love to lick me and always slobber when I give them carrots. :)

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  6. Aaaaaaaw...yay to Ryon, and to you as well, Rooth, for being a good momma:)

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  7. he just looks like an entire different horse from the first photo you shared - with his big belly and fuzzy fur. he looks so dignified and svelte now. and i am SURE the reason he has come so far in this short of time is because of you.

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  8. Oh, I feel emotional and beaming with pride as I read this. What a beauty he is, like he is really growing into his own, like my own gangly-figuring-things-out teen. I agree with Christine. All the time you take to nurture this relationship, that's the difference.

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  9. I love hearing about his progress! What a mature young man-horse he's becoming. :) Happy 10 months Ryon!

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  10. Awww Ryon! I think we need to see some videos of his jumping skillz :-)

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  11. How nice to hear. He sounds like a real champ.

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  12. Hooray for Ryon growing up! I really do like his hoof ring. It's very distinguished.

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  13. It sounds like he was just waiting for you all this time, and these last 10 months prove how grateful he is to have you to help him along. What are you guys going to do for your big 1 year anniversary?? xo

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  14. Adorable with the monthly updates, just like any proud parent :). Hope that brace works on his hoof!

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  15. He seems like a sweetie with a bit of spice. Just my kind of horse! Congrats on your progress with him. I'm sure you put lots of work in and it's always nice to see a horse be given the chance to shine.

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  16. I overdosed a bit on my own "Awwwwws". He seems to be a promising lad, though. Reminded me of my childhood sweety, "Rani" (Queen). She was such a gentle soul, but could really get worked up every now and then. She was, however, always so kind to us kids.

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  17. What a beautiful (not so little) sweetie. Well done on getting him so far in his training. Can't wait to see how much further he goes in the next couple of years.

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  18. He's such a handsome fellow! It's been fun reading all about his adventures. I do hope to bring him treats one day, and say 'hello!' :)

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  19. i love the way you describe his independence :) xx

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  20. I love how you describe him like you two chill at starbucks. Its awesome to get that type of connection with an animal. Hes a beauty!

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  21. That's some compliment from the trainer. You must be a proud mama!

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  22. Ryon looks like a sweet boy, I like it's winter blanket :)

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  23. Oh goodness, I don't know how much feeling hooves have, but ouch!

    7% Solution

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  24. Aww Ruth, you sound liek a really proud momma- and you should be!

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  25. What a gorgeous horse...how long have you been riding?
    xx,

    Paisley

    paisleynotplaid

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