Ally and Pinta

We enjoyed Pinta's company a few times over the Christmas break and look forward to being able to ride in this mild January weather. We're inside the big barn, which has no improved footing, which results in shelter from the wind and precipitation, but makes us eat dust and all pictures are full of it ... not a bad trade really.

In these first two pictures, Pinta is showing off her amazing flexibility. Her favorite activity is bending back to accept treats from her rider. Ally is learning to lean down and steady herself enough to give the treat herself. They're both having a great time.




Here we are working on backing up. Our current practice is to do a few in-hand communication when we first get into the barn, and then Ally gets in the saddle and learns to just be a passenger and feel Pinta below her, while Pinta and I continue to work on whatever our current objectives are. Backing in a straight line is an ongoing objective-in-progress.




Here's one of Merri and Ally :)