Waiting for My Hay

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE’S MO u TH Waiting for My Hay...

A new school year means changes at the barn for Goldie and his friends.

Things were very busy at the barn this summer! My riders were here almost every day, and it is how to tell a horse what she wants him to do. You see, Fred took such good care of Jenny that she doesn’t that’s the way it goes! Michelle will still show me this season, but will move up to a tougher horse by Christy Chajon, Staff Write A quiet now that everyone is back really know how to respond when to practice on here at home. She in school. I do miss my human a horse doesn’t automatically start will start riding Dolly soon. I’m friends, but I will still get to see trotting when she says the word very proud of Michelle for movthem in the evenings and on the “trot.” Barney will teach Jenny ing up to Dolly, because that horse weekends. Plus, now I have more that she has to be firm and really is tough. It takes a lot of experitime to talk to you! let the horse know she is in charge. ence to ride her. Some of the less”“ We have some other changes here, as well. Some riders have just started and some are moving up to more difficult horses. Let me tell you about a new rider first: Mary has never ridden before, so she will start with Fred. You may remember from a few months ago that Fred takes care of beginning riders. He is nice and calm and will be perfect for Mary to ride while she learns the basics, like how to start, stop, and guide. Once she gets her balance, she will start learning to trot. Fred is really looking forward to helping her learn. He likes teaching beginners He will still baby her a little, but give her a challenge, too. That is why he is so good at what he does! Barney has a current rider, Ella, who will start riding me soon. Ella started riding about a year ago, and she has worked hard to learn how to ride Fred and Barney. Now she is doing so well the instructor told her she will get to show me next season! I’m excited to work with her. She seems like a great girl—she comes out to the barn even when she doesn’t have a lesson, just so she can help out. She has learned a lot about horses by working with them on the ground. experienced riders get upset if a younger rider gets to ride Dolly before they do, but the instructor knows what she is doing. It’s not about how old or big you are, it’s about how much riding experience you have. So you need to listen to the instructor when it comes to which horse you ride. It doesn’t hurt to ask to ride a tougher horse, but if she says no, don’t pester her about it. She knows what is best for you and the horses. I will miss having everyone around as much, so I hope you work hard in school and get your homework done so you can come She has learned a lot about horses by working with them on the ground. The more you know about horses, the better a rider you will be. the best, since he is getting older The more you know about horses, see me in the afternoon. Otherand likes to take it easy. the better a rider you will be. wise it will be pretty quiet around Then there is Jenny. She has Ella, of course, is very excited to here…until dinnertime, anyway. been riding Fred for a few months ride me, but it does make my hu- Then all you can hear is me, hapnow and has learned all of the ba- man friend Michelle a bit sad. She pily eating my hay! Here it comes sic skills, so she is moving up to will have to share me now. It is now. Talk to you next month! n ride my good friend Barney. He hard for some of the riders to have will teach her better balance, and to share their favorite horse, but