First Week in New Barn

After the long trip, Brego got a day off and then went immediately into work. Nothing strenuous or fatiguing, but just enough to get his brain active and focused on me. He did very well during the first ride in the potentially spooky indoor. He took the atmosphere in stride and was very attentive.



The barn itself is very fun and welcoming with some good, knowledgeable horse people around at all times, so I feel like the horses are well watched. There is a lot of activity with tractors, bicycles, kids, other riders, lessons, etc so I consider it really good desensitization to busy show environments. Both Hobby and Brego have taken it all in and soaking up the "new horse" attention.

Everyone loves butt dapples

They spent a few days in a private paddock and then I turned Brego out in a HUGE pasture with about 10 other horses. I knew he would quickly work his way to the top but I was pretty surprised to see two little mares work him over with their charms. Yes, Brego then did what all boys do, much to my shame and dismay. My little boy is growing up, all into girls, thinks mom is so uncool. We pulled the mares out because, although he did not hurt them, he was getting fixated. We had one of our best rides later in the afternoon, he was very forward and light and we just rocked at dressage. And yes, I do appreciate the delicious irony of my April Fool's Day joke and Brego's recent coming of age. I just hope he forgets about it. I do not want stud behavior out of him.

I had my Dad come out and visit and give Brego a man to man chat. I don't think he got the point across (stay away from the hussy mares, nothing but trouble), but Brego certainly enjoyed the pets.

Mares are nothing but trouble, my son

The barn is located on lots of property to set up some trot and canter sets down logging roads. I will start conditioning sets with him in the coming week.

The show schedule is coming into focus. Brego is doing so well at dressage, I am going to start the season with a dressage schooling show May 18th. Then I will go to an eventing schooling show in June and FINALLY register for our recognized debut. I am so excited to start showing. He is so much improved since last time we showed, I can't wait to see what the judges think.