Used correctly, our hands can relay flawlessly timed cues for advanced manners and offer reward to the horse for accurate responses. Used incorrectly, our hands can be like weapons to the horse's mouth, with even the least severe of bits in place.
The DOR has always been very conscious of her hands and the pressure she uses. In fact sometimes I wonder if she is holding the reins at all. She has had to learn how to balance her desire to not attack my mouth with my need for her guidance. She equates it to a dance...we need to have enough contact to know where the other is moving or thinking, but enough freedom that we don't interfere with our partners ability to execute the steps or motion.
DORs also need to remember that a look, the tone of their voice, the way their body is positioned, and the energy they project when they more also has the same kind of power as their hands. So be careful when we are dancing together that we remain in balance as a team.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR

I wanted to let you know about a fund raising event for one of my favorite rescue organizations. There will also be rescue horses available for adoption.


RODEO CITY EQUINE RESCUE PRESENTS
HORSE DAZE OF SUMMER
Horse Sale - Tack Swap - Adoptathon - Prizes Demos - Raffles - Silent Auction

Kittitas County Fairgrounds
Ellensburg, WA
SATURDAY, JULY 18th – 10 AM TO 4 PM
A PLACE FOR SELLERS TO SHOW THEIR HORSES & TACK
A PLACE FOR BUYERS TO TALK ONE ON ONE WITH SELLERS
This is not an auction, but a sale where you make your own deal Sellers pay an entry fee & no commission. Sale registration 8:30-10am
All proceeds to benefit RODEO CITY EQUINE RESCUE

Please call 509-968-9566, 509-607-2322, 509-968-3105
For entry forms or info visit www.rodeocityequine.com

The DOR and Jack are off on a trail ride today. Makes the pasture quieter without Jack's spotted butt raising a ruckus with the little filly. Salty and I are going to spend most of the day hanging out in the shade swapping stories. When Jack gets back he will be too tired to want to do anything but rest...I think that will be a good time to harass him a bit to remind him who is boss.
Life is so good! Oh and Jack told me to remember to say: Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR

I love this picture. Scooby looks like one of the puffy clouds from the sky. It was a beautiful day with a lovely bright sky. Scooby was enjoying the weather, even though his eyes no longer allow him to enjoy the view.


Please go visit the other great Skywatch participants at Skywacth Friday There are wonderful photos from all around the world!
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR

This is the Support Crew Chief's horse Coelho. Coelho is Portuguese for rabbit. If you look closely you can see a jumping white rabbit on his right side, the little ears point up to his back. This photo was taken while he was still sporting his winter woolies (photo courtesy of Sunny Acres Ranch). He is a nice horse, but he thinks he can be the boss of me. He kicked at me the last time I walked by him in the arena, just rude. He is lucky that I was watching out for the DOR or I would have gave him a big ol appy hoof right on his butt!
I worked with the DOR for 45 minutes last night. I wore my English saddle and did liberty work in the round pen. I was trying out my neoprene cinch and checking to make sure the saddle wasn't going to rub me at my shoulders. I wasn't bothered by the cinch, the DOR thought it might pull my hair. The cinch does sweat bad, so we will have to be careful that it doesn't gald me. The DOR is thinking she will put my regular cinch back on. She also noticed a heavier sweat spot at my shoulder where she thinks the saddle my be jamming me when I move. She is going to keep watch on it too. Seems like my muscular massiveness is really making it difficult to get a saddle to fit the way it should.
We are planning on going on a trail ride on Saturday. We are going to return to the site of the tornado twister...I am going to show the DOR how far she has come!
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR

Today the DOR celebrates the anniversary of her heart event...
It may sound strange to be celebrating, but she is ever so grateful for another year, the fact that she is healthy, and the positive changes that the event brought into her life. She has learned to live in joy, I make sure she has a bit of joy everyday.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug you DOR