JR spends the night

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  Mike Ballard So, I get back from getting a load of hay this evening, and a horse that looks remarkably like this one is hanging around in our corral. I think I saw the Vaughts sneaking off down the lane too. Something is afoot here...
  

  23 hours ago · · 3
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  Susan Engle What! No. I bet someone just roan splatter painted one of your black horses.

   

  JR came over last night - he had a sleepover at my house! - When I got home from Nashville - He was there waiting for me - and I could see him in the dark, unlike my other horses~!  He walked over and we had a chat and a rub.

  Then Tony and Jenny came over the next day and did some trimming.  We had a special visit from Lynette on her way to an actha ride.

  I rode Bonnie and then JR.. got to show Mike JRs moves.. sooo AWESOME  and we cantered. I had SUCH a GREAT horse day - Trotting on Bonnie - and riding JR.. I was so happy tonight a horse HIGH~~

  

   He is now buddies with shadow - the mook -- hope he does not become too mooky too - here is Shadow.  Shadow - Legend and JR are on their way to training at Jenny and Tonys.  More on that soon!

  
  

  
  

  
  

Just Right - just a little too big

You can wait a lifetime for a horse like this.  I can't say much more than is shown by this picture.  A calm gelding - gently curious - checking out the little guy.  The  little guy  is Aaron Vaught - and if you look closely you will see a bit in his weee hands.  I think he could have got it on too~. -- at the Missouri Foxtrotter Spring Show.

JR at The Spring MO Foxtrot Show

Jenny and I talked and talked about what would be the best thing for JR.  It seemed he was a little emotional when being asked to do a lot.  We have reset his hooves to match the natural hoof trim Tony does - so he was a bit off balance too.  In the long run this choice and our choice to let him go to the show as a supportive partner - will benefit him in the future.  His job was to lolligag around - and then ride a little to support the other horses.




  As seen here with Nichole riding - supporting Caitlyn's practice on her pony.  He had a great time.  Tony also used him to pony the pony...

JR has been so loved

Read about JR'sS life with my dear friend and mentor Susan Engle.  She has some of the most wonderful horses around and I want to thank her for her part in  preparing this gallant steed for me. Read her blog here.  I am so lucky to have both Susan AND JR ....
Susan's Blog about her horses

It has key points bout JRs famous past.. pictures with Pat Parelli..

A little english

Bring my English saddle Jenny says.  So I do. And JR and I practice english and the  foxtrot.  I think it was a ploy to keep me from holding the horn.  We even cantered a little.

And now for something COMPLETELY different

Next big and wonderful thing... riding brainless - err um reiness.  That is what Jenny called it.  So you have the reins tied over the horn and don't use them.  but use your legs and your stick... and a little rope around JRs neck.  Have I told you what a pretty beautiful soul my J.R, ia.. beautiful inside and out.  He is a sturdy - sensitive lover of people - a champion of strength and trust.  And he is a huckleberry..  he is my huckleberry.  Do you remember that phrase Val Kilmer says -- in the wonderful movie Tombstone.. if you haven't seen it -- you oughta.  Any way - It seems that the word came to be given as a mark of affection or comradeship to one’s partner or sidekick. To be one’s huckleberry — usually as the phrase I’m your huckleberry — is to be just the right person for a given job, or a willing executor of some commission. I digress..

A reinless huckleberry - Jenny had us practice moving a bit and we  did well.  Then it was suggested I use no reins.  Now I did this gladly-- with little concern. My companion was sturdy and trustworthy.  We did great -- it is freeing -- and what to do with your hands besides hold on the horn.  IT is different.  not sure if it is my confidence or his... but it worked!