Duncan: Summer 2009, Part I

Well, the messages have been coming in asking what's happened to me. I appreciate your inquiries; it's nice to know I was missed! The short answer is "an injury, a new work assignment, and a full-time job." I fractured my right ankle on July 14 in a Clue-related incident (which, to look on the bright side, fortunately is on video!), and in an effort to not end up too miserable while I couldn't ride, I spent most of my time away from the computer and video-making. Then, I received a new work assignment for this year, and much of my time was devoted to preparing for the autumn when it would start. Come autumn, I was back to work full time.

This is all of the footage I have of Duncan leading up to my accident...a snippet of him on the longe working in his side reins, a day I hacked with trainer Sheryl and fellow rider Kianna, and the day I introduced Duncan to liverpools. Considering the drama my boy can produce over new fences (aqueduct fence anybody?), he gave NO outlandish reaction whatsoever to our time spent tromping and jumping the tarp. Go figure. I know his previous owner spent time desensitizing him to items like tarps (thank you Shelly), but to my knowledge, he's not been asked to jump them before.

As for my arm-flapping at the gallop: it's hideous. However, it inspires speed in Duncan--something I discovered through trial-and-error. I inevitably get the Spongebob Squarepants theme song stuck in my head ("Then drop on the deck and flop like a fish!"), and as someone who appreciates equitation, it makes me throw up in my mouth a little to have to resort to that. Regardless, he's learning to give it more gas when I ask, and the amount of arm-flapping required to produce said reaction continues to lessen and lessen (yay!).

A big thank you to Mahlon and Jen for their support and willingness to climb aboard my horses in my off-time! All I was worried about was them losing ground and stamina while I was on injured reserve; if anything, they're even better than they were before I got hurt. Thanks guys!

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• apha
• paint
• horse
• gelding
• buckskin
• jumper
• jumping
• liverpool
• oxer
• tarp
• canter

[sprinter45621]

u guys r sooooo good together! U have awesome posture jumping and on the flat....thanks for ur videos they're awesome!! :)

[dragonfly1030]

@sprinter45621 Thank you! I keep working at it (after all, we all have some bad habits with riding that are hard to break!). :)

[IRide4TheBlue]

Do you use Cyberlink Powerdirector? I recognized some of the effects and stuff on your other videos lol. Im trying out a trial version of it. :)

[dragonfly1030]

@IRide4TheBlue Yes it is :) I think you asked this on another video's comments, but I am so behind on the YT comments, allllways. Sorry!

[breyerhorses23]

I wish i could have a horse )':

[dragonfly1030]

@breyerhorses23 I didn't get one until I was moved out of my parents' house and had a full time job...so don't worry, it can happen for you someday!!!

[campie10]

I love this horse!!!!!!

[apollodown15]

i might get a horse this weekend (try) do you have anypointers when test riding?

[buckskinbabe4]

hey mel i just wanted to let you know that i just made 3 more videos if you or anyone else wants to check out the videos at buckskinbabe4:) please comment,rate,sub do what ever:)

[dragonfly1030]

Thank you; yep, he is full paint :)