December 15 - It's Cold Ya'll

Winter has arrived in full force. Negative temperatures, deep snow, and unsafe footing have forced lesson cancellations and a slower pace around the barn. While the break is necessary, it is never easy when routines revolve around horses, movement, and time together in the arena.

We officially wrapped up No-Stirrup November, and the progress across our riders has been impressive. Deeper seats, better balance, quieter legs, and stronger body awareness showed up in every lesson. These gains set the foundation for everything that follows.

Even as winter slows things down, the twins were able to reconnect with their rodeo friends at the IJRA annual awards banquet. Nights like that matter. Rodeo is as much about community as it is about competition.

Behind the scenes, Maverick and Gibbs are showing real progress. Consistent, thoughtful riding is starting to pay off, and both geldings are beginning to click. Real potential is building toward spring and summer. Gibbs narrowly avoided the end-of-year catalog sale, and we are glad he did. Some horses simply need time, the right program, and patience.

Cold-weather riding has become a lesson in itself. Layering properly, managing the wind, and listening to both horse and rider needs are all part of winter horsemanship. And yes, the heater is there for the parents to stay toasty at the end of the arena. Their support at the gate is just as important to the smiles in the saddle.

We also said goodbye to a boarder horse, Edna, who moved to her family’s new house last week. While farewells are never easy, we are glad she is settling into her next chapter.

All blankets are on, winter coats are thick, and hides are fluffy. A few hay bellies have made an appearance among the ponies, which tells us everyone is warm, well-fed, and doing exactly what horses should be doing this time of year.

Winter always brings quieter arenas and a slower rhythm. We miss our riders when the weather keeps us apart, but we are using this time to rest, reset, and prepare for what is ahead. Spring will come, and we will be ready.

Winter slows us down, but it does not stop the work. Drop a ❄️ in the comments if you are counting down to spring riding, or tell us what goal you want to hit when we’re back in full swing.