Western Kentucky Checks In!

[NoBite]

I've mostly lurked on and off here for some time. But, with this new, user-friendly forum I thought it time to say howdy.

My wife and I are avid trail riders living in far western Kentucky. We are one hour south of Shawnee Forest, an hour from the LBL area between KY and TN, and within 90 minutes of some good riding in western TN and SE Missouri. We both work full time and ride when we can. We each have one horse. Loretta's horse is an 8 yo Missouri Foxtrotter. Mine is a 14 yo Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse. Eleven years ago, we participated in the Parelli program with two quarterhorses. For me, it was the beginning of a relationship with horses. Loretta grew up with horses as a kid, with no formal training.

After 5 or so years in the PNH program, we started branching out and furthering our education. I've read a post from a forum member from southern IL that spoke highly of Mark Schwarm. We have trained with him. We've gone to clinics with several NH trainers, some well known, some not. But, we are not "clinic rats," we're primarily trail riders looking for the best way to get along with our horses.

I also enjoy good equipment and am very happy to say I have one of Sara's mecates. Let me say that Sara also makes some wonderful dog tack! She made me a custom leash with a special locking alligator clip that is awesome.

Many of the folks posting here spend much more time than I do training horses. I learn a lot every time I visit this forum. Don't know what I have to offer, but will chime in if I have any experiences that seem relevant. I enjoy the magazine greatly. The horse is the best teacher.

[FrancaV]

I'm always envious of people who have riding spouses. How wonderful that you and your wife hit the trails together whenever you can. I'm fortunate to have riding buddies but don't think I'll ever make a rider out of my husband. That's OK - he's supportive of my horse habit and I'm supportive of his slot car habit. :)

And yes, the horse is the best teacher. But it can really help to have a good translator now and then, LOL.

[wesloco]

Franca V,

My wife rides when she has the time, which isn't often. But I know when she rides with me that I can forget what ever it was I was planning to do during that ride, as I have to answer all of her questions on what she is doing. Now don't misunderstand me, I love when she rides with me, it's just that I have learned to put things on hold when she does.

Tom

[JRW]

Welcome NoBite and Tom,
Hubby comes home and rides his mule every sunday. He is just learning, but has made great improvement over the last year. I learned it was best to let him do it his own way. The mule and he are bonded so nothing goes too wrong.

At first hubby wanted to just get out on the trail, now he is starting to realize why working on basic control in the arena is not a bad thing. BUT I couldn't tell him that... he had to figure it out for himself.

Yrs,
JRW

[FrancaV]

Hi, Tom,

Yep, who you're riding with sure does have an effect on how the day goes, and I've had all kinds of experiences - some great, some not so great. I do know what you mean about having to change the plan to fit the needs of the day's riding partner(s). For me, in the grand scheme of things, I'd much rather put a few things on hold and ride with someone like your wife who's asking questions than ride with someone who has no interest in horsemanship whatsoever. There's always another ride down the road. :)

So tell us more about your horse(s) and the type of riding you do!