Haley had a lesson with Stephanie on a cute little (15.2 hands) QH named Wyatt, who is up for lease. He is a sweet gelding with that typical short, wide QH head. He was nice and quite for Haley and moved out well when asked. It was getting dark so I didn't get many pictures of this lesson. Stephanie was good with Haley and understood her riding level and needs. Haley said that she really liked Wyatt and Stephanie. She really enjoyed her lesson. 
She began with getting the feel of Velvet then did some two point, trotting circles and changing diagonals. It had been several months since Haley had ridden, but it was like riding a bicycle. She's a natural for sure.
Longwood Equestrian Center is a jumper barn which caters to Grand Prix riders, but also has programs for pleasure and beginner riders. Plus it's only five minutes from Haley's home. Seems like the perfect place for her needs right now. She had a great time riding and couldn't wait to get on the phone to tell her Mom all about it. She was all smiles all the way home from the barn. She said she can't wait for her lessons to begin. Of course she comes by her love of horses honestly. She gets it from her mom and her Nana. It was meant to be.
One can get in a car to see what man has made. One must get on a horse to see what God has made. For many of us the world is best viewed through the ears of a horse.
All horses deserve at least once in their lives to be loved by a little girl. For Canyon, that little girl was Haley who loved him unconditionally. 
Canyon left us tonight for greener pastures in the sky. I'd like to think that his spirit sores with wings of gold. Canyon was a special horse, a friend and teacher to Haley. He was only in our lives for a short time but Haley learned a lot riding and working around this gentleman of a horse. We all were lucky to have had him in our lives and will miss his sweet face and gentle nature.
Before and after.......
Haley improved her leg position greatly after just one lesson from Kathy.
My sister, Kathy, came down from TN for a visit this past week. She spent a lot of time with Haley giving her some lessons on Canyon. She gave Haley a lot of pointers that helped her leg position along with other issues Haley was working to improve. The two point position was a great help. My dressage saddle helped her with her leg position too.
OK, he left Haley behind, but she loved it. The form will come.
Canyon was trotting out nicely for her.
Rounded her shoulders, but was using her leg. I'd like to see a little more contact. I think she was trying to get him to canter. 
Better, she was ready this time.
Oops, cut off Haley's head, but it's a cute picture of Canyon. Still needs more contact.
Canyon's feet after the farrier did a trim with a Mustang Roll, which I requested.
Right Hind before.....
July 3, 2009.....I asked the farrier to do a Mustang Roll on Canyon. He proceeded to tell me that Canyon was not a Mustang and was not running through the type of terrain that the Mustangs are, that he was a Thoroughbred turned out in pasture a few hours a day and spending the rest of the time standing in a stall. Therefore the Mustang Roll wasn't what he would normally be doing for this horse. I had him do it anyway. He's probably PO'd at me, but I don't care at this point. I've purchased some farrier tools and a hoof stand so hopefully I can keep his feet looking good without the farrier's help. We'll see.
Right rear showing the sole which, from what I was told, flaked away from the foot as the vet examined it. The boot we put on him came off out in the pasture last night. We found it in pieces today. The nippers I've ordered will be handy. I did end up taking off a little more just before I had to hurry up and leave the barn. I did paint Tuff Stuff on the sole of this foot to help seal it.
Right Front.....
Right front bottom. The walls seem thin to me. Not much to work with.
Right front side. The bevel isn't quite right yet. Scared to take off too much and hard to see through the sweat puddles in my glasses.
Left front bottom.
Left front, bevel could be better I'm sure. At this point I'm just wondering if this fella might just need to be wearing shoes until he can grow a better hoof. Though I'd love to see him be able to go barefoot. We just want him to be happy and sound. For now we'll just keep up with the supplements and see what we get. The horse chiropractor was at the barn today, but we'd already spent so much money on the vet, meds, supplements and farrier stuff we just couldn't afford an adjustment for Canyon. Maybe later when he's more sound. Though I could have used a good massage myself after my busy day. Where's my husband...... :)
Hair loss from the rain rot. Not pretty.
Abscess area with sole cut away by the vet. Right hind.
Right front before I filed the hoof. The white stuff is old Tuff Stuff.
Now this abscess is coming through the sole of Canyon's right hind. Just broke through a couple of days ago. We thought he was still sore because of the old abscess, but apparently it was due to this new one. Go figure. At this point we are wrapping it to keep dirt, etc. out. Not sure how long to do that. Got a call in to the farrier to pick his brain.
OK, this is the result of the abscess erupting through the cornet band of his right hind back in May. Just a few days ago another abscess broke open through the sole of the same foot.
Not sure if the chipped area has anything to do with the new abscess or not. One thing is for sure, I'm sick and tired of treating this horse for abscesses. Oh yes, the dew itch is slowly healing. The rains haven't helped. Though it has been dry for a few days now so hopefully the healing will progress more rapidly. I'd like to ride this horse some day. Got a new Kieffer Dressage saddle and everything just waiting for the word. 
Right front.
No more Thrush, but still working on the dew itch. Left hind.
Left hind
Right hind. This is the one where he had an abscess drain at the right heal bulb.
Right front
Left front
