I GOT A HORSE!!!!!

Today I went to a Natural Horsemanship clinic at my Pareilli trainer's house, Mrs. Tia. I only came to audit the one day (the whole clinic is five day's long). I came to learn, but I also came because something else happened to be at the clinic. :)

I loved taking pictures of this Missouri Fox Trotter. He was so funny.  

Paint Missouri Fox Trotter with the clinician. 

Remember when I briefly talked about Ollie in this post? Well, the the owner brought him down from her home two hours away because Mrs. Tia had been telling her about me as a good buyer prospect. Ms. Melissa who was trying to sell Ollie to someone to a good home, thought we would be a good match and brought him with her. Ms. Melissa also wanted Ollie to be with her two Arabs who were going with her to the clinic for the full week.

I had seen Ollie in some other pictures and I thought he was just adorable. I was very excited when I arrived to the clinic, but it wasn't until 10:00 until I could see him and after 5:00 p.m. until I could ride him because we couldn't interfere with the clinic. While I was waiting to ride him, I would stay in his holding pen and pet, cuddle, and play with him. I also led him around during the lunch break. I immediately loved his personality (He is an Left Brain Introvert, my favorite type), Ollie is very mouthy, curious, and lovable. He would whinny every time he saw me come towards me. 

Told you Ollie was curious! He tried to eat the camera. 

Ollie with Mrs. June. 

He has a very QH type head, correct conformation, pedigree, age (he is 5) and the personality to boot. I already knew I wanted to buy him before I rode him. 

After the clinic, I rode him. He has some minor things that I need to work on (harder mouth, turning, and not being pushy on the ground). But he was/is the perfect challenge for my horsemanship.

I rode on Ollie (of course) and his (former) owner rode her Arab. 

Love this picture!! 

I didn't canter him because the arena was big, the saddle was a little slippery, and because he hasn't cantered since summer. People were also watching, and so I didn't want to mess up. But as soon as he arrives then I will canter him. 

I also took him for a short trail ride. Because he is young, he is a little trippy (horses don't always know where their feet are) but he will grow out of that as he ages. 

After riding him, I had a clear choice. 

Ollie will be coming home Saturday afternoon right after the clinic finishes.  I am really excited, and I cannot wait until he arrives! Till then, I will be scouring Dover Saddlery, Murdoch's, and Big R for big horse (not mini) related stuff. Until then!!

~CBL

P.S I don't know if I should keep his name Ollie or rename him Jasper. What do you all think?