Despite the 18 degree weather we had this morning, it is quite warm inside the barn and in the indoor, so Fader got to work today. I have been having some problems with her moving forward so I decided to work her on the lunge today. She has learned how to lunge *so* quickly...she is so smart! Already knows voice commands and is quite a lady. We w/t/c both directions first just to loosen her up and get her attention on me. She started out a little unsure but with encouragement began to move out a little bit and stretch down. After putting the side reins on, we w/t both ways...she was unsure about going forward but once she learned that resistance equaled tight reins and relaxation equaled floppy reins, she gave in. A little more resistant to give tracking left, which actually mirrors her under saddle. Tracking left she will usually bulge her outside shoulder and get "stuck"...tracking right she tends to overflex and loses her shoulder to the inside. After the side reins, she got to trot around for a few minutes without them on...to reinforce that forward and relaxed are key. Very good lesson and she was so great.

Would like to take a minute to talk about how incredibly patient this mare is. She follows me through whatever I point her at. On Wednesday, we decided to explore the farm a little bit...she walked through the mud and several gates to a pond, which she crossed, and then through the outdoor arena where horses were in turnout...never batted an eye. She is just so sane and so smart. I've never met a horse like her...she's like a person sometimes.

Today was her first day of turnout with other horses at the new barn! Her turnout buddies are Dahli, a black/white Paint mare, and Flash, a gray TB mare. I kept an eye on them for several minutes to make sure they wouldn't get into a fight...naturally, I was being overprotective because Fader simply found the nearest bit of hay and started munching. :-D

Tomorrow is a big day for Fader. Amanda, the Executive Director for CANTER KY, will be coming out to take pictures and put together an ad for her to be listed. Amanda is wonderful. She listed Aldebutante and has been nothing but great and rewarding to work with. We are very excited for Fader to be listed and hopefully this will generate more interest in her!

On a less happy note, Donovan is still looking for a home. His situation is desperate and he must be moved as soon as possible! If you can provide a home for this big guy or know someone who can, please contact us!

'Til next time--
--Ryan

Settling in

Fader had her first ride today at the new facility. She seems to have adjusted quite well and has made herself at home. Was happy to see me and all she wanted was treats! Tacked her up and started out by longing her and introducing her to side-reins. She wasn't so sure about them and had convinced herself that she couldn't go faster than a walk. However, she did stretch down into them nicely. I will start incorporating them into our sessions so that she starts to develop those essential topline muscles!

The ride, albeit short, went very well. Just rode in the indoor today. Walked and trotted both directions with lots of transitions and changes of direction. She had a few "Fader moments" but was great considering the week off!

She is such a sweet mare. She loves to just be brushed and loved on...and she was so patient as I fumbled around with the side reins.

The barn is just wonderful...all of the horses are so fat, shiny and happy! And the people are so kind and friendly. I am very satisfied with the decision to move our operation here!

'Til next time--
--Ryan

New Horse for Sale!

Meet Donovan!!


























Registered name is Belle of Ores. Donovan is a 6 y/o 16 hh bay OTTB gelding located in Louisville. He is recently retired because he was too slow and he retired sound. Very clean legs, clean xrays, wonderful personality. Easy to work around. Beautiful mover, is a fantastic prospect for eventing or the dressage arena. Asking price is $1000 but that is negotiable for a good home. If interested, please contact us at 502.550.5934 or riverbendfarmottb@gmail.com. Videos are at: http://www.youtube.com/user/riverbendfarmottb

Riverbend Farm has a new home!

Due to circumstances beyond our control, Riverbend Farm will be relocating. We have found the perfect spot for our little endeavor, and we are very excited about the move.

Our new location is in Jeffersontown, KY at Twin Oaks Farm. Twin Oaks offers a unique barn style with big, airy stalls, an indoor arena, and a covered outdoor arena as well as many trails for hacking. The facilities are clean and well kept, the horses all look great, and the BO is knowledgeable and caring. Fader and all future RBF horses will receive the best care there and get a more rounded "education" with the access to trails and natural obstacles.

Our first success story of the year!

Today was a very blessed day for a very special filly. Aldebutante, a 4 y/o bay OTTB filly, found a new home today with Heidi McCune of Georgia. Heidi plans to give Deb a month or so to just "be a horse" and fatten up, and then will begin re-training her as a hunter. It's the best home we could have imagined for our Princess, and Heidi is an extremely competent horsewoman. Deb's new color will be purple, she already has a purple halter and lead and looks pretty snazzy in them. We're going to definately miss having our little girl around the barn, but we wish Heidi the best of luck with her, and we expect lots of updates!
God Bless,
-Ryan

Heidi and Deb right before she got on the trailer: