I took that as a sign from him that he was ready to retire. I was never quite happy with the care and Julien never seemed happy being a horse.
I found Kerstin Blaeske, a respected dressage coach who was experienced in working with older horses. She was also empathetic to treating Julien like the diva he likes to be. As Julien started to feel better, his soundness improved and I stopped riding him bareback in a halter and lead rope! Much too spunky now!
As on older horse over the winter, I have been working on gently increasing his fitness and returning to the basics of light aids, lots of transitions and correct paces. Julien has never gone better for me and he is sound. He seems to like this lifestyle.
This summer I plan to continue working with Kerstin to see if it is possible for me to catch up to Julien‘s training while he still likes to work. I may even catch a few shows!
Julien is available to half lease for the right rider. He is a love bug and the right person will want to continue a partnership based upon sound riding principles without drilling, commitment to working with Julien 3 times a week, lessons, and lots of rewards
(petting, brushing and some treats).
Tessa is the easiest to lead so she is always my chosen oneOne of the benefits to getting the goats was supposed to be their eating habits. I heard that they would eat a lot of the weeds. Unfortunately, my goats didn’t get that memo….weeds still abound at my place! I am planning to get a couple of pet sheep, cows and alpacas in the future, maybe even some chickens! The horses here are getting some professional development!