Jousting Practice

This morning after the walk I decided to try to weed the outdoor arena, knowing that jousting practice was going to start. I didn't make a lot of progress but didn't push myself either.  Anna brought Kensley over to help. We fed the horses together and she got to sit on Jenis while I worked nearby so Jenis could graze.

 When Jenis was put back, she, Tori and Oksana all hang together at the bottom of Evan's paddock.

 Around 2:00 pm Kensley and I went out to set up the jousting divider. Joan, Faith and Berlica came over about then and helped with the weeding of the arena.

This is a job that has needed to be done but I kept putting it off. It is amazing how quickly it went with the 5 of us working together. Below Joan is emptying the 2 wheelbarrows while the girls are ready to be taken back on the golf cart.

Joan promised the girls they would come back to do the jousting practice after the mowing was finished. They left and got to work mowing mom's lawn and their lawn. With everyone working together using multiple mowers the job only took around 4 hours. Just as the sun was setting Joan sent a text that they were done and ready to ride. Joan took Oksana into the barn to tack up while Berlica led Jenis.

 Once they were tacked up Joan led the way out to the arena on Oksana while Faith rode Jenis. Oksana has never done jousting.

 Right about then a jet was leaving a brightly colored trail as it streamed across the sky as the sun was setting. The arena lights were turned on.

 They walked the horses around first getting them used to walking along the divider.

 Practicing walk and trotting next to the line.

 As they would meet in the middle they would wave their arms around hitting them.

 Emma was completely board with the entire training process. 

 They were able to walk, trot and canter the horses down the line without too much trouble. The lances were introduced then and by this time it was getting quite dark, even with the lights on the camera couldn't focus fast enough for good pictures.

 Berlica wanted to try too. 

 She forgot she was suppose to hit her mom and ended up hitting Oksana in the face. Oksana was fine with that.

We were very pleased with how well Oksana handled this new job she is learning to do.  Everyone had fun.  The horses were put away, the lights turned out and everyone headed for home with the feeling of satisfaction. What good mares!