Hear for yourself

When Talents Meet

Winnie figured out quickly Liz knew what she was doing, and Winnie was happy at the chance to strut her stuff, impress and please her. Liz also took this as an opportunity to demonstrate to Justine the different lead changes, that Winnie can stay slow and controlled, and reins are not a good thing to have tight on Winnie, "you don't really have to have them, she will turn, change gait by your legs and seat". Unfortunately, Liz was still getting over the flu, so her riding was not very long.

Winnie get evaluated

After Winnie free lunged a bit in the outdoor to get comfortable, what we had been waiting for happened. LIZ RODE WINNIE!!!! Things seemed to go well as soon as Liz got on and Winnie slowly backed away from the fence and side passed the block all by gentle leg commands. Liz was all smiles after that. And the Conclusion is???? "she's fun, I could ride her all day, she's very talented, you guys did real well with her, she's perfect for you, she's a good girl and a lady".

Liz intentionally rode her with stirrups long and girth loose and Winnie didn't care and the saddle didn't move. Liz also cantered with her hands in the air. The last time I did that was not by choice and I broke my arm doing it. That's why she's the professional.

Great People

We arrived in Colden to Scott & Liz's beautiful park like property. Scott really showed his talents by designing and building Liz this gorgeous barn, large outdoor arena with drainage and to die for large pond stocked with fish. Winnie made the trip fine and all were impressed with how easy and carefree she was. It did not bother her to be in a strange barn and stall all alone. We went into town to get lunch and give her time to adjust to being somewhere new. However we think it took her about a minute to adjust, she patiently waited for what was next.

Family Road Trip

On April 17, 2008 Dad took a much needed day off and we went to where we used to live in the scenic hills of Springville/Colden, NY. Colden is where I met Liz, my first riding instructor, and her husband Scott used to work with Dad. Liz is a very talented riding instructor and trainer. So when the whole family went, THE WHOLE FAMILY WENT, that includes Winnie. Ever since the day we got Winnie I have been dying to show her to Mrs. Christ and have her ride her. Today was finally the day. It was spectacular weather, we cleaned Winnie up and it was if she thought she was going to a horse show or something. She was in a light hearted and silly mood and was happy to get on the trailer and see where the adventure would go. This was the first long trailer ride (2 hours) we had taken Winnie on. She was less stressed about it all than we were. I was old hat to the Winnie Girl. In this picture Dad is explaining to Winnie the trip plan, and Winnie is showing Dad where the trailer is and doesn't care what we are doing, as long as we are all doing it together.

Mutual Admiration Society

Brianna takes another turn on Winnie and they both like each other. Brianna likes Winnie's willingness to please and Winnie likes Brianna's abilities and willingness to let her be a horse. Check out the nice controlled canter and a little jump action. Oh to be young, flexible, and capable rather than old, sore and confused.

Thanks for all your help Brianna. Winnie is looking for a capable rider again. Check out the two video's below:

Together We Can Do It

A little fast forward to March, just before my broken arm. I was nervous about cantering Winnie because she is taller than any horse I had been on and she likes to go fast. But that day she was especially kind and gentle. Oh yeah, Jolene tricked me too. Jolene said she would stand at the end of the arena, where we would get only five strides in and then she'd catch Winnie. Well as you can see, Jolene steppped aside because all was going fine. My girl was so glad I did the canter that she wanted to keep going. We were pretty tight buddies after that.

Teach the Teacher

Since Justine can't ride, we were going through some old video footage. We can really see a difference in our riding as well as in Winnie since we first got her. This video is from mid January 2008, the first time we trailer her somewhere and to Stable 54. As you can tell Winnie was quite impressed with her surroundings, and wanted to impress the instructor, Jolene, who is riding her, by finding some energy bursts and sillyness. We think after several months of Justine and I just walk trot, Winnie was excited to have an accomplished rider on her that was letting her do more. At first her canter was fast and she would wildly launch into it. Then two jumps. The first is entitled "Teach the Teacher" because..... well you'll see. Winnie was almost in disbelief that someone was actually going to let her jump. She almost came to a stop assuming she shouldn't and then said, fine Jolene you want to let's go!!! Trouble is Jolene thought Winnie gave up and then was taken by surprise. "That was all her, I had nothing to do with it, are you sure? Really, Ok, I'm gone!" Second one was much better

Sometimes it's quiet

Thankfully they don't fight all the time, and it may just save their lives. Ethan takes a moment to try to comfort his sister. He was very upset to learn of her injury, and wanted to help with ice, and cuddle.

Barber Shop

Ethan behaved well and even made Ralph the Barber smile, no small accomplishment

The Whole Family

Easter Sunday, you can't stop uncle Herb when he gets his hands on a camera.

Mini Assistant Superintendent for Business

Do you think they would know at work if Ethan went in my place? He thinks he can go to work with me now, all he needs is a brief case and a laptop PC.

Kenney Polar Club

On Easter Sunday, three generations of the Kenney boys decided to hot tub it. Grandpa has some spine problems and Ethan has tried for a long LONG time to convince him that "the hot tub will make yo back feel mo betta gwandpa".

KenneyFun is more than just horse fun

Here are some samples of Justine's art work. She definitely did not get the artistic talents from her father.

Sharing is part of the fun

One of Justine's friends Emily, took her first horse riding lesson in December (very cold), and Winnie was up for the task. Emily often babysits for us, and she decided that some riding lessons was the form of payment she'd prefer. Winnie was in a real lets go mood that day but right away assessed Emily was a newbie, and calmed herself down and was a perfect old lady. Kim the owner of Oasis explains to Emily how to secure the girth on a western saddle. Something about the rabbit running around the barn and into its hole.