Archive for the ‘Lynn's Vision aka "Bubba"’ Category
Bubba Does Dressage
I’ve heard the other folks at the barn talk about those special moments when you and your horse make a huge leap forward, and this past weekend Bubba and I enjoyed one of those precious moments.
We’ve been working on riding and communication fundamentals so Bubba and I better understand one another. Maintaining a consistent cadence, proper pressure on the outside rein, not putzing around in the ring – either work or stand still and rest. In addition, Bubs has matured into a pretty sturdy sport horse, good muscle, using his hind end. So I felt we were ready to canter.
A few tips from Elizabeth and Darylene on how to tell Bubba to canter and we were off, off to the moon! Bubba went into this lovely, incredibly strong (and a little quick) motion and I whoohoo’d as we went around the ring. This quick turn around the ring clicked some button in my plain, small, fuzzy, long maned brown pony and this incredible creature of motion and power appeared.
We next trotted and as I took hold of the reins, he happily dug in and we went round and round with an extended trot I had not previously seen. An amazing door opened for my partner and I, and I think I need to step it up to keep pace with my special boy.
I’m sure everyone has these moments and I’m glad we have the Success Stories to share them. I wish more people had an opportunity to enjoy these incredible horses – whatever their talents and abilities. A great ride is hard to beat but we all look forward to the next topper, don’t we?
-Melanie Eberhardt
Order an original illustration of your special pet for Christmas today!
Bubba’s mom Melanie Eberhardt is also a fine artist. She is offering to do pencil illustrations of your special pet for Christmas gift giving. Prices start at just $10! Give an original artwork as a Christmas gift – it will be treasured forever. Learn more about this on the Bits & Bytes Farm Web site and on Pet Portraits at YOUR Price and Melanie’s Web site. She wants to people to have a way to honor their special pets, to share their stories and to promote original art.
Posted in B&B Success Stories, Lynn's Vision aka "Bubba" | 
Tags: Dressage, Illustrations, Prospect Horse
Celebrating My First Year with “Bubba”
OTTB Lynn's Vision opens his eyes to a more exciting life after racing
A year ago today, I stood in the driveway at Bits & Bytes Farm and fell in love with a small, plain brown race horse. Lynn’s Vision aka Bubba – perfection. He was that first day and a year later, perfection is only topped off with whip cream and a cherry on top. I love Bubba and every minute getting to know this little character.
Bubba is a prize. He never shies, spooks, scoots, bucks (when you’re riding) or rears. He will go anywhere you ask – across the creek, over a large sheet of plastic, between narrow spaces. He stands perfectly still while I mount and waits to move when I say go. He’s been like this since our first ride – the day after his last race. Anything I ask of him, on the ground or riding, I hear him say “ok, that’s cool”!
He has a beautiful long mane and forelock and I refuse to have them pulled. I know it’s unseemly for a Thoroughbred, but Bubs and I don’t care. He stretches like a cat in the cross ties – so deeply, his chest is only a foot or two off the ground. Elizabeth taught him to bow in about 10 seconds. He is careful to not step on the barn cats and dogs. He will do ANYTHING for a carrot. He’s extremely smart in a quiet way – which is his way and his nature.
Melanie will draw your pet's portrait - you name the price you can pay. Melanie wants your pet's special story to appear on her Web site: petportraitsatyourprice.wordpress.com
Melanie is quite talented as an artist. She helps update this Web site and she has three Web sites of her own: www.melanieeberhardt.com
eberhardtworking.wordpress.com and the newest Web site: petportraitsatyourprice.wordpress.com
Bubs does have his issues. Read the rest of this entry »
Hey Dude – Don’t I Know You from Somewhere?
I am amazed at the intelligence of Thoroughbreds and in particular, my little Bubba (Lynn’s Vision). We went to the ring to ride and there was a spotted horse trotting around at the far end. Bubba couldn’t take his eyes off this horse. He kept angling to get closer and twisting to keep his eye on this fancy fella.
Then Elizabeth came over and said “Hey Bubba remembers Apache!”
I asked “Why would Bubba remember Apache? Were they in the pasture together today?”
Elizabeth laughed and said “No, Apache was Bubba’s lead pony at the track. He remembers him from the track!”
I almost fell over. Bubba hasn’t raced since early last summer. He sees horses all the time and hasn’t been as obssesively interested in anyone else. But by golly, Elizabeth was right. He remembered Apache and the security he afforded Bubba at the track as his lead pony. Wow!
–Melanie (”Bubba’s” Mom”)
Horses, and especially Thoroughbreds, attach themselves to their special friends whether human or horse. I have experienced the heartbreaking screams of horses left behind as the trailer with their special buddy leaves the farm. It was a joy to see Bubba and Hollywood Vic both recognize Apache Brave who was their pony horse at the track. “Apache” was their rock when they were young colts going to the track for the first time. Even after almost a year apart, both horses recognized their faithful companion. — Elizabeth
Posted in B&B Success Stories, Horse Wisdom, Lynn's Vision aka "Bubba" |
Tags: Prospect Horse, Training Notes
“Bubba” goes Commando
Bubba aka Lynn's Vision hanging at the gate after our bitless adventure
“Bubba” (Lynn’s Vision) and I tried to ride with a hackamore today. We decided to try going bitless. His new teeth are making his mouth a little sore and he hasn’t learned yet to put down his head and my hands are not very soft. So when we ride his nose is up and he’s chewing on the bit.
It’s a little hard to concentrate for both of us as we’re working through this stage. But I’m concerned that it will become a habit – “Bubba” has a tendency to be a bit OCD. So I consulted with Elizabeth and we decided that going bitless was a worthwhile experiment.
We rode around the ring for about five minutes, no big deal, but the longer we rode, the more confused “Bubba” seemed to get. I could hear him wondering what was I asking him to do? are we stopping? turning? and what’s this strange new pressure on my nose?
One of the traits I appreciate most about “Bubba” is that he simply wants to please. Read the rest of this entry »
Okay! Okay! :)
It has been a while since I posted a “Bubba” (Lynn’s Vision) update. But I’m so inspired by everyone else’s OTTB stories – I try to quickly post them to share with everyone – so I don’t often have time to post my boast about “Bubs”.
So I’ll start my post with a strong statement – “Bubs” is the best OTTB in the world! Sorry ya’ll. But let me explain.
Every time I ride “Bubba” I am amazed at his gentle disposition and willingness to communicate. Despite coming off the track only five months ago, where he was nick named “Bubba” for being a bit dim when he started training… he’s now a very patient teacher.
We’ve been walking a lot. Walking, bending, walking, bending, stopping, walking, bending. And I’m trying to keep the right about of tension on the reins – to find that spot that is most comfortable for “Bubs”. And it’s a pretty tight rein that he likes. But he still tosses his head. I actually think my hands are a little softer and giving, and some of his tossing is in expectation.
Bubba teaches his mom to be quieter with her hands
So today, Elizabeth showed me a technique where I crossed the reins like the jockeys do, took a two point stance, rested my fists on his withers and we started trotting. “Bub’s” head went right down and never moved. We went around the ring several times and through the ground poles. He was steady, his head was quiet and it felt great. It was actually very easy to steer and he was completely responsive.
So I guess my hands still need work. But we’ll ride like this for a while until I am steadier. And hopefully by summer we’ll be ready for our first dressage competition. I don’t care about ribbons but it will make me very pleased to ride past someone and hear them whisper – “look at the easy bend on that Thoroughbred”.
Melanie
Read more about our training session on getting your horse to relax and lower his head. You will find lots of training tips on the Bits & Bytes Farm Web site.
Posted in B&B Success Stories, Lynn's Vision aka "Bubba" |
Tags: Prospect Horse, Training, Training Notes
Bubba Needs an Update!
Bubba has a nice thick winter coat and his mom has a new down vest.
“Bubba” mom is our Web mistress for our Success Stories. Just like the shoemaker’s children going barefoot – Bubba needs an update. Elizabeth took some photos of Bubba in his beautiful thick winter coat and mom Melanie in her new down vest. See them in Bubba’s Photo Gallery.
Bubba and I Met the Tooth Fairy and Her Name is Elizabeth!
Just wanted to send a quick note to thank the “Tooth Fairy” for yanking out Bubba’s second baby tooth in two weeks. Bubs is about four and a half and his physical stature is like that of a teenager. He’s growing up right in front of me – what’s next? shaving?
Thanks Elizabeth! You can leave a quarter under Bubba’s feed dish!
Always a Thrill – Another Former OTTB’s First Canter
Go Bubba Go! Our first canter was wonderful! Click on the image to see more of Bubbas moves
We cantered for the first time today! I was inspired watching “Hollywood” and his mom, Cherie, as they cantered for the first time, they looked so happy working together. Bubs and I just had to try it.
We needed the lunge line to get there but with Elizabeth’s encouragement, Bubba went forward like a champ.
I’ve had Bubba for three months and everyday I spend with him is incredibly special and fulfilling. My little OTTB is not at all the crazy, spooky racehorse that people predicted. He has such a sharp mind and kind heart – he does anything I ask of him without question. When we ride, I see him listening and responding to me – and I work hard to reciprocate. Every ride we share is a joyful occasion. And every milestone we reach is a cherished reward. My little Bubba is a very special guy.
Melanie
Bubba – Bendy like Beckham!
Lots of things bend: a curvy road, a paperclip, Gumby – but not so much my Bubba! Until today…
Look at Bubba bending!
I ride Bubba three or four times a week but I don’t ride well or softly and he is often aggravated with me. He grits his jaw tightly and its nose up or nose tucked between his front legs and lots of bit chewing. It’s not him, it’s me! I bought Bubba so I would have a partner with which to learn to ride properly. But while I’m learning to ride with soft hands and a quiet seat, Bubs must endure my clumsiness.
Bubba bends into a comfortable trot
So this morning Bubba and I had a lesson with Elizabeth and we had a terrific ride. My hands were light, my seat fairly quiet and the result was a completely relaxed Bubba who gave his head and bent – bent beautifully!
Now he is just showing off!
I have a lot to learn and realize that not every ride will be perfection. But I’m grateful today for the lovely ride with my lovely boy, Bubba. Thanks so much Elizabeth!
Bubba Leaves Bread Crumbs in the Forest
Bubba and I had the best time today! We went on our first trail ride at Bits & Bytes Farm. The other evening Elizabeth and Classic Casey had given us a quick tour as it was getting dark. Today, Andi and Bounced led Bubba and I through all the trails and we loved it!
Bubs is such a willing fellow. He walked across the creek without hesitation, he went past scary propane tanks and large green electrical boxes, stepped over the jumps along the pathway, didn’t care that sticks and leaves brushed against him, walked around the trees carefully so I didn’t get bumped. His only double take was at a huge fallen tree – the root ball the size of my garage. We had to walk right against it; he just gave it a good eye-balling, and walked right by without even a quick step.
He certainly used different muscles. When we returned to the barn, Bounced’s armpits were slightly moist where Bubba was totally soaked and had sweat dripping from his belly. A good bath was appreciated and I think Bubba spent the rest of the afternoon napping in his stall.
Posted in B&B Success Stories, Lynn's Vision aka "Bubba" |
Tags: Prospect Horse For Sale, Trail Riding
