Winter!

So far this winter, it has been very difficult for me to get out to the barn to ride! I am not one for cold weather, so riding in -10 degree weather is not something I look forward to! I did go out the other day however, to check up on Sy and see how the new farrier did with him. His hooves did look fantastic (I think I like this farrier!), and my mom said that she discussed Sy's "issues" with the farrier, and he was very helpful. When we bought Sy, he obviously hadn't had them done in a very long time, possibly even 6 months to a year! We have been working with his hooves for the past six months trying to reshape them and hopefully get them back to the point where he can have shoes on. I want to try shoes on at least his front feet for when we start jumping more.
Since I haven't spent much time riding so far this winter, Sy really hasn't had much jumping work. I've only been doing flatwork with him, and an awful lot of bareback to keep me warm! And I am definitely not going to jump bareback! Sy's too thin for that! Once I start riding a little more, I'm thinking I want to work on some oxers with him. He is terrible at really picking up his feet and getting over the jump. He is definitely known for crashing through jumps! Oh well, I suppose that's what I'm supposed to help him with! With oxers, I think he'll apply himself a little more. If not, I have a few more tricks up my sleeve. We'll just have to see what happens! I'm really hoping for the weather to warm up in a week or two like it's "supposed to," but I won't believe it until I see it! If only the indoor arena was heated...