May 30, 2025: Boundaries, Breakthroughs, and a few Well-Timed Carrots

The Weekly Buzz with Bee.

Let’s start with the ranch's newest experiment: Fly Predators—tiny wasps that prey on fly larvae. We’re hopeful this eco-friendly trick will help curb the buzzing brigade that’s out in full force right now.

As for Bee? She’s officially become my shadow in the pasture. Not only does she come to me—she seeks me out when she hears my voice. (Let’s be honest… she definitely associates it with carrots. Can’t blame her.)

Groundwork Progress Report:

We’re working hard on “standing still” and respecting personal space. Bee has a habit of pushing into me with her nose—her subtle way of saying she’s the boss. Not anymore! Now, she stands away from me until invited in, helping re-establish some clear leadership.

We're also tackling mounting manners. She likes to drift away from the step stool—clearly testing the reins (literally and figuratively). So we’re reinforcing the idea that if she wants to move her feet, it’ll be my idea, not hers. Yesterday? Two successful mounts with no movement—and she stood still for nearly three minutes, mostly focused on me. Small wins, big progress.

Lesson Time:

Bee let me mount from the step again like a total pro and ran barrels without complaint. Remember, this girl won APHA in barrels with her previous owner, so when she sees a pattern… she wants to go fast. I’m still playing catch-up on the “expert” front.

Walking her to lessons has been a battle—especially after breakfast and on pasture days. But I had a revelation: switched from halter to bridle, and—voilà!—no sass, no resistance. Turns out, a bit does the trick when motivation is low and grass is tempting.

That’s the buzz for now—Bee’s making strides, one lesson (and one carrot) at a time.

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Bee is squeaky clean after our lesson, fly sprayed, and fly booted!

Bee enjoying some well earned hay after our lesson.

Bee sporting her new fly mask, isn’t the pattern adorable?

Bee sporting her new fly sheet — they mean business this time of year and we’re doing everything we can to keep them from annoying Bee!