Thurs. –
Tied Cat to trailer while working Lucy. She wasn’t happy so reared the majority of the time and then went to pawing once she got tired of rearing.
Did LFR Stage II but didn’t ride (too dark). She began to anticipate the change of direction from me turning my hand over to put the stick in it. Turns were nice! Deep hock action into the ground and then she rolled out of there w/energy.
Put in stall – not happy she couldn’t see Lu but could see Salute so she was ok.
Fri. – (ride 8)
Did some liberty work in the indoor. She’d run away from me to visit the other horses but when I’d call and comb my finger she’d come running back to me. Did some figure 8’s at liberty and then jumped on bb. Did some flexing and trotting (not much) and called it a night. Did ask her to back and she did take a few steps w/o resistance.
Sat. – (ride 9)
Did minimal LFR (stage 1), some C pattern and sending and then got on. Did ORS at the w/t/c. She picks up quickly! Would trot 4 beats, sit two and then shut her down. Did the counting in my head (not outloud). When I decided to trot 6 strides instead she shut herself down at 4 and put her head to my foot. Decided it was time to do passenger lesson instead!
ORS at the canter – need work. She is still sticky at the canter and would pop her butt up in protest. She also quickly began to anticipate the shutdown but I ran out of time to do a passenger lesson. Did do YHQ for the first time and she did that like we’d done it since she was born (have done from the ground but not under saddle).
Sun. – my suicide ride! (ride 10)
Did LFR stage 3. That really confused her but like everything else, it didn’t take long for her to pick it up. Got on and she wanted to “visit” with the other horses out of the back gate so we did some rollbacks at the gate to get her focused on me and not them. Started my ORS at the w/t/c but after much anticipation (again) decided to move straight to the passenger lesson. Trot passenger lesson was great so we kicked it up to the lope. This time she didn’t protest.
I can honestly say for the first time in a LONG time I rode w/the death grip on the horn AND the cantle! She does not want to lope so she tries anything and everything to get out of it! I kept telling myself “don’t guess which way she’s going to go” and I finally got to where I’d just look at her shoulder to avoid looking at where she was going.
Unlike Lucy, she makes her mind up at the last minute and I mean the LAST minute. The first time I tried the PL at the canter at the saddle club arena I would have put money on it that she would have gone over the gate had I not turned her. Sunday she’d be loping a straight line down the rail and then slam on the breaks, roll into the rail (full blown rollback) and haul off the opposite direction. That one really threw me for a loop!
Then she’d run down the center and just slam on the breaks. We’d run straight for a wall and then right as I though she was going to slam into it she’d break left or right. She is VERY athletic and I have a very poor seat! When she finally loped around a full circle a few times I let her stop. She was huffing and puffing and the sweat was just pouring off of her! My arms were killing me from giving the saddle the death grip so I was happy to be done.
I walked her out a bit doing the stick to the fence exercise to cool her down. Got a chuckle when she didn’t want to stick to the fence next to the gate (where we did the rollbacks earlier). What I’m learning with Cat is that she is VERY quick to catch on. This should keep me on my toes!
She was not happy when I’d tie her up and take Lucy out but I’m hoping as time goes by she’ll get over that.
Tuff E Nuff Quarter Horses
Lucy
Monday, May 3, 2010
Taking Time for Me!
I’m going to post a general post here about my weekend and then I’ll post two more detailed ones for those who want a novel.
I decided earlier this year that I was going to put myself first this year.
I would be able to say “no” when someone asked for help.
I would make DH, Chase, and MIL responsible for their own horses.
I would ride my own horses.
So far I’ve done a good job at the first two. I’ve said no a lot this year! I must admit, it feels really weird! I’ve also kept myself from riding Black and told DH that he was responsible for her “entire” care from pasture management to deciding what and how much to feed her and her hoofcare. Even after doing all of this, I was still finding it difficult to get the third one accomplished in a consistent manner.
I HATE asking for things, but I finally broke down and asked Mona if I could keep my horses at her barn for the weekend so I could use her arena. Of course she said yes so Thursday I hauled them over. The plan was to take them Fri., Sat., Sun. so I could get 3 consistent days in on them. It was Thurs. and DH was in a good mood so I jumped at the extra day.
The next two post will detail how things went with each horse.
I decided earlier this year that I was going to put myself first this year.
I would be able to say “no” when someone asked for help.
I would make DH, Chase, and MIL responsible for their own horses.
I would ride my own horses.
So far I’ve done a good job at the first two. I’ve said no a lot this year! I must admit, it feels really weird! I’ve also kept myself from riding Black and told DH that he was responsible for her “entire” care from pasture management to deciding what and how much to feed her and her hoofcare. Even after doing all of this, I was still finding it difficult to get the third one accomplished in a consistent manner.
I HATE asking for things, but I finally broke down and asked Mona if I could keep my horses at her barn for the weekend so I could use her arena. Of course she said yes so Thursday I hauled them over. The plan was to take them Fri., Sat., Sun. so I could get 3 consistent days in on them. It was Thurs. and DH was in a good mood so I jumped at the extra day.
The next two post will detail how things went with each horse.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Foaling
Last night I crawled in bed around 10:30 and couldn’t wait to drift off to sleep. I was doing a good job until my cell phone rang. A friend of mine was expecting a foal and I had given her specific instructions to call me when she foaled. It was her and I was exhausted so I sent her to my VM and figured I’d get the “exciting news” in the morning when I wasn’t so exhausted. That was until my home phone rang. She NEVER calls me on my home phone so I new something was up.
When I answered the phone you could hear the panic in her voice. Her mare had foaled and had also prolapsed. She asked me to come over to help her get her to the vet for emergency surgery. She lives about 20-30 miles away but I managed to get dressed and to her house within 20 minutes. When I arrived she told me the vet was on her way there because they couldn’t get the mare up.
I walked out to the barn to find the mare down on the ground on her side thrashing with colic. As I walked behind her I noticed she hadn’t prolapsed the way I had imagined but instead had prolapsed her intestines. There was blood everywhere and I was pretty sure the outcome wouldn’t be a good one. The foal (a beautiful grulla colt) was nervous so I attended to him while TJ attended to her mare.
Every once in a while the mare would get up, circle frantically and then finally go back down and thrash. I felt so bad for her and I know TJ did too. My objective was to try to keep the colt (nicknamed shit stains) out of the way of danger. Minutes seemed like hours but finally the vet arrived. She confirmed that the outcome wasn’t very positive. She tried to find a vein to give the mare a sedative to calm her down and ease her pain but she was having a lot of difficulties finding one. Finally, after a lot of thrashing, the mare going up and down and circling frantically she injected her into the muscle.
She made a call to ISU to find out about surgery. TJ looked at me while the vet was on the phone and said “I can’t do that to her”. I agreed but when it isn’t your horse all you can do is be there to support your friend – even if you don’t support the decision (which I did). When the vet got off of the phone she said best case scenario – get mare on trailer (wasn’t going to happen), get to ISU, clean up exposed bowel, put back inside, sew up where she was torn and pray for no internal infection.
TJ let the vet know that wasn’t an option and the vet agreed with her choice. She felt like there was probably a lot of internal damage and bleeding. I have to say without a doubt had this been my horse I would have probably lost it. I don’t know how TJ kept her cool (even though I know it was tearing her up inside).
SS hadn’t been able to get any milk/colostrums before mom went down so mom had to be milked before they could give her the euthanasia drugs. This was not as easy as it sounds. Since she was in so much pain and the vet wasn’t able to get a vein mom didn’t want anybody down there! Poor TJ got kicked hard twice, once in the back of the leg and once in the arm at the elbow joint.
We got enough colostrum out and got SS to drink it via a bucket. This was great because the entire time TJ and the vet were working on the mare SS was trying to nurse off of my butt, my thigh, the back of my knee, etc. I was just happy the little shit didn’t have teeth!
TJ went in to get some ice for her elbow and when she came back I heard the vet tell her she was sorry. She’d be able to finally find a vein and gave mom the euthanasia drugs. This is the first time (and hopefully the last) that I have witnessed this. All I can say is that it was a bit unnerving of an experience and not what I had expected.
By now it was 3:00 in the am. SS had drank almost all of the milk we’d gotten from mom and of course there was no place to buy foal replacer at 3 am (no the vet didn’t have any). The vet recommended an igg (not sure if that is right) test the next day to see how much colostrum SS had gotten. She was done so she packed up and left.
SS was pretty tired so he laid down. TJ sat down next to the mare who was still in the middle of the pen. It was a pretty sad moment. That was until SS got up and decided to “play” with TJ. That was when those “sad” moments become “giggly” moments. SS was running around after us, turning his butt to kick, nibbling, etc (hence the nickname). I told TJ she was going to have her hands FULL with that one! I also informed her that if they ever got too full I’d take him off of her hands for her. :D
I finally got home around 4 am. I was exhausted but knew if I went to sleep I’d never get up for work this am so instead I downed a 5 hr. energy drink, grabbed a pop and caught up on the NWC board.
DH and I had talked earlier in the day about breeding Lu. The one thing we both agreed upon was that we’d hate it if something happened to her. She’s “one of a kind” in a weird, goofy sort of way. Having what happened makes you think twice about how “cute” it would be to have a foal. I realize only 1% of mares have difficulty during foaling but you won’t know if you are that 1% until it is too late.
I know *IF* we were to breed any horse again that I would probably prepare myself way more then I have before. I think I’d have a small bucket of milk replacer on hand “just in case”. I’m also not sure I could have waited for the vet to find the vein. DH and I said we would have probably ended her suffering the “old fashioned” way and then milked her after the fact. Then again that is easier said then done.
I’m sure I’m rambling. If you can’t tell I’m spent! As soon as I can I’ll get some pictures of SS and get them posted. He’s an absolutely gorgeous foal!
When I answered the phone you could hear the panic in her voice. Her mare had foaled and had also prolapsed. She asked me to come over to help her get her to the vet for emergency surgery. She lives about 20-30 miles away but I managed to get dressed and to her house within 20 minutes. When I arrived she told me the vet was on her way there because they couldn’t get the mare up.
I walked out to the barn to find the mare down on the ground on her side thrashing with colic. As I walked behind her I noticed she hadn’t prolapsed the way I had imagined but instead had prolapsed her intestines. There was blood everywhere and I was pretty sure the outcome wouldn’t be a good one. The foal (a beautiful grulla colt) was nervous so I attended to him while TJ attended to her mare.
Every once in a while the mare would get up, circle frantically and then finally go back down and thrash. I felt so bad for her and I know TJ did too. My objective was to try to keep the colt (nicknamed shit stains) out of the way of danger. Minutes seemed like hours but finally the vet arrived. She confirmed that the outcome wasn’t very positive. She tried to find a vein to give the mare a sedative to calm her down and ease her pain but she was having a lot of difficulties finding one. Finally, after a lot of thrashing, the mare going up and down and circling frantically she injected her into the muscle.
She made a call to ISU to find out about surgery. TJ looked at me while the vet was on the phone and said “I can’t do that to her”. I agreed but when it isn’t your horse all you can do is be there to support your friend – even if you don’t support the decision (which I did). When the vet got off of the phone she said best case scenario – get mare on trailer (wasn’t going to happen), get to ISU, clean up exposed bowel, put back inside, sew up where she was torn and pray for no internal infection.
TJ let the vet know that wasn’t an option and the vet agreed with her choice. She felt like there was probably a lot of internal damage and bleeding. I have to say without a doubt had this been my horse I would have probably lost it. I don’t know how TJ kept her cool (even though I know it was tearing her up inside).
SS hadn’t been able to get any milk/colostrums before mom went down so mom had to be milked before they could give her the euthanasia drugs. This was not as easy as it sounds. Since she was in so much pain and the vet wasn’t able to get a vein mom didn’t want anybody down there! Poor TJ got kicked hard twice, once in the back of the leg and once in the arm at the elbow joint.
We got enough colostrum out and got SS to drink it via a bucket. This was great because the entire time TJ and the vet were working on the mare SS was trying to nurse off of my butt, my thigh, the back of my knee, etc. I was just happy the little shit didn’t have teeth!
TJ went in to get some ice for her elbow and when she came back I heard the vet tell her she was sorry. She’d be able to finally find a vein and gave mom the euthanasia drugs. This is the first time (and hopefully the last) that I have witnessed this. All I can say is that it was a bit unnerving of an experience and not what I had expected.
By now it was 3:00 in the am. SS had drank almost all of the milk we’d gotten from mom and of course there was no place to buy foal replacer at 3 am (no the vet didn’t have any). The vet recommended an igg (not sure if that is right) test the next day to see how much colostrum SS had gotten. She was done so she packed up and left.
SS was pretty tired so he laid down. TJ sat down next to the mare who was still in the middle of the pen. It was a pretty sad moment. That was until SS got up and decided to “play” with TJ. That was when those “sad” moments become “giggly” moments. SS was running around after us, turning his butt to kick, nibbling, etc (hence the nickname). I told TJ she was going to have her hands FULL with that one! I also informed her that if they ever got too full I’d take him off of her hands for her. :D
I finally got home around 4 am. I was exhausted but knew if I went to sleep I’d never get up for work this am so instead I downed a 5 hr. energy drink, grabbed a pop and caught up on the NWC board.
DH and I had talked earlier in the day about breeding Lu. The one thing we both agreed upon was that we’d hate it if something happened to her. She’s “one of a kind” in a weird, goofy sort of way. Having what happened makes you think twice about how “cute” it would be to have a foal. I realize only 1% of mares have difficulty during foaling but you won’t know if you are that 1% until it is too late.
I know *IF* we were to breed any horse again that I would probably prepare myself way more then I have before. I think I’d have a small bucket of milk replacer on hand “just in case”. I’m also not sure I could have waited for the vet to find the vein. DH and I said we would have probably ended her suffering the “old fashioned” way and then milked her after the fact. Then again that is easier said then done.
I’m sure I’m rambling. If you can’t tell I’m spent! As soon as I can I’ll get some pictures of SS and get them posted. He’s an absolutely gorgeous foal!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Not much going on
I know I’ve been quiet but not much in the world of horses has been going on. Right now we are more in the “fowl” world. We have 40 eggs in an incubator set to hatch around May 4th and 8 eggs each under two different hens set to hatch the same time (good timing huh?). The boys both got 5 ducklings each. Ty got some Indian Runners that I think will be fawn/white and Chase got his “pudgy” Pekins. He doesn’t like it when I tell him they are meat ducks.
Cat barreled through the barn the other day to get breakfast and smashed my big toe. BIG mistake! HUGE! I can’t and won’t put the blame on her though. She bangs on the door and people open it and get out of the way. Now she gets to come in last, with a halter on and backwards.
I hauled MIL to drill practice last night so took Cat along for the ride. I decided to saddle her and do some LFR while they practiced. She took the saddle well but got a little humpy going downhill during the LFR. I think she was feeling the saddle in a way she’d never felt it before. Guess I need to go find some ditches and work her in those. Nothing bad but I got a chuckle out of her “attempt” to crow hop.
I did get on and we walked up and down the grass alley and did some ORS. She was a bit more excited compared to what she has been but then there were 10 other horses there too. We did some ORS and then just sat and relaxed while the horses did their run. She’s learning to enjoy stopping. I did pick up the popper once and she remembered that one! Guess I’m going to have to desensitize her to that a bit unless it is needed again.
At the end of practice MIL decided to run Abby around and of course Abby started up w/her humping up in protest. I told MIL to make her go one more time and when she did well to get off. She started her out and Abby turned and off came MIL. She was ticked too! MIL just lost her seat (the first time in 9 years) but thankfully didn’t get hurt. I told her to take the emotion out of it but she was too mad so I got back on Abby and moved those feet! Poor girl was dripping w/sweat by the time I was done but she didn’t once think about bucking either. I honestly think she knew right off the bat that she wasn’t going to be able to pull anything w/me. When I finally sat and said “whoa” she was more then happy to stop.
I had to remind MIL that nothing has been done with her all year. Chase has ridden her 3 or 4 times and she’s ridden her twice at drill. She needs to be worked with more then that. This is an ongoing issue w/Abby that has never been resolved and it won’t be by me unless I miraculously come up with more time this year.
Cat barreled through the barn the other day to get breakfast and smashed my big toe. BIG mistake! HUGE! I can’t and won’t put the blame on her though. She bangs on the door and people open it and get out of the way. Now she gets to come in last, with a halter on and backwards.
I hauled MIL to drill practice last night so took Cat along for the ride. I decided to saddle her and do some LFR while they practiced. She took the saddle well but got a little humpy going downhill during the LFR. I think she was feeling the saddle in a way she’d never felt it before. Guess I need to go find some ditches and work her in those. Nothing bad but I got a chuckle out of her “attempt” to crow hop.
I did get on and we walked up and down the grass alley and did some ORS. She was a bit more excited compared to what she has been but then there were 10 other horses there too. We did some ORS and then just sat and relaxed while the horses did their run. She’s learning to enjoy stopping. I did pick up the popper once and she remembered that one! Guess I’m going to have to desensitize her to that a bit unless it is needed again.
At the end of practice MIL decided to run Abby around and of course Abby started up w/her humping up in protest. I told MIL to make her go one more time and when she did well to get off. She started her out and Abby turned and off came MIL. She was ticked too! MIL just lost her seat (the first time in 9 years) but thankfully didn’t get hurt. I told her to take the emotion out of it but she was too mad so I got back on Abby and moved those feet! Poor girl was dripping w/sweat by the time I was done but she didn’t once think about bucking either. I honestly think she knew right off the bat that she wasn’t going to be able to pull anything w/me. When I finally sat and said “whoa” she was more then happy to stop.
I had to remind MIL that nothing has been done with her all year. Chase has ridden her 3 or 4 times and she’s ridden her twice at drill. She needs to be worked with more then that. This is an ongoing issue w/Abby that has never been resolved and it won’t be by me unless I miraculously come up with more time this year.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Passenger Lesson!
Last night was beautiful! A bit windy but the temps were just lovely so we headed over to the arena. Cat is getting a bit more patient about standing at the trailer now (I think she knows what is coming).
After saddling her up I did a bit of LFR Stage 2 and then jumped on. Did my bending and then my ORS at the walk and trot. Trying to do a ORS at the canter wasn’t as easy because that meant I had to get her into a canter first. I wanted to quit her before she did me on that one so we moved on to the passenger lesson at the trot. Man is she lazy! We only trotted for 5 minutes (although my thighs would have sworn we’d gone for 5 hours) but she did fairly well. She broke a few times and didn’t give any extra effort but she did stay in it too.
Now it was time for the PL at the canter! Oh my was that a different story! Squeeze, cluck, whack Whack, WHack, WHAck, WHACk, WHACK, WHACK! It took a LOT of effort to get her to canter and I could see the protest in her ear placement and her tail swish. Once she got into the canter she didn’t stay in it very long and then we got to repeat. She took me towards the gate a few times. No big deal right? They all do that. Just keep it up and they’ll leave the area. Well I wasn’t so sure. About the third pass to the gate I would have put money on it she was going to try to jump so I went ahead and intervened and steered her a little bit. Next time I think I’ll have someone w/a stick down there just in case!
She did do really well though. We finished off by standing quietly in the center for a few minutes and then doing some follow the fence at a walk. We are expecting rain today and tomorrow so I probably won’t be able to do anything until later next week.
After saddling her up I did a bit of LFR Stage 2 and then jumped on. Did my bending and then my ORS at the walk and trot. Trying to do a ORS at the canter wasn’t as easy because that meant I had to get her into a canter first. I wanted to quit her before she did me on that one so we moved on to the passenger lesson at the trot. Man is she lazy! We only trotted for 5 minutes (although my thighs would have sworn we’d gone for 5 hours) but she did fairly well. She broke a few times and didn’t give any extra effort but she did stay in it too.
Now it was time for the PL at the canter! Oh my was that a different story! Squeeze, cluck, whack Whack, WHack, WHAck, WHACk, WHACK, WHACK! It took a LOT of effort to get her to canter and I could see the protest in her ear placement and her tail swish. Once she got into the canter she didn’t stay in it very long and then we got to repeat. She took me towards the gate a few times. No big deal right? They all do that. Just keep it up and they’ll leave the area. Well I wasn’t so sure. About the third pass to the gate I would have put money on it she was going to try to jump so I went ahead and intervened and steered her a little bit. Next time I think I’ll have someone w/a stick down there just in case!
She did do really well though. We finished off by standing quietly in the center for a few minutes and then doing some follow the fence at a walk. We are expecting rain today and tomorrow so I probably won’t be able to do anything until later next week.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Bath time!
Last night I didn't get to ride but it was nice enough out to burn old bales and to give Cat a little spring cleaning!
My horses shampoo was at home (to keep from freezing) so I had to make do w/the Pantene ProV that I found in the horse trailer.
Look at that tail! I'm not sure if I should blunt cut it or leave it be.
Here is George and his adoptive mom Crooked Beak. She's sitting on her own eggs so he might be a big brother soon!
My horses shampoo was at home (to keep from freezing) so I had to make do w/the Pantene ProV that I found in the horse trailer.
Look at that tail! I'm not sure if I should blunt cut it or leave it be.
Here is George and his adoptive mom Crooked Beak. She's sitting on her own eggs so he might be a big brother soon!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Ride 5
I’m going to try to start summing up my blog post a bit more vs. the long drawn out stories.
MIL, DH, Chase, Ty, two friends and I went to the arena last night. It was VERY windy but it was beautiful! Unloaded and Cat was not happy! It was the first time she’d seen Sis and Abby and she wanted to be next to them.
Lounged Abby to get her ready for Chase and then got him, MIL and DH riding while I watched Ty and saddled Cat. Had to remind her a few times I was next to her as she was very worried that her buddies were going to leave her. Ty was playing w/his tractor in the dirt so I decided to make Cat move her feet and quit worrying about Sis and Abby.
Backed her into the arena and then did LFR2 (haven’t done this much). She did very well and turns over her hocks well). Headed back to the trailer, bridled her up and got on. Flexed. She’s still a little stiff to the right but overall did very well.
Walked into the arena and I’m not sure what happened but she jumped sideways and up as if she was trying to get away from Abby (I don’t think she realizes she can’t play under saddle and that is what it felt like). I immediately pulled her head around and proceeded to let her know that behavior was not acceptable!
She was in high gear so I worked on ORS at the walk. Once she was listening we picked it up to a trot. I was able to do some ORS at the canter but I had to be moving towards the other horses (left spanker in the trailer). She did well for the most part.
Next was the passenger lesson at the trot. I really need to do this w/less horses in the arena (6 horses all going different speeds). She did well but she wasn’t moving out as much as I’d like (she’d already downshifted herself into a nice jog).
After that I moved her to the center of the ring and just sat and flexed her and then let her relax for about 5 minutes before dismounting. She’d worked up a little sweat but nothing too bad.
As for the other horses – Black looked really good! MIL hopped on her for a minute and said her trot was so soft and smooth! Abby was having issues but then I don’t think Chase was helping matters much there. I’m to the point w/him that I think I’m going to hand him the reins and say “figure it out” (just like w/DH). He doesn’t seem to listen to what I say and it just frustrates me so I guess he can learn the same way I did – trial, error and hitting the dirt!
MIL, DH, Chase, Ty, two friends and I went to the arena last night. It was VERY windy but it was beautiful! Unloaded and Cat was not happy! It was the first time she’d seen Sis and Abby and she wanted to be next to them.
Lounged Abby to get her ready for Chase and then got him, MIL and DH riding while I watched Ty and saddled Cat. Had to remind her a few times I was next to her as she was very worried that her buddies were going to leave her. Ty was playing w/his tractor in the dirt so I decided to make Cat move her feet and quit worrying about Sis and Abby.
Backed her into the arena and then did LFR2 (haven’t done this much). She did very well and turns over her hocks well). Headed back to the trailer, bridled her up and got on. Flexed. She’s still a little stiff to the right but overall did very well.
Walked into the arena and I’m not sure what happened but she jumped sideways and up as if she was trying to get away from Abby (I don’t think she realizes she can’t play under saddle and that is what it felt like). I immediately pulled her head around and proceeded to let her know that behavior was not acceptable!
She was in high gear so I worked on ORS at the walk. Once she was listening we picked it up to a trot. I was able to do some ORS at the canter but I had to be moving towards the other horses (left spanker in the trailer). She did well for the most part.
Next was the passenger lesson at the trot. I really need to do this w/less horses in the arena (6 horses all going different speeds). She did well but she wasn’t moving out as much as I’d like (she’d already downshifted herself into a nice jog).
After that I moved her to the center of the ring and just sat and flexed her and then let her relax for about 5 minutes before dismounting. She’d worked up a little sweat but nothing too bad.
As for the other horses – Black looked really good! MIL hopped on her for a minute and said her trot was so soft and smooth! Abby was having issues but then I don’t think Chase was helping matters much there. I’m to the point w/him that I think I’m going to hand him the reins and say “figure it out” (just like w/DH). He doesn’t seem to listen to what I say and it just frustrates me so I guess he can learn the same way I did – trial, error and hitting the dirt!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Bit, Saddle and all!
I’m sure ya’ll are going to get tired of reading this, but this is my way of tracking what I have/haven’t done w/the horses. With the clinic coming up I really want to be able to look back and go “oh yeah, I did have that problem” or “guess I never really worked on that”.
Last night was nice out (65*) but tonight is supposed to be a lot nicer (78*) so I asked DH if he’d be willing to switch nights. He agreed to it so I planned on just taking the headstall off of Cat and calling it a night (I left it on her all day yesterday so she could get used to the bit). We all went out to the farm and I got the horses up while DH and Chase shot their bows in the backyard. Ty was busy trying to find George. Feeding turned into brushing and the next thing I knew DH was down in the barn with me brushing his horse.
I can’t eve begin to tell you how much hair came off of that little pony! She is a shedding fiend! After brushing Nikki I decided to take Lu out to do a little LFR and to see how her back end coordination was this year compared to last. I was VERY please with what I saw and how she acted. She is moving so much better! The only “issue” we had was that she got stuck in reverse at one point in time. The biggest problem with that is that she can go just as fast in reverse as most horses can go in drive! I did some more LFR and draw to me exercises and then did some good old lunging on a hill just to start building muscle.
Molly was out in the field and thought she could come to me while I was working Lu. BIG MISTAKE! Lu was not about to let her in her hula hoop space! She gauged her speed on the circle to speed up/slow down in order to try to get to Molly at just the right time. Good thing Molly isn’t completely stupid or I’d be down a dog.
DH was in a good mood so I asked if I could saddle up Cat and do a few min w/the bridle on. He agreed so off I went to get her. She saddled well (ground tied). I did a bit of RP w/her to get her feet moving and brought her in on several occasions to tighten up her cinch. After finally getting it snug I sent her back out. She “rolled” her back a bit so I made her hustle her feet. I really have to laugh at her rolling her back because it is the most half assed attempt to crow hop I’ve ever seen.
She RP’d wonderfully (couldn’t tell you when I did it last). Watching her move and listen to me reminded me of why I bred Tuff. I mounted up and flexed w/the bridle. She tossed her head at first but it only took a minute before she was soft as butter! I have to hand this one to CA – she is the SOFTEST horse I have ever started! Still a bit stiffer to the right vs. the left but was doing a lot better with that by the end of the session as well. I stayed at a walk and did ORS and flexing. She was a good girl so we ended on a good note.
We are heading over to the arena again tonight so hopefully I can do some ORS at the w/t/c w/the bit.
Last night was nice out (65*) but tonight is supposed to be a lot nicer (78*) so I asked DH if he’d be willing to switch nights. He agreed to it so I planned on just taking the headstall off of Cat and calling it a night (I left it on her all day yesterday so she could get used to the bit). We all went out to the farm and I got the horses up while DH and Chase shot their bows in the backyard. Ty was busy trying to find George. Feeding turned into brushing and the next thing I knew DH was down in the barn with me brushing his horse.
I can’t eve begin to tell you how much hair came off of that little pony! She is a shedding fiend! After brushing Nikki I decided to take Lu out to do a little LFR and to see how her back end coordination was this year compared to last. I was VERY please with what I saw and how she acted. She is moving so much better! The only “issue” we had was that she got stuck in reverse at one point in time. The biggest problem with that is that she can go just as fast in reverse as most horses can go in drive! I did some more LFR and draw to me exercises and then did some good old lunging on a hill just to start building muscle.
Molly was out in the field and thought she could come to me while I was working Lu. BIG MISTAKE! Lu was not about to let her in her hula hoop space! She gauged her speed on the circle to speed up/slow down in order to try to get to Molly at just the right time. Good thing Molly isn’t completely stupid or I’d be down a dog.
DH was in a good mood so I asked if I could saddle up Cat and do a few min w/the bridle on. He agreed so off I went to get her. She saddled well (ground tied). I did a bit of RP w/her to get her feet moving and brought her in on several occasions to tighten up her cinch. After finally getting it snug I sent her back out. She “rolled” her back a bit so I made her hustle her feet. I really have to laugh at her rolling her back because it is the most half assed attempt to crow hop I’ve ever seen.
She RP’d wonderfully (couldn’t tell you when I did it last). Watching her move and listen to me reminded me of why I bred Tuff. I mounted up and flexed w/the bridle. She tossed her head at first but it only took a minute before she was soft as butter! I have to hand this one to CA – she is the SOFTEST horse I have ever started! Still a bit stiffer to the right vs. the left but was doing a lot better with that by the end of the session as well. I stayed at a walk and did ORS and flexing. She was a good girl so we ended on a good note.
We are heading over to the arena again tonight so hopefully I can do some ORS at the w/t/c w/the bit.
Monday, March 29, 2010
A day at the arena
Saturday I decided to meet some friends at the arena. Since I was only hauling one horse I decided not to take the big trailer but instead hooked up the 2 horse. Cat had never been in the two horse trailer before but she loaded right up like she’d been in one 100 times.
When we arrived she waited patiently until I asked her to back out. She was a bit excited to see the other horses but really wasn’t too bad all things considering. They had been there a bit before me so they were already tacked up and ready to ride. It took me about 15 minutes just to get the mud coat off of Cat so I could saddle her (yes you read right – saddle her). I threw her saddle on and slowly cinched up. She was fine with the front cinch but she wasn’t too happy about the back one. I was already anticipating a rodeo! Like most things though, she got over it quickly.
We headed for the arena to do a little LFR while the others rode around. I’m not completely crazy……….I wanted to make sure she was tired before I even thought about getting on her in a big open arena w/other horses! She did really well (almost better then expected) and kept her focus on me instead of the other horses. I put a bridle on over her halter and went to mount up. She was mouthing the bit too much and it was distracting her so I took it out and figured I’d cross that bridge another day. I hopped on and started my flexing. To the left she was great – to the right she wanted to circle vs. give. She finally did give but it took longer. I now know which side needs more work.
To sum things up I was able to w/t/c in the arena with the other horses. It did take quite a bit of whacking to get the canter but once she was in it she didn’t take off. I’m really going to have to push her to keep her moving but I don’t think that is going to be a bad problem to have. She did pin her ears at the other horses when they got too close so I just redirected her feet.
Today she is wearing the bit all day so hopefully by tonight she’ll be ready for me to ride in it!
When we arrived she waited patiently until I asked her to back out. She was a bit excited to see the other horses but really wasn’t too bad all things considering. They had been there a bit before me so they were already tacked up and ready to ride. It took me about 15 minutes just to get the mud coat off of Cat so I could saddle her (yes you read right – saddle her). I threw her saddle on and slowly cinched up. She was fine with the front cinch but she wasn’t too happy about the back one. I was already anticipating a rodeo! Like most things though, she got over it quickly.
We headed for the arena to do a little LFR while the others rode around. I’m not completely crazy……….I wanted to make sure she was tired before I even thought about getting on her in a big open arena w/other horses! She did really well (almost better then expected) and kept her focus on me instead of the other horses. I put a bridle on over her halter and went to mount up. She was mouthing the bit too much and it was distracting her so I took it out and figured I’d cross that bridge another day. I hopped on and started my flexing. To the left she was great – to the right she wanted to circle vs. give. She finally did give but it took longer. I now know which side needs more work.
To sum things up I was able to w/t/c in the arena with the other horses. It did take quite a bit of whacking to get the canter but once she was in it she didn’t take off. I’m really going to have to push her to keep her moving but I don’t think that is going to be a bad problem to have. She did pin her ears at the other horses when they got too close so I just redirected her feet.
Today she is wearing the bit all day so hopefully by tonight she’ll be ready for me to ride in it!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Out and About
Tuesday night was just beautiful! I had planned to head out to the farm to work with Cat after worked. I was so pumped that I even left work a little early so that I could have more time to play. Before I could even get in the door at home I learned that what I’d been thinking about all day was not going to happen. DH had a meeting that he’d forgotten about so I was home with the boys.
I tried to stay positive telling myself “I’ll just ride tomorrow, no big deal”, and it wasn’t. That was until Wednesday rolled around. Along with it came the rains and the cooler weather. So much for riding. Not so fast! I called up Mona to see if I could use the indoor. Just because it was raining didn’t mean I couldn’t still spend some time with Cat. I didn’t figure I’d ride as Cat has only been off property by herself and to Mona’s once before. I didn’t recall her being bad – just not as relaxed as she was at home.
DH had the trucked hooked up for me so when I got there we were ready to go. As I was putting brushes in the tack compartment Cat decided to load herself (I love having that problem). When we got to the barn I stayed outside as the trainer had use of the arena until 7. She came out to inform me she wasn’t using it and to come on in. I brushed the mud off of Cat as we talked and then headed to the arena.
I worked on LFR, the C pattern and the sending exercise to get her used to the arena. The back doors were open (like big double dutch doors) so she could see the horses in the back pasture. She was talking to Carmella and Stargate and was loosing focus on me so I kicked it up a notch. Once she was listening to me we headed back to the other end to do some desensitizing.
I felt she was listening so I decided to hop on. I rode for a bit w/just the lead and then had MIL turn it into a set of reins for me. Each ride she gets just a bit better (what I want right). She doesn’t have sticky feet! She moved right out – not to fast, not to slow. I’ll slow her down in the future but right now she’s moving at a good pace. I decided to ask her to trot. Again, not to fast, not too slow. She was moving out and willingly took my offer when I squeezed with my legs. I didn’t let her go too far before turning her into the wall and shutting her down.
A few times she did get distracted by babies. At one point she decided she’d give me a mini rear instead of going forward (away from the babies). I quickly let her know that was unacceptable and we moved on. She feels really good. Her gates are smooth and so is her back. I need to work on getting the saddle and bridle on her but the ground outside is too slick and Mona has mirrors in the indoor that I’d be afraid to break if she did go bonkers (doubt it will happen but just as soon not risk it).
It was a wonderful night. I’m so glad I didn’t let the rain get me down.
I tried to stay positive telling myself “I’ll just ride tomorrow, no big deal”, and it wasn’t. That was until Wednesday rolled around. Along with it came the rains and the cooler weather. So much for riding. Not so fast! I called up Mona to see if I could use the indoor. Just because it was raining didn’t mean I couldn’t still spend some time with Cat. I didn’t figure I’d ride as Cat has only been off property by herself and to Mona’s once before. I didn’t recall her being bad – just not as relaxed as she was at home.
DH had the trucked hooked up for me so when I got there we were ready to go. As I was putting brushes in the tack compartment Cat decided to load herself (I love having that problem). When we got to the barn I stayed outside as the trainer had use of the arena until 7. She came out to inform me she wasn’t using it and to come on in. I brushed the mud off of Cat as we talked and then headed to the arena.
I worked on LFR, the C pattern and the sending exercise to get her used to the arena. The back doors were open (like big double dutch doors) so she could see the horses in the back pasture. She was talking to Carmella and Stargate and was loosing focus on me so I kicked it up a notch. Once she was listening to me we headed back to the other end to do some desensitizing.
I felt she was listening so I decided to hop on. I rode for a bit w/just the lead and then had MIL turn it into a set of reins for me. Each ride she gets just a bit better (what I want right). She doesn’t have sticky feet! She moved right out – not to fast, not to slow. I’ll slow her down in the future but right now she’s moving at a good pace. I decided to ask her to trot. Again, not to fast, not too slow. She was moving out and willingly took my offer when I squeezed with my legs. I didn’t let her go too far before turning her into the wall and shutting her down.
A few times she did get distracted by babies. At one point she decided she’d give me a mini rear instead of going forward (away from the babies). I quickly let her know that was unacceptable and we moved on. She feels really good. Her gates are smooth and so is her back. I need to work on getting the saddle and bridle on her but the ground outside is too slick and Mona has mirrors in the indoor that I’d be afraid to break if she did go bonkers (doubt it will happen but just as soon not risk it).
It was a wonderful night. I’m so glad I didn’t let the rain get me down.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Wind, snow, sunshine and mud!
Friday night we were greated with another blast of snow. I had dinner plans with some friends but opted not to go. I'm glad I decided to stay home as there were qutie a few cars in the ditch the next day.
Saturday we had a soup supper for the saddle club. There weren't a ton of members there but it was a good night with good friends.
The snow finally started melting today. It wasn't overly warm but it wasn't cold either. DH, the boys and I headed out to the farm to move a bale into the drylot for Black and Nikki. The green grass is starting to sprout and I don't want to take any chances this year so they will be on drylot until the "fresh" grass is gone.
After moving the bale I decided to brush ponies. Cat is going to be absolutely stunning this year! She is so dark around her eyes and on her knees. I popped her halter on, walked her through the muddy mess and headed to the drive to do a little bit of LFR. She was a bit tender on the gravel but w/as much mud as we've had it doesn't really surprise me. After that we headed for the muddy round pen and did some Jefferies. Of course Jefferies turn into riding. I rode her around for a bit before I had DH come turn my leadrope into a set of reins. That made things a lot easier! We walked over a pole, I brushed my leg on the fence (that made her a bit nervous but she just stopped instead of spooking), and did a bit of turning into the fence. She was very good.
I didn't stay on very long (maybe 15-20 minutes) but it was a good ride. Considering I haven't touched since my last blog post I thought she did wonderful. I think she's going to be a very nice horse and exactly what I was hoping for when I bred Tuff.
Saturday we had a soup supper for the saddle club. There weren't a ton of members there but it was a good night with good friends.
The snow finally started melting today. It wasn't overly warm but it wasn't cold either. DH, the boys and I headed out to the farm to move a bale into the drylot for Black and Nikki. The green grass is starting to sprout and I don't want to take any chances this year so they will be on drylot until the "fresh" grass is gone.
After moving the bale I decided to brush ponies. Cat is going to be absolutely stunning this year! She is so dark around her eyes and on her knees. I popped her halter on, walked her through the muddy mess and headed to the drive to do a little bit of LFR. She was a bit tender on the gravel but w/as much mud as we've had it doesn't really surprise me. After that we headed for the muddy round pen and did some Jefferies. Of course Jefferies turn into riding. I rode her around for a bit before I had DH come turn my leadrope into a set of reins. That made things a lot easier! We walked over a pole, I brushed my leg on the fence (that made her a bit nervous but she just stopped instead of spooking), and did a bit of turning into the fence. She was very good.
I didn't stay on very long (maybe 15-20 minutes) but it was a good ride. Considering I haven't touched since my last blog post I thought she did wonderful. I think she's going to be a very nice horse and exactly what I was hoping for when I bred Tuff.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Picture Post
I tried taking a few pictures last night to show how much Black has filled out. Unfortunately they didn't come out very well. When I tried to download them, I found a few pictures from this winter so I thought I'd share them.
Black walking through the snow
I love this picture
Cat
Lucy said “no treats – no picture”
Poor Molly didn’t want to feel left out
The Rooster adopted George
All of my ponies are shedding. They are going to be stunning this summer. Their winter coats shine so their spring/summer coats should just gleam.
Black walking through the snow
I love this picture
Cat
Lucy said “no treats – no picture”
Poor Molly didn’t want to feel left out
The Rooster adopted George
All of my ponies are shedding. They are going to be stunning this summer. Their winter coats shine so their spring/summer coats should just gleam.
Monday, February 15, 2010
What a beautiful morning!
Yeah right! I’m so sick of this snow. What is worse is that once this snow is gone all we will have is mud and lots of it!
Sunday I went out to the farm so Molly could play and to file my taxes (more fun). We have several bales out in the pasture and when I pulled up Nikki was butted up against one, Cat was butted up against another, Lu was butted up against the other one and Black was standing nice and cozy all by herself in the 3-sided. The wind was blowing and it was cold. There was no way I was going to the barn for anything more then to chore.
I’d been in the house for about an hour when I looked out the window to see where the horses were. Lu and Cat were on a rampage! They were flying all over the pasture. At first I thought Lu was chasing Cat but then Lu got in the lead (umm that’s a very rare site) and off they went. I didn’t expect it to last long but it was fun to see them run and play. Needless to say – it last a LOT longer then I expected. They were flying through the snow (which is quite deep I might add) and freaking me out. I saw vet bill after vet bill as they’d round a corner or run straight for the high tensile fence.
At one point Lu got Cat in a corner and she was “cutting” her. Cat is no dummy and finally just blasted through Lucy’s shoulder and flew across the pasture. We have pretty high “banks” of snow where we have pushed the snow to get the bales out. As Lu and Cat would run they would jump the banks. I didn’t know Lucy could get that high off of the ground! I’ll be those two ran and played for a solid 30 minutes! Nikki even through a few head tosses and kicks in but she left the running to the young ones. I’m not even sure that Black looked at them while they were being goofy.
Right now I’m just dreaming. Dreaming of a day when there is no snow, no rain and no mud and it is above 50*! I’m hoping that day comes soon!
Sunday I went out to the farm so Molly could play and to file my taxes (more fun). We have several bales out in the pasture and when I pulled up Nikki was butted up against one, Cat was butted up against another, Lu was butted up against the other one and Black was standing nice and cozy all by herself in the 3-sided. The wind was blowing and it was cold. There was no way I was going to the barn for anything more then to chore.
I’d been in the house for about an hour when I looked out the window to see where the horses were. Lu and Cat were on a rampage! They were flying all over the pasture. At first I thought Lu was chasing Cat but then Lu got in the lead (umm that’s a very rare site) and off they went. I didn’t expect it to last long but it was fun to see them run and play. Needless to say – it last a LOT longer then I expected. They were flying through the snow (which is quite deep I might add) and freaking me out. I saw vet bill after vet bill as they’d round a corner or run straight for the high tensile fence.
At one point Lu got Cat in a corner and she was “cutting” her. Cat is no dummy and finally just blasted through Lucy’s shoulder and flew across the pasture. We have pretty high “banks” of snow where we have pushed the snow to get the bales out. As Lu and Cat would run they would jump the banks. I didn’t know Lucy could get that high off of the ground! I’ll be those two ran and played for a solid 30 minutes! Nikki even through a few head tosses and kicks in but she left the running to the young ones. I’m not even sure that Black looked at them while they were being goofy.
Right now I’m just dreaming. Dreaming of a day when there is no snow, no rain and no mud and it is above 50*! I’m hoping that day comes soon!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Is it spring yet?
The weather this year has been very strange. One minute we are having blizzard conditions, the next minute it is 40* and beautiful followed up by a day or two of nonstop rain only to turn around and have blizzard conditions again and starting the cycle back over! Needless to say I haven’t managed to do a thing with my horses all winter and it isn’t looking like I will be able to anytime soon. So far none of them seem to mind.
So what do you do when it is cold outside and you can’t do anything? You get a puppy of course! (jk I don’t recommend getting a puppy based on the weather conditions) That is what we did and after standing out in the blowing snow for 5 minutes this am waiting for her to “tinkle” I’m wondering wth we were thinking!
Well this is what we were thinking – isn’t she cute!
Meet Molly
She is a tri colored miniature aussie & so far she seems to be very smart (although she’s going to get her butt kicked by the cat here shortly). Cy is taking things a lot better then I expected he would. He is growling at her but I think he’s more bark then bite. He just wants to let her know this is his house. I don’t think it will take long before she has him acting like a puppy again too.
So far the biggest problem we’ve run into with her is that she seems to get overheated in the house. I had to turn a fan on her last night to get her comfortable. She loves the snow!
So what do you do when it is cold outside and you can’t do anything? You get a puppy of course! (jk I don’t recommend getting a puppy based on the weather conditions) That is what we did and after standing out in the blowing snow for 5 minutes this am waiting for her to “tinkle” I’m wondering wth we were thinking!
Well this is what we were thinking – isn’t she cute!
Meet Molly
She is a tri colored miniature aussie & so far she seems to be very smart (although she’s going to get her butt kicked by the cat here shortly). Cy is taking things a lot better then I expected he would. He is growling at her but I think he’s more bark then bite. He just wants to let her know this is his house. I don’t think it will take long before she has him acting like a puppy again too.
So far the biggest problem we’ve run into with her is that she seems to get overheated in the house. I had to turn a fan on her last night to get her comfortable. She loves the snow!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Maiden Voyage
We had beautiful weather on Saturday (30* with no wind) so I headed out to the barn. I spent half of the day cleaning stalls, digging my back doors out of the snow drift so I could open them and doing a few other things in the barn that needed to be done.
I knew the lovely weather wasn’t going to last all day so I decided to stop what I was doing and play with ponies. I got Cat out and cleaned her up. She’d managed to find some mud and looked more like a buckskin vs. a palomino. Once she was cleaned up I grabbed my stick and my whirly gig (a spinning/flapping flag thing that I bought at the dollar store) and we headed out to find some decent footing.
She was a bit full of herself when I started LFR but it was slick so she wasn’t moving too fast. A few changes of direction and her mind was back on me. The one thing I’ve always loved about Cat is that no matter how much she gets distracted when you put her to work it only takes about 2 laps before she’s back on track and listening to me. I didn’t want to get her too hot and sweaty so I decided now was the perfect time to grab my whirly gig and desensitize her. It really flaps and cracks and tends to send most horses over the edge. It didn’t take long before she relaxed, cocked a leg and dropped her head.
I walked her back up to the barn and grabbed my mounting block and did a bit of Jefferies with her. She was staring at the neighbors place. Their grandson had gotten his 4-wheeler stuck in the snow/mud and couldn’t get it out. I just laid up on her back rubbing her barrel. She was very relaxed and soft. I’ve heard CA say he can tell if they will buck on not by how their ribs feel. I spent about 10 minutes or so just getting on and off and rubbing her when I decided to just sit on up. She wasn’t worried about it at all.
This is probably where most people would have stopped and said “I really shouldn’t push it”. But then I’m not most people. :D I flexed her to the left and then flipped the lead rope over her head and flexed her to the right. I asked her to walk off but she wasn’t sure what I wanted. My squeeze when to a cluck and finally to a spank. Once she moved I stopped. She is very smart so it didn’t take long before she was walking off by just a squeeze/cluck. I walked her over to the barn and then flipped the rein over her head and turned her around. She decided to go out to the pasture so I let her go out for a little bit and then turned her around again. I wanted to make the decision on where I stopped and where I got off so I flipped my lead over her head and turned her away from the barn and back towards the mounting block. I flexed her a bit more and then hopped off. Next time I’ll have to use reins!
Next it was Lucy’s turn. She was pretty full of it too but did well. She kept calling back to Cat in the barn, (I think they’ve become too good of buddies) but she did listen to what I wanted. She wasn’t thrilled with the whirly gig which surprised me. Normally she could care less. She finally got over it and stood so I could flap it on all 4 sides.
Sunday wasn’t quite as nice as expected so I didn’t get to ride Cat again like I had planned. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I can get some more time in on her. I really do need to get her saddled again. It has probably been 6 months or so since I’ve saddled her up. Oh well – we’ll get there one day.
I knew the lovely weather wasn’t going to last all day so I decided to stop what I was doing and play with ponies. I got Cat out and cleaned her up. She’d managed to find some mud and looked more like a buckskin vs. a palomino. Once she was cleaned up I grabbed my stick and my whirly gig (a spinning/flapping flag thing that I bought at the dollar store) and we headed out to find some decent footing.
She was a bit full of herself when I started LFR but it was slick so she wasn’t moving too fast. A few changes of direction and her mind was back on me. The one thing I’ve always loved about Cat is that no matter how much she gets distracted when you put her to work it only takes about 2 laps before she’s back on track and listening to me. I didn’t want to get her too hot and sweaty so I decided now was the perfect time to grab my whirly gig and desensitize her. It really flaps and cracks and tends to send most horses over the edge. It didn’t take long before she relaxed, cocked a leg and dropped her head.
I walked her back up to the barn and grabbed my mounting block and did a bit of Jefferies with her. She was staring at the neighbors place. Their grandson had gotten his 4-wheeler stuck in the snow/mud and couldn’t get it out. I just laid up on her back rubbing her barrel. She was very relaxed and soft. I’ve heard CA say he can tell if they will buck on not by how their ribs feel. I spent about 10 minutes or so just getting on and off and rubbing her when I decided to just sit on up. She wasn’t worried about it at all.
This is probably where most people would have stopped and said “I really shouldn’t push it”. But then I’m not most people. :D I flexed her to the left and then flipped the lead rope over her head and flexed her to the right. I asked her to walk off but she wasn’t sure what I wanted. My squeeze when to a cluck and finally to a spank. Once she moved I stopped. She is very smart so it didn’t take long before she was walking off by just a squeeze/cluck. I walked her over to the barn and then flipped the rein over her head and turned her around. She decided to go out to the pasture so I let her go out for a little bit and then turned her around again. I wanted to make the decision on where I stopped and where I got off so I flipped my lead over her head and turned her away from the barn and back towards the mounting block. I flexed her a bit more and then hopped off. Next time I’ll have to use reins!
Next it was Lucy’s turn. She was pretty full of it too but did well. She kept calling back to Cat in the barn, (I think they’ve become too good of buddies) but she did listen to what I wanted. She wasn’t thrilled with the whirly gig which surprised me. Normally she could care less. She finally got over it and stood so I could flap it on all 4 sides.
Sunday wasn’t quite as nice as expected so I didn’t get to ride Cat again like I had planned. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I can get some more time in on her. I really do need to get her saddled again. It has probably been 6 months or so since I’ve saddled her up. Oh well – we’ll get there one day.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Snow, snow and more snow!
We’ve had more snow in Dec. and the first part of January then we typically have in an entire winter. It is beautiful but it is also starting to reach havoc. Saturday the horses ran out of hay and were unable to get to the bale that I had put in the back pasture as an “emergency” bale due to the drifts. I tried to ride Lucy down there to show the others they could make it but they weren’t having any part of it and neither was Lucy.
Since the Bobcat wouldn’t start I was forced to use the tractor. I guess I didn’t realize how spoiled I’d gotten because the tractor and I don’t seem to get along! It didn’t take long and sure enough I was stuck! Dad wasn’t too happy with me but I rolled my bottom lip and pouted and he eventually came out to save the day. I’ll bet he spent a good 2 hours on the tractor trying to push snow out of the way to make room for a bale (and so we could get to the bales). We finally got one out when dad asked “what now”. I asked him if he thought we could move one to the dry lot and he just looked at me. I knew my answer was no.
Later on in the day after pushing him a bit I got him talked into trying to start the Bobcat one more time. My cousin just happened to show up about the time we were trying to start it and he got it fired up for me. Woo hoo! Or so I thought. I spent another 2 hours out moving snow. I had to make a path down to where the old bale was so I could get the bale ring so this bale would last more then a week. When all was said and done I had a bale in each pasture. They still couldn’t access the back pasture but I did have an extra one in the dry lot.
When I turned the horses out it was like Christmas! They didn’t really care about the hay – they were just happy they had a place to run (the path I’d made to get to the bale ring). Lucy and Cat raced back and forth playing. It was a nice sight to see.
Last night it was so cold that Cat looked like she had a frozen troll doll on her head (forelock). I’ll have to see if I can get pics of all of the snow this weekend. Of course we are getting more today.
Since the Bobcat wouldn’t start I was forced to use the tractor. I guess I didn’t realize how spoiled I’d gotten because the tractor and I don’t seem to get along! It didn’t take long and sure enough I was stuck! Dad wasn’t too happy with me but I rolled my bottom lip and pouted and he eventually came out to save the day. I’ll bet he spent a good 2 hours on the tractor trying to push snow out of the way to make room for a bale (and so we could get to the bales). We finally got one out when dad asked “what now”. I asked him if he thought we could move one to the dry lot and he just looked at me. I knew my answer was no.
Later on in the day after pushing him a bit I got him talked into trying to start the Bobcat one more time. My cousin just happened to show up about the time we were trying to start it and he got it fired up for me. Woo hoo! Or so I thought. I spent another 2 hours out moving snow. I had to make a path down to where the old bale was so I could get the bale ring so this bale would last more then a week. When all was said and done I had a bale in each pasture. They still couldn’t access the back pasture but I did have an extra one in the dry lot.
When I turned the horses out it was like Christmas! They didn’t really care about the hay – they were just happy they had a place to run (the path I’d made to get to the bale ring). Lucy and Cat raced back and forth playing. It was a nice sight to see.
Last night it was so cold that Cat looked like she had a frozen troll doll on her head (forelock). I’ll have to see if I can get pics of all of the snow this weekend. Of course we are getting more today.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
New Years Resolutions
I’m not typically one to make New Years Resolutions but after the prime rib, ham and all of the wonderful deserts that were consumed over the holidays………………well I think you know where I’m going with this.
MIL signed herself up for a CA clinic as one of her Christmas presents from FIL (2009 & 2010 present). She knows I’ve wanted to go so she signed up for the one I was thinking of attending. The deposit for the clinic was in savings but well, life got in the way.
I’m going to enter into 2010 with the goal of attending the clinic – not as a “helper” but as a participant. This means I need to shed some very unnecessary pounds! Having the clinic in mind as a goal has been very helpful so far. As I walk to the fridge I think about the clinic and make an alternate choice. Hopefully I can keep this up.
Not knowing if I will be able to take a horse or not leaves me with not choice but to work MY horses as if we one is going so goal #2 is get Lu and/or Cat ready.
This seems to be the biggest debate I have – who to take. Do I take Cat who had had CA done since she was born but is still young (and currently not started) or do I take Lu? I’m a bit worried about how Lu would travel. Therefore my goal is to get both of them ready and decide later (if I get to take a horse).
Getting them ready involves following the program step by step. I’ll admit I’m not the best about this. This is where goal #3 comes into play – follow the program!
The of course we have to have goal number 4 – get $$ to go! That one will probably be more difficult then the first three combined but I’m hoping for a good tax refund! Still need new tires on the car and our hot water heater is taking a dump so we’ll just have to wait and see how much (if any) is left.
MIL signed herself up for a CA clinic as one of her Christmas presents from FIL (2009 & 2010 present). She knows I’ve wanted to go so she signed up for the one I was thinking of attending. The deposit for the clinic was in savings but well, life got in the way.
I’m going to enter into 2010 with the goal of attending the clinic – not as a “helper” but as a participant. This means I need to shed some very unnecessary pounds! Having the clinic in mind as a goal has been very helpful so far. As I walk to the fridge I think about the clinic and make an alternate choice. Hopefully I can keep this up.
Not knowing if I will be able to take a horse or not leaves me with not choice but to work MY horses as if we one is going so goal #2 is get Lu and/or Cat ready.
This seems to be the biggest debate I have – who to take. Do I take Cat who had had CA done since she was born but is still young (and currently not started) or do I take Lu? I’m a bit worried about how Lu would travel. Therefore my goal is to get both of them ready and decide later (if I get to take a horse).
Getting them ready involves following the program step by step. I’ll admit I’m not the best about this. This is where goal #3 comes into play – follow the program!
The of course we have to have goal number 4 – get $$ to go! That one will probably be more difficult then the first three combined but I’m hoping for a good tax refund! Still need new tires on the car and our hot water heater is taking a dump so we’ll just have to wait and see how much (if any) is left.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Woo Hooo! We have hay!
Woo hoo! I FINALLY got my hay. I have 18 big beautiful bales stacked up against the fence row. I liked being able to look back at my post last year to see when I put my first big bale out. That was on October 29th. Yikes, yesterday was December 6th. I have been feeding squares for a few weeks but the weather has been unseasonably warm so they weren’t as “starved” as they normally would have been this time of year.
When I let the horses out after moving a bale to each pasture they ran around it kicking up their heels. I wanted to show DH just how well Black was feeling so I headed out with a whip and shooed them off. They took off running and bucking. Right about then we noticed that the small gate wasn’t lock (the horses had been locked in while the hay guy delivered the hay). Of course as soon as we spotted it so did Black and she v-lined right for it. Out the gate she went! She hauled ass across the gravel road w/o so much as one off step. Once across the street she just stood there looking at us.
I walked across the street and put my arms around her while DH grabbed a rope. The entire way back home she was “prancing” in front of him like “ha ha ha ha ha”.
This is the second time she’s been out this week. The first time was my fault. All of the horses got out and went for a rendezvous down the road. My dad called to tell me and I prepared myself for dealing with Cat and Lu. Much to my surprise when I got there my dad and the neighbor had gotten them in. As suspected he said Cat was his biggest issue.
We got our first real snow last night. There were a lot of cars in the ditch on the way in this morning. Tomorrow and Wednesday is supposed to be even worse.
When I let the horses out after moving a bale to each pasture they ran around it kicking up their heels. I wanted to show DH just how well Black was feeling so I headed out with a whip and shooed them off. They took off running and bucking. Right about then we noticed that the small gate wasn’t lock (the horses had been locked in while the hay guy delivered the hay). Of course as soon as we spotted it so did Black and she v-lined right for it. Out the gate she went! She hauled ass across the gravel road w/o so much as one off step. Once across the street she just stood there looking at us.
I walked across the street and put my arms around her while DH grabbed a rope. The entire way back home she was “prancing” in front of him like “ha ha ha ha ha”.
This is the second time she’s been out this week. The first time was my fault. All of the horses got out and went for a rendezvous down the road. My dad called to tell me and I prepared myself for dealing with Cat and Lu. Much to my surprise when I got there my dad and the neighbor had gotten them in. As suspected he said Cat was his biggest issue.
We got our first real snow last night. There were a lot of cars in the ditch on the way in this morning. Tomorrow and Wednesday is supposed to be even worse.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Silent Night
Not much is going on new here with my horses. We are almost ready for winter but I still have a few things left to get done. I probably should get on that since it is snowing right now.
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of being a “lay over” location for 2 horses. A friend from SD had purchased a new mare from TX and sold one of her horses to another friend in WI. She came down on Tuesday and brought with her the horse she’d sold.
At around 12:30 am Equine Express showed up with her new mare. After unloading her we loaded up the other horse to go to his final destination.
It almost felt like Christmas and the horses were the presents. Not my presents of course, I just got the sneak peek before they did.
One of their “passengers” was a mini burro/donkey. He was the cutest thing! Apparently he was found running down a major highway/interstate in Texas earlier that week and was heading to his new home in WI. I tried telling the driver he could leave him at our place but he decline.
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of being a “lay over” location for 2 horses. A friend from SD had purchased a new mare from TX and sold one of her horses to another friend in WI. She came down on Tuesday and brought with her the horse she’d sold.
At around 12:30 am Equine Express showed up with her new mare. After unloading her we loaded up the other horse to go to his final destination.
It almost felt like Christmas and the horses were the presents. Not my presents of course, I just got the sneak peek before they did.
One of their “passengers” was a mini burro/donkey. He was the cutest thing! Apparently he was found running down a major highway/interstate in Texas earlier that week and was heading to his new home in WI. I tried telling the driver he could leave him at our place but he decline.
Monday, November 23, 2009
New Shoes?
Today we were going to have Equicast put on Black so I took an “extended” lunch hour so I could drive my trimmer nuts by asking him 100 questions. I got out to the farm right as he pulled in so I headed out to get the horses. As I headed out to the pasture to get Black she decided to do some LFR Stage 1 around me at liberty while kicking up her heels and playing “catch me if you can”.
She finally stopped long enough for me to put the halter on her and walk her up to the barn. After watching her run around me my trimmer decided maybe we didn’t need the Equicast after all. He trimmed her up and I walked her off to see how she moved. She moves great in a straight line but as soon as you put her on a circle or turn her you can see that she is still sore. He decided to try some Vettec Super Fast on her to create a “shoe” so he could bring her break over back farther. She did trot a little more forward on the circle but still seemed uncomfortable when at a bend.
I didn’t get any pictures of the after product but I did get a few pics of the mudbug herself.
Even with all of the fuzz and mud I still think she looks like she’s added a few more pounds.
She was not thrilled that DH didn’t have any treats.
And here she is behind the “almost finished” fence.
I still have to electrify the wire to the left and pick up the old post (Cat has been using them as play toys).
She finally stopped long enough for me to put the halter on her and walk her up to the barn. After watching her run around me my trimmer decided maybe we didn’t need the Equicast after all. He trimmed her up and I walked her off to see how she moved. She moves great in a straight line but as soon as you put her on a circle or turn her you can see that she is still sore. He decided to try some Vettec Super Fast on her to create a “shoe” so he could bring her break over back farther. She did trot a little more forward on the circle but still seemed uncomfortable when at a bend.
I didn’t get any pictures of the after product but I did get a few pics of the mudbug herself.
Even with all of the fuzz and mud I still think she looks like she’s added a few more pounds.
She was not thrilled that DH didn’t have any treats.
And here she is behind the “almost finished” fence.
I still have to electrify the wire to the left and pick up the old post (Cat has been using them as play toys).
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Pony Time!
Last night I finally got some much needed time with MY ponies! Last week Lucy some how managed to scratch her eye so I’ve been medicating her daily. I swear she must have a thing for my vet. I never realized how tight she could squeeze her eyelids together. Getting the medication in has posed a real challenge. Well that was until we discovered treats! That horse will do almost anything for a treat!
The girls were going to be playing w/the foals so I loaded up Cat and headed over to the arena. I really wasn’t sure what she’d think of it since she hasn’t been of property very much. It was dark and she was a bit skittish at first but settled down quickly. I spent some time cleaning her up and then we headed to the arena.
She was very good. We did some LFR, C pattern and backing. I’m not sure when I worked her last but the way she acted you would have thought it was yesterday. I do however need to work on her back up to get it straighter. I also need to start asking for more “energy” during LFR. Since she was young I’ve never asked her to go out of a trot on line but I think it is time to move up to a canter here and there.
After I finished working her I tied her up and watched the other girls. Besides a bit of pawing here and there Cat stood a lot better then normal.
The horses are changing so much! Their winter fuzzies are coming in. Black has a dark and beautiful coat. Cat has actually lightened up but even with the winter fuzzies her dapples are still visible. Lu is a dark red and her coat is a nice thickness. Not too much (like last year) but not too little like the year before either. I think she’s finally starting to adjust.
Lu isn’t fond of the small quarters of the indoor so I’m hoping this winter to take Cat over once or twice a week and really fine tune my GW with her so that this spring I can start her undersaddle.
The girls were going to be playing w/the foals so I loaded up Cat and headed over to the arena. I really wasn’t sure what she’d think of it since she hasn’t been of property very much. It was dark and she was a bit skittish at first but settled down quickly. I spent some time cleaning her up and then we headed to the arena.
She was very good. We did some LFR, C pattern and backing. I’m not sure when I worked her last but the way she acted you would have thought it was yesterday. I do however need to work on her back up to get it straighter. I also need to start asking for more “energy” during LFR. Since she was young I’ve never asked her to go out of a trot on line but I think it is time to move up to a canter here and there.
After I finished working her I tied her up and watched the other girls. Besides a bit of pawing here and there Cat stood a lot better then normal.
The horses are changing so much! Their winter fuzzies are coming in. Black has a dark and beautiful coat. Cat has actually lightened up but even with the winter fuzzies her dapples are still visible. Lu is a dark red and her coat is a nice thickness. Not too much (like last year) but not too little like the year before either. I think she’s finally starting to adjust.
Lu isn’t fond of the small quarters of the indoor so I’m hoping this winter to take Cat over once or twice a week and really fine tune my GW with her so that this spring I can start her undersaddle.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Baby Dollz Bar 1994-2009
For those of you who know me, you know what an emotional post this is for me.
Tonight I received news that Tuff passed away earlier today. My understanding (from what I heard through all of the sobbing and tears) is that earlier today, Tuff started to colic, banimine was administered, and before the vet could get out she passed.
Tonight has been an emotional roller coaster for me (to say the least). Tuff meant a great deal to me. Those who know me best know why Tuff was where she was. I know she was taken care of well but it still doesn't make losing her any easier.
Tuff taught me a lot & gave me two wonderful babies. She carried me through many show seasons and now her daughter is carrying my son on. Her legacy will live...............
You will be missed! :(
Tonight I received news that Tuff passed away earlier today. My understanding (from what I heard through all of the sobbing and tears) is that earlier today, Tuff started to colic, banimine was administered, and before the vet could get out she passed.
Tonight has been an emotional roller coaster for me (to say the least). Tuff meant a great deal to me. Those who know me best know why Tuff was where she was. I know she was taken care of well but it still doesn't make losing her any easier.
Tuff taught me a lot & gave me two wonderful babies. She carried me through many show seasons and now her daughter is carrying my son on. Her legacy will live...............
You will be missed! :(
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
A New Horse?
The last horse show for this season is quickly approaching & the drill team will be running their last performance at the show. Since the show is on a Sunday, MIL won’t be performing. I hadn’t planned on taking a horse but they couldn’t find anyone to run the flag so I offered.
The weather here has been “iffy” lately so practice was changed to last night in order to avoid the rain. MIL has Sis and Abby at her place and my truck is broke down still so I hitched a ride and took Lu. You can pretty much look back at this blog to see when I rode her last. No, I’m not proud of that.
When I unloaded Lu off of the trailer I heard “OMG, you got a new horse! When did you get a new horse?”
What?
I had a few other people ask me the same thing and I responded with “umm, this is Lucy”.
They were all flabbergasted. I don’t see that she’s changed THAT much. She’s a fat tub of lard at the moment but I didn’t think she’d changed so much that people didn’t recognize her. Maybe this is because I see her everyday?
Needless to say she was “Lu” at practice. We had a nice/lovely trot and then we “ran” (it was running for Lu anyways) the flag in (fake flag – we didn’t actually carry one). She was a good girl. I really couldn’t ask for more from her considering how little I’ve done with her this year.
Black is feeling pretty good. She likes the new pads in her boots. She’s started trotting again to come up to eat. She’s looking great too! I’d like a few more pounds on her before heading into winter but I really can’t complain about the way she looks.
Cat – Cat on the other hand needs to learn the words “exercise” or “diet”. I think she’s going to be an easy keeper like her sister.
I’ve been working on putting in new fence in the dry lot. The electric fence just wasn’t holding up and I wanted something a little more “solid” in case we get another calf. I must say – I DO NOT ENJOY BUILDING FENCE! But what must be done, must be done.
The weather here has been “iffy” lately so practice was changed to last night in order to avoid the rain. MIL has Sis and Abby at her place and my truck is broke down still so I hitched a ride and took Lu. You can pretty much look back at this blog to see when I rode her last. No, I’m not proud of that.
When I unloaded Lu off of the trailer I heard “OMG, you got a new horse! When did you get a new horse?”
What?
I had a few other people ask me the same thing and I responded with “umm, this is Lucy”.
They were all flabbergasted. I don’t see that she’s changed THAT much. She’s a fat tub of lard at the moment but I didn’t think she’d changed so much that people didn’t recognize her. Maybe this is because I see her everyday?
Needless to say she was “Lu” at practice. We had a nice/lovely trot and then we “ran” (it was running for Lu anyways) the flag in (fake flag – we didn’t actually carry one). She was a good girl. I really couldn’t ask for more from her considering how little I’ve done with her this year.
Black is feeling pretty good. She likes the new pads in her boots. She’s started trotting again to come up to eat. She’s looking great too! I’d like a few more pounds on her before heading into winter but I really can’t complain about the way she looks.
Cat – Cat on the other hand needs to learn the words “exercise” or “diet”. I think she’s going to be an easy keeper like her sister.
I’ve been working on putting in new fence in the dry lot. The electric fence just wasn’t holding up and I wanted something a little more “solid” in case we get another calf. I must say – I DO NOT ENJOY BUILDING FENCE! But what must be done, must be done.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Winter Blahs..................
Not really much to update here. DH is gone so finding time for ponies has not been easy.
I’ve spent the last two weeks working with a beautiful, amazing and very spoiled Oldenburg filly. Her owner needed to get her on the trailer for an inspection in TX and wasn’t having any luck. She was a learning experience and a handful but we got her on the trailer and to her inspection where she received high marks. They should be heading home today (providing they got her back on the trailer).
The trimmer was out yesterday to trim. I had him do everyone so that I had them all done prior to going into winter. Black is very sore on her front left foot & he thinks it is due to her thin sole. DH bruised and abscessed her back left so our theory is that she has been putting more weight on the front to take off of the back and in doing so bruised it.
We’ve managed to get 3 feet looking wonderful but the front left seems to be our problem child. Her sole is so thin at the apex of the frog that you can move it with your fingers. I’ve come to the conclusion that while this can be done barefoot we just don’t have things working in our favor to continue down the path we have been. She’s 24, not 7 so we don’t have the time we would have if she was younger. We’ve agreed to try Equicast on her to see if they will help with the sole issue. They are fairly expensive and don’t last very long but I think we need to at least try them. If that doesn’t work I will be applying shoes.
We have one horse show left and I really want it to get rained out (can you tell it’s the end of the year). It is this weekend and the weather is supposed to be nasty all week but decent on the weekend. I’m just not in the mood to be out in the cold.
Update on Precious: They did get her on the trailer and are headed home! Woo hoo! My job is done.
I’ve spent the last two weeks working with a beautiful, amazing and very spoiled Oldenburg filly. Her owner needed to get her on the trailer for an inspection in TX and wasn’t having any luck. She was a learning experience and a handful but we got her on the trailer and to her inspection where she received high marks. They should be heading home today (providing they got her back on the trailer).
The trimmer was out yesterday to trim. I had him do everyone so that I had them all done prior to going into winter. Black is very sore on her front left foot & he thinks it is due to her thin sole. DH bruised and abscessed her back left so our theory is that she has been putting more weight on the front to take off of the back and in doing so bruised it.
We’ve managed to get 3 feet looking wonderful but the front left seems to be our problem child. Her sole is so thin at the apex of the frog that you can move it with your fingers. I’ve come to the conclusion that while this can be done barefoot we just don’t have things working in our favor to continue down the path we have been. She’s 24, not 7 so we don’t have the time we would have if she was younger. We’ve agreed to try Equicast on her to see if they will help with the sole issue. They are fairly expensive and don’t last very long but I think we need to at least try them. If that doesn’t work I will be applying shoes.
We have one horse show left and I really want it to get rained out (can you tell it’s the end of the year). It is this weekend and the weather is supposed to be nasty all week but decent on the weekend. I’m just not in the mood to be out in the cold.
Update on Precious: They did get her on the trailer and are headed home! Woo hoo! My job is done.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
On the Road Again..........
Last night one of my biggest fears turned into reality.
MIL is on River City Roundup, a week long trail ride (insert jealous jester here), so I had to fill in for her at drill. I was going to take Abby, Cat and Lu but decided to leave Lu at home so that Cat wouldn’t have any trailer buddies to stand next to her while I was riding.
On the interstate I noticed the truck was pulling a little different then normal but I couldn’t put my finger on it. As we rounded the exit ramp onto the highway I noticed that my temperature gage was all of the way over on the red. Right about then my “dummy light” came on. I was a very short distance from a friends house so I babied the truck down the hill and then over to the side of the road. When I popped the hood you could hear the water boiling.
So here I am on a busy highway unloading horses. I’m so glad my horses are calm! I had to call DH (I was trying to avoid that) to come get me. I don’t remember what they said was wrong with the truck but pretty much it is toast. We were able to unhook the trailer and had a friend haul it home for us. Luckily I was able to leave my horses in a friend’s RP overnight and she’ll be bringing them home for me tonight.
I’ve seen people on the side of the roads with trailers behind and I’ve always worried about having something happen when I have the horses in tow. I’m just lucky that it happened when it happened and where it happened and not while I was out in the boonies by myself.
Practice ended up going well. MIL has Abby bracing on the bit and has been letting her anticipate the pattern but I’ll give that pony credit – she sure does try. By the end of the night she was tucking her head well and while she was still ducking corners she wasn’t doing it to the extreme she was earlier in the night.
MIL is on River City Roundup, a week long trail ride (insert jealous jester here), so I had to fill in for her at drill. I was going to take Abby, Cat and Lu but decided to leave Lu at home so that Cat wouldn’t have any trailer buddies to stand next to her while I was riding.
On the interstate I noticed the truck was pulling a little different then normal but I couldn’t put my finger on it. As we rounded the exit ramp onto the highway I noticed that my temperature gage was all of the way over on the red. Right about then my “dummy light” came on. I was a very short distance from a friends house so I babied the truck down the hill and then over to the side of the road. When I popped the hood you could hear the water boiling.
So here I am on a busy highway unloading horses. I’m so glad my horses are calm! I had to call DH (I was trying to avoid that) to come get me. I don’t remember what they said was wrong with the truck but pretty much it is toast. We were able to unhook the trailer and had a friend haul it home for us. Luckily I was able to leave my horses in a friend’s RP overnight and she’ll be bringing them home for me tonight.
I’ve seen people on the side of the roads with trailers behind and I’ve always worried about having something happen when I have the horses in tow. I’m just lucky that it happened when it happened and where it happened and not while I was out in the boonies by myself.
Practice ended up going well. MIL has Abby bracing on the bit and has been letting her anticipate the pattern but I’ll give that pony credit – she sure does try. By the end of the night she was tucking her head well and while she was still ducking corners she wasn’t doing it to the extreme she was earlier in the night.
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