Well, I might as well write this now...I had pictures but my son accidentally reset my phone and I lost almost all of my pictures. I was hoping I would be able to get back some of the downloaded pictures from my phone but no such luck. :(
Zoe went to fair a couple weeks ago and did pretty well! T entered her into a lot of different shows and they ended up with two 5th places; one in bareback hunter under saddle, and one in western pleasure.
T was thrilled at how cool and calm she was while in the arena. She said that towards the end she was tired and was starting to act up, but T was extremely happy with Zoe. And so am I! They have come such a long ways in a short time - T has been a patient, gentle and firm partner with Zoe and it really shows!
There is more to write about in regards to the show but without pictures, I'm having a hard time remembering everything...
On the Gunner front, he's been doing good for T's dad. They are having a hard time finding a good saddle fit for him but Gunner is dealing with it fine for now. T's dad took Gunner out for several trail rides and Gunner has been a champ about it! I don't think he's ever been trail riding before, and I told him that, so I wasn't sure how he would do...he was bred for reining and broke for roping so trail riding never fit into his schedule...lol But while out on the trail there were some turkeys roosting up in the trees that flew down right next to Gunner and he didn't even flinch, the other horses did but not him! Also, someone shot a gun not too far away and he only looked in the direction - no spook though! T's dad told me that Gunner is having serious buddy sourness though, which I find odd. He wasn't ever buddy sour at our house and I don't recall him having issues while at brother-in-law's house either. Maybe our interpretations of being buddy sour are much different.... T's dad also took Gunner out for a run last week and really opened him up and was impressed with how fast he was! We really had no idea he had it in him...
Anyways, I think that if we can come to an agreement on the price then he might have a new home. Again, if he comes home we won't be a bit sad...
I have more to update on Melody but I will save that for another day...
Until next time,
Lynell
Monday, July 27, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015
Gunner & Zoe Reunited Again
I'm sure it's of no surprise that Gunner is now at Zoe's new home! They are going to try him out for 60 days and decide after that if he is going to work or not. My feelings won't be hurt if he doesn't work out and has to come home because...
Middle daughter and Gunner have been doing GREAT together!! Honestly, I was going back and forth on whether or not to go through with this possible sale but ultimately decided to do what I said I would do and bring him to Zoe's new family.
Sunday, as we were getting ready to load Gunner, Hubby was checking the fluids in our truck when he noticed he was low on brake fluid. He had some in the garage so he refilled it only to find it leaking near one of the rear tires. FANTASTIC. So he pulled the truck out from under the trailer and got the mini-semi. Once he had it hooked up, he noticed one of the trailer tires was low so he backed the trailer up to the garage and put more air in the tire. We had planned on leaving at 2pm but by now it was 3 pm. May not seem like much or a big deal but I'm the kind of person that HATES being late so this kind of stuff really gets my feathers ruffled....
Middle daughter got Gunner loaded up (he's super easy) and away we went. We found their house very easily - very nice, clean and safe environment for the horses. I was very pleased!
Gunner unloaded like a good boy and, surprisingly, was very chill. T's dad came to take a look at Gunner, I could see the excitement all over his face! I gave him the lead rope and he took Gunner for a walk.
While he was gone, T got Zoe out for me to visit with. She looks GREAT!! T has been riding Zoe everyday since she brought her home, which is exactly what Zoe needs and wants! It was funny hearing her tell me stories of their ups and downs - so similar to mine! We laughed about that.
T's dad turned Gunner out in their back pasture so I led Zoe over to "meet" him again. They nosed up did a little talking and then got down to the serious business of eating. It was good seeing them together again and I couldn't be happier with the home that they will have!
T and her family adore Zoe and her antics! They found out that she's very affectionate and sensitive, fast and powerful, and oh so beautiful! They said they've already had a few people offer to buy her - we told them we used to get that too. She's just one of those horses that stands out in a crowd!
Until next time,
Lynell
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Monday, June 22, 2015
Big Announcement
I have a big announcement coming...can't tell until next week so stay tuned!
Until next time,
Lynell
Until next time,
Lynell
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Zoe's First Show
Zoe went to her first horse show of the season last weekend and she did great! I wasn't able to make it because of 4-H (fair week) but they sent me a few pictures!
T showed her in hunt seat and they said Zoe handled the other horses in the arena like a seasoned pro! There were about 25 other horses in the arena and she paid no attention to them...what a good girl! They were so impressed with how well she did!
This is a video of her showing in showmanship...not sure if it will work but we'll give it a try! She didn't pivot but they were still thrilled with her!
Hopefully I can make it to her next show!
Until next time,
Lynell
T showed her in hunt seat and they said Zoe handled the other horses in the arena like a seasoned pro! There were about 25 other horses in the arena and she paid no attention to them...what a good girl! They were so impressed with how well she did!
Hopefully I can make it to her next show!
Until next time,
Lynell
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
School is in Session!
Melody has officially started her training!
We took her training into the round pen. She was very distracted because Star was screaming for her when I took her away - so annoying! Star is really bad right now because she's in heat...mares... I sent her off on the circle using the lunge whip as encouragement only, just moving it along the ground to keep her moving forward. This is her first time with the whip - I've only ever used a lead rope when round penning her but it was time to put her big girl panties on and learn what all of the training equipment is. She protested a little bit by cutting in and then would buck. I disciplined her by sending her into the canter and when she got to the spot where she wanted to cut in, I would step into that space and "shoo" her out of it with the whip. After a few times around she realized what she was doing wasn't working and did what she was told. I asked for a trot for her "release" for being a good girl. We switched directions and the same problem arose as before...cutting in and bucking. Repeat discipline and she reacted but changing directions, bucking as she did so. I forced her to change directions (back to the way I wanted) and she blew up again, bucking and kicking. I got after her by sending her into a more intense canter (we have a large round pen, by the way - plenty of room for this stuff), not quite a gallop. She responded by galloping. Fine. I kept her at the gallop until she gave in and went all the way around without cutting in and bucking. Again, her release was trotting. It wasn't long and she was licking and chewing so I thought that now would be a great time to stop and let that lesson process. She stopped and I rubbed her all over with the lunge whip (like a carrot stick or stick and string, I don't have either so I just use my lunge whip). I half expected her to move away but she didn't. I wasn't holding her at all and she stood perfectly still while I rubbed her in every little nook and cranny on her body. I figured that went so well so I thought I would see how she would do with the string part flipping all over her body. Again, didn't move. She was so relaxed and happy to let me rub her anywhere I wanted.
At that point I hooked her back up with the lead rope and reviewed some of the bending exercises. She gave me her head going down perfectly. When I asked for some flex first to the left, she didn't want to do it. So we circled around and around until she finally stopped her feet and gave ever so slightly. That was a good first step. We repeated this on the right side with the same results at first. I switched back to her left side and she circled around only once before stopping and giving me some flex. Again, I repeated on the right side and she repeated the same behavior as she did on the left. A few more times on each side and we ended with her flexing with almost no hesitation. I made sure she knew she was a good girl by giving her lots of love!
We also reviewed moving her shoulders and hips. Each time I asked her she resisted less and less. I was getting the correct response (her feet were even crossing correctly with the correct foot going over the other one - BONUS!) with a lighter cue than when we started so we called it a night. She was such a good girl and I told her so lots of times!
Training day was a success! Can't wait to get back at it tonight!
Until next time,
Lynell
Zoe Update
Sorry for the poor picture quality...the pictures are cell phone pics sent from Zoe's new family...
Zoe is doing very well - in fact, T plans to show Zoe at the end of the month and again in July. Yay! T will be showing Zoe in SMS and hunt seat. If all goes well, she will also be entering her in Western Pleasure! Whaaa??? Yes, Western Pleasure! I know she has a cute jog...but getting her to do it consistently was difficult. Must be having progress in that department! Also, her lope was a strong, powerful lope - definintely not a WP lope but maybe she was able to tame it down some...we'll see! I was also blown away by the fact that she's going into hunt seat! My little roper/foundation APHA is going to try hunt seat!! WOW! I'm so excited to see her show in a few weeks!!!!!!! I will take lots of pictures...promise!
Not so good news is that T took Zoe out in a large field and tried running her the other day. Too much stimulation for Zoe because she started bucking and T fell off. T's dad said that T was ok, just a little sore. He said her pride was more bruised than anything else and he laughed like crazy! lol
Overall, they still absolutely love her and all fight over her. They all want her for themselves but T said that she's a keeper! I am OVERJOYED! I really feel like I made the best decision for Zoe...even though it was so hard...still kinda is. Does that ever go away?
Until next time,
Lynell
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
She's on the Loose!
Melody is like a magician! She's managed to undo her stall latch twice now! The first time she managed to open her stall door she was only out for a short time, thankfully! Last night she managed to undo her gate latch and was probably out all night!
I was running late this morning so Hubby fed the animals by himself. He got in the barn and found Melody laying down, all stretched out. He said she looked like she was dead (and he actually thought she was)! He was able to get her to her feet and led her to her stall. She didn't want to go back in her stall but he got her in anyways. He took a look around the barn to see what all she had gotten into during the night. He found that she had gotten into the tack room and spilled the horse treats all over the ground, managed to get into the chicken feed and ate some, and probably ate a bunch of hay!
He turned Star out and left Melody in. He didn't want her to go out in the pasture and eat more rich grass and cause her to colic. He topped off her water bucket and finished chores. He said she was acting normal, no sweats and the only stress she seemed to have was that Star wasn't with her. He called the feed store (local) and asked what the ingredients of the chicken feed were because we had a horse get out and eat some. They said not to worry because it was all natural ingredients, many of which are in our horse feed, just all ground up.
Hubby had to leave for work but said she had drank a bunch of water and could hear gut sounds. He hadn't noticed any new poop yet but would check on her in an hour.
When he came back to check on her, she had pooped (looked normal) and finished her water so he refilled it.
It appears she's going to be ok. But it was a scarey morning! It could've gone a much different direction! We are going to have to come up with a different latch on her gate to keep her from getting out again...
Until next time!
Lynell
I was running late this morning so Hubby fed the animals by himself. He got in the barn and found Melody laying down, all stretched out. He said she looked like she was dead (and he actually thought she was)! He was able to get her to her feet and led her to her stall. She didn't want to go back in her stall but he got her in anyways. He took a look around the barn to see what all she had gotten into during the night. He found that she had gotten into the tack room and spilled the horse treats all over the ground, managed to get into the chicken feed and ate some, and probably ate a bunch of hay!
He turned Star out and left Melody in. He didn't want her to go out in the pasture and eat more rich grass and cause her to colic. He topped off her water bucket and finished chores. He said she was acting normal, no sweats and the only stress she seemed to have was that Star wasn't with her. He called the feed store (local) and asked what the ingredients of the chicken feed were because we had a horse get out and eat some. They said not to worry because it was all natural ingredients, many of which are in our horse feed, just all ground up.
Hubby had to leave for work but said she had drank a bunch of water and could hear gut sounds. He hadn't noticed any new poop yet but would check on her in an hour.
When he came back to check on her, she had pooped (looked normal) and finished her water so he refilled it.
It appears she's going to be ok. But it was a scarey morning! It could've gone a much different direction! We are going to have to come up with a different latch on her gate to keep her from getting out again...
Until next time!
Lynell
Riding Gunner
Middle daughter had a great ride on Gunner over the long weekend. I wish she could've gotten more rides in but our weekend was a blur!
Gunner has been acting kinda "studdy" (Star is in heat) lately so we round penned him before middle daughter got on. We didn't know how he was mentally but soon found out that he was ready to work so she warmed him up and then they started working. They were both relaxed and working well together. Middle daughter's position was perfect! I didn't have to remind her about her leg or sitting up at all! So proud of the progress she's made since last year!
I put three orange cones out for her to practice some turns and patterns. She got frustrated because Gunner didn't understand that he had to go AROUND the cones! I went out and led them both around all of the cones and just like that, Gunner was bending nicely around each cone on his own. He just had to have it "explained", I think!
After the work was done, the other children wanted a quick "pony ride". I walked them around the cones and then called it a night. Gunner was a good boy and we all told him so! He really appreciates the treats (like all horses do!) so we gave him a couple and put him away.
It was a good night of riding - hopefully we will string more good rides together this year!
Until next time,
Lynell
Gunner has been acting kinda "studdy" (Star is in heat) lately so we round penned him before middle daughter got on. We didn't know how he was mentally but soon found out that he was ready to work so she warmed him up and then they started working. They were both relaxed and working well together. Middle daughter's position was perfect! I didn't have to remind her about her leg or sitting up at all! So proud of the progress she's made since last year!
I put three orange cones out for her to practice some turns and patterns. She got frustrated because Gunner didn't understand that he had to go AROUND the cones! I went out and led them both around all of the cones and just like that, Gunner was bending nicely around each cone on his own. He just had to have it "explained", I think!
After the work was done, the other children wanted a quick "pony ride". I walked them around the cones and then called it a night. Gunner was a good boy and we all told him so! He really appreciates the treats (like all horses do!) so we gave him a couple and put him away.
It was a good night of riding - hopefully we will string more good rides together this year!
Until next time,
Lynell
Friday, May 22, 2015
The Farrier Visit
Just thought I would document how the farrier visit went...
First up was Melody. She's been doing good with picking up her feet for us most days so I figured we would start with her since she would probably be the worst one of them all. I needn't worry because she did excellent! Stood there patiently while the farrier did his work. The only thing that surprised me was when he first approached her she did a big spook away from him. I think he must've looked funny to her with his chaps and tools in hand. She settled down and he was able to get her done.
Star was no issue...never is!
Gunner stood like a good boy. Sometimes he pulls his feet away but this time he waited until his feet were given back before he put them down. Good boy!
Tyson also was a good boy. I was particularly interested in what the farrier thought about his feet. Ever since Tyson's accident at my brother-in-law's house (which was why he came to live with us), he's never been sound. He's been getting around pretty good in turnout but I like to hear from a professional what they they think about him. The farrier said Tyson's feet looked surprisingly good! He said if he seems comfortable that we should start riding him again! Seriously? I haven't given that the all clear yet but I think I will saddle him up and give him a schooling in the round pen to see how he goes. I'll decide after that if he can be put back to work after that.
All in all, it was a great time with the farrier. It's been too long since he was last out so it was fun to catch up with him again - he likes to talk a lot so he (and his wife) stayed for 2 hours! Good people!
Well, that's all for now!
Until next time,
Lynell
First up was Melody. She's been doing good with picking up her feet for us most days so I figured we would start with her since she would probably be the worst one of them all. I needn't worry because she did excellent! Stood there patiently while the farrier did his work. The only thing that surprised me was when he first approached her she did a big spook away from him. I think he must've looked funny to her with his chaps and tools in hand. She settled down and he was able to get her done.
Star was no issue...never is!
Gunner stood like a good boy. Sometimes he pulls his feet away but this time he waited until his feet were given back before he put them down. Good boy!
Tyson also was a good boy. I was particularly interested in what the farrier thought about his feet. Ever since Tyson's accident at my brother-in-law's house (which was why he came to live with us), he's never been sound. He's been getting around pretty good in turnout but I like to hear from a professional what they they think about him. The farrier said Tyson's feet looked surprisingly good! He said if he seems comfortable that we should start riding him again! Seriously? I haven't given that the all clear yet but I think I will saddle him up and give him a schooling in the round pen to see how he goes. I'll decide after that if he can be put back to work after that.
All in all, it was a great time with the farrier. It's been too long since he was last out so it was fun to catch up with him again - he likes to talk a lot so he (and his wife) stayed for 2 hours! Good people!
Well, that's all for now!
Until next time,
Lynell
Thursday, May 14, 2015
A Visit
I got invited to see Zoe in June...CAN'T WAIT!!!
Ok, actually they invited me to their daughter's (not T) graduation open house but still...I can see Zoe!
In other news, the farrier is finally able to get to our house on Friday to trim. He got sick over the winter (a bad case of pneumonia) and has been playing catch up all spring. So Friday is our turn!! I hope he's able to stay healthy and keep us in his schedule!! Along with playing catch up, he's moving right down the road from us...how convenient!! ;-) So needless to say, he's been very busy this spring.
Melody has been feeling great! So great, in fact, that she has decided to try biting people again. She got my youngest on her little wrist! My youngest was at her pen and had her hands resting on one of the boards when Melody put her head down to "sniff" and ended up biting her! I'm thinking that she was looking for treats so we have put a stop to feeding her treats. Plus, whenever I lead her out of her pen, she stops (with her butt only half way through the gate) and puts her head down to eat. What a pain!! I need to break her of that habit ASAP!!!!!
Star has been doing so well! She's been prancing, playing and kicking out while in turnout with Melody. Acting like a 2 year old! But her age caught up with her yesterday because after her little playful bout with Melody, she ended up getting sore on her back leg. This morning she was fine again...no swelling or heat. So we will chalk it up to a mystery injury while playing....
Not much to report on Tyson. He's in turnout with Gunner and the two seem to be happier without Zoe keeping them in line. They zoom around with each other a lot more than they used to, Zoe must've been a tough lead mare!!
I took the pictures for T's dad of Gunner. He's one of those horses that I just couldn't find a good angle on...so we had a lot of outtakes. It didn't help that it was extremely windy so he was feeling frisky and didn't want to cooperate! Grrr...you be the judge...
Well, that's all the updates for now...
Until next time,
Lynell
Ok, actually they invited me to their daughter's (not T) graduation open house but still...I can see Zoe!
In other news, the farrier is finally able to get to our house on Friday to trim. He got sick over the winter (a bad case of pneumonia) and has been playing catch up all spring. So Friday is our turn!! I hope he's able to stay healthy and keep us in his schedule!! Along with playing catch up, he's moving right down the road from us...how convenient!! ;-) So needless to say, he's been very busy this spring.
Melody has been feeling great! So great, in fact, that she has decided to try biting people again. She got my youngest on her little wrist! My youngest was at her pen and had her hands resting on one of the boards when Melody put her head down to "sniff" and ended up biting her! I'm thinking that she was looking for treats so we have put a stop to feeding her treats. Plus, whenever I lead her out of her pen, she stops (with her butt only half way through the gate) and puts her head down to eat. What a pain!! I need to break her of that habit ASAP!!!!!
Star has been doing so well! She's been prancing, playing and kicking out while in turnout with Melody. Acting like a 2 year old! But her age caught up with her yesterday because after her little playful bout with Melody, she ended up getting sore on her back leg. This morning she was fine again...no swelling or heat. So we will chalk it up to a mystery injury while playing....
Not much to report on Tyson. He's in turnout with Gunner and the two seem to be happier without Zoe keeping them in line. They zoom around with each other a lot more than they used to, Zoe must've been a tough lead mare!!
I took the pictures for T's dad of Gunner. He's one of those horses that I just couldn't find a good angle on...so we had a lot of outtakes. It didn't help that it was extremely windy so he was feeling frisky and didn't want to cooperate! Grrr...you be the judge...
Well, that's all the updates for now...
Until next time,
Lynell
Friday, May 1, 2015
A Zoe Update
I remembered that Zoe had a reaction to the Pyranha Fly Spray last year so I thought I would send a quick text to Zoe's new family. The dad responded and said that they absolutely LOVE Zoe and that he wished his daughter didn't love her so much because he wouldn't mind having her for himself. :) Always good to hear!
I asked if Zoe was being a good girl and he said yes and that she's getting feisty. His daughter is "too soft" and is afraid of hurting Zoe's feelings so she hasn't been very firm with Zoe. At that point I was a little concerned that maybe Zoe was going to be too much horse for her. She can get full of herself but if you remind her of her manners, she's just fine. I told him that and he said that Zoe minds him fine - just wishes his daughter would get firm with Zoe. He thinks that Zoe is testing her boundaries - sounds like my Zoe!
I asked if Zoe was going to be a problem for T and he said that he didn't think so. Just "typical new horse/person relationships that need to be established and get to know each other." T has been riding almost everyday (weather permitting) and things have been going pretty good!
Overall, no red flags and they still love her as much as they did when they picked her up. Yay!
He also asked about Gunner again - I have to measure him and take some conformation pictures for him. That's on my list of things to do this weekend...
Until next time,
Lynell
I asked if Zoe was being a good girl and he said yes and that she's getting feisty. His daughter is "too soft" and is afraid of hurting Zoe's feelings so she hasn't been very firm with Zoe. At that point I was a little concerned that maybe Zoe was going to be too much horse for her. She can get full of herself but if you remind her of her manners, she's just fine. I told him that and he said that Zoe minds him fine - just wishes his daughter would get firm with Zoe. He thinks that Zoe is testing her boundaries - sounds like my Zoe!
I asked if Zoe was going to be a problem for T and he said that he didn't think so. Just "typical new horse/person relationships that need to be established and get to know each other." T has been riding almost everyday (weather permitting) and things have been going pretty good!
Overall, no red flags and they still love her as much as they did when they picked her up. Yay!
He also asked about Gunner again - I have to measure him and take some conformation pictures for him. That's on my list of things to do this weekend...
Until next time,
Lynell
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Saying Goodbye
Saturday morning I got up early. I had set my alarm for 7 am but my mind was with Zoe and I got up at 5:30 am instead. I made my coffee, got dressed and headed out to the barn. I checked all the calves (we have several right now) and made my way to Zoe. She gave me a little nicker, God I love this horse!
I decided to feed and water everyone - it was early but I was sure they wouldn't mind! I also decided to take Zoe out and feed her separately in the round pen. That way I could get some much needed one-on-one time before she left.
As she was eating, I groomed her. If it would've been a little warmer I would've given her a bath too (still only 50 degrees in the morning). She loves to be groomed and stopped eating in order to fully enjoy her brushing!
I let her finish her breakfast and got my own breakfast. But I wasn't hungry, my stomach was in knots...but I ate anyways.
I went back out to see Zoe and decided to go for one last walk together. We just went down the road for a bit but it was so nice. She was so good!
My husband took this last picture. My mom saw it and said it said so many words...
Zoe's new family arrived just after 9am. They showed up in a nice truck and trailer, and thanked me profusely for the opportunity to buy Zoe. It was the mom, dad and daughter who came to pick up Zoe. The daughter is 16 years old and very nice. We'll call her T. I really liked talking with all of them - good people! They asked if T could ride Zoe to see if she had any questions right away. Of course I agreed!
I got Zoe saddled up - which, if you can remember doesn't always go well for Zoe. She stood like a good girl while being saddled up. I'm not sure if it's because I didn't "hard tie" her this time or what but it went really good. She didn't want to put the bit in her mouth, which is unlike her. I know she's due for her teeth so that's probably what she was telling me.
I showed T how I round pen her first before getting on so I can see where her mind is. Zoe did really good again and didn't need much of a warm up. I told T that Zoe will mirror whatever emotions she's having so if she's nervous, Zoe will be nervous. If she's calm and confident Zoe will be too. T got on carefully, asking if Zoe gets upset about mounting because she'd been thrown off many times by a horse she was testing out (before Zoe). I told her no, Zoe was fine about mounting.
She started walking and they were getting the feel of each other. She made the comment on how Zoe really seemed to tune into her right away - which I've always noticed too! She asked how I got her to drop her head into a headset and what the command for back was. I told her and also told T that Zoe needs verbal confirmation that she's doing good. Zoe responds when she's told she's good, rather than just a release of some kind. After those quick instructions, T rode Zoe walk-trot (the round pen had a slick spot,so no cantering) and really got a good feel for her. T is a great rider! They did so well together!
T thanked me again for Zoe. While I was talking with T in the round pen, hubby was talking to T's parents about their own horses. The dad was trying to sell his horse because his gelding acted like a stallion and he couldn't take him trail riding - which is what he loved to do. He asked about Gunner and so we took Gunner out for him to look at. Brother-in-law hasn't been in contact with us about Gunner, so parents-in-law said to sell him (they are half owners) if we could. I'm still on the fence about that... Anyways, the dad rode Gunner for a bit. Gunner did good for him but the dad said he had to sell his own horse before he could bring another one home because he was only set up for 4 horses. He said he would give me a call once his gelding sold.
T loaded Zoe up in the trailer and we all shook hands. I said goodbye to Zoe, one last time, and they were off. I admit...I cried a good amount as they were driving away. I feel good about Zoe's new home but it still hurts to say goodbye.
We found each other on facebook so I can stay in touch with T and Zoe's progress. She invited me to come see Zoe any time and that she would let me know when they have their shows so I can watch. She's on her school's equestrian team and 4H so she's going to be busy with Zoe - which is great!!
I texted them a few hours later to see how the trip home went and how Zoe was once they got home. The dad said the trip home and unloading went great! All three of his daughters thoroughly groomed Zoe and that Zoe was taking a nap in the sun in the round pen (her transitional pen). Looks like she settled in nicely!
Another chapter in my life closes as a new one starts for Zoe!
Until next time,
Lynell
I decided to feed and water everyone - it was early but I was sure they wouldn't mind! I also decided to take Zoe out and feed her separately in the round pen. That way I could get some much needed one-on-one time before she left.
As she was eating, I groomed her. If it would've been a little warmer I would've given her a bath too (still only 50 degrees in the morning). She loves to be groomed and stopped eating in order to fully enjoy her brushing!
 |
| "Why did you stop brushing?" |
I let her finish her breakfast and got my own breakfast. But I wasn't hungry, my stomach was in knots...but I ate anyways.
I went back out to see Zoe and decided to go for one last walk together. We just went down the road for a bit but it was so nice. She was so good!
My husband took this last picture. My mom saw it and said it said so many words...
Zoe's new family arrived just after 9am. They showed up in a nice truck and trailer, and thanked me profusely for the opportunity to buy Zoe. It was the mom, dad and daughter who came to pick up Zoe. The daughter is 16 years old and very nice. We'll call her T. I really liked talking with all of them - good people! They asked if T could ride Zoe to see if she had any questions right away. Of course I agreed!
I got Zoe saddled up - which, if you can remember doesn't always go well for Zoe. She stood like a good girl while being saddled up. I'm not sure if it's because I didn't "hard tie" her this time or what but it went really good. She didn't want to put the bit in her mouth, which is unlike her. I know she's due for her teeth so that's probably what she was telling me.
I showed T how I round pen her first before getting on so I can see where her mind is. Zoe did really good again and didn't need much of a warm up. I told T that Zoe will mirror whatever emotions she's having so if she's nervous, Zoe will be nervous. If she's calm and confident Zoe will be too. T got on carefully, asking if Zoe gets upset about mounting because she'd been thrown off many times by a horse she was testing out (before Zoe). I told her no, Zoe was fine about mounting.
She started walking and they were getting the feel of each other. She made the comment on how Zoe really seemed to tune into her right away - which I've always noticed too! She asked how I got her to drop her head into a headset and what the command for back was. I told her and also told T that Zoe needs verbal confirmation that she's doing good. Zoe responds when she's told she's good, rather than just a release of some kind. After those quick instructions, T rode Zoe walk-trot (the round pen had a slick spot,so no cantering) and really got a good feel for her. T is a great rider! They did so well together!
T thanked me again for Zoe. While I was talking with T in the round pen, hubby was talking to T's parents about their own horses. The dad was trying to sell his horse because his gelding acted like a stallion and he couldn't take him trail riding - which is what he loved to do. He asked about Gunner and so we took Gunner out for him to look at. Brother-in-law hasn't been in contact with us about Gunner, so parents-in-law said to sell him (they are half owners) if we could. I'm still on the fence about that... Anyways, the dad rode Gunner for a bit. Gunner did good for him but the dad said he had to sell his own horse before he could bring another one home because he was only set up for 4 horses. He said he would give me a call once his gelding sold.
T loaded Zoe up in the trailer and we all shook hands. I said goodbye to Zoe, one last time, and they were off. I admit...I cried a good amount as they were driving away. I feel good about Zoe's new home but it still hurts to say goodbye.
We found each other on facebook so I can stay in touch with T and Zoe's progress. She invited me to come see Zoe any time and that she would let me know when they have their shows so I can watch. She's on her school's equestrian team and 4H so she's going to be busy with Zoe - which is great!!
I texted them a few hours later to see how the trip home went and how Zoe was once they got home. The dad said the trip home and unloading went great! All three of his daughters thoroughly groomed Zoe and that Zoe was taking a nap in the sun in the round pen (her transitional pen). Looks like she settled in nicely!
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Until next time,
Lynell
Friday, April 17, 2015
A Fork in the Road
I don't even know how to start this...
Tomorrow Zoe will be moving to her new home with her new family. It KILLS me to sell her, she was supposed to be my forever horse! But the direction my life is going right now will prevent me from continuing her training like she needs, like she wants! This decision has been weighing in my mind for a while now. I need to do what's right for Zoe and stop wasting her by not having the time to ride and work with her consistently. The guilt is overwhelming!! Even as I type this I'm having a hard time accepting it. Zoe was supposed to be with me forever - until the end. My heart is broken.
The family I have chosen for Zoe has 4 other horses. Their lives revolve around their horses and they are so excited to have Zoe join their family...their family are the key words here. She will have a forever home with them! They plan to use her for all kinds of events in western and possibly dabble in english, depending on how Zoe does.
The father of the family found out about Zoe through my trainer. He explained to me that they were putting their daughter's horse down because they were no longer able to manage the pain for their horse (severe arthritis) so they have been looking for a new horse for quite some time. When my trainer told him Zoe was for sale he called me and begged me to let him buy her. They knew Zoe from when she was in training and absolutely loved her! I told him I had someone else coming that night to ride her and from the sounds of things would probably buy her so I was sorry. He was persistent and even offered to buy her for more than what I was asking!
I called my trainer to get an idea of what this family was all about. To me, the right fit was more important than the money - or even who had first "dibs" on her, so I had to at least think about it. My trainer had nothing but great things to say about this family and so I did it.
I sold her to them.
His daughter asked if she could call me about Zoe if she has any questions or maybe come out and help her! I told her I would absolutely love that! I'm excited for Zoe - for her future with this family. It feels right, it hurts but I'm at peace.
I don't usually get comments on here so I don't know if anyone really reads this or not but I will leave this blog up for a while but then probably shut it down. Maybe I will start one for Melody or a general one for the farm. We'll see.
Until next time,
Lynell
Tomorrow Zoe will be moving to her new home with her new family. It KILLS me to sell her, she was supposed to be my forever horse! But the direction my life is going right now will prevent me from continuing her training like she needs, like she wants! This decision has been weighing in my mind for a while now. I need to do what's right for Zoe and stop wasting her by not having the time to ride and work with her consistently. The guilt is overwhelming!! Even as I type this I'm having a hard time accepting it. Zoe was supposed to be with me forever - until the end. My heart is broken.
The family I have chosen for Zoe has 4 other horses. Their lives revolve around their horses and they are so excited to have Zoe join their family...their family are the key words here. She will have a forever home with them! They plan to use her for all kinds of events in western and possibly dabble in english, depending on how Zoe does.
The father of the family found out about Zoe through my trainer. He explained to me that they were putting their daughter's horse down because they were no longer able to manage the pain for their horse (severe arthritis) so they have been looking for a new horse for quite some time. When my trainer told him Zoe was for sale he called me and begged me to let him buy her. They knew Zoe from when she was in training and absolutely loved her! I told him I had someone else coming that night to ride her and from the sounds of things would probably buy her so I was sorry. He was persistent and even offered to buy her for more than what I was asking!
I called my trainer to get an idea of what this family was all about. To me, the right fit was more important than the money - or even who had first "dibs" on her, so I had to at least think about it. My trainer had nothing but great things to say about this family and so I did it.
I sold her to them.
His daughter asked if she could call me about Zoe if she has any questions or maybe come out and help her! I told her I would absolutely love that! I'm excited for Zoe - for her future with this family. It feels right, it hurts but I'm at peace.
I don't usually get comments on here so I don't know if anyone really reads this or not but I will leave this blog up for a while but then probably shut it down. Maybe I will start one for Melody or a general one for the farm. We'll see.
Until next time,
Lynell
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Warming Up!
The weather is finally starting to warm up! Our February was the coldest I can remember ever having! We basically just went into survival mode that month...so glad that's over with! The horses took the cold weather as good as can be expected. Gunner was the only one who got cold, which surprised me. Before he came to live with us, he was kept outside without a shelter most of the time so I half expected him to winter better than the rest of the horses. But I ended up taking him in and putting him in a stall every night and during the frigid days. We all got through it. I just hope we don't ever have another month like that ever again!! IT WAS FREEZING!!
Anyways, we are back to ground work with the horses, all of them. Tyson had to be reminded that even though the other horses were calling he had to stay with me. He was not thrilled about that. Zoe is a hot mess any time I take a horse out without her. I can't decide if it's jealousy or worry...either way, she's been a handful. Gunner and Star have been fantastic with ground work, not much to report there. I'm not riding yet because the ground in the round pen isn't good yet for riding (the first ride always happens in there) so I will keep taking them out for leading/ground work. Melody has been a handful, just like Zoe. But I believe her issue is that she's buddy sour. Time for her to be in a separate turn out! I have to get a pen set up for her so for now she's still with Star...not for long though! I will be interested to watch her shenanigans when she figures that out!! (insert evil laugh)
Our cows should be calving in the next month or so. It's always exciting when they come! I will take picture!
Lola, the puppy, is also doing fantastic. She's been such a great puppy to train and has a knack for working the chickens. She wants to work the cows so badly but we don't want her to get her confidence crushed if one of the cows kicks or hooks her. She will work cows after she's a year old. Then the real cow dog training will start! Until then, we work on her basic commands. She does pretty good!
Well, that's all for now! More later!
Quote for the day:
"Lost time is never found again."
Anyways, we are back to ground work with the horses, all of them. Tyson had to be reminded that even though the other horses were calling he had to stay with me. He was not thrilled about that. Zoe is a hot mess any time I take a horse out without her. I can't decide if it's jealousy or worry...either way, she's been a handful. Gunner and Star have been fantastic with ground work, not much to report there. I'm not riding yet because the ground in the round pen isn't good yet for riding (the first ride always happens in there) so I will keep taking them out for leading/ground work. Melody has been a handful, just like Zoe. But I believe her issue is that she's buddy sour. Time for her to be in a separate turn out! I have to get a pen set up for her so for now she's still with Star...not for long though! I will be interested to watch her shenanigans when she figures that out!! (insert evil laugh)
Our cows should be calving in the next month or so. It's always exciting when they come! I will take picture!
Lola, the puppy, is also doing fantastic. She's been such a great puppy to train and has a knack for working the chickens. She wants to work the cows so badly but we don't want her to get her confidence crushed if one of the cows kicks or hooks her. She will work cows after she's a year old. Then the real cow dog training will start! Until then, we work on her basic commands. She does pretty good!
Well, that's all for now! More later!
Quote for the day:
"Lost time is never found again."
-Benjamin Franklin
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