Sore Gunner

Gunner got the day off on Thursday because the farrier came out.  So Friday we decided to get a ride in during the afternoon because we didn't want to try to ride while people would be starting to shoot off fireworks.

Going back, Wednesday we tried Gunner in the hackmore and he did AWESOME!  So quiet and relaxed!  I have a phone call in for brother-in-law about Gunner's teeth, though.  I would like to know when the last time he had them done just so I can or cannot rule out his teeth as the culprit with the bit.  Don't get me wrong, I will still be scheduling an appointment for his teeth and we will probably continue to ride in the hackmore but I would like to keep him on a better schedule.

Anyways, middle daughter was grooming Gunner before the ride and when she ran the brush over his back he dropped his back out under the pressure.  He's been doing something similar to this ever since we turned him out with Zoe but this time he seemed more tense.  My gut says that Zoe got a hold of him...  Anyways, we decided to try him out and all was going well until middle daughter asked him to canter.  He jumped up in the front end more exaggerated than usual but picked up the correct lead and went around the pen once before she asked him to trot.

She changed directions and when she asked for the canter he gave out a small buck.  Middle daughter stayed in the saddle and didn't really know what happened.  I told her riding was done and to cool him down.  I'm guessing he was too sore.  Poor guy!

Since the ride was cut short, we decided to pamper the little guy and gave him a good shampoo bath.  He has one white sock on his back foot and when we were done it was glowing!  He looked like a million bucks!  Middle daughter took him out to the yard to let him eat while he dried off and he behaved so nicely for her.  What a great little horse he's turned out to be!  I'm hoping that we will be able to keep him for her to ride for 4H...

Anyways, he's gonna get some time off for his back to heal.  If I don't see much progress in a week or so, I'll have to call the chiro and see about getting his back adjusted.  I've never used an equine chiro before...it will be a learning experience for both of us!

Until next time!



Quote for the day:
"The fewer the facts, the stronger the opinion."

-Arnold H. Glasow

Lessons

I mentioned before how my hubby and I were looking into 4H for our middle daughter.  Our decision?  She needs to have some formal lessons first to decide which aspect of horseback riding she wants to pursue.  Right now she rides around the yard very well but doesn't have a clue about the different types of riding out there.  She's heard us talk about jumping, barrel racing and reining but there is so much more out there for her to learn.  She really has a knack for riding and is very good at it.  A natural - much better than I was at her age!

I started my search online (gotta love Facebook and Craigslist!) for a local trainer for her to learn from and have a few to pick from.  I've managed to narrow it down to two top ladies...Sarah Johnson and Becky Botsford.  Sarah trains not too far from our house at a local APHA breeder's barn and Becky trains in a small farm community about 20 - 30 minutes away at a BEAUTIFUL barn.  Both ladies train in the same disciplines and seem to know what they are doing.  My next step is to contact them.  I want to know what their methods are for teaching/training and of course, the cost.

It would be great to have middle start with one of the trainers soon so that next year she will be ready for 4H or maybe some open shows.  If I like them and it works out, I might take some lessons too.  It's been a long time since I had any formal lessons and I know I would definitely benefit from them.  Like I said in my About Us page, I want to do reining and I think Zoe will be a great mount for that, if I can get her broke!

If anyone who is reading this knows anything about these two trainers, please comment.  I would love to get the scoop on them from someone other than themselves.  I want to know how they treat their horses and students; how they train their horses and students (methods); are they easy to get along with or are they pushy?  You know, that kind of stuff.

Until next time!


Quote for the day:
"I never did give them hell. I just told the truth, and they thought it was hell."

-Harry S. Truman

Just Looking

We (my husband and I) are kicking around the idea of having our middle daughter start 4H this year.  I know we need to decide soon as there are fees that need to be paid.  I asked her and she said she didn't know because she didn't know what kind of shows there are.  She's not into Western Pleasure, or any english classes.  I'm thinking she's going to be a speed and action kind of girl - she likes to run on those big horses!  You should see her go!  Last summer we had my brother-in-law's APHA horse at our house, he's close to 16 hh, and she would run him around the front yard like it was no big deal.  She thoroughly enjoys going fast and I think barrels (maybe poles) will be her style.  But I'm wondering if there are those kind of events at the 4H level?  What about doing a trail course?  Do they offer that as well?

I know it's blurry...sorry!  Middle daughter does wear her helmet when riding...she was all done and I wanted a quick picture so she hopped on quick - without the helmet!

Anyway, in thinking about her possible 4H showing this year it got me looking at horses for sale.  No, we aren't in the market right now but I enjoy looking at what's out there.  Do you ever do that?  I find myself looking at horses for sale all the time, not because I want/need another horse but just because seeing what's out there is fun.  I enjoy looking at beautiful horses of all breeds and colors. 

I blurred out her face - middle daughter on Star.  We were doing a photo shoot of the horses and I had her hop on quick.

I think Star could do well for our daughter at the 4H level, with some work.  She's going to need a refresher this spring too because she hasn't been ridden since the bad weather hit.  That mare likes to go and not much phases her so I think she would handle the horse showing thing just fine.  She's never ran a barrel pattern before so she will have to be taught that as well.

Looks like I have a busy spring ahead of me!

Until next time!


Quote for the day:
"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses."

-Alphonse Karr