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
Showing posts with label New Filly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Filly. Show all posts
Monday, July 27, 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
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
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
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
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Star & Melody's Shenanigans
We've completed the bute pills regime for Star now. She's doing much better now but still ouchy in the spot at the end of her ribs. Might have a cracked rib in there, but there's really nothing we can do for that. The swelling has gone down to almost nothing now so the vet doesn't think we need to do another blood test, but if the swelling reoccurs definitely need to have him come out again. She was feeling so good the other day that she was bucking and leaping around in her turn out withe Melody! I can't even tell you how happy I was to see her acting that way!!
Speaking of Melody...I was bringing Star to her turnout and left Melody in her pen in the barn by herself. She didn't care for that at all! She got to bucking and leaping in her pen while Star and I were walking away. That stuff never phases Star...she had one thing on her mind and that was her turn out! I went back to get Melody and she met me at the gate. She tried to be patient while I put her halter on. I could see it in her eye that she was anxiously waiting to get past the gate. As I opened the gate she pushed past me and got the end of the lead rope and jerked around. Naughty, naughty. I don't tolerate bad gate manners - too many accidents happen at gates (or anywhere with a naughty horse)! We did a few more passes in and out of the gate until she walked through like a good girl. Then we were on our way to the turn out. Star was standing at the gate waiting for us. Melody was practically dragging me all the way to the turn out, so I decided we would do more leading work. We would walk away from the gate/turnout, then circle back. Every time we would turn away she would whip her hips around and face me like she was saying "Umm, you missed the gate lady!" and then pull on the lead all the way back to the gate again. We did this for a while...I'm not sure how long it took but I know my hands were cold by the time she "calmed down". I decided we were at a place I was comfortable with ending so we headed back to the gate. We were almost to the gate when she reared up and started bucking and jumping with all fours off the ground. She never came at me or tried to strike me so I waited for her to finish. Then we were off to the round pen for some work.
Once she got her bucks and kicks out, she actually worked really well. On a side note: Our December weather here has been unseasonably warm with temps in the 40's most days so the footing in the round pen was fine for working. I was very pleased at how well she listened and had retained what work we had done in the fall. To be honest, I haven't done much since we had the major snow storm in November. To end our work session, we worked on her bending. She still has issues with that so we will keep working on that. Then she was finally out with Star and happy about that! They played together for a few minutes and then got the serious business of finding blades of grass that could be eaten.
That's all for now!
Quote for the day:
"It is a fine seasoning for joy to think of those we love."
Speaking of Melody...I was bringing Star to her turnout and left Melody in her pen in the barn by herself. She didn't care for that at all! She got to bucking and leaping in her pen while Star and I were walking away. That stuff never phases Star...she had one thing on her mind and that was her turn out! I went back to get Melody and she met me at the gate. She tried to be patient while I put her halter on. I could see it in her eye that she was anxiously waiting to get past the gate. As I opened the gate she pushed past me and got the end of the lead rope and jerked around. Naughty, naughty. I don't tolerate bad gate manners - too many accidents happen at gates (or anywhere with a naughty horse)! We did a few more passes in and out of the gate until she walked through like a good girl. Then we were on our way to the turn out. Star was standing at the gate waiting for us. Melody was practically dragging me all the way to the turn out, so I decided we would do more leading work. We would walk away from the gate/turnout, then circle back. Every time we would turn away she would whip her hips around and face me like she was saying "Umm, you missed the gate lady!" and then pull on the lead all the way back to the gate again. We did this for a while...I'm not sure how long it took but I know my hands were cold by the time she "calmed down". I decided we were at a place I was comfortable with ending so we headed back to the gate. We were almost to the gate when she reared up and started bucking and jumping with all fours off the ground. She never came at me or tried to strike me so I waited for her to finish. Then we were off to the round pen for some work.
Once she got her bucks and kicks out, she actually worked really well. On a side note: Our December weather here has been unseasonably warm with temps in the 40's most days so the footing in the round pen was fine for working. I was very pleased at how well she listened and had retained what work we had done in the fall. To be honest, I haven't done much since we had the major snow storm in November. To end our work session, we worked on her bending. She still has issues with that so we will keep working on that. Then she was finally out with Star and happy about that! They played together for a few minutes and then got the serious business of finding blades of grass that could be eaten.
That's all for now!
Quote for the day:
"It is a fine seasoning for joy to think of those we love."
-Moliere
Monday, December 8, 2014
News
The vet called Friday afternoon with the news. Her white blood cell count was good but her red blood cell count was low signaling that she is anemic. The vet said that he wasn't too worried about it. He would come back in a month or so and take another blood sample to make sure the red blood cell count didn't drop anymore. In the meantime, we were to "worm her real good" to make sure it wasn't because of worms. I have the horses on a regular worming schedule but I re-wormed them all again on Saturday, just to be on the safe side.
Star has been feeling great since we started her on the Bute pills. We were worried she wouldn't eat her grain with the bitter tasting Bute pills in it, but she cleans up her grain dish - every last bit! The swelling is still there but has gone down and she's been trotting around in her turn out. I have her with Melody in her turnout and I think I'm gonna leave it that way this winter. We seem to have peace within each grouping, so why mess with it?
Gunner's swelling has gone down a little. The vet said he should be back to normal within a week so I'm keeping an eye on it to make sure it does.
I've been doing more groundwork exercises with Melody whenever I lead her in or out of the turnout. She's been introduced to the tarp. I first had her walk on it - no big deal. She sniffed it a little and then walked on and stood with no problem. The next time she walked right onto it, no questions asked. The next time, instead of walking on it, I rubbed her with it. She was alert at first and then got bored. I repeated all the tarp stuff with her for about a week and then moved onto laying it across her, over her head, neck, back and butt. She did some dancing but nothing major. Those lessons were repeated over the following week until she was bored with that too. It doesn't take much for her to be ok with what we work on. She's very trusting and has a good head on her. She came in from turnout the other day with a mystery cut on her face. I have NO IDEA where that could've come from. It's healed up nicely now, though. Being a light colored palomino Melody is absolutely filthy, and you can see every spec of dirt on her! I can't stand it!! Zoe is a buckskin and her cream color gets really light in the winter too but she keeps herself clean, but not Melody! I think she finds the smelliest, muddiest spots in her turnout and rolls, and naps there!! I'm looking forward to the warmer weather already so I can get her clean again! Yuck! I should try to snap a picture just so you can see how nasty her creamy coat is! Oh well, nothing I can do about it. We brush her the best we can but it doesn't get the deep down stuff...
With all that's been going on, not much progress with Zoe lately. She's been itching for work so I did lunge her the other day. She was happy about that! We are going back to working on leadership exercises to help build a better working relationship before the riding happens again. Not that it's a bad relationship but more that we haven't been working together for a while now and I want to start off with a trusting relationship. Make sense?
Well, that's all for now!
Quote for the day:
"He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything."
Star has been feeling great since we started her on the Bute pills. We were worried she wouldn't eat her grain with the bitter tasting Bute pills in it, but she cleans up her grain dish - every last bit! The swelling is still there but has gone down and she's been trotting around in her turn out. I have her with Melody in her turnout and I think I'm gonna leave it that way this winter. We seem to have peace within each grouping, so why mess with it?
Gunner's swelling has gone down a little. The vet said he should be back to normal within a week so I'm keeping an eye on it to make sure it does.
I've been doing more groundwork exercises with Melody whenever I lead her in or out of the turnout. She's been introduced to the tarp. I first had her walk on it - no big deal. She sniffed it a little and then walked on and stood with no problem. The next time she walked right onto it, no questions asked. The next time, instead of walking on it, I rubbed her with it. She was alert at first and then got bored. I repeated all the tarp stuff with her for about a week and then moved onto laying it across her, over her head, neck, back and butt. She did some dancing but nothing major. Those lessons were repeated over the following week until she was bored with that too. It doesn't take much for her to be ok with what we work on. She's very trusting and has a good head on her. She came in from turnout the other day with a mystery cut on her face. I have NO IDEA where that could've come from. It's healed up nicely now, though. Being a light colored palomino Melody is absolutely filthy, and you can see every spec of dirt on her! I can't stand it!! Zoe is a buckskin and her cream color gets really light in the winter too but she keeps herself clean, but not Melody! I think she finds the smelliest, muddiest spots in her turnout and rolls, and naps there!! I'm looking forward to the warmer weather already so I can get her clean again! Yuck! I should try to snap a picture just so you can see how nasty her creamy coat is! Oh well, nothing I can do about it. We brush her the best we can but it doesn't get the deep down stuff...
With all that's been going on, not much progress with Zoe lately. She's been itching for work so I did lunge her the other day. She was happy about that! We are going back to working on leadership exercises to help build a better working relationship before the riding happens again. Not that it's a bad relationship but more that we haven't been working together for a while now and I want to start off with a trusting relationship. Make sense?
Well, that's all for now!
Quote for the day:
"He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything."
-Thomas Carlyle
Friday, December 5, 2014
The Vet
Since the cold weather set in, I started to separate the boys from the girls. Tyson wasn't letting anyone in the lean-to so that meant Star ALWAYS ended up out in the weather. She's gonna be 20 years old next year and I don't need her getting stuck outside in the bad weather we are having so I moved the boys to stalls at night and a different turn out during the day.
Before, the girls got along really well. All three could stand the in the large lean-to comfortably with no issues. Well, there's issues now! Zoe decided she was queen and wouldn't let ANYONE into the lean-to. So I moved her to the stall at night and brought her back out with Star and Melody during the day. This was going great - or so I thought!
It started when I noticed that Star was losing weight. I ended up working with hubby around the barn one day last week and that's when I realized that Star wasn't moving around in her turnout. She would stand in a corner, appearing to be scared to move. That's when I saw Zoe start blasting Star with both back feet right into Star's side!!! Star had nowhere to go so she stood there and took it. WTH?! I was UPSET to say the least! I took Zoe out and put her out with the boys. That was enough of that! If she can't play nice with Star then she will have to go out with Tyson, who is head honcho and will keep her in line! Once Zoe was out, Star let out a big sigh. She immediately walked over to the water and drank for what seemed like forever!
The next day, I went to check on her. Her spirits were up but I noticed she wasn't acting quite like herself. Star isn't a cuddly horse (unless you have treats). She's very sweet but isn't the one who will hang her head on your shoulder or nuzzle your hair. That day, all she wanted to do was rest her head on my shoulder and kept nuzzling me on my neck. In all the years I've owned her, she's NEVER done that. I looked her over carefully and didn't see anything physically wrong with her. So I chalked it up to her "thanking" me for taking Zoe away.
The next night (hubby did chores for me in the morning because I was running late to work) I went to check on her again and this time there were HUGE lumps on her right side and a long swollen area beneath her belly. She was tender to the touch but let me touch her. I called the vet and he called me back right away and told me it could be an allergic reaction and to give her a treatment (with the heaves medication). I did as I was told, hoping that the vet was right. The reason we were wondering about allergies was because I had just switched her to a pelleted grain (no dust) so I immediately stopped feeding that grain to her. I gave her 3 treatments as instructed by the vet and kept an eye on her. I thought I had seen a change for the better one night...
But the next day, she was worse. She wouldn't even let me touch her on that side anymore! I was immediately concerned and called the vet. He said he would come over first thing the next morning. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be there for the vet appointment so hubby was there instead. That was today...he agreed with us that these lumps were probably from getting beat up by Zoe and she might even have a cracked rib. He gave us Bute pills that we are to put in her grain (2 daily) to help with the pain. Hubby pointed out her weight loss and the vet said the stress of being out with Zoe would cause her to lose weight, and then hubby pointed out the swollen area beneath her belly. The vet wasn't sure what the cause for that would be so he took a blood sample. He said he would get the results this afternoon and call us. If it's a tumor, he should be able to remove it fairly easily. But we will just have to wait and see.
While he was there, we had him clean Gunner's sheath. I wasn't sure if he had ever had that done before so the vet took care of that. He said Gunner was very dirty and also agreed that it appeared he had never been cleaned before. Or if he had, it had been a LONG time since the last time. Tyson was done a few months ago so we didn't have him done again. It would be nice if we could get them all on the same schedule next year so we don't have to pay for so many farm calls! I guess that's something I will have to work on next year!
Needless to say, our vet bill is gonna be a big one! With this business with Star, our cows getting preg-checked, Gunner's sheath, and puppy check-ups...it should be a good size bill next month. But, I would do it all over again - LOVE these animals!
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."
Before, the girls got along really well. All three could stand the in the large lean-to comfortably with no issues. Well, there's issues now! Zoe decided she was queen and wouldn't let ANYONE into the lean-to. So I moved her to the stall at night and brought her back out with Star and Melody during the day. This was going great - or so I thought!
It started when I noticed that Star was losing weight. I ended up working with hubby around the barn one day last week and that's when I realized that Star wasn't moving around in her turnout. She would stand in a corner, appearing to be scared to move. That's when I saw Zoe start blasting Star with both back feet right into Star's side!!! Star had nowhere to go so she stood there and took it. WTH?! I was UPSET to say the least! I took Zoe out and put her out with the boys. That was enough of that! If she can't play nice with Star then she will have to go out with Tyson, who is head honcho and will keep her in line! Once Zoe was out, Star let out a big sigh. She immediately walked over to the water and drank for what seemed like forever!
The next day, I went to check on her. Her spirits were up but I noticed she wasn't acting quite like herself. Star isn't a cuddly horse (unless you have treats). She's very sweet but isn't the one who will hang her head on your shoulder or nuzzle your hair. That day, all she wanted to do was rest her head on my shoulder and kept nuzzling me on my neck. In all the years I've owned her, she's NEVER done that. I looked her over carefully and didn't see anything physically wrong with her. So I chalked it up to her "thanking" me for taking Zoe away.
The next night (hubby did chores for me in the morning because I was running late to work) I went to check on her again and this time there were HUGE lumps on her right side and a long swollen area beneath her belly. She was tender to the touch but let me touch her. I called the vet and he called me back right away and told me it could be an allergic reaction and to give her a treatment (with the heaves medication). I did as I was told, hoping that the vet was right. The reason we were wondering about allergies was because I had just switched her to a pelleted grain (no dust) so I immediately stopped feeding that grain to her. I gave her 3 treatments as instructed by the vet and kept an eye on her. I thought I had seen a change for the better one night...
But the next day, she was worse. She wouldn't even let me touch her on that side anymore! I was immediately concerned and called the vet. He said he would come over first thing the next morning. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be there for the vet appointment so hubby was there instead. That was today...he agreed with us that these lumps were probably from getting beat up by Zoe and she might even have a cracked rib. He gave us Bute pills that we are to put in her grain (2 daily) to help with the pain. Hubby pointed out her weight loss and the vet said the stress of being out with Zoe would cause her to lose weight, and then hubby pointed out the swollen area beneath her belly. The vet wasn't sure what the cause for that would be so he took a blood sample. He said he would get the results this afternoon and call us. If it's a tumor, he should be able to remove it fairly easily. But we will just have to wait and see.
While he was there, we had him clean Gunner's sheath. I wasn't sure if he had ever had that done before so the vet took care of that. He said Gunner was very dirty and also agreed that it appeared he had never been cleaned before. Or if he had, it had been a LONG time since the last time. Tyson was done a few months ago so we didn't have him done again. It would be nice if we could get them all on the same schedule next year so we don't have to pay for so many farm calls! I guess that's something I will have to work on next year!
Needless to say, our vet bill is gonna be a big one! With this business with Star, our cows getting preg-checked, Gunner's sheath, and puppy check-ups...it should be a good size bill next month. But, I would do it all over again - LOVE these animals!
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."
-Leo Tolstoy
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Moving Foward
My last post talked about saddle fitting on Zoe. I can honestly say that I haven't ridden Zoe even once since that post. I feel ashamed and guilty for letting her 'sit' in the pasture. My life has been so full (imagine that!!) that my progress with Zoe has come to a complete stop. My work with Melody hasn't been consistent and yet she still amazes me with how well she retains her lessons. I rode Star a handful of times and middle daughter rode Gunner a handful of times (his back was sore). I'm so let down with how the end of summer and fall have gone as I had BIG plans. Have the horses been well cared for? Yes, but I haven't spent the time with them that I feel I should. The guilt is overwhelming...but I can't dwell on that, right? I'm moving forward with a new plan...
I know I may have to do lessons with Zoe that we have already done but I'm ok with that. I've found an indoor arena that I can haul to this winter that's really close to home (and SUPER nice) so I can continue our work together through the winter. We will be doing a lot of leadership exercises, trust and body work before I throw a leg over her. She's gonna stand in cross ties (she's never been cross tied before) and stand like a rock when I put the saddle pad and saddle on her among other things. We are going to have all this stuff DOWN! I've put up with her dancing around the saddle and her tying issues long enough! It's time for her to behave and act her age!! ;-)
Melody will be coming along as well, along with Gunner, if middle daughter can make it out to ride with us. Melody will learn to be lunged (already knows how to round pen) and get better with her verbal commands. We will keep working on shoulder and hip yields, giving at the poll, and flexing to both sides (she's not very good at her right side). Her back feet still seem to be a problem with letting us hold them for any length of time so we will continue to work on that as well.
Gunner will need some time in the saddle as well. The last time middle daughter rode him, he bucked her off when she asked him to canter. I have no idea what that was all about! I was so proud of her for picking herself up and getting back on! She landed hard and it really shook her up. No serious injuries, just a little stab at her pride I think. Afterwards, I checked to see if his back was sore again but his back was fine. I checked other spots that might be sore but he seemed fine in those places too. The saddle fit is good so maybe middle daughter did something that triggered the bucking fit or else he learned before that if he bucked he got out of doing it. Either way, I'm gonna have to get on and figure it out.
In other farm news, we replanted the front horse pasture. It was getting full of weeds and the ground was so compacted from years of horses walking on it that the grass couldn't get a good root system going again, hence the weeds. We had the soil tested to see what the ground was lacking and was able to pick up a fertilizer to help the ground produce the best horse pasture grass mix it could. We have to keep the horses off it for one full growing season (all of 2015) so the root system can really take hold. We were told to hay it so it will help the grasses to come in nice and thick. We are really excited to see the fruits of our labor! Oh, and while we were at it, we tore down all the old cow fencing that was up around this pasture. We are putting up electric instead - always hated that fencing!
Not only did we replant the horse pasture, but we built a new horse catch pen. While all of this replanting was going on, we had them in a cow pen. It was fine but it was a reminder that without the horse pasture in the front, we were going to be short on turn outs this winter! So we took another weekend and built a safe catch/turnout pen for the horses with a shelter. This is where Star and her buddy (undecided on who) will spend the winter nights while the others are in their stalls. Speaking of stalls, we built insulated water bucket holders for the stalls. I'm excited to put these things to use this winter! Last winter was awful with trying to keep the water fresh and unfrozen. (Hubby doesn't like to use the heated water buckets because he had a bad experience with them once and now refuses to use them....) We also built two extras for outside in the shelter for Star and her buddy. I'll try to take a picture of them so you can see what we built...I will let you know how they work too!
Another farm project completed is my new tack room/office in the barn. It's wonderful - and much bigger than my old tack room! In order to complete the new tack room, we also built new saddle racks. This time I have enough saddle racks for ALL of my saddles. I used to always be 1 rack short so it was kept in the house, which is fine except it's a pain to haul a big western saddle out of the house whenever you want to ride. So my brand new Billy Cook saddle still has very little use... The new feed room is going right next to the new tack room but we haven't finished it yet. Just have to put the floor in and then it will be complete.
In addition to all of that, we also built a new lean-to for the cows (it's HUGE) and are working on another one. We added beef cows to our regime of animals this summer so more and larger shelters were needed. I guess you could say we've been busy!
One more announcement...we added a new member to our family!
Meet Lola! She's a red tri Australian Shepherd and we love her to pieces! Couldn't be happier with our choice! She and Riggin (black tri Australian Shepherd) have become good friends! She will follow him anywhere and learns from him all the time, which is why we bought her now instead of waiting. Riggin is probably the BEST dog we've ever had the privilege of owning and is getting up there in age. We wanted him to pass along his knowledge to the next pup so now was the best time.
So that's a snapshot of what's been going on with me lately. Not to mention the fact that I have 5 children, two of which are on student council this year, one is in high school and just had her first homecoming...My life is full, but that's exactly how I like it!
That's all for now!
Quote for the day:
"Never mistake activity for achievement."
I know I may have to do lessons with Zoe that we have already done but I'm ok with that. I've found an indoor arena that I can haul to this winter that's really close to home (and SUPER nice) so I can continue our work together through the winter. We will be doing a lot of leadership exercises, trust and body work before I throw a leg over her. She's gonna stand in cross ties (she's never been cross tied before) and stand like a rock when I put the saddle pad and saddle on her among other things. We are going to have all this stuff DOWN! I've put up with her dancing around the saddle and her tying issues long enough! It's time for her to behave and act her age!! ;-)
Melody will be coming along as well, along with Gunner, if middle daughter can make it out to ride with us. Melody will learn to be lunged (already knows how to round pen) and get better with her verbal commands. We will keep working on shoulder and hip yields, giving at the poll, and flexing to both sides (she's not very good at her right side). Her back feet still seem to be a problem with letting us hold them for any length of time so we will continue to work on that as well.
Gunner will need some time in the saddle as well. The last time middle daughter rode him, he bucked her off when she asked him to canter. I have no idea what that was all about! I was so proud of her for picking herself up and getting back on! She landed hard and it really shook her up. No serious injuries, just a little stab at her pride I think. Afterwards, I checked to see if his back was sore again but his back was fine. I checked other spots that might be sore but he seemed fine in those places too. The saddle fit is good so maybe middle daughter did something that triggered the bucking fit or else he learned before that if he bucked he got out of doing it. Either way, I'm gonna have to get on and figure it out.
In other farm news, we replanted the front horse pasture. It was getting full of weeds and the ground was so compacted from years of horses walking on it that the grass couldn't get a good root system going again, hence the weeds. We had the soil tested to see what the ground was lacking and was able to pick up a fertilizer to help the ground produce the best horse pasture grass mix it could. We have to keep the horses off it for one full growing season (all of 2015) so the root system can really take hold. We were told to hay it so it will help the grasses to come in nice and thick. We are really excited to see the fruits of our labor! Oh, and while we were at it, we tore down all the old cow fencing that was up around this pasture. We are putting up electric instead - always hated that fencing!
Not only did we replant the horse pasture, but we built a new horse catch pen. While all of this replanting was going on, we had them in a cow pen. It was fine but it was a reminder that without the horse pasture in the front, we were going to be short on turn outs this winter! So we took another weekend and built a safe catch/turnout pen for the horses with a shelter. This is where Star and her buddy (undecided on who) will spend the winter nights while the others are in their stalls. Speaking of stalls, we built insulated water bucket holders for the stalls. I'm excited to put these things to use this winter! Last winter was awful with trying to keep the water fresh and unfrozen. (Hubby doesn't like to use the heated water buckets because he had a bad experience with them once and now refuses to use them....) We also built two extras for outside in the shelter for Star and her buddy. I'll try to take a picture of them so you can see what we built...I will let you know how they work too!
Another farm project completed is my new tack room/office in the barn. It's wonderful - and much bigger than my old tack room! In order to complete the new tack room, we also built new saddle racks. This time I have enough saddle racks for ALL of my saddles. I used to always be 1 rack short so it was kept in the house, which is fine except it's a pain to haul a big western saddle out of the house whenever you want to ride. So my brand new Billy Cook saddle still has very little use... The new feed room is going right next to the new tack room but we haven't finished it yet. Just have to put the floor in and then it will be complete.
In addition to all of that, we also built a new lean-to for the cows (it's HUGE) and are working on another one. We added beef cows to our regime of animals this summer so more and larger shelters were needed. I guess you could say we've been busy!
One more announcement...we added a new member to our family!
So that's a snapshot of what's been going on with me lately. Not to mention the fact that I have 5 children, two of which are on student council this year, one is in high school and just had her first homecoming...My life is full, but that's exactly how I like it!
That's all for now!
Quote for the day:
"Never mistake activity for achievement."
-John Wooden
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
A Few Random Things
I just thought I would quick share what's been going on with the horses lately:
Melody has been getting round penned three days a week. She picked up on it pretty quick. I think she enjoys the work and I enjoy watching her move - what a beauty!
Zoe gave me a great ride last weekend but that's not without a little drama beforehand. The last few times I've thrown the saddle up on her she's acted like she's never seen the saddle before and FREAKS out. I did the slow, let her sniff the saddle approach. I tried the deliberate, don't make it a big deal approach. Freaks out the same both ways and didn't improve at all. This has got me thinking about why? She's muscled up quite a bit now (and gained weight) so I'm wondering if this is her way of telling me that the saddle is too small. Hopefully tonight I will be able to get the saddle I've been using on her and take a close look. If that saddle appears to be too small, I will try my other saddle. I hope I can figure this out soon. I don't want to ride her in a saddle that's too small...
Star has been doing great! She hasn't coughed since the medication regime was finished. She's been staying sound as well so I hope to take her out more often but there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day since I work a full time job, have other horses, and have 5 children. It's a balancing act for sure!
Gunner has had time off. He's been bucking lately and actually bucked middle daughter off. She's fine but I would like to get his back checked to make sure it's not bothering him. I guess it also wouldn't hurt to check the fit of the saddle as well...
Tyson, well Tyson is lame. He's just not getting any better. He's another one that the vet is going to come out and take a look at. I think there's scar tissue in his foot from when he got caught in some wire that's causing his continued lameness. We'll see what the vet has to say... But he's in great shape despite his lameness - he plays out in the pasture all the time so he actually has good muscling. He's such a goof! He looks great though!!!
I never think to have a camera with me to take some updated pictures - I will try to get better about that!
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself."
Melody has been getting round penned three days a week. She picked up on it pretty quick. I think she enjoys the work and I enjoy watching her move - what a beauty!
Zoe gave me a great ride last weekend but that's not without a little drama beforehand. The last few times I've thrown the saddle up on her she's acted like she's never seen the saddle before and FREAKS out. I did the slow, let her sniff the saddle approach. I tried the deliberate, don't make it a big deal approach. Freaks out the same both ways and didn't improve at all. This has got me thinking about why? She's muscled up quite a bit now (and gained weight) so I'm wondering if this is her way of telling me that the saddle is too small. Hopefully tonight I will be able to get the saddle I've been using on her and take a close look. If that saddle appears to be too small, I will try my other saddle. I hope I can figure this out soon. I don't want to ride her in a saddle that's too small...
Star has been doing great! She hasn't coughed since the medication regime was finished. She's been staying sound as well so I hope to take her out more often but there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day since I work a full time job, have other horses, and have 5 children. It's a balancing act for sure!
Gunner has had time off. He's been bucking lately and actually bucked middle daughter off. She's fine but I would like to get his back checked to make sure it's not bothering him. I guess it also wouldn't hurt to check the fit of the saddle as well...
Tyson, well Tyson is lame. He's just not getting any better. He's another one that the vet is going to come out and take a look at. I think there's scar tissue in his foot from when he got caught in some wire that's causing his continued lameness. We'll see what the vet has to say... But he's in great shape despite his lameness - he plays out in the pasture all the time so he actually has good muscling. He's such a goof! He looks great though!!!
I never think to have a camera with me to take some updated pictures - I will try to get better about that!
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
A Patient Farrier
As I've mentioned several times, the farrier came out last week Thursday. I brought him Zoe first, then Star, then Tyson and then Gunner. I saved Melody for last because I knew it wasn't going to be easy (Melody Update).
He started with her front foot on her right side. Of course she did perfect. He went for her back foot and that's when it hit the fan. She flew over sideways as soon as he picked her foot up (which she picked up willingly when he asked her) and held it there for more than a split second. Around and around she went. I had positioned myself so that she could only go one way and that way the farrier could keep up. He did great!
When she stopped, he made quick work of trimming that foot. He went around to the other side and I warned him this side has always been harder for her. He didn't think it would be much worse than the side he just did and boy was he wrong! When he went to pick up her back left foot she kinda kicked out trying to take it back from him. He asked for an extra lead rope to work with that back foot so he wouldn't get kicked. He picked her foot up using the lead rope and held it there while she danced around trying to take it back. Once she finally gave her foot, he released it. Then he asked for her foot without the lead rope and she did more dancing and when she gave in, he quickly trimmed that foot.
He moved on to her front foot on the left side and she did fine with that.
The thing I really appreciate about our farrier is that he never, not even one time, got upset. He just stayed with her and was very patient with her. If he would've gotten upset and got after her about her behavior, the next time he came out or any time we tried to work with her feet she could relate it as a bad experience and could become awful. We will just have to keep working with her and her feet so that the next time the farrier comes out it will go better!
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave."
He started with her front foot on her right side. Of course she did perfect. He went for her back foot and that's when it hit the fan. She flew over sideways as soon as he picked her foot up (which she picked up willingly when he asked her) and held it there for more than a split second. Around and around she went. I had positioned myself so that she could only go one way and that way the farrier could keep up. He did great!
When she stopped, he made quick work of trimming that foot. He went around to the other side and I warned him this side has always been harder for her. He didn't think it would be much worse than the side he just did and boy was he wrong! When he went to pick up her back left foot she kinda kicked out trying to take it back from him. He asked for an extra lead rope to work with that back foot so he wouldn't get kicked. He picked her foot up using the lead rope and held it there while she danced around trying to take it back. Once she finally gave her foot, he released it. Then he asked for her foot without the lead rope and she did more dancing and when she gave in, he quickly trimmed that foot.
He moved on to her front foot on the left side and she did fine with that.
The thing I really appreciate about our farrier is that he never, not even one time, got upset. He just stayed with her and was very patient with her. If he would've gotten upset and got after her about her behavior, the next time he came out or any time we tried to work with her feet she could relate it as a bad experience and could become awful. We will just have to keep working with her and her feet so that the next time the farrier comes out it will go better!
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave."
-Calvin Coolidge
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Melody Update
We've been thoroughly enjoying Melody! She's such a sweet heart and takes every lesson in stride. She's been doing so well with leading and picking up her feet that last night when we (hubby and I) were cleaning out her feet we were surprised when she wouldn't give her back feet. Like at all. As soon as she picked a back foot up she would lean all the way back and almost fall over! She did this with both of her back feet. Only once did she pick up her back foot nicely out of the multiple times trying. And we couldn't duplicate it. I thought maybe she was lacking confidence in her ability to stand with only three feet so we put her next to a fence where a pole was for extra support. At first it worked but it quickly went back to her putting all of her weight on her back feet.
Apparently the feet lessons need to be repeated. This happens with young ones...testing out what they can and can't get away with. Which, did I mention that she started biting again? She got be good on my shoulder but I told her that was not acceptable in no uncertain terms. She hasn't tried biting me since. Anyways, back to her feet. Because we weren't making any progress we thought maybe we would get her mind off it and give her a new lesson to think about - round penning.
When I first took her off the lead she immediately was more interested in her friends across the driveway. There was no interest in moving...lol I got bigger and more intense with my request for her to move out which she finally obliged while charging after the dog. Dang dog...I didn't see him come in with me and I don't allow him in the round pen with me while working horses. The horses usually try to run him down and I don't want him or me to get hurt in the process. I got the dang dog out and got back to work. She actually was getting the hang of it rather quickly. Changing directions was a bit sticky but we got through it and called it a day. She was perfectly calm and had no issues with me hooking her back up to the lead (Zoe always got nervous in her younger years, but she's quite a bit more high strung than Melody is).
Farrier is coming out tonight so we'll see how she does with her back feet...could be interesting!!
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"We didn't lose the game, we just ran out of time."
Apparently the feet lessons need to be repeated. This happens with young ones...testing out what they can and can't get away with. Which, did I mention that she started biting again? She got be good on my shoulder but I told her that was not acceptable in no uncertain terms. She hasn't tried biting me since. Anyways, back to her feet. Because we weren't making any progress we thought maybe we would get her mind off it and give her a new lesson to think about - round penning.
When I first took her off the lead she immediately was more interested in her friends across the driveway. There was no interest in moving...lol I got bigger and more intense with my request for her to move out which she finally obliged while charging after the dog. Dang dog...I didn't see him come in with me and I don't allow him in the round pen with me while working horses. The horses usually try to run him down and I don't want him or me to get hurt in the process. I got the dang dog out and got back to work. She actually was getting the hang of it rather quickly. Changing directions was a bit sticky but we got through it and called it a day. She was perfectly calm and had no issues with me hooking her back up to the lead (Zoe always got nervous in her younger years, but she's quite a bit more high strung than Melody is).
Farrier is coming out tonight so we'll see how she does with her back feet...could be interesting!!
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"We didn't lose the game, we just ran out of time."
-Vince Lombardi
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Teeth?
Middle daughter has been riding Gunner everyday now and things have been getting gradually worse. The first few times middle daughter rode him it was in a halter and lead rope inside the round pen. It was going very well but he figured out that he could get away with more because she wasn't very strong. So we decided to put the bridle on. We used a snaffle because I wasn't sure what he was ridden in so that was a safe place to start. The first time the bit was in his mouth he was rolling it around with his tongue and shaking his head. That behavior started to decrease with each ride but then on this past Sunday night he began to bend his head around and touch her toe every time she asked him to go forward, he would constantly pull the reins down, and play with the bit in his mouth again. Middle daughter was frustrated to tears. I thought maybe it was something she was/wasn't doing so I hopped on. Side note: Don't ride in a saddle that's too small for you...it's not comfortable at all! I'm not a miracle worker by any means but I wanted to see if he would do the same thing with me...he tried and I was able to get him to move out straight but he continued to try to either do tight circles or just bend his head around. Anyways, while moving around at a walk he continued to try to pull the reins out of my hands (I was riding on a loose rein, by the way) and still played with the bit basically the entire time.
While I was riding, hubby called his brother to find out what Gunner's deal was with bits. Brother in law said he used a tom thumb when he would ride him. I'm not convinced that is what the problem is.
I rode Gunner for a short time with barely any progress. Middle daughter got back on and the ride wasn't any better for her. We called it quits because no progress was being made.
I have a hackmore that I might try on him but my hunch is his teeth need to be done. Hubby forgot to ask his brother about Gunner's teeth but it definitely won't hurt to have them checked. Zoe and Melody are due for their teeth to be done so I think I will have Gunner's done at the same time. I'm thinking we'll use the hackmore until I can get them all in.
If not his teeth and the hackmore doesn't seem to do the trick, we'll be back to the drawing board...
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.'
While I was riding, hubby called his brother to find out what Gunner's deal was with bits. Brother in law said he used a tom thumb when he would ride him. I'm not convinced that is what the problem is.
I rode Gunner for a short time with barely any progress. Middle daughter got back on and the ride wasn't any better for her. We called it quits because no progress was being made.
I have a hackmore that I might try on him but my hunch is his teeth need to be done. Hubby forgot to ask his brother about Gunner's teeth but it definitely won't hurt to have them checked. Zoe and Melody are due for their teeth to be done so I think I will have Gunner's done at the same time. I'm thinking we'll use the hackmore until I can get them all in.
If not his teeth and the hackmore doesn't seem to do the trick, we'll be back to the drawing board...
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.'
-David Frost
Friday, May 30, 2014
Hello!
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Just a quick picture of Zoe and me! We are doing great and loving the beautiful weather we are finally getting! It was official bath day for ALL horses last weekend and they all were very well behaved. Melody didn't have any freak outs and enjoyed the scrubbing - she's so dang cute!
I have more updates but have to get outside and get some riding done before our friends come over...they brought our bull, Bo, home from Oklahoma...
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."
-Helen Keller
Friday, May 16, 2014
Zoe's First "Ride"
Sorry that I've been absent again - been busy so I have a lot to write about....just need to make the time I guess!
Zoe's first "ride" of the year was a couple weeks ago. I took her out with the intent of just saddling up and lunging to see where we were at. She was definitely "up" when I took her out! A little background, I had just taken Star out for middle daughter to ride and while she was riding, Zoe was FREAKING out in the pasture - running back and forth calling frantically for Star. Star didn't care AT ALL. Anyways, so middle daughter was in the back yard with Star letting her eat some grass when I went to get Zoe out. I brought her into the barn and she acted like she had no idea of where we were and didn't respect me or my space at all. That was unacceptable! I sent her in some circles with a long lead rope I had used to bring her out of the pasture. She was very reactive. I decided to tie her and go get the lunge line when she figured it was time to leave the barn. She flew backwards and almost ripped the pole right out of the ground! After that little episode I realized she needed some time at the "patience tree". I don't know if I wrote about Zoe's bad habit of pulling back while being tied but she's broke plenty of lead ropes and loosened up her fair share of my tying poles. Now I used a rope halter with an attached lead so there aren't any metal parts that she can break. We have GOT to get this tying issue under control!!!
When I tied her to the tree she got to pawing and calling for Star. Again, Star never responded. So at that point she started swinging herself around to try and get a better view of Star. I just sat and watched her. She continued this behavior for 15 - 20 minutes with a couple pulling battles mixed in there. Finally she relaxed and was standing nice so I took that opportunity get her saddled and ready to go. She had another mini pulling battle when the saddle went on so I asked hubby for his assistance. I got her all saddled and we lunged her, going through all of her commands. She seemed pretty confident so hubby and I decided to have him lunge her with me on her. It went great! She was still VERY responsive and seemed to be remembering where we left off. We had some great trot work in both directions so we called it a day.
She was happy to be reunited Star at the end of the work out but was more eager to eat than socialize!! Meanwhile, Melody was content to have the pasture to herself for once. Our work with her is just beginning- more on that later!
Until Next Time!!
Quote for the day:
"If you can dream it, you can do it."
 |
| Melody and Zoe |
Zoe's first "ride" of the year was a couple weeks ago. I took her out with the intent of just saddling up and lunging to see where we were at. She was definitely "up" when I took her out! A little background, I had just taken Star out for middle daughter to ride and while she was riding, Zoe was FREAKING out in the pasture - running back and forth calling frantically for Star. Star didn't care AT ALL. Anyways, so middle daughter was in the back yard with Star letting her eat some grass when I went to get Zoe out. I brought her into the barn and she acted like she had no idea of where we were and didn't respect me or my space at all. That was unacceptable! I sent her in some circles with a long lead rope I had used to bring her out of the pasture. She was very reactive. I decided to tie her and go get the lunge line when she figured it was time to leave the barn. She flew backwards and almost ripped the pole right out of the ground! After that little episode I realized she needed some time at the "patience tree". I don't know if I wrote about Zoe's bad habit of pulling back while being tied but she's broke plenty of lead ropes and loosened up her fair share of my tying poles. Now I used a rope halter with an attached lead so there aren't any metal parts that she can break. We have GOT to get this tying issue under control!!!
When I tied her to the tree she got to pawing and calling for Star. Again, Star never responded. So at that point she started swinging herself around to try and get a better view of Star. I just sat and watched her. She continued this behavior for 15 - 20 minutes with a couple pulling battles mixed in there. Finally she relaxed and was standing nice so I took that opportunity get her saddled and ready to go. She had another mini pulling battle when the saddle went on so I asked hubby for his assistance. I got her all saddled and we lunged her, going through all of her commands. She seemed pretty confident so hubby and I decided to have him lunge her with me on her. It went great! She was still VERY responsive and seemed to be remembering where we left off. We had some great trot work in both directions so we called it a day.
She was happy to be reunited Star at the end of the work out but was more eager to eat than socialize!! Meanwhile, Melody was content to have the pasture to herself for once. Our work with her is just beginning- more on that later!
Until Next Time!!
Quote for the day:
"If you can dream it, you can do it."
-Walt Disney
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Saddle Time
I'm trying to get caught up on my blogging since my absence so bear with me as I get everyone up to speed...
The weather has finally taken a turn for the better and we were able to take Star out for a ride! Actually, I didn't ride...middle daughter did! She was "so bored" and I needed a break from the work so I got Star out, got her all groomed (which Star LOVED more than usual because she's shedding her winter hair), saddled and lead her out to the front yard. I decided to leave her on the lunge line because this was her first ride this year and she might want to run and middle daughter hasn't been in the saddle much throughout the winter and she would also need a tune up.
Star was a perfectly behaved lady! She ignored all the calling horses (Zoe and Tyson) and the running horses (Melody to be exact) and did exactly as she was supposed to without getting feisty. I LOVE THAT MARE!!! Having a horse around that I can trust and just be able to ride without any worries is so valuable to me! Middle daughter did great too! She needed a few times around to get the feel back but she was posting very nicely when we called it a day. No cantering as the trot work for middle daughter isn't where it should be in order to canter. In my opinion, if you can't do it at a slower gait, you can't do it in a faster gait so get it right while moving slower...
Star's trot was slow and collected for middle daughter. When I say slow, it's not really slow compared to other horses. It's just that Star has a fast trot when she's going at her free will - which is awful to ride! Since I started to ride her many years ago, I worked with Star on a slower trot that is a lot more comfortable to ride so it was nice to see middle daughter able to achieve that nice trot on both of their first rides.
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"Food for the body is not enough. There must be food for the soul."
The weather has finally taken a turn for the better and we were able to take Star out for a ride! Actually, I didn't ride...middle daughter did! She was "so bored" and I needed a break from the work so I got Star out, got her all groomed (which Star LOVED more than usual because she's shedding her winter hair), saddled and lead her out to the front yard. I decided to leave her on the lunge line because this was her first ride this year and she might want to run and middle daughter hasn't been in the saddle much throughout the winter and she would also need a tune up.
Star was a perfectly behaved lady! She ignored all the calling horses (Zoe and Tyson) and the running horses (Melody to be exact) and did exactly as she was supposed to without getting feisty. I LOVE THAT MARE!!! Having a horse around that I can trust and just be able to ride without any worries is so valuable to me! Middle daughter did great too! She needed a few times around to get the feel back but she was posting very nicely when we called it a day. No cantering as the trot work for middle daughter isn't where it should be in order to canter. In my opinion, if you can't do it at a slower gait, you can't do it in a faster gait so get it right while moving slower...
Star's trot was slow and collected for middle daughter. When I say slow, it's not really slow compared to other horses. It's just that Star has a fast trot when she's going at her free will - which is awful to ride! Since I started to ride her many years ago, I worked with Star on a slower trot that is a lot more comfortable to ride so it was nice to see middle daughter able to achieve that nice trot on both of their first rides.
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"Food for the body is not enough. There must be food for the soul."
-Dorothy Day
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
First Bath
We've been having some beautiful weather here but I have a strict "no bathing until it reaches 70 degrees" policy. Some do it when it's cooler than that but I don't have heated water so it has to be warm enough to dry them with the horses getting chilled. So this past weekend we finally had our chance! It was a beautiful 75 and sunny so little Miss Melody got to learn how to take a bath like a good girl.
Hubby helped me with the bath. I held her and he sprayed her. He started at her front feet and slowly worked his way up her legs. She stood there, didn't move. He moved up to her shoulder and onto her neck. Again she just stood there. Her eyes were started to get a little big but she didn't budge. When hubby moved the water to her back she dropped her back so low that I thought she would scoot forward but she didn't. She only took a small step to the side. I was expecting a huge fight from her but at that point she wasn't too worried. Licking her lips and chewing the whole time!
Hubby moved on to spraying her butt and that's when she started dancing. She wasn't pushy towards me at all - only danced from side to side. So I would lead her forward and bring her back to the hose. (On a side note, we don't have a wash stall. We just bring the hose outside of the barn and spray where ever it's convenient. Someday I will have a proper wash stall but it's not high on the priority list right now.) Then it was time for the other side. I might as well say "see above" for how it went. I was beginning to think that this was all it was going to be - which wasn't bad at all! We raised a colt several years ago that tried to kill hubby during his first bath so I always have that in the back of my mind during the "first bath" experience. I will never forget that colt! Anyways, just as we were about to call it quits, Melody wasn't amused anymore and decided it was time to leave. She reared up and started falling backwards, twisting the lead rope around her neck in the process somehow. Hubby jumped in helped me get her lead rope from around her neck. At that point he took her and lead her around to get her nerves settled. This time we switched roles and I was the sprayer. We started over at her front feet and moved the same was as before, but this time with breaks when she was being a good girl. We were able to get her sprayed down all over without another freak out so we called it a day with that. We didn't really "wash" her but got done what we had set out to do, and that was get her used to being sprayed. We will try again next time we have a 70+ day.
Overall, I think she did amazing! Her intelligence and trust in us is very evident when we try new things. She's gonna be a great little mare!
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"Question everything. Learn something. Answer nothing."
Hubby helped me with the bath. I held her and he sprayed her. He started at her front feet and slowly worked his way up her legs. She stood there, didn't move. He moved up to her shoulder and onto her neck. Again she just stood there. Her eyes were started to get a little big but she didn't budge. When hubby moved the water to her back she dropped her back so low that I thought she would scoot forward but she didn't. She only took a small step to the side. I was expecting a huge fight from her but at that point she wasn't too worried. Licking her lips and chewing the whole time!
Hubby moved on to spraying her butt and that's when she started dancing. She wasn't pushy towards me at all - only danced from side to side. So I would lead her forward and bring her back to the hose. (On a side note, we don't have a wash stall. We just bring the hose outside of the barn and spray where ever it's convenient. Someday I will have a proper wash stall but it's not high on the priority list right now.) Then it was time for the other side. I might as well say "see above" for how it went. I was beginning to think that this was all it was going to be - which wasn't bad at all! We raised a colt several years ago that tried to kill hubby during his first bath so I always have that in the back of my mind during the "first bath" experience. I will never forget that colt! Anyways, just as we were about to call it quits, Melody wasn't amused anymore and decided it was time to leave. She reared up and started falling backwards, twisting the lead rope around her neck in the process somehow. Hubby jumped in helped me get her lead rope from around her neck. At that point he took her and lead her around to get her nerves settled. This time we switched roles and I was the sprayer. We started over at her front feet and moved the same was as before, but this time with breaks when she was being a good girl. We were able to get her sprayed down all over without another freak out so we called it a day with that. We didn't really "wash" her but got done what we had set out to do, and that was get her used to being sprayed. We will try again next time we have a 70+ day.
Overall, I think she did amazing! Her intelligence and trust in us is very evident when we try new things. She's gonna be a great little mare!
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"Question everything. Learn something. Answer nothing."
-Euripides
Friday, April 18, 2014
Melody's Turn!
Melody's biggest hang up right now is mud puddles so we tried to cross a
puddle that was by the barn door leading to the turn out where Star was. Her first
time through she jumped it and bumped into me. So we turned around and
went back into the barn. She spooked on the way in because one of our
rodeo bulls was next to the gate by the barn and he spooked. At this point she was getting frisky.
We headed back out across the puddle...she RAN through the puddle, right past me and when she got the end of the lead it brought her to a sudden stop. I turned her to go back inside and she gave me a half rear and tried to go the opposite direction. I held my ground and was able to keep her feet moving by zig zag walking in the direction of the barn. We went back into the barn and it was no big deal this time. Then back out of the barn like she'd never had an issue at all. The only time we have gate issues is when there is a puddle so I really don't think gates are her issue...just puddles.
I figured that was good for today and let her go out with Star...meanwhile Zoe has been calling and screaming for Star the entire time (I had put her in her stall). So when I went to get Zoe back out I could see she was seriously stressed about being away from Star. She was covered in sweat (not from when I worked her because I had her dried out before I put her away) and had paced by the stall door to the point that the shavings had been pushed back.
I put her halter on (which she dove into) and lead her out. She was a very good girl so I let her be with her friends. I guess she has become buddy sour over the winter so we will have to work on that. Might have to pasture her by herself like we did before when we were training. I do that because if she gets insecure in her training or work, I want her to look to me for security and not rely on her buddies waiting for her. Make sense to anyone?
Well that's all for now!
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"I have not failed, I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
We headed back out across the puddle...she RAN through the puddle, right past me and when she got the end of the lead it brought her to a sudden stop. I turned her to go back inside and she gave me a half rear and tried to go the opposite direction. I held my ground and was able to keep her feet moving by zig zag walking in the direction of the barn. We went back into the barn and it was no big deal this time. Then back out of the barn like she'd never had an issue at all. The only time we have gate issues is when there is a puddle so I really don't think gates are her issue...just puddles.
I figured that was good for today and let her go out with Star...meanwhile Zoe has been calling and screaming for Star the entire time (I had put her in her stall). So when I went to get Zoe back out I could see she was seriously stressed about being away from Star. She was covered in sweat (not from when I worked her because I had her dried out before I put her away) and had paced by the stall door to the point that the shavings had been pushed back.
I put her halter on (which she dove into) and lead her out. She was a very good girl so I let her be with her friends. I guess she has become buddy sour over the winter so we will have to work on that. Might have to pasture her by herself like we did before when we were training. I do that because if she gets insecure in her training or work, I want her to look to me for security and not rely on her buddies waiting for her. Make sense to anyone?
Well that's all for now!
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"I have not failed, I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
-Thomas A. Edison
Thursday, April 17, 2014
My Perfect Angel
Star was a dream! After the disastrous time with Zoe, I thought with all the calling Star was doing for Zoe that she was going to be a pain too but she was amazing! She moved out at a beautiful flowing trot, head in at shoulder height, stretching her back out. Her canter was nice so I didn't make her do it too much - she is old ya know! We did some nice W/T/C transitions up and down, in both directions and called it a day. Zoe was calling, more like SCREAMING to her the ENTIRE time, my kids were jumping on the trampoline (which is fairly close to the round pen where we were working), Tyson and Gunner were making noises at her (their pasture is across the driveway from the round pen) and she acted like nothing was going on around her at all.
I gave her some big pets and loves and told her what a good girl she was but all she really cared about is the green grass...so I let her eat some of the yard...don't tell Hubby. ;-)
I took her to the turn out after a few minutes of grass (can't over do it!) and let her go. She absolutely loves to roll so the first thing she did was find a spot to roll. She rolled in several different spots!
Melody was all done with her breakfast so I took her out....
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"All of our sweetest hours fly fastest."
I gave her some big pets and loves and told her what a good girl she was but all she really cared about is the green grass...so I let her eat some of the yard...don't tell Hubby. ;-)
I took her to the turn out after a few minutes of grass (can't over do it!) and let her go. She absolutely loves to roll so the first thing she did was find a spot to roll. She rolled in several different spots!
Melody was all done with her breakfast so I took her out....
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"All of our sweetest hours fly fastest."
-Virgil
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Little Updates
Since my last post, Melody casted herself one more time (the next day) but hasn't since. Hopefully that means she figured that out now...Other than that, Melody has been a good girl. She's so dang cute! I can't wait until spring when she sheds out and we can see what color she's going to be. I mean, we know she's a palomino but how dark/light will she be? I've found that she enjoys ear scratches - she will stop eating for an ear scratch!
The other day I let the horses out and Tyson was feeling great! He was running, leaping, bucking, kicking and rearing! He hasn't done that in over a year because he was lame (injuries). I was thinking that Tyson was going to be lame for the rest of his life so seeing him acting like he was a yearling was very encouraging, to say the least. He didn't show an ounce of pain while he was playing and wasn't sore when I brought him in or let him out the next day. Is it possible he's finally healed??? Time will tell!
Zoe has been such a good girl. I've been having my children lead her in and out of her stall and her ground manners have been impeccable! Better than Star's, in fact. Last year at this time she was pulling and pushing when being handled but not now! She's been lowering her head for my kids to halter her too - just a peach! I can't wait to start riding again when the weather finally breaks, I have good feeling about her! The farrier always makes comments about how nice she is too (great legs, feet and attitude). I know I've said this before but she's a sensitive and tuned in horse, just a great mare and I love her dearly!
Star has been a good girl too, like always. Her only fault is when it comes to food. When she knows there's food in her stall she will try to pull through you to get her food making it difficult for my kids to lead her into her stall. That angers me to no end so I have to lead her in myself to keep her in line. She doesn't try to push past me because she knows I don't put up with that but she does with the kids. Grrr...
Brother-in-law's horses are being good boys too. They don't have stalls (we only have 4) so they live outside with a large 3 1/2 sided lean-to for shelter. We keep bedding in there so they can lay down and stay warm. I don't think they are used to that but they certainly enjoy it! They are in need of a trim soon so hopefully we can get that scheduled before they leave on March 13. The vet came out yesterday to do their health papers for traveling. They have a long ways to go and will be stopping every 6 - 8 hours to stretch and get a little exercise/food/water (if they aren't eating or drinking in the trailer) so that will make the trip a long one. The trailer they will be in is a Sundowner 3 horse slant gooseneck with living quarters. Brother-in-law has a beautiful trailer that is well maintained and the horses are accustomed to trailering so hopefully the trip will go smoothly. The horses haven't been bad while they were here but I will be glad to have 2 less mouths to feed! Hay prices aren't cheap these days...
Well that about sums it up for now. This weekend is the Michigan State Horse Expo. I plan on attending on Saturday. I haven't been able to get there in several years so I'm really looking forward to it!
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"Our attitude towards others determines their attitudes towards us."
The other day I let the horses out and Tyson was feeling great! He was running, leaping, bucking, kicking and rearing! He hasn't done that in over a year because he was lame (injuries). I was thinking that Tyson was going to be lame for the rest of his life so seeing him acting like he was a yearling was very encouraging, to say the least. He didn't show an ounce of pain while he was playing and wasn't sore when I brought him in or let him out the next day. Is it possible he's finally healed??? Time will tell!
Zoe has been such a good girl. I've been having my children lead her in and out of her stall and her ground manners have been impeccable! Better than Star's, in fact. Last year at this time she was pulling and pushing when being handled but not now! She's been lowering her head for my kids to halter her too - just a peach! I can't wait to start riding again when the weather finally breaks, I have good feeling about her! The farrier always makes comments about how nice she is too (great legs, feet and attitude). I know I've said this before but she's a sensitive and tuned in horse, just a great mare and I love her dearly!
Star has been a good girl too, like always. Her only fault is when it comes to food. When she knows there's food in her stall she will try to pull through you to get her food making it difficult for my kids to lead her into her stall. That angers me to no end so I have to lead her in myself to keep her in line. She doesn't try to push past me because she knows I don't put up with that but she does with the kids. Grrr...
Brother-in-law's horses are being good boys too. They don't have stalls (we only have 4) so they live outside with a large 3 1/2 sided lean-to for shelter. We keep bedding in there so they can lay down and stay warm. I don't think they are used to that but they certainly enjoy it! They are in need of a trim soon so hopefully we can get that scheduled before they leave on March 13. The vet came out yesterday to do their health papers for traveling. They have a long ways to go and will be stopping every 6 - 8 hours to stretch and get a little exercise/food/water (if they aren't eating or drinking in the trailer) so that will make the trip a long one. The trailer they will be in is a Sundowner 3 horse slant gooseneck with living quarters. Brother-in-law has a beautiful trailer that is well maintained and the horses are accustomed to trailering so hopefully the trip will go smoothly. The horses haven't been bad while they were here but I will be glad to have 2 less mouths to feed! Hay prices aren't cheap these days...
Well that about sums it up for now. This weekend is the Michigan State Horse Expo. I plan on attending on Saturday. I haven't been able to get there in several years so I'm really looking forward to it!
Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"Our attitude towards others determines their attitudes towards us."
-Earl Nightingale
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