Saying Goodbye

Saturday morning I got up early.  I had set my alarm for 7 am but my mind was with Zoe and I got up at 5:30 am instead.  I made my coffee, got dressed and headed out to the barn.  I checked all the calves (we have several right now) and made my way to Zoe.  She gave me a little nicker, God I love this horse!

I decided to feed and water everyone - it was early but I was sure they wouldn't mind!  I also decided to take Zoe out and feed her separately in the round pen.  That way I could get some much needed one-on-one time before she left.

As she was eating, I groomed her.  If it would've been a little warmer I would've given her a bath too (still only 50 degrees in the morning).  She loves to be groomed and stopped eating in order to fully enjoy her brushing!

"Why did you stop brushing?"

I let her finish her breakfast and got my own breakfast.  But I wasn't hungry, my stomach was in knots...but I ate anyways. 

I went back out to see Zoe and decided to go for one last walk together.  We just went down the road for a bit but it was so nice.  She was so good!

My husband took this last picture.  My mom saw it and said it said so many words...

Zoe's new family arrived just after 9am.  They showed up in a nice truck and trailer, and thanked me profusely for the opportunity to buy Zoe.  It was the mom, dad and daughter who came to pick up Zoe.  The daughter is 16 years old and very nice.  We'll call her T.  I really liked talking with all of them - good people!  They asked if T could ride Zoe to see if she had any questions right away.  Of course I agreed!

I got Zoe saddled up - which, if you can remember doesn't always go well for Zoe.  She stood like a good girl while being saddled up.  I'm not sure if it's because I didn't "hard tie" her this time or what but it went really good.  She didn't want to put the bit in her mouth, which is unlike her.  I know she's due for her teeth so that's probably what she was telling me.

I showed T how I round pen her first before getting on so I can see where her mind is.  Zoe did really good again and didn't need much of a warm up.  I told T that Zoe will mirror whatever emotions she's having so if she's nervous, Zoe will be nervous. If she's calm and confident Zoe will be too. T got on carefully, asking if Zoe gets upset about mounting because she'd been thrown off many times by a horse she was testing out (before Zoe).  I told her no, Zoe was fine about mounting. 

She started walking and they were getting the feel of each other.  She made the comment on how Zoe really seemed to tune into her right away - which I've always noticed too!  She asked how I got her to drop her head into a headset and what the command for back was.  I told her and also told T that Zoe needs verbal confirmation that she's doing good.  Zoe responds when she's told she's good, rather than just a release of some kind.  After those quick instructions, T rode Zoe walk-trot (the round pen had a slick spot,so no cantering) and really got a good feel for her.  T is a great rider!  They did so well together!

T thanked me again for Zoe.  While I was talking with T in the round pen, hubby was talking to T's parents about their own horses.  The dad was trying to sell his horse because his gelding acted like a stallion and he couldn't take him trail riding - which is what he loved to do.  He asked about Gunner and so we took Gunner out for him to look at.  Brother-in-law hasn't been in contact with us about Gunner, so parents-in-law said to sell him (they are half owners) if we could.  I'm still on the fence about that...  Anyways, the dad rode Gunner for a bit.  Gunner did good for him but the dad said he had to sell his own horse before he could bring another one home because he was only set up for 4 horses.  He said he would give me a call once his gelding sold. 

T loaded Zoe up in the trailer and we all shook hands.  I said goodbye to Zoe, one last time, and they were off.  I admit...I cried a good amount as they were driving away.  I feel good about Zoe's new home but it still hurts to say goodbye. 

We found each other on facebook so I can stay in touch with T and Zoe's progress.  She invited me to come see Zoe any time and that she would let me know when they have their shows so I can watch.  She's on her school's equestrian team and 4H so she's going to be busy with Zoe - which is great!!

I texted them a few hours later to see how the trip home went and how Zoe was once they got home.  The dad said the trip home and unloading went great!  All three of his daughters thoroughly groomed Zoe and that Zoe was taking a nap in the sun in the round pen (her transitional pen).  Looks like she settled in nicely!

 Another chapter in my life closes as a new one starts for Zoe!

Until next time,
Lynell

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