Middle daughter had a great ride on Gunner over the long weekend. I wish she could've gotten more rides in but our weekend was a blur!
Gunner has been acting kinda "studdy" (Star is in heat) lately so we round penned him before middle daughter got on. We didn't know how he was mentally but soon found out that he was ready to work so she warmed him up and then they started working. They were both relaxed and working well together. Middle daughter's position was perfect! I didn't have to remind her about her leg or sitting up at all! So proud of the progress she's made since last year!
I put three orange cones out for her to practice some turns and patterns. She got frustrated because Gunner didn't understand that he had to go AROUND the cones! I went out and led them both around all of the cones and just like that, Gunner was bending nicely around each cone on his own. He just had to have it "explained", I think!
After the work was done, the other children wanted a quick "pony ride". I walked them around the cones and then called it a night. Gunner was a good boy and we all told him so! He really appreciates the treats (like all horses do!) so we gave him a couple and put him away.
It was a good night of riding - hopefully we will string more good rides together this year!
Until next time,
Lynell
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Friday, May 22, 2015
The Farrier Visit
Just thought I would document how the farrier visit went...
First up was Melody. She's been doing good with picking up her feet for us most days so I figured we would start with her since she would probably be the worst one of them all. I needn't worry because she did excellent! Stood there patiently while the farrier did his work. The only thing that surprised me was when he first approached her she did a big spook away from him. I think he must've looked funny to her with his chaps and tools in hand. She settled down and he was able to get her done.
Star was no issue...never is!
Gunner stood like a good boy. Sometimes he pulls his feet away but this time he waited until his feet were given back before he put them down. Good boy!
Tyson also was a good boy. I was particularly interested in what the farrier thought about his feet. Ever since Tyson's accident at my brother-in-law's house (which was why he came to live with us), he's never been sound. He's been getting around pretty good in turnout but I like to hear from a professional what they they think about him. The farrier said Tyson's feet looked surprisingly good! He said if he seems comfortable that we should start riding him again! Seriously? I haven't given that the all clear yet but I think I will saddle him up and give him a schooling in the round pen to see how he goes. I'll decide after that if he can be put back to work after that.
All in all, it was a great time with the farrier. It's been too long since he was last out so it was fun to catch up with him again - he likes to talk a lot so he (and his wife) stayed for 2 hours! Good people!
Well, that's all for now!
Until next time,
Lynell
First up was Melody. She's been doing good with picking up her feet for us most days so I figured we would start with her since she would probably be the worst one of them all. I needn't worry because she did excellent! Stood there patiently while the farrier did his work. The only thing that surprised me was when he first approached her she did a big spook away from him. I think he must've looked funny to her with his chaps and tools in hand. She settled down and he was able to get her done.
Star was no issue...never is!
Gunner stood like a good boy. Sometimes he pulls his feet away but this time he waited until his feet were given back before he put them down. Good boy!
Tyson also was a good boy. I was particularly interested in what the farrier thought about his feet. Ever since Tyson's accident at my brother-in-law's house (which was why he came to live with us), he's never been sound. He's been getting around pretty good in turnout but I like to hear from a professional what they they think about him. The farrier said Tyson's feet looked surprisingly good! He said if he seems comfortable that we should start riding him again! Seriously? I haven't given that the all clear yet but I think I will saddle him up and give him a schooling in the round pen to see how he goes. I'll decide after that if he can be put back to work after that.
All in all, it was a great time with the farrier. It's been too long since he was last out so it was fun to catch up with him again - he likes to talk a lot so he (and his wife) stayed for 2 hours! Good people!
Well, that's all for now!
Until next time,
Lynell
Thursday, May 14, 2015
A Visit
I got invited to see Zoe in June...CAN'T WAIT!!!
Ok, actually they invited me to their daughter's (not T) graduation open house but still...I can see Zoe!
In other news, the farrier is finally able to get to our house on Friday to trim. He got sick over the winter (a bad case of pneumonia) and has been playing catch up all spring. So Friday is our turn!! I hope he's able to stay healthy and keep us in his schedule!! Along with playing catch up, he's moving right down the road from us...how convenient!! ;-) So needless to say, he's been very busy this spring.
Melody has been feeling great! So great, in fact, that she has decided to try biting people again. She got my youngest on her little wrist! My youngest was at her pen and had her hands resting on one of the boards when Melody put her head down to "sniff" and ended up biting her! I'm thinking that she was looking for treats so we have put a stop to feeding her treats. Plus, whenever I lead her out of her pen, she stops (with her butt only half way through the gate) and puts her head down to eat. What a pain!! I need to break her of that habit ASAP!!!!!
Star has been doing so well! She's been prancing, playing and kicking out while in turnout with Melody. Acting like a 2 year old! But her age caught up with her yesterday because after her little playful bout with Melody, she ended up getting sore on her back leg. This morning she was fine again...no swelling or heat. So we will chalk it up to a mystery injury while playing....
Not much to report on Tyson. He's in turnout with Gunner and the two seem to be happier without Zoe keeping them in line. They zoom around with each other a lot more than they used to, Zoe must've been a tough lead mare!!
I took the pictures for T's dad of Gunner. He's one of those horses that I just couldn't find a good angle on...so we had a lot of outtakes. It didn't help that it was extremely windy so he was feeling frisky and didn't want to cooperate! Grrr...you be the judge...
Well, that's all the updates for now...
Until next time,
Lynell
Ok, actually they invited me to their daughter's (not T) graduation open house but still...I can see Zoe!
In other news, the farrier is finally able to get to our house on Friday to trim. He got sick over the winter (a bad case of pneumonia) and has been playing catch up all spring. So Friday is our turn!! I hope he's able to stay healthy and keep us in his schedule!! Along with playing catch up, he's moving right down the road from us...how convenient!! ;-) So needless to say, he's been very busy this spring.
Melody has been feeling great! So great, in fact, that she has decided to try biting people again. She got my youngest on her little wrist! My youngest was at her pen and had her hands resting on one of the boards when Melody put her head down to "sniff" and ended up biting her! I'm thinking that she was looking for treats so we have put a stop to feeding her treats. Plus, whenever I lead her out of her pen, she stops (with her butt only half way through the gate) and puts her head down to eat. What a pain!! I need to break her of that habit ASAP!!!!!
Star has been doing so well! She's been prancing, playing and kicking out while in turnout with Melody. Acting like a 2 year old! But her age caught up with her yesterday because after her little playful bout with Melody, she ended up getting sore on her back leg. This morning she was fine again...no swelling or heat. So we will chalk it up to a mystery injury while playing....
Not much to report on Tyson. He's in turnout with Gunner and the two seem to be happier without Zoe keeping them in line. They zoom around with each other a lot more than they used to, Zoe must've been a tough lead mare!!
I took the pictures for T's dad of Gunner. He's one of those horses that I just couldn't find a good angle on...so we had a lot of outtakes. It didn't help that it was extremely windy so he was feeling frisky and didn't want to cooperate! Grrr...you be the judge...
Well, that's all the updates for now...
Until next time,
Lynell
Friday, May 1, 2015
A Zoe Update
I remembered that Zoe had a reaction to the Pyranha Fly Spray last year so I thought I would send a quick text to Zoe's new family. The dad responded and said that they absolutely LOVE Zoe and that he wished his daughter didn't love her so much because he wouldn't mind having her for himself. :) Always good to hear!
I asked if Zoe was being a good girl and he said yes and that she's getting feisty. His daughter is "too soft" and is afraid of hurting Zoe's feelings so she hasn't been very firm with Zoe. At that point I was a little concerned that maybe Zoe was going to be too much horse for her. She can get full of herself but if you remind her of her manners, she's just fine. I told him that and he said that Zoe minds him fine - just wishes his daughter would get firm with Zoe. He thinks that Zoe is testing her boundaries - sounds like my Zoe!
I asked if Zoe was going to be a problem for T and he said that he didn't think so. Just "typical new horse/person relationships that need to be established and get to know each other." T has been riding almost everyday (weather permitting) and things have been going pretty good!
Overall, no red flags and they still love her as much as they did when they picked her up. Yay!
He also asked about Gunner again - I have to measure him and take some conformation pictures for him. That's on my list of things to do this weekend...
Until next time,
Lynell
I asked if Zoe was being a good girl and he said yes and that she's getting feisty. His daughter is "too soft" and is afraid of hurting Zoe's feelings so she hasn't been very firm with Zoe. At that point I was a little concerned that maybe Zoe was going to be too much horse for her. She can get full of herself but if you remind her of her manners, she's just fine. I told him that and he said that Zoe minds him fine - just wishes his daughter would get firm with Zoe. He thinks that Zoe is testing her boundaries - sounds like my Zoe!
I asked if Zoe was going to be a problem for T and he said that he didn't think so. Just "typical new horse/person relationships that need to be established and get to know each other." T has been riding almost everyday (weather permitting) and things have been going pretty good!
Overall, no red flags and they still love her as much as they did when they picked her up. Yay!
He also asked about Gunner again - I have to measure him and take some conformation pictures for him. That's on my list of things to do this weekend...
Until next time,
Lynell
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Saying Goodbye
Saturday morning I got up early. I had set my alarm for 7 am but my mind was with Zoe and I got up at 5:30 am instead. I made my coffee, got dressed and headed out to the barn. I checked all the calves (we have several right now) and made my way to Zoe. She gave me a little nicker, God I love this horse!
I decided to feed and water everyone - it was early but I was sure they wouldn't mind! I also decided to take Zoe out and feed her separately in the round pen. That way I could get some much needed one-on-one time before she left.
As she was eating, I groomed her. If it would've been a little warmer I would've given her a bath too (still only 50 degrees in the morning). She loves to be groomed and stopped eating in order to fully enjoy her brushing!
I let her finish her breakfast and got my own breakfast. But I wasn't hungry, my stomach was in knots...but I ate anyways.
I went back out to see Zoe and decided to go for one last walk together. We just went down the road for a bit but it was so nice. She was so good!
My husband took this last picture. My mom saw it and said it said so many words...
Zoe's new family arrived just after 9am. They showed up in a nice truck and trailer, and thanked me profusely for the opportunity to buy Zoe. It was the mom, dad and daughter who came to pick up Zoe. The daughter is 16 years old and very nice. We'll call her T. I really liked talking with all of them - good people! They asked if T could ride Zoe to see if she had any questions right away. Of course I agreed!
I got Zoe saddled up - which, if you can remember doesn't always go well for Zoe. She stood like a good girl while being saddled up. I'm not sure if it's because I didn't "hard tie" her this time or what but it went really good. She didn't want to put the bit in her mouth, which is unlike her. I know she's due for her teeth so that's probably what she was telling me.
I showed T how I round pen her first before getting on so I can see where her mind is. Zoe did really good again and didn't need much of a warm up. I told T that Zoe will mirror whatever emotions she's having so if she's nervous, Zoe will be nervous. If she's calm and confident Zoe will be too. T got on carefully, asking if Zoe gets upset about mounting because she'd been thrown off many times by a horse she was testing out (before Zoe). I told her no, Zoe was fine about mounting.
She started walking and they were getting the feel of each other. She made the comment on how Zoe really seemed to tune into her right away - which I've always noticed too! She asked how I got her to drop her head into a headset and what the command for back was. I told her and also told T that Zoe needs verbal confirmation that she's doing good. Zoe responds when she's told she's good, rather than just a release of some kind. After those quick instructions, T rode Zoe walk-trot (the round pen had a slick spot,so no cantering) and really got a good feel for her. T is a great rider! They did so well together!
T thanked me again for Zoe. While I was talking with T in the round pen, hubby was talking to T's parents about their own horses. The dad was trying to sell his horse because his gelding acted like a stallion and he couldn't take him trail riding - which is what he loved to do. He asked about Gunner and so we took Gunner out for him to look at. Brother-in-law hasn't been in contact with us about Gunner, so parents-in-law said to sell him (they are half owners) if we could. I'm still on the fence about that... Anyways, the dad rode Gunner for a bit. Gunner did good for him but the dad said he had to sell his own horse before he could bring another one home because he was only set up for 4 horses. He said he would give me a call once his gelding sold.
T loaded Zoe up in the trailer and we all shook hands. I said goodbye to Zoe, one last time, and they were off. I admit...I cried a good amount as they were driving away. I feel good about Zoe's new home but it still hurts to say goodbye.
We found each other on facebook so I can stay in touch with T and Zoe's progress. She invited me to come see Zoe any time and that she would let me know when they have their shows so I can watch. She's on her school's equestrian team and 4H so she's going to be busy with Zoe - which is great!!
I texted them a few hours later to see how the trip home went and how Zoe was once they got home. The dad said the trip home and unloading went great! All three of his daughters thoroughly groomed Zoe and that Zoe was taking a nap in the sun in the round pen (her transitional pen). Looks like she settled in nicely!
Another chapter in my life closes as a new one starts for Zoe!
Until next time,
Lynell
I decided to feed and water everyone - it was early but I was sure they wouldn't mind! I also decided to take Zoe out and feed her separately in the round pen. That way I could get some much needed one-on-one time before she left.
As she was eating, I groomed her. If it would've been a little warmer I would've given her a bath too (still only 50 degrees in the morning). She loves to be groomed and stopped eating in order to fully enjoy her brushing!
 |
| "Why did you stop brushing?" |
I let her finish her breakfast and got my own breakfast. But I wasn't hungry, my stomach was in knots...but I ate anyways.
I went back out to see Zoe and decided to go for one last walk together. We just went down the road for a bit but it was so nice. She was so good!
My husband took this last picture. My mom saw it and said it said so many words...
Zoe's new family arrived just after 9am. They showed up in a nice truck and trailer, and thanked me profusely for the opportunity to buy Zoe. It was the mom, dad and daughter who came to pick up Zoe. The daughter is 16 years old and very nice. We'll call her T. I really liked talking with all of them - good people! They asked if T could ride Zoe to see if she had any questions right away. Of course I agreed!
I got Zoe saddled up - which, if you can remember doesn't always go well for Zoe. She stood like a good girl while being saddled up. I'm not sure if it's because I didn't "hard tie" her this time or what but it went really good. She didn't want to put the bit in her mouth, which is unlike her. I know she's due for her teeth so that's probably what she was telling me.
I showed T how I round pen her first before getting on so I can see where her mind is. Zoe did really good again and didn't need much of a warm up. I told T that Zoe will mirror whatever emotions she's having so if she's nervous, Zoe will be nervous. If she's calm and confident Zoe will be too. T got on carefully, asking if Zoe gets upset about mounting because she'd been thrown off many times by a horse she was testing out (before Zoe). I told her no, Zoe was fine about mounting.
She started walking and they were getting the feel of each other. She made the comment on how Zoe really seemed to tune into her right away - which I've always noticed too! She asked how I got her to drop her head into a headset and what the command for back was. I told her and also told T that Zoe needs verbal confirmation that she's doing good. Zoe responds when she's told she's good, rather than just a release of some kind. After those quick instructions, T rode Zoe walk-trot (the round pen had a slick spot,so no cantering) and really got a good feel for her. T is a great rider! They did so well together!
T thanked me again for Zoe. While I was talking with T in the round pen, hubby was talking to T's parents about their own horses. The dad was trying to sell his horse because his gelding acted like a stallion and he couldn't take him trail riding - which is what he loved to do. He asked about Gunner and so we took Gunner out for him to look at. Brother-in-law hasn't been in contact with us about Gunner, so parents-in-law said to sell him (they are half owners) if we could. I'm still on the fence about that... Anyways, the dad rode Gunner for a bit. Gunner did good for him but the dad said he had to sell his own horse before he could bring another one home because he was only set up for 4 horses. He said he would give me a call once his gelding sold.
T loaded Zoe up in the trailer and we all shook hands. I said goodbye to Zoe, one last time, and they were off. I admit...I cried a good amount as they were driving away. I feel good about Zoe's new home but it still hurts to say goodbye.
We found each other on facebook so I can stay in touch with T and Zoe's progress. She invited me to come see Zoe any time and that she would let me know when they have their shows so I can watch. She's on her school's equestrian team and 4H so she's going to be busy with Zoe - which is great!!
I texted them a few hours later to see how the trip home went and how Zoe was once they got home. The dad said the trip home and unloading went great! All three of his daughters thoroughly groomed Zoe and that Zoe was taking a nap in the sun in the round pen (her transitional pen). Looks like she settled in nicely!
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Until next time,
Lynell
Friday, April 17, 2015
A Fork in the Road
I don't even know how to start this...
Tomorrow Zoe will be moving to her new home with her new family. It KILLS me to sell her, she was supposed to be my forever horse! But the direction my life is going right now will prevent me from continuing her training like she needs, like she wants! This decision has been weighing in my mind for a while now. I need to do what's right for Zoe and stop wasting her by not having the time to ride and work with her consistently. The guilt is overwhelming!! Even as I type this I'm having a hard time accepting it. Zoe was supposed to be with me forever - until the end. My heart is broken.
The family I have chosen for Zoe has 4 other horses. Their lives revolve around their horses and they are so excited to have Zoe join their family...their family are the key words here. She will have a forever home with them! They plan to use her for all kinds of events in western and possibly dabble in english, depending on how Zoe does.
The father of the family found out about Zoe through my trainer. He explained to me that they were putting their daughter's horse down because they were no longer able to manage the pain for their horse (severe arthritis) so they have been looking for a new horse for quite some time. When my trainer told him Zoe was for sale he called me and begged me to let him buy her. They knew Zoe from when she was in training and absolutely loved her! I told him I had someone else coming that night to ride her and from the sounds of things would probably buy her so I was sorry. He was persistent and even offered to buy her for more than what I was asking!
I called my trainer to get an idea of what this family was all about. To me, the right fit was more important than the money - or even who had first "dibs" on her, so I had to at least think about it. My trainer had nothing but great things to say about this family and so I did it.
I sold her to them.
His daughter asked if she could call me about Zoe if she has any questions or maybe come out and help her! I told her I would absolutely love that! I'm excited for Zoe - for her future with this family. It feels right, it hurts but I'm at peace.
I don't usually get comments on here so I don't know if anyone really reads this or not but I will leave this blog up for a while but then probably shut it down. Maybe I will start one for Melody or a general one for the farm. We'll see.
Until next time,
Lynell
Tomorrow Zoe will be moving to her new home with her new family. It KILLS me to sell her, she was supposed to be my forever horse! But the direction my life is going right now will prevent me from continuing her training like she needs, like she wants! This decision has been weighing in my mind for a while now. I need to do what's right for Zoe and stop wasting her by not having the time to ride and work with her consistently. The guilt is overwhelming!! Even as I type this I'm having a hard time accepting it. Zoe was supposed to be with me forever - until the end. My heart is broken.
The family I have chosen for Zoe has 4 other horses. Their lives revolve around their horses and they are so excited to have Zoe join their family...their family are the key words here. She will have a forever home with them! They plan to use her for all kinds of events in western and possibly dabble in english, depending on how Zoe does.
The father of the family found out about Zoe through my trainer. He explained to me that they were putting their daughter's horse down because they were no longer able to manage the pain for their horse (severe arthritis) so they have been looking for a new horse for quite some time. When my trainer told him Zoe was for sale he called me and begged me to let him buy her. They knew Zoe from when she was in training and absolutely loved her! I told him I had someone else coming that night to ride her and from the sounds of things would probably buy her so I was sorry. He was persistent and even offered to buy her for more than what I was asking!
I called my trainer to get an idea of what this family was all about. To me, the right fit was more important than the money - or even who had first "dibs" on her, so I had to at least think about it. My trainer had nothing but great things to say about this family and so I did it.
I sold her to them.
His daughter asked if she could call me about Zoe if she has any questions or maybe come out and help her! I told her I would absolutely love that! I'm excited for Zoe - for her future with this family. It feels right, it hurts but I'm at peace.
I don't usually get comments on here so I don't know if anyone really reads this or not but I will leave this blog up for a while but then probably shut it down. Maybe I will start one for Melody or a general one for the farm. We'll see.
Until next time,
Lynell
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Warming Up!
The weather is finally starting to warm up! Our February was the coldest I can remember ever having! We basically just went into survival mode that month...so glad that's over with! The horses took the cold weather as good as can be expected. Gunner was the only one who got cold, which surprised me. Before he came to live with us, he was kept outside without a shelter most of the time so I half expected him to winter better than the rest of the horses. But I ended up taking him in and putting him in a stall every night and during the frigid days. We all got through it. I just hope we don't ever have another month like that ever again!! IT WAS FREEZING!!
Anyways, we are back to ground work with the horses, all of them. Tyson had to be reminded that even though the other horses were calling he had to stay with me. He was not thrilled about that. Zoe is a hot mess any time I take a horse out without her. I can't decide if it's jealousy or worry...either way, she's been a handful. Gunner and Star have been fantastic with ground work, not much to report there. I'm not riding yet because the ground in the round pen isn't good yet for riding (the first ride always happens in there) so I will keep taking them out for leading/ground work. Melody has been a handful, just like Zoe. But I believe her issue is that she's buddy sour. Time for her to be in a separate turn out! I have to get a pen set up for her so for now she's still with Star...not for long though! I will be interested to watch her shenanigans when she figures that out!! (insert evil laugh)
Our cows should be calving in the next month or so. It's always exciting when they come! I will take picture!
Lola, the puppy, is also doing fantastic. She's been such a great puppy to train and has a knack for working the chickens. She wants to work the cows so badly but we don't want her to get her confidence crushed if one of the cows kicks or hooks her. She will work cows after she's a year old. Then the real cow dog training will start! Until then, we work on her basic commands. She does pretty good!
Well, that's all for now! More later!
Quote for the day:
"Lost time is never found again."
Anyways, we are back to ground work with the horses, all of them. Tyson had to be reminded that even though the other horses were calling he had to stay with me. He was not thrilled about that. Zoe is a hot mess any time I take a horse out without her. I can't decide if it's jealousy or worry...either way, she's been a handful. Gunner and Star have been fantastic with ground work, not much to report there. I'm not riding yet because the ground in the round pen isn't good yet for riding (the first ride always happens in there) so I will keep taking them out for leading/ground work. Melody has been a handful, just like Zoe. But I believe her issue is that she's buddy sour. Time for her to be in a separate turn out! I have to get a pen set up for her so for now she's still with Star...not for long though! I will be interested to watch her shenanigans when she figures that out!! (insert evil laugh)
Our cows should be calving in the next month or so. It's always exciting when they come! I will take picture!
Lola, the puppy, is also doing fantastic. She's been such a great puppy to train and has a knack for working the chickens. She wants to work the cows so badly but we don't want her to get her confidence crushed if one of the cows kicks or hooks her. She will work cows after she's a year old. Then the real cow dog training will start! Until then, we work on her basic commands. She does pretty good!
Well, that's all for now! More later!
Quote for the day:
"Lost time is never found again."
-Benjamin Franklin
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