tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62951362229497213102024-02-19T00:07:26.783-06:00Polka Dot PoniesThis will most likely be just a collection of my ramblings. I ride and train horses, so there is bound to be a lot of horse stuff. But I also just like to vent and this seems the perfect place.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-9903659117224635342010-08-17T19:49:00.002-05:002010-08-17T19:52:11.341-05:00Website!I know I have been a terrible blogger thus summer/spring heck for about the past year. Anyway this summer every chance I have had to sit down at the computer I have been working on one thing- MY NEW WEBSITE! Check it out and I would love any feedback that you all have!!<br /><br /><a href="www.KyhlwoodFarm.com"><strong>www.KyhlwoodFarm.com</strong></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-69173714904125894512010-06-23T14:57:00.003-05:002010-06-23T16:32:03.161-05:00No Paparazzi Please video 2As you can tell in the videos Love wasn't a huge fan of him following her around on the lunge. He was going a little faster than he does naturally because he was trying to keep up with her.<br /><OBJECT class=BLOG_video_class id=BLOG_video-6b57d06e15167142 height=266 width=320 contentId="6b57d06e15167142"></OBJECT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-18361936689249118192010-06-22T20:54:00.006-05:002010-06-23T14:57:26.272-05:00No Paparazzi Please video 1I know they aren't great videos but they give you an idea of how he moves. I was at a loss on how to make a video of a horse that doesn't lunge especially since I don't have a round pen. He follows Love like a puppy so I used that to my advantage. (When I first got him his name was Maynard so if you click the label link below that says Maynard it will take you to all of the blogs that have said anything about him.)<br /><OBJECT class=BLOG_video_class id=BLOG_video-92e40fe0c32b45f4 height=266 width=320 contentId="92e40fe0c32b45f4"></OBJECT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-15721112093411974032010-06-19T22:30:00.003-05:002010-06-19T22:38:56.447-05:00So SleepyBut I have been such a terrible blogger that I figured I owe you some pictures!<br />So much going on right now and so many changes but I will get into those tomorrow when I have a chance to sit down and blog properly. For now here are a few pictures to get you excited for the blog to come!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpjNpERiKjnWDHcBiwvQz5xyQWJVpyjSXuRX3bxGjvkix3SAtolBUU9gfI-YOQiSL8e4bq0rYPELbQPE2fo2QMQGYje7aR0B38_53e9QiXoOsyhpBm7o32_LsIxLO3ZOnM44b5Rkt2n8/s1600/Mace+head.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpjNpERiKjnWDHcBiwvQz5xyQWJVpyjSXuRX3bxGjvkix3SAtolBUU9gfI-YOQiSL8e4bq0rYPELbQPE2fo2QMQGYje7aR0B38_53e9QiXoOsyhpBm7o32_LsIxLO3ZOnM44b5Rkt2n8/s400/Mace+head.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484694964960049666" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiS4bcHM6tWS8xaSJnXtWbOml5PeN5cC7ntXRlPWi99izVV5J_itDHkhPOTfBchY3gP68qbcv4tpi5gUiymLbyXhWWGmP8kbfOkTM7o0DX8KMOFz565D7T_MVdkGtuDXKAGHxptlIiO-c/s1600/pic+5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiS4bcHM6tWS8xaSJnXtWbOml5PeN5cC7ntXRlPWi99izVV5J_itDHkhPOTfBchY3gP68qbcv4tpi5gUiymLbyXhWWGmP8kbfOkTM7o0DX8KMOFz565D7T_MVdkGtuDXKAGHxptlIiO-c/s400/pic+5.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484694957993938434" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEuIaCtfZbRZp-XPzwxp7oGjMwpVOzHW9jIjBZN9px_mq1q2tvCuzj4Mj0n0o2T-QUheLjmsRutoc42BWLEehGi8TKHwqilCw4h-GfjaTJfkbl7jiK3EKfb8-KUz2aYXuaNuFma-vsjY/s1600/pic+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEuIaCtfZbRZp-XPzwxp7oGjMwpVOzHW9jIjBZN9px_mq1q2tvCuzj4Mj0n0o2T-QUheLjmsRutoc42BWLEehGi8TKHwqilCw4h-GfjaTJfkbl7jiK3EKfb8-KUz2aYXuaNuFma-vsjY/s400/pic+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484694946363565874" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSSRgSs2DNk8jxCAzzq0vtpm17f9vRKuqzsFni-_t7Y2f8-pbGClaw8jZgqvuoAkYJW_Le4QYr207dyZLfz9VhnQ9CmwKvq72FesVKCEMmAxiHVQmTsB-jvBRe1Rxcc61rGov24KzUeI/s1600/Love+Left.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSSRgSs2DNk8jxCAzzq0vtpm17f9vRKuqzsFni-_t7Y2f8-pbGClaw8jZgqvuoAkYJW_Le4QYr207dyZLfz9VhnQ9CmwKvq72FesVKCEMmAxiHVQmTsB-jvBRe1Rxcc61rGov24KzUeI/s400/Love+Left.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484694936150067170" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuIIIvS0nab-V-o16epZKCp49gK4_I4vNqIpjcSrjj9J8lcH4DHQhyphenhyphenS26ZjddhGx6mHYblcxztxhT3lkGA8mQPY3LaZst6EtWi5uSqFfmh1MaSkN6CJJRzL93feA87R_A_mLmIDMtHZw/s1600/MaceRight.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuIIIvS0nab-V-o16epZKCp49gK4_I4vNqIpjcSrjj9J8lcH4DHQhyphenhyphenS26ZjddhGx6mHYblcxztxhT3lkGA8mQPY3LaZst6EtWi5uSqFfmh1MaSkN6CJJRzL93feA87R_A_mLmIDMtHZw/s400/MaceRight.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484694927969313954" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-43846573784618683362010-04-18T10:08:00.002-05:002010-04-18T16:40:01.259-05:00Who put that light switch there??So my sister and brother-in-law were going to built a house but found one that they really liked to buy instead. My uncle said that was good because then in 2 years you won't think 'What dummy put that light switch there?' Oh yeah it was you.<br />Titan and I had a moment like that yesterday. I would ask him to do one thing and get a totally different response than I was looking for. I would ask him to put his haunches in and he would canter. I thought who taught him that?? Oh yeah- me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-54172542406133496972010-04-16T23:13:00.002-05:002010-04-16T23:25:39.902-05:00My bleeding heart strikes again.So on my way home from work tonight I passed 3 middle school aged boys throwing rocks at what looked to be a cat. Being the animal lover I am I pulled over and yelled at them to knock it off or I was calling the cops. They ran off a little ways but clearly were just going to wait until I left to continue torturing the cat. I went over to shoo it away and it came running up to me and rubbed on my legs and purred and purred. Needless to say it ended up in the car with me because it was skin and bones and was not going to be shooed away. It is currently in the back hall having what seems to be its first meal in days. I put some towels for it to sleep on and a litter box along with a bowl of water. I am going to try and find it a home otherwise I will take it to the no kill shelter. I don't need another cat right now and I think Fiance would kill me if I told him that I was going to keep her. I will try and post some pictures tomorrow. Any of you want a new cat?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-78524389049505138632010-04-15T13:40:00.001-05:002010-04-15T13:41:24.129-05:00Face LiftThe blog got a bit of a face life today. I was sick of it being so dark and sick of the teeny tiny white writing... Let me know what you think as it is still a work in progress.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-8374903633906037452010-04-15T12:12:00.004-05:002010-04-15T12:53:44.109-05:00Maybe I am mortal.So you know the feeling when you are in high school or even college/university and you just know that nothing can touch you? That feeling of immortality, you know logically you have just as much of a chance as anyone else of falling ill or getting in an accident but for some reason you never think it will happen to you. <br /><br />My immortality is wearing off. I went in and met with my insurance agent today and we discussed life insurance policies. Also I discovered a new wonderful little blog called <a href="http://girlplushorse.blogspot.com/">A Process of Learning</a> about 2 days ago and have been thinking ever since. I will let you read Ashley and Ella's story because I couldn't write it better than she does but I just wanted to throw out there that sometimes reading someone else's blog really gets me thinking. <br /><br />If something were to happen to me tomorrow what would happen to my horses? I know that Fiance, my sister and my brother would take care of everything to the best of their abilities but none of them are horse savvy. I have been thinking and thinking about what I would want to happen and it is very difficult because I would definitely want my ponies to stay in their home but I know T and her family can not afford to suddenly have 5 more horses to feed. So in the past 2 days while grooming and cleaning stalls and other horsey tasks that are perfect for thinking I have come up with a plan for each horse. <br /><br />Titan. Now you all know that as much as I love the others Titan is a piece of my heart and I can't imagine him ever not being with me but knowing that may not always be a possibility forced me to think. If something were to happen to me Titan would be headed to Canada. Now all you crazies that think I am sending my baby to slaughter of course I am not. Titan would be headed to Newfoundland to be with Leila. Leila and I worked together in NY when we were camp counselors and riding instructors. She is an amazing person and a great rider. She would bring him along and train him right. She is soft and kind and I know I could trust her to always do what is right for him. <br /><br />Margo. Margaret has only been here a short time but she is already a lifer. She would be going to Indiana (or where ever Ada happened to be living). Ada is my best friend from IWU. She would have so much fun with Margaret and would learn loads with her as well. I have no doubt in my mind that Ada would care for Margo the same way that I would and love her just as much. <br /><br />As for the others it will be up to T to know what I would want to happen with them. She and I talk every day about the horses and about my plans for each of them. She would know how to go about selling them and the money would be split to help Margo and Titan's new owners get started. With horses coming and going as I try to better each of their place in life there may be horses here that I haven't mentioned but T would be in charge of figuring that out. At the moment Mace would stay with T, Tiki would go to C and Love would be sold. All of Titan's equipment and my English tack should go with him to Canada and Margo's equipment and my western tack should go with her. <br /><br />Do your families know what to do with your horses if something should happen?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-42327627027794763062010-04-14T10:28:00.003-05:002010-04-14T11:01:01.457-05:00Who says you can't buy Love?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7QouYpL-YoSCUeaR6xtJaUf4XEEu0rxeFq93lnj3yEm_QOJTxBuyb6cUJGSrsfVCLGItrkrWqOzAQRRIdRwiqrg9r4Q4FUTO73fgCQvj4z97bVcZApitV9dHkA68qVP0VwrFCXOTLjk/s1600/lovely.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7QouYpL-YoSCUeaR6xtJaUf4XEEu0rxeFq93lnj3yEm_QOJTxBuyb6cUJGSrsfVCLGItrkrWqOzAQRRIdRwiqrg9r4Q4FUTO73fgCQvj4z97bVcZApitV9dHkA68qVP0VwrFCXOTLjk/s320/lovely.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460022287473775538" /></a><br />She is officially for sale so I say you can buy Love. I have accomplished what I wanted with her. I rescued her from the KB at the auction and she now has a solid start. If I could keep her I would but I can't keep everyone. With Tiki's foal due in May I am looking to free up a little space. If you know of anyone looking for a super minded 2 yr old BS paint send them my way.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-27597444887478240082010-04-13T23:31:00.003-05:002010-04-13T23:54:55.460-05:00Some Happier Updates.Mace is a good little boy. He can lead without mama around, picks up all four feet and holds them for you to pick them out, will stand to be groomed. He is a cool little guy. He is changing color to a VERY dark chestnut color. Not sure if he will stay that color? He looks a little scuzzy now because the patches that have shed out and are dark make him look like he has bruises or something all over his body. I will try for some pictures tomorrow so you can see what I mean. T is really falling in love with him and I am feeling a little guilty that I will be selling him. I really like him but don't have the resources to have a gazillion horses of my own right now. Once I win the lotto that will change and I will build my dream barn and rescue career broodies and give them a real job rather than a baby incubator but for now I will have to find him a new home sometime this summer.<br />Titan is fabulous. I have been riding him bareback almost every day (for my benefit more than his). I can now go two rounds posting bareback without stopping (proper posting where my a** gets up off his back, not the silly stuff some people do when they have to post with no stirrups and they just bounce about). I can only make it one round in 2 point (my legs aren't that strong yet). It is better than when I started and could barely do 1/2 a round posting! He is getting more confident and more consistent at the trot and we could probably go out and show in walk-trot and clean up right now but I don't have the 'horse show itch' just yet. Not with him anyway. I am having too much fun training on him. <br />Love is great. We walk and trot now. Still no canter. She has a super smooth little jog that is very natural and also has a very natural low headset. I wish I could find her an advanced 4-Her that wanted a project for the summer. She would be perfect for that since she is so freaking sweet. She can make nice round circles and pays attention for the most part. We are still keeping our rides very short because I don't want to lose her attention and don't want her to stop enjoying her work. <br />Tiki is still pregnant and I suspect she will go late. She is due beginning to mid May but I have a feeling she will hang on until the end of May or even into June. I have stopped riding her since she is getting uncomfortably big. She has a new pasture pal. After Margo was attacked I wanted her out alone with Mace so that she didn't have to worry about him so much so Tiki and Rocky got turned out in the arena for a while to test them out. I didn't think Tiki would take any of Rocky's crap and sure enough she set herself up as the alpha mare right off the bat. So long a**hat Rocky. Since they have been out together his manners have been better (read: he isn't a rude jerk anymore). He would still pick on the youngers but for now I am happy to have someone in with him so he isn't all alone. <br />Gus is doing well. I have T working with him on ground driving with him now as I don't think he is physically mature enough to have someone on his back consistently. She has been on him once for about 5 minutes but we have decided it is in his best interest to pull back a bit for now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-1639406242568266932010-04-13T15:07:00.004-05:002010-04-14T11:03:00.552-05:00Dog Attack.I have been so crazy busy that I haven't had a chance to sit down and post. Things are a bit of a mess right now. Well, let me start at the beginning...<br />The day before Easter (April 3rd) I had an AMAZING ride on Margo. Her jog is like and old pro and her lope was getting better each time I got in the saddle. She seemed to be getting a little bored so we were working on flying changes as well. Every time I ride her I feel like our bond gets stronger and stronger. It is so strange as I haven't felt a bond like this with any horse since getting Titan (and with training I ride a lot of horses). Sometimes you just click you know? Anyway I even called T and had her get out of the shower to come over and watch Margo and myself. She was pretty excited about the progress we had made in such a short time as well. <br />You may have noticed the jumps between past and present tense, sigh. There lies our problem. That was the last time I have ridden Margo. The next day (Easter Sunday) I was invited to go with some family friends to their family Easter since I have no family in the area and so I joined them. I first made sure that we would be back well before dark so that I could get a few rides in. We ended up getting back around 7 and I was beat from the long car rides so I decided to give the horses the day off. When I drove up my drive way there was a black pit bull that jumped on the car door until Chance chased it off. I came in and called a few neighbors trying to find the owners to no avail. I didn't really think too much of it because there are often neighbor dogs that wander up here and then they always go back home. I figured that Chance must have scared him off because I couldn't see him anywhere around the house. Around 8 I went out to feed horses and bring the mares in. <br />I walked into the pasture to get Margo and Mace. Margo knows when it is dinner time and came straight over to me. As I was about to halter her the pit bull seemed to come out of no where and attacked her. I booted Mace in the belly to get him to run away as Margo spun around and tried to jump the fence to get away from the dog. He grabbed her back right leg just above her fetlock and was hanging on for dear life. Margo did not make it all the way over the fence and ended up dragging her back legs down over the top rail pulling the rail down. I had to kick the dog to get it off her leg. After I kicked it, it ran off while Margo stood huffing and bleeding. I got her haltered and grabbed Mace and got them into the barn as quickly as I could as I was worried that the dog would be back (she did not want to move at all). Once I got her into the barn I was able to see the damage done. She was bleeding mostly from where he had bitten her (lower cannon on the hind right) but also from many of her other wounds. <br />I cleaned her up and then called the sheriff and vet. While I was getting her cleaned up the dog came back into the yard and I was able to get a rope around it's neck and get it tied up. The sheriff came and took my statement and took pictures of Margo's legs. He then loaded the dog into his truck (it tried to attack him while he did this). He said that any dogs that attack livestock are disposed of. At first I felt a little guilty sending the dog off to its death but then I looked at Margo's legs and didn't feel bad any more. <br />Here are some pictures. I don't have any of the night it happened these are a few days later but they give you an idea. <br />She is still very sore and when she jumped the fence she did some damage to her right front. I have consulted a few vets and it is mostly a waiting game now. There is a chance that she will end up being just a trail horse or even a broodmare for life. No matter what she ends up being she will be here for life, she is just one of those horses that I have a special connection to and I won't sell her.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREJawKs5kCWZ7rJzZUR8qLdb2Sf2FF7maL5M3Eb-YTLhMLnWIwvEs1vEcRje6BKkckEqTfkO1KScQHvkTTl8QlBnENTCNFDDtN4DL99bnWLFhNrOc3RjtiWfuttgbR4zH1WEngdbg0J8/s1600/Maynard+and+Margaret+334.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREJawKs5kCWZ7rJzZUR8qLdb2Sf2FF7maL5M3Eb-YTLhMLnWIwvEs1vEcRje6BKkckEqTfkO1KScQHvkTTl8QlBnENTCNFDDtN4DL99bnWLFhNrOc3RjtiWfuttgbR4zH1WEngdbg0J8/s400/Maynard+and+Margaret+334.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459725184306007986" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9mbZwGfF7A4i9usxusrvhxB2wRzyXdErIJ4IluPnoRHOxPgtCO9uQZAJ9w9r2rwFj_Zmcr_ddf98H-ta22b1XaykQHUWXyB39krpPzYNzmjiAHUi_4vm_EYsEwZP6oGKfOobT8oFIag/s1600/Maynard+and+Margaret+332.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9mbZwGfF7A4i9usxusrvhxB2wRzyXdErIJ4IluPnoRHOxPgtCO9uQZAJ9w9r2rwFj_Zmcr_ddf98H-ta22b1XaykQHUWXyB39krpPzYNzmjiAHUi_4vm_EYsEwZP6oGKfOobT8oFIag/s400/Maynard+and+Margaret+332.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459725154579475490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkE69-mbeiNxg7ZbfiBFbN_hf29JX6jMpSj2j6sxmYHSlbEVHzZTa-cUTslT3g-_8cuD0PIIPglleZxjdOifeYxNITLrlwWatQejbvE-X5B1SPtLQTqYE8WQqoZaKUBrwojCn-rk2kGFw/s1600/Maynard+and+Margaret+310.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkE69-mbeiNxg7ZbfiBFbN_hf29JX6jMpSj2j6sxmYHSlbEVHzZTa-cUTslT3g-_8cuD0PIIPglleZxjdOifeYxNITLrlwWatQejbvE-X5B1SPtLQTqYE8WQqoZaKUBrwojCn-rk2kGFw/s400/Maynard+and+Margaret+310.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459725130739116802" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QYc-Zbvq7ybtXhuCz9hwFac2eeru532Bs5ZadZgLQiiog03Bl_tRutpw5s3qwaI_6N4Y-kS5v9Y7u-96e1nj5lJIMKyo8SaNFZz3-MQrhlgYwDb9WwC8TUGtlTT1As4ur7Pq_THGts8/s1600/Maynard+and+Margaret+305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QYc-Zbvq7ybtXhuCz9hwFac2eeru532Bs5ZadZgLQiiog03Bl_tRutpw5s3qwaI_6N4Y-kS5v9Y7u-96e1nj5lJIMKyo8SaNFZz3-MQrhlgYwDb9WwC8TUGtlTT1As4ur7Pq_THGts8/s400/Maynard+and+Margaret+305.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459725122498923890" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfgPN1gKQjU0gPDxX70-o8leikSSvXJALSlnIaaeN5igAW6e8wFOFV5rRlK3txThGIfKposuHAcCdXx1ZJ-l0oe_fFKwBf_v1vHOsPhyphenhyphenzkxVr8N4Ute63VhHFmQPymzWBMNi_oW_8XUI/s1600/Maynard+and+Margaret+326.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfgPN1gKQjU0gPDxX70-o8leikSSvXJALSlnIaaeN5igAW6e8wFOFV5rRlK3txThGIfKposuHAcCdXx1ZJ-l0oe_fFKwBf_v1vHOsPhyphenhyphenzkxVr8N4Ute63VhHFmQPymzWBMNi_oW_8XUI/s400/Maynard+and+Margaret+326.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459725111755195890" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-9212556607954255082010-03-15T20:30:00.004-05:002010-03-15T21:02:38.937-05:00Ride Goals.I set goals every time I get on any of my horses. If I don't set a goal, even if we had a good ride, I don't feel like we accomplished much. I even set goals for out on the trail ride. I never really say them out loud but having them in my head helps drive the ride forward to a productive place where the horse and/or myself are learning something. If I get on and the horse isn't where we left of for whatever reason the the goals change but generally it works out really well. <br />Today I only worked from 5:45-10 and it was BEAUTIFUL outside so I got everyone worked and was able to spend time fussing over everyone. <br />Margo and Mace were first. I lunged her (and of course Mace too since he is part of the Margo package). My goal for Mace was to teach him not to run up at the lunge line. The other day when I lunged her he kept charging the line and even tried to jump it once. Luckily Margo's whoa is fabulous so I just dropped the line and said whoa and a possibly major accident was avoided. I didn't want to stop working her because he was there but more important was him not getting hurt. So today I decided to use a different line. It is a fat round purple one rather than the flat navy one that I normally use. I thought it would be more visible to him and it is much heavier so if he did try something stupid again it would drop to the ground if I let go. The navy one fell to the ground but when it landed it had loops sticking up that could get a leg. Every time he would try and charge it I would very firmly tell him no and wiggle the line. That seemed to get his attention and he very quickly got the picture. Mace goal: accomplished.<br />With Margo I wanted to get her responding to my voice better for gaits and also learn to walk on the lunge. She likes to go straight out at a trot and then trot and canter the whole time. Her whoa, like I said before, is great so I decided to work on transitions both up and down. She was getting much better at the end and even managed to walk long enough to cool herself out. Margo goal: accomplished.<br />Tiki and I desperately needed to work on her reaction to my legs. So my goal for her was to become more responsive to my cues rather than just reacting. To me reacting is an automatic response to my cues where as if she is truly responding then she has to think about what I want her to do. So today we worked on leg cues. She is very sensitive to my legs but every time my leg is on her side she thinks it is go faster unless I have pressure on the bit. Today we worked at the walk on lessening the pressure on the bit and increasing me asking her to move her body around. She was getting it but I think it is definitely something that we need to work on over more time. Tiki goal: in progress but better.<br />Titan and I had a ground lesson today. I have noticed in the pasture lately that he is much more pushy and I wanted to remind him who is boss. So my goal for him today was to get back to we were last fall with him reading my body language and listening to my voice commands. He did get in trouble a few times for trying to just walk over me but in the end we are almost back to where we were last fall. I am sure he will need many more refreshers in his life but for today he accomplished my goal for him. <br />With Love I worked on moving forward consistently. She prefers to stand still when I am sitting on her back. So we worked on walking with my voice and a little leg pressure rather than having to bump her sides with my legs. She did well but it took a while to warm up and since she is only 2 I only ride her for about 15 minutes at a time. By the time the little light was turning on in her head it was time to get off. <br />How about you guys? Are you like me with goals for every ride? Or do you just go by the seat of your pants so to speak and let the horse tell you what they need to work on that day?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-38181200617564559842010-03-14T21:51:00.003-05:002010-03-14T22:14:55.305-05:00Not really about horses but...I am going to actively start really trying to get ready to take my NCLEX (nursing license exam). I had really put it on the back burner because <em>(if I am totally honest here)</em> I am afraid of failing the exam. There I said it. I am afraid to fail the NCLEX. Kind of feels good to get that out. It strikes me as odd to be afraid of failing at something because I try and fail all the time with the horses and to me that is a huge part of the learning process. But somehow it seems that if I fail the NCLEX I would be not only letting myself down but a lot of other people. <br /><br />It has taken being extremely frustrated with where I am at now to finally get me to this place but I am there. I am really feeling that I am at a dead end and I am really starting to get frustrated that I can't seem to save up a decent chunk of money due to earning next to nothing. I am really excited for lessons and training to start up again because that is really where my income comes from. I am just frustrated to be working 5 days a week earning what I could be earning as a nurse in 2 days. I would have SO much more time with the horses and I truly believe I would feel better about myself.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-60729042332592797802010-03-13T21:33:00.003-06:002010-03-13T21:47:45.627-06:00Lovely Margo and 4-H safety talkI rode her tonight! I lunged her for a bit and then just got on and walked around and am still totally in love with her! She was so good. We worked on leg pressure, neck reining, whoa (which is stellar) and backing. I didn't ride long since I had already lunged her and she hasn't really been worked in about 2 1/2 years. Mace was good though I am NOT a fan of trying to lunge with him in the arena. Most days he ignores us and goes off on his own and plays a little but today he decided her would follow mama along the whole time. He was puffing a little at the end as well! <br />Quick question- If you could tell people one thing about safety with and around horses what would it be? The leader of the 4-H group called tonight and asked if I would be willing to speak at their meeting tomorrow. I said sure and already knew that the first thing I would talk about is safety. It drives me CRAZY when I go anywhere there are horse people and kids are wandering around barefoot or parents are letting kids sit on horses tied to the trailer (with no helmet and no shoes most of the time). I even had a kid reach through the arena fence one time and try to grab my horse's leg while we were cantering down the rail. Of course said kid's mom was no where to be seen and I had to slam on the breaks to not snap off the kid's arm (there was a horse to my inside). Good old Scottie had amazing breaks and we didn't even touch the kid but then we got rear ended by one of those people that NEVER take their eyes off the judge, "LOOK WHERE YOU ARE GOING!" <br />Anyway- My biggest thing with all of my lesson kids and anyone that rides with me is safety- which means a HELMET first and foremost! <br /><strong><em>What are your biggest safety pet peeves when it comes to horses?</em></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-31954887114358573812010-03-09T19:30:00.003-06:002010-03-09T21:47:13.324-06:00So Proud,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXxQO3Ujxn5MkZ3JVr0gJvowAKVC_kaoLaCNeruRzwNy-tVH0T-Tp68Y_KukWUESL1WoMipf-j4CT5IsDInio2YC8svpw8irPiNGFzhYXER-RF-IUOIeAG_Pgw0N70TWeDViHjmWAbOk/s1600-h/chance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 344px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXxQO3Ujxn5MkZ3JVr0gJvowAKVC_kaoLaCNeruRzwNy-tVH0T-Tp68Y_KukWUESL1WoMipf-j4CT5IsDInio2YC8svpw8irPiNGFzhYXER-RF-IUOIeAG_Pgw0N70TWeDViHjmWAbOk/s400/chance.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446846240684000658" /></a><br />Of Chance that is. Those of you that remember after I adopted him I discovered that he was terrified of anything that resembled a broom handle. That was back in <a href="http://polkadotponies.blogspot.com/2008/12/poor-chance.html">December of 2008</a>. Today by his own choice he came into a stall I was cleaning and curled up in the corner on a pile of shavings. This is the first time he has ever willingly come into a space where I was holding anything like a broom, manure fork or even wrapping paper. We have work a lot on getting more comfortable around items like these but today was the first time he has ever put himself in that position by choice. What a good boy!<br /><em>(That is the picture from his adoption ad)</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-82065147821156125672010-03-07T12:03:00.002-06:002010-03-07T12:15:39.328-06:00Woody Pet?So one of the wonderful Margaret's downfalls is she is a <strong>HUGE </strong>slob in her stall. Because of this I am trying to come up with way to make it harder for her to trash the stall. The first is installing a hay feeder. I do not like metal hay feeders (the kinds with the bars) because not only do they pose a huge safety risk (especially with Mace) but they also have been tied to health problems. So I am thinking of building a box type feeder- I will let you know what I come up with. The other thing that I am trying to change is my bedding. Right now I use just regular bagged shavings and she went through about 6 bags in a week (with me picking out the stall every day). I understand that the stall will be a bit messier due to Mace being in there with her but still. <br />Has anyone ever used <a href="www.woodypet.com">Woody Pet</a> bedding? Does it actually make your life that much easier? It sounds like it would help a lot as it is easier to pick the stalls out and I wouldn't lose so much bedding while just picking out or to wet spots. I don't know. I am a bit of a skeptic. Also the nearest dealer to me is a little over 2 hours away so I would either need to order by the 1/2 truck load or become a dealer myself. <br />Humm... just food for thought I suppose.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-26857446927327020582010-03-06T16:47:00.006-06:002010-03-06T21:04:07.732-06:00Please excuse me while I wipe the drool from my chin.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOR-3bCWgVfIN5KNhz3O8qen9gi3xi1Hjusr-lraiG2vXqeoszSb7b959mUZ03pfLsG9ruSbRDXFaeUc1N7gR-Y1FF1sMusp4wi__ARVnChZ0WE8-GGGZenZtkUakQn9UO3Wt0YbyVQU/s1600-h/Margo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOR-3bCWgVfIN5KNhz3O8qen9gi3xi1Hjusr-lraiG2vXqeoszSb7b959mUZ03pfLsG9ruSbRDXFaeUc1N7gR-Y1FF1sMusp4wi__ARVnChZ0WE8-GGGZenZtkUakQn9UO3Wt0YbyVQU/s400/Margo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445661078696068930" /></a>I am totally in love with this horse. I have been working with her the past week but all just grooming and such like that. Today I took her out in the arena and lunged her <em>*drool*</em>. She is almost freaky her legs are so good. She carries herself really well even on the lunge line. This is all in slushy snow as well! I can't imagine how awesome she is going to feel once I am on her back! She is also such a sweet mare, lets me do pretty much whatever I want with her or Maynard (also known as Mace now because sometimes Maynard is just too long). Margaret's nickname is Margo. Maynard's legs are pretty freaky cool as well <em>*drool again*</em>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-pexdGaWzpazpXjmzEhHYH_6hRc_T0g1TUPYgUUvg8CryroNoYSWfO7i78totQH0SwXIFdhGL8S6Ae7g1_SViu-8yKuCczJ5cXOFPERmhzXJ-ISftmovaqFdjPFsEx_YUYEIjJsQYwY/s1600-h/Macelegs.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-pexdGaWzpazpXjmzEhHYH_6hRc_T0g1TUPYgUUvg8CryroNoYSWfO7i78totQH0SwXIFdhGL8S6Ae7g1_SViu-8yKuCczJ5cXOFPERmhzXJ-ISftmovaqFdjPFsEx_YUYEIjJsQYwY/s400/Macelegs.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445715020491755810" /></a> Naturally really slow legged and has really nice flat knees and some crazy deep hocks. HOW did I get such cool horses at such an amazing price?!?! Also Chance still thinks he is part of their little horse family.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84AO7s_Jt89uq9ejrHrEGRW4r3eeS9p7Ge-n2rjme12gwTkxzpbvq1DmjIhUDb0N0t00ekWy0PwIXvj3AW5CM3LtUFEO7seNf2j36LYzusk8amAiHwRbWgY69-OOLGC-iQDn3YIBelzM/s1600-h/unlikelyfamily.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84AO7s_Jt89uq9ejrHrEGRW4r3eeS9p7Ge-n2rjme12gwTkxzpbvq1DmjIhUDb0N0t00ekWy0PwIXvj3AW5CM3LtUFEO7seNf2j36LYzusk8amAiHwRbWgY69-OOLGC-iQDn3YIBelzM/s400/unlikelyfamily.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445715029018577442" /></a> <br />In other fun horse news...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVTcu6X8TWpYfFTJMqiiCh_ote6-5I_Fu30I443FXhJwKCksK8_MHFAbybrgwcuidxL8H1O4Ne9-XITw2j2zx98ieDpYgDUMjJQe2SDy9K-6Ud8SvrnQvddJV_Xgi0VM7hXbmQ21XUMc/s1600-h/love+winter.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVTcu6X8TWpYfFTJMqiiCh_ote6-5I_Fu30I443FXhJwKCksK8_MHFAbybrgwcuidxL8H1O4Ne9-XITw2j2zx98ieDpYgDUMjJQe2SDy9K-6Ud8SvrnQvddJV_Xgi0VM7hXbmQ21XUMc/s400/love+winter.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445715017096159282" /></a>Love had her 3rd ride today. T rode her around at the walk working on bending, turning and actually moving forward. It seems like there are 2 kinds of horses when you first get on their backs, those that don't want to move and those that want to toss you. Fortunately I have been lucky enough that most of the horses I have trained have been 'those that don't want to move' when they are first started. I would rather teach a horse to go forward that to teach a horse to stand still. I also think this may have something to do with all of the time and energy I put into them before I actually get on. I apologize that is isn't a very good picture of Love but it gives you an idea of how different she looks from when she first got here! Fatter and MUCH harrier!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTkNGiTBW5fWtb46ai82FvPy_TIj0V7Hwqu2uLkEpI4_Kn09Peyz8e3d-GBARhiCCDM94ncHYi4ig4Y314hHq0o8Dv3agGdmJgTpkr6fng_mZecTeyggYjhEzN3ColZq9OvNKxOhDlO4/s1600-h/gus+and+t+first+ride.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 103px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTkNGiTBW5fWtb46ai82FvPy_TIj0V7Hwqu2uLkEpI4_Kn09Peyz8e3d-GBARhiCCDM94ncHYi4ig4Y314hHq0o8Dv3agGdmJgTpkr6fng_mZecTeyggYjhEzN3ColZq9OvNKxOhDlO4/s400/gus+and+t+first+ride.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445715014495738930" /></a>Gus had his first ride ever. He was great. As you know he is T's horse that I am helping her bring along. He is very mellow and also fell into the category of not really wanting to move when she first got on. After mounting and dismounting a few times I told her to stay on and ask him to turn his head both directions. Then after a bit of that we walked around a little. I say we because although I think Gus is mellow enough for her to handle horses are still unpredictable and so I had the lead on him for her first ride. She wants to do everything herself so with my guidance and support she is training him. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0P-5UpYp7YhlLT-SohqxqngWdYb0RQTsxyL4meb1pI0qetAgMJSg9BKdJLy4enJbgmymX1QOn78ig1tSrjopyVEpcEPL3aayCCsRn7_MwRAWtFf_1X1MhVUfQIvAxtKQQu30Qxmopsc/s1600-h/cassi's+first+ride+on+tiki.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 394px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0P-5UpYp7YhlLT-SohqxqngWdYb0RQTsxyL4meb1pI0qetAgMJSg9BKdJLy4enJbgmymX1QOn78ig1tSrjopyVEpcEPL3aayCCsRn7_MwRAWtFf_1X1MhVUfQIvAxtKQQu30Qxmopsc/s400/cassi's+first+ride+on+tiki.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445715023181689970" /></a>C had her first ride on Tiki today. She spent a while grooming and getting to know her and then just rode on the lunge line at the walk. I am really proud of C because I know she was a bit nervous but she did really well. I don't know if I told you anything about C's horse background? She rode when we were in middle school but never had a horse of her own. The horse that she used for 4-H died (either when we were still in middle school or in the beginning of high school) and she never really found a new mount that she was as confident on. She loved King and Hayley and she got along well with Reno (one of the horses I trained last summer) but she really needs a horse that is here consistently that she can learn on a build her confidence on. Tiki will also be used for her daughter to get rides on. I told her that she is going to learn to ride English this summer and she seemed semi excited/apprehensive. I don't think she likes hunt saddles.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm6R8rStuSiaw9_qnit5ua0Ui4yGwrRC9N6evgu5PONkjGATDjFfFdAZh7yjm22ZtNo0N0LcKpOOsFgTYzbKtzqcs3ha_X6DWgCQcBp88bFxz8SHB-8Z_dCpFPxH9PCsFhSfSENcK-ik/s1600-h/feburary+094.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm6R8rStuSiaw9_qnit5ua0Ui4yGwrRC9N6evgu5PONkjGATDjFfFdAZh7yjm22ZtNo0N0LcKpOOsFgTYzbKtzqcs3ha_X6DWgCQcBp88bFxz8SHB-8Z_dCpFPxH9PCsFhSfSENcK-ik/s400/feburary+094.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445720796847923042" /></a>Titan wasn't left out! We went for a ride out on the road and he was ok but a little spooky. On the way back he was much too forward and refused to pay attention to my legs or seat. So we worked when we got back. We worked out in the arena on using his body at the trot and listening to my legs when I am asking him to move his body around. It wasn't a long work but since he hasn't done much since November (give or take) he was puffing. As you can imagine is it hard to move how your rider wants you when the arena is still snowy. As much as I am looking forward to spring I am also dreading not being able to use the arena. Right now we are kind of in between the ground is no longer frozen and there is no ice but there is only one small spot of mud as it is all about 3-4 inches of snow (a few places as deep as a foot). In the next few weeks as everything thaws out there will be lots more mud and less working horses in the arena. Which usually means more trail riding but I am really itching to get back to work in the arena with all of the horses! Luckily I am on the top of a hill and am usually one of the first farms in the area to dry out!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-80863997685021108942010-03-02T18:31:00.000-06:002010-03-02T18:41:52.723-06:00First ride<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyAxZgteIuZBdXKB-gyNdLDW41209v3xxKjc9CtqsbY5H61jTPNN34GT_eATnOICjkxtndjyR3lMq9Km4efQy0Tsx6u5gERM16c91Tx0KjGnV-xFRGdpGqkHuvZrrzhr7WforMCS3NKU/s1600-h/Maynard+and+Margaret+028.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyAxZgteIuZBdXKB-gyNdLDW41209v3xxKjc9CtqsbY5H61jTPNN34GT_eATnOICjkxtndjyR3lMq9Km4efQy0Tsx6u5gERM16c91Tx0KjGnV-xFRGdpGqkHuvZrrzhr7WforMCS3NKU/s400/Maynard+and+Margaret+028.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444200997855576002" /></a><br />I rode Tiki today. Mostly walk and a little jog, since she is pregnant I didn't see the need to push her really hard. She was very good. Moves off my legs well and is very responsive to the bit. It was a little hard in the snow but she was moving her body around well for me. She was a little excited but considering this is the first time she has been ridden in well over a year I forgave her for that. T was in the arena working with Gus and Tiki was still very focused on me. I can't wait to actually see what she knows.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-64264592665495244112010-02-28T19:22:00.000-06:002010-03-06T20:52:30.600-06:00What a day!Today was great! <br />I'll start with the pictures in the last post. The pictures of Chance and Mo I just thought were cute. Then there are pictures of when I got Margaret and Maynard home yesterday. They settled in well. I spent a little over an hour just fussing over Margaret. She needed to be groomed SO badly and she loved it! I fed her and then grabbed brushes and went to town. She was so dirty. She is shedding a lot already and since it is only about 28 outside I blanketed her. I don't want her hair going back in just in time for it to get warm (which it is supposed to starting this week!!). I also haltered and unhaltered Maynard about 10 times and started working on handling his legs (he isn't a fan). He is starting to like to be scratched on the neck so he really struggles with whether he should let me catch him or not. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0EWjSPcKc-w9fuD_gnA_DOMy2YIxjODfR5CJZlXkKL7vp2uk9MSjRbl1-m_76xUcWKItKbJb4TU9I1rR0X8YEWbgNrC2Bkm-eJSg6BfDV_a0xjmB1KdFCe1Ts9ncqCBgwWrG2-dj1kE/s1600-h/Maynard+and+Margaret+023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0EWjSPcKc-w9fuD_gnA_DOMy2YIxjODfR5CJZlXkKL7vp2uk9MSjRbl1-m_76xUcWKItKbJb4TU9I1rR0X8YEWbgNrC2Bkm-eJSg6BfDV_a0xjmB1KdFCe1Ts9ncqCBgwWrG2-dj1kE/s400/Maynard+and+Margaret+023.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443476883258349058" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc2QyHUNO0-aiaGaXno2amp1YLVwmrRR1xseNv1QvyGpOOMobPBxn9dZr4j5qO90aqm0aCk-rcndGqGiDVsRrtpNkm56ajOmssLdEfoBcUWgRhq4xKOya2BXxfK7iFDM0g3kfscZf-jo/s1600-h/mace.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 257px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc2QyHUNO0-aiaGaXno2amp1YLVwmrRR1xseNv1QvyGpOOMobPBxn9dZr4j5qO90aqm0aCk-rcndGqGiDVsRrtpNkm56ajOmssLdEfoBcUWgRhq4xKOya2BXxfK7iFDM0g3kfscZf-jo/s400/mace.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443476872610590898" /></a>Then today I got up and went out and fed everyone. After they were done Margaret and Maynard went out in the arena and Tiki went out with Titan, Love and Gus. I hung out with them for a while and debated taking his halter off but in the end I left it on since I was going to be out there the whole time anyway. Chance has decided that Maynard is his new best friend. Margaret won't let Tess go into the arena with them but she let Chance hang out with them the whole day.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNPh0rkqzOvP4CgCEv0vgQqD10DWJuDWwDaSmP5FfVtyFijQH_lcU8p5-HyxOy5H2cTYFKNQBGZiJljjw80syTjOJk_FK1HNquFPbJsOkV3KtIXzlFtJjGbBtpB5-TwzjVvrJt0NATaw/s1600-h/Maynard+and+Margaret+200.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNPh0rkqzOvP4CgCEv0vgQqD10DWJuDWwDaSmP5FfVtyFijQH_lcU8p5-HyxOy5H2cTYFKNQBGZiJljjw80syTjOJk_FK1HNquFPbJsOkV3KtIXzlFtJjGbBtpB5-TwzjVvrJt0NATaw/s400/Maynard+and+Margaret+200.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443476861961973234" /></a>Chance and Maynard became fast friends and were playing most of the day. Except when Maynard or Chance needed a nap. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7aioeTdAw5wOZ0T4qv5yZykXzIU5m1ofB_jgZj7G2Oj4gMTFttJ6lTQpMJeAhChJc1RK4eyjrKbt4a81skNxR8-1_QwxHWdnZmZFDDelxTl9Ki9sUuHlAEavAvTfbSdEzSXatYnqoSY/s1600-h/nose+to+nose.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7aioeTdAw5wOZ0T4qv5yZykXzIU5m1ofB_jgZj7G2Oj4gMTFttJ6lTQpMJeAhChJc1RK4eyjrKbt4a81skNxR8-1_QwxHWdnZmZFDDelxTl9Ki9sUuHlAEavAvTfbSdEzSXatYnqoSY/s400/nose+to+nose.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443476889566864178" /></a>I wonder if they each realize that the other isn't also a horse or dog. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwYQFt-olIvsBVdCwbP6i-gbyVrEfNsFWwQ4WaDqcpnQZYltMvKUItFdt2XMn5Oa1gRHlJEoE-arjJp_Ez6A9uTS_-lgF4_LuEb6WFunPptlbOXaszhRXqYnrR1Og1_EMb_Y5aPMvovM/s1600-h/buddies.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwYQFt-olIvsBVdCwbP6i-gbyVrEfNsFWwQ4WaDqcpnQZYltMvKUItFdt2XMn5Oa1gRHlJEoE-arjJp_Ez6A9uTS_-lgF4_LuEb6WFunPptlbOXaszhRXqYnrR1Og1_EMb_Y5aPMvovM/s400/buddies.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443476876815243330" /></a>Titan and I went for a trail ride and we got stuck in a snow drift. It was totally my fault and I am super lucky that Titan is so mellow. There is one section of the trail that dips and then goes up a hill. We were going along and I completely forgot about the dip. The snow really piles up there and we walked straight into it. Titan is game for anything so he plowed on through until he couldn't move. Then my brain kicked into gear as he somewhat tipped over. He just kind of lay sideways into the snow (that at this point was touching my stirrups). I climbed off onto the snow and pulled his reins over his head. He had to think about it for a minute and then he decided that yes he would get up and get himself unstuck. After we got out of that self made mess we headed back to the barn and rode around in the yard. <br />Love had her first ride today! Normally I would put this in the 'her' blog but I have decided that I don't have the time or energy for 2 blogs so hers will be smushed back into this one. I mounted and unmounted for a while and we practiced bending and giving to the rein. Then we walked around a little bit and she was so good! Never offered to buck or run off. Since she was so good I put her away after that. I wish there was more time in the day and that I never had to go to work. That would be nice.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-73437677980567618552010-02-28T17:30:00.000-06:002010-03-06T20:52:30.600-06:00Pictures!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8CWD0XR8Wc7GD4ZZPDW5vy5YabXA4ekwW649x-0vgi6JZfB4hZbxKubF4NvDeBgl58jA34njvqXPrmYv-GkXtcic91HBiVKOnQZIPMjj5sUg07TBqmszTaQHP2NDH9BVM6GPtPe1z2A/s1600-h/Maynard+and+Margaret+014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8CWD0XR8Wc7GD4ZZPDW5vy5YabXA4ekwW649x-0vgi6JZfB4hZbxKubF4NvDeBgl58jA34njvqXPrmYv-GkXtcic91HBiVKOnQZIPMjj5sUg07TBqmszTaQHP2NDH9BVM6GPtPe1z2A/s400/Maynard+and+Margaret+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443445426879081250" /></a><br />Maynard<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKbyb6kFS_8YkC92yPlt8gEfrhjVF6fcb7PYYTLDrZx636PEd52CAqEgcz_9DiXoyZ77nwG9Tm6r9knRuYX35meibt6o3HbGMLrTyxPVQTNsiYAtLx0koZUVAfNlGqstBu1Q0Q8Yku-8/s1600-h/Maynard+and+Margaret+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKbyb6kFS_8YkC92yPlt8gEfrhjVF6fcb7PYYTLDrZx636PEd52CAqEgcz_9DiXoyZ77nwG9Tm6r9knRuYX35meibt6o3HbGMLrTyxPVQTNsiYAtLx0koZUVAfNlGqstBu1Q0Q8Yku-8/s400/Maynard+and+Margaret+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443445422861060226" /></a><br />Margaret and Myself<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABDQthtmMkUWiYcWCUvfR4HGcz4R2PUwt44NkIigg5CPLKYBEtFisPqg2TNfgn43xD1-miQVhPUprru-kdnxc-EkPnBxT0vTlWH5SfwK4r7K5jpIxxhUHA13ixzVqJb9fqhdCkpR146c/s1600-h/Maynard+and+Margaret+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABDQthtmMkUWiYcWCUvfR4HGcz4R2PUwt44NkIigg5CPLKYBEtFisPqg2TNfgn43xD1-miQVhPUprru-kdnxc-EkPnBxT0vTlWH5SfwK4r7K5jpIxxhUHA13ixzVqJb9fqhdCkpR146c/s400/Maynard+and+Margaret+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443445412639570674" /></a><br />The 3 of us<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WXoNv_s0mgazOIA6Yb__pAQDgLEbYjajF5s_Vu1jCZn5YWGn2Zx1p1rB7Rk8bAQr3KShWPTfEiMhniQmCOaYKpbZzjLWozUKZnTMvDK8wRSID00L5_aA8M2ojpFnODlipcGZmdtxApQ/s1600-h/Maynard+and+Margaret+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WXoNv_s0mgazOIA6Yb__pAQDgLEbYjajF5s_Vu1jCZn5YWGn2Zx1p1rB7Rk8bAQr3KShWPTfEiMhniQmCOaYKpbZzjLWozUKZnTMvDK8wRSID00L5_aA8M2ojpFnODlipcGZmdtxApQ/s400/Maynard+and+Margaret+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443445405647901762" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ld7YnYpnCZq1OP0_iE56DOvXs83Fu7Zhny1RVfZ21VDdUbxgAURLGI0OpgEAzEQSlLCgCBomVdGPuLXTn2ViQQ3QMtsdUYfzxmap9QA0b_hQoDxCyTs_rtvWL4RSBJmuWonIR6dy_Ak/s1600-h/Maynard+and+Margaret+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ld7YnYpnCZq1OP0_iE56DOvXs83Fu7Zhny1RVfZ21VDdUbxgAURLGI0OpgEAzEQSlLCgCBomVdGPuLXTn2ViQQ3QMtsdUYfzxmap9QA0b_hQoDxCyTs_rtvWL4RSBJmuWonIR6dy_Ak/s400/Maynard+and+Margaret+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443445402289882514" /></a><br />Chance and Mo sleepingUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-18455583502620588942010-02-26T20:23:00.000-06:002010-02-26T20:35:51.318-06:00Business ModeTiki enjoyed her first day here I think. She went out in the lot by herself so that she could get to know the others over the fence. She seemed like she was having a good time when I went out to get her, though she was happy to come into her stall tonight. Her old owners told me that she could be a little hard to catch but she practically haltered herself. On the way into the barn we did a little showmanship and she rocks at it. Stuck her piviot on the first try and she hasn't done it in over a year. Sets up well, follows your shoulder for walking, trotting and stopping. It was funny because we started doing a little showmanship and it was like she switched into business mode- was no longer looking around or watching the dogs, wasn't trying to sniff my gloves or pockets- she was all business. Then when I gave her a pat and told her that she was a good girl she switched back into play mode and nuzzled my hat. Cool horse.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-27126315376722626492010-02-25T21:17:00.000-06:002010-02-25T21:27:17.665-06:00Picked up Tiki!She is lovely. We went to get her tonight after I got off work. She climbed right on the trailer, didn't even look at it. When we got her home she climbed right back off. Let her check out Titan, Gus and Love over the fence then put her in a stall for the night. I put Love in as well to keep her company. <br />She looked around a bit but never acted the least bit nervous or excited. Was happy to settle down in her stall with a big pile of hay. C came over to meet her and we groomed her for a little while (she needs a serious scrubbing- maybe tomorrow). Tiki leaned right into the brushes and closed her eyes. She was perfectly content. Seemed quite happy to have a nice soft bed of shavings to lay down in since she has been out in a pasture for the past year. <br />I think tomorrow I will tackle the huge tangles in her mane, more bonding time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-11958528673809745272010-02-21T20:59:00.000-06:002010-02-21T21:04:13.662-06:00I did it!I bought both mares. I will be picking them up this week. I am super excited to start working with them and the one baby that is already on the ground. Yea! YEA!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-55827683020523802212010-02-20T21:50:00.000-06:002010-02-25T21:31:54.519-06:00I need some advice.So I have been horse shopping for a while now. Not super seriously as I am in no hurry but I would like another horse to work with over the summer as well as a lesson horse. I found 2 awesome mares and need your opinions on them. I went to see them today and love both of them. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yoWDBLpO8iJTfNQlAona8-H6USc9UXs2AP0XNhtEvUjIb6SKPS7t58GoR8mGEjDcNgZQghGB8FGHfxoOviOSix-_Rf-3avKfSOBKaP90gLztn83FwiXDIec1IOmkq-oF8EjYN_YCzRA/s1600-h/TIKI.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yoWDBLpO8iJTfNQlAona8-H6USc9UXs2AP0XNhtEvUjIb6SKPS7t58GoR8mGEjDcNgZQghGB8FGHfxoOviOSix-_Rf-3avKfSOBKaP90gLztn83FwiXDIec1IOmkq-oF8EjYN_YCzRA/s400/TIKI.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440552805508392978" /></a><br />Miss Tequila Brook (Tiki-pictured above) is a 10 yr old red dun AQHA mare. She is 15.1. She has been shown in English, western, showmanship, halter, and trail by an 11 yr old boy. She has been trail ridden quite a bit and has a very level head and isn't spooky. She has no health issues and is completely sound. She is up to date on everything (though could use a good trim- I trim every 6 weeks and some people around here trim every 10). She has great ground manners. Good for the vet and farrier. Easy to load and haul. She doesn't really have much on her papers but since she would be for lessons I don't really care. She did seem a little herd bound but we pulled her out of a pasture that she has been in for the last 4-5 months during dinner time. She wasn't naughty about it just whinnied twice and kept looking toward the pasture. She seems like she will be a super horse to have around for lessons and for friends to ride when they come out. The only downside to her is that she is pregnant. She is due in early May. She is bred to a nice registered stallion whom I also met. He is well mannered and very nicely built. He has done well shown in halter at shows around the state. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasmCaMOY_KCEvt2RKv-ltvKiHT40vW7AJluYR81uDR3jawxx3kXB2A23P6RcK_9QHxuqxed1ViZwnWG-bjQHIerTvLdoNadnio2UWjxaqolvznJCz9c9eIsEj0K2HvKK8xPE2nK6sfxs/s1600-h/Margaret.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasmCaMOY_KCEvt2RKv-ltvKiHT40vW7AJluYR81uDR3jawxx3kXB2A23P6RcK_9QHxuqxed1ViZwnWG-bjQHIerTvLdoNadnio2UWjxaqolvznJCz9c9eIsEj0K2HvKK8xPE2nK6sfxs/s400/Margaret.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440871098659139266" /></a><br />Margaretta Ville (Margaret- pictured above as a 2 yr old) is a 5 yr old sorrel AQHA mare. She is 14.3. She was shown as a yearling in halter and lunge line and did very well in both. She was also shown as a 2 yr old in halter, showmanship and walk-trot and did very well. Then her owner was unable to show because of health reasons. They bred her at the beginning of her 3 yr old year. She is VERY well built. Gorgeous little baby doll head. Great manners. Great to load and haul. SUPER friendly. Up to date on everything (again needs a trim). She is pretty impressive on paper as well. Again no health or soundness issues. Needs some finishing at the lope to show western pleasure and would need to get into a bit as they had shown her in a bosal. Yet again the downside is that she has a foal at her side. Early January foal. He is by the same stud that Tiki is bred to. He is very nice to look at- good legs, very muscled, nice head and neck, pretty cute little mover. Will probably be easy to sell come fall. He is her second foal, they sold the first at an auction for $400 or $500 last fall. <br /><br />I REALLY like both mares and think that they would be perfect for what I need. I do have some experience with foals. When I lived with my trainer I was 'in charge' of the babies and did all of the work with them. I do not have any experience in actually foaling a mare. I have been reading up on the Internet for the past several hours trying to see if this is something that I am ready for. <br /><br />Just because a horse has a uterus does NOT mean they need to be a mom! Even her current owners (who I really liked and actually know from about 8 years ago when I was showing on the same circuit as their daughter) said that they think Margaret is sick of her baby already. Of course she is! She is only 5! I truly think that neither mare should have been bred in the first place. Margaret because she is too young and Tiki because she is average and there are too many average horses out there!! Don't get me wrong some of the best horses out there are just average Joes but does that mean when the economy sucks and there are tons of horses out there being sent to auctions that we should make more?! NO! <br /><br />Ok I am going to climb back down off my soapbox for a little while and ask what you guys think. Neither mare is super expensive and both are pretty much exactly what I was looking for (minus the babies). I will have the time to work with both babies and T has already asked to help with them. I do have space for both moms and babies. I do have a client that I trained for in the past that has a breeding barn that I can call with questions/concerns and she only lives about 6 miles away if I need her. I also use the same vet she does and she said he is great about being 'on call' when the foal is due. <br /><br />What do you guys think? Do any of you have experience foaling? Is there anything that I am not thinking of that would be a big factor in considering the mares?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295136222949721310.post-33399796901674985202010-02-20T20:04:00.000-06:002010-02-28T20:05:10.178-06:00Love's first trailLove was a tag along on the trail ride today. First I worked with her on standing to be saddled/bridled and with clippers. She was great for all three. I think she actually kind of like the buzzing of the clippers against her lips. We have been working with the saddle for a while but today was the first day for the bridle. I was standing next to her with it with the bit in my hands to warm it up before putting it in her mouth and she kept licking the side ring of the bit. She accepted it with no problems and was perfectly happy to stand there and play with it for a while. <br />I lunged her with the saddle and bridle on for about 5-10 minutes, mostly walking and trotting. Then we went back into the barn and I left her tied up for a bit while I went to groom and tack up Titan. T was there and worked with Gus and then rode Rocky on the trail with me. I ponied Love along and she was really good! Jumped a few times when Chance came flying out of the timber or when a deer ran across our path but never tried to spin around or run off. She really seemed to enjoy herself.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0