tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74774202674783711402023-11-16T08:05:03.097-05:00Training the UnwantedHelping rescued horses find new careers and homes.wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-41544950020555314162010-08-21T18:09:00.001-04:002010-08-21T18:09:31.469-04:00General – 08/21/10<p>This blog has been moved!  You can find all the posts at:</p> <p><a href="http://www.horsehavenhollow.org/category/training-the-unwanted">http://www.horsehavenhollow.org/category/training-the-unwanted</a></p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-43764502688779148362010-06-30T17:44:00.001-04:002010-06-30T17:44:42.634-04:00Milo – 06/25/10<p>Good old Milo.  His first session had absolutely nothing to do with training.  It was just merely entertaining.  For me, at least. </p> <p>Renee tried longing him, but he knew he was bigger, stronger, and more patient than Renee.  She could chase him around all she wanted, he really had no interest in working.  She did get him to trot once or twice, but you could tell that he was scheming the whole time and trying to come up with a way to get out of work.  Typical pony!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZHXNceKq4Z9mrP0lBSnTk-BCNLZ3eX2p_wNzxoSLEZxAhEf3EqmwK-OTPWc5bvAFEhsCgJ_5gu4e0jqN5ZZjhFv0NTYw7aTQyAw22OVLV5asRc4VZTupWAeYuzVtpXMyq2XTB69oameA/s1600-h/060%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LcSVdqyHIQZIa31b_tWJ7YCSsfinMnJF9gBNdCA7p3u9NNmsXMgNG-QEhMi41eSZF8AnjFL_3ZdJv1_dOZDpeveT1ujuLDCEE9y0IociPKAsLVS_2Nns6iw8NBCDM5WbQM7Y9E5wZzSW//?imgmax=800" width="415" height="329" /></a></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlCXLVZJB5MxFC5BJKXOymqeaC0vb-Ij8gPkou6XADfRquvfzOAvluh3uw-_Sje8QCUlRFPOpTGkNSKiRZkM7ugqZ_0-6Y9TbDBomGKlfO7AQDDThr4sgYLF4P2tyNIg2Gmo1GNPmLgvn/s1600-h/061%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrG23kWMMcPiaTj6MyAQ0ZUbazSjd3T5qhBvTtrDv4Q1AehnwceKd3JQ8bN0IhIwedMeIYA1O-YcZGiKjGumrgJCbnKI53qafPqG3IREctpnomOhwJ10sO9Nx17xXoMUSMZJOVDxRrTPt2//?imgmax=800" width="421" height="360" /></a> </p> <p>It was really hot and humid that day, Renee had just been thrown into the fence by Mick, and I was running out of time and needed to leave soon.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RbJ-HMW02OmU4K0iHNtxFd_CSMI_mnvpL9L2eujeOcOz_vVMxYU62rjA-gXRkW_YqW20PnNYf3cZ8ie33ENHD3z3KK_t-LuAZzsCqnpJ3gm_sBWnLmO_BwawdQePN8jLlU_y1GPZvrgQ/s1600-h/055%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMowUNfdhj7eZ04GrGcEBC8q6MqU7MaRtWcql3Jki6dItAg4EXvDihGvpOpEuv-XfEMnwrVElsH8aUZHfMIOFl8aWdAgQQxHueHCZn7B2T3xAZO1n0K0qngtLhM1kabvAWM-whC7ovluV//?imgmax=800" width="416" height="316" /></a></p> <p>I think Milo sensed that we weren’t really in the game and took the opportunity to yank Renee off balance, push the gate open with his chest… and leave.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kSAZ8j4xKcAlhdppaLKj1zuJuQQ1kiqwM4fmlWXRTUB0Kx-WQZPHYY4czoFnts_NstBKZcqPoNJHE-m76WBOJF-PjE4XfDTbufTi3HozNKf1cSOD14EL1uUdXlHbb0nukm_r3NbaNRMX/s1600-h/065%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgms9c7Dcktq90wMqZe6d_C9PKfIR_lms-rMuBoHabgYjsuiXWBXdppwgDhSTuX00qNjhGU_sYRsXp2za3rCrpP6_YSEHtnKtkhjyfG-tfnjAc89M52qg8o1W1TiIqrDVSi_SpAeecHgL3K//?imgmax=800" width="418" height="291" /></a> </p> <p>That’s where the entertainment part came in. :)</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-59227580094222817842010-06-30T17:31:00.001-04:002010-06-30T17:35:30.550-04:00Mick – 06/25/10<p>Last time Renee was out I decided it was time to get started with Mick and Milo.  I wanted to see how she did with complete greenies so that I can turn her loose on her own and not feel like I have to be standing there watching all the time.  That theory went down the drain when we saw how well Mick did. </p> <p>He longed like he’d done it a hundred times before.  Not like he’d done it <em>correctly</em>, but like he’d been run in circles for hours on end by some idiot or another.  He didn’t understand WHOA or WALK, but he knew perfectly well what a circle was and was content to do a nice steady trot forever.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VYs6HIK3_2lTXWV6UEMbv9U45sQtl8W7MhW4-oEiMEbVDe0BqRUfg2UpxvYO3lyIyTNo1p9W655fGpylqv-mljUYsIR_qGvp2-G0hH1azklxcXwkfUuMPOrBqlvT1zNfPG6y5TZypfT5/s1600-h/048%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cjwcwl3HTUnf4DdYmloOMsX0pWvGZAgwAnGUz1PduFyi2Nuul8v68-LV93yqxoeuMAuKpxrgjIJPMG066aUb4g9r6raWf_kpC6o6LsyN3W8XJMqU0ltkZ35kMZKZs3GfB_c6N53vHkne//?imgmax=800" width="421" height="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCzP9MHfDOrgqiW7VA1stTKtoi5cxtz_z4Y4EHmAUTY8yYMxUEOjFluzG9huOsMRLscYZShBU-yyCUZUR4r0XasldXdWQhZ1SPgpfHXFGRtm2uWq8yQY_x4VIT2Cn2Qghb4kTKqxoThEx/s1600-h/050%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aVTP8FT0gvh-bClS1J19g-GGIocoaWxHW1lZsbcmns70UOnTgltE96gyQaP5cCa0vbjGzAL1W79Cd_RvNPwacOvo3p4qXMVdSf-rVEKkDc4kuzVCUuDXbfwC6ongMzhO5i76vIj2p375//?imgmax=800" width="417" height="326" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Which made us wonder… hmmm.. he’s three, he’s been here for about 8 months… maybe he was broke as a two year old?  So Renee stopped him and put the saddle on him.  He didn’t care at all.  He acted like he’d been saddled all his life.  He stood perfectly still while she cinched him up, then stood still again while she stood on the mounting block and leaned over him.  He was just as good about taking the bridle and barely chewed on the bit at all.  </p> <p>Combine that behavior with the small white spot on top of his withers, indicating an old sore from ill-fitting tack, and we thought for sure he’d been broke already.  Renee mounted up, eased into the saddle, and Mick stood there while she adjusted her seat and got her feet in the stirrups.  We were all smiles and congratulating ourselves on having yet another broke horse when Mick decided to take a couple of steps. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihywmT-6lFr8ETquBFFnImCH2_0LMDaJ6CI7VxGcoRV9Nv4JrKUy_3JrY6vUjc8cH-v6kWdA1szu6yJKPvoF5cvsO3EzH1-FK-sItuonlShFqVjRGSNelSwZZ4MZRVPWbtZpPo8VwS8BNr/s1600-h/054%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsJHa4QigHERHsugNyQM944NF_fZwmI-mb_rBvNJtCfOdQlL30WJpwiIX5hF4O7_TITaPbM-ovjhdeTuCFtojvzSQgBdBf5Trw77mA0pO1G1rmeKfsPYNGEqrL1QTWDg0BBy0txSZpI6x//?imgmax=800" width="417" height="319" /></a> </p> <p>Once he started moving and felt this weight on his back moving with him, he exploded into a bucking whirlwind and sent Renee into the fence seconds later.  Then he tore around the ring like his tail was on fire, almost ran me over, tried crashing through the fence in several spots, and terrified poor Milo who was tied to the outside of the round pen patiently awaiting his turn.</p> <p>We let him run himself out, then caught him and waited for him to calm down.  We walked him around the ring a few times, then back over to the mounting block.  We had to end on a good note, and his bucking frenzy was definitely NOT a good note!  Renee just stood on the block while I held him, patted the saddle, and leaned on him just a bit.  He did fine and was relaxed again, so we untacked him and let him go. </p> <p>Next time, back to square one!  But at least now we know for sure what we’re dealing with. :)</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-29053868513336735242010-06-30T17:15:00.001-04:002010-06-30T17:15:59.250-04:00Jasmine – 06/30/10<p>It’s been awhile since I’ve done anything with Jas thanks to everything going on around here this past month.  It was a beautiful day today and I found myself with some spare time, so figured why not?</p> <p>I’ve longed her a few times since my last post, just to work more on forward motion instead of the lazy western jog she seems to like so much.  Today I introduced her to the saddle.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYhyiVR57CRmZqh0g2DkK7THttH9KAYI8Sv4X0mm3R2jarRz__vs67lizLMjQuGzENaloeyQkjl-aPQ54urjM7z0rmFp54hwAOFj0R8lSkgkkbkqYh0e77UIcgxXxg_Wq2jzxP2c-1iPf/s1600-h/015%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsX-TcBHG3tBZgSxU3hLkj4410LKd26IEuv3xisBaco84BfN2KHaj4oXyPYh6qNM77OZdrj9DR8Swof5p-fxA1_8jSQealiZOY7pTE60Z4gm8StDxwQc9SjxiQmsR2-hCKLGcIV7Fy1-4m//?imgmax=800" width="419" height="319" /></a> </p> <p>She quickly realized it was just another way for her to behave and get rewarded.  As I was putting on the saddle, she took a few nervous steps forward, but then stopped and craned her head around to me for comfort.  I scratched her head and let her know it was ok, then she stood still for me to adjust the saddle and tighten the girth.  I never cinch up a girth all the way on the first try, especially with greenies.  I put it up snug enough so it wouldn’t slide off, then walked her around the pen once.  Tighten another couple of holes, walk around the pen.  She took all of this in stride and the stirrups hitting her sides never phased her.  </p> <p>Once the girth was tight, I sent her out on the line to walk and trot.  She’s still very lazy, but at least she’s trotting now instead of shuffling!  I smacked the saddle, shifted it from side to side, and put a little weight in the stirrup – she just looked around to see what I was doing.  </p> <p>Next time I’ll introduce the bridle and do some long lining.  Hopefully, I’ll have her ready by the time the next person comes out to visit.  I don’t want to try getting on her with no one around to direct in the paramedics. :)</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-65382471109967597782010-06-25T19:56:00.001-04:002010-06-25T19:56:44.840-04:00Jewel – 06/25/10<p>It’s always a guessing game when these rescues show up with no history:  broke or not?  With Cinnamon and Jewel, we assumed they weren’t broke because of how skittish and shy they were.  We couldn’t have been further from the truth with Cinnamon, who turned out to be a well-broke mare once she learned to trust us.  It turned out that she was skittish and nervous <em>because</em> she was broke to ride and had had very bad experiences.  After that learning experience, I began re-thinking the Jewel situation.  </p> <p>I was told that she had been a bucking bronco when the trainer tried to ride her at the previous rescue.  After that, they couldn’t even get a halter on her.  She had a serious injury to her chest that went all the way past her girth area, and looked like she had almost lost her front right leg.  It was healed when I got her, but I could still feel scar tissue in places, and you can still see where she’s missing flesh in her chest.  </p> <p>There were a couple of things that I could guess from all of that:  </p> <p>1) she could still have pain in that area when girthed up, or she was ridden before completely healed and is expecting pain when ridden.</p> <p>2) she has serious trust issues, probably from being ridden/worked through the pain, or from the tending of the wound itself.  </p> <p>3) she could have initially sustained the injury while under saddle</p> <p>Renee came out Tuesday and just worked with getting a saddle on Jewel.  She was able to get it on her back, but not girth it.  Every time she’d move around to the off side, Jewel would panic.  So she just walked her around the round pen a few times while holding on to the saddle.  Jewel relaxed and we stopped, removed the saddle, and turned her loose.  </p> <p>Today, getting the saddle on was much easier, and Renee was able to get her girthed up as well.  The girth didn’t seem to bother her, even when cinched up as tight as we could get it.  She was also ok with Renee being on her off side.  Getting the bridle on was a bit iffy, because Jewel has always been head shy since coming here.  It’s obvious she’s been either beaten about the face or ear-twitched.  It took some time and patience, but Renee got the bridle on.  Then she walked Jewel around the pen a few times and she was relaxed and not bothered by anything, including Renee putting weight in one of the stirrups with her hands.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdNSTPTW2jcyfXdAgaXasi_oeH0wxuhIvNOHwyFohhktr4tL31kzjWrFFRJpg1uxQtJ6WZFAbzL7lrou2IRevA43lJJUWfbik3dU76XmiWhLdH40CACVvt7CsRLHZL2VF9TmbquM9soF3/s1600-h/027%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOssgabwBMa3E3KppcuI6LBe1eLn3aaOxOzhbnDx7X2URhnRyMkCoUxJfWROESfgQMFPJGgqXMv0C8Sh6u6bwVFjU5mLzGJxcbA0ov6SAefSJzXetdriNkevPdQlPJO7HwOul2JznAH_hP//?imgmax=800" width="414" height="315" /></a> </p> <p>But as soon as Renee put a foot in the stirrup (no weight, just foot), Jewel exploded into a bucking frenzy!  That mare knew what was coming and wasn’t going to have any of it!  At first we thought maybe the girth was pulling on her old injury, but we could hang off the side of the saddle and she was fine.  It was just when Renee put a foot in the stirrup as if to mount, that Jewel exploded.  </p> <p>I walked her over to the fence and told Renee to climb the fence from the outside and see if she could slide over instead…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gc-lczqkhyphenhyphen96h8No8xDFtn79oOfAwm9C_tYLFzxUoDossYb1um4sRdlp7TXL3nPfiFKmDtkyaWfMigGXafNTodhLovjuLjgMobxyM8_a7bJB1_24cE0jB01y580nqbbl0f28Z1wBphGT/s1600-h/036%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLwAh56xYqYCYLqG7uByMBhDnd27DkLhtOt2OtLYWjB1jv10K9fEd0JD-0tSVKFuQalSvr6incdrSvDSeJFO0UlzDTaZB4nvqcOt3d5ANjkqFArkcgRZUb9_SR6MmSYqdw9FyjmUd0Jvo//?imgmax=800" width="420" height="359" /></a> </p> <p>Jewel stood still.  Perfectly still. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpWjKEMt3cMHuRWzGBGXtRzYp1JZ9mR2vxmSsu81qsM7En3gircQPhuCeDnKhLAdN4e0NWS7glWZAbhQrybYviQ6cny7YMqxPT1QJkUm3GQU0LiaFOVoRtwUCKcNiIjewzoIZH8MkMPxU/s1600-h/039%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVa1B2_UHL5xUBc54ohZvgqUa4WCl3cJjJ_bmEwT5Ctu1ULTM7gEJA-qO0iuM2hTDeGulM5WAvxhR7hYXBZawSAzNQjeM13nXmo5B_6Il6rhwgv80U6ChDfLhuROgLBo2oGmyYt5Bmen1//?imgmax=800" width="415" height="360" /></a> </p> <p>Renee didn’t touch the reins and kept her legs off while I lead Jewel around the pen.  Halfway around the first time, Jewel dropped her head, licked her lips, and gave a big sigh.  You could feel the tension drain out of her as she figured out that this wasn’t painful!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJaZ9wVQ_S4D0MrOXd4YGT_OB2facqYjIuCc4mpPjGaWxac-meLJfpfuZ2o22cPM4UfozOd6ijam6XmZvyFrYVeQFe61GpNe0axEgLiRQwSmOrefQQiB1VVWt1K9VBSMYt09ZRtXodcAh/s1600-h/040%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStcu85Q8ZeRgTcMHjSlz9oInGqWWVg18qAGU95dde5_vrFHdWUCsULZzf4ojJQIM1Z3Cw-sIjde6r-52_ovPB_iKfYYXtodQhv_irlbpTm2TwGXSALErxY0Nm_-3CAz1fIzkY0V4vnUFS//?imgmax=800" width="419" height="319" /></a></p> <p>After just a few spins around the pen, I lead her over to the fence so Renee could dismount the same way she got on.  Jewel stood still.  Again.  We took the saddle and bridle off, gave her some praise, and turned her loose.  Instead of taking off for the barn, like I thought she would, she just moseyed down the hill at a leisurely walk… like she was content with her place in the world at last. :)</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-58787695015354401212010-06-22T15:13:00.001-04:002010-06-22T15:13:56.784-04:00Maverick – 6/22/10<p> Today was all about getting Maverick out of the round pen.  This is only his third ride so we didn’t ask too much of him.  After a few minutes in the round pen, and Renee announcing that he had the steering thing down pat, I opened the gate and she took him out into the pasture.  The other horses were still locked in their standing stalls eating breakfast, so he was out there all by his lonesome.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiummHe1uVTnLZi-Gx2tb9nBGyG21rrUIxRmshEk7pERLN8M0nvpqgdBwU7fx0bmcio_Wdas_Tnd2VdqGpIQPXTo3aLdu8MQY5oTtG24_Ybz-VoqFhyiVOCVDTqAmIcWP7U_c49kVtXv2Ad/s1600-h/016%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbXtxrw51q9yLtNaRVUQnQtuWzUCTrKGNKPuqdMnlEmvz_5n0KzizG6mnBpEBm0H_lx1uZDEgzCBR-TGHgdFohbZtfLg7efVDKkL0h3xdrRLa-Eh6FRYSTR9aegBsiwEzXNmP3d9oTkiQ//?imgmax=800" width="420" height="319" /></a></p> <p>No, of course he didn’t care.  Need you ask?</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRv3d921XH4LEuYaSyNbTMQVru1xhyfgBaowagt9s8_trHDQe_uXDkk_pQRFyE_oVduQfHSRRnKvueeOVBL5woxstLPtq6uA3TMkLX_pGF-sbi4unftDF67bBM3pQ7Kg42Sipzi-nuw63/s1600-h/026%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-jjIZKVK-mINQKUPk7jb497yvW4qLdGt6DNC1wawB7KyjVmWRFHSYwGd5aQCmweYbkrnJ76IATf8hiz_vcQoLgRHHPKymxyYHIpCEeSn1KJKDh8G9Qp35gQpGp4PBFWYyLSGK2dBPVjT//?imgmax=800" width="418" height="318" /></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZg-evG1lPWt1sWjdUhUC1KIqj9KLEgKX_IwSyqKrE1M1SyhdRfKEep-Na_hyphenhyphenm-Q69kJKlQkXO9hzZ_067Lbb6GX4LrHFJvUDXCTzHVb_zXOgmbIX-SRx1lakyoZFIRQwt-sQ22qRDVnD/s1600-h/019%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDw7pb-KvAAHjZDHwIXgyFA3IaNoEvzUeZReGsPNr2GCgxVrkAu30PMhw1iHQipjmhWh1DVi3Pa2rLX25xanELYbhumlBYwV2ISSpsVkvRtZG-kIepHqORYVj8o3YS_Wf-VlXJLu-ZqJ-//?imgmax=800" width="420" height="325" /></a>  </p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOqUBIfWVvomHvQgVPc-f6tWkuTlN8HE7KEHWbym8Uqzy-5wmeD6K191e96kRWDNPCwXeBNs-Uftnx6aAZ09Tau4ZpEH0aZjeaEI6lcwu-Z60h-70VhyphenhypheniyY3BpelR7H92VaqRhZZPZyw9/s1600-h/024%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyECC5kxKqzKciICmDfumXWYCI3ZT1Oa5BsIr5Hzi79MGV8DP6vppH40AAhGwNOQKlM3KBiTBYFq5nyh92XHM-sbybyHzf4cWEschgkYEs9IOBLsEzaeNr0t4NdqcLR19kgSOWJh5Nrdj//?imgmax=800" width="417" height="314" /></a></p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvb5bskbnBIzMrtrD0cSqubKjW0nINUp77TpkJfmq4wBieKaMNUkLs1P_D7mCgAM5FeYV9yQFTda2rPpbk_SZZB5cV0pIcLXNbO55v8c0RvhLn0ONk7-Wa-DsnHq7mX-8ku6VDVlJnhkm/s1600-h/028%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy31JZGoDKb8LTerOuQcYUsmAfu5XpTRneGHEKSN-hY_kFuoQnMQM0f6VEZTyaMTKiVnbQw0KrE0KKUsvpxb87jm2i8f93zL2eryPmU2wDJ3JTYfiH2PSlk5vjHB4EJdBJfIxZ5OAVg_Q//?imgmax=800" width="414" height="315" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iH1gy9Uu0tI6LxU4JLslU2FuNZ56GdGKGJ2b33yDwHLDzhuMcsO-VhL9wGtIANZLOUs7rQ7nv0ErjIsevJu-vdYyPbKd5U8eekdyrMlbR7eoRuo28d_054VFIUJVr3DzRe-ELV8N3HvL/s1600-h/025%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwj6J2lrQUSUIfLHMdySRRPD0EkEvxqPSGL_acX6YWF4W9whirXDaFOoL6RhCER7Tw-FYLU0YB2JO3iGqgtIeWdk5SGEVamZFiOTRWEGbhXJZ3BZ-3oibHjvZmR3dSAAAXvRpzj3V6iUH//?imgmax=800" width="419" height="322" /></a></p> <p>He did manage to pull one of his brand new shoes, though.  I’ll be sure not to let Brannon live that one down any time soon.   </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PR1zi6nGUOPnZTS67xwlJdB_oesa78skOfznT3dEp7fYiub8UApokuAwS_KWhWtZYiyPMAFWZw2GWsDXW-oT1seIRsye47EZ6pFHU7VpC8QQXI70vqc5h8bouTNfORnNjvqX20XHmjKz/s1600-h/027%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlyQXzftS4hl66dcetEAOhpi6KTpnsM-Lg_At8sGe4QlHIePSOH6agS9ZCNREBBjVYgAe0bqgR-wIeoydv0NXdxKIktG5qmBoTxpkPqdihHKuUmFLjEltQ7KwEDiGhlPTU1Ie9ykSaFKS//?imgmax=800" width="415" height="316" /></a> </p> <p>Next time, I’ll hop on a horse and we’ll take the happy little guy out on a real trail ride!</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-90842863152156756502010-06-04T16:32:00.001-04:002010-06-04T16:32:52.152-04:00Maverick – 06/04/10<p>Are you tired of reading how amazing this pony is?  If so, you may want to go to another website now.  </p> <p>Today was Maverick’s second ride, and his first ride with a bit and saddle.  The bit was a rubber-coated full-cheek snaffle and the saddle was a leather 15” seat western.  The girl, Renee, who rode him had brought her own saddle and breast collar, and even though the breast collar was too large, we put it on him anyway.  Might as well get him used to something like that… not that he even noticed it.</p> <p>Mav took a few minutes to chew on the bit and wonder what it was in his mouth, then he got over it.  He learned to steer within minutes and WHOA was not a problem.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQ3eCijTUeFSRdVsDDvrzQ0XQWvTi5AnoAQBuuGIOwLuv135mD8c7HZn9PG8GQ04yzNrW556eFOQk9sX3lesupzNG-MWQkVv1FYtEF8EgXrga0_TUgw_WIVUJjHJvvmFP6aUt-gT4yFun/s1600-h/0133.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWpfvOgShWxOKgc0wiQ3W4bnOac99u6H7XI0oKrfCgF9PDRDKK4yoSHdzuw5mthJwbVsqLM0rEwPKR6k1FaDEJNtewGb37SlmNWB1Wp8nDXSs_wHNMDdN6lz5vrDAk4pc3QylB2urwMVQ//?imgmax=800" width="419" height="319" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaw210m761Mg5n_hinmoK90L_L0KWcX3E3M-vvc5lKL8DbMd0ZgWYicysDV3ocXEp_RGAX4wqxCIUKHGG6PgLRu134FYNTiiARK_2_cVoqbSQYd6rF71xWfCa9FYEUChpt02rvGVkm35gv/s1600-h/0073.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithd_9cadd30mGp0cmQE2QYFzNMRxhJ8Y-_yyZVcWj5VLgccexK-mk01HYQU-M8suswh2Xgli_dK8gpArqU2uh_NWnhisjCe_TYmtWqDjKcKEPZ_ync_HxwPOjsMZ4l0obsy2vo1dRVy-v//?imgmax=800" width="418" height="318" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyArOkHlO72KlBTI-kno6C5QzcB6D9vQcpjkR-NTY6AfMHCWGT9sKv9L1UHxcUVtemnFdadPA7GKt_nrDa6He6G6hJLjYL3v8s6GHT59wDMjJx-TDPHWYTYfFUCCAwbVr1qZVGGZC1H4e/s1600-h/0115.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCwD-KftLDIt4tRbuQUAgVBi0kJRxGeD95OfTe8MDwjJMDujwtNDM85zKmAkRs84v91dA9eHLMb3PyshKSS_VXihvBNkLsXuDIZwg0KOCxBH1Shk5t2txCn2Iht03UsKw_JcZzipJXtzO//?imgmax=800" width="420" height="323" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:1ab37efb-2dae-413b-9663-9e92f6fd3d84" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="1c640475-fc14-45ac-9dea-1f4eaa683b45" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luKmC71zHrE" target="_new"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqjt94JJM64dXUstFXhj2vhFVDfyqdoTjAUhCL4VhMv4zK-xy5kHn4nwkSvcPROPaQpISgkH9P7Ax118C4mf1dORNk6oqShmaesz7E2rSbWVfWIl3AiQ6wBRDdCz9e9jGp8nPZlivbBiF//?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('1c640475-fc14-45ac-9dea-1f4eaa683b45'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"411\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/luKmC71zHrE&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/luKmC71zHrE&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"411\" height=\"344\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>Renee said he moved away from her leg like he should, but sometimes getting him going took some mild kicking or some encouragement from me.  He acted like he’d been ridden 20 times before.  At one point, Renee looked over at me and said “I wonder if he backs”.  She was joking, but she tried it anyway… </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:d804409a-4fb9-4b08-aa97-48b9ab4a8485" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="90dcce78-3921-4542-895a-047ebe0216a8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnQHiVt7bws" target="_new"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKZ4yJAYaSqUEJ4CKRyVvTjJf3Bp4JtZBEQ2Qu-TDRsYIySSyW34fvKWnh4Ra3Iodi1tQoJgtoNT5rXYZzeo5rQz9KqIohZDelqs70Wrc20uX4MLwzTbVOlKhgw0Ht2kxq9Yr9rUNIm7t//?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('90dcce78-3921-4542-895a-047ebe0216a8'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"413\" height=\"309\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/mnQHiVt7bws&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/mnQHiVt7bws&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"413\" height=\"309\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>It wasn’t just a fluke.  He backed for her three or four times.  Just a couple of steps, but still better than half the horses on this place that came to me already “trained”!</p> <p>When we were done, Renee decided to get a little funky and see if anything could get Mav riled up.  He’s going to be a kid’s pony, and kids do some silly stuff sometimes, so it’s best that he’s prepared for that.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZE2Jzk8rV-D46_FbZffJ3Bv-V1VXLm6Oxb5-mA7mx1Sl5Qhp6vlHz5yJ5Tg2rc2VEq4AQfFIZcQQTUN6vWB4UfPR0JLgRfx3faP9kzD61ucRKXCoj-1_YeS1E1Q6WAaWW6kTdOZGi8gk/s1600-h/0153.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77JuE6moOkYEt3r2vidSh5dLMl-C_zza3UvCrnm68sVatkN1_3esgUrfBZPz0w83tqCTUzykrB-Lysz8GE0AR1R_v556A8B9U0AuCVFGGpo3lfZoXBOT3tZ3v4GmO1hCqsQB8E8e9w5Rv//?imgmax=800" width="414" height="315" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7AHfi0ar33lvdsPufnQmNNsFRALjKmKZ6KHch0by2MeZEx25UpBHGbBR1lj5FOcCGRNfiD37eWF69KZ3OQpBfmRhMblPrMzlVxcqzAXfh5LC1kLRIrjeyYjOpJaxnXFCoStuTdAplVtH/s1600-h/0183.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0_z7px7Sw2Cy_JSC9cH9as9s_fJfamKmCAYB9-coGLebItGmsFSLnH4UBgff1bAe9nRobB8SXj-se3R_wczvU-gI1WzLZPGVAFJ8aEtf9A-Ix9RhvN70sCDcgNYk-_afOqPsg0FJJJR-//?imgmax=800" width="419" height="319" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Is it just me, or does he look bored?  She did a 360 on the saddle and he never moved a muscle.  She slid off the right side, then remounted on the right side.  She leaned forward and rubbed her legs all over his sides and stomach.  He never moved.  </p> <p>We ended with that, after only about 15 minutes of saddle time.  Renee is coming out again, and I think this time we’ll go for a short “trail ride” just over into the neighbor’s pasture.  I can’t wait!!!</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-14895717767023051112010-05-21T15:44:00.001-04:002010-05-21T15:44:22.647-04:00Thunder – 5/21/10<p>When Thunder arrived here he was scrawny, covered in hardened mud, and recently castrated.  He was hot wired from being confined to a stall for a few weeks, but was supposed to be a well-broke trail horse.  I don’t know about the “well” part of being broke, but he’s definitely been ridden before.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuft_CE2pr9gjIk4LYwrnzFmpfraAcQFmgn0g1POmlWPDx4MaqjWnPu5g8yNH2fDYtds7Ug4aoIa9sBc1HrTemYpww1iVnOPBV93aOhnRI3nPjLzNVkUE792CZQA92pxNKyKtyC5eK0Us/s1600-h/038%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzt1Vm3UFoK02Ky5u8YU0D1ALuo3mQLVvI7TW2dyjqfN5Bfuxi4wXEX2aJyQuFgNIM6vo3Fvk9E1CixPh2PzNHG0delnqyFkA0g6N6ungi48LdaATUgcTc79Z6BML3A0d8gnIVCIw17FQY//?imgmax=800" width="418" height="348" /></a></p> <p>He was laid back to the point of being lazy.  It took some pretty good whacks on the butt with the longe whip to get him to move.  Once he got going, he did much better and just moved off Maggie’s leg.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0j8NIFSdhkn7umFPPzItrc4bKpU70-7-Z_Qf22wGNcfjBzhqMuJNMaJRxOsmZ_X3Hpgh-36PaA0hjniaZTgtZJnkMzDQ8qzDBY6NfTc-dAQwLMPamYqvItzXTzf1TB028-9NaVLdFtP0F/s1600-h/042%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1jVXfa3pdm22cylneTXkCASmtagoXPULhItdslS48RpFXEEUXJfoUtr05evB9hebgmsfj0nOC8kXTKd200m1sKpsSfOtXsZORTip2xIP3IaCxJYGY-4UyvBD9Bcdq2gxArObAVQOpEdB//?imgmax=800" width="418" height="318" /></a>  </p> <p>He also acted like he couldn’t figure out the bitless bridle.  The power steering was certainly not working today, but with a little more work he should progress quickly.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKc3hVb2FNqaFqCqqiXPYZBhE14cT26Mblw8yLfQjGMnlvOoUNdSh7PeqBXW82ul2CCOnmyMsveMAkrlLN3zMY9M1ra-6aVDG7YjJbbIBKP2vgmDehanMQoTQAuvMCXQ-oHyxNfYNyxk4z/s1600-h/041%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJZm5JH6s6KtGMfZwwHynGs91bCiMe3ueDzaWlZ1ot2FkF4T43UYUTdvHqF_apMJqoSJmqSPHuFYiaZScPPj6zj4dONNAWWgq2s5pXEO4-EJX4rZNwxzJSTscMU1FQNXqJWIDsuyob1Lz//?imgmax=800" width="420" height="319" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Maggie said his trot was wonderfully smooth and I could tell it was very easy to sit.  I can’t wait to get on him later next month and see what he knows!</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-44431521645596344062010-05-21T15:34:00.001-04:002010-05-21T15:34:52.945-04:00Cinnamon – 5/21/10<p>When I took in Cinnamon she was terrified when her owners had tried putting a saddle on her.  They were told she was broke when they got her, but it was pretty obvious that she wasn’t.  She knew nothing about ground work and had very little interest in people in general.  She was skittish and difficult to catch.</p> <p>Since coming here I’ve done nothing but feed and groom her.  She was pretty good for the farrier on the front feet, but horrible on the back.  She doesn’t even like her back legs touched, so we’ve been working on that now and again.  She’s much easier to catch now, and sometimes even allows me to catch her in the field even if I don’t come armed with cookies.  Her overall attitude has taken a major turn for the better and she seems much more relaxed and at ease with humans.</p> <p>Maggie was here today, dressed to ride, and feeling pretty confident after the <a href="http://trainingtheunwanted.blogspot.com/2010/05/maverick-52010.html" target="_blank">first Maverick ride</a>.  I joked with her and said if she wanted a challenge after Maverick, to try riding Cinnamon.  </p> <p>It was obvious that Cinnamon was just waiting for something to hurt.  When the girth got too tight her eyes widened and she danced around.  When it came time to put on the bitless bridle, we could tell she was expecting some big shank bit and curb strap – which got us both thinking that maybe she really was broke to ride.   </p> <p>I gave Maggie a leg up since Cinnamon would not get close enough to the fence around Maggie – she knew what was up!  It was so obvious that this poor little mare has not had a good experience with people in such a long time.  </p> <p>But once Maggie was on board, Cinnamon was fine.  She knew her job.  She knew her leg cues, had good brakes, and stayed relaxed throughout. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5QXqM1zYe3Xbe4AROYGtZHarsCUoimD_iLKOW8yupaIDjw-QWq6hL_AY-Z8L4jw0YCE9wF-PeM1Gx8c30kC5Rx3pxc5vYjacmVWolXPkGp_UCFFvFUthNqWpsC4EBjaiiCoA1FSIUW5y/s1600-h/051%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="051" border="0" alt="051" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihmsxPNOSJ-0K27le5BZ9fvs_vZd5xJbp9OFpLLu4kZccP9h4aU81ppABZ6w5zzmc5hPrIFJqz1jYFSM3UEoeCvIlK3jhPIais210k_W-AnrWSydkBimP5THHNLOxJnL0sYaiurx3rbtK//?imgmax=800" width="420" height="321" /></a></p> <p>Maggie only rode her for a few minutes at the walk.  Just enough for Cinnamon to understand that she’s not going to be pushed too hard or hurt every time she’s ridden, and going for a ride can actually be a good experience. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYAA0XIxWuOq7w9_UDLjfJTHbfwF2GtLFppIzTzGtwjICeYDyEXwSRZIpXod_WCuTIGZZcjQ-8fX09M6UVRR4Xi2DAMztBH5saw2kVo3mRC5bqo_X4OZfs14Ur5P0-auJ4SGk0ce98uZ1/s1600-h/050%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitah4IlQGTvQ_Sur-y-bApqAMEvdtgLjwaVr0QRURjUDhCMlr9ZNZsl431OzHz5B6fo2n59mJx6mPAXNypfHkA4ZW-DfsMfnbcMmF_Ndtgd689JMzJb2SlYobXdm1oxhARtHSoBlMq56_i//?imgmax=800" width="422" height="328" /></a>  </p> <p>After the <a href="http://wvutopia.blogspot.com/2010/05/ive-been-holding-out-on-you.html" target="_blank">June event</a>, I’ll put some saddle time on her and see what she knows.  Maybe even go for a trail ride or two. :)</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-46076282381071112022010-05-21T15:13:00.001-04:002010-05-21T15:13:32.578-04:00Maverick – 5/20/10<p> Maggie came up today to get on Maverick for me since she’s a very good rider and also very thin (I hate her).  She brought her bareback pad and bitless bridle with her, and her really sexy leopard print hard hat.  Maverick thought it was a big edible cookie. </p> <p>We didn’t even longe Maverick first.  He was his typical easy going, laid back self and Maggie felt confident just hopping on.  Since my mounting block has gone missing (I’m wondering which horse was smart enough to cart it off and hide it in the woods), I just put Maverick next to the fence and Maggie slid on from there.  Maverick had about 5 seconds of fast walking while the “my goodness, there’s something on my back” surprise wore off.  Then, it was business as usual.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVk-UhJRnrC-vJwv9cqzavPSKBToqWygtv9Rq7JKpnpG6DdQ15ZCf7eXe8TsCKN6WlfYJ0ocaW5BQMQESvqM8XJ4utxeiNwdI1OiKBQOo3ysXl6QfGBsHuH68Hj-vwqr31XM6g932Nu8Q/s1600-h/031%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOMGaQ5Ifz-vaBDx2tBI9kMRcIr9r3KubNRa2Dt_jXGdKpzyKDE3QZ23dY6RuNB5J-RCAGG8W1b4kYVRPEOPf4yp61o1gLnbldSDfUpklhDEwbvQk-0B7R0FHPesaJfkHy-CHGvbNtS0G//?imgmax=800" width="422" height="321" /></a></p> <p>It was difficult for me to get pictures of him because he really just wanted to follow me (and the cookies) around the round pen. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOND6H4l9X2BfyjovjA5dX8u_hwiC8-lDwU0sSDMbZx7yq5IsQaXdO3vT5T_j88hxnOWTxaZoqNkNC2DvNZnKE86N41zaqkQCs1g2TSue66pwvCwFOsSBxh7zQ6gCeNaSACebVRdCg3aCh/s1600-h/029%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgw3gG_PgSFzwOrvpXeDc7SNygk1b2_elhXOvP8CBe2r0Vz0Syu_HjvjABtoSCu32LQiJMnK6PUdEvHMcnK4RQSnimgTWGs25NHIXI86x9EDgS0QXMtthdTsZbVH4rFMWEMLZeAUMAUlZ//?imgmax=800" width="420" height="319" /></a></p> <p>Today was just about having someone on his back.  Maggie didn’t use her leg at all and the reins stayed slack the whole time.   </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjms3CuItv43-EDozHOqBGd7FtsvKFw6roGUtGY0fQOmaN662XSeWp0IUkuX23bfv_YjPXQoh43oI2_c22kRuX4FAM4m3MPKP0p-rPOP2hmOvWR7bnO30GOukbs5LHkAUWDC3XYsCGZuHrC/s1600-h/027%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYb45NOsBzcZ9GWYA0qaR2th8egGQ309L16rUuN-W9CQZMsGN_-Azlr7ps0o7z3VzmtTnfJiOZMR4OBi2aDO8I8hK61HaGMCtadVFsXJg2x3-mDdf0zrsrR6oFnf9bs_px2EhwiHndGIQ//?imgmax=800" width="420" height="319" /></a></p> <p>He did trot a few steps while I ran ahead and Maggie said he has a nice comfortable trot.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJn-GYcjTTbvqWd1Jn9bmfjNhyphenhyphenfAKirtrELdkFQwzc4r_KExHenDW_-c1PoBRCnP1toPOKS6et3ZehJBhd7nT6gSIKexDidsHMkCYT95f9bpfoGRB-_an27BX6an5F38Be6GNYx7amgMnO/s1600-h/030%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvDVFg-sStKVNzCtXS2_z6SnBSRTCkDdf71N17vgTtUPJjihGcUSreEnhdN9do7f0XxDLh7AIrPuhKw2wH6L-w-D8lLcU2Fm89JyIJHO0v3fWdOI-S5neJHpJ4sDF8Q6fAVfBxD7xHPJd//?imgmax=800" width="422" height="323" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>She could also feel him trying to keep her centered and balanced up there.  He quickly figured out that it was more comfortable for him if she were comfortable.  </p> <p>I really can’t tell you how proud I am of my baby boy!  I knew he’d be easy, but I am amazed daily at how willing to please he’s become.  I am really going to miss him!</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-46071606438871435962010-04-03T15:53:00.001-04:002010-04-03T15:53:33.876-04:00Maverick – 04/03/10<p>I have to admit, I have been impatiently waiting to start this pony’s training.  He’s proven himself to be incredibly smart and willing to please, so I knew he’d be super easy to train.   </p> <p>He never screamed or got nervous when I took him away from the herd.  He remained calm and curious throughout, only wanting to know what the next step was.  Walk on a circle?  Got it.  Trot when you cluck?  Got that too.  It took him two tries to figure out Whoa.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO4nP1LRPlAQCmVxLTyjb4ujjwNdDkQzWrONq8ZkdZA57qrXRNzA8wUiAnaB4RvGxen0bdePrV5bdn-m2ETOwxiAc2b_RRX4-tCt-0SJIbPmZCAAGzzZSttdaCEX7MYC6-dUzqgIgdswg/s1600-h/008%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbSDlgekPM6WRn7m2HSzwZoWsTvuzhsJu2HA3GTFzNws35eGWsPUSUfGyN12LHj67yTy-OeWlE2frJ9geLeMbISpYo8kDV3foG61hHiY9nq60UwPEofdZ1O4g1p1hY9XljwU-P8BCsiix//?imgmax=800" width="419" height="319" /></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FX_QgI3LiIfFDCpmi_OuS0oE_7mZ8oNFJHeIactkdJ4Qbd049KfuIwCZ0FCtevtXvZO0lGudWRyZwdAAHv5pMhV0ttZMgauu6RdcTRmI6BG_Z3n1UnUR8nGXSzsTxZQhCMZ4troouva7/s1600-h/006%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6alzB72-cM4SHWsuc-rYp-sNNZHoILRrMZ2GUQImrYbQiF73Q1GGYkZhmWbCKCvLyuR2mn2882BzUIPnZjXmnDpda5e6neM9L-9GwTe7_TIEmUhBTcuT7PyQDK4j5hdBoC52kYiGrFlq//?imgmax=800" width="419" height="319" /></a></p> <p>I had the saddle at the pen from when I had Molly up there earlier, so I thought, why the heck not?  Let’s see how it fits… </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIwhpfcve-R8bVDdmqJt2HvNehn6SLP9Szx4ZJMCMcQlYdw0GNqDbZuYxOKuXyS5Tmw6Ep7cjOsIcbw2AnT2YFhKYmOwAAMr74lFwu4yIbGKRop_KmjoEG7yTkwIQbuss1zEmZO3ODx49/s1600-h/011%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCJHPU47JNzXuW5WB0QedcIoFLV39JWziOYqiyAewGqmwjE6FAH9UU85NkV4hBzPwj87kwQtlh2UhY70QCFHzj87bMm0agKYTedgOdJ_oYjZt_J7fVYIOmQfly34rRehNom8wTS2vezLb//?imgmax=800" width="417" height="321" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I slung it up there without even holding on to him.  He just stood there, of course.  That’s a 17” seat and it’s just a bit too large.  Chunky Butt is also still growing!  His butt is taller than his withers again.  All the youngsters are going through growth spurts right now, but I didn’t think Maverick had another big spurt in him.  </p> <p>I cinched the girth up, but not too tight.  Just tight enough to keep the saddle on if he decided to go crazy.  He walked and trotted, stirrups clunking him in the side, and the saddle didn’t even phase him.  After only a few minutes I had him stop, took off the saddle, brushed him down, then let him go back to the herd.  </p> <p>Next time we’ll see how he does with the bit in his mouth and maybe do some long lining.</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-76928822825639047432010-04-02T17:16:00.001-04:002010-04-02T17:16:08.985-04:00Jewel – 04/02/10<p>It’s been a long time since I’ve done anything with Jewel.  But over the winter she’s gotten to be quite the attention hound, seeking me out in the pasture for a scratch.   She’s become easy to halter and has calmed down A LOT.</p> <p>All that changed today.  *sigh*</p> <p>She was fine to halter and lead up to the round pen.  As soon as I turned her loose in the pen and asked her to “walk on”, it was all down hill from there.  I <em>never </em>even touched her with the whip and it was not necessary to chase her around the pen to make her trot.  All I did was stay in line with her hip and push her forward with body language.  Apparently, what I thought said “move forward” meant “I’m going to catch, kill, and eat you” to her.  While she didn’t explode and she kept a steady pace the whole time, there was no way in hell she was letting me near her after a whoa.  Nope, sorry Charlie.  Not even with treats.  </p> <p>She got worked for well over an hour.  I was hoping exhaustion would bring her to her senses, but even though the sweat was flowing, she was not going to give in.  I eventually let her go, but she didn’t want to go.  She <em>knew</em> I had treats, she just didn’t want to come to me to get them.  But maybe, just maybe, I’ll throw some on the ground in front her?  No way!  </p> <p>I know I’ll be able to get my hands on her tonight at dinner when she goes into her standing stall, so all is not lost.  Lesson learned, next time I keep the longe line on her in the round pen.  Eventually, she’ll learn that allowing me near her means rest from work and a good scratch behind the ears (her favorite place).  But today was definitely put down as a waste of time and a step backwards for Jewel.</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-73559419988884023282010-04-02T16:54:00.001-04:002010-04-02T16:54:47.939-04:00Jasmine – 04/02/10<p>When Jasmine got here <a href="http://wvutopia.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-say-goodbye-you-say-hello.html" target="_blank">last May</a>, she had a month old colt and a yearling colt both suckling on her.  She was not halter broke and did not see the need in letting humans touch her unless she had her head in a bucket of feed.  Both boys have been weaned for some time now, so Jasmine’s training started today (thanks to Mother Nature for drying out my round pen)!</p> <p>All winter, Jaz has been getting friendlier by the day, even though I haven’t put much effort into her, except to worm, feed, and play with her feet.   She enjoys being groomed and will stand quietly, sans halter, while I scratch all of her itchies for her.  She’s still a little jumpy if I move too quickly, but she doesn’t go far.</p> <p>Today was her first day in the round pen and my main objective was to teach walk and whoa, and get her used to the longe whip.  The longe whip was <em>easy</em>.  She quickly figured out that it was just another way for me to scratch the itchies.  Walk and whoa were also very easy, almost making me think that she’s had a little training at some point in her past.  But I think the whoa was just her saying “yup, I can come to a stop and not exert any more energy.  No problem!”</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwULXUrBGtQpYvhkMCdZnuazWvyqL0ncBgzBBfGv68NKAytJ6zgf1Zgl_b9sizsqiu7ZC6OKcaid7CQX5caSM4a18FIewysP_TnohnhBlXFfBdiA6i1l_OZtLv6uWAQOOOlu9US68USevO/s1600-h/001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0tK1ngzlRUGnYUliaO1-xqHWARYcAGMjmON2s4KnCm5upHcfLZ4R52RYfu3EhGRaksXH9wrfVWH2-JQVyOY0benEYQbcR7I3-J2EmsK0qXZNb6TnK_fF4Z1EYHP1QXnNMKX3xiiEOTt0//?imgmax=800" width="421" height="320" /></a> </p> <p>In other words, she’s a bit on the lazy side.  When I first asked for a trot, I had to actually tap her on the butt with the whip a few times.  Rather than explode, she slowly ambled her way up to a jog.  Barely.</p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBk3J_2hQHPyqWB1ZT8tA8na0drtgZZf0IgLzqACqKtY9L7IJEnQzdWvJA9x_HST_PoLJ8pAYdWrngUjAXiYtLB0GkuFNMlzhnNO8G-MI5gdBhwFQm6YDgtOzfsNqOOMU_Y71rGbEyG9b/s1600-h/005%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkOpQnqYvx-wmvOF9KSglmzbzzNkvbP166yUEyi_DlFNQWvCew7BeEP95n3ehxAkx6hR-qy8fHZ0elmyjOWfa24QaRD3vjR6Ou-j1AdSAeKzJyvxHIlHM6JHHkWSoVqrXM6igU_o02TBl//?imgmax=800" width="419" height="319" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I only did a few minutes in each direction, but in the end she had the idea.  Whoa means stop and stand.  Maybe look at the silly human to see if she’s got a treat.  Otherwise, go forward.  Right.  Got it.  Is it dinner time yet?</p> <p>I have a feeling Jaz is going to be a <em>very</em> easy horse to train!</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-25372386054072236622010-03-08T21:05:00.001-05:002010-03-08T21:05:05.660-05:00General – 03/08/10<p>What a winter!  I’m so ready for Spring and warm weather so I can start getting these guys worked.  Here’s a list of what’s going to happen this Spring, hopefully.</p> <p>Molly needs to be evaluated to make sure she really is broke to ride, as I was told.  Flo also needs to be evaluated for soundness under saddle and suitability.  </p> <p>All my three year olds need to be started under saddle, including Mick, Milo, and Maverick.  I think I’d like to teach Maverick to drive before putting him under saddle since he’s so small.  I may have a tiny little teenaged rider that may come out this summer to help me with the dwarfs, so keep your fingers crossed!</p> <p>Sassy the mule is still untouchable.  I’ve done nothing with her this winter, other than just try to give her treats and get her over her fear and mistrust of humans.  She seems to be calming down a bit, but is still not halter broke.  I’ll do some reading up on mule training and get her started this Spring.  </p> <p>Miles is in the same boat.  I’ve not done anything with him since he arrived last summer, due to all the other horses coming and going around here.  Once my round pen dries up a bit I’ll lure him in there and hopefully have him halter broke in the first session.  He doesn’t seem to be very fearful, just unsure of me. Once he figures out that I’m not out to eat him, he should be fairly easy to get going under saddle.</p> <p>Jasmine is halter broke and it shouldn’t take much time to have her going well under saddle.  Like both her sons, she’s very laid back and easy going about everything.  </p> <p>Cinnamon is an 8yo chestnut Arabian mare who has recently arrived here on the farm, along with the return of Genesis.  Cinnamon is flighty and difficult to halter, but once you have her, she’s a very sweet little mare. </p> <p>There are two more horses coming on Wednesday and I’m told that they are dangerous.  The man that rescued them from a bad situation has had a couple of incidents with them in just a few weeks, one of which sent him to the emergency room for stitches in his forehead.  Yikes!  He tells me the healthier they get, the wilder they get.  Should be fun.  I just hope they don’t put me in the hospital – I have too much to do!</p> <p>Last, but not least, I’m finally going to get around to Jewel.  Giving her so much time off has seemed to really help her attitude towards life.  She’s actually become an attention hound in the pasture and will seek me out any time I’m mingling with the herd.  She has calmed down quite a bit, and is no longer the nervous, flighty little mare that first arrived here.  I’m really looking forward to getting her under saddle and out on her first trail ride!</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-83247298808179429722009-10-11T22:11:00.001-04:002009-10-11T22:11:44.625-04:00Cheyenne – 10/11/09<p>Cheyenne has been doing pretty well.  She was a lot like Apache when I first got on her – she didn’t care and couldn’t be bothered to react to the extra weight on her back.  I had ridden her twice before last weekend, and both times she was incredibly lazy and it was difficult to get her moving forward.  So last weekend when Jamie came out to do some work, I put her on Cheyenne while I supplemented her leg with the lunge whip.  We worked with her in the round pen for about 20 minutes, then I hopped on Willow to pony her around the pasture for a bit.   She has no problem with Whoa, in fact that seems to be her favorite part.  <em>Oh, I can stop working?  Cool!</em></p> <p><em> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgz-R7j_omBul-oleQ8-L_b4eRftCjkYFKXQmsGfVOMOagKOxcdaaVriSJJ2BSasvdvFwT2-qPFgYVruNjBC98_nEt3lTndy4Ps2qfb8p6jwP-hPyETI60-tg9WYakUaeThJlaCQsl5Hsn/s1600-h/Picture%20003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="Picture 003" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="318" alt="Picture 003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPl63wSp94usp_ERRQiuXErIa1GXkke_iyAGcEgsPKmSNSTryoMoYAvFxRPXff9a_TX3kQpCWXcKl3DsfysJ1YEeaWyQhvtPUWmYMwLOKskhiBt93J2gFFKAZQf2ByDCHEbmevK2w2_09a//?imgmax=800" width="418" border="0" /></a> </em></p> <p>I’ve ridden her twice since, and she’s gotten a bit better about reacting to leg.  I wanted to get her out on the trails this weekend with someone else in the lead, but there were too many other things going on and it just never happened.  She’s pretty good about mud puddles, so I’m hoping a trail ride that takes us through a small stream will just be a simple extension of our pasture ride.  Maybe next weekend?  Hopefully!</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-15186578506720204892009-09-19T15:51:00.001-04:002009-09-19T15:51:28.993-04:00General – 09/19/09<p>I must apologize profusely for the lack of updates to the training blog.  I guess I feel woefully inadequate next to the great training bloggers, like <a href="http://mugwumpchronicles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mugwump</a>, that I’ve just been quietly doing my thing and hoping no one asks for details.  :)</p> <p>To catch everyone up, here’s a summary of what little training has been going on this summer.  I’m hoping to get a lot more done now that I’ve got a round pen for ground work.  I <em>can’t wait</em> to get going with Miles and Jasmine, but Jasmine’s training has to wait until Sky is weaned in a couple of weeks.</p> <p>Miles is the unhandled 9yo BLM mustang that arrived with Beauty and TMan.  I have done no work with him yet, and he still only allows me within 10 feet of him before he gets nervous and moves away.  Once Jasmine and Jewel are going well under saddle, I’ll start with getting Miles lured into the round pen for dinner and get him comfortable in there, then get him halter broke and go from there.  That should be fun!</p> <p>Cheyenne is just about ready to go to her new home.  I spent a few weeks just ground driving her and getting her used to the rubber full cheek snaffle, and understanding <em>whoa</em>.  I’ve gotten on her twice this week and she’s done very well.  I’ve stayed in the round pen since I was alone at the time, but hopefully one of my volunteers will come out tomorrow and I can get her out for a short trail ride.  I’d like to get her out at least a few times with success before I give the adopters a call to come and get her.  She’s such a sweet mare, and so willing to please, that I doubt I’ll have much trouble with her out on trail.  Especially if she has the wise and unspookable Willow to follow!</p> <p>Kisses has been doing <em>really </em>well!  Her only problem is that she’s incredibly lazy in the round pen.  She just doesn’t see the need to do any work, when snuggling up with me and being scratched behind the ears is way more fun.  I just started doing ground work with her last weekend and would like to put a bit in her mouth and start ground driving her tomorrow.  I should be on her next weekend and headed out on trail with her shortly after.  </p> <p>Jewel and Classy have been put on the back burner this year due to all the new unhandled horses coming in and needing work.  I’m hoping with my new volunteer that comes out weekly, we can start taking Classy out on trail rides and get more mileage on her and teach her that the bit is not something to fear.  Oh, how I would love to train all these greenies with a bitless bridle, but how many adopters do I really think will buy and use a bitless?  So I have to be realistic and train them all to a snaffle, whether we like it or not.</p> <p>Maverick… oh how I love that pony.  He’s going to be three years old soon, so I guess it’s time I started his training.  He’ll be learning to drive first, so it looks like I need to start shopping around for a training cart!</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-43860150249305766172009-07-20T21:09:00.001-04:002009-07-20T21:09:26.682-04:00Cheyenne –- 07/20/09<p>I worked mostly with tacking and untacking Cheyenne tonight.  She’s not afraid of the saddle, but she was nervous about the whole situation and wasn’t very tickled about the idea of having something on her back.  She danced around a bit the first time, even though I barely had the girth tight enough for her to feel it.  Once she was standing quietly with the saddle on, I’d take it off and walk her around a bit.  Back to the saddle, put it on again and if she stood quietly I’d tighten it up a little more than the last time.  Walk her around, take the saddle off.  We kept doing this until the girth was as tight as it needed to be and she was still accepting it graciously and without tap dancing on my toes.  I just walked her around the pasture with the saddle on the last time, then back to our starting place to untack and end the session.  I didn’t want her to associate the saddle with work just yet, since she had such a hard time accepting it in the first place.  We’ll see how she is next time!</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-54399249130558310242009-07-20T21:04:00.001-04:002009-07-20T21:04:17.304-04:00Apache –- 07/20/09<p>Since I saddled Apache last time without problem, I went ahead and longed him with the saddle tonight.  I only longed him for a few minutes, just to make sure he still remembered WHOA.  Then I put a bridle with a full cheek snaffle bit on him, got a second longe line, ran both longe lines thru the D-rings on the front of the synthetic western saddle and did some ground driving with him.  He chewed on the bit for a few minutes, then settled down into his job.  He quickly learned that a light tug on the bit along with a spoken WHOA meant for him to come to a stop.  He didn’t move off again until I asked with a “Walk on!” and a cluck.  </p> <p>It took him a few tries to understand what I wanted when I asked him to turn, but picked that up pretty quickly.  I like using a full cheek snaffle on youngsters because when you pull on one side, the full cheek part of the bit presses against their face on the other side, helping them to move their head away from the pressure, which usually means their feet follow their head and you have a successful turn.  We did circles and figure eights at the walk, with lots of stopping and standing patiently until asked to move on again.  He was quite the student!</p> <p>I think one more ground driving session and he’ll be ready to be ridden.  I’d like to find someone smaller than me that knows how to ride to get on him first, but it’s not looking like that’s going to be an option any time soon.  I have smaller people lined up to ride him once he’s got a few rides under him, so at least he’ll only have to put up with me for a little while. :)</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-64371101306250750702009-07-20T20:53:00.001-04:002009-07-20T20:53:39.565-04:00Ellie –- 07/20/09<p>What a smart pony!  I hate to admit it, but I’m afraid this mare is smarter than me.  It was obvious from the start that she had never been longed before.  I have a feeling her previous “training” was being dressed in a harness, hooked to something heavy, and whipped till she pulled it.  She was terrified of the longe whip in the beginning, so I spent some time just rubbing her all over with it and talking quietly to her.  Within a few minutes she was standing quietly with lids drooping while I was rubbing the whip all over her back, rump, and legs.  Gee, that was easy.</p> <p>She didn’t understand at first what I wanted when I asked her to walk off without me, but picked it up <em>very</em> quickly!  I made sure to keep my body in line with her hip and the whip behind her when I wanted forward motion and she had the idea in no time.  Once I had her out on the circle and walking calmly, I moved my body to put it in line with her shoulder, moved the whip to my other hand and put it in front of her line of sight, but not in front of her body.  I accompanied that with a WHOA and the little mare stopped.  In her tracks.   And stood there.  Quietly.   I praised her up and down, then changed directions and did the same thing.  She performed flawlessly.  </p> <p>I stopped there since she did so well.  Next time we’ll work on trotting on the longe and doing walk/trot transitions.</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-84156172267252171602009-07-18T17:48:00.001-04:002009-07-18T17:48:25.534-04:00Ellie – 07/18/09<p>Ellie was used as a “pulling pony” before she came here, but I’d like to turn her into a kid’s pony for at least trail riding, maybe more.  I can just picture her popping over little jumps with her wild mane braided with red ribbons. :)</p> <p>Ellie had a heart murmur when she got here, but it was unclear at the time if it was just because she was emaciated or if it were a more permanent problem.  I completely forgot to have Doc check for it the last time he was out, but will have him check the next time.  For now, I’m just going to keep things slow with her and stick to longing, voice commands, ground driving, and sacking out so that she’s ready for whatever a little kid will throw at her.  I hope to get started with her training this coming week so check back soon!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv52GxlOkwOQLRkGU9N8hEsKo_g1d2g6AmdGsEse87Plunx_SQVUUSlZeTRCy2brppHT4-0Rw_LXTavC9oRNSJ6c1Y4YWQ3Cxm4aEKHW6dNqD7-yYvPeU3QwfEom4-Sa5-nkzdMILAiNDi/s1600-h/DSC_0340%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0340" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="DSC_0340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMp6irOBV3-vLJKt-dq0XyXNci-QxHWSC5AKmUQTcvVMvIjZNIQUrI9gby7BDIBNA96fQL-nB0xjwpgDAGYf6COAFNJ7dVso-ZlMIqEB7HvT3QWlW-Lxum3bvKQ6wm_I0PzNMtF1mmx52//?imgmax=800" width="239" border="0" /></a></p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-34747831989588396812009-07-16T23:14:00.001-04:002009-07-16T23:14:52.572-04:00Apache -– 07/16/09<p>Apache has turned out to be a very friendly little mustang!  It’s obvious that his previous owner cared for him and spent a lot of time with him.  He’s great about picking up his feet, stands tied, and longes fairly well.  He did so well today that I put a saddle on him and cinched him up.  I stood on my mounting log so I’d be above him, put weight in the stirrup, laid across his back and patted him all over, and shifted the saddle around and made a bunch of noise over him.  He really couldn’t have cared less about any of it.  </p> <p>Next time I’ll put a bridle and snaffle bit on him and line drive to make sure he understands the bit.  After that, it’s just a matter of hopping on and getting his under saddle training going.  He’s going to make some little kid a heck of a good horse!</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-42001827013392187402009-07-16T23:09:00.001-04:002009-07-16T23:09:43.911-04:00Cheyenne –- 07/16/09<p>When Cheyenne and Apache first got here they were skittish and jumpy and didn’t let me come very close.  Now that they’ve had a chance to settle in and make some friends, their personalities are starting to show and they’re both sweet little pocket ponies!</p> <p>I was told by their previous owner that they had both had ground work done already.  Cheyenne is very good about picking up her feet, leading, and standing tied.  However, I put her on the longe line and she acted like she’d never walked a circle before.  So I spent most my 20 minutes with her just teaching her to WALK and WHOA on command, and to not stop on the gate side of the circle.  She was doing pretty well by the end of the session so hopefully we can do some trotting and transitions next time.</p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-59060337589384348892009-07-06T15:59:00.001-04:002009-07-06T15:59:00.773-04:00Genesis – 07/06/09<p>Since the last post, Genesis has been a fairly busy girl.  It was a big surprise to her to get the idea that she was being asked to work.  WORK???  What is that?  She thinks her job is to be adored and petted.</p> <p>She learned the rudiments of lunging.  I think she was very interested in it once we got her to quit eating long enough to lunge.  </p> <p>She got towel training with the help of Morgan, my riding student.  If you are interested in a description of this, you can look back at Hunter's posts for it.  By the time we were done, she had the towel flying through the air landing on her head and she never spooked.  Granted, she was curious and thought we were nuts, but not spooked.  We tightened the towel around her to simulate girths and she was not sure if we were asking her to go forward or what, but she got the swing of this too.</p> <p>Last year, I bought a tiny saddle for tiny cowboys and cowgirls. It is very light.  Genesis got to examine this and had it all over her.  She easily adapted to the saddle being swung around and being saddled.  That little saddle is well worth the money.</p> <p>Bit training got worked in. The nice rescue lady had a rubber one for me to use.  I used the trick of smearing apricot jam on the bit.  After Genesis sucked the jam off, she mouthed the bit, which I had tied to her halter.  She got used to that right away, too and stopped mouthing.  I hope the young lady that has adopted her has a bridle that fits her that she can be trained in.  Genesis has such a tiny head, I have nothing that fits her.</p> <p>I decided that as cute as she is, Genesis has a few flaws (as do we all)  that could be camouflaged with a clever haircut and she has some nice features that can be emphasized as well. She may end up being shown by the adopter, so why not teach her to clip? Scissors were used as I don't have electric clippers at this time. Bridle path was a decision.  Western, English or what?  I finally decide to cut back to show the delicacy of her throat, but not the thinness of her neck.  We hope her neck will fill out as she muscles up.  The bridle path now displays a darling white marking that crosses the mane.  I pulled out her 'eye whiskers' to minimize some extra folds around the lids.  That cutened her up a lot.  Ears got a show pony cut.  She has really pretty ears.  She did object a little to the ears, but did fine for what I am sure was her first cut.  I will have to try the legs another time.  </p> <p>Then the big news.  She got ridden by my great nephews.  Ok, she was sat on by the little cowboys, not ridden.  But they were up.  She was great.  I had  bbq in the horse pasture for the 4th and she stayed tied down by the party for a long time when not being ridden or fawned over.  A couple of balks while she was being led, but I think that was because a niece of mine was turning to face Genesis and inadvertently cued her to stop.  Genesis was quite the party girl!  There are pics and they will be coming soon.</p> <p><em>-- Anastasia</em></p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-45692493692219444452009-06-30T11:16:00.001-04:002009-06-30T11:16:20.381-04:00Genesis – 06/29/09<p>Since the last post, Genisis has pretty much been on an eating-themed vacation.  She likes to eat with her muzzle right up to Joma or Joe.  Even Keisha tolerates her, and Keisha hates everyone.  Genisis is looking good and life on the farm is agreeing with her.</p> <p>I mess with her in the field, but there is no need to teach her how to be petted, fed treats and generally loved up.  She halters well, she leads well, she handles well.  She allows me to grab her mane and jump up and down like I might mount.  She lets me work with her tail, play with her mouth, clean between her teats; all the while, she casts her dreamy look at me.  She doesn't care about the weedeater, the truck, the tractor, the gun.  Nothing seems to faze her.  </p> <p>She has skipped an entire grade or two, here! I will have to start lunging her to see how she does.  After that I just have to saddle her up and teach her to pony, but I will bet that will be a cinch as well.  I have talked to my nephew to bring out his two tiny little cowboys soon for her.  </p> <p><em>-- Anastasia</em></p> wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477420267478371140.post-46521823336489361642009-06-26T12:18:00.002-04:002009-06-27T10:26:32.098-04:00Genesis – 06/22/09<p>Genesis arrived Saturday. The nice rescue lady showed me how nicely she does on getting her feet cared for. She did great. She met Joma, our Thoroughbred gelding and flashed him doe eyes. Come to think of it, she flashes everyone doe eyes. It is endearing. But apparently you have to be up close enough to Joma for him to see those eyes, because he chased her away from the little herd the rest of the evening.</p><p>The next day, they were grazing nose to nose. No surprise there. And they stayed that way all day. I decided to let her have the day to settle...although she did not seem to have any trouble at it. Joe, the old Appaloosa, is suspicious of her and keeps himself between Genesis and Keisha, the Evil Boss Mare.</p><p>Monday morning, Joe and Genesis are grazing nose to nose. I guess the only one who doesn't succumb to that doe-eyed gaze is Keisha. </p><p>Since everyone is apparently OK with everyone else, I decide to start up her training. I noticed she had a little diarrhea - probably stress and strange pasture. Sometimes this will happen to a horse and then they are just fine within a day or two. She seems fine and frisky and I am sure it goes away with no ill effects. We tied her to a post and left her to observe if she was trained for this. She pulled some, but gave up soon. Then on to bath time. She was jerking her head when she heard the hose sputter, but no freak-outs. We started by wet hooves and moved up by stages, ensuring no acrobatics got started. All in all she did OK. </p><p>Later that day, we took her out again and lead her up to a little wagon. She caught on quickly that I wanted her to stay close to it. After draping my arms over her back, it was clear she actually liked that. Then Donnie, my weedeating kid who is taking lessons, stood in the wagon so that he would be suddenly tall...way taller than her. I have had horses get spooked about the first time they see a human be as high as they would on their back, but she did fine. Donnie draped himself over her while standing in the wagon. He bore a little bit weight on her and waved his arms around. Nope, no problem. I'll bet she can saddle right up. I want work her up slowly to more and more weight, but she can take the saddle now, if she is up to it. Then I will pony her around with saddle so she can be ready for a little kid. Donnie is too heavy right now, as he weighs 140. Luckily, I have some little nieces and nephews.</p><p>Later, Donnie was riding Joe and Genesis kept getting underfoot. It looks like she will be trained to be a pack pony soon, since following around a rider is something she wants to do. We will see how it goes. </p><p><em>-- Anastasia</em></p>wvfarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094014775730589341noreply@blogger.com0