Finally made it out to the barn today. The weather has been awful, hot & rainy... thunderstorms multiple times daily. I knew Cheyenne was going to be a challenge today. When I showed up I couldn't find her out in the pasture. When I walked out I found her flirting with the stud colt through the stall wall (there are indoor & outdoor stalls that share a cement wall between them). I have never seen her in heat or been able to tell when she is... she LITERALLY (no exaggeration, really) must have squirted twenty times today. She was just the biggest hussy I have EVER seen. She wouldn't stand still, and when I walked her by her new boyfriend, she WOULD NOT MOVE. She planted her feet, swung her goods right into his face, and squirted. UGHHHHH! I eventually got her stubborn butt out of the barn & she was giving me a hard time in the arena. She did okay at the walk, but she had much more energy than usual. When we got to the trot everything fell apart. It took about thirty minutes of trotting to collect her & get her responding consistently... but the important thing is that it eventually happened.
The WONDERFUL thing about today was that Nikki (the girl who boards her horse with me) rode Cheyenne today. No one else has ever ridden her, so it was great to have a second opinion. She only rode her at the walk, but she said that she was doing really well so far. She said she had a bit of a hard mouth (which I knew unfortunately) & she suggested we work on stopping with a very light cue. After only 15-20 minutes of Nikki working with her she was stopping on a dime, a very light whoa cue & she would stop. Nikki suggested we work more on trotting lunging in the round pen in addition to under saddle. I HATE lungeing Cheyenne because she is SO bad & today was no exception. Nikki really helped to build my confidence with Cheyenne & helped me to reestablish my dominance over her. We're still in a bit of a power struggle & I need to work hard to make sure she knows I am alpha mare, not her. She likes to cut into the middle of the round pen and push on the gate. Nikki showed me a slightly different way to lunge her and helped to get rid of some of my fears about lungeing. By the end of the session Cheyenne was doing REALLY REALLY well, and for a solid 5 minutes or so didn't try to pull ANY stunts.
I really need to have a firmer hand with her and not show ANY fear. I know that, and have known that... but sometimes it takes someone else showing you the correct way to do things, and how much of a difference it makes in order to make you realize the importance of it. I also need to praise her more. It's funny because when I first started working with her if was ALL praise, all the time. I rarely got frustrated & I always corrected her very gently. Now that she has come as far as she has & knows what is expected... I have been doing less praising and more correction. She is a different horse now. It used to be that she had no idea what I was asking or expecting, she came from a place of fear, and every little step was a HUGE milestone. It was impossible to be frustrated because she was a blank slate... I couldn't expect her to know something she had never been taught. Now she is a sweet, loving, trusting horse... she is extremely smart & a fast learner. I get frustrated because she KNOWS what I am asking now, but she is stubborn & testy. But I do blame myself for much of it... she has been allowed to get away with certain things because of my fear & lack of experience. I think we are going to go very far with help from someone else. I know Nikki is busy but I'm thinking of asking her to work with us maybe once a week & see where that gets us. She told me she would work with her today while I am out of town, so I'm anxious to hear how it goes.
It's always a work in progress... but as frustrated as I sometimes get I really truly wouldn't change it for anything. I love that pony more than anything... & our good days are SO great because of the struggles we have gone through.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Love.
Monster pony was a sweet little angel today. I went out to the barn & rode with Ray's leaser. Of course about five minutes into the ride it started to rain... but we waited it out under the tree (which didn't provide much shelter...) & eventually got a good ride in. Cheyenne did VERY well! She trotted with minimal fuss, the way she had been a few weeks ago... before she decided to start pulling crap. She does do much better with Ray around, which I am grateful for. She doesn't even need to be following, just having him in the arena is enough.
The stud colt was turned out in the turnout area that shares a fence with the arena. He was being a NUT with Cheyenne in the arena. I was VERY concerned he was going to bust through the fence or jump it (He was trying!). Cheyenne was so calm, you'dve thought she was a gelding by the way she ignored him. Oh, I am SO glad she is not one of those hussy mares who squirts at trees. She's so easy going, not mare-ish at all. How did I get so lucky?!
Today after I had untacked Cheyenne & I was waiting to use the wash rack we had a "moment". She just stood there in the aisle way, then pressed her face into my chest. She stood like that for a good 2 minutes. Usually she's pretty antsy (she is still a baby after all) but she was just so sweet today. Calm, quiet, and lovey as can be. Days like this make those painful falls completely worth it. :)
The stud colt was turned out in the turnout area that shares a fence with the arena. He was being a NUT with Cheyenne in the arena. I was VERY concerned he was going to bust through the fence or jump it (He was trying!). Cheyenne was so calm, you'dve thought she was a gelding by the way she ignored him. Oh, I am SO glad she is not one of those hussy mares who squirts at trees. She's so easy going, not mare-ish at all. How did I get so lucky?!
Today after I had untacked Cheyenne & I was waiting to use the wash rack we had a "moment". She just stood there in the aisle way, then pressed her face into my chest. She stood like that for a good 2 minutes. Usually she's pretty antsy (she is still a baby after all) but she was just so sweet today. Calm, quiet, and lovey as can be. Days like this make those painful falls completely worth it. :)
Monday, May 24, 2010
Blast from the past
I went out to the barn Saturday morning to ride with Nikki, the other girl who boards her horse there. For the record I have NEVER run into anyone at the barn other than the owner, the man who takes care of the horses, and Nikki. Little did I know I was going to be greeted by a welcoming committee. One of the owners friends was out at the barn when I arrived, as was Nikki. While I was there another girl came out who is leasing Ray (Nikki's horse) & two of the owner's lesson students also came by. It was like a blast from the past having so many horses riding around in the arena. The last time I rode with a group of people like that was at horse camp, many many moons ago.
I felt a bit like the odd one out with all the other girls in their breeches, english saddles, & on their HUGE fancy WELL BEHAVED horses. Me & my little pony, in our western saddle mosied along behind them. Surprisingly though everyone was SOOO nice. I have to admit, I am sometimes a little bit prejudice against Hunter/jumper people... I feel like I can say that though since I used to be one of them. But these girls weren't snooty at all! :)
Cheyenne did really well. Especially considering we rode for THREE HOURS. Yes, THREE. She seems to behave much better with her boyfriend Ray around. She put up a bit of a fuss about trotting, but not nearly as bad as last time. She followed Ray when he trotted (for the most part) which made it much easier for me. The barn owner even gave us kind of a group lesson & Cheyenne & I went over a few cross rails (small... at a walk... but we did it!)
(Cheyenne & Ray enjoying a well deserved treat after their 3 hour ride!)
It was nice having a group of people to ride with. They're not the same as my old barn buddies... but it's a start! It's nice to have company, that's half the fun of horses in my opinion. Sure I cherish my quiet times with Cheyenne... but it's always twice as fun with a friend. :) So here's to hoping we have many more adventures to come.
I felt a bit like the odd one out with all the other girls in their breeches, english saddles, & on their HUGE fancy WELL BEHAVED horses. Me & my little pony, in our western saddle mosied along behind them. Surprisingly though everyone was SOOO nice. I have to admit, I am sometimes a little bit prejudice against Hunter/jumper people... I feel like I can say that though since I used to be one of them. But these girls weren't snooty at all! :)
Cheyenne did really well. Especially considering we rode for THREE HOURS. Yes, THREE. She seems to behave much better with her boyfriend Ray around. She put up a bit of a fuss about trotting, but not nearly as bad as last time. She followed Ray when he trotted (for the most part) which made it much easier for me. The barn owner even gave us kind of a group lesson & Cheyenne & I went over a few cross rails (small... at a walk... but we did it!)
(Cheyenne & Ray enjoying a well deserved treat after their 3 hour ride!)
It was nice having a group of people to ride with. They're not the same as my old barn buddies... but it's a start! It's nice to have company, that's half the fun of horses in my opinion. Sure I cherish my quiet times with Cheyenne... but it's always twice as fun with a friend. :) So here's to hoping we have many more adventures to come.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
NOT a happy camper.
Yup, the title about says it all. Cheyenne was pure idiot today. When I got to the barn Alamon (the man who takes care of the horses) was turning out the boys. Cheyenne got all worked up and acted like a hussy... SO unlike her. I knew we were going to have issues today from the way she acted the whole time I had her cross tied. She was fine walking but when I asked for a trot she spent five minutes just trying to change direction so she didn't have to trot. Eventually she did and she kept trying to change direction, take off, and run me into trees. She took off and turned sharply and the saddle went sliding to the side & off I went.
I was irritated but I got back on. She did OKAY after that and I was about 20 feet from letting her stop and calling it a day. Then all of the sudden she turns and bolts, saddle slides AGAIN (I hate this new girth... it's the fuzzy kind and when she sweats I guess it doesn't stay in place) & off I went... in the other direction. The second time was far worse that the first. I couldn't physically bring myself to get back on, it took all my strength to get her saddle off & not cry.
I did however take her to the round pen & work her butt off so she doesn't think throwing your rider means you get out of work. Again, she was AWFUL! She almost broke the fence a few times, she'd take off and ram into it. She even came close to JUMPING the fence to get into the pasture (which shares a fence with the round pen) with the boys. She was just terrible! :( Ugh. I hope this was a one time deal because I am not equipped to handle her if she keeps this nonsense up. I am in SO MUCH PAIN. My back hurts, my head is pounding, it hurts to breathe, my sides are all bruised. Monster pony really lived up to her name today. UGH.
It will get better though. You have to take the bad days with the good... the good days wouldn't be so good if we didn't go through rough patches every now & again. I just think back on how far she's come & it's hard to stay mad for TOO long. Hope I can walk tomorrow though, Jesus I hurt! I just don't bounce quite the way I did when I was a kid. I remember falling off multiple times per lesson when I was first learning to jump, and thinking nothing of it. Not anymore!
I was irritated but I got back on. She did OKAY after that and I was about 20 feet from letting her stop and calling it a day. Then all of the sudden she turns and bolts, saddle slides AGAIN (I hate this new girth... it's the fuzzy kind and when she sweats I guess it doesn't stay in place) & off I went... in the other direction. The second time was far worse that the first. I couldn't physically bring myself to get back on, it took all my strength to get her saddle off & not cry.
I did however take her to the round pen & work her butt off so she doesn't think throwing your rider means you get out of work. Again, she was AWFUL! She almost broke the fence a few times, she'd take off and ram into it. She even came close to JUMPING the fence to get into the pasture (which shares a fence with the round pen) with the boys. She was just terrible! :( Ugh. I hope this was a one time deal because I am not equipped to handle her if she keeps this nonsense up. I am in SO MUCH PAIN. My back hurts, my head is pounding, it hurts to breathe, my sides are all bruised. Monster pony really lived up to her name today. UGH.
It will get better though. You have to take the bad days with the good... the good days wouldn't be so good if we didn't go through rough patches every now & again. I just think back on how far she's come & it's hard to stay mad for TOO long. Hope I can walk tomorrow though, Jesus I hurt! I just don't bounce quite the way I did when I was a kid. I remember falling off multiple times per lesson when I was first learning to jump, and thinking nothing of it. Not anymore!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Hello, my name is Becky and I am addicted to horses.
You know you have a problem when you spend hours on end pondering what exactly it is your horse could be doing at that exact moment in time. I wonder what Cheyenne does to get all of those icky scabs, or how she manages to get SO dirty the day after a bath, or whether she gets along with her boyfriends when I'm not looking. I wonder if the boys ever let her in to snack on the round bale, or how she interacts with other people when I'm not around. I wonder what kind of inappropriate toy she's made for herself out in her pasture today and if she thinks about me too when I'm not there.
Some people call it a sickness... an insanity. A special kind of crazy that draws us "horse people" to do the things we do, to be the way we are. I call it a passion. A love unparalleled by any other. A love that wakes us from bed at obscene hours and finds us in barns at the most unforgiving times of the year (110 degree heat & below freezing rain storms). A love that calls us to do things that sometimes WE aren't even sure we want to do... but we do them without question because ultimately, it is what we love. It is what we thrive on. It is what feeds our souls. It's this love that finds us with second degree sunburns from a long day at the barn, or sleeping on barn floors eagerly awaiting for the arrival of a new foal. It's this passion that allows us to open our hearts & our wallets to the most needy, pricey, and desperate of souls. It's this love that finds us providing better health care, dinner, and supplements to our equine friends than to ourselves & our families. It's this love that greets us with a nicker and a nuzzle & I can think of no better repayment on earth.
So call it a sickness... an illness... a disease. I call it my way of life.
Hello, my name is Becky and I am addicted to horses.
Some people call it a sickness... an insanity. A special kind of crazy that draws us "horse people" to do the things we do, to be the way we are. I call it a passion. A love unparalleled by any other. A love that wakes us from bed at obscene hours and finds us in barns at the most unforgiving times of the year (110 degree heat & below freezing rain storms). A love that calls us to do things that sometimes WE aren't even sure we want to do... but we do them without question because ultimately, it is what we love. It is what we thrive on. It is what feeds our souls. It's this love that finds us with second degree sunburns from a long day at the barn, or sleeping on barn floors eagerly awaiting for the arrival of a new foal. It's this passion that allows us to open our hearts & our wallets to the most needy, pricey, and desperate of souls. It's this love that finds us providing better health care, dinner, and supplements to our equine friends than to ourselves & our families. It's this love that greets us with a nicker and a nuzzle & I can think of no better repayment on earth.
So call it a sickness... an illness... a disease. I call it my way of life.
Hello, my name is Becky and I am addicted to horses.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Bat Outta Hell
I've come to realize both how insufficient & important my ability to balance is courtesy of my lovely new English saddle. In a western saddle you've got a deep seat and an Oh sh!t handle whenever there's a problem. In an English saddle you've got... well your legs. The sweet little Spanish man who cares for the horses at the barn was sawing something (LOUDLY). Luckily I saw him with the electric saw so I knew what was about to happen. Unfortunately I was him about 3 seconds before it went off so I didn't have time to move Cheyenne away... OFF she went like a bat outta hell. Tried to run me into a tree. The next time she did it AGAIN. Finally she got over the on/off of the saw & quit bolting & on the bright side I (unwillingly) got to experience my horses canter for both the second & third time today! Yay?
Other than that she was pretty good. She has a very forward & quick trot which makes it hard for me to keep a nice seat & stay balanced. Luckily she also has a nice slower trot which allows for a nice seat... but only sometimes. She alternates between the two & I'm left somewhere between having the perfect rythym with her & looking like a floppy chicken trying to ride a horse. We're working on it. It's only the second time she's trotted for more than a minute under saddle, so overall I'd say we're doing pretty well.
I gave pony a bath & wanted to dry her off so she wouldn't roll. I decided to take her out to the jump field to lunge her over some jumps & dry her off. At first she did well, jumping when asked & not tugging. THEN she pulled one of those stunts she hasn't pulled since she was much younger. YANKING on the lunge line, cutting in about a foot away from me and changing directions, RUNNING off with the lunge line. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph was I PISSED. She got it after that. If she wanted to run off, by golly she was going to RUN her little legs OFF. She eventually settled down & jumped nicely over a number of jumps... didn't try to change directions (or run me over) and so we ended on a good note. Always a testy little mare that monster pony. SWEET as sugar, but she can push your buttons!
After we ended the lunging session on a good note I decided to let her graze for a bit and snapped a new pictures. Nothing I love more than a shiny clean horse. Although I WOULD love it more if she didn't have scrapes all over her body! Every day I come out she has a new one! Just areas where the hair has rubbed off... no blood. Wish I knew what she was doing to get them. Hmmmmm...
Other than that she was pretty good. She has a very forward & quick trot which makes it hard for me to keep a nice seat & stay balanced. Luckily she also has a nice slower trot which allows for a nice seat... but only sometimes. She alternates between the two & I'm left somewhere between having the perfect rythym with her & looking like a floppy chicken trying to ride a horse. We're working on it. It's only the second time she's trotted for more than a minute under saddle, so overall I'd say we're doing pretty well.
I gave pony a bath & wanted to dry her off so she wouldn't roll. I decided to take her out to the jump field to lunge her over some jumps & dry her off. At first she did well, jumping when asked & not tugging. THEN she pulled one of those stunts she hasn't pulled since she was much younger. YANKING on the lunge line, cutting in about a foot away from me and changing directions, RUNNING off with the lunge line. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph was I PISSED. She got it after that. If she wanted to run off, by golly she was going to RUN her little legs OFF. She eventually settled down & jumped nicely over a number of jumps... didn't try to change directions (or run me over) and so we ended on a good note. Always a testy little mare that monster pony. SWEET as sugar, but she can push your buttons!
After we ended the lunging session on a good note I decided to let her graze for a bit and snapped a new pictures. Nothing I love more than a shiny clean horse. Although I WOULD love it more if she didn't have scrapes all over her body! Every day I come out she has a new one! Just areas where the hair has rubbed off... no blood. Wish I knew what she was doing to get them. Hmmmmm...
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Good... The Bad... & The Ugly
So I went out & rode Cheyenne today... & here we go.
The Good:
- The weather was LOVELY, breezy & warm, but not too hot.
- My horse TROTTED... and it didn't take me kicking her @$$ either. A light tap & a cluck... and off she went! Nearly EVERY TIME I asked her! It was a miracle, something must have just "clicked". It looks like now we can actually add trotting to one of our regular gaits, instead of one of the gaits we attempt when pony's having a good day.
- We trotted for about THIRTY FIVE MINUTES. Not straight, obviously. But several minutes at a time. As of our last ride if I could get her to trot for 35 SECONDS we were having a good day. I am ECSTATIC.
- Cheyenne's steering has improved, even at the trot. It wasn't perfect (see "The Bad") but it was IMPROVED. We're making progress, & that's the important part!
- It didn't take me 30 minutes to mount. Cheyenne is notorious for being a wiggly mount & I am notorious for being a nervous mounter. It's not a good combination, but it's a skill we're working on. I found a nice little corner in the arena I can box her into with the mounting block & we didn't have any issues today. Whee!
The Bad:
- Cheyenne remains testy, of course. She picked two cones in the arena that she just decided she was NOT going to stay to the inside of (Remember the steering "ugly" I mentioned... this was it.) Don't even ask me why, there was nothing on the ground, the footing was not deep, the arena had just been drug. She just chose these places to be an ornery snot & it took about all my leg pressure & upper body strength to pull her head around and MAKE her stay on the inside. If she can get away with being a snot, she'd prefer it. We're still battling over who is REALLY in control, but she's finally learning it's not her. I won at each of her little trials in the end & she finally conceded & found that it's easier to just listen than to fight with mom.
- My legs are trembling violently from our 35 minutes of trotting. I was by NO means in shape for that. I'd been riding pony in a western saddle doing a sitting trot for about 15 seconds at a time before today. Let me just say... Posting. Trot. Kills. No matter what anyone says about it being easier. On the bright side, it's much more effective than the butterfly weight machine at the gym. Yayyy for a decent workout & spending time doing what I love (which I definitely can NOT say about the gym!)
The Ugly:
- THE ROLL! The roll that comes after you've spent far too long trying to get off every last speck of dirt. The roll that comes after you've tried hard to scrape off as much water as humanly possible. The slow & painful roll where the culprit takes his or her time to rub every square inch of his or her body into the dirt sufficiently before standing up... only to nail the other side. THAT roll. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
The Good:
- The weather was LOVELY, breezy & warm, but not too hot.
- My horse TROTTED... and it didn't take me kicking her @$$ either. A light tap & a cluck... and off she went! Nearly EVERY TIME I asked her! It was a miracle, something must have just "clicked". It looks like now we can actually add trotting to one of our regular gaits, instead of one of the gaits we attempt when pony's having a good day.
- We trotted for about THIRTY FIVE MINUTES. Not straight, obviously. But several minutes at a time. As of our last ride if I could get her to trot for 35 SECONDS we were having a good day. I am ECSTATIC.
- Cheyenne's steering has improved, even at the trot. It wasn't perfect (see "The Bad") but it was IMPROVED. We're making progress, & that's the important part!
- It didn't take me 30 minutes to mount. Cheyenne is notorious for being a wiggly mount & I am notorious for being a nervous mounter. It's not a good combination, but it's a skill we're working on. I found a nice little corner in the arena I can box her into with the mounting block & we didn't have any issues today. Whee!
The Bad:
- Cheyenne remains testy, of course. She picked two cones in the arena that she just decided she was NOT going to stay to the inside of (Remember the steering "ugly" I mentioned... this was it.) Don't even ask me why, there was nothing on the ground, the footing was not deep, the arena had just been drug. She just chose these places to be an ornery snot & it took about all my leg pressure & upper body strength to pull her head around and MAKE her stay on the inside. If she can get away with being a snot, she'd prefer it. We're still battling over who is REALLY in control, but she's finally learning it's not her. I won at each of her little trials in the end & she finally conceded & found that it's easier to just listen than to fight with mom.
- My legs are trembling violently from our 35 minutes of trotting. I was by NO means in shape for that. I'd been riding pony in a western saddle doing a sitting trot for about 15 seconds at a time before today. Let me just say... Posting. Trot. Kills. No matter what anyone says about it being easier. On the bright side, it's much more effective than the butterfly weight machine at the gym. Yayyy for a decent workout & spending time doing what I love (which I definitely can NOT say about the gym!)
The Ugly:
- THE ROLL! The roll that comes after you've spent far too long trying to get off every last speck of dirt. The roll that comes after you've tried hard to scrape off as much water as humanly possible. The slow & painful roll where the culprit takes his or her time to rub every square inch of his or her body into the dirt sufficiently before standing up... only to nail the other side. THAT roll. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Monday, May 10, 2010
GUSHING.
I'VE always known my pony is awesome. I guess it's story time. Sit tight friends, I'm not good at short stories.
I adopted Cheyenne from a local mustang rescue. The rescue had taken in 2 fillies who had been adopted out and then turned out to pasture for nearly a year. The owner quickly realized he didn't have the time/knowledge to train the two fillies so he turned them back into the BLM (via the rescue) virtually untouched/unhandled. Fast forward, I came out to the rescue a few days after the fillies came in, and only 2 short days after I came out to volunteer they were being trailered up to a BLM Mississippi holding facility. Strike 1 for these 2 sweet fillies that did nothing to deserve it. (FYI BLM mustangs get 3 strikes *I believe, don't quote me.* before they are considered unadoptable... even if the "strikes" have nothing to do with the horse themselves.) The two were so sweet. Someone already decided they wanted to adopt the friendly of the two fillies, Mocha, a beautiful little bay with 4 black socks. "Ko-ti", the second filly, was a little more weary of people. She was afraid of being touched (but not terrified), afraid of being haltered, afraid of ropes, etc. Mocha was much more confident and already leading with no problems. My heart melted for little "Ko-ti". She was just a plain jane brown little filly, afraid and unhandled. She had little chance of being adopted if she was turned back in. So I made the craziest impulsive decision I've ever made. I decided to adopt her. ME, just green in the horse world myself, never owned/trained a horse, hadn't taken lessons in probably 8+ years... I was going to adopt a wild mustang.
Well as it turned out the lady who was going to adopt Mocha backed out. The woman who owned the rescue encouraged me to adopt Mocha instead of "Ko-ti", as Mocha had been handled much more & had a much greater affinity for people. But something about "Ko-ti" tugged at my heart strings. She was timid, but she wasn't unreachable. I got such joy out of each little step we made... the first time I could halter her without a 15 minute ordeal, the first step on the lead line, the first time she let me brush her, the first time she stood quietly when tied. I just didn't feel that same connection of sense of accomplishment with Mocha. So for two weeks I drove the grueling 2 hours round trip to see & work with my new pony. Every day was a new adventure, a new celebration. Finally I got her home, and the REAL adventure of my first time horse ownership/horse training began... and it's continued each day since! (Mocha's story ultimately had a happy ending as well. Thankfully she WAS adopted before being trailered to Mississippi. Unfortunately the lady who adopted her MOVED, and LEFT her on the property without informing anyone. Fortunately the lady who owned the rescue had her readopted to a great new home & she is doing wonderfully! YAY!)
OKAY. PHEW. If you've made it this far, congratulations! I just looove to gush about my pony & tell our story. So today I called the lady who owns the barn I recently moved Cheyenne to. She spent ten minutes telling me how wonderful Cheyenne was, how terrified she had been when I told her I was looking to board a mare (she has ALL geldings), and how Cheyenne had exceeded her wildest expectations. She kept telling me what an amazing personality she has, how she's never met an easier or better behaved mare, and how she reminds her exactly of the only mare she ever liked... the one she took to some grand prix something or other. She told me that EVERYONE who has come out to the barn has fallen in love with her (probably because she's such a lover... she will FOLLOW people along the fence perimeter & just give you those big puppy dog eyes until you love on her!) & she's even had two people ask if she's for sale!! WOW! I always knew she was special but I've always thought that was a mother's love, LOL. I've never had someone gush so much about my pony before, it felt wonderful! Especially coming from a horsewoman who REALLY knows her stuff. (She showed grand prix world wide)
Pony really has been just incredible out at the new barn. I don't want to jinx it by gushing about her... but I mean she has been so much calmer & more obedient than ever before. Certainly she's nowhere near perfect, but I can't believe what a HUGE difference having more space to run makes! She just LOVES it, she's so very happy. :) I'm so very happy she's happy. SO FULL OF LOVE FOR MY PONY! SQUEEEEE! Okay. done. Thanks for putting up with that. lol
I adopted Cheyenne from a local mustang rescue. The rescue had taken in 2 fillies who had been adopted out and then turned out to pasture for nearly a year. The owner quickly realized he didn't have the time/knowledge to train the two fillies so he turned them back into the BLM (via the rescue) virtually untouched/unhandled. Fast forward, I came out to the rescue a few days after the fillies came in, and only 2 short days after I came out to volunteer they were being trailered up to a BLM Mississippi holding facility. Strike 1 for these 2 sweet fillies that did nothing to deserve it. (FYI BLM mustangs get 3 strikes *I believe, don't quote me.* before they are considered unadoptable... even if the "strikes" have nothing to do with the horse themselves.) The two were so sweet. Someone already decided they wanted to adopt the friendly of the two fillies, Mocha, a beautiful little bay with 4 black socks. "Ko-ti", the second filly, was a little more weary of people. She was afraid of being touched (but not terrified), afraid of being haltered, afraid of ropes, etc. Mocha was much more confident and already leading with no problems. My heart melted for little "Ko-ti". She was just a plain jane brown little filly, afraid and unhandled. She had little chance of being adopted if she was turned back in. So I made the craziest impulsive decision I've ever made. I decided to adopt her. ME, just green in the horse world myself, never owned/trained a horse, hadn't taken lessons in probably 8+ years... I was going to adopt a wild mustang.
Well as it turned out the lady who was going to adopt Mocha backed out. The woman who owned the rescue encouraged me to adopt Mocha instead of "Ko-ti", as Mocha had been handled much more & had a much greater affinity for people. But something about "Ko-ti" tugged at my heart strings. She was timid, but she wasn't unreachable. I got such joy out of each little step we made... the first time I could halter her without a 15 minute ordeal, the first step on the lead line, the first time she let me brush her, the first time she stood quietly when tied. I just didn't feel that same connection of sense of accomplishment with Mocha. So for two weeks I drove the grueling 2 hours round trip to see & work with my new pony. Every day was a new adventure, a new celebration. Finally I got her home, and the REAL adventure of my first time horse ownership/horse training began... and it's continued each day since! (Mocha's story ultimately had a happy ending as well. Thankfully she WAS adopted before being trailered to Mississippi. Unfortunately the lady who adopted her MOVED, and LEFT her on the property without informing anyone. Fortunately the lady who owned the rescue had her readopted to a great new home & she is doing wonderfully! YAY!)
OKAY. PHEW. If you've made it this far, congratulations! I just looove to gush about my pony & tell our story. So today I called the lady who owns the barn I recently moved Cheyenne to. She spent ten minutes telling me how wonderful Cheyenne was, how terrified she had been when I told her I was looking to board a mare (she has ALL geldings), and how Cheyenne had exceeded her wildest expectations. She kept telling me what an amazing personality she has, how she's never met an easier or better behaved mare, and how she reminds her exactly of the only mare she ever liked... the one she took to some grand prix something or other. She told me that EVERYONE who has come out to the barn has fallen in love with her (probably because she's such a lover... she will FOLLOW people along the fence perimeter & just give you those big puppy dog eyes until you love on her!) & she's even had two people ask if she's for sale!! WOW! I always knew she was special but I've always thought that was a mother's love, LOL. I've never had someone gush so much about my pony before, it felt wonderful! Especially coming from a horsewoman who REALLY knows her stuff. (She showed grand prix world wide)
Pony really has been just incredible out at the new barn. I don't want to jinx it by gushing about her... but I mean she has been so much calmer & more obedient than ever before. Certainly she's nowhere near perfect, but I can't believe what a HUGE difference having more space to run makes! She just LOVES it, she's so very happy. :) I'm so very happy she's happy. SO FULL OF LOVE FOR MY PONY! SQUEEEEE! Okay. done. Thanks for putting up with that. lol
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The pony gods are against me.
So I think the pony gods are against me. The day I moved Cheyenne I ended up with an AWFUL sunburn, one of the worst I've ever had. I finally managed to put on a t-shirt after several days (it really was THAT bad) and went out to the barn. Cheyenne was an ANGEL. Well comparatively speaking. We still have a long ways to go in her training, but she was better than she's ever been. She lunged nicely & was more responsive than ever in a new saddle & bit. I was so worried she wouldn't take to it well, but the opposite happened. I put her in the new english saddle I bought her (I started her in a western saddle) & bought a slow twist eggbutt to replace the loose ring snaffle that I wasn't working out too well. She listened even in the completely new surroundings. She did so well in the round pen we moved to the arena. Even with another horse right next to us she listened very well. She even trotted with MUCH less fighting than usual. That's still our biggest issue right now. She KNOWS exactly what I'm asking for, she just fights as much as she can to avoid it. I guess I prefer lazy to hot, but SHEESH is she lazy! Anyway, so I ended up pulling a muscle in my leg & I practically had to jump off it hurt soo bad. UGH. :( I've pulled the same muscle trying to mount, but never just riding. It HURTS so bad... & now I walk like a cowboy. Very unflattering. It will probably be a few days before I can ride again... or walk properly. I just want to ride my pony!! Ugh. Anyway.. that was just a rambling mess I'm sure. I've got the tv on & every distraction in the book. So whatever I just typed... I hope it makes sense. :)
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Owww.
So yesterday's move resulted in the sunburn from HELL. I could barely move last night & most of today. I cut up an old t-shirt to make it strapless so I could drag my miserable butt to the barn to check on pony. She was just happy as can be when I got there. I took her out and cross tied her for a minute to try on her new saddle and measure her for a new girth. I thought someone had drugged my horse! She was so quiet, calm, and cooperative. I was thinking about it and I guess my best comparison would be to my dogs. When they're crated, the minute we open that door they BOLT, full of energy. It was the same thing at the old barn. She was in a small space (granted not equivalent to a dog crate size-wise) and so anytime I'd take her out she was just antsy and hyper. She needed a way to release some of that energy! Now that she has room to run around and be a horse, she is so much calmer! It's wonderful. She was just a saint. As soon as this sunburn heals up I'm going to take her out for a nice ride. Can't wait!
50 Questions
50 Fun Questions
1. How old were you when you first started riding? 7 or 8, I know it was 2nd grade
2. First horse ridden: Aside from the occasional pony ride, it was Peppy during a summer horse came @ Devonwood Stables. That's where the addiction took hold. lol
3. First horse trotted on: Peppy
4. First horse cantered on: My guess would be Misty, an obscenely tolerant sorrel mare who was terrified of barrels.
5. First horse fallen off of: My guess would again by Misty, we had quite a few good falls during out time together.
6. Most recent horse fallen off of: Cheyenne, of course. She needs to learn trucks are not a thing to be feared. I need to learn not to buy junk off of ebay (such as bareback pads) just because it's cheap. Because that sucker slipped right around her belly the minute she spooked & off I went! Oops!
7. Most terrifying fall: On a 12 hand pony... can't remember her name. We were going over a jump and she just STOPPED and I went catapulting straight off her. Ouch!
8. First horse jumped with: Power.
9. First horse who ran away with you: Penny. Crazy pony.
10. First horse that scared the crap out of you: Hmmm when I was younger I never remember being scared, even when I should have! Most recently that I can recall Cheyenne! Or maybe Billy, he was BIG & not always the kindest beast.
11. First horse shown: Moose! A 30 something appy with a heart of gold.
12. First horse to win a class with: Moosey Moose again
13. Do you/have you taken lessons: Yes, on & off throughout my life. I've never been consistent enough with it to be any good at any one discipline. I wish I could take them now, but now I have a pony that eats dollar bills so it's just not in the budget.
14. First horse you ever rode bareback: Same pony that tossed me... gah! What was her name? She was so small you could just swing your leg... SUNNY! That was her name!... anyway you could just swing your leg over her & hang on to her mane & go!
15. First horse trail ridden with: Misty @ Kensington Farms.
16. Current Barn Name: I don't think it even has a name, LOL It's a smaller private barn.
17. Do you ride English or Western: Both & neither. LOL I guess I have more training in english, but I started Cheyenne in a western saddle.
19. Ever been to horse camp: Yup, that's where the horse crazy began. Bet my parent's are still regretting that decision.
20. Ever been to a riding clinic: Sort of, I went to the Extreme Mustang Makeover during a Lynn Palm clinic. Didn't see much of the clinic though. It's something I'd like to do one day.
21. Ridden sidesaddle: No
22. First horse leased: Raven... then I went out & bought my own the next month! lol
23. Last horse leased: Again, Raven. First and last. I got that horse bug in my brain & had to have my own!
25. Ever been to an “A” rated show?: Pffft I've been to a few local no-name shows when I was a kid. That's about it. Maybe one day... I'll keep dreaming.
Ever competed in pony games/relay races: No except at horsecamp
27. Ever fallen off at a show: Thankfully no, that would have been tramatic as a kid. I remember a girl who did though, she landed on the fence when her horse overshot a few ground poles by about 3 feet. OUCH!
28. Do you ride Hunters/Jumpers: Used to, that's what most of my lessons were in... but Lord knows I'm pretty clueless now.
29. Have you ever barrel raced: No, but that's where my heart it! I <3 to watch it & I'd love to make Cheyenne into a little barrel pony, even if it's just for fun.
30. Have you ever done pole bending: nope
31. Favorite gait: depends BIG time on the horse. Right now with Cheyenne, we enjoy walking. LOL
32. Ever cantered bareback: Not on purpose!
33. Have you ever done dressage: My first real lesson were dressage, but I quit because it was too boring & I wanted to jump! What can I say, I was 8! lol
34. Have you ever evented: Nope
35. Have you ever mucked a stall: You betcha, did it many summers. I hate horse people who have these fancy pants horses & can't get their hands dirty to much a darn stall. It's part of owning a horse!
36. Ever been bucked off: Suprisingly I can't remember a time. Been bucked? Yeah. Bucked OFF? Don't think so.
37. Ever been on a horse that reared: My own when she a was a young little booger! She never got too high though.
38. Horses or ponies: Well... Cheyenne is TECHNICALLY a pony... but I'm more of a "horse" person... ponies don't fit me very well.
39. Do you wear a helmet: 99.9% of the time. It's just a stupid risk not to. I put my seatbelt on when I'm in the car, and I put my helmet on when I'm on the horse.
40. What’s the highest you’ve jumped: Mmm probably around 2'6", nothing impressive.
41. Have you ever ridden at night: Yup, living in Florida you almost HAVE to in the summer.
42. Do you watch horsey television shows: Always the olympics, not much else though
43. Have you ever been seriously hurt/injured from a fall: *knock on wood* nothing serious yet!
44. Most falls in one lesson: On Misty when we first started jumping? Must've averaged at least 3-4 per lesson!
45. Do you ride in an arena/ring: Yup
46. Have you ever been trampled by a horse: Ack! No thank God!
47. Have you ever been bitten: Too many times! I've got a nice little bruise now from the butthead!
48. Ever had your foot stepped on by a horse: A handful of times, usually just because I wasnt paying close enough attention to where they were wandering
49. Favorite riding moment: The day I signed the adoption paperwork for my monster pony. There's no better feeling in the world then your first horse. Even when she is a wild mustang, and you're terrified of what you've gotten into, and you've got no support from your family for your decision... You know. lol I was so excited though, the second best moment had to be the first time I actually RODE her. I was SHOCKED how well she took to it! I had only planned on putting weight in the stirrups that day, and we ended up going to a ride!!
50. Most fun horse you’ve ridden: Hmmm... that's a tough call. Probably Duellan. A 17 hand warmblood I rode when I was like 10. Everything was so EASY on her. She did all the work & would clear anything you took her over. She was a trip, I miss that beast!
1. How old were you when you first started riding? 7 or 8, I know it was 2nd grade
2. First horse ridden: Aside from the occasional pony ride, it was Peppy during a summer horse came @ Devonwood Stables. That's where the addiction took hold. lol
3. First horse trotted on: Peppy
4. First horse cantered on: My guess would be Misty, an obscenely tolerant sorrel mare who was terrified of barrels.
5. First horse fallen off of: My guess would again by Misty, we had quite a few good falls during out time together.
6. Most recent horse fallen off of: Cheyenne, of course. She needs to learn trucks are not a thing to be feared. I need to learn not to buy junk off of ebay (such as bareback pads) just because it's cheap. Because that sucker slipped right around her belly the minute she spooked & off I went! Oops!
7. Most terrifying fall: On a 12 hand pony... can't remember her name. We were going over a jump and she just STOPPED and I went catapulting straight off her. Ouch!
8. First horse jumped with: Power.
9. First horse who ran away with you: Penny. Crazy pony.
10. First horse that scared the crap out of you: Hmmm when I was younger I never remember being scared, even when I should have! Most recently that I can recall Cheyenne! Or maybe Billy, he was BIG & not always the kindest beast.
11. First horse shown: Moose! A 30 something appy with a heart of gold.
12. First horse to win a class with: Moosey Moose again
13. Do you/have you taken lessons: Yes, on & off throughout my life. I've never been consistent enough with it to be any good at any one discipline. I wish I could take them now, but now I have a pony that eats dollar bills so it's just not in the budget.
14. First horse you ever rode bareback: Same pony that tossed me... gah! What was her name? She was so small you could just swing your leg... SUNNY! That was her name!... anyway you could just swing your leg over her & hang on to her mane & go!
15. First horse trail ridden with: Misty @ Kensington Farms.
16. Current Barn Name: I don't think it even has a name, LOL It's a smaller private barn.
17. Do you ride English or Western: Both & neither. LOL I guess I have more training in english, but I started Cheyenne in a western saddle.
19. Ever been to horse camp: Yup, that's where the horse crazy began. Bet my parent's are still regretting that decision.
20. Ever been to a riding clinic: Sort of, I went to the Extreme Mustang Makeover during a Lynn Palm clinic. Didn't see much of the clinic though. It's something I'd like to do one day.
21. Ridden sidesaddle: No
22. First horse leased: Raven... then I went out & bought my own the next month! lol
23. Last horse leased: Again, Raven. First and last. I got that horse bug in my brain & had to have my own!
25. Ever been to an “A” rated show?: Pffft I've been to a few local no-name shows when I was a kid. That's about it. Maybe one day... I'll keep dreaming.
Ever competed in pony games/relay races: No except at horsecamp
27. Ever fallen off at a show: Thankfully no, that would have been tramatic as a kid. I remember a girl who did though, she landed on the fence when her horse overshot a few ground poles by about 3 feet. OUCH!
28. Do you ride Hunters/Jumpers: Used to, that's what most of my lessons were in... but Lord knows I'm pretty clueless now.
29. Have you ever barrel raced: No, but that's where my heart it! I <3 to watch it & I'd love to make Cheyenne into a little barrel pony, even if it's just for fun.
30. Have you ever done pole bending: nope
31. Favorite gait: depends BIG time on the horse. Right now with Cheyenne, we enjoy walking. LOL
32. Ever cantered bareback: Not on purpose!
33. Have you ever done dressage: My first real lesson were dressage, but I quit because it was too boring & I wanted to jump! What can I say, I was 8! lol
34. Have you ever evented: Nope
35. Have you ever mucked a stall: You betcha, did it many summers. I hate horse people who have these fancy pants horses & can't get their hands dirty to much a darn stall. It's part of owning a horse!
36. Ever been bucked off: Suprisingly I can't remember a time. Been bucked? Yeah. Bucked OFF? Don't think so.
37. Ever been on a horse that reared: My own when she a was a young little booger! She never got too high though.
38. Horses or ponies: Well... Cheyenne is TECHNICALLY a pony... but I'm more of a "horse" person... ponies don't fit me very well.
39. Do you wear a helmet: 99.9% of the time. It's just a stupid risk not to. I put my seatbelt on when I'm in the car, and I put my helmet on when I'm on the horse.
40. What’s the highest you’ve jumped: Mmm probably around 2'6", nothing impressive.
41. Have you ever ridden at night: Yup, living in Florida you almost HAVE to in the summer.
42. Do you watch horsey television shows: Always the olympics, not much else though
43. Have you ever been seriously hurt/injured from a fall: *knock on wood* nothing serious yet!
44. Most falls in one lesson: On Misty when we first started jumping? Must've averaged at least 3-4 per lesson!
45. Do you ride in an arena/ring: Yup
46. Have you ever been trampled by a horse: Ack! No thank God!
47. Have you ever been bitten: Too many times! I've got a nice little bruise now from the butthead!
48. Ever had your foot stepped on by a horse: A handful of times, usually just because I wasnt paying close enough attention to where they were wandering
49. Favorite riding moment: The day I signed the adoption paperwork for my monster pony. There's no better feeling in the world then your first horse. Even when she is a wild mustang, and you're terrified of what you've gotten into, and you've got no support from your family for your decision... You know. lol I was so excited though, the second best moment had to be the first time I actually RODE her. I was SHOCKED how well she took to it! I had only planned on putting weight in the stirrups that day, and we ended up going to a ride!!
50. Most fun horse you’ve ridden: Hmmm... that's a tough call. Probably Duellan. A 17 hand warmblood I rode when I was like 10. Everything was so EASY on her. She did all the work & would clear anything you took her over. She was a trip, I miss that beast!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
S-U-C-C-E-S-S... that's the way we spell success, whoo!
So after all that worrying about Cheyenne loading. It took her all of 12 seconds to follow me right up onto the trailer (pretty small one too) with no problems what so ever. Yayy! I got her to her new home, unloaded her, and let her graze for a bit. After a little while I took her outback to her pasture to show her around and introduce her to "Ray", her new pasture buddy.
As you can see, no problems there. The pair made fast friends! I've never seen two horses get along as well as these guys. No fussing or squealing or kicking. Just a few seconds of sniffing & it's like the two were old friends! They spent the rest of the afternoon following each other around. I think they're in love... uh oh!
After she settled in with Ray I took her out to explore the new barn. We went to see the mirror in the arena, she was unphased.
Took her by the flag... again, not spooked one bit.
Took her over some logs & jumps. She's not much of a jumper yet. She's more of a walker & an eater. We'll make a cute little h/j pony out of her yet!
I worked her for just a minute in the round pen. Walk/trot a few laps on each side. Just to get her used to the space. She did so well! Tried to reverse a couple of times, but that's nothing she doesn't try on any other normal day! lol Then I hosed the poor dear off, it was almost 100 degrees today! Ugh. It was AWFUL! As per usual, she enjoyed playing in the hose.
I left for a bit to go pick up my new saddle! It is lovely! I didn't even think to get a picture of it! The only issue is it has some water stains on the underside, but you can't see them when you're riding in it. The leather is very soft & you can tell it's been well maintained. It fits Cheyenne perfect, I just need to go pick up a girth for it tomorrow so we can try it out!
When I returned I found Cheyenne & her new buddy out grazing peacefully.
I'm so glad it went so well. Like I said, I'm so sad I'll be leaving my old barn buddies... but I can already tell how much happier she is with room to roam, grass to graze, and a new buddy! Everything just clicked & fell into place perfectly, I couldn't have asked for a smoother move. :) Success!
As you can see, no problems there. The pair made fast friends! I've never seen two horses get along as well as these guys. No fussing or squealing or kicking. Just a few seconds of sniffing & it's like the two were old friends! They spent the rest of the afternoon following each other around. I think they're in love... uh oh!
After she settled in with Ray I took her out to explore the new barn. We went to see the mirror in the arena, she was unphased.
Took her by the flag... again, not spooked one bit.
Took her over some logs & jumps. She's not much of a jumper yet. She's more of a walker & an eater. We'll make a cute little h/j pony out of her yet!
I worked her for just a minute in the round pen. Walk/trot a few laps on each side. Just to get her used to the space. She did so well! Tried to reverse a couple of times, but that's nothing she doesn't try on any other normal day! lol Then I hosed the poor dear off, it was almost 100 degrees today! Ugh. It was AWFUL! As per usual, she enjoyed playing in the hose.
I left for a bit to go pick up my new saddle! It is lovely! I didn't even think to get a picture of it! The only issue is it has some water stains on the underside, but you can't see them when you're riding in it. The leather is very soft & you can tell it's been well maintained. It fits Cheyenne perfect, I just need to go pick up a girth for it tomorrow so we can try it out!
When I returned I found Cheyenne & her new buddy out grazing peacefully.
I'm so glad it went so well. Like I said, I'm so sad I'll be leaving my old barn buddies... but I can already tell how much happier she is with room to roam, grass to graze, and a new buddy! Everything just clicked & fell into place perfectly, I couldn't have asked for a smoother move. :) Success!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Saddle Update
So truth be told, I had this fabulous idea that my fiancée and I try not to spend ANY money in the month of May. I mean outside of groceries, gas & bills. The bare necessities. Well 3 days in I'm about to lose at my own game. I posted an ad on craigslist looking for a used English saddle (BEFORE this idea, mind you.) I received a reply about a used collegiate. It's exactly the size tree & seat I need. The lady claims it is in near-new condition. The best part? It's a collegiate alumnus, a discontinued collegiate saddle made by Ruiz Diaz (who, if I'm not mistaken makes many of the swanky English saddles like Pessoas) Squee! I'm going to have to cheat, HAVE to. I hope he understands... lol
Whee!
Well tomorrow is the big day, moving day: take 2. I have a lovely lady from my soon-to-be-former barn moving Cheyenne for me. She's very patient & very good with trailering horses, so I'm confident things will go smoothly no matter what kind of a funk Cheyenne may get in. Also, prayers she won't be a beaver pony at the new barn are being welcomed and accepted. :) Thanks in advance! Other than that I have no concerns. I met the other girl who boards out at the new barn (there's only 2 of us & the lady who owns 5 horses) & she's super nice and fun. I know we're going to get along well. It won't be the same without my crazy horse friends, but Cheyenne will be happier. I'm trying hard not to be a selfish horse mom & to do what's best for her... even though it kind of sucks.
More exciting news, we finally have a day to celebrate for Cheyenne! Since I don't know her birthday, and I kind of adopted her two different days (one day I signed the papers, another day I actually brought her home) I was never sure what day to celebrate as Cheyenne's special day. So we now have an official "adoption day"! I finally got her title in the mail today! Granted the real "adoption day" was April 28, when her title was printed we're going to celebrate tomorrow, since I can't go back in time. But next year... April 28... it's going to be big. Just you wait.
In my feeble attempt to wash my horse so she doesn't look like a homeless neglected mess for tomorrows move, I've found that nothing in this world tests my patience quite like bathing my horse. Maybe it's her inability to stand still, or my inability to remove the massive amounts of dirt super glued to her body, or my frustration knowing no matter how many hours I spend cleaning her the next day she'll look like crap again, or the fact the minute I clean her legs she splashes in a mud puddle, or the fact she acts like a crazy idiot whenever I try to hose her face/forelock/mane, or the... okay. You get it. The little snot BIT me today while I was bathing her! She's always been mouthy, but not teethy (toothy? ... whatever, she doesn't bite) Gahhh she regretted that decision pretty quickly. As did I! I've got a pretty little bruise now. Thanks Chey, 'preciate it. Ugh.
So I posted an ad looking for a nice used AP english saddle. Some lady emailed me with a practically brand new collegiate in mine (& Chey's!) size for $150. Whoo! Hopefully going to look at it soon. Very exciting! Any thoughts on collegiates? I've never ridden in one but I hear they're pretty good. (not sure the model, I just know it's an all purpose saddle)
Last but not least, anyone ever tried Quitt? It's some supplement that's guaranteed to stop your horse from wood eating in 7 days. I'm considering it if Cheyenne keeps wood chewing at the new barn. Just wondered if anyone's ever had any experience with it or known someone who has. (Come on my 3 readers... I'm counting on you! lol)
Annnnnnnnnnd... that's all folks. :)
More exciting news, we finally have a day to celebrate for Cheyenne! Since I don't know her birthday, and I kind of adopted her two different days (one day I signed the papers, another day I actually brought her home) I was never sure what day to celebrate as Cheyenne's special day. So we now have an official "adoption day"! I finally got her title in the mail today! Granted the real "adoption day" was April 28, when her title was printed we're going to celebrate tomorrow, since I can't go back in time. But next year... April 28... it's going to be big. Just you wait.
In my feeble attempt to wash my horse so she doesn't look like a homeless neglected mess for tomorrows move, I've found that nothing in this world tests my patience quite like bathing my horse. Maybe it's her inability to stand still, or my inability to remove the massive amounts of dirt super glued to her body, or my frustration knowing no matter how many hours I spend cleaning her the next day she'll look like crap again, or the fact the minute I clean her legs she splashes in a mud puddle, or the fact she acts like a crazy idiot whenever I try to hose her face/forelock/mane, or the... okay. You get it. The little snot BIT me today while I was bathing her! She's always been mouthy, but not teethy (toothy? ... whatever, she doesn't bite) Gahhh she regretted that decision pretty quickly. As did I! I've got a pretty little bruise now. Thanks Chey, 'preciate it. Ugh.
So I posted an ad looking for a nice used AP english saddle. Some lady emailed me with a practically brand new collegiate in mine (& Chey's!) size for $150. Whoo! Hopefully going to look at it soon. Very exciting! Any thoughts on collegiates? I've never ridden in one but I hear they're pretty good. (not sure the model, I just know it's an all purpose saddle)
Last but not least, anyone ever tried Quitt? It's some supplement that's guaranteed to stop your horse from wood eating in 7 days. I'm considering it if Cheyenne keeps wood chewing at the new barn. Just wondered if anyone's ever had any experience with it or known someone who has. (Come on my 3 readers... I'm counting on you! lol)
Annnnnnnnnnd... that's all folks. :)
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Update
Well, good/bad news. We didn't end up hauling Cheyenne today. I was just too stressed about the whole situation and didn't want to start off on a bad foot if she didn't load properly. She is super sensitive to energy & I know if I went out there stressed and anxious about her loading, chances are it wouldn't go well. So instead a lady from the barn she's at now is going to haul her for me Tuesday afternoon. I would have preferred the weekend because I am available 24/7 in case anything goes wrong, so fingers crossed it all goes well with the mid-week move. Otherwise, she's doing well. Brought her out some carrots today which she appreciated. Her dumb butt & the dumb mare next to her keep ripping out each others manes so now they both have these hideous bald patches of mane they've chewed out from each other. Fabulous. Gwahhhh! Why do horses do dumb things? lol Mane chewing, wood eating, what's next?
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