tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post2374768415977309642..comments2023-04-15T03:58:45.461-07:00Comments on It's a Really Long Way Down: Back in the saddle!verylargecolthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18035418539530230889noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-84610354362248712992009-02-10T16:44:00.000-08:002009-02-10T16:44:00.000-08:00Oh and Ms. Foxy? Here's another Fox :)http://athyr...Oh and Ms. Foxy? Here's another Fox :)<BR/><BR/>http://athyrius1.deviantart.com/art/Southern-Fox-101042918Specializing inhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16324464071866855182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-12408042195681139382009-02-10T16:38:00.000-08:002009-02-10T16:38:00.000-08:00Hang the clippers by the food bucket - turned on. ...Hang the clippers by the food bucket - turned on. Few feedings that way and he will look forward to them. I used that first trick when I was 12 - 1976 (eeck!)and it works well.Specializing inhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16324464071866855182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-28639208275959427292009-01-08T15:37:00.000-08:002009-01-08T15:37:00.000-08:00I may be interested in the TB as a new dressage pr...I may be interested in the TB as a new dressage prospect.balancedseathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06458416823958034918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-82985297091304647002009-01-05T10:10:00.000-08:002009-01-05T10:10:00.000-08:00Don't you just love working with highly food-motiv...Don't you just love working with highly food-motivated animals? Two of mine will sell their souls for a horse cookie. <BR/><BR/>One is my 3 yr. old, with whom training so far consists primarily of me saying, "If you do this, I'll give you a cookie," and him replying, "Okee dokie, no problem." :-)muleriderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10660063475807674685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-90714617479892594382009-01-03T23:18:00.000-08:002009-01-03T23:18:00.000-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.oneideahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07088345807279929367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-29103943150332592302009-01-03T13:21:00.000-08:002009-01-03T13:21:00.000-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Padraigin_WAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15434794579801568912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-62133580749510724062009-01-02T18:30:00.000-08:002009-01-02T18:30:00.000-08:00No riding going on here, either. I spent all fall...No riding going on here, either. I spent all fall painting the barn, then hunting season arrived in all its glory, along with mud season. Then it got REAL cold, REAL early with frozen rutted mud. Then snow, then warm, rain, mud, frozen again, more mud, then frozen again, more snow ... its been a bit of a crazy winter, and I haven't touched my mare since September.<BR/><BR/>I'm starting some in the barn stuff. We're going to work on dewormer tubes -- she hates anything in her mouth. I also started to teach her to retrieve a toy ring. It will give us something to do so I don't have to start back at square 1 in the spring.Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06077353902007793840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-46378876934840470322009-01-02T17:34:00.000-08:002009-01-02T17:34:00.000-08:00>>On the way back to the barn he was no long...>>On the way back to the barn he was no longer afraid of the trash. We can only assume it had something to do with dinner waiting for him at the barn.<<<BR/><BR/>I used to ride this rotten little pony who would NOT cross the creek going OUT on the trails, but would GLEEFULLY splash through it coming home. I always had to get off and lead her through on the way out!<BR/><BR/>PONIES!verylargecolthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18035418539530230889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-26839658853233558722009-01-02T09:26:00.000-08:002009-01-02T09:26:00.000-08:00I finally decided it was time to take lessons agai...I finally decided it was time to take lessons again. So far I've just been doing the basics on my own and my little Thoroughbred has been coming along nicely.<BR/><BR/>I'd like to event in the next few years so I looked for a coach that has been successful in the eventing world (both herself and her riders), has a take-it-at-your-own-pace attitude (for me and the greeny!) and is willing to put up with my lack of finances so I can only commit to a few lessons a month. We had our first lesson two weeks ago and my guy was rather excited! Ever since it snowed here he's been an excited little guy. He's like a 6-year-old child waking-up on Christmas every single day! I hadn't ridden in over a week and he certainly let me know with his very spectacular bucking routine. Thank goodness he's an innocent little guy. The second I was slightly unbalanced he stopped bucking. He really just does like to show-off his athleticism and share his exuberance.<BR/><BR/>Anyways the first thing my coach pointed out to me was that I allow him to lean on my left rein. In fact, I'm attempting to hold him up. I knew I was doing it but I didn't know what I should do instead. She gave me several different things to work on during the time I wouldn't be taking lessons (I chose RIGHT before the holidays to have the first lesson...) and I have ridden a few times and worked on those things. He's already starting to realize that he can carry himself without my assistance. FANTASTIC!<BR/><BR/>I also took him hacking bareback in the snow since he loves it so much and we had another round of bucking. Once again I just laughed until he stopped. If I can stay relaxed, he'll stay under me. He has no intentions of tossing me (so far) and immediately stops if I slip at all. I'm lucky that he's so honest.<BR/><BR/>I can't wait for my next lesson!<BR/><BR/>In other news I also went to look at two five-year-old Rocky Mountain Horses last week that are being given away. Neither have done anything other than eat and be led around. The mare has foundered once already and whoever is trimming her feet has let them get really long. The owner knows nothing so she didn't know there was a problem. The breeder that sold her the two horses sold them as weanlings... Way to make sure your horses get a good home. Sell them as babies to people who know nothing! I'm looking for homes for them now. I gave them some suggestions as to what to do for the mare to alleviate her discomfort (including GET A NEW FARRIER) but who knows... Fingers crossed that I'll be able to get these guys into a better situation. The current owners are willing to hang onto them until the spring but I don't know if they should stay there. The only benefit will be that they will probably be easier to rehome once the winter is over.RussianRoulettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03439625191979195030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-67058145592388990992009-01-02T02:04:00.000-08:002009-01-02T02:04:00.000-08:00Well, you know I've been riding daily.....Hahahaha...Well, you know I've been riding daily.....<BR/><BR/>Hahahaha, just thought I would infuse a little humor here. <BR/><BR/>Been riding the chair in my office, more likely....MsFoxyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04482289086550471774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-35255598635861049192009-01-01T23:22:00.000-08:002009-01-01T23:22:00.000-08:00PK went out on a short bareback ride on Tuesday. ...PK went out on a short bareback ride on Tuesday. He is finally sound again, although I'm never sure for how long. The trail still looks pretty snowy and icy, so we rode down a dead end street that was clear. He was terrified of the horse-eating garbage piles on the side of the road. Trash hadn't been picked up in a few weeks due to poor road conditions. Eventually we made it to the end of the street and turned around. On the way back to the barn he was no longer afraid of the trash. We can only assume it had something to do with dinner waiting for him at the barn.la mexicanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01573750148028308725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-2532024645504833212009-01-01T23:20:00.000-08:002009-01-01T23:20:00.000-08:00I'm the mom of the teenager that is rehabbing Seve...I'm the mom of the teenager that is rehabbing Seven (<A>Skiptothetropics</A> - you almost got it right Cat!! LOL!!) He is the son of the great <A HREF="http://www.horsesales.com/photos/skippy3.jpg" REL="nofollow">Skip Away</A>, but due to his injury never really got a chance to prove himself at the track. We are delighted (most days) to have him with us, but I would be remiss if I didn't give kudos to a bunch of good folks that made sure this great guy landed in a safe spot: Katie Merwick at <A HREF="http://www.secondchanceranch.org/" REL="nofollow">Second Chance Ranch</A>, Monica Stephens at <A HREF="http://www.naturalhorsesavvy.com/" REL="nofollow">Natural Horse Savvy</A>, and his former trainer, Ben Root, and his dad, Jack, of Oakhurst Farms in OR, who is a vet and was nice enough to provide expensive shockwave therapy for this horse at no charge, greatly speeding his healing. We're very grateful to own this big, silly boy and have great hopes for his future now that he is healed up. He is starting a 90-day conditioning program as soon as the ice and snow melts... we'll see if he takes to training as easily as he learned his tricks!<BR/><BR/>PS: Teenage daughter rode my mare and her Ay-rab gelding today. I haven't ridden since 2008... LOL!!oneideahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07088345807279929367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-81607824833332903232009-01-01T21:38:00.000-08:002009-01-01T21:38:00.000-08:00The picture of Sly is too dark. I think I like her...The picture of Sly is too dark. I think I like her hip though.It will be fun for you to ride one of the little quick ones....mugwumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00319060800328355056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-36714194435799094702009-01-01T20:34:00.000-08:002009-01-01T20:34:00.000-08:00Haven't been riding in quite awhile. Just too dan...Haven't been riding in quite awhile. Just too dang cold (temps of -30 to -40+ celsius).<BR/>Obviously too cold to ride outside and I will NOT hook/unhook the trailer or haul anywhere in those temps.cdncowgirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09055181472294995601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-39888569810852908872009-01-01T20:15:00.000-08:002009-01-01T20:15:00.000-08:00All the horses you've been working with sound grea...All the horses you've been working with sound great!<BR/> For me, no riding in several weeks, due to bone-busting cold, snow and ice, and also b/c one of my dogs has been very sick and has needed lots of TLC. So the horses get some time off for now. =)robynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01001532366083423219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-16824780542226979542009-01-01T14:14:00.000-08:002009-01-01T14:14:00.000-08:00Casey is starting training this month just to give...Casey is starting training this month just to give him a refresher course. I just want to get some miles on him complete with reminders before I get on.<BR/><BR/>Fyyachild, what about putting your mare on LMF's Showtime? I've used it with great luck on skinny horses without them getting "hot" like some might on grain based feeds.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-8182960239431518282009-01-01T11:35:00.000-08:002009-01-01T11:35:00.000-08:00Oh, and jst4fun, I'm not brave. I longed with tack...Oh, and jst4fun, I'm not brave. I longed with tack. I longed without tack. I poked her in the sides and scoped her out pretty good before I got up there! I really do not think this mare is a bucker. She just got startled by a crude rider.fuglyhorseofthedayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14748297520774828265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-82512779538415883282009-01-01T11:33:00.000-08:002009-01-01T11:33:00.000-08:00>>This barn does not use their indoor when s...>>This barn does not use their indoor when snow is sliding off of the roof though, maybe safer?<<<BR/><BR/>*shrug* I dealt with that for many years in Wisconsin...yes, it spooks them until they get used to it but it's just like any other possibly spooky thing...barn cats, shavings truck, etc...just stuff they have to get used to. <BR/><BR/>Stelladorro, how cool that you may have found the right home for your mare!fuglyhorseofthedayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14748297520774828265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-75307834463064019192009-01-01T08:51:00.000-08:002009-01-01T08:51:00.000-08:00I'm jealous, no riding here for 3 weeks, wind, sno...I'm jealous, no riding here for 3 weeks, wind, snow, Holidays, more snow and severe wind chills. I don't remember it being this bad last year. I rode right through the winter. This barn does not use their indoor when snow is sliding off of the roof though, maybe safer?BuckdOffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09079881770144419249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-52701195787082068442009-01-01T07:21:00.000-08:002009-01-01T07:21:00.000-08:00Hay!We've been laid up here too. The weather has b...Hay!<BR/><BR/>We've been laid up here too. The weather has been so cold or warm, all over the place. When it's warm, there's been 12 inches of snow on the ground melting. Trailer is snowed in so I've been doing nothing but slogging from one bucket to another. <BR/><BR/>We also have ducks and geese, about 30 that come in the barn in the winter and they are a chore but fun. And, we have a good group this year. Three very mean geese died of old age last summer and the group we have murmur together and coo. Quite nice but alot of bucket slogging. <BR/><BR/>So my horse has been pretty happily enjoying eating, sleeping and eating and sleeping...in that order. I'll probably not take him out again until Spring as I don't have a riding arena and have to "uncork" the trailer from a snow bank or mud to get out.<BR/><BR/>One thing I do do, is ground work in our aisle during the winter. Our aisle is 20 feet wide (no kidding) and I've perfected some dressage moves from the ground...I'm now working on a shoulder-in which is a little harder to do.<BR/><BR/>Have fun...so enjoy your blogs!<BR/><BR/>PS: We are a book publisher and one of our titles, Trickonometry: The Secrets of Teaching Your horse Tricks will teach you to teach your horse to smile or turn his lip up to reveal a tattoo. Now, this is something fun to do in the winter. My horse does a whole variety of tricks! <BR/><BR/>One trick I'm teaching my horse that is not in the book is to nicker on command. He's a PMU so at first he wouldn't say a thing, kinda closed off. But now, he's more vocal, just trying to make him vocal when I say "Nicker!"Beasley the Wonder Horsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15980053756419492309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-9796982457306931752009-01-01T06:34:00.000-08:002009-01-01T06:34:00.000-08:00Um yeah....It's sliding. We never did get an indo...Um yeah....<BR/><BR/>It's sliding. We never did get an indoor situation, so all there is as far as fotting is muck, muck, and more muck that is pretty much all at LEAST pastern deep. Eww.<BR/><BR/>My not-so-lame gelding took a turn for the worse, AGAIN, so we switched blacksmiths in hopes that this new guy has some spactacular ideas. I have to admit, after only one trim, he is walking straight with only a slight "offness" at the trot, so we'll see where this method takes us.<BR/><BR/>We also got another horse. Ugh. But he is really cute :)Charhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11901638136431043360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-81916799217481779822008-12-31T23:42:00.000-08:002008-12-31T23:42:00.000-08:00Well, the two week break I had planned for Stella ...Well, the two week break I had planned for Stella when I took her home from the show barn in November has now turned into 2 months, and I'm not motivated to bring her back to the show barn and bring my old mare home. (Because bringing her back would mean I should start riding her again, and I'm just not motivated!) But, while my old mare has been at the showbarn, I've made friends with a lovely family that's been involved with horses for about a year, and if all goes well, I'm going to 'give' them Jazz at the end of summer right before I leave for college. Of course, there will be a contract. But the little girl in the family is possibly going to show her 4-H this summer and see if this is really something she wants to continue with before her parents go spend money on a high dollar show horse. So all in all, it's been a very rewarding few horse months, especially since the alternate plan was to put Jazz down before I left for school, as she's quirky enough and old enough that I'm afraid to give her to just anyone - so now my fingers are crossed that all of this works out!Stelladorohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08208275944944079021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-3872881899553128082008-12-31T22:37:00.000-08:002008-12-31T22:37:00.000-08:00Cathy you are so brave! Reading about you getting...Cathy you are so brave! Reading about you getting on horses which you either have no history on or which you KNOW have a problem (ie-bucking!) makes me feel like a complete wuss for lunging my VERY quiet and sensible young horse who has had a good start by a professional and has NEVER offered to do anything bad! SIGH... Guess it's a good thing there are brave people in the world like you to get the horses trained to the point where wimps like me can ride them;) <BR/><BR/>BTW-I also just rode for the first time in about 3 weeks due to weather and holidays today and she was great! Yes, I lunged first and that was after lunging and turning her out the last 2 days to get her to remember that she was in fact a riding horse and not retired!Jst4Funhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05445290748192602041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-21814898128466079502008-12-31T17:13:00.000-08:002008-12-31T17:13:00.000-08:00I am SO letting it slide! Too dark when I get hom...I am SO letting it slide! Too dark when I get home. Too dang cold, until recently! Horses so fat they have no withers to hold a saddle on anyway! Any free time on the weekends are spent cleaning up the slop and by then, I don't have the energy to turn them out in the arena, let alone ride.Karen Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03905570178257490375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476030038561997950.post-72305312198288017092008-12-31T16:20:00.000-08:002008-12-31T16:20:00.000-08:00Wow...55 starts. That's a lot of running. Poor g...Wow...55 starts. That's a lot of running. Poor guy needs a break and some scritches.Fyyahchildhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09680300099730314108noreply@blogger.com