This blog is about one little mare who was rescued; emaciated with a foal at side. Her story is one of many-many. Unfortunately many are sent to slaughter. In my opinion, sometimes it may be humane to let that happen -instead of suffering somewhere. I won't go on and on here- because this is about one horse-I took an interest in. Read and enjoy - and start from the beginning! and see the transformation.Thanks for reading!
Honey
NOT SKINNY NOW !
Us
Us
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Wednesday Sept 28
What a gorgeous day! I got to the ranch just as Fancy and her owner Steve were going on a ride on the trail-with Russ and they were both riding gaited horses. We went on a longer than usual trail ride- about an hour and a half.
We went a new way- for Honey any ways. Lots of varied terrain- rocky down hills, narrow trails. I did dismount in a technical area and the footing was shaky rocks that were scary for a green horse. She was just fine to follow me and did so willingly and calmly. I mounted up and off we went.
I focused on getting her to walk out- no problem now that she is comfortable with shoes and she was following that gaited horse. She offered to trot out several times and was obedient to my saying "No we don't trot anytime you please"
She was a trooper and can't wait to do it again!
We went a new way- for Honey any ways. Lots of varied terrain- rocky down hills, narrow trails. I did dismount in a technical area and the footing was shaky rocks that were scary for a green horse. She was just fine to follow me and did so willingly and calmly. I mounted up and off we went.
I focused on getting her to walk out- no problem now that she is comfortable with shoes and she was following that gaited horse. She offered to trot out several times and was obedient to my saying "No we don't trot anytime you please"
She was a trooper and can't wait to do it again!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Saturday's adventure 9/24
I had the morning lesson, with 2 others in the class-men- after the class we went on the trail! She was so good, and went right through the water and when we trotted up the trail she even broke into a canter! SO TERRIFIC! i thinks she is becoming aware of how she is a little more comfortable.
You must read the page on the sidebar about her feet.
We had a nice ride- She had Sunday and Monday off. Tuesday the 27- we rode around the arena- more circles! and leg yields. Progress is going along!
You must read the page on the sidebar about her feet.
We had a nice ride- She had Sunday and Monday off. Tuesday the 27- we rode around the arena- more circles! and leg yields. Progress is going along!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Its Official
Ok - Its official. Wendy said she has been getting several inquiries about Honey. After all she is now a "riding" horse.
I couldn't do it- let her go that is.
My friend Sheri Lacey (breeder,trainer) told me-"Yes its hard- when you work a horse and its good. You have an emotional attachment, and its hard to let go."
I couldn't do it and told her "Yes" today. I'll keep her.
I couldn't do it- let her go that is.
My friend Sheri Lacey (breeder,trainer) told me-"Yes its hard- when you work a horse and its good. You have an emotional attachment, and its hard to let go."
I couldn't do it and told her "Yes" today. I'll keep her.
Saturday th 17th- Rode with the POLICE
Did that title catch you?? Ha ha - went to the Saturday class- for our usual public exposure. There were 2 people (men) in the class. They were policemen getting ready to do a mounted patrol class next week. Russ was helping them (us) and one man was a very new rider and his experienced friend was a bit worried how he was going to do. Thanks goodness he was riding an experienced mellow horse! We did the usual- more trotting than usual which was great cuz Russ and I played leap frog, so Honey learned how to pass and be passed at the trot. When her feet get better we'll bump that up to a canter.
BUT the best was learning about that BALL! Yes its about 6ft in diameter. So Chou (the policeman) showed how their horses need to PUSH on the ball with their chests. Similar to what they would do in crowd control.
So we all practiced Kicking the 3ft ball and pushing with the chest the big ball! Yes Honey was able to watch the other horses push and SHE did too!!!
She's such a trooper!!
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| NOT our ball-but that IS the ball! |
BUT the best was learning about that BALL! Yes its about 6ft in diameter. So Chou (the policeman) showed how their horses need to PUSH on the ball with their chests. Similar to what they would do in crowd control.
So we all practiced Kicking the 3ft ball and pushing with the chest the big ball! Yes Honey was able to watch the other horses push and SHE did too!!!
She's such a trooper!!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Thursday Sept 15 - DOGS RULE
Lots done today, glad I had my camera! I got to the ranch and Russ asked if I would like to join he and Honey's pasture mate Fancy on a trail ride! OF COURSE- I did worry because the last time I went out she was ouchy because I did not boot her. So I went to put on my 1's and they did not fit! She of course has grown since the last trim- I borrowed Cris's boots with gaiters, also a size one- and they fit nicely.
We went out and had a very nice ride. We went through water and trotted some too, the boots held up well and she was not ouchy at all. Nice.
We returned back to the ranch and rinsed off and hung out. Four of us ladies were standing around and Karen picked up the camera and snapped some pics of Honey being her personable self, Nuzzling me
You'll have to excuse the look! I always cover from the sun And I just had taken my helmet off! Yuck!
Get a haircut lady!
And best of all Honey had all four of us, Cris, Holly, Karen and myself - totally going "Awwwww" She was all over Charlotte!
That's right- this was the horse that did not like people OR dogs- kicked at them and chased them .
We went out and had a very nice ride. We went through water and trotted some too, the boots held up well and she was not ouchy at all. Nice.
We returned back to the ranch and rinsed off and hung out. Four of us ladies were standing around and Karen picked up the camera and snapped some pics of Honey being her personable self, Nuzzling me
Get a haircut lady!
And best of all Honey had all four of us, Cris, Holly, Karen and myself - totally going "Awwwww" She was all over Charlotte!
That's right- this was the horse that did not like people OR dogs- kicked at them and chased them .
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Wednesday September 14
It was a nice day, sprinkled last night. There was thunder and lightening in the mountains and the clouds shed a few drops over us.
Honey was wormed today by me, no big deal. I guess I can consider her a "broke" (tame) horse. All those stories of a few months ago- seem like some dream. Or maybe people were talking of some other horse- ?
She's so sweet and friendly. I rode with Cris and her 4 year old Wendy, in the arena- we just played around.
Afterwards they hung out and munched grass together while they dried in the sun. They look alike - somewhat, I call Wendy mini-me she's so petite.
Honey was wormed today by me, no big deal. I guess I can consider her a "broke" (tame) horse. All those stories of a few months ago- seem like some dream. Or maybe people were talking of some other horse- ?
She's so sweet and friendly. I rode with Cris and her 4 year old Wendy, in the arena- we just played around.
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| All tacked ready to go |
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| Wendy-AKA Mini-me |
Afterwards they hung out and munched grass together while they dried in the sun. They look alike - somewhat, I call Wendy mini-me she's so petite.
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| Wendy in the foreground-Honey behind |
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Monday's NEW experience THE HOT WALKER
Still has been very HOT- went to the movies Sunday- so horses had a day off. Monday (the 5th) was a play day- so we did free lunge etc. Cris and her family (5 horses came back from a trail ride and after they were done hosing their horses down they decided to put them on the hot walker.
Honey and I decided to watch. First Cris put 2 horse on -then a third- so we watched and all was well. It was like watching the merry go round.
Honey and I decided to play. I looped her rope through the tie and walked with her. She was a little confused by the empty swinging ties, but happily walked around with the others! COOL
Yeay- NOT every horse can say they have been on a hot walker!
Honey and I decided to watch. First Cris put 2 horse on -then a third- so we watched and all was well. It was like watching the merry go round.
Honey and I decided to play. I looped her rope through the tie and walked with her. She was a little confused by the empty swinging ties, but happily walked around with the others! COOL
Yeay- NOT every horse can say they have been on a hot walker!
Bit intro and more
Its been very hot. I have also been very amiss about pictures. I do not have a camera phone, so I must rely on carrying the camera with me.On Friday the 26 we rode in the arena- always perfecting the bend, circles etc.
On Saturday the 27 I put reins on the bit for the first time and did more arena work. While I do put reins on the bit I still have the reins attached to her halter which has a side pull arrangement. I did some lunging too.Loomis also came out and gave her the 2nd Strangles IN- so she's all covered in that Department
All of our work sessions start the SAME- so just know- when I say "I work her" it goes this way.
Sunday the 28th I decided to use the full cheek snaffle, instead of the D ring I was using. It will help in her turns etc. I use lots of leg and since she knows all that we work on giving to the bit. Giving to the pressure-SLOW SLOW work. The side pull helps at a trot if she get confused about the bit- she is doing well cuz she's been trained off the leg in the halter ! So we practice giving and RELEASING!!
That will be the every day thing we do in all our workouts from now on. Give and release on the bit. 100 times over.
Monday-more of the same, Tuesday, rode in the arena- and did a short solo trail ride. Saw a fire engine by the school!! She looked long and hard but did nothing. Then we saw a group of Turkeys- didn't even look. She had the day off wed, Thursday cuz I went to the bay area, Friday was a play day- we groomed and just Turned out and played in the arena loose - I chase her and she free lunges -I laugh and she hangs with me.
On Saturday Sept 3 we did another class with Russ and 4 other horses- Its always good to be in the arena with other horses. We get to practice patience standing in the group while they work and obedience-leaving the group to go perform our maneuver. There was ground work involved, all in a group setting. She even jumped over the Barrels! I fully didn't think she would do it- Wrong- she's a champ!
On Saturday the 27 I put reins on the bit for the first time and did more arena work. While I do put reins on the bit I still have the reins attached to her halter which has a side pull arrangement. I did some lunging too.Loomis also came out and gave her the 2nd Strangles IN- so she's all covered in that Department
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| Yes- you can see her little friend in the pic too :) |
All of our work sessions start the SAME- so just know- when I say "I work her" it goes this way.
- Groom, brush feet (love) etc.Sometimes I light rasp any flares I see on the feet.
- Tack Up
- Lunge
- Ride (circles-leg-side pass)
- Groom, Bucket treats! ( I do not hand feed !! it breeds nipper, biters and crowding my space!)
Sunday the 28th I decided to use the full cheek snaffle, instead of the D ring I was using. It will help in her turns etc. I use lots of leg and since she knows all that we work on giving to the bit. Giving to the pressure-SLOW SLOW work. The side pull helps at a trot if she get confused about the bit- she is doing well cuz she's been trained off the leg in the halter ! So we practice giving and RELEASING!!
That will be the every day thing we do in all our workouts from now on. Give and release on the bit. 100 times over.
Monday-more of the same, Tuesday, rode in the arena- and did a short solo trail ride. Saw a fire engine by the school!! She looked long and hard but did nothing. Then we saw a group of Turkeys- didn't even look. She had the day off wed, Thursday cuz I went to the bay area, Friday was a play day- we groomed and just Turned out and played in the arena loose - I chase her and she free lunges -I laugh and she hangs with me.
On Saturday Sept 3 we did another class with Russ and 4 other horses- Its always good to be in the arena with other horses. We get to practice patience standing in the group while they work and obedience-leaving the group to go perform our maneuver. There was ground work involved, all in a group setting. She even jumped over the Barrels! I fully didn't think she would do it- Wrong- she's a champ!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Update on our progress
I am so bummed I did not have a camera yesterday! We (Honey and I ) went out yesterday, Thursday 8/25 , on the trail.
The total group consisted of 5 experienced horsewomen and 5 green broke mares!!!!! ha ha was it fun. Honey kept her boots on, I was riding in a halter (cuz we are still working on taking the bit). We were out for about 1 1/2 hours out. 2 horses spooked and the one right behind her almost jumped on her! But she was a trooper and just scooted forward, looked behind at the silly (youngster) as if to say "GEEZ! get a grip!" It was very cute.
And the best thing going so far- is she has a good WHOA.
Wednesday we rode in the arena- practice practice steering, circles and side pass.
Tuesday afternoon- went out with Russ and Honey's pasture mate Fancy and has a nice trail ride.
LIFE IS GOOD
The total group consisted of 5 experienced horsewomen and 5 green broke mares!!!!! ha ha was it fun. Honey kept her boots on, I was riding in a halter (cuz we are still working on taking the bit). We were out for about 1 1/2 hours out. 2 horses spooked and the one right behind her almost jumped on her! But she was a trooper and just scooted forward, looked behind at the silly (youngster) as if to say "GEEZ! get a grip!" It was very cute.
And the best thing going so far- is she has a good WHOA.
Wednesday we rode in the arena- practice practice steering, circles and side pass.
Tuesday afternoon- went out with Russ and Honey's pasture mate Fancy and has a nice trail ride.
LIFE IS GOOD
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday August 16
I had Monday off from the horses and I had to work. So Tuesday was more of the same-trotting circles, straight lines-steering- lots of leg.
The new accomplishment today was- we backed off the bridge! Both in hand and mounted! Yeay! That means we can now work on backing out of the trailer!
Boy I can't tell you how great her feet look! The soles are beginning to get concave -her frogs look healthy and that white line is really tightening up! SWEET
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
SOLO FIRST TRAIL RIDE
Woo-Hoo ! Her feet look good- so we booted up with some Easy Boot Epics and headed out for our FIRST solo trail ride on Sunday August 14! It went terrific! Honey was riding off the halter but carrying the bit. We were out for about an hour and did the same loop we did the other day. She went along like she did this 100 times. We rode through the parking lot and saw other horses and trailer- She looked- but wasn't overly concerned.
She's awesome
She's awesome
Sunday, August 14, 2011
First group lesson and the tail
On Friday August 12, we had a nice arena ride- the usual. Then I decided (as you can see from the trailer picture) what a gorgeous tail Honey has. I guess it must be the "My little pony" syndrome! I spent 3 hours washing, conditioning, and finger combing the big dredlocks in that very thick tail.
I bet her tail had never been all the way combed out. She has the longest dock I have ever seen!! Its practically down to her hocks!!!
It was so beautiful when I was done!!! OH MY-
Saturday, August 13- Our second trim- she was very good for Jason. Her feet look like a real horse!! She got a tail brush with cowboy magic and Rainmaker hoof conditioner! She looked like a show pony!!
Then we proceeded to Join Russ's Sat morning class- mostly beginner riders, but it gave us an opportunity to ride in a group. We had to leave the group and ride the requested course - a learning opportunity cuz-she of course she was reluctant to leave - but after some "discussion" she did. I think being in the arena for more than 2 hours was good too- seems she was wondering why she wasn't done yet!!
Oh wait til I take her on a 3 hour trail ride! Which will be soon , now that her feet are trimmed up!
I bet her tail had never been all the way combed out. She has the longest dock I have ever seen!! Its practically down to her hocks!!!
It was so beautiful when I was done!!! OH MY-
Saturday, August 13- Our second trim- she was very good for Jason. Her feet look like a real horse!! She got a tail brush with cowboy magic and Rainmaker hoof conditioner! She looked like a show pony!!
Then we proceeded to Join Russ's Sat morning class- mostly beginner riders, but it gave us an opportunity to ride in a group. We had to leave the group and ride the requested course - a learning opportunity cuz-she of course she was reluctant to leave - but after some "discussion" she did. I think being in the arena for more than 2 hours was good too- seems she was wondering why she wasn't done yet!!
Oh wait til I take her on a 3 hour trail ride! Which will be soon , now that her feet are trimmed up!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Our first trail ride
Today is Thursday August 11. Yesterday we went on our FIRST Trail ride!
I went out with Cris and her horse Stormy. I saddled Honey up and we went out for about an hour. She just followed along-no big deal! We saw a bunch of deer- no prob-turkey-no prob- Bright yellow slide-no prob...She's awesome.
Monday there were a couple of new "toys" in the arena. One was a 5 foot beach ball, and another was a "training bridge".. Honey was on the lunge line so we played with the ball, then went to the bridge. I was so happy- cuz now, once she is comfortable with it we'll practice backing "off" so we can then apply that to backing off the trailer.
She pawed at the bridge just like she did the trailer-but eventually she went over it. I started having her go over the short/width way then, the long way-then stopping on it too. Very nice!
Tuesday- I rode in the arena-more of the same then rode her over the bridge-stopped her on it etc-soo nice!
I think we need more video.
I went out with Cris and her horse Stormy. I saddled Honey up and we went out for about an hour. She just followed along-no big deal! We saw a bunch of deer- no prob-turkey-no prob- Bright yellow slide-no prob...She's awesome.
Monday there were a couple of new "toys" in the arena. One was a 5 foot beach ball, and another was a "training bridge".. Honey was on the lunge line so we played with the ball, then went to the bridge. I was so happy- cuz now, once she is comfortable with it we'll practice backing "off" so we can then apply that to backing off the trailer.
She pawed at the bridge just like she did the trailer-but eventually she went over it. I started having her go over the short/width way then, the long way-then stopping on it too. Very nice!
Tuesday- I rode in the arena-more of the same then rode her over the bridge-stopped her on it etc-soo nice!
I think we need more video.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Ride 7 and beyond
Today is Wednesday August 3, I can't believe how time is flying by. I Rode in the arena because it was soo hot. She wore the bit (not connected) and we did more trotting circles, steering and side pass. We also went in and out of the trailer.
I spent last week working on more of the same on ride 6. Honey had an easy weekend, cuz I went to the Bay Area. Monday we just lunged and had a nice long groom session. I'm trying to change it up on her tying her to different areas on the ranch. Cristine has been taking her in and out every day- in the stall at night and out in the day -unless its blistering hot. Wow- she is being totally spoiled! (pampered)
Tuesday 8/2- ..Ruby and I ponied Honey on the trail. Russ was pony'ing a horse too, and Cris brought up the rear. Honey walks slow on the trail , I think its the rocks so we'll try to get her in some boots. She did very well except for me having to drag her and Cris driving her from behind- Right through the water like a champ- no big deal! it was a nice (hot) little ride.
Next time I'll ride her.
I guess we're at the point of "time under saddle" and refining the basics. I'll let you know if we do something new!
I spent last week working on more of the same on ride 6. Honey had an easy weekend, cuz I went to the Bay Area. Monday we just lunged and had a nice long groom session. I'm trying to change it up on her tying her to different areas on the ranch. Cristine has been taking her in and out every day- in the stall at night and out in the day -unless its blistering hot. Wow- she is being totally spoiled! (pampered)
Tuesday 8/2- ..Ruby and I ponied Honey on the trail. Russ was pony'ing a horse too, and Cris brought up the rear. Honey walks slow on the trail , I think its the rocks so we'll try to get her in some boots. She did very well except for me having to drag her and Cris driving her from behind- Right through the water like a champ- no big deal! it was a nice (hot) little ride.
Next time I'll ride her.
I guess we're at the point of "time under saddle" and refining the basics. I'll let you know if we do something new!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Monday July 25 RIDE 6
It was a quiet Sunday for Honey as I had to do some errands. I did manage a visit and turn out. Today we had a nice ride- trotting steering etc. We did more circles and walked over a blue tarp -While I was mounted and took a spin around the ranch.
I also worked on her side pass , which will be fun and progress rapidly I have no doubt. Tomorrow- perhaps I will take her out on the trail! Maybe.
I also worked on her side pass , which will be fun and progress rapidly I have no doubt. Tomorrow- perhaps I will take her out on the trail! Maybe.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Saturday July 23 Trotting nicely Ride 5
I gave Honey a day off Friday and rode Ruby at Dru Barner park with my friens Sheri. I was going to pony Willy but he lost a shoe (a very rare thing).
SO today we did a lot!!! Oh my goodness!! I asked Stan to take some videos. I really wanted to see how she was going. This is the second time at a trot with out the lunge line. PLEASE notice- all you non-horsey people, the quality of the forward movement- how nice her circles are. wow is all I have to say!
At the end there- did you see her lick her lips and be soo happy with herself?? nice stop too!
After that wonderful little spin I took her outside the arena (first time without following a person.
After that wonderful little spin I took her outside the arena (first time without following a person.
Then the best!! I don't think my horses back over poles this well!! This is the first time we backed over the pole-she's too good!
THEN this was the 2nd time after "bad pony" day we worked on trailer stuff.- Yesterday-I used her treat bucket to lure her in and today I did too and here is the video- Next time I'll see if I can gert her in by just walking in. THEN we'll need to work on backing out..
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Ride 4, Thursday July 21
Sorry no pics
Today- I rode with no one helping. Honey thankfully, has the whoa down. Maybe it was because she had no one to look at on the ground- she still turned to the center when I said "Whoa". Oh well- we'll fix that later-she is so sweet. She trotted in nice circles! Steering is still noodley- this was ride 4 ! :) She moves right out at the trot- I really wish I had it videoed- I'll have Stan do it for us. Oh the new thing today was- LIME Green leg wraps! darn I should've taken pics.
THEN when we were done; of course all week I have had her tied to the trailer while I groom and Tack up- so today I got her feed/treat bucket going and went in the trailer- she was reluctant- I came back out (left the bucket in) asked her again and she went right in- did it 3 times :)
Today- I rode with no one helping. Honey thankfully, has the whoa down. Maybe it was because she had no one to look at on the ground- she still turned to the center when I said "Whoa". Oh well- we'll fix that later-she is so sweet. She trotted in nice circles! Steering is still noodley- this was ride 4 ! :) She moves right out at the trot- I really wish I had it videoed- I'll have Stan do it for us. Oh the new thing today was- LIME Green leg wraps! darn I should've taken pics.
THEN when we were done; of course all week I have had her tied to the trailer while I groom and Tack up- so today I got her feed/treat bucket going and went in the trailer- she was reluctant- I came back out (left the bucket in) asked her again and she went right in- did it 3 times :)
she happily ate her stuff in there- I will do that again each day with and without food.
I think its time for a trail ride!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Ride 3 Wednesday July 20
Then I mounted up and Nora led us around. She then lunged us on a circle similar to yesterday. Then we reversed several times by me turning her head and using leg. Nora just pointed and moved in position just so Honey "got the idea". Then Nora un -hooked the rope and we walked around a while.
I had Nora hook us back up and off we went walking back on the circle AND THEN (drum roll..) the trot-
BEAUTIFUL! she moved out and went great in both directions! NICE. we just did a few circles then ended it-the trot session. We walked on our own over the poles and around. Then we followed Nora out on the trail a little and back. TA DAH. Another sweet victory!
Tomorrow I hope to ride with out a person on the ground- Stop (whoa) was lacking so we'll work some on that.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Tuesday July 19-Wheee ride number 2
Today I asked Stan to come to the arena and help me get Honey moving under saddle. Tomorrow Nora comes at 2pm to help. I had lunged and free lunged Honey before Stan arrived.
I mounted up and Stan just walked us around. We followed, and I steered a little. She's just going in the halter with some side attachments so I can get her head going. I'll take better pictures.
After of few time of us riding in a circle around Stan using the fence corner as a guide, we were going very nice!
We reversed several times with Stan pointing and me steering.
Then the big moment...(drum roll...) I had Stan take the rope off, while he stayed in the center of our circle.
I reversed several times and Stan pointed in the direction to go (cuz Honey kept looking for direction) And when I said whoa- she stopped and faced Stan. Ha ha shes so cute.
I had him walk to the other side of the arena and sit on the mounting block. And I got her to walk around and even go over the pole. We ended there. It was a good ride!
Monday July 18
Another pleasant day. We did the usual grooming and saddled up. There was no one around so I lunged and worked on backing some more. Since I don't always have some one at the arena I guess I'll ask Stan to start coming so we can progress her along with the saddle work.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Sunday July 17-Not Feeling well
The shots, especially when she got so many at one time will make them feel out of sorts. Now she can be on a schedule and have them space apart. We'll see how she is tomorrow.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Saturday July 16-Good Pony
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| Waiting for saddle and arena work |
Compare this photo of Honey, compared to the one on the title!
Another wonderful day! Warm with a cool breeze. I was able to get squeezed in by Loomis Basin at 4:30 to have the vet come and get Honey caught up on her shots. Her last set was July last year and they really should have spring and fall, so we'll have her on a schedule.
I was worried- but like all the rest of her experiences for the most part- SHE WAS A CHAMP! Since I work for a vet and have been around many barn clinics-I have seen many well trained horses act a WHOLE lot worse- she never even flinched-she even had her (probably first in her life) intra nasal Strangles. Good girl!
Today we worked more on backing over poles, I took her around the ranch and found a little ditch to back over and she did well- it was scary at first- But after a few times she was carefully backing over the ditch.
Russ was having a lesson and he was riding Miriah- Honey's pasture mate- and another woman was mounted in the arena. I decided even though I had no one at her head-I would at least mount her and sit in the arena and watch via horse back. I mounted fine. She didn't want to move. So I decided with people in the arena I wouldn't push her. I did get her to disengage her rear end once in each direction. I was also able to have her give her head each way. -
A good day.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Friday- July 15
Another nice day. I groomed Honey and we played in the arena. I then saddled her up and l went back to the arena and lunged her.
Todays goal was to work over the poles. She does very well, trotting and walking over them. So with the thought of having (at some point in time) she will need to back out of the trailer, I will work on her backing over the poles. This was not an easy task-her backing over the poles. It takes a while for them to figure out how to lift the leg and back up.
I now see her when she has to much pressure and how she reacts. But with some firmness and some chill and collect our cool time, she figured it out.- YEAY she figured it out! and was very proud of herself. I took her for a walk by hand out the gate and down the trail.
Under pressure she (halfheartedly I must say-but I believe she would escalate if handled too rough) she purses her lips tight and will try and get out/away from it/you. BUT if you reprimand that behaviour and ask her to stop and chill- she'll give it a nice quiet try. Sweet. Then when you verbally make a big deal and tell her what a good girl she is - she licks her lips and puts her head in your chest low for a pet and a hug.
I was reluctant to mount her when no one is around and I may get over that real soon-cuz its an arena- and at least we'll be in there, even if I conk my head!
Bad Pony- July 14
Today was a wonderful day temperature wise. I have no pictures for today. The project today, was trailer training, although I should've stayed with the mounting and riding. Oh well tomorrow.
The truck was hooked up so I trailered my horses to Cool Hills . I rode and worked Will and Ruby, then focused on Honey. By the time I started to work on trailer loading -it was horsey dinner time. I don't like to start hard work at that time of day. Next time it will be after breakfast.
I had already started so of course I had to finish it. Honey kept pawing the trailer-like she wanted to come in but just could not get all the way in. She was front half in about 6 times. We worked for about 30-60 minutes, she was getting pouty.
The third time I went to drive her , instead of me being in the trailer, she decided to rear and strike. BAD pony idea. I spanked her shoulder and reprimanded her by shanking her back hard. We stopped and I told her we/she DID NOT want to go there. We chilled for a bit-all the while facing the trailer of course. After a few seconds she walked up to me and put her forehead on my chest. Amazing.
So Cristine came and stood behind her to add some pressure. Honey was very sensitive by that so Cristine kept her distance and Honey got in. We took her in and out about 3 times-all very slowly. Honey did not willing go in those last time-so we'll try more earlier in the day soon.
Honey was pinning her ears the last few times (kind of funny-like a bad 2 year old child) I would just tell her "NO" and she'd prick her ears up.
We'll try again. Tomorrow will be a ride day, maybe trailer too. I did/do want to see where her pressure points are and how she handles it. That will shed light on how her training progresses.
I'm glad she has access to the people at the ranch, and I was glad I had Stan go get her and will do more of that. I had this new man Steve at the ranch at the end of her lunge line too. We just traded horse for a bit in the arena. The introduction of many handlers is important to me and I recently was emailed this article from a Newsletter I received. It reiterates this very subject!....
..."At first, a horse that appears very wary of all people (i.e., head shy and "turn butt" fearful) often reaches a point where he clearly transitions from fear responses to behavior that can be described as "relief," where the horse is suddenly very friendly and cooperative. In the barn here we refer to it as the "Where have you been all my life?" shift in attitude. It's a welcomed stage in rehabilitation, and it often starts with the horse's one main caretaker--the person who brings the feed and hay and dependably takes the horse in and out for turnout and exercise. At that point we try to gradually expose the horse to not just the one or two new regular caretakers, but to many different people, with the hope of having the horse generalize the "relief" attitude to all, or at least most, people. We do this carefully and slowly, initially trying to have people remain consistent, but eventually trying to build in more realistic variation in handling style and behavior. We really don't think it fair to reinforce the one-person horse....
The truck was hooked up so I trailered my horses to Cool Hills . I rode and worked Will and Ruby, then focused on Honey. By the time I started to work on trailer loading -it was horsey dinner time. I don't like to start hard work at that time of day. Next time it will be after breakfast.
I had already started so of course I had to finish it. Honey kept pawing the trailer-like she wanted to come in but just could not get all the way in. She was front half in about 6 times. We worked for about 30-60 minutes, she was getting pouty.
The third time I went to drive her , instead of me being in the trailer, she decided to rear and strike. BAD pony idea. I spanked her shoulder and reprimanded her by shanking her back hard. We stopped and I told her we/she DID NOT want to go there. We chilled for a bit-all the while facing the trailer of course. After a few seconds she walked up to me and put her forehead on my chest. Amazing.
So Cristine came and stood behind her to add some pressure. Honey was very sensitive by that so Cristine kept her distance and Honey got in. We took her in and out about 3 times-all very slowly. Honey did not willing go in those last time-so we'll try more earlier in the day soon.
Honey was pinning her ears the last few times (kind of funny-like a bad 2 year old child) I would just tell her "NO" and she'd prick her ears up.
We'll try again. Tomorrow will be a ride day, maybe trailer too. I did/do want to see where her pressure points are and how she handles it. That will shed light on how her training progresses.
I'm glad she has access to the people at the ranch, and I was glad I had Stan go get her and will do more of that. I had this new man Steve at the ranch at the end of her lunge line too. We just traded horse for a bit in the arena. The introduction of many handlers is important to me and I recently was emailed this article from a Newsletter I received. It reiterates this very subject!....
..."At first, a horse that appears very wary of all people (i.e., head shy and "turn butt" fearful) often reaches a point where he clearly transitions from fear responses to behavior that can be described as "relief," where the horse is suddenly very friendly and cooperative. In the barn here we refer to it as the "Where have you been all my life?" shift in attitude. It's a welcomed stage in rehabilitation, and it often starts with the horse's one main caretaker--the person who brings the feed and hay and dependably takes the horse in and out for turnout and exercise. At that point we try to gradually expose the horse to not just the one or two new regular caretakers, but to many different people, with the hope of having the horse generalize the "relief" attitude to all, or at least most, people. We do this carefully and slowly, initially trying to have people remain consistent, but eventually trying to build in more realistic variation in handling style and behavior. We really don't think it fair to reinforce the one-person horse....
Thursday, July 14, 2011
D-Day July 12 First Ride
(For more super photos- go to the dedicated page on the side bar!)
Todays' the day! I do the daily with Honey. All is going well so I call Christine to come down to the arena because I want to get on Honey. Well- don't you know- her daughters come, Stan comes and we have an audience! Honey likes Christine, (she feeds) and they handle her too. SOOO
it all went well!! It is very very exciting! Sorry no video- but here are the pics!
Here I am leaning over to say "Hi- I'm on this side too"
Todays' the day! I do the daily with Honey. All is going well so I call Christine to come down to the arena because I want to get on Honey. Well- don't you know- her daughters come, Stan comes and we have an audience! Honey likes Christine, (she feeds) and they handle her too. SOOO
it all went well!! It is very very exciting! Sorry no video- but here are the pics!
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| I'm on the mounting block |
Everything is going well!
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| Me-leaning over |
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| TA DA !!! |
I dismounted -that went well too. Sometimes a horse can freak out on a dismount-but she did well- as I jumped off, did not use the block to dismount. After the initial ride I ponied her around the arena off of Willy- and I ponied her around the ranch! Next chapter we'll pony on the trail!!
Sunday July 10
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| just got saddled hanging out for the work session |
a little video of follow..
The Trim- July 9
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| L-r Jason, Honey and me |
As luck would have it on Saturday, July 9 the trimmer, Jason Mirise was coming to the ranch to do some horses. He had his limit of horses. I called him and pleaded my case with Honey. Her feet were really long. Its now July and I do not know when those rears were done. Bless his heart-he was super and did a bang up job. AND Honey was a trooper! didn't bat and eye!
She gets handled and groomed everyday! Christine (the owner of CHR and her daughters) are able to walk out halter Honey and move her from pasture to pasture. I even had my friend Stan go get her halter her and bring her out. the more different kinds of people go and get her the better!
Then The News and move- July 2
Elke called and said to me-" I have my daughters horse coming in and I need the space. Honey will have to go back to El Dorado Hills too AAE. You could work with her there. "
Uh-Oh- now I have to make a decision. I have been using the arena over at Cool Hills Ranch. The pic is of the main barn.
So I made the big leap to take her there. On July 2 - I worked alone in getting her in the trailer -after about an hour Elke came down and helped me get her in. Wendt DiGiorno came to follow me to the Ranch. Wendy is the owner and founder of AAE. So technically she is the owner and I am the foster. I like to think of myself as the Godmother.
We arrived at the ranch and Honey was quite frothy from sweat. Although she didn't appear to be stressed too much. She got off-took a deep breath and started eating. Horses were being ridden and all seemed well.
Don't you think a horse can sense the difference between a calm peaceful place and a slaughter yard full of emaciated moms worrying about their babies? She seemed VERY happy!
Sunday,Honey was stalled next to her new Girlfriend Miriah. She seemed please to have a horse buddy. Its a doubled edged sword, cuz they want to revert to herd mentality.
She and Miriah WENT swimming in the pond! It doesn't look like much but when it a 100 degrees out its enough!
The next day she messed up her leg cuz she cast herself in the stall. No worries-we moved her outside with her pal.
Uh-Oh- now I have to make a decision. I have been using the arena over at Cool Hills Ranch. The pic is of the main barn.
So I made the big leap to take her there. On July 2 - I worked alone in getting her in the trailer -after about an hour Elke came down and helped me get her in. Wendt DiGiorno came to follow me to the Ranch. Wendy is the owner and founder of AAE. So technically she is the owner and I am the foster. I like to think of myself as the Godmother.
We arrived at the ranch and Honey was quite frothy from sweat. Although she didn't appear to be stressed too much. She got off-took a deep breath and started eating. Horses were being ridden and all seemed well.
Don't you think a horse can sense the difference between a calm peaceful place and a slaughter yard full of emaciated moms worrying about their babies? She seemed VERY happy!
Sunday,Honey was stalled next to her new Girlfriend Miriah. She seemed please to have a horse buddy. Its a doubled edged sword, cuz they want to revert to herd mentality.
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| The new outside digs |
The Rest of June
I spent the rest of June lunging in Elke's large arena. Some days I would free lunge her-Play with her. She was getting into playing! She trot into me and then "cut" like a cow horse and trot off. Fun. I was thinking OK- time to mount up.
The saddle- June 8
It was a cool several weeks. I went out EVERY day to see honey. I'm no dummy and each time I tied her to the wash rack-she was double tied. so the first couple times she did pull back HARD- Oh well- I just ignored it and kept up with the daily routine of grooming, cleaning all 4 feet ,working in the round pen, grooming and eating treats out of a bucket. In that order. I had my friend Nora come out and brush and clean her feet out-when I felt she wasn't going to kick. So she xould get used to many other people- cuz she semed REAL bonded to me.
I did a lot of work desensitizing her in the round pen. She seemed to have an idea about the work and later I found out she had 30 days training/work at Mont Roberts place in Saugus, CA. Anyway I sacked her out, had her walking on the beach towel I was using and fling the lunge whip all around her Via Clinton Anderson stlye- she won't be afraid of my tools. I did jumping jacks around her too. So i puth the saddle on and off her. Then saddled her up-that was about a weeks worth of work. So don't think I just "did it"
I did a lot of work desensitizing her in the round pen. She seemed to have an idea about the work and later I found out she had 30 days training/work at Mont Roberts place in Saugus, CA. Anyway I sacked her out, had her walking on the beach towel I was using and fling the lunge whip all around her Via Clinton Anderson stlye- she won't be afraid of my tools. I did jumping jacks around her too. So i puth the saddle on and off her. Then saddled her up-that was about a weeks worth of work. So don't think I just "did it"
The Meeting-May 20
May was cool and drizzly. I had volunteered to help at my fiends B&B, because she was hosting a Garden Tour. You can read about that at my other blog, (June Buzz) Honey was alone in the paddock/pasture with a rope dangling from her halter. I thought she looked interested and curious. Elke said-"She's one of the foster horses, I can't catch her so I left the rope on."
The next day I asked Elke if I could work with her. I felt I could teach her to come, or at least catch her. Elke said sure.(read post at other blog listed above.) So on Friday May 20 I met with Elke to get the details on Honey and what exactly Elke had done with her. Elke said she could groom her, and get her to go on a lunge line in her pasture.
Here is a picture of Honey from Aug 2009 when she arrived at All About Equine Rescue (AAE)
She had a foal at side and they estimated her age at about 4. You should go to the AAE site and see her son now! he is a yearling and his name is Sunny. They are all looking for homes-including Honey. IF I CAN let her go.
I said I could work with her but her feet needed trimming- the farrier came. he trimmed the fronts and he got kicked when he tried to do the rear. So I got after her and he said when I could wrap my leg around hers -he would come back. He was very nice and I did not want to see anyone hurt.
The next day I asked Elke if I could work with her. I felt I could teach her to come, or at least catch her. Elke said sure.(read post at other blog listed above.) So on Friday May 20 I met with Elke to get the details on Honey and what exactly Elke had done with her. Elke said she could groom her, and get her to go on a lunge line in her pasture.
Here is a picture of Honey from Aug 2009 when she arrived at All About Equine Rescue (AAE)
I said I could work with her but her feet needed trimming- the farrier came. he trimmed the fronts and he got kicked when he tried to do the rear. So I got after her and he said when I could wrap my leg around hers -he would come back. He was very nice and I did not want to see anyone hurt.
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