Riding in a jump clinic
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
Monday, March 9, 2015
SUNNY
Sunny before, with mom, Wild Honey:
Sunny came in from the feedlot with his mom, Wild Honey. Another baby boy, merely a month old. What a handsome and well-built youngster he was. Neither he nor mom knew human touch, but he had the sweetest, most inquisitive personality. As he grew, so did his loving nature, and WHAT a smart little guy.
His new mom calls him "Sunny Boy" or her "love bug". Of course, she thinks he is the sweetest horse ever. She works with him some, but she's being patient and giving him at least six more months to mature, then he'll gets some serious professional training. He has growing and filling out, becoming a handsome, hunky and
sweet-natured big guy.
Sunny later:
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!!
 |
| 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.
 |
| All tacked ready to go |
 |
| 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.
 |
| 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
 |
| 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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)