Hi Jaci,
We have renamed him Two Foot because of his two white socks. We are waiting to see how his personality develops to really name him. He ha settled in nicely. I continue to work his ground manners and body movement. We are working on lateral flexing and walking behind my big horse, being ponied out for short adventures. He got a bath over the weekend due to the heat and he loved the water. He gets turned out to a small pasture while I work my other horse and likes to play catch me if you can. Then he gets tired and comes in to be brushed. He has turned into a big love bug. He is shedding out more and more and I think he will come back in very dark instead of a bay. I am exposing him to a variety of things to make him a very confindent horse and not be spooky later.We have gone thru a small creek, over bridges, moved him up along the fence line to open gates with my big horse and he is very comfortable in doing what I ask of him. I think he sees my big horse doing things and it reassures him that it is ok to do them as well. We are taking a equine reflexology class later in the month to learn about pressure points and relaxation on the horses, so he will get release from tense muscles once he does start getting worked when he is older. (This is a benefit to all the horses but since he is a baby I want to put him in the clinic atmosphere to get used to it. I do alot of clinics) He is very curious and loves getting loved on. He has a cat for a buddy that comes everyday to see him. And a big golden retriever that is his buddy as well. I am pleased with him and think he will turn out to be a nice mount once he is grown. I will send some pictures soon as everyone is bugging me about them. I just get out there working with him and the others and forget to take pictures. Take care and keep in touch. I promise to get some pics out soon.Thanks.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Fallons Blog
Just a note: I have started a blog Just for Fallon. http://vafallon.blogspots.com ... and my personal blog http://fulloflife13.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Start to Finish!
Well competitions over and I am finally home .......... with 1 extra.... lol. Maverik, my gelding, found a wonderful home in Santa Cruz, California with a family that does showing AND search and rescue! Fallon didn't find a home so she came home with me. I couldn't bear the thought of her going back to Palomino Valley or to the Prison. She is just too sweet and nice of a filly.
Maverik placed 6th in Pro and 8th all around (tally'd points and it worked out to be 8th) out of 53
Fallon placed 8th in Pro and about 10-12th all around (out of 53)
4-7 yearlings went to the Prison to be used as confidence builders for the prisoners who haven't been around horses, and will be started next year.
About 1/3 to 1/2 of us took ours home because of lack of homes, and the rest were placed. Only 2-3 went above BLM adoption fee. The 1st place winner of Pro was adopted AFTER his trainer adopted him for $300 and she donated $125 of it to the Mustang Heritage Foundation. and the other was the 2nd place in Pro and he got $300 at auction. Both were super nice horses. Bravo was the 1st place and Windchester was 2nd. I remember hearing another but don't know who it was.
Fallon in Her Stall.
Maverik in his stall.
Our Stall Neighbors and New Friends Bob and Lea Williams.
Mav and his Hip #
Fallon and her Hip #
Fallon and I waiting to enter the ring.
Mav with his new owners.
Fallon LOVES kids we've learned. This nice family almost bought her but it was too late, they didn't have time to fill the applications out.
Maverik placed 6th in Pro and 8th all around (tally'd points and it worked out to be 8th) out of 53
Fallon placed 8th in Pro and about 10-12th all around (out of 53)
4-7 yearlings went to the Prison to be used as confidence builders for the prisoners who haven't been around horses, and will be started next year.
About 1/3 to 1/2 of us took ours home because of lack of homes, and the rest were placed. Only 2-3 went above BLM adoption fee. The 1st place winner of Pro was adopted AFTER his trainer adopted him for $300 and she donated $125 of it to the Mustang Heritage Foundation. and the other was the 2nd place in Pro and he got $300 at auction. Both were super nice horses. Bravo was the 1st place and Windchester was 2nd. I remember hearing another but don't know who it was.
Fallon in Her Stall.
Maverik in his stall.
Our Stall Neighbors and New Friends Bob and Lea Williams.
Mav and his Hip #
Fallon and her Hip #
Fallon and I waiting to enter the ring.
Mav with his new owners.
Fallon LOVES kids we've learned. This nice family almost bought her but it was too late, they didn't have time to fill the applications out.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Competition Day Looming
Well we are here in Reno for the 2nd night. The kids are tucked in right in the middle of the action. Fallon decided leading at a walk AND trot wasn't so hard and is doing wonderful. Mav decided to become cranky and pull some Fallon Tricks hehe. Oh well, They both are being good. Some of the babes are nervous and loud but Fallon and Mav settled in the second they got there. Didn't spook at a thing, and when I put them in their pens they fell asleep and acted like they've been through this commotion a million times before. It was a good feeling for me while some of the others were pacing and nickering and getting hot about it.
There are 9 of us in Professional, 13 in Youth and about 24-26 in Amateur. Go figure. lol. It doesn't seem like the pattern is too hard. I'll get some pictures of the kids in their stalls and some videos of us competing and also some of them with their new owners. BUT I can't upload em until I get home Monday.
There are 9 of us in Professional, 13 in Youth and about 24-26 in Amateur. Go figure. lol. It doesn't seem like the pattern is too hard. I'll get some pictures of the kids in their stalls and some videos of us competing and also some of them with their new owners. BUT I can't upload em until I get home Monday.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Spooky Horse? Not a chance
In the last week I have spent a lot of time getting Mav not so jumpy and very accepting of spooky objects. My mission is accomplished. I hauled him to a local arena that has a bridge and hula hoops and balls and poles etc...
I was able to put the hula hoop over his head and leave it around his neck the entire session, he didn't care one bit. I also kicked the ball to him, under him, and he even played horse soccer. I was able to bounce the ball off his forehead and back to me and he just stood there like "nope not spooking!" lol it was really funny. He went over the bridge like it wasn't there, didn't even blink, and sidepassed over the ball, the poles and even did a killer showmanship pattern. YAY!
Today I am taking both of them to the arena. Fallon is getting real good about letting pretty much anything touch her, but she still has her filly moments. To be honest I think she's in heat AS A YEARLING! ugggg. Hope its over by Reno.
Here are some pictures of the last few days:
I was able to put the hula hoop over his head and leave it around his neck the entire session, he didn't care one bit. I also kicked the ball to him, under him, and he even played horse soccer. I was able to bounce the ball off his forehead and back to me and he just stood there like "nope not spooking!" lol it was really funny. He went over the bridge like it wasn't there, didn't even blink, and sidepassed over the ball, the poles and even did a killer showmanship pattern. YAY!
Today I am taking both of them to the arena. Fallon is getting real good about letting pretty much anything touch her, but she still has her filly moments. To be honest I think she's in heat AS A YEARLING! ugggg. Hope its over by Reno.
Here are some pictures of the last few days:
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Show
I took both the stangs to the Union County Fair Open Horse Show but because I am in charge of the show they got the privaledge of standing tied at the trailer in the midst of the commotion. I was proud because they slept all day. They are super good about tying and loading and Mav is a pro at leading and showmanship stuff now.
Fallon is just an easy horse to be around. She isn't mean, isn't ear shy, or flinchy about me touching her ANYWHERE. She is real easy going.
We had a visit from a journalist who will be doing the article on the mustangs and I will post pictures of that later.
Today the beastsies are getting their hooves trimmed again. My farrier is going to be happy that they are rpo's at picking their hooves up.
Fallon is just an easy horse to be around. She isn't mean, isn't ear shy, or flinchy about me touching her ANYWHERE. She is real easy going.
We had a visit from a journalist who will be doing the article on the mustangs and I will post pictures of that later.
Today the beastsies are getting their hooves trimmed again. My farrier is going to be happy that they are rpo's at picking their hooves up.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Manners Time
Ok so this morning I was able to work with both, in my traditional way. Too bad I couldn't do this the entire time.
Maverik: Well this morning I worked on backing up from pressure (Clinton Anderson Style) and he picked up in this pretty good. He was crooked and kept trying to take his eyes away from me, so this was a super good exercise for him. I then practiced walk and rub. I put him on the end of the rope facing with 2 eyes, and then walk quickly up to him and rub his nose and muzzle until he relaxes. He wasn't moving his feet backwards when I was done, but still leaned backwards, but I accepted that for his first time. I then lunged him and reversed him a lot for a little bit, he did good as always with that. Then he got tied up and practiced picking up his feet. If I lean down and put my hand on his forearm and say "Pick" he will put his hoof in my other hand. However, his hind legs are still sticky, he'll pick them up but is stiff about bending them for me hehe.
Fallon: Fallon did pretty good this morning. She is so lazy that you'd think I was asking the world to make her move. She can be super fiesty but if your persistent and firm and don't nag at her and expect her to do it, then she will do it without too much fuss. But If I go in to something thinking "I wonder if she'll do this" then she gives me a toddler tantrum about it, and I have to switch to something she knows until I can get my frame of mind in the "She's going to do this, wether she wants to or not" attitude. Then when I return to that exercise she does fine if I have that attitude. I have to make sure that this big filly goes to someone with experience with lazy horses because if not, they will not get along and it would be a bad fit for her. As far as what I did this morning, I backed her, she was NOT keen on this but I was adament she do it. She's like a teenager I swear that can throw toddler tantrums. You know the ones in the supermarket where they throw themselves on the ground kicking and screaming and the only thing you can do is walk away because their past the point of reason. Thats her hehe. She backed up in the end though and moved slow for me, but in her book rather quickly. I had to remind her to keep that hip paralell with me and not show it to me and when we got that figured out we were good. I then lunged her a bit to remind her to keep her nose off the halter when she goes round. But when I got to picking up her feet. WOW. She will pick ALL 4 of them up on cue for me. Proud moment!
I wish I had a flag to practice with and fun stuff to desenitize with so if anyone has any cheap or free idea's that I can use to get them used to stuff please comment and let me know.
Maverik: Well this morning I worked on backing up from pressure (Clinton Anderson Style) and he picked up in this pretty good. He was crooked and kept trying to take his eyes away from me, so this was a super good exercise for him. I then practiced walk and rub. I put him on the end of the rope facing with 2 eyes, and then walk quickly up to him and rub his nose and muzzle until he relaxes. He wasn't moving his feet backwards when I was done, but still leaned backwards, but I accepted that for his first time. I then lunged him and reversed him a lot for a little bit, he did good as always with that. Then he got tied up and practiced picking up his feet. If I lean down and put my hand on his forearm and say "Pick" he will put his hoof in my other hand. However, his hind legs are still sticky, he'll pick them up but is stiff about bending them for me hehe.
Fallon: Fallon did pretty good this morning. She is so lazy that you'd think I was asking the world to make her move. She can be super fiesty but if your persistent and firm and don't nag at her and expect her to do it, then she will do it without too much fuss. But If I go in to something thinking "I wonder if she'll do this" then she gives me a toddler tantrum about it, and I have to switch to something she knows until I can get my frame of mind in the "She's going to do this, wether she wants to or not" attitude. Then when I return to that exercise she does fine if I have that attitude. I have to make sure that this big filly goes to someone with experience with lazy horses because if not, they will not get along and it would be a bad fit for her. As far as what I did this morning, I backed her, she was NOT keen on this but I was adament she do it. She's like a teenager I swear that can throw toddler tantrums. You know the ones in the supermarket where they throw themselves on the ground kicking and screaming and the only thing you can do is walk away because their past the point of reason. Thats her hehe. She backed up in the end though and moved slow for me, but in her book rather quickly. I had to remind her to keep that hip paralell with me and not show it to me and when we got that figured out we were good. I then lunged her a bit to remind her to keep her nose off the halter when she goes round. But when I got to picking up her feet. WOW. She will pick ALL 4 of them up on cue for me. Proud moment!
I wish I had a flag to practice with and fun stuff to desenitize with so if anyone has any cheap or free idea's that I can use to get them used to stuff please comment and let me know.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Fair Grounds
Well today was the babies first day out. Fair is next week so inbetween giving 11 people lessons today I was able to work the 2 babes in. Fallon had a heart seizure practically lol. Her eyes were huge and she tried to rip my arms out a few times.
Mav did amazingly well. He got a lot of looks from people practicing. His gaits were calm (not relaxed) and his beautiful floaty trot was completely evident. He did VERY well. He spooked at a barrel then tried to eat it hehe.
I'll get pictures next time.
Mav did amazingly well. He got a lot of looks from people practicing. His gaits were calm (not relaxed) and his beautiful floaty trot was completely evident. He did VERY well. He spooked at a barrel then tried to eat it hehe.
I'll get pictures next time.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Showmanship
I have decided to enter Showmanship with both of the 'stangs at the competition. Both are doing really good haunch turns both on and off side. Mav is a little more quick in his movements on his, and Fallon, as you can probably guess, is slow and steady susan or something hehe.
I tried to clip Mav and he was great at first but I learned an "iffy" spot of his even with just my hands is his ears and poll. He tosses his head, about got my nose. Unfortunately I have already had my nose cracked once from a mustang no less, who spooked with his head and smacked me in the face. My nose was the only thing "really" hurt. But Mav didn't get me too bad so my nose feels fine. hehe
If you are a competitor at Reno, please comment and let me know how your Mustang(s) are doing, I'd love to know and hear the stories... if you have a blog too let me know the address. :):)
I tried to clip Mav and he was great at first but I learned an "iffy" spot of his even with just my hands is his ears and poll. He tosses his head, about got my nose. Unfortunately I have already had my nose cracked once from a mustang no less, who spooked with his head and smacked me in the face. My nose was the only thing "really" hurt. But Mav didn't get me too bad so my nose feels fine. hehe
If you are a competitor at Reno, please comment and let me know how your Mustang(s) are doing, I'd love to know and hear the stories... if you have a blog too let me know the address. :):)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Trailer Part II
Ok well it was Maverik's turn later on today. He has so much more spring in his step then Fallon hehe. He jumped right in every time and was happy to do it. I groomed him and he only flinched for a few seconds, then he was calm about it.. YAY THEIRS HOPE! I picked up his feet then let him stand at the "patience pole" for an hour or so.
They are both doing so well finally. I still feel very behind in their training and taking this weekend off doesn't help that feeling. But I guess I'll just work extra hard with them this next week. I wish I could have done this all along but I guess sometimes life gets in the way. Must shake it off and keep dragging on.
They are both doing so well finally. I still feel very behind in their training and taking this weekend off doesn't help that feeling. But I guess I'll just work extra hard with them this next week. I wish I could have done this all along but I guess sometimes life gets in the way. Must shake it off and keep dragging on.
Trailer
I worked with Fallon this morning on leading on the off side and loading. She loads just fine, unloading is a different story hehe. She leaps out with all 4 feet tucked up under her belly like she's making the leap of her life. IT IS HILARIOUS to watch, unless she decides to do it at you. She is still sticky sometimes and if you are not RIGHT next to her head she will plant her feet and not move until you position yourself right next to her head. Funny filly. My neighbor made a good point though. She is of draft descent and they have values bred into them like "planting their feet if one horse tries to take off when pulling a cart." Which would explain her great ability at planting those hooves deep enough that even my strong poor mare about fell over at one point because it was so out of the blue. However, they are also real lazy and calm. She is that. She is NOT flinchy in the least. I can pick up all 4 feet while she sleeps halterless and can groom her all day long, or leave her tied in the trailer with the divider and door WIDE open and she just falls asleep. She is very patient in that way.
I will try to squeeze a work with Maverik in today. I will be leaving town for a few days for campus visit at OSU, Cousins Wedding, Grandparents 50th wedding anniversary, potential roommate interviews etc...
If I am able to get some time to work with him it will be trailering, desensitizing to saddle, blanket and grooming tools, and working on picking up his feet some more. He gives them to me but is still weary of having me down there.
I will try to squeeze a work with Maverik in today. I will be leaving town for a few days for campus visit at OSU, Cousins Wedding, Grandparents 50th wedding anniversary, potential roommate interviews etc...
If I am able to get some time to work with him it will be trailering, desensitizing to saddle, blanket and grooming tools, and working on picking up his feet some more. He gives them to me but is still weary of having me down there.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Fallons Turn
Today it was Fallon's turn. She was a little harder headed about it and my poor mare Aspen had some work cut out for her. She actually about got pulled over a few times but she's a nice mare that deals with colts a lot so she stood her ground. Fallon finally figured it out but still would haul back a few times. If I just keep at it with her she will get more muscle and be able to go around the farm more and get exposed to all the "monsters and horse eating objects." hehe
Good note is after her leading lesson she is leading very nicely now. FINALLY!
Arena Vacation
Maverik got to go out and around the farm today. He wasn't too keen on the ponying at first, but he got the hang of it. We have some nice deep summer fowell that will help him build nice strong muscles.
It's Fallon's turn tomorrow!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Off to a good start...
Ok, I completely started over with Fallon. I was sick of getting rope burn. I finally have her leading off body language with very few tantrums. She really reminds me of an over-sized toddler! I will get pics as soon as there's something worth snapping. hehe
Maverik is doing excellent (finally). I saddled him again this morning and besides a VERY minor rolling crow hop he was fine. He is really starting to relax some more. I got his feet moving in the RP with the saddle and he did great. I left it on while I fed and watered and he acted like it had been there since birth. He still needs to learn to relax about the small things but that will come in time. I have some pics for you though!
"Awww crap. Not again!" hehe His expression was hilarious!
"Posing!" Yay for Mav.
Moving on line with saddle. Look at the stride!
Anyways... More pics later!
Maverik is doing excellent (finally). I saddled him again this morning and besides a VERY minor rolling crow hop he was fine. He is really starting to relax some more. I got his feet moving in the RP with the saddle and he did great. I left it on while I fed and watered and he acted like it had been there since birth. He still needs to learn to relax about the small things but that will come in time. I have some pics for you though!
"Awww crap. Not again!" hehe His expression was hilarious!
"Posing!" Yay for Mav.
Moving on line with saddle. Look at the stride!
Anyways... More pics later!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Saddle
I saddled Mav today. He did super good. He was a little jumpy about things brushing up against him but he didn't buck once! He humped up a few times but NEVER left the ground and it was only like 3 times at the VERY beginning and he accepted it with ease and respect, as well as confidence. He has done a complete 180°.
Fallon on the other hand did a complete 180° the other way. She still refuses to lead properly and throws her weight around in the lead. She jerks her nose down and sideways to yank me off my feet when I am standing there with her, even when I'm not asking anything of her. I need to get through to her again!
I'll try to get pictures tonight of Mav and the saddle, he's sooo cute. I will get one with an english saddle because I have him pegged as an english horse. His strides and movement is just perfect for english. I think he'd be stifled in western. However, I believe firmly that Fallon will make a GREAT rope, or ranch horse. Possibly a good trail horse, or a super western show horse. I think she could do english pleasure/eq but doesn't have good movement for jumping or dressage.
Pics TONIGHT! I promise this time.
Fallon on the other hand did a complete 180° the other way. She still refuses to lead properly and throws her weight around in the lead. She jerks her nose down and sideways to yank me off my feet when I am standing there with her, even when I'm not asking anything of her. I need to get through to her again!
I'll try to get pictures tonight of Mav and the saddle, he's sooo cute. I will get one with an english saddle because I have him pegged as an english horse. His strides and movement is just perfect for english. I think he'd be stifled in western. However, I believe firmly that Fallon will make a GREAT rope, or ranch horse. Possibly a good trail horse, or a super western show horse. I think she could do english pleasure/eq but doesn't have good movement for jumping or dressage.
Pics TONIGHT! I promise this time.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Flexing
Well I bridled Maverik today and taught him to flex. He has calmed down ten fold. He isn't nearly as jumpy anymore and he took the bridle really well. He also unbridled calmly and with coaxing kept his nose tipped around me. He picked up on flexing in only a couple seconds and acted like he'd been doing it for years.
Next step is saddling and Ponying him around the farm with my mare to get some muscle on this guy. He has come a long way, I never thought he would.
Now Fallon is being the brat. We're still on Round penning with her because she is VERY lazy and so leading her around is still tough. She wont walk, so when I get her to she leaps forward like she was bit by a snake on her butt. Then she plants her feet as I catch up and won't move again. So I start RP'ing her to get her feet loosened up and I could never keep up to make her move in my 60' RP so I made a makeshift 30ft RP and I do Clinton Anderson (duh) it doesn't matter how hard I smack her butt with that string she still walks or does a tiny jog. She is so good at IGNORING me its frustrating. I DO NOT nag at her but even when I do get her going it is ONE stride then back to a walk OR stop.! She is crazy lol. I will see if saddling/bridling her will get her feet moving some.
Promise pics later!
Next step is saddling and Ponying him around the farm with my mare to get some muscle on this guy. He has come a long way, I never thought he would.
Now Fallon is being the brat. We're still on Round penning with her because she is VERY lazy and so leading her around is still tough. She wont walk, so when I get her to she leaps forward like she was bit by a snake on her butt. Then she plants her feet as I catch up and won't move again. So I start RP'ing her to get her feet loosened up and I could never keep up to make her move in my 60' RP so I made a makeshift 30ft RP and I do Clinton Anderson (duh) it doesn't matter how hard I smack her butt with that string she still walks or does a tiny jog. She is so good at IGNORING me its frustrating. I DO NOT nag at her but even when I do get her going it is ONE stride then back to a walk OR stop.! She is crazy lol. I will see if saddling/bridling her will get her feet moving some.
Promise pics later!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Mav & The Saddle Pad
So it turns out Maverik has Staff Arias NOT Strangles or Strep... This is NOT contagious and he's practically over it. I moved him to a closer pen and while he was caught I decided to throw an english pad around him. He thought it'd it him at first, but then he relaxed and I left it on his back for about 15 minutes. He just slept while he stood there tied with it. I'll get a picture of this soon.
As for Fallon, haven't had time to work with her... Tomorrow evening I will work with them both.
As for Fallon, haven't had time to work with her... Tomorrow evening I will work with them both.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Personality
Fallon's personality is finally starting to come out more. She is a very vocal and playful filly. Every time I go the barn Fallon will run to the fence and shaker her head and nicker. But if I go to pet her she flicks her head and goes running off spinning and bucking. She is such a little goof. However, if I go in the pen and draw her eyes to me, I can walk right up to her.
I will work with her tonight on loading and leading (still sticky with this). I will also work on teaching her to hobble. I am going to make a trail course out of her pen. Logs, mailbox, bridge etc...
I am also going to work on having her carry a flag and get her ready to saddle. Hopefully I can have her saddling and bridling for the competition. I try to get my yearlings fully ready to ride without actually riding them. Flexing, bridling, saddling, desensitizing them, taking them places so that when I am wanting to ride them out and about they aren't a scaredy cat about it. I'll get pics of all of this tonight
I will work with her tonight on loading and leading (still sticky with this). I will also work on teaching her to hobble. I am going to make a trail course out of her pen. Logs, mailbox, bridge etc...
I am also going to work on having her carry a flag and get her ready to saddle. Hopefully I can have her saddling and bridling for the competition. I try to get my yearlings fully ready to ride without actually riding them. Flexing, bridling, saddling, desensitizing them, taking them places so that when I am wanting to ride them out and about they aren't a scaredy cat about it. I'll get pics of all of this tonight
Friday, June 27, 2008
Adoption
Ok the BLM has asked me to help them find Maverik a home in a few weeks once he's 100% healthy. So If you or someone you know would be interested in adopting Mav, please contact me via e-mail or phone (victoryacres@hotmail.com; (541) 786-3218)
Here's his stats:
Jackson Ridge Maverik
13hh
550lbs
Good strong legs, long legs, nice proportions.
Easily will make a great english, dressage, eventing, hunter or jumper.
Mav leads, loads, ties, bathes, has had his feet trimmed, and is current on EVERYTHING.
Adoption Fee: $125 (Must fill out BLM Application)
Good homes only please!
Here's his stats:
Jackson Ridge Maverik
13hh
550lbs
Good strong legs, long legs, nice proportions.
Easily will make a great english, dressage, eventing, hunter or jumper.
Mav leads, loads, ties, bathes, has had his feet trimmed, and is current on EVERYTHING.
Adoption Fee: $125 (Must fill out BLM Application)
Good homes only please!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Fallon, Nevada
The BLM contacted me from Palomino Valley, NV and gave me a really good deal considering I don't actually own Maverik. They will reimburse me for mileage, and vet bills for Maverik.
I don't want to, but I may take Fallon back too because of diesel prices. I can't afford to go when it'll be around $5 per gallon by August I'm sure. I really like Fallon, and REALLY wanted the chance to perform with her but I have to think about finances. I also don't know if she's healthy or at risk for strangles. If that is the case I don't want to keep her here for the same reasons I won't be keeping Mav here.
I will be taking them to Fallon, NV, the place Fallon was named after. I will miss them.
I don't want to, but I may take Fallon back too because of diesel prices. I can't afford to go when it'll be around $5 per gallon by August I'm sure. I really like Fallon, and REALLY wanted the chance to perform with her but I have to think about finances. I also don't know if she's healthy or at risk for strangles. If that is the case I don't want to keep her here for the same reasons I won't be keeping Mav here.
I will be taking them to Fallon, NV, the place Fallon was named after. I will miss them.
Maverik
Well, Maverik has Strangles OR Streptococcus. Either way it isn't good. Now I have to make a decision about whether to take him to Burns, OR to the BLM center there, or keep him quarantined here at my ranch. So here's to calculating costs of both.
Fallon is doing good. Life has finally slowed down just enough that I should be able to work with her daily sometimes twice daily now and reach some good goals with her. She isn't jumpy and is just real laid back about everything. Clippers, Farrier tools, Tractors, ATV's, Bikes. She is in with my yearling and she is definitely herd boss but my yearling will deal. I will clean her up some more, she gained a bit too much weight being with Auzzie because he's on a weight gain program so she needs some extra work under her feet. I am going to continue working on her leading so I can start ponying her on my mare around the ranch to get her lean and muscled. I will also start ponying her on some trails soon to get her out and about so that her new home in August will have an easy go of it.
Fallon is doing good. Life has finally slowed down just enough that I should be able to work with her daily sometimes twice daily now and reach some good goals with her. She isn't jumpy and is just real laid back about everything. Clippers, Farrier tools, Tractors, ATV's, Bikes. She is in with my yearling and she is definitely herd boss but my yearling will deal. I will clean her up some more, she gained a bit too much weight being with Auzzie because he's on a weight gain program so she needs some extra work under her feet. I am going to continue working on her leading so I can start ponying her on my mare around the ranch to get her lean and muscled. I will also start ponying her on some trails soon to get her out and about so that her new home in August will have an easy go of it.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Farrier Part 2
Well today was Maveriks turn. He got shiny new feet too. My farrier works a lot with mustangs so he just had him in a pen and did it by himself. He did fairly well. It was a bigger ordeal then Fallons, but thats ok.
Mav also got a sudsy bath today too. He had SO MUCH dirt so deep that I am glad my EZall works so well. No scrubbing necessary. He's shed out some more hair too during his bath.
Mav also got a sudsy bath today too. He had SO MUCH dirt so deep that I am glad my EZall works so well. No scrubbing necessary. He's shed out some more hair too during his bath.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Farrier!
Well Mav is still being grumpy about being caught and I had stupidly put him in the round pen with no lead rope. My bad! So he stayed there for a few days. I ended up having to rope him in 6" standing water while getting covered in mud flung up from his hooves as he splashed through. He needless to say after that ordeal didn't get his new feet today. My farrier and I both agree'd that he wasn't in a good state of mind to have his feet handled which is too bad because his hooves, although not extremely long, are curling a little like elf feet, so he gave me a time line so he's coming out in a week to do them then and my homework is to get him less nervous. I do good with deadlines so lets hope this helps me get him calmer about people.
Fallon got pretty new feet today though. She just needed a couple centimeters off and the rasp to smooth them out but besides pulling her hind foot away a couple times she did really well my farrier was impressed. She warmed up to him and his wife fairly quickly. She's about ready for some major socialization skills so from now on she gets loaded up wherever I go to learn to stand patiently, and accept a buzz going on around her.
I have completely restarted with Mav. He is such an odd horse to work with but my goal is to have him as far if not further then Fallon in a few weeks. Tomorrow are my finals so after that I will have no on campus classes, just distance education classes which will give me an abundance of time...
It snowed here yesterday and it's the 2nd week of JUNE! What the Heck! It's supposed to be warming into summer, it's ALMOST the first day of summer and yet we're still getting snow flurries, 30° weather and non-stop rain. I tell ya what... the weather here has been off it's rocker all year. Winter was harsh and cold, Spring is non-stop rain AND snow and who knows what summer will be. Im used to Cold winters with on/off snow, rainy springs that start mellowing out (but it ALWAYS rains the 1st week of June) and then tapers off to desert weather for 3 1/2 months in the summer! Rant over with! Once this weather clears up I'll clip up Mav the best I can and wash them both and "show prep" them and get good cleaned up photos!
Fallon got pretty new feet today though. She just needed a couple centimeters off and the rasp to smooth them out but besides pulling her hind foot away a couple times she did really well my farrier was impressed. She warmed up to him and his wife fairly quickly. She's about ready for some major socialization skills so from now on she gets loaded up wherever I go to learn to stand patiently, and accept a buzz going on around her.
I have completely restarted with Mav. He is such an odd horse to work with but my goal is to have him as far if not further then Fallon in a few weeks. Tomorrow are my finals so after that I will have no on campus classes, just distance education classes which will give me an abundance of time...
It snowed here yesterday and it's the 2nd week of JUNE! What the Heck! It's supposed to be warming into summer, it's ALMOST the first day of summer and yet we're still getting snow flurries, 30° weather and non-stop rain. I tell ya what... the weather here has been off it's rocker all year. Winter was harsh and cold, Spring is non-stop rain AND snow and who knows what summer will be. Im used to Cold winters with on/off snow, rainy springs that start mellowing out (but it ALWAYS rains the 1st week of June) and then tapers off to desert weather for 3 1/2 months in the summer! Rant over with! Once this weather clears up I'll clip up Mav the best I can and wash them both and "show prep" them and get good cleaned up photos!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Promised Pictures
Ok, I had a REALLY good session with Fallon today. I groomed her all up, took 40 minutes to get through her ratty tail. It was SO thick and it looked like a puff ball when I was done hehe. She stood tied and slept the ENTIRE time like an old broke kids horse. I then had my mom come and take pics and videos, your lucky day :) . I picked up all 4 feet, and besides wiggling her back leg a little she never tried to kick. She longed nicely both directions, and remembered her yielding of both haunches and forehand. She has warmed up a lot to my mom and other people. She really is a sweet horse and I hope she find a really nice home in August with someone who will bond with her because she is a puppy dog with respect of space.
She learned all about Apple Forks this morning, and besides looking at it funny and standing in the corner pouting cus she didn't want to eat near the red "monster" but pretty soon she started following it as I was raking... dang girl lol definitely like a cat chasing a laser light. hehe
I attempted to groom Mav tonight but he is still jumpy and not wanting anything to do with me. I will continue to just try and get through to him, I will be getting pictures of him tomorrow. He is bigger then when he came, no ribs showing and he has a healthy sheen. His warts are hard and hopefully will fall off now that I have him on Exterra (spelling?). I feel bad because I have more pictures of Fallon, but she is so much further along that the pics can portray that, his will still be similar to his first few. More updates as always later :)
All Moved Around
Well I have had so many horses coming and going lately, and I have been moving and updating my facilities for a few months now (still ongoing). Finals are next week for school (can't believe I'll be a Junior in College) and after that I will be really cracking down and working with these 2 daily. It has been raining for 2 1/2 weeks with only 1 day here and there of sprinkles or just overcast.
Fallon is in a new pen and has really come around. She is a HUGE lovebug, she even let my grandparents who visited yesterday rub and love on her. She let my mom hand feed her grain, and scratch her ALL over.
Mav is finally starting to heal wart wise, and he doesn't have a runny or snotty nose anymore. I will leave him isolated a bit longer and then move him closer to Fallon. He is still real jumpy and untrusting, I have to leave a halter on him as it's a bit harder to catch him then Fallon and he is more pushy and will try to shove me over when I am tying the halter. I am hoping that as soon as the weather clears up I can get through to him some more. I found some of his itchy spots which was part of Fallons turn around so I hope that helps. I will take some more pictures tonight when I get home and post them up tonight.
Fallon is in a new pen and has really come around. She is a HUGE lovebug, she even let my grandparents who visited yesterday rub and love on her. She let my mom hand feed her grain, and scratch her ALL over.
Mav is finally starting to heal wart wise, and he doesn't have a runny or snotty nose anymore. I will leave him isolated a bit longer and then move him closer to Fallon. He is still real jumpy and untrusting, I have to leave a halter on him as it's a bit harder to catch him then Fallon and he is more pushy and will try to shove me over when I am tying the halter. I am hoping that as soon as the weather clears up I can get through to him some more. I found some of his itchy spots which was part of Fallons turn around so I hope that helps. I will take some more pictures tonight when I get home and post them up tonight.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Mav & the Vet
Scary thought taking a wild mustang to the vets office in the middle of town.... but it turned out fine. Mav did great. He let the vet take his temperature (for those that don't know: It goes in the anus) and he stood on the scale like a gentleman. He even let the vet poke and prod under his jaw and touch his belly all over on both sides...
He loaded in and out of the trailer good too, and when I got home I sent him in and out of it about 25 times. He walks in perfectly but is less then graceful on the way out. He peels out and because the mat is slick from dropped hay he slides and it's hilarious to watch needless to say lol.
Prognosis: Sick, but no antibiotics needed! Yay for that!
Fallon is doing great, she longes nicely and is all clipped up and looks nice and pretty. She is on the chubby side at the moment but thats ok, she's growing and will probably consume that pretty quick.
He loaded in and out of the trailer good too, and when I got home I sent him in and out of it about 25 times. He walks in perfectly but is less then graceful on the way out. He peels out and because the mat is slick from dropped hay he slides and it's hilarious to watch needless to say lol.
Prognosis: Sick, but no antibiotics needed! Yay for that!
Fallon is doing great, she longes nicely and is all clipped up and looks nice and pretty. She is on the chubby side at the moment but thats ok, she's growing and will probably consume that pretty quick.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Day 10
I lunged both of them this morning on my Clinton Anderson lead. Maverik was terrible. He got loose in the open but ran right back to his pen. I have yet to get through to him. He's been a major challenge.
Fallon although she is super one sided, she is still a good girl. She still has trouble leading but is getting much better. She has a gorgeous show gait. She will make someone a really nice show horse someday.
Fallon although she is super one sided, she is still a good girl. She still has trouble leading but is getting much better. She has a gorgeous show gait. She will make someone a really nice show horse someday.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Day 9
Well lets see, when I fed this morning, the horses had somehow let Fallon out (her stall is in their paddock ... weird set-up...) and so she was roaming around with all of them this morning. I was able to catch her though without much fuss. So now I let her out during the day after she has her breakfast, and put her in at night.
I talked to my farrier and he thinks she has draft in her to. He said that during war time a long time ago, they turned draft horses, Thoroughbred, Arabs etc.. out with the herds to make cavalry horses. It completely explains why she is a hefty thick stocky solid built filly, and Mav is a tiny stick figure of a horse. The first time I saw him I told my mom I thought he was of Anglo-Arab origin (Thoroughbred/Arab cross) because he has a TB body but an Arab neck and head.
Mav is still jumpy and touchy but I was able to pet him and touch him with out the halter so I might be able to halter him without too much of a glitch. I'll post again this evening after I work with them today.
I talked to my farrier and he thinks she has draft in her to. He said that during war time a long time ago, they turned draft horses, Thoroughbred, Arabs etc.. out with the herds to make cavalry horses. It completely explains why she is a hefty thick stocky solid built filly, and Mav is a tiny stick figure of a horse. The first time I saw him I told my mom I thought he was of Anglo-Arab origin (Thoroughbred/Arab cross) because he has a TB body but an Arab neck and head.
Mav is still jumpy and touchy but I was able to pet him and touch him with out the halter so I might be able to halter him without too much of a glitch. I'll post again this evening after I work with them today.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Halters
I have been so busy lately the poor things have been cooped up with no work. I did take their halters off this evening though. Fallon will act all skitterish but will stand their and let you pet her and I took her halter on and off, and practiced catching her. Mav was probably more of a stupid idea but his halter was rubbing his hair so I took it off anyways. I'll get to catching him when the time comes.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Day 6
Today was a crappy day to train. It was raining buckets off and on, and when it wasn't raining buckets, it was drizzly or sprinkling. The wind also kicked up later in the day. I worked with Fallon in the morning in the RP but she was being a dork and wouldn't let me catch her afterwards. I ended up putting a call into my cousin for advice because she was truly being dumb. I finally left her after I was ready to fall on the ground from exhaustion after an hour. I fed the other horses and then came back a few hours later and tried again. This time I worked with her 45 minutes before she let me catch her (barely). I then tied her up for a few hours and brought Maverik out.
Poor Mav has been neglected the last couple days because Fallon has been monopolizing my time. From now on I'm starting with Maverik. He RP's great and leads great but is still jumpy and such when I handle him... unlike Fallon who RP's horrible and leads horrible but I was able to clip her nose and ears and bridle path and trim her eye lashes etc... without a problem... It's really hilarious how black and white these two are. They are COMPLETELY different. If I ever get time Im gonna seperate them because Mav's jumpiness rubs off on Fallon and it takes like 10 minutes for her to settle down when I'm messing with her.
Poor Mav has been neglected the last couple days because Fallon has been monopolizing my time. From now on I'm starting with Maverik. He RP's great and leads great but is still jumpy and such when I handle him... unlike Fallon who RP's horrible and leads horrible but I was able to clip her nose and ears and bridle path and trim her eye lashes etc... without a problem... It's really hilarious how black and white these two are. They are COMPLETELY different. If I ever get time Im gonna seperate them because Mav's jumpiness rubs off on Fallon and it takes like 10 minutes for her to settle down when I'm messing with her.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Day 4: May 20, 2008
Well today I was only able to work with Fallon. My dad tilled my RP and arena so it was nice and deep and trying to spank her when she broke gait (or even get the umph to jog at her butt was tough). It took longer because of this but she got better.
I worked on yielding her hindquarters which she did good, but Fallon has a space issue. She will run right into with her shoulders and you can use the butt of your hand as hard as you want, she'll still throw her head towards you. So I did A LOT of yielding forequarters with her. At first she'd try to bolt and sidepass (at bolting speed) and then when that didn't work she tried to come towards me... I stuck with her and she finally figured it out and then was calm and cool about it. She is funny that way. She'll have an initial heart attack for about 5 seconds, then she acts like she's been doing this for 20 years. Funny funny filly! lol I finally have her leading a bit better. When I moved Mav and her into a pen that you have to walk THROUGH the barn door to get to, both decided that wasn't happening. Mav is more willing to lead so it only took a little give to pressure with the halter before he came through the door (it's not a man door but it's only a couple feet wider and a few feet taller). Fallon however, wasn't having anything to do with going through that door. I ended up resorting to backing her through because she's really light at backing up (go figure) but she bumped the closed side and jumped forward, tried to bolt, but I just swung her hips around and tried again. she was all spooky and such but then tonight she did what Mav did this morning lol.
I was able to rub clippers all over her and even clipped her bridle path. I have some hand clippers that are for men's necks and so their tiny. I stuck the handle end in both of her ears and she just stood there. SHE LOVED the vibration. especially around her nose. she leaned into it and did a monkey face... weirdo filly seriously! I'm gonna get some pictures of both once I clip them up and wash them so you can see the "Montana Joe" side of them. (message if you don't get the reference and I'll explain).
I worked on yielding her hindquarters which she did good, but Fallon has a space issue. She will run right into with her shoulders and you can use the butt of your hand as hard as you want, she'll still throw her head towards you. So I did A LOT of yielding forequarters with her. At first she'd try to bolt and sidepass (at bolting speed) and then when that didn't work she tried to come towards me... I stuck with her and she finally figured it out and then was calm and cool about it. She is funny that way. She'll have an initial heart attack for about 5 seconds, then she acts like she's been doing this for 20 years. Funny funny filly! lol I finally have her leading a bit better. When I moved Mav and her into a pen that you have to walk THROUGH the barn door to get to, both decided that wasn't happening. Mav is more willing to lead so it only took a little give to pressure with the halter before he came through the door (it's not a man door but it's only a couple feet wider and a few feet taller). Fallon however, wasn't having anything to do with going through that door. I ended up resorting to backing her through because she's really light at backing up (go figure) but she bumped the closed side and jumped forward, tried to bolt, but I just swung her hips around and tried again. she was all spooky and such but then tonight she did what Mav did this morning lol.
I was able to rub clippers all over her and even clipped her bridle path. I have some hand clippers that are for men's necks and so their tiny. I stuck the handle end in both of her ears and she just stood there. SHE LOVED the vibration. especially around her nose. she leaned into it and did a monkey face... weirdo filly seriously! I'm gonna get some pictures of both once I clip them up and wash them so you can see the "Montana Joe" side of them. (message if you don't get the reference and I'll explain).
Sunday, May 18, 2008
May 18, 2008: Day 2
I worked with Mav this morning in the Round Pen (RP). It took about an hour but I was finally able to get him circling with me. I then continued to circle him and got the circle wider and wider until he was following me around this circle. Every time he quit following, I'd make the circle tiny again and then spiral back out. He followed me all the way from one end to the other without circling.
I then rubbed all over him (both sides) and swung my rope over his back. Both him AND Fallon are REALLY one sided. I just need to spend more time on the right side, less on the left for a while. Mav wasn't to pleased about the rope swinging around him and tried to bolt a few times but nothing major. He'd hit the end of his lead and turn around (no dragging of me or fighting with me). After about 1 minute he settled down and relaxed.
This afternoon I worked with both Mav and Fallon. I picked up both front feet and tapped them and rubbed their legs down. Besides Mav rubbing his nose on me (I figured he'd try to bite but never did), they both did great. I did the slap the ground with Mav and after about 10 seconds he practically fell asleep. I was worried he'd come along at a slower rate but they seemed to have switched personalities all of a sudden. I can walk up to both just fine. Mav is in the RP and Fallon is in my arena but their both fairly easy to catch. Give them a few more days and I will take their halters (or at least their lead ropes) off.
See the pictures below...
and here is some of me picking their feet up:
I then rubbed all over him (both sides) and swung my rope over his back. Both him AND Fallon are REALLY one sided. I just need to spend more time on the right side, less on the left for a while. Mav wasn't to pleased about the rope swinging around him and tried to bolt a few times but nothing major. He'd hit the end of his lead and turn around (no dragging of me or fighting with me). After about 1 minute he settled down and relaxed.
This afternoon I worked with both Mav and Fallon. I picked up both front feet and tapped them and rubbed their legs down. Besides Mav rubbing his nose on me (I figured he'd try to bite but never did), they both did great. I did the slap the ground with Mav and after about 10 seconds he practically fell asleep. I was worried he'd come along at a slower rate but they seemed to have switched personalities all of a sudden. I can walk up to both just fine. Mav is in the RP and Fallon is in my arena but their both fairly easy to catch. Give them a few more days and I will take their halters (or at least their lead ropes) off.
See the pictures below...
and here is some of me picking their feet up:
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Pick-Up Day > May 16, 2008
Wow, I just got back home in La Grande from my excursion to Reno, Nevada to pick up my 2 yearling mustangs. It was pretty much a first come first serve. When we got to the BLM grounds we were handed a paper with the #8 on it. So there were 7 in front of us to get mustangs. After "checking in" we lined up the trailers and loaded up 1 by 1. They would bring 6 at a time into a small pen that led into a chute. They then would take a whip and swing it above them to get them to move towards the chute, (quietly) then when 1 would go in, they'd close the back of the chute. they'd put the persons halter on the yearling, then open the front of the chute into a V shaped area that was completed by the trailer. They would go into the trailer, and head back over the the office, get the remaining documents, then head to wherever they were going. I got a blood bay filly with a star, QH build and a dark/seal bay gelding with a Anglo-Arab build with 2 white socks.
We got out of the BLM facility at 10am and headed towards Adrian, OR where my cousin, her husband and their 2 little girls live. He trains horses so had the perfect facilities for me to work with them that night and this morning. I unloaded them into the round pen at around 6:30pm (8 1/2hrs on the road) and let them rest for a few minutes, then I round penned them, found that the filly, now named Fallon (Fal-in), was quick to pick up on the cues and would turn in every time. I finally recruited my cousin to help me split the two up and put the Gelding into the arena, now named Maverik. Once seperated, she was roped so I could get close enough to grab her lead rope (that the wranglers put on). Once I got the lead, I was able to rub her all over and swing my rope around her back etc... she was really calm considering.
(Pics: Fallon At Trailer, Maverik in Round Pen)
This morning it wasn't too hard to catch Fallon and once I did I was able to get her to lead with some coaxing from behind her, and get her in and out of the trailer calmly. I then tied to her to the trailer and set out to get Maverik. Mav put his head right next to the fence and I was able to grab his lead through the fence and so there was no need to rope him. He fought pretty good though. He threw himself down a few times and would kick and strike and rear straight up. I just kinda waited him out and hung on to him. After a bit of coaxing I got him leading as good as I could and worked on getting him in and out of the trailer. Once I got him ok there, I tied him in the trailer, grabbed Fallon, put her in next, closed the gate and then grabbed my other 2 trained horses that were hanging out there too and made the 3hr drive home from there.
Fallon resting happily tied to my cousins trailer
Maverik fighting the Halter (this was the best version after 30 minutes of fight)
20 minutes After previous Picture
Once home I put them in my round pen, and put my yearling Auzzie in with them. I figure they can teach eachother a lot. Auzzie is real friendly so while I was scratching him, they were watching inquisitively. I was able to slowly walk up to Fallon and grab her lead under her head and rub her all over and work some more of giving to the pressure of the halter to lead. She still is cautious and weary but isn't real jumpy or spooky. It is 91 degree's so I will work with them both tomorrow morning for the first "dedicated and dictated" lesson. I can already tell that Fallon will be a puppy dog in a week following me around and being an "in your pocket" kind of horse where Mav will be more cautious and less trusting for a while and will still look at the world through "arab" eyes.
We got out of the BLM facility at 10am and headed towards Adrian, OR where my cousin, her husband and their 2 little girls live. He trains horses so had the perfect facilities for me to work with them that night and this morning. I unloaded them into the round pen at around 6:30pm (8 1/2hrs on the road) and let them rest for a few minutes, then I round penned them, found that the filly, now named Fallon (Fal-in), was quick to pick up on the cues and would turn in every time. I finally recruited my cousin to help me split the two up and put the Gelding into the arena, now named Maverik. Once seperated, she was roped so I could get close enough to grab her lead rope (that the wranglers put on). Once I got the lead, I was able to rub her all over and swing my rope around her back etc... she was really calm considering.
(Pics: Fallon At Trailer, Maverik in Round Pen)
This morning it wasn't too hard to catch Fallon and once I did I was able to get her to lead with some coaxing from behind her, and get her in and out of the trailer calmly. I then tied to her to the trailer and set out to get Maverik. Mav put his head right next to the fence and I was able to grab his lead through the fence and so there was no need to rope him. He fought pretty good though. He threw himself down a few times and would kick and strike and rear straight up. I just kinda waited him out and hung on to him. After a bit of coaxing I got him leading as good as I could and worked on getting him in and out of the trailer. Once I got him ok there, I tied him in the trailer, grabbed Fallon, put her in next, closed the gate and then grabbed my other 2 trained horses that were hanging out there too and made the 3hr drive home from there.
Fallon resting happily tied to my cousins trailer
Maverik fighting the Halter (this was the best version after 30 minutes of fight)
20 minutes After previous Picture
Once home I put them in my round pen, and put my yearling Auzzie in with them. I figure they can teach eachother a lot. Auzzie is real friendly so while I was scratching him, they were watching inquisitively. I was able to slowly walk up to Fallon and grab her lead under her head and rub her all over and work some more of giving to the pressure of the halter to lead. She still is cautious and weary but isn't real jumpy or spooky. It is 91 degree's so I will work with them both tomorrow morning for the first "dedicated and dictated" lesson. I can already tell that Fallon will be a puppy dog in a week following me around and being an "in your pocket" kind of horse where Mav will be more cautious and less trusting for a while and will still look at the world through "arab" eyes.
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