Fallon Update

Fallon is doing well. I wont be starting her until next spring. However, that doesn't mean she is off the hook this year. I try to work with her 3 days a week (in a row) on ground work. Longing, Round Penning, Yielding body parts, Becoming overall less sticky footed, working with her feet (which is not a problem), tying, loading, taking her places to get her out and about. She got to sit all winter so she was a bit crabby on day 1 this spring about having to work and was pulling a lot on the longe line to get closer to the horses tied on the outside of the Round pen. She soon realized that being near the others wasn't so fun as her feet had to move quickly near them and stop away from them. She's just very mellow, almost too mellow.

Once I loosen those feet up again I will start doing more 2y/o stuff such as saddling, bridling, TONS of flexing, Circle Driving, Stirrup driving etc... Getting her ready for that first ride. I will probably climb around her and do Clinton Andersons "human curry comb" this fall so that come next spring after 6mths off (while Im at school) she'll be ready to tune up and start.

I will get pictures once I get some of her non budging fur off!

Two Foot Update

Here is an e-mail sent to me 4/29/09 from Kellie (Two Foots (Maveriks) owner).

HI Jaci,

Two Foot is doing well. His name does not suit him and we are trying to come up with one that fits his personality. He is about #800 pounds now and shed out to be a smokey bay. I would guess he is about 13 hands or better at this point. He just took a growth spurt, he eats well and often. LOL His ground manners are very good if he will let you catch him. He has desided it is fun to play chase when I want to work him. He is on a Ranch with my stockhorse with cows. I have been ponying him behind my stockhorse with a saddle on him and have jumped over his back twice. He just stands there, no buck. He is really mellow and lovey. I had my trainer look at starting him for fall and he commented that for a mustang he was very good. His feet have been done and he fell asleep much to the farriers surprise. He was a bit nervous because he has had issues with mutangs. But I handle his feet all the time and all over so he could care less. I put a snaffle in him two weeks ago just to get him used to having something in his mouth besides my hands. He did really well. Starting to understand the pressure. He is not really sure what I am asking of him when we try to lounge him though. He likes the cows and stays pretty calm when out with them or on trail. I am waiting til fall to start him with the trainer cause I want him to fill out more and am trying to build some muscle in the mean time. He isnt sure of apples and carrots but loves peppermint treats and wine. My friend was helping me one nite and had a glass of wine and he tipped it over and drank it. Ha ha ha.. He has buddied up with my stockhorse and keeps his nose in his tail if he gets nervous. I have been exposing him to everything I can think of to get him despooked and it is working well as he see the big horse not reacting so he doesnt either. He plays with my dog in the fields. They play chase and are fun to watch. The trainer is a rodeo cowboy that has scene alot of horses in his day and said this young guy is going to be very easy to break to ride because he is handled so much and has had nothing bad happen so he trys to do what you ask because he isnt afraid. I will try to get some current pictures in the next week or so if possible. Everyone loves him cause he is so friendly and mellow. So we are all trying to give him a new name. Take care and good luck with the filly.

kellie