I love the smell of rain. It’s my second favorite smell. And no, my favorite smell isn’t horse believe it or not! It’s been rather dreary here the last few days and the weatherman predicts it will be rainy for the next two days.
I did luck out last night. By the time I headed out to do chores last night, the clouds had disappeared and the sun was shining. I decided to try out the “new” saddle on Maverick. The synthetic saddle doesn’t fit and I want to keep my good saddle set up for Rain instead. I also don’t want Maverick to destroy my good saddle if something should happen. I would be much less upset with him destroying this saddle instead.
Unfortunately I was a chicken and didn’t get on Maverick last night. I know I should have but I didn’t. Mike was even there to make sure I didn’t have a wreck. But I want to make sure all the equipment is right and it wasn’t last night.
Mike and I walked around last night and I pointed out some of the stuff I’d like to do. I’m sure it’ll keep him busy now! We looked at the box stall I want to build in the hay shed and the fencing we need to get cracking on. We also looked at where I’ll be stacking the straw bales. I have an idea of where it will all go but it’s going to take me a bit to get everything situated. It does make me happy to see all those bales. I need to get a picture so you can see how full the flatbed is.
I’m now a little panicked about what I’ll do for hay for Maverick. I’ve got the rest of the big square bale that will get me to the end of the week. After that, I’m not sure what I’ll do. I haven’t seen any ads lately for small squares. I want to save the ten big squares still in Madison for this winter as my emergency stash. I used my emergency stash this year and I’m betting with more horses I’ll need a larger emergency stash.
Anywho, nothing else really exciting. I’m not sure what I’ll get to do tonight with all the rain. At least we are getting moisture. Now if it would clear off and be in the uppers 70s and just rain in the evenings we’d be set!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Close Encounters of the Racoon Kind
I think this weather is starting to get to me. We were supposed to have a trail ride on Sunday but due to the weather it was cancelled. I guess it’s probably better that way. By the time we would have been getting home it was pouring down rain. But I’m still bummed in not getting a chance to ride somewhere.
On Sunday our neighbor stopped over and said that they were moving. So it looks like Borderlands may be getting a new neighbor at some point in the future. The neighbor offered us some of his straw bales for cheap and some other items. We decided to run over there before it started raining to pick up the bales.
The straw bales were tucked into an old single car garage. At one point in time I’m sure it was a nice building but through time it deteriorated. Some of the bales were no good because of the roof leaking. But all in all, we were able to pull out 90 straw bales. I’m disappointed that we’ll be losing a neighbor but I’m always excited to find a good deal.
We did have a hair raising experience while getting the last 10 bales of straw. While we were pulling the bales out, we’d known that something had been living in there. We just presumed it was a cat. Instead, when I pulled a bale out, up pops a raccoon head! Scared the holy bageebers out of me. I dropped the bale and took off running. I could have sworn that I’d seen a baby raccoon but out comes big momma raccoon. She did her “Spiderman” routine and climbed up the wall to the window (which I’d been at not very long before). She then proceeded to climb out the hole and get away.
While I stood there and watched big momma leave, Mike ran over to the neighbor to get a gun. I’m all for leaving things as they are but we can’t have lots of varmit running around. It’s not safe, especially with the number of horses on Borderlands. I was a bit spooked about going back in. I took one step back in the garage and out pops another head! So I wasn’t dreaming! I DID see a baby head. Mike discovered four or five baby raccoons. While Mike was “rehoming” the raccoons, big momma came back. We both heard her jump onto the roof, walk around, and then jump down into the grass.
After the raccoon escapade I decided that we had enough straw and could go. I didn’t really want any of the other straw anyway. All in all, it was a rather exciting day. The hard part now is trying to figure out where to put all 90 bales of straw. We don’t have a bale elevator to get them up into the barn. I have about 20 bales in the hay barn. I’m guessing that I’ll be putting some of the straw in the hay barn. I don’t have any alfalfa bales yet so I’m guessing half the bales will be on one side of the hay barn and the rest of the bales will go on the east side. That should still give me enough room for a few alfalfa bales this next winter.
Mike and I also ran up to Madison to drop off grain for the girls. I’m not sure WHEN we’ll get to fencing. We seem to be avoiding the inevitable. Until the fencing is done, I can’t bring the girls home. I’m not sure how long mom and dad’s pasture will hold out if the girls are on the grass every day. But it does the girls good to be out on grass so I guess when the time comes, maybe then we’ll hustle around and get something figured out.
I did go to Kramers on Saturday but got there too early to see what the horses were going for. I saw few scraggly yearlings and a thinner gelding who was pretty mean but the rest looked pretty decent. I decided that I would be mean too if I was that thin and put in the first pen that everyone sees, with horses, kids, and adults coming and going. After sitting there for an hour watching tack, I decided that we should just go home and get something done. It rained on Saturday so the place was packed. Of course, it was packed full of lookie loos. Even the tack was selling for even cheaper than normal. I’m guessing the recession and economy are starting to finally seep down to this area. It does make me very nervous to know that the recession is finally hitting so close to home. Guess I better start planning now to bring more oldsters into the rescue.
That was pretty much the extent of our adventures this weekend. I’m hoping this week will be calm and I can get some stuff done around the place. It’s supposed to be raining until Thursday but more rain for the weekend. I know we need the rain but I’d be much happier with a thunderstorm at night and bright skies during the day. I need the constant sun.
On Sunday our neighbor stopped over and said that they were moving. So it looks like Borderlands may be getting a new neighbor at some point in the future. The neighbor offered us some of his straw bales for cheap and some other items. We decided to run over there before it started raining to pick up the bales.
The straw bales were tucked into an old single car garage. At one point in time I’m sure it was a nice building but through time it deteriorated. Some of the bales were no good because of the roof leaking. But all in all, we were able to pull out 90 straw bales. I’m disappointed that we’ll be losing a neighbor but I’m always excited to find a good deal.
We did have a hair raising experience while getting the last 10 bales of straw. While we were pulling the bales out, we’d known that something had been living in there. We just presumed it was a cat. Instead, when I pulled a bale out, up pops a raccoon head! Scared the holy bageebers out of me. I dropped the bale and took off running. I could have sworn that I’d seen a baby raccoon but out comes big momma raccoon. She did her “Spiderman” routine and climbed up the wall to the window (which I’d been at not very long before). She then proceeded to climb out the hole and get away.
While I stood there and watched big momma leave, Mike ran over to the neighbor to get a gun. I’m all for leaving things as they are but we can’t have lots of varmit running around. It’s not safe, especially with the number of horses on Borderlands. I was a bit spooked about going back in. I took one step back in the garage and out pops another head! So I wasn’t dreaming! I DID see a baby head. Mike discovered four or five baby raccoons. While Mike was “rehoming” the raccoons, big momma came back. We both heard her jump onto the roof, walk around, and then jump down into the grass.
After the raccoon escapade I decided that we had enough straw and could go. I didn’t really want any of the other straw anyway. All in all, it was a rather exciting day. The hard part now is trying to figure out where to put all 90 bales of straw. We don’t have a bale elevator to get them up into the barn. I have about 20 bales in the hay barn. I’m guessing that I’ll be putting some of the straw in the hay barn. I don’t have any alfalfa bales yet so I’m guessing half the bales will be on one side of the hay barn and the rest of the bales will go on the east side. That should still give me enough room for a few alfalfa bales this next winter.
Mike and I also ran up to Madison to drop off grain for the girls. I’m not sure WHEN we’ll get to fencing. We seem to be avoiding the inevitable. Until the fencing is done, I can’t bring the girls home. I’m not sure how long mom and dad’s pasture will hold out if the girls are on the grass every day. But it does the girls good to be out on grass so I guess when the time comes, maybe then we’ll hustle around and get something figured out.
I did go to Kramers on Saturday but got there too early to see what the horses were going for. I saw few scraggly yearlings and a thinner gelding who was pretty mean but the rest looked pretty decent. I decided that I would be mean too if I was that thin and put in the first pen that everyone sees, with horses, kids, and adults coming and going. After sitting there for an hour watching tack, I decided that we should just go home and get something done. It rained on Saturday so the place was packed. Of course, it was packed full of lookie loos. Even the tack was selling for even cheaper than normal. I’m guessing the recession and economy are starting to finally seep down to this area. It does make me very nervous to know that the recession is finally hitting so close to home. Guess I better start planning now to bring more oldsters into the rescue.
That was pretty much the extent of our adventures this weekend. I’m hoping this week will be calm and I can get some stuff done around the place. It’s supposed to be raining until Thursday but more rain for the weekend. I know we need the rain but I’d be much happier with a thunderstorm at night and bright skies during the day. I need the constant sun.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Maverick - Week One
I’ve been working with Maverick all week. I feel bad that he’s in a fairly small pen (the ponies’ night pen) so I try to get him out and lounge him even if it’s just a little. Fiddling with him forces me to mess with him and be more comfortable around him. Fiddling with him also forces him to adjust to my manners. I may not be working him hard or testing his knowledge but I at least am out there making him think about what I’m doing. Until the lice is gone, I can’t risk contaminating my saddle so I’ll continue to fiddle with him.
Sunday I didn’t do much with him other than put him in the pony pen and let him hang out.
Monday I pulled him out and we lounged for a little while. (I can’t spell longed correctly so please pardon my spelling.) It’s a learning curve for both of us. I know I was starting to get frustrated because I don’t know what cues to ask. Unfortunately, Maverick knows more than I do so he can push my buttons. I know I was a bit upset Monday night after working him. I set too high of expectations and need to remember that he’s only a kid and you don’t push kids.
Tuesday I decided that I would add some extra elements and that really seemed to make him pay more attention. Of course after just a short time we were back to the same old antics. But I lounged him over two logs/posts and two barrels. There’s a lot of work to be done to get him to go in and around each barrel. But I’m game for trying. I also fitted him with a bridle to distract him even more. I know that he can handle a lot since he did just come from the trainers and was being ridden pretty well. So I figure if I throw in each of the elements, he’ll at least not get as bored with me.
Wednesday I pulled out the synthetic saddle and fitted him with it. I definitely need to trade in the synthetic saddle. It doesn’t fit him AT ALL! The saddle hit him in all the wrong places but he stood like a good boy and let me fiddle with tightening and adjusting as needed. I lounged him with the bridle and saddle and he did just fine. He wasn’t fazed by the fact the saddle didn’t fit and kept flopping around, banging him in the back. Working him in both directions, really made me realize I need to get rid of that saddle and buy one that actually fits him. I also decided that I better cut out some of the lice in his mane. When I took Maverick to the trainers, I figured he would cut a bridle path. When I took Chaos, he actually used same cutting blades on Chaos’s bridle path and had the girls braid up his mane. I’m sure it was the girls who insisted on braiding Chaos’s mane and getting the bridle path looking so clean. I on the other hand only use a scissors to cut a bridle path. But when I went to pick up Maverick, nothing had been done to cut his bridle path. I’m wondering now if the trainer thought I didn’t want a bridle path on Maverick so he left it as is. Wish I would have been able to cut it before he’d gone to the trainers so that the trainer could have messed with the clippers on Maverick. At any rate, I decided to cut Maverick’s bridle path. He stood pretty well for letting me mess with him. I may need to teach him to lower his head when I start cutting his bridle path. Instead he raised his head but I’m sure in time he’ll lower it if I work with him. All the others have the naughty habit of raising their heads when I go to cut their bridles paths.
Thursday I decided that lounging him is only good for burning off a bit of his energy. So I decided to change it up a bit. I put the bridle on and worked him in both directions. Then I pulled the bridle off and worked him in both directions. Since I’m not good at making him lounge in both directions we cut out early and I started fiddling with him. I did have him side passing. Ok, so he was actually sidepassing without evening knowing it or me asking. I think I may have been asking but I don’t know how to properly ask and get the correct results every time. Maverick is in need of a trim but the trainer didn’t work with making him give his feet. I started working on his front legs (still too intimidated with his back legs). I messed with both his front legs. He’s not so happy with me messing with his right leg but I believe that’s because he cut that leg just above the hoof and it’s probably still a little tender. But by the end of my fiddling, I was able to touch the scar and he didn’t mind. I need to work on him giving his feet but he’s at least comfortable with me touching his legs. Now if that’ll be the case today or not, who knows. I also decided that I would walk him up and down the driveway to get him used to me and my manners. He followed pretty well although he started getting a little forward and adventurous when I wanted him to stay by my side. I also added in the element of the Mighty Massey while working with him. Mike was working on the garage while I messed with Maverick. I decided to walk over to where Mike was working and see how well Maverick would handle farm machinery. He did get a bit uncomfortable but took everything in pretty well. He only spooked once but I had him on the lounge line so he couldn’t ripe away from my grasp. I let him graze just a little so that he could get used to the tractor running and being near him. I also introduced fly spray in a spray bottle. I’ve been simply wiping it on him but I decided to drench his mane this time around with a spray bottle. He wasn’t too thrilled with it but didn’t totally blow up on me like Dude does. He let me spray his mane (all the way up to his ears) and then his back. I was pretty impressed.
This morning everyone was very calm walking out into the pasture. Rain did a couple Pilates stretches before walking out to the pasture. I love watching Rain stretch. Brego is so fat that he waddles. His tail swishes back and forth because he’s so fat. I’d rather see him fat than skinny like when he first came in. I also am being brave today. I put the ponies out on grass with just one strand of electric. Mike will stop by Borderlands at least once during the day for work related purposes so I’m sure he’ll be able to check in on the horses. I need to start putting the ponies out on pasture/lawn grass so that they get used to it. I don’t want to feed any horses hay. I’m to my last bale I broke open awhile ago. I’m considering buying some small squares to hold me over. I’m planning on keeping Maverick in a small drylot so that I can constantly work with him instead of trying to hunt him down in the pasture. It’ll force me to work with Maverick instead of being lazy.
Last night after I was finished with chores, I surprised Mike. Chaos was standing right next to the gate so I climbed up real quick and hoped on Chaos’s back. Of course, I didn’t have anything with me to guide him so I was more of a passenger than a rider. I think Mike must have thought I was crazy. Chaos is the only horse I can hop on bareback and just putz around with. Ok, not true. I can do the same thing with Dude but I don’t ride him like I need to with Chaos. I figure if I torment Chaos enough he’ll be used to anything and everything and not be surprised when we finally DO go on a trail ride.
So that’s it for my adventures with Maverick up to this point. I think we are both adjusting to one another. It may take me a bit more to adjust to him but I need to remember that he’s only going to try and push my buttons and I can’t allow that. I just need to give it some time.
Sunday I didn’t do much with him other than put him in the pony pen and let him hang out.
Monday I pulled him out and we lounged for a little while. (I can’t spell longed correctly so please pardon my spelling.) It’s a learning curve for both of us. I know I was starting to get frustrated because I don’t know what cues to ask. Unfortunately, Maverick knows more than I do so he can push my buttons. I know I was a bit upset Monday night after working him. I set too high of expectations and need to remember that he’s only a kid and you don’t push kids.
Tuesday I decided that I would add some extra elements and that really seemed to make him pay more attention. Of course after just a short time we were back to the same old antics. But I lounged him over two logs/posts and two barrels. There’s a lot of work to be done to get him to go in and around each barrel. But I’m game for trying. I also fitted him with a bridle to distract him even more. I know that he can handle a lot since he did just come from the trainers and was being ridden pretty well. So I figure if I throw in each of the elements, he’ll at least not get as bored with me.
Wednesday I pulled out the synthetic saddle and fitted him with it. I definitely need to trade in the synthetic saddle. It doesn’t fit him AT ALL! The saddle hit him in all the wrong places but he stood like a good boy and let me fiddle with tightening and adjusting as needed. I lounged him with the bridle and saddle and he did just fine. He wasn’t fazed by the fact the saddle didn’t fit and kept flopping around, banging him in the back. Working him in both directions, really made me realize I need to get rid of that saddle and buy one that actually fits him. I also decided that I better cut out some of the lice in his mane. When I took Maverick to the trainers, I figured he would cut a bridle path. When I took Chaos, he actually used same cutting blades on Chaos’s bridle path and had the girls braid up his mane. I’m sure it was the girls who insisted on braiding Chaos’s mane and getting the bridle path looking so clean. I on the other hand only use a scissors to cut a bridle path. But when I went to pick up Maverick, nothing had been done to cut his bridle path. I’m wondering now if the trainer thought I didn’t want a bridle path on Maverick so he left it as is. Wish I would have been able to cut it before he’d gone to the trainers so that the trainer could have messed with the clippers on Maverick. At any rate, I decided to cut Maverick’s bridle path. He stood pretty well for letting me mess with him. I may need to teach him to lower his head when I start cutting his bridle path. Instead he raised his head but I’m sure in time he’ll lower it if I work with him. All the others have the naughty habit of raising their heads when I go to cut their bridles paths.
Thursday I decided that lounging him is only good for burning off a bit of his energy. So I decided to change it up a bit. I put the bridle on and worked him in both directions. Then I pulled the bridle off and worked him in both directions. Since I’m not good at making him lounge in both directions we cut out early and I started fiddling with him. I did have him side passing. Ok, so he was actually sidepassing without evening knowing it or me asking. I think I may have been asking but I don’t know how to properly ask and get the correct results every time. Maverick is in need of a trim but the trainer didn’t work with making him give his feet. I started working on his front legs (still too intimidated with his back legs). I messed with both his front legs. He’s not so happy with me messing with his right leg but I believe that’s because he cut that leg just above the hoof and it’s probably still a little tender. But by the end of my fiddling, I was able to touch the scar and he didn’t mind. I need to work on him giving his feet but he’s at least comfortable with me touching his legs. Now if that’ll be the case today or not, who knows. I also decided that I would walk him up and down the driveway to get him used to me and my manners. He followed pretty well although he started getting a little forward and adventurous when I wanted him to stay by my side. I also added in the element of the Mighty Massey while working with him. Mike was working on the garage while I messed with Maverick. I decided to walk over to where Mike was working and see how well Maverick would handle farm machinery. He did get a bit uncomfortable but took everything in pretty well. He only spooked once but I had him on the lounge line so he couldn’t ripe away from my grasp. I let him graze just a little so that he could get used to the tractor running and being near him. I also introduced fly spray in a spray bottle. I’ve been simply wiping it on him but I decided to drench his mane this time around with a spray bottle. He wasn’t too thrilled with it but didn’t totally blow up on me like Dude does. He let me spray his mane (all the way up to his ears) and then his back. I was pretty impressed.
This morning everyone was very calm walking out into the pasture. Rain did a couple Pilates stretches before walking out to the pasture. I love watching Rain stretch. Brego is so fat that he waddles. His tail swishes back and forth because he’s so fat. I’d rather see him fat than skinny like when he first came in. I also am being brave today. I put the ponies out on grass with just one strand of electric. Mike will stop by Borderlands at least once during the day for work related purposes so I’m sure he’ll be able to check in on the horses. I need to start putting the ponies out on pasture/lawn grass so that they get used to it. I don’t want to feed any horses hay. I’m to my last bale I broke open awhile ago. I’m considering buying some small squares to hold me over. I’m planning on keeping Maverick in a small drylot so that I can constantly work with him instead of trying to hunt him down in the pasture. It’ll force me to work with Maverick instead of being lazy.
Last night after I was finished with chores, I surprised Mike. Chaos was standing right next to the gate so I climbed up real quick and hoped on Chaos’s back. Of course, I didn’t have anything with me to guide him so I was more of a passenger than a rider. I think Mike must have thought I was crazy. Chaos is the only horse I can hop on bareback and just putz around with. Ok, not true. I can do the same thing with Dude but I don’t ride him like I need to with Chaos. I figure if I torment Chaos enough he’ll be used to anything and everything and not be surprised when we finally DO go on a trail ride.
So that’s it for my adventures with Maverick up to this point. I think we are both adjusting to one another. It may take me a bit more to adjust to him but I need to remember that he’s only going to try and push my buttons and I can’t allow that. I just need to give it some time.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Stormy Skies
Ok so I haven't yet figured out how to post pics correctly so please pardon the spacy pic layout.
The other night we had some spectacular skies. Clouds were rolling in but the sun was setting giving everything a golden, errie hue. The picutres don't do the skies justice. I love taking pictures of the horses when the sun is setting. The light bounces off the horses giving them golden highlights.
I can't remember now if we got any rain from these clouds or not but it sure did make for some interseting pictures.
I love the light that shines down the driveway and hits the barn. It gives the place a golden hue. Brego has really turned into a healthy,happy horse. He's adjusted well to the big herd. I can walk up to him with a halter and he doesnt' care. I can pick on him and he doesn't care.
The other night we had some spectacular skies. Clouds were rolling in but the sun was setting giving everything a golden, errie hue. The picutres don't do the skies justice. I love taking pictures of the horses when the sun is setting. The light bounces off the horses giving them golden highlights.
I can't remember now if we got any rain from these clouds or not but it sure did make for some interseting pictures.
I'd like to put some of the pictures into Photoshop so that I can lighten up the images and remove the spook eyes from some of the horses. I love the backdrop colors of the pic with Sam and Rain.
On an off note, Sam scared the bageebers out of me the night before last. Sam has been so attached to Rain it's pathetic. Sam is pretty much attached to Rain 24x7. I've been saying they've been attached to each other by the brain lately. But Sam scared me. Rain came up into the drylot and Sam didn't follow. I started to panic. Sam is still pretty thin so I started running through the worst case senarios. I really thought that he had died out in the pasture. Dude, King, Chaos, and Rain were in the drylot and Bob was standing in the barn. I started walking down the lane and I saw a body. I was sure it was Sam laying out in the pasture and that he'd passed away. Never mind I completely forgot about Brego! I started running through the pasture to find out that the body I saw was Brego munching on grass while Sam was farther down the hill eating. Good lord! But as I walked up, Brego decided to lay down and start eating (he was too lazy to stand and graze, he decided he would curl up and graze). It took a bit of coaxing but I got both Sam and Brego into the drylot. By that time my heart was back out of my throat.
Sam = 1 / Shanna = 0
More storm clouds over Borderlands.
I love the light that shines down the driveway and hits the barn. It gives the place a golden hue. Brego has really turned into a healthy,happy horse. He's adjusted well to the big herd. I can walk up to him with a halter and he doesnt' care. I can pick on him and he doesn't care.
Doesn't Brego look relaxed and happy? He doesn't look like he has poor comfirmation in this pic either. I'm hoping that he'll go through another growth spurt and not be as gangly but I'm betting this is the way he'll be from now on. But I guess I'm ok with it. He gets along great with the entire herd and isn't aggressive. I love having passive horses who like to hang out with me and not demand much. If I can walk up to them and give them a great big hug without them giving a care in the world, that's the horse for me. Brego lets me give hugs and kisses. I love it.
Expectations
I’ve come to the realization that I’m still a little uncomfortable with Maverick. It’s nothing that he’s done since returning from the trainers. I’m afraid it’s my problem and stems from when I had him before (all during winter). He’s actually turned into a great boy and I’m impressed with how much I can do with him.
I’ve taken him out twice now and lounged him. I wasn’t going to saddle him until later but I think I need to add in more challenges. He’s going to be the type of horse that always needs to be active. Unfortunately when I got him back, he had lice. I don’t want to infect the rest of the herd so I’m keeping him separate, in the pony pen. Problem is, the only place for me to ride in an enclosed location is the small dry lot and that’s where I have the ponies right now. So now I don’t know what to do. I need to get on and start riding him but I don’t want to infect the ponies, and thus infect the rest of the herd with lice. I’ve been slathering on fly spray to kill the lice but it’s not an instantaneous kind of thing.
So now I’m afraid that I won’t be willing to get back up on him when the lice is gone.
I’ve also decided that even thought all I really wanted was to be able to handle him, I had thought that I would be more comfortable around him. But it’s just his personality that doesn’t mesh with mine. And really, that’s my issue, not his. I realized last night. I wasn’t impressed with Dude when we first got him. Dude only had 30 days of training on him originally and then he sat when he injured his leg. I was expecting Dude to be like Dictator. When I got Rain back from the trainers, I was expecting him to be like Ace. It took until last year (or the year before) to be comfortable on Rain. When I sent Chaos to the trainers, I expected Chaos to be like Rain (after two years of riding after the initial training). So I guess I’m expecting Maverick to be like Rain after two years of riding and like Chaos’s normal temperament. That’s asking a lot and asking something almost impossible. The only reason Rain is as good as he is, is because I’ve worked with him and put miles on him. Chaos would be the same way if I messed with him. And I think Maverick will be the same way. He just needs miles.
I remember when I first got Dictator. I swore up and down that I was going to get rid of him. But then I decided that I would wait six months before making that decision. He didn’t do what I wanted and I couldn’t figure it out. It’s because he sat for a year or so and was testing me. I got over it pretty quick and never looked back. I need to do the same thing with Maverick. I need to treat him like I did Dictator and just ride him constantly. I’ll never be comfortable riding Maverick bareback like I am Chaos. I was never comfortable riding Rain bareback (still won’t ) . But I climb up on Chaos bareback and just putz around. Why I’m comfortable doing that I will never know. I guess it’s because he reminds me of Dictator and I could ride ol’ Dictator bareback without a care in the world. I’m guessing in time, it’ll come with Chaos. But I guess I need to start treating Maverick like I do Rain and just ride him all the time.
Now if I can only be patient long enough for the lice to be killed off. I lounged him just with a halter Monday. After just a few rounds Maverick was bored. So yesterday I added some additional options. I put on a bridle and made him lounge over some posts and around some barrels. My knowledge of lounging is minimal so I need to do some research. I’m thinking tonight of pulling out the spare saddle and saddle pad so I don’t contaminate my saddle (since I’ll be using it this weekend).
I’m thinking of selling the synthetic saddle and getting a different saddle that fits better. I found one that has a high cantle. I’m thinking the high cantle may be good for Maverick. I’d prefer to have two different saddles. One that fits Rain and one that fits Chaos, Maverick, and King. It’s only a few adjustments to my saddle but it’s still a pain. I need to buy a new cinch since mines all yucked up and rusty.
So that’s it for now. There’s going to be a huge learning curve with Maverick. I need to be very diligent about working him every day so that he gets used to me and I get more comfortable with Maverick and his behaviors. I need to get a few more pics of Maverick while he’s still all muscled and looking good. I’m sure he’ll go back to looking flabby in a few weeks.
I’ve taken him out twice now and lounged him. I wasn’t going to saddle him until later but I think I need to add in more challenges. He’s going to be the type of horse that always needs to be active. Unfortunately when I got him back, he had lice. I don’t want to infect the rest of the herd so I’m keeping him separate, in the pony pen. Problem is, the only place for me to ride in an enclosed location is the small dry lot and that’s where I have the ponies right now. So now I don’t know what to do. I need to get on and start riding him but I don’t want to infect the ponies, and thus infect the rest of the herd with lice. I’ve been slathering on fly spray to kill the lice but it’s not an instantaneous kind of thing.
So now I’m afraid that I won’t be willing to get back up on him when the lice is gone.
I’ve also decided that even thought all I really wanted was to be able to handle him, I had thought that I would be more comfortable around him. But it’s just his personality that doesn’t mesh with mine. And really, that’s my issue, not his. I realized last night. I wasn’t impressed with Dude when we first got him. Dude only had 30 days of training on him originally and then he sat when he injured his leg. I was expecting Dude to be like Dictator. When I got Rain back from the trainers, I was expecting him to be like Ace. It took until last year (or the year before) to be comfortable on Rain. When I sent Chaos to the trainers, I expected Chaos to be like Rain (after two years of riding after the initial training). So I guess I’m expecting Maverick to be like Rain after two years of riding and like Chaos’s normal temperament. That’s asking a lot and asking something almost impossible. The only reason Rain is as good as he is, is because I’ve worked with him and put miles on him. Chaos would be the same way if I messed with him. And I think Maverick will be the same way. He just needs miles.
I remember when I first got Dictator. I swore up and down that I was going to get rid of him. But then I decided that I would wait six months before making that decision. He didn’t do what I wanted and I couldn’t figure it out. It’s because he sat for a year or so and was testing me. I got over it pretty quick and never looked back. I need to do the same thing with Maverick. I need to treat him like I did Dictator and just ride him constantly. I’ll never be comfortable riding Maverick bareback like I am Chaos. I was never comfortable riding Rain bareback (still won’t ) . But I climb up on Chaos bareback and just putz around. Why I’m comfortable doing that I will never know. I guess it’s because he reminds me of Dictator and I could ride ol’ Dictator bareback without a care in the world. I’m guessing in time, it’ll come with Chaos. But I guess I need to start treating Maverick like I do Rain and just ride him all the time.
Now if I can only be patient long enough for the lice to be killed off. I lounged him just with a halter Monday. After just a few rounds Maverick was bored. So yesterday I added some additional options. I put on a bridle and made him lounge over some posts and around some barrels. My knowledge of lounging is minimal so I need to do some research. I’m thinking tonight of pulling out the spare saddle and saddle pad so I don’t contaminate my saddle (since I’ll be using it this weekend).
I’m thinking of selling the synthetic saddle and getting a different saddle that fits better. I found one that has a high cantle. I’m thinking the high cantle may be good for Maverick. I’d prefer to have two different saddles. One that fits Rain and one that fits Chaos, Maverick, and King. It’s only a few adjustments to my saddle but it’s still a pain. I need to buy a new cinch since mines all yucked up and rusty.
So that’s it for now. There’s going to be a huge learning curve with Maverick. I need to be very diligent about working him every day so that he gets used to me and I get more comfortable with Maverick and his behaviors. I need to get a few more pics of Maverick while he’s still all muscled and looking good. I’m sure he’ll go back to looking flabby in a few weeks.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Welcome Back Maverick
Welcome back Maverick!
I’d talked with the trainer this past Friday and he said Maverick was ready and I could swing by and pick him up on Sunday. We made arrangements for me to pick Maverick up in the afternoon.
When I’d dropped Maverick off in April, I’d shown great concern for being very uncomfortable around him. I actually had him come out to load Maverick and take him out of the trailer when we got there. So I know the trainer knew how uncomfortable I was around him originally.
When I got there, Maverick was a completely different horse, very much assured of himself and self-confident. I love seeing a completely different horse after the trainer works with them. ABOS-FREAKING-LUTELY LOVE it. I’m very satisfied with how the trainer works with the horses.
He greeted me when we got there and took me back to where Maverick was staying. The first thing he did after haltering Maverick was show me the two cuts Maverick acquired while staying there. I of course wasn’t worked up over it at all. Maverick is a fence rubber. I probably should have warned him to put him in a different stall where he might not ruin the trainer’s facility.
The trainer lead Maverick out on a loose lead rope, actually just draped over his shoulder. I think that was to show me how calm Maverick is. He tacked Maverick up, slowly and did a bit of cinch work to make sure he wouldn’t buck. He led Maverick to the round pen where he proceeded to do just a bit of ground work making him go in both directions at a trot and a lope. Maverick responded beautifully. Then the trainer showed me how he decent zed Maverick with the whip and grocery sack. The trainer then got on. Maverick stood like a gentleman. The trainer trotted him around the round pen and then moved out to the bigger arena. May I just add, this facility is awesome. Nice round pen and HUGE arena to work in. The trainer trotted and loped Maverick. He got him into the correct lead and showed me the two different stops he put on Maverick. I think he worked more on stopping Maverick because of my concern for handling and riding him.
I’m really satisfied how the trainer worked with Maverick and focused on areas of my concern. When the trainer got off he had me get on Maverick and try him out. I know it’s going to take a bit of work. Maverick likes to push buttons and will push mine but I need to remember to be consistent and patient. Something I’m not. So from today on I’m going to work on being consistent and patient with Maverick.
I trotted around the arena and walked him. I even got him to move off my leg. I need to remember that to get him to constantly move, to keep bumping his side and when I stop bumping his side, that’s the cue for him to stop. He even put some neck reining on Maverick, which I think Maverick prefers. I think Maverick prefers that I stay out of his mouth, which is what I prefer too!
I’d talked with the trainer this past Friday and he said Maverick was ready and I could swing by and pick him up on Sunday. We made arrangements for me to pick Maverick up in the afternoon.
When I’d dropped Maverick off in April, I’d shown great concern for being very uncomfortable around him. I actually had him come out to load Maverick and take him out of the trailer when we got there. So I know the trainer knew how uncomfortable I was around him originally.
When I got there, Maverick was a completely different horse, very much assured of himself and self-confident. I love seeing a completely different horse after the trainer works with them. ABOS-FREAKING-LUTELY LOVE it. I’m very satisfied with how the trainer works with the horses.
He greeted me when we got there and took me back to where Maverick was staying. The first thing he did after haltering Maverick was show me the two cuts Maverick acquired while staying there. I of course wasn’t worked up over it at all. Maverick is a fence rubber. I probably should have warned him to put him in a different stall where he might not ruin the trainer’s facility. The trainer lead Maverick out on a loose lead rope, actually just draped over his shoulder. I think that was to show me how calm Maverick is. He tacked Maverick up, slowly and did a bit of cinch work to make sure he wouldn’t buck. He led Maverick to the round pen where he proceeded to do just a bit of ground work making him go in both directions at a trot and a lope. Maverick responded beautifully. Then the trainer showed me how he decent zed Maverick with the whip and grocery sack. The trainer then got on. Maverick stood like a gentleman. The trainer trotted him around the round pen and then moved out to the bigger arena. May I just add, this facility is awesome. Nice round pen and HUGE arena to work in. The trainer trotted and loped Maverick. He got him into the correct lead and showed me the two different stops he put on Maverick. I think he worked more on stopping Maverick because of my concern for handling and riding him.
I’m really satisfied how the trainer worked with Maverick and focused on areas of my concern. When the trainer got off he had me get on Maverick and try him out. I know it’s going to take a bit of work. Maverick likes to push buttons and will push mine but I need to remember to be consistent and patient. Something I’m not. So from today on I’m going to work on being consistent and patient with Maverick.
I trotted around the arena and walked him. I even got him to move off my leg. I need to remember that to get him to constantly move, to keep bumping his side and when I stop bumping his side, that’s the cue for him to stop. He even put some neck reining on Maverick, which I think Maverick prefers. I think Maverick prefers that I stay out of his mouth, which is what I prefer too! As the trainer was leading Maverick back to the saddling area, I mentioned that Maverick had had thirty days put on him as a two year old. I told him the name and we both proceeded to tell our stories. We both came to the same conclusion. In fact, that same “trainer” name came up on the Crooks Trail Ride and I believe those people were on the same page as myself and trainer. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one out there with the same thoughts and feelings about certain “trainers”.
After unsaddling Maverick, we went to load him. Unfortunately the trainer didn’t get a chance to work with Maverick on loading. It took a bit to get him back into the trailer. I think it’s a sign Maverick wanted to stay. Haha Really I think Maverick needs a job and I need to make sure I give him a job!
It took a bit of persuasion but Maverick loaded. To top it off, Maverick stood in the trailer while we gabbed on about horses and life in general. Maverick didn’t paw the trailer at all. I was very pleased with his behavior. He whinnied a couple of times but that’s’ it.
When I got Maverick home, I put him in the smaller dry lot. I played around with Maverick just a little to gain my confidence. I was afraid I would lose my confidence the minute I put him back into the same pen he was in. We walked around on a long lead rope and he followed like a puppy dog.
The trainer pointed out that Maverick needed to be wormed and that he had bots under his mane, which I thought was weird. I looked a bit closer when I got home and found out it was lice. So I doused him with fly spray. Unfortunately that just made the lice crawl to a different spot on him.
The big herd didn’t know he was there until I went around the corner and Maverick whinnied for me. Yes, he actually whinnied for me! Then the herd appeared and that was the end of me messing with him. I didn’t think about the lice until after mom and dad had left and I was sitting there. The horses had been playing across the fence with Maverick and I started to worry that the entire herd would catch the lice. So I pulled Maverick back out and put him in the pony pen. He’s been there before when I first got him. I was a bit worried that he would freak out since he’d be by himself. But at the time he had the ponies to see. But I put the ponies in the smaller dry lot (that’s a story for another day).
I proceeded to completely cover Maverick in fly spray. I’m going to do the same thing again tonight to see if I can’t kill off the lice. Maverick whinnied a few times but settled down to eating and watching the big herd. I checked the big herd over for lice and pulled off a few on Chaos. I think I’ll worm everyone and douse them all with fly spray tonight to make sure I kill the little buggers. I need to buy some luster.
This morning I was a bit worried that Maverick would be upset being alone. This would be the first time he would be completely alone and void of horses. While at the trainers, he was surrounded by horses. But Maverick is pretty comfortable and assured of himself so I wasn’t as worried. I did open the door so he could get peeks of the ponies when they walk by. I’m not sure my panels will hold up to much beating and fighting if Maverick decides he is definitely going to escape.
Both times I put the fly spray on, Maverick stood there like a gentleman. He did get anxious the first time, which spooked me but I need to start treating him like I do the others, and I trust the others. If I’m not afraid of him, he won’t pick up on my nerves. I was a bit wary of Brego and look how much I do with him. I have more stories of Maverick already but I’ll save those for a different entry.
Doesn'tMaverick look like a completely different horse in the pictures? Of course I never really got any good pictures when I had him before. He gained alot of muscle and some weight while staying with the trainers. I'm pleased. I'll have to get better pictures of him tonight and when I put him under saddle (probably not until after the lice is gone).
Doesn'tMaverick look like a completely different horse in the pictures? Of course I never really got any good pictures when I had him before. He gained alot of muscle and some weight while staying with the trainers. I'm pleased. I'll have to get better pictures of him tonight and when I put him under saddle (probably not until after the lice is gone).
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