Name Game Trivia Question #2 Answer
Longhorn was a donkey (sorry, can't find pictures of him. They are somewhere on this computer!)
Showing posts with label Longhorn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Longhorn. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Monday, March 13, 2017
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Longhorn the Donkey
Today has been a busy day and only now am I allowed a little time to mourn. Today we put Longhorn down. He'd foundered so bad that there was no way of saving him. Perhaps if he'd been treated better in his previous home he would have been friendly and more willing.
But today it feels like I've failed him. I know that it's just my mourning process but today I feel as though I've done him an injustice. I should have done more.
Longhorn loved treats. So last night, while I stood outside his pen since he was more comfortable that way, I fed him treats. He was always good about taking treats. For whatever reason, Longhorn came up to me and kissed me. That was the first and only time that he'd ever showed he understood that I was trying to help.
That simple act of kindness has me in tears right now. I should have done more. I know that I must remind myself that I gave him a few months of food, kindness, and love. But today, right now, it doesn't feel like it's enough.
But today it feels like I've failed him. I know that it's just my mourning process but today I feel as though I've done him an injustice. I should have done more.
Longhorn loved treats. So last night, while I stood outside his pen since he was more comfortable that way, I fed him treats. He was always good about taking treats. For whatever reason, Longhorn came up to me and kissed me. That was the first and only time that he'd ever showed he understood that I was trying to help.That simple act of kindness has me in tears right now. I should have done more. I know that I must remind myself that I gave him a few months of food, kindness, and love. But today, right now, it doesn't feel like it's enough.
I believe that everyone should pass away knowing that they are wanted and loved. I can only hope that Longhorn knew that he was loved and I will miss him. I will miss his small heehaw when he would see me coming. I mourn each four legged family member that passes away and I will shed tears for them. I can only hope that although I have failed him, Longhorn knows that he was loved and will be missed.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Breaking a Promise
Just a quick note to say, Mike is a sweetheart. He knows I'm having problems with planning euthinizing Longhorn. He took the initiative to get everything scheduled and set up. I guess I'm so upset because I couldn't turn Longhorn around. He's come a long way but I can't trust him nor will I ever be able to trust him. I'm disappointed that I couldn't do more. I'm disappointed that because I couldn't do more, his founder has gotten worse. I've never actually gotten his feet trimmed because no one could handle him. So now he's to the point where he is uncomfortable. I know I should have euthinized him months ago. I'm disapointed in myself for not just doing it the week after he came to Borderlands. I'd had such high hopes for Longhorn and now they are all dashed for him.
Longhorn will be the first one that I do not stay until they take their very last breath. I'd made it a promise that I would be there until the very end. But for some reason, I simply can't do it for him. I've failed him.
At least he knew months of food, kindness, and love. And he won't be alone. Mike and Dad will be there until the end. I just wish I could keep my promise to Longhorn.
Longhorn will be the first one that I do not stay until they take their very last breath. I'd made it a promise that I would be there until the very end. But for some reason, I simply can't do it for him. I've failed him.
At least he knew months of food, kindness, and love. And he won't be alone. Mike and Dad will be there until the end. I just wish I could keep my promise to Longhorn.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sad Realizations
I've come to an uncomfortable conclusion this morning. To make matters worse, I'm realizing it one month to the day that I had to put Bob down.
I had my farrier out on Saturday to trim King and Longhorn. Unfortunately (or possibly fortunately), my farrier didn't have his tools to take care of Longhorn's skis for hooves. We discussed our options and decided to wait until sometime in January before tackling Longhorn's feet.
The farrier said that Longhorn had foundered and that I would have to get him trimmed on a regular basis. I'm not sure how well that will work considering I can't even touch him.
This morning I went out to do morning chores and decided I'd see if Longhorn would be friendly. He came up to me as he has been (looking for treats). But as always he steps far enough away so I can't reach him. This time he was within arm's reach so I slowly reached out to touch his butt and he let out a fast kick.
With Longhorn's founder and his inability to get over being scared/friendly, I'm simply not able to care for him any more. Don't get me wrong, I won't stop feeding him. But I realized this morning that the only option he's left me with is euthinizing.
I doubt that we'll ever be able to trim his feet on a regular basis without having to tranq him every time (if he'll even let me get near him). I can't dump him out into a pasture because I wont' be able to catch him and his founder issues will never be resolved. I can't leave him in his small pen forever. I also can't risk getting hurt or having others get hurt because he's unfriendly. He will kick at anyone that he doesn't like or even people he doesn't mind. With so many other tasks at hand and everything changing, I simply don't know what my other options would be.
I've decided after the holidays to euthinize Longhorn. I'm not really sure how well it will go but I don't know that I have any other options. I'm rather devistated. But I've given Longhorn three months. He's slowly coming around as far as accepting me (by bribing him with treats). But he still won't allow me to touch him without sending out a forceful flying kick that could do some serious damage.
I had my farrier out on Saturday to trim King and Longhorn. Unfortunately (or possibly fortunately), my farrier didn't have his tools to take care of Longhorn's skis for hooves. We discussed our options and decided to wait until sometime in January before tackling Longhorn's feet.
The farrier said that Longhorn had foundered and that I would have to get him trimmed on a regular basis. I'm not sure how well that will work considering I can't even touch him.
This morning I went out to do morning chores and decided I'd see if Longhorn would be friendly. He came up to me as he has been (looking for treats). But as always he steps far enough away so I can't reach him. This time he was within arm's reach so I slowly reached out to touch his butt and he let out a fast kick.
With Longhorn's founder and his inability to get over being scared/friendly, I'm simply not able to care for him any more. Don't get me wrong, I won't stop feeding him. But I realized this morning that the only option he's left me with is euthinizing.
I doubt that we'll ever be able to trim his feet on a regular basis without having to tranq him every time (if he'll even let me get near him). I can't dump him out into a pasture because I wont' be able to catch him and his founder issues will never be resolved. I can't leave him in his small pen forever. I also can't risk getting hurt or having others get hurt because he's unfriendly. He will kick at anyone that he doesn't like or even people he doesn't mind. With so many other tasks at hand and everything changing, I simply don't know what my other options would be.
I've decided after the holidays to euthinize Longhorn. I'm not really sure how well it will go but I don't know that I have any other options. I'm rather devistated. But I've given Longhorn three months. He's slowly coming around as far as accepting me (by bribing him with treats). But he still won't allow me to touch him without sending out a forceful flying kick that could do some serious damage.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Farrier Day Scheduled
My poor farrier. He is a saint to put up with all of my animals. I told him I'd bought a donkey. He asked if I was trying to acquire animals for a nativity scene. :-)
My poor farrier has to deal with everything. He has to deal with Sam the draft, saddle horse with flat feet that require shoes (King), inexperienced horses (Chaos), all the way down to ponies. Now he is going to tackle Longhorn the donkey. I warned him about Longhorn's skis for hooves. My hope was that Longhorn would be friendly by the time I had my poor farrier come out. But it's only been in the last week or so that I've made a break through with Longhorn and that's only because of treats. I think it helps that Jimmy is next to him.
So we have an appointment for this Saturday at 1:30 for my poor farrier to look at King's feet and to trim Longhorn's hooves. We will be tranquilizing Longhorn with Rompum (sp?). It's a fairly hefty duty tranquilizer. I need to call the vet to find out the lead time to make sure that my farrier isn't in the middle of a trim when the tranq wears off. I'm not about to let my farrier get his head knocked off because of one of my animals.
Keep your fingers crossed that all goes well on Saturday.
My poor farrier has to deal with everything. He has to deal with Sam the draft, saddle horse with flat feet that require shoes (King), inexperienced horses (Chaos), all the way down to ponies. Now he is going to tackle Longhorn the donkey. I warned him about Longhorn's skis for hooves. My hope was that Longhorn would be friendly by the time I had my poor farrier come out. But it's only been in the last week or so that I've made a break through with Longhorn and that's only because of treats. I think it helps that Jimmy is next to him.
So we have an appointment for this Saturday at 1:30 for my poor farrier to look at King's feet and to trim Longhorn's hooves. We will be tranquilizing Longhorn with Rompum (sp?). It's a fairly hefty duty tranquilizer. I need to call the vet to find out the lead time to make sure that my farrier isn't in the middle of a trim when the tranq wears off. I'm not about to let my farrier get his head knocked off because of one of my animals.
Keep your fingers crossed that all goes well on Saturday.
Friday, December 11, 2009
After the Snow Storm
There hasn't been too much going on this past week. It's been so blasted cold that all I do right now are chores. Since the snowstorm Tuesday I've been pulling Babe, Queen, Sam, Zeke, and Rain into the barn. The weatherman isn't calling for below zero temps until Monday. I'm going to leave Rain and Zeke out of the barn tonight but put the mares and Sam back in. That way I don't have to rush them through their supper.
For the past two days with the cold temps, I'd left the ponies in their stall in the hay shed. I also pulled Maverick so he wouldn't have to stand in the cold. This was the first time he'd had interaction with the ponies. I think Tommy was putting him in his place. It was rather fun to watch.
Since I didn't have any place to put the ponies I left them in their stall (but gave them the run of an extra temporary stall that I put up to give them more room. Apparently ponies can only be in that stall for two days. After the second day they start destroying things. They some how managed to pull a bucket full of tools into their pen. Of course I didn't realize what they had done until it was chore time so I couldn't leave them in their stall. It also meant that last night Maverick had to stay out in his pen and deal with the cold.
I moved the ponies back to their pen by the barn. They had to deal with two feet snow drifts which are pretty hard for ponies. Tommy was up to his knees in a snow drift. But I had no other place to put them so I guess that's what they get for being naughty and destroying some of my stuff.
I'm finally making a very small breakthrough with Longhorn. He's actually become my highlight of the evening chores. For some odd reason he's finally discovered that he likes treats. Before I couldn't get him to take one. Now he'll walk up to me to see if I have a treat. It's very good progress. I feel bad that I havent' spent more time with him but I'll be happy for the slow progress. He's willing to eat the treat right out of my hand and sniff my coat for more. Of course this is all while I'm on the other side of the fence. When I'm in his pen feeding him treats he's a bit more standoffish but I'll take it.
Speaking of standoffish, Jimmy really is a very unsocial horse. I'd hoped that he would get over it but I guess not. Every time I come close he walks away. I was warned he is standoffish and that he's hard to catch. They weren't kidding. But I have a plan in place as long as the weather holds. I'm going to have to catch him every night, pull him out of his pen just to groom him down. Then I'll put him back in his pen.
I'd originally planned on putting Jimmy in with Maverick this weekend but I want to spend some time messign with him to hopefully get him more comfortable with me. If he's in with Maverick I may never be able to catch him. I guess I'll just play it by ear.
Last nights chores sort of pushed me over the edge. My temper has been pretty high these past few weeks. But this morning really made it all worth it. Everyone was happy to see me (of course I'm just the food lady). Everyone was nice and calm the entire time. No one was harrassing anyone else. It was great. Mornings like today are why I don't mind getting up so early and going into the cold.
For the past two days with the cold temps, I'd left the ponies in their stall in the hay shed. I also pulled Maverick so he wouldn't have to stand in the cold. This was the first time he'd had interaction with the ponies. I think Tommy was putting him in his place. It was rather fun to watch.
Since I didn't have any place to put the ponies I left them in their stall (but gave them the run of an extra temporary stall that I put up to give them more room. Apparently ponies can only be in that stall for two days. After the second day they start destroying things. They some how managed to pull a bucket full of tools into their pen. Of course I didn't realize what they had done until it was chore time so I couldn't leave them in their stall. It also meant that last night Maverick had to stay out in his pen and deal with the cold.
I moved the ponies back to their pen by the barn. They had to deal with two feet snow drifts which are pretty hard for ponies. Tommy was up to his knees in a snow drift. But I had no other place to put them so I guess that's what they get for being naughty and destroying some of my stuff.
I'm finally making a very small breakthrough with Longhorn. He's actually become my highlight of the evening chores. For some odd reason he's finally discovered that he likes treats. Before I couldn't get him to take one. Now he'll walk up to me to see if I have a treat. It's very good progress. I feel bad that I havent' spent more time with him but I'll be happy for the slow progress. He's willing to eat the treat right out of my hand and sniff my coat for more. Of course this is all while I'm on the other side of the fence. When I'm in his pen feeding him treats he's a bit more standoffish but I'll take it.
Speaking of standoffish, Jimmy really is a very unsocial horse. I'd hoped that he would get over it but I guess not. Every time I come close he walks away. I was warned he is standoffish and that he's hard to catch. They weren't kidding. But I have a plan in place as long as the weather holds. I'm going to have to catch him every night, pull him out of his pen just to groom him down. Then I'll put him back in his pen.
I'd originally planned on putting Jimmy in with Maverick this weekend but I want to spend some time messign with him to hopefully get him more comfortable with me. If he's in with Maverick I may never be able to catch him. I guess I'll just play it by ear.
Last nights chores sort of pushed me over the edge. My temper has been pretty high these past few weeks. But this morning really made it all worth it. Everyone was happy to see me (of course I'm just the food lady). Everyone was nice and calm the entire time. No one was harrassing anyone else. It was great. Mornings like today are why I don't mind getting up so early and going into the cold.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Friday Ramblings
I definately need to add some new pictures. This blog gets boring without color! I think Sam is enjoying his blanket even if it is too big. I tried to shorten up the leg straps with duct tape but it still gets caught up in his legs. I need to figure out how to shorten the blanket around the front instead of the back to see if that helps.
I think Sam is done mourning Bob. He seems a lot happier. Although I do think Sam was a bit peeved with me for kicking him out of the barn so early last night. He didn't get enough time to really eat all of his alfalfa sliver. I'm hoping to make up for it tonight since I'm sneaking out of work a little early.
Sam really is a goofball once you get to know him. At first he was pretty standoffish. Any time I went to pet him he'd flinch just a little but he's fine with me now. He is a little uncomfortable with me giving him hugs but he'll just have to deal with it! :-) He really has a spot in my heart.
It's still snowing, just flurries. I thought I heard or read that we are supposed to get a wave of arctic air next week along with about three inches of snow. I guess I should have expected winter to arrive at any time. I don't yet have everything winterized.
I need to switch Maverick over to a smaller water trough. He currently has a 100 gallon trough but with the freezing temps I don't want to mess with that big tank. I don't want to use that big tank because we still have to carry buckets of water out to him and I can't run an extension cord/heater from the hay barn. The hay barn actually pulls from the horse barn and we are pretty well maxed out on how much stuff I can plug in and pull off that circuit. The only other option would be to move the water trough farther away and use the red shed's outlet. Once again we'd have to have a long extension cord and the water trough would be exposed to all the elements. So in the long run it might be a pain to use a smaller water bucket but it's the safer option.
I'll continue to use the big 100 gallon water trough for the mares. The trough is right against the chicken coop which is always so warm. I can also plug the water heater into the chicken coop since it doesn't draw it's electricity from the horse barn. The only disadvantage is having to haul water over. Once we get the "people" gate rigged correctly it'll be easier to haul water to the horses.
Poor Longhorn. Skippy was picking on him this morning at breakfast. Unfortunately Longhorn is a kicker. They got into a scuffle this morning and Longhorn hurt his right rear leg kicking. I think he just stunned it but I could tell he was really upset. Since he doesn't really like the touch of humans, I voted against checking out his leg for fear of getting my head knocked off. He was already standing on his injured leg when I finished with chores. My guess is that the kick hurt and he stunned his leg. I'll have to check on him closer tonight. If I could only figure out how to get him tamed down faster.
Tomorrow is the Sioux Falls Regional Livestock horse sale. I'm worried. I'm betting there's going to be tons of horses run through the loose portion of the sale. The catalog sale only had about 20 horses listed. The sale starts at 11am. I want to make sure I give myself plenty of time to walk through all the horses (and focus mostly on the loose horses). I'm planning on leaving Borderlands around 9am so that will give me an hour of looking before the sale starts. I don't expect the catalog portion of the sale to last very long. I would expect they'll be on to loose horse by 1pm if not earlier. Keep your fingers crossed that there won't be a lot of horses and the killbuyers and brokers wont' show. If anyone is intersted in going with me, just let me know. If you go, pay attention to buyer number 79 and 80. I think those were the two major KBs. I am not allowed to bring any more home. I am tapped out and will be beyond my limit if the person I contacted about a horse responds to me (yet another potential rescue in the works... although I could be over reacting and spending more $$ than I should).
That's it for my Friday ramblings. I'll keep you posted on the horse auction. I have the horses and prices from the October Sale (where I pulled Longhorn). I still need to post that information. I'll also post tomorrow's horses and corresponding prices too. I just need to sit down and find the time.
I think Sam is done mourning Bob. He seems a lot happier. Although I do think Sam was a bit peeved with me for kicking him out of the barn so early last night. He didn't get enough time to really eat all of his alfalfa sliver. I'm hoping to make up for it tonight since I'm sneaking out of work a little early.
Sam really is a goofball once you get to know him. At first he was pretty standoffish. Any time I went to pet him he'd flinch just a little but he's fine with me now. He is a little uncomfortable with me giving him hugs but he'll just have to deal with it! :-) He really has a spot in my heart.
It's still snowing, just flurries. I thought I heard or read that we are supposed to get a wave of arctic air next week along with about three inches of snow. I guess I should have expected winter to arrive at any time. I don't yet have everything winterized.
I need to switch Maverick over to a smaller water trough. He currently has a 100 gallon trough but with the freezing temps I don't want to mess with that big tank. I don't want to use that big tank because we still have to carry buckets of water out to him and I can't run an extension cord/heater from the hay barn. The hay barn actually pulls from the horse barn and we are pretty well maxed out on how much stuff I can plug in and pull off that circuit. The only other option would be to move the water trough farther away and use the red shed's outlet. Once again we'd have to have a long extension cord and the water trough would be exposed to all the elements. So in the long run it might be a pain to use a smaller water bucket but it's the safer option.
I'll continue to use the big 100 gallon water trough for the mares. The trough is right against the chicken coop which is always so warm. I can also plug the water heater into the chicken coop since it doesn't draw it's electricity from the horse barn. The only disadvantage is having to haul water over. Once we get the "people" gate rigged correctly it'll be easier to haul water to the horses.
Poor Longhorn. Skippy was picking on him this morning at breakfast. Unfortunately Longhorn is a kicker. They got into a scuffle this morning and Longhorn hurt his right rear leg kicking. I think he just stunned it but I could tell he was really upset. Since he doesn't really like the touch of humans, I voted against checking out his leg for fear of getting my head knocked off. He was already standing on his injured leg when I finished with chores. My guess is that the kick hurt and he stunned his leg. I'll have to check on him closer tonight. If I could only figure out how to get him tamed down faster.
Tomorrow is the Sioux Falls Regional Livestock horse sale. I'm worried. I'm betting there's going to be tons of horses run through the loose portion of the sale. The catalog sale only had about 20 horses listed. The sale starts at 11am. I want to make sure I give myself plenty of time to walk through all the horses (and focus mostly on the loose horses). I'm planning on leaving Borderlands around 9am so that will give me an hour of looking before the sale starts. I don't expect the catalog portion of the sale to last very long. I would expect they'll be on to loose horse by 1pm if not earlier. Keep your fingers crossed that there won't be a lot of horses and the killbuyers and brokers wont' show. If anyone is intersted in going with me, just let me know. If you go, pay attention to buyer number 79 and 80. I think those were the two major KBs. I am not allowed to bring any more home. I am tapped out and will be beyond my limit if the person I contacted about a horse responds to me (yet another potential rescue in the works... although I could be over reacting and spending more $$ than I should).
That's it for my Friday ramblings. I'll keep you posted on the horse auction. I have the horses and prices from the October Sale (where I pulled Longhorn). I still need to post that information. I'll also post tomorrow's horses and corresponding prices too. I just need to sit down and find the time.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Weather Over Reaction
This morning I realized I over reacted last night. I was so worried about the temperature change possibly messing with the oldsters and I didn't really have anything to worry about.
While Sam was devouring his grain in the barn, I let King in to get his grain/medicine and then I kicked him back out so I could get the stalls ready for the mares. The mares both went in without any problems. I think Babe felt more secure being in the barn rather than out in the open pasture. I'm not really sure what to do about Babe. She gets around just fine but she still spooks now that she's totally blind. I can tell she's uncomfortable being in a more open space. I'm tossing around the idea of making her into a stall horse and just giving her some turnout time but that doesnt' really work either. Old girls like her need lots of turnout time otherwise they stock up. So I'm at a loss as to what is the next best step.
I also moved Tommy and Skippy back in with Longhorn the donkey because of the wind. The wind blows right up the driveway and smack into the barn and the little pen they were in. I'm not sure if Longhorn was happy to have the company or not. I had to separate Tommy into his own little pen because he was picking on Longhorn. Poor guy can't seem to get a break. But while I was wrestling the ponies around Longhorn did let out a real heehaw (or as close to one as he's ever given me). I think he's comfortable with me as long as I'm at a distance but the minute I'm up close he freaks out. I don't know how to tame him down. Poor guy is really insecure when he's by himself and will act out more towards me if it's just me and him. If anyone can think of any suggestions, please let me know.
Babe and Queen went willingly out to their pasture this morning. Sam was ready for more breakfast. I really do like feeding him in the barn. I think he's actually getting more food when he's by himself. I may have to start keeping Sam in the barn overnight until I can get more weight on him. He was bright eyed and happy to see me. The only problem is, Sam can't be in the barn alone at night. So who do I put in? Brego who needs more handling and manners (and who is his buddy) or someone a little more faint of heart like poor Zeke who gets pushed around and probably isnt' getting all the food he's supposed to get?
The only one not causing me any anguish here lately is Maverick! Odd I know!
I'm hoping tonight will be a bit more quiet as far as chores go. I went in search of outside christmas lights last night but I seem to have misplaced them (along with a few other things!) So I may dig a bit more tonight. My hope is that if I put up some christmas lights I'll be in more of a festive mood. We sort of skipped Christmas last year and I think this year I'd like to enjoy just a few decorations. Only 23 days until Christmas! YIKES!
While Sam was devouring his grain in the barn, I let King in to get his grain/medicine and then I kicked him back out so I could get the stalls ready for the mares. The mares both went in without any problems. I think Babe felt more secure being in the barn rather than out in the open pasture. I'm not really sure what to do about Babe. She gets around just fine but she still spooks now that she's totally blind. I can tell she's uncomfortable being in a more open space. I'm tossing around the idea of making her into a stall horse and just giving her some turnout time but that doesnt' really work either. Old girls like her need lots of turnout time otherwise they stock up. So I'm at a loss as to what is the next best step.
I also moved Tommy and Skippy back in with Longhorn the donkey because of the wind. The wind blows right up the driveway and smack into the barn and the little pen they were in. I'm not sure if Longhorn was happy to have the company or not. I had to separate Tommy into his own little pen because he was picking on Longhorn. Poor guy can't seem to get a break. But while I was wrestling the ponies around Longhorn did let out a real heehaw (or as close to one as he's ever given me). I think he's comfortable with me as long as I'm at a distance but the minute I'm up close he freaks out. I don't know how to tame him down. Poor guy is really insecure when he's by himself and will act out more towards me if it's just me and him. If anyone can think of any suggestions, please let me know.
Babe and Queen went willingly out to their pasture this morning. Sam was ready for more breakfast. I really do like feeding him in the barn. I think he's actually getting more food when he's by himself. I may have to start keeping Sam in the barn overnight until I can get more weight on him. He was bright eyed and happy to see me. The only problem is, Sam can't be in the barn alone at night. So who do I put in? Brego who needs more handling and manners (and who is his buddy) or someone a little more faint of heart like poor Zeke who gets pushed around and probably isnt' getting all the food he's supposed to get?
The only one not causing me any anguish here lately is Maverick! Odd I know!
I'm hoping tonight will be a bit more quiet as far as chores go. I went in search of outside christmas lights last night but I seem to have misplaced them (along with a few other things!) So I may dig a bit more tonight. My hope is that if I put up some christmas lights I'll be in more of a festive mood. We sort of skipped Christmas last year and I think this year I'd like to enjoy just a few decorations. Only 23 days until Christmas! YIKES!
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Adventures of Longhorn
Sunday was a pretty exciting day for Longhorn. I still need to get pictures. Maybe tonight!
I've had Longhorn separated from the ponies from day one. He's been near them but never with them. I've had a cattle panel and a corral panel separating them. Every time I go to feed the ponies and Longhorn the ponies whinny and Longhorn does a quiet "heehaw".
I spent last week trying to coax him into letting me touch him. No go. I didn't even come close. So Saturday I brought out a lead rope and halter and left it hanging in his pen so he'd get used to the smells. He did come up and sniff the halter but then backed away. I took it as good progress and left it at that.
I also moved the apple flavored lick toy in between the pony and donkey pen. Longhorn went up to it but he hasnt' shown any interest in it since that first encounter.
Sunday moring I did chores like I normally do and then went back inside to do some housework. I came out later and noticed something just wasn't right with the ponies and Longhorn.
.... Longhorn was IN with the ponies!!!!....
How ever did that happen?!! I figure he'd been hanging his head over a low spot between the cattle panel and a wood fence beam. He must have got it in his head to jump it. The cattle panel is slightly bent so I figure that's how he got in. There were no other places that he could have gotten out. He's lucky he didn't get his front hooves caught on the fence. It could have been disasterous.
I was surprised that he would want to be in with the ponies. Skippy bites him when they stand next to each other. Tommy has a death wish and charges him even with a fence/panel in between.
Poor Longhorn looked really stressed being in with the ponies. So I climbed in and moved the corral panel so that I could trap the ponies in one pen and Longhorn in the other. Of course with all the rain I'm doing this in mud.
The ponies see Longhorn's uneaten hay and go right for it. Longhorn follows. I put the panel back and went back for the halter/lead rope. I opened the panel back up and Longhorn walked right up to me like he was planning on walking right past me instead of being spooked at me.
I put the lead rope over his neck and he didn't do anything! I moved out of the way and he kept coming in to the pen with the ponies. I finally got the halter on him and started petting him. Unfortuantely right then Tommy decided to charge Longhorn. I had to let Longhorn go and wasnt' sure I'd be able to catch him to remove the leadrope but he let me get near enough to catch him again.
I was totally shocked! I decided to leave all three together to see how it went. Longhorn must be lonely. I did feed them in two separate locations this morning so hopefully Longhorn will at least get a little bit of hay before the monster ponies take over. I'm hoping to fiddle a little with Longhorn and see if he'll let me catch him and touch him again.
I'm hoping the ponies have a good affect on him. I've been hugging the ponies and playing with them so that Longhorn gets the idea that being manhandled isn't a bad thing. We'll see how tonight goes. But getting the halter on was a total breakthrough!
I've had Longhorn separated from the ponies from day one. He's been near them but never with them. I've had a cattle panel and a corral panel separating them. Every time I go to feed the ponies and Longhorn the ponies whinny and Longhorn does a quiet "heehaw".
I spent last week trying to coax him into letting me touch him. No go. I didn't even come close. So Saturday I brought out a lead rope and halter and left it hanging in his pen so he'd get used to the smells. He did come up and sniff the halter but then backed away. I took it as good progress and left it at that.
I also moved the apple flavored lick toy in between the pony and donkey pen. Longhorn went up to it but he hasnt' shown any interest in it since that first encounter.
Sunday moring I did chores like I normally do and then went back inside to do some housework. I came out later and noticed something just wasn't right with the ponies and Longhorn.
.... Longhorn was IN with the ponies!!!!....
How ever did that happen?!! I figure he'd been hanging his head over a low spot between the cattle panel and a wood fence beam. He must have got it in his head to jump it. The cattle panel is slightly bent so I figure that's how he got in. There were no other places that he could have gotten out. He's lucky he didn't get his front hooves caught on the fence. It could have been disasterous.
I was surprised that he would want to be in with the ponies. Skippy bites him when they stand next to each other. Tommy has a death wish and charges him even with a fence/panel in between.
Poor Longhorn looked really stressed being in with the ponies. So I climbed in and moved the corral panel so that I could trap the ponies in one pen and Longhorn in the other. Of course with all the rain I'm doing this in mud.
The ponies see Longhorn's uneaten hay and go right for it. Longhorn follows. I put the panel back and went back for the halter/lead rope. I opened the panel back up and Longhorn walked right up to me like he was planning on walking right past me instead of being spooked at me.
I put the lead rope over his neck and he didn't do anything! I moved out of the way and he kept coming in to the pen with the ponies. I finally got the halter on him and started petting him. Unfortuantely right then Tommy decided to charge Longhorn. I had to let Longhorn go and wasnt' sure I'd be able to catch him to remove the leadrope but he let me get near enough to catch him again.
I was totally shocked! I decided to leave all three together to see how it went. Longhorn must be lonely. I did feed them in two separate locations this morning so hopefully Longhorn will at least get a little bit of hay before the monster ponies take over. I'm hoping to fiddle a little with Longhorn and see if he'll let me catch him and touch him again.
I'm hoping the ponies have a good affect on him. I've been hugging the ponies and playing with them so that Longhorn gets the idea that being manhandled isn't a bad thing. We'll see how tonight goes. But getting the halter on was a total breakthrough!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Longhorn the Donkey
I've never had a donkey. I've always wanted one but don't know the first thing about them so this will be an adventure.
When we finally got home and chores done it was time to get Longhorn out of the trailer. He let me put a halter on although he wasn't too happy about it. He's skittish around people. I'm sure he's been around people but not handled all that much, not abused, just not handled.
I got Rain's halter on him and went to lead him out. Nope! I pulled and tugged but nothing. I guess donkeys are going to be a bit more difficult. He loaded with some difficulty because of his skis for hooves. I was worried he had gotten a hoof stuck in the trailer somehow. At one point Mike said to just leave him in the trailer since it was getting really late. It was supposed to get cold so that was out of the question.
I kept the end of the leadrope inhand but jumped out of the trailer. That's when Longhorn followed me. The open trailer door must have appeared as an invitation. He jumped out with no problems. Then the hard part, leading him into the barn. Longhorn wouldn't lead. He'd just stand there and give me this confused look. Obviously he's not halter broke but will tolerate the halter.
So to rush the matter I reversed him, since that's the only direction he would go, and backed him into the barn and then into his stall. I have now come to the conclusion that you can't lead him unless he's in front. I learned that trick. Keep a hand on his butt and use the leadrope more like a rein to get him to go in the direction you want.
Longhorn does NOT like dogs or cats. Gypsy is going to have a tough time with Longhorn. I can just see the vet bill now!
I got Longhorn settled in for the night. He didn't want anything to do with me. I was disappointed. Here those two nice mares were so friendly and then I get this unfriendly donkey. Sort of breaks my heart to know I chose the wrong one and didn't bring the friendly horse home too. It's not for lack of trying to bring her home. I just am not quick on my feet at auctions.
Sunday we had a family get together so I left Longhorn in the barn but opened the door so he'd get at least a little bit of light. I wanted him to relax after Saturday's ordeal at the auction. His life has totally changed.
To add to the problems, Longhorn doesn't have hooves. He has skis. That's right. His hooves have been so neglected that they look like skis or elf shoes. Because I can barely handle him I don't know what my farrier is going to do. I called the vet to see what they had for options. But my vet is out until the end of October and I want Longhorn's feet done ASAP. They are long and he's pigeon toed to make matters worse. So I'm going to call my farrier and see if sedating Longhorn will make working on his feet a bit easier. I can barely touch Longhorn. I won't let my farrier handle an animal I'm uncomfortable with. Longhorn can kick.. and he has no problems kicking. I'd rather not have my farrier's head kicked off.
So I now have to put a call in to my farrier. I have more Longhorn stories from this weekend but those will come shortly! I finally bought batteries on Friday but seem to have lost them already. Once I findthem I'll get pics of Longhorn and his awful feet!
When we finally got home and chores done it was time to get Longhorn out of the trailer. He let me put a halter on although he wasn't too happy about it. He's skittish around people. I'm sure he's been around people but not handled all that much, not abused, just not handled.
I got Rain's halter on him and went to lead him out. Nope! I pulled and tugged but nothing. I guess donkeys are going to be a bit more difficult. He loaded with some difficulty because of his skis for hooves. I was worried he had gotten a hoof stuck in the trailer somehow. At one point Mike said to just leave him in the trailer since it was getting really late. It was supposed to get cold so that was out of the question.
I kept the end of the leadrope inhand but jumped out of the trailer. That's when Longhorn followed me. The open trailer door must have appeared as an invitation. He jumped out with no problems. Then the hard part, leading him into the barn. Longhorn wouldn't lead. He'd just stand there and give me this confused look. Obviously he's not halter broke but will tolerate the halter.
So to rush the matter I reversed him, since that's the only direction he would go, and backed him into the barn and then into his stall. I have now come to the conclusion that you can't lead him unless he's in front. I learned that trick. Keep a hand on his butt and use the leadrope more like a rein to get him to go in the direction you want.
Longhorn does NOT like dogs or cats. Gypsy is going to have a tough time with Longhorn. I can just see the vet bill now!
I got Longhorn settled in for the night. He didn't want anything to do with me. I was disappointed. Here those two nice mares were so friendly and then I get this unfriendly donkey. Sort of breaks my heart to know I chose the wrong one and didn't bring the friendly horse home too. It's not for lack of trying to bring her home. I just am not quick on my feet at auctions.
Sunday we had a family get together so I left Longhorn in the barn but opened the door so he'd get at least a little bit of light. I wanted him to relax after Saturday's ordeal at the auction. His life has totally changed.
To add to the problems, Longhorn doesn't have hooves. He has skis. That's right. His hooves have been so neglected that they look like skis or elf shoes. Because I can barely handle him I don't know what my farrier is going to do. I called the vet to see what they had for options. But my vet is out until the end of October and I want Longhorn's feet done ASAP. They are long and he's pigeon toed to make matters worse. So I'm going to call my farrier and see if sedating Longhorn will make working on his feet a bit easier. I can barely touch Longhorn. I won't let my farrier handle an animal I'm uncomfortable with. Longhorn can kick.. and he has no problems kicking. I'd rather not have my farrier's head kicked off.
So I now have to put a call in to my farrier. I have more Longhorn stories from this weekend but those will come shortly! I finally bought batteries on Friday but seem to have lost them already. Once I findthem I'll get pics of Longhorn and his awful feet!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)