Crooks Trail Ride

It's a good thing Borderlands is out in the country. I'm afraid I've turned into one of those scary people. I realized it as I was walking around in the pasture waiting for the herd to come in for their evening meal.

After coming home from the Crooks Trail Ride, I changed into cooler clothes. I still had on the gray shirt that was now covered in dirt. I haven't had a chance yet to break out the summer clothes so on goes a pair of Mike's boxers (sorry Mike). I got my steal toe shoes soaked and didn't feel the urge to put wet heavy shoes back on. So instead I slipped my tinglies on. I started getting a chill so I put in a scratchy brown plaid jacket. So I was a funny sight to see. To make matters even more hilarious, my tinglies flop around just a little bit (when I'm wearing shorts) and the tinglies make a funny noise when they hit my bare legs. Yep, I've turned into more than a redneck!

Stop laughing! I know you've all done the same thing!

Ok, on to more serious stuff. I was invited to go to the Crooks Trail Ride today and decided that I would take them up on the offer. I worked Rain a bit yesterday to try and get the kinks out of him. This morning I got up early so that I would have plenty of time. I caught Rain, which is a bit of a battle and let the other horses go. About the time I caught Rain the wind picked up. Instead of fighting the wind, I decided I would leave Rain tied in the barn to saddle him.

Apparently after only a week Sam has decided that he's going to be completely dependant on Rain for his happiness. So much for using Brego has his best buddy. Now instead Rain is Sam's best friend and constant shadow. Sam started flipping out, whinnying and trotting back and forth. It does both of them good to be separated. Unfortunately, Sam's whinnying made Rain flighty.

I had hoped I could ride Rain a bit before leaving for Crooks but opted to lunge him and do a bit of bridle work to get his mind focused on me instead of Sam. I didn't work him too long since I had to get going. Luckily he loaded like a champ and we headed to Crooks.

When I got there, I was planning on meeting the people who invited me. Unfortunately they were running late so I had to go through Crooks residential area with Rain to the fair grounds. I decided that I would play chicken and stay on the ground until I met up with the people.



For the most part Rain behaved beautifully. He got a number of compliments. I'm sure he impressed a number of people. Rain really is a beautiful horse, but of course I'm biased. :-) The ride started at 9:00am sharp and we rode until 11:00am when the parade started. We opted out of the parade and headed back to where the friend's board. We hung out for just a little bit and then me and one other lady headed back to the fair grounds. When we hit the fair grounds I got off and walked Rain back to the trailer. At one point he started getting spooky and I figured going through residential streets alone would only cause a wreck.


I think Rain was ready to go home when we got back to the trailer. He loaded up and we headed home. I hosed Rain down thinking he might like a nice mister bath. I bought a hose attachment and it just so happens to have a mist option. I like that option better than what we had before, which was no hose attachment at all. haha



Later in the day I did a bit of leather cleaning. I got just a little bit of my saddle cleaned, a breast collar cleaned, and a bridle. I also was ambicious and hosed down three winter blankets. It's supposed to be fairly warm tomorrow. I figured the sun would dry the blankets out in a hurry. I had intended to go to the car wash and power wash them down but I don't seem to be getting that far. Instead I figure I might as well just hose them down and if I get a chance to go to the car wash, they'll just get that much cleaner.


That was pretty much the end of the day. Just the standard evening chores.


Tomorrow I go and pick up Maverick. I'm a bit worried. I hope he fits into the herd and that I can catch him to ride him and that he's not like he was before I sent him to the trainers. He's a horse that needs to be worked all the time so I'm going to have to be better about riding him all the time. How sad is it that I have to force myself to go for a ride. I really do love riding. I guess I'm a bit intimidated by the ground. :-)


I also need to call the farrier to get Dude's and Bob's feet done. I seem to be falling behind on all my required horse chores. I seem to just go out and play with them and don't ever get anything serious done. I think starting June 1st I better get my lists in order to be more organized and start focusing on what needs to be done rather than putzing around like I have been all spring. But I'm beat so I think I'm going to call it a night.

New Herd Dynamics

Still not a lot of energy for some reason so I didn’t really mess with the horses too much. I should have gone for a ride on Chaos or Rain but didn’t. Instead I decided to pull Brego out and mess with him. When we got Brego I was told you couldn’t put a halter on him and that he was hard to catch. I walked out with the halter and leadrope in plain view and he let me put the halter on. It was a bit hard to get him to go to the barn but that was because of Bob. Brego knows he’s supposed to be behind the horses, mostly Bob. And of course Bob was up front wanting his grain.

It took a bit of maneuvering but I finally got Brego up to the barn and tied. He stands pretty well although he does paw every once in awhile. I ended up putting King, Dude, and Chaos into the smaller pen. I put Bob and Rain into the barn and let Sam wander around the larger dry lot.

The flies were bad so I groomed Brego down and put fly spray on. He stood like a gentleman. He loves to be groomed. I decided that I would try the fly mask. He took that like a pro too. So I went and got my bareback pad. Good thing I did. Stupid mice at a hole through part of it. Stupid mice. I threw the bareback pad on Brego and the only thing he did was flinch a little. Yesterday was the first time he’d had a saddle pad on in over a year. I tightened up the cinch, not a lot but wanted to see how he would reach to being cinched up and he didn’t care. I didn’t tighten it (mostly because I cant’ figure it out!) But he just stood there patiently letting me mess with him.

I decided that the flies were getting too bad so I stopped messing with Brego and groomed Sam down. The flies were terrible so I put a bunch of fly spray on Sam but it didn’t’ seem to work. I ended up going around to all of the horses and put fly spray on and ear stuff to make sure the gnats weren’t bothering the horses.

I decided last night to be brave. Instead of putting Sam and Brgo back into their small pen I decided that I would leave them out with the big herd. They are out with the big herd during the day so why not try it at night. My only concern was that they might push on the fence which is precariously in the ground as it is. I’m afraid one push from Bob’s butt and the fence and Bob would go toppling down.

When I went out this morning to let them out into the pasture all was good. No one had any extra scrapes or bangs on them. I guess everyone faired the night pretty well.

Dude was right at the gate with Bob in hot pursuit. I was surprised to see Bob trotting to the pasture. Then came the mass of Chaos, Rain, and King. I can usually egg them on into a lope if I holler at them to go. And of course they took off at a slow trot. Sam came next with Brego taking up the last spot. Those two went down the lane at a trot. Once Brego hit the pasture he let out a buck and tore across the pasture, which of course got Rain going into a gallop across the pasture too. So now I have TWO instigators (Brego and Rain).

I really do love watching the horses run through the pasture. I was surprised that Dude didn’t partake in the frolicking but I guess he wanted to be Bob’s shadow instead. What surprises me more is the herd dynamics now that they are all together. It used to be Bob and Rain as best friends. Sam and Brego as best friends. Chaos would pester Bob. Dude would be Bob’s shadow. King harasses Chaos and follows Dude. Now the dynamics are all different. Rain hangs out with Sam and Brego. Rain tolerates Brego to a point but will take after him. Dude is glued to Bob’s side even more. Chaos torments Sam and is Sam’s shadow. Chaos chases Brego. I’m not sure where King falls into the whole herd dynamics. It’s all very different than it was.
I’m sure the dynamics will change again when I introduce Maverick into the herd. I need to call the trainer today. We’ve been playing phone tag for the past three days. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Maverick doesn’t need more than the 30 days and he’s getting near the 30 days. I can’t afford anything more.

This afternoon I’m headed to the vets to pick up shots for the herd. I still need to order the rabies but I can’t get the west nile online or separate like I did last year. I guess it pays to know someone at a vets office. Hopefully it’s not too bad. If I administer the vaccinations myself I shouldn’t’ have to pay out the nose. I guess we’ll see how it goes.

Spring Morning Chores

I love morning chores this time of year. Today was especially nice. Right now I lock the horses into the drylot overnight. I'll probably keep them locked in at night for a week or so more so that they adjust to being on grass 24x7.

In the mornings I tromp on out in my pjs and open the gate to the big pasture. Dude is always the first horse at the gate, anxious to be grazing with Bob right behind. Sometimes Rain is ready to run when I open the gate and he starts the herd into a "stampede" but usually they are too excited for the grass and go to grazing. Usually Rain can get the herd into a lope when they hit the end of the lane.

Then I let Sam and Brego out. I figured on keeping those two in the big herd but they prefer to be in their smaller pen at night instead of with the entire herd. They both come out of the small pen at a trot and then lope down the lane into the pasture. Brego loves to buck the minute he hits the lane. If it's not Rain starting up a "stampede" than it's Brego.

Morning chores now give me a sort of peace before heading off to work. This morning was no exception and in fact was even more tranquil. I let the horses out into the pasture. Fog rolled in this morning so instead of the lush green background, the fog was the background. It was very tranquil and peaceful. I'll have to get pictures of them romping around the pasture tomorrow morning if I wake up soon enough. I've gotten spoiled.

I do love summer morning chores. It takes a whopping ten minutes and that's only because I stand there for five minutes watching the horses play before getting down to the business of grazing. I do love watching the horses. Who ever said the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a sole (or whatever that saying is) was completely and utterly correct. I've started every morning out this week with a calming joy. It's definately great for my spirits.

A Day in Pictures

Sam with Dude, Bob, Chaos, and Rain in the big pasture

Dude, Bob, Rain, and Chaos in the big pasture.

Babe sporting her fly mask.

Brego and King in the tree pasture.

Queen (doesn't she look cute with her matching flymask?)

New Experiences

This Memorial Day weekend was definitely packed full of activities and new experiences. It makes going back to work a bit hard although this morning was definitely worth getting up for. I went out to let the horses out to the pasture. There’s nothing better for my sole than watching the horses enjoy themselves out in the pasture galloping around, grazing, and just enjoying being out in the lush grass. Since I haven’t blogged all weekend I’ll start from the beginning and see where we go.

On Friday I let the big herd (Dude, Rain, and Chaos) out into the “lawn pasture” to graze for a few hours. I pulled Bob out so he could wander around the yard. I let King, Brego, and Sam out into the tree pasture to graze too. There’s not much there so I figured it wouldn’t take much for it to be gone soon. They weren’t out for very long but I figured they need to be out on grass and adjust to it pretty quick. Nothing earth shattering there.

On Saturday I slept in. I’m sure the horses weren’t pleased with me but I enjoyed it so much. The horses decided to show their disgust with me by tearing down the electric fence in the dry lot and also took down a second fence to keep them out of one section of the dry lot that needs to be fixed up. I decided it was time to let them out on the big pasture. I went and got Farley so he could enjoy a quick romp through the pasture while I checked fence. I hadn’t been out to the big pasture to check fence since last fall. Everything was still up, but the electric was wrapped in a number of spots. The electric isn’t on yet but I’m betting later this year we’ll have to use it. The grass in the pasture didn’t come back like I’d hoped. I’m a bit nervous that the pasture won’t hold out long enough.

When I got back from walking the pasture I found a tick. Not earth shattering, but then I found another, and another, and another. I must have walked through a “metropolitan” instead of a nest! From the time I walked through the pasture Saturday early afternoon to Monday morning I’ve found nine or ten ticks on me or on my clothes. Uugh. I hate tick season.

After walking the fence line, I decided I would let Bob, Rain, Dude, and Chaos out. King was still in with Brego and Sam. I didn’t want King out there yet since he hadn’t had as many hours on grass as the big herd (since he was a stinker and wouldn’t let me catch him). There is nothing better for me to lift my spirits than to watch the horses go loping down the lane into the pasture and once they hit the pasture to buck and kick up their heels. Even Bob was feeling good. He loped out to the pasture (mind you he doesn’t ever do anything more than a slow trot), AND he kicked up his heels and bucked (just once but it’s more than I’ve seen in a long time). I’m really hoping that the grass will put some weight on him. Otherwise I have to look at the alternative.

I also let Sam, Brego, and King out into the tree pasture for a few hours so that they could graze and get used to the grass. I was a bit nervous about leaving for a few hours but I had the electric on the tree pasture and the big herd was too busy eating to care.

When we got back from running errands on Saturday afternoon Bob was standing by the barn waiting for his daily grain. He comes up to the barn about 4pm and stands around waiting. I’m guessing he really likes his new grain ration. I increased his soaked senior to three scoops and then added two cups of soaked beet pulp. I added the same two cups of beet pulp to Sam too. I’m hoping the beet pulp will help bulk up both drafts. I’m still figuring out the correct ration of beet pulp. I’m just surprised that they didn’t turn up their nose at it when they hit the mixture. Some of the horses are so darn picky. I guess Bob and Sam aren’t picky eaters. Yea for me!

I decided that for now I would lock the horses out of the pasture so they can’t do any night grazing yet. Maybe in a few more days I’ll let them stay out to pasture 24x7 but I haven’t decided yet. I’m hoping if I pull them off the pasture for the next week that they’ll adjust to all the grass and I can still catch them when I want to.

Sunday was the big anniversary party so I didn’t get a lot of time to play with the horses. I again let the big herd out to the big pasture and let the smaller herd out to the tree pasture. The poor ponies have definitely gotten shafted. I need to come up with a new game plan for the ponies. We left about 9am and didn’t get home until 10pm. So the horses in the tree pasture had the grass mowed down to almost nothing in a few spots. I planned on letting Brego and Sam out into the big herd on Monday to let them graze although I was a bit nervous with the idea since neither of them had been in yet with Dude. I figured Dude would be a holy terror and just beat the snot out of Brego or Sam.

I figured the horses would be out to pasture when we got home at 10pm. But Bob was up at the barn patiently (or not so patiently since Bob likes to bang on the barn door with his massive hooves) waiting for his grain. I’m sure he was out to pasture and back to the barn a half dozen times waiting for me to get home. I short changed him on his grain Sunday night since he takes an hour to eat all his grain. Sam snarfed his grain down within a very short time. I’m trying to increase his grain ration too to try and put more weight on him as quickly as possible. Bob’s dark coat makes his weight loss a bit deceiving. Sam on the other hand looks thin even when he’s standing out in the pasture. I figure at some point someone will turn me in. Although I don’t think I would mind, that way I could explain where and who I got the skinny horse from and show how I’ve helped some of the others out. I’d rather people were a bit bolder about turning in people when it comes to abuse/neglect. But I’m still rather cautious to put a thin horse out on pasture with the big herd. Ok, I’m digressing again.

Monday was a new experience for many of the horses. But I’m thinking I’ll leave that story for a later date. I wish I would have had my camera when I let the horses out to pasture every morning so that everyone could enjoy the scene that unfolds for me every day. It’s just a great experience I’d like to share it with everyone. Maybe tomorrow!

Life Quality Moments

Lots of life quality moments going on this weekend. I'll post more but just wanted to say that today has been a very fulfilling day. It didn't revolve around horses, it revolved around family and what better way to spend some life quality moments than with family (even if the family is two legged instead of four).

I'll post tomorrow about the real pasture experience the horses had this weekend. But until then, it's past my bed time and I'm beat. Going to go relax and remember the life quality moments from today.

Grazing and Hot Laps

Last night was round two of lawn pasture grazing. Bob of course was a stinker. He wanted to be in the barn eating his grain instead of eating grass. Rain and Chaos were easy to catch. Dude thought he didn’t want to be caught until I’d taken half his herd out and then he realized that maybe he did want to be caught. Again King would not let me catch him. He’s getting very bad. I guess if I didn’t show him his halter he’d understand. Of course, I’m sure he thinks I’ll just ride him if I catch him. Usually if I show anyone a halter they run the other way. My hope is that once they get used to me haltering them for grass that they will be easier to catch later on.

So out Rain, Dude, and Chaos went to eat grass on the lawn. I wasn’t as worried about them trying to run through the fence this time around. They probably have another day or so in that spot and then I’ll need to move them to a different spot with more grass. My hope was that I wouldn’t have to mow the lawn if I put them out on the grass. Bob has done a wonderful job eating around the grain bin. He’s got the grass down to the nubbins.

I decided that I would pull Sam out and keep a close eye on him. He seems to enjoy the grass just as much as the rest. He puttered around and actually did some grass investigating in other parts of where I had him. He went into the trees to check the grass out. The grass in the trees isn’t really coming back but I wasn’t too surprised since I’d had Maverick and Brego on it for six months with no relief. I think they actually had it down to just dirt.

I decided that I needed to work with Brego, at least mess with him. I haltered him and pulled him out so that he could enjoy some grass. I don’t trust him with the big herd yet and I can’t put him in with Sam and walk away since he doesn’t respect fences. I figure it’s a good thing if I’m at the end of the lead rope. He’ll learn a bit more manners and will learn to trust me that much more.

Brego devoured the grass. I decided I would sit on the tractor wheel while he munched away. I did get up once, which spooked him a bit. I guess I need to work with him a bit more on being approached in different directions. But I’m betting if I pull him out every day and let him graze in different spots, he’ll get used to even more handling. He did very well. I got a chance to actually look at him last night. He’s really growing. I’m not sure if it’s that he’s fully recovered from starvation or if he’s actually going throw a growth spurt. In any case, he looks really good. The only conformation flaw he now has is his front legs, the left one more than the right. I won’t ever be able to fix that but at least I know that when he walks, his left leg paddles pretty good.

I decided after just a little bit of grazing (didn’t want to over do it since he hadn’t been on grass in awhile), that I would put Brego back in his pen. At that time Sam was wandering around in the trees. Brego must have decided that he was feeling good. He let out a buck and took off across the pen. I was a bit worried that he wouldn’t stop and would plow through the fence and me. But he circled around and kept running at full bore. He’d turn around and come racing back to me and then race back to the fence so he could keep an eye out on Sam. He must have done a good number of laps in about 10 minutes of running. After those 10 minutes, Brego came racing over to me and stopped. He was done! It was hilarious. You could tell he felt good but was tired from all the running. He’s such a good boy.

Brego’s winter coat is finally coming out and a new color is starting to show threw. His winter coat is a darker bay, but the summer coat is a bit lighter and richer. I’m hoping it’s all the feed. I’m also hoping that I’ll be able to keep his hair going all in one direction instead of the million and one direction he had when I first got him.

When I pulled Brego out, Sam decided to join is. He turned his back on us after just a few mouthfuls of grass. I thought it was pretty cute though. Every couple of bites of grass, he’d turn his head to see if we were still there. He checked on our location a couple of times. It was pretty cute. I knew when I got him that he was herd bound. He didn’t seem to herd bound when I put Brego back in the pen. Sam kept his head down munching away on the grass while Brego did hot laps around the pen.

I didn’t get a chance to get the ponies out to munch on grass last night. I think I’m going to pull a few more panels down and put them up by the dog pen. I think if the ponies are on grass for about 10-20 minutes every day, I can get them adjusted to pasture life a little easier. Having never had ponies, I don’t really know how to acclimate them to pasture life after having them eat hay all winter. I’m a bit worried about founder and laminitis. I guess I better start doing some research. But I think I have a plan where it won’t require me to either hang on to them to hand graze them or one that requires me to tie them to a fence. I’m not keen on loose lead ropes where someone can get hurt.

I’m hoping tonight that the main herd will have the lawn pasture grazed down to where I want it and then tomorrow I can move the lawn pasture to a different location where the grass is pretty high and lush. I want the horses out on pasture soon. I just broke open the last bale of hay. Hopefully that bale will last longer than the other one. I’m figuring that I’ll have to put the horses on pasture by Monday, otherwise Mike and I will have to run to Madison to pick up the last of my emergency bale rations.