tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25552241410814133342024-03-13T05:25:56.678-06:00Just Horsing AroundMy Online effort to communicate with my students and any horse enthusiast that wants to safely handle their horses.Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-59576110087060497682020-10-04T12:30:00.049-06:002020-10-05T23:54:43.478-06:00Ryder 01/01/11 - 10/04/20<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UxzesDIy7SfIFwHRSUnzWcKE_pLwJ00qHR_5QnWnsytl20D2Zkxz5MVJbjijuEOrpekmQI1fFSpJ1Vfl9wILSCjbUmzuaTtX9zmP5ol9JXP8qmoeeTS1ZoynmJhesKhi4HlUNdA4awY/s2048/IMG_2788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UxzesDIy7SfIFwHRSUnzWcKE_pLwJ00qHR_5QnWnsytl20D2Zkxz5MVJbjijuEOrpekmQI1fFSpJ1Vfl9wILSCjbUmzuaTtX9zmP5ol9JXP8qmoeeTS1ZoynmJhesKhi4HlUNdA4awY/s320/IMG_2788.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Our beloved german shepherd dog Ryder,
died suddenly from what we think was likely cardiac arrest; doing what he
loved most – following the quad. Thankfully it was quick and painless and
Gord and I were both with him as he drew his last breath. Although Ryder was my
50<sup>th</sup> birthday present, he and Gord developed an extra special bond
which gave him special privileges our previous dogs had never enjoyed. Ryder was
the first dog to live in the house but more than that, he even had his own sofa to sleep on. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Ryder loved going for truck rides and Gord took him
nearly everywhere he went. It seemed Ryder could tell if Gord had errands to
run and would follow Gord around the house to ensure he wouldn't get left behind. Even when they returned home,
Ryder would stay in the back seat of the truck as long as Gord would let him. And when Gord would ride Magic, Ryder rarely left Magic's heals.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Being the designated scooper of poop, I was delighted to
discover early on that Ryder would not do his business on manicured lawns. In
the nearly 10 years of having him with us, I could count on one hand how often
I had to pick up poop because he always went out to the hay field, or horse
pastures.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We have always adopted older dogs so we can better evaluate
their temperaments. At 5 months old, Ryder was younger than we wanted, but we
knew he was the right dog for us. We love GSD’s but we want friendly, calm dogs
that we don’t have to worry about when we have visiting kids and pets. Ryder
was so sweet, he wouldn’t hurt a mouse as proven when Gord presented him with a
live mouse. Even when the mouse latched on to Ryder’s nose in self-defense, he
refused to harm it – much to Gord’s chagrin. He was also very respectful around
our kitties and although he would chase them on occasion, we knew and they knew
it was a game and he wouldn’t harm them.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Ryder was plagued with itchy skin and hot spots - and we always wondered if it was because he was an indoor dog. Gord spent many hours searching for something to relieve his irritated skin and tried countless remedies to offer him relief. The last couple of years, a completely raw diet combined with Apoquel gave him the most relief and restored his beautiful coat.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As all dog lovers know, they leave a heartbreaking hole when they’re
gone but the pain of losing them is offset by the many years of joy a great dog brings to our lives.</p><p class="MsoNormal">You were a great dog!<br />Tovie & Gord</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-15475409047980147042018-09-13T16:25:00.000-06:002018-09-13T16:27:58.898-06:00Perfectly Happy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Navar's training continues to progress and while he is not "perfect" I have a reliable horse I am comfortable taking anywhere. This summer while encouraging him to go through a deep mucky pond, I was met with a lot of resistance. One gal who was riding with us, stated I was being too soft on him and to just give him one good wack. I am not adverse to "going to the bite" when my horse is not respecting my personal space but I have never found it beneficial to force a horse onto or into an obstacle or situation they are truly worried about. For one thing, I don't want my horse to rush over or through an obstacle or situation out of fear but would rather they think their way through it, as it makes things safer for both of us. I also believe this approach increases my horse's confidence in himself and me. Nevertheless, I didn't think Navar should be so resistant about going into the pond so I foolishly took her advice and gave him one good smack on the bum with the end of my rein. He nearly threw me off and could have injured himself in the process because he was deep into the mud at the time.<br />
<br />
Thankfully nothing bad happened and I went about "helping" him through the pond by dismounting and sending him through a few times on his own. Going through the pond has not been a problem since.<br />
<br />
Why I listened to that other supposedly "experienced" horse person is beyond me. This woman clearly dominated her obviously unhappy horse; and he didn't do all the obstacles perfectly either. This incident gave me pause and made me really think about what kind of experience I want to have with my horse. I am playing with horses for fun, not out of necessity. If it takes us a bit longer to accomplish something; staying safe and maintaining a trusting relationship with my horse is well worth it.<br />
<br />
I came away from that seemly inconsequential incident thinking, "Navar may not be perfectly trained, but we are perfectly happy and having fun together"!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2i4Q0kChLhqaYsfpgWsiEobtK8BAjsatxY6gbP9Z-axkuO9VolDskbe74n36rsSVgRGV10bxGAzmD-1qt-Nel8Ksa21Xdx-XhhOial7IJuvmzBShyj3AulWKG3CcHBHp_CjSJAKhW2nA/s1600/Tovie+splashing+back+over+Ware+Creek+on+Navar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2i4Q0kChLhqaYsfpgWsiEobtK8BAjsatxY6gbP9Z-axkuO9VolDskbe74n36rsSVgRGV10bxGAzmD-1qt-Nel8Ksa21Xdx-XhhOial7IJuvmzBShyj3AulWKG3CcHBHp_CjSJAKhW2nA/s320/Tovie+splashing+back+over+Ware+Creek+on+Navar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Tovie and Navar</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-52999115041245555442018-08-09T11:43:00.000-06:002018-08-10T12:37:45.545-06:00Graceful Healing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I met Ellen Equable several years ago on a flight from Calgary to Toronto. We were seated across the aisle from each other and while I don't remember how we started chatting - chat we did for the entire flight. Since that chance encounter, Ellen has helped us sort out a couple of critter issues by helping our cats, Buster and Mojo, find their way to get along. Then there was the "chat" she had with Magic, only to discover he had a fear of cougars. When he was tied too short and couldn't turn his head to see behind him, he would panic and pull back violently. Since then we now ground tie him or tie him longer and he has not pulled back since then.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3m4i2Nh2dED0IGCurPO-x5kxNAljJxl8oseuCFm0OqiH7AAJEhE6n5pffCn9gDPx3WuswJhpujP-KPmmqrCAvfqHNNz4fLfsF1mZJyI-DTyTcTjfRLtQoD6nh73iQdaermrYM-uQ3lgU/s1600/Ellen+%2526+Magic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3m4i2Nh2dED0IGCurPO-x5kxNAljJxl8oseuCFm0OqiH7AAJEhE6n5pffCn9gDPx3WuswJhpujP-KPmmqrCAvfqHNNz4fLfsF1mZJyI-DTyTcTjfRLtQoD6nh73iQdaermrYM-uQ3lgU/s320/Ellen+%2526+Magic.jpg" width="256" /></a>Ellen contacted me a couple of months ago to ask if I would host a healing session, with our horses, for folks wanting help to neutralize negative energy in their lives. In June we set up the first session in our outdoor arena using barrels to create a safe zone for folks. The idea was that we would seat ourselves in a circle and the horses would be turned lose in the arena to do as they pleased. The first astounding thing that happened when Ellen sat down was that Magic came straight over to her and seemingly hugged her with his head and neck - a truly touching moment.<br />
<br />
The other participants had little to no experience with horses so it was remarkable to see how the horses responded to them. A couple of the horses laid down and allowed complete strangers to approach them. My friend's horse Magnum is a bit of loaner and during one participant's session, he walked over to her and calmly stood beside her the entire time. I asked Ellen to help me clear the shame and grief I was still carrying since Dexter's death so I could allow myself to better connect with Navar. Surprisingly, Navar laid down during my entire session and leaned his body against my lower legs as if grounding me. The other participants stated that not one horse moved a hair until my session was over.<br />
<br />
Navar was a horse I bought as a yearling because of his beautiful colour. It was shortly after acquiring Navar that Dexter came into my life and stole my heart. While Navar was loved and well cared for, I just couldn't seem to feel a bond for him. He has always been willing enough and is a sweet, sensible horse but I wanted to develop more of a connection with him. After my healing session with Ellen, I immediately started to notice small changes in my interactions with Navar. He has never been hard to catch but has also not offered to come meet me in the field. Two days after Ellen's visit, he came in from the field to greet me as I came through the gate. In the past, when I was leading him, he would balk and have to be encouraged to come with me. He has not balked once since my healing session. And our rides together have gone from OK to wonderful. We are doing things together with a mutual trust and respect I have experienced with other horses but didn't think it possible with Navar.<br />
<br />
In July we conducted another session that was again, truly remarkable. This time I participated as an observer only. It was amazing to witness how different horses responded to different people. The horses are at liberty (free to come and go as they please) and yet they chose to encircle our group. During individual healing sessions, one horse would see their way to stand next to the participant, as tho a sentinel for that person. Magnum, Jack, Magic and Fonzi each chose to be with a particular person during their healing session. Very cool for me was that I felt Navar close to me most of the day, thereby solidifying my bond with him.<br />
<br />
Thank you Ellen for your dedication and enthusiasm to help folks find their inner peace.<br />
<br />
Tovie, Navar and the rest of the Boys!</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-50569155794044399752018-08-01T08:53:00.000-06:002020-03-10T09:22:51.874-06:00Fonzi and Uli Moving On<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Our goal is
to keep our herd to 6 to ensure every horse can access shelter space when need
be. We also pick up poop daily so each horse creates a lot of work. When my dear friend Uli bought Fonzi, I
offered to let him (and Uli) stay until another potential project horse came my
way. Well, I had an opportunity in the Summer of 2018 and so it was time for
Fonzi to move. Uli took him to the boarding facility where her sister’s and husband’s
horses reside at Sandstone Coulee. We knew it would be a tougher environment for Uli and Fonzi because it was a mixed pasture of mares and geldings whereas our place is a gelding only zone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ec9654dc2UGYPbToyMU7Cqt5vWjjmyBjY2IfvD18RdXFeCKh6b7FN4l6stJgwnk9HxnWTeZRKFvLMT63Bw4TSmei5_wiwHDcj97Qj_1tnaPqkYaGjFZv3bmPrYbd2Oqdn32hifiDk_A/s1600/Uli+Fonzi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ec9654dc2UGYPbToyMU7Cqt5vWjjmyBjY2IfvD18RdXFeCKh6b7FN4l6stJgwnk9HxnWTeZRKFvLMT63Bw4TSmei5_wiwHDcj97Qj_1tnaPqkYaGjFZv3bmPrYbd2Oqdn32hifiDk_A/s320/Uli+Fonzi.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Uli asked if
I would review her daily progress reports and offer feedback (i.e. “yes, that
was good” or “no, that was stupid”, or “try this instead”). Uli’s comments were
so funny and sincere, I simply had to share a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>condensed version of her daily reports. Uli is German so if you don’t understand a word,
it is more than likely a “bad” word in German. I know this is long but it is an honest depiction of the ups and downs of a dedicated horse person's life in a less than ideal environment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone
Coulee – Day 1<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Got out there
at 6 a.m. and saw 3 big elk run across the field, shrouded in a little bit of
mist rising from the creek while the sun just came up over the hill….. good
start to the day!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Fonzi
sneakily made his way a little closer to the girls while still keeping poor
Cayuse away from them. Little bugger! The mares still give Fonzi the evil
eye when he gets too close. Bitches!! Fortunately he only has a few
more bite marks but nothing serious, just missing hide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Walked into
the field and Fonzi came trotting up to me. SO AWESOME!!! Then a mare
came from behind, shot right past me and drove him away. I hit her with
the end of my rope. Sorry, mare. Don’t mess with my boy when I’m
around!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRotsIF8V4zGcDCJHoC6XItnZpYBfpq_uiJKFPfP69vFqE0c1KhyphenhyphenT3wXv1PUUnmuoyyt339uDTA1StT6Zn_1IXkr0WAlvKkmj3b0F2jskGtDf8pkvs4hyGQjy4jFE37YW4vhven4n_pXo/s1600/Uli+Fonzi+Groundwork.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1202" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRotsIF8V4zGcDCJHoC6XItnZpYBfpq_uiJKFPfP69vFqE0c1KhyphenhyphenT3wXv1PUUnmuoyyt339uDTA1StT6Zn_1IXkr0WAlvKkmj3b0F2jskGtDf8pkvs4hyGQjy4jFE37YW4vhven4n_pXo/s320/Uli+Fonzi+Groundwork.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Put the
halter on Fonzi and started some groundwork, which caused the rest of the herd
to leave toward the end of the field. This made Fonzi very agitated and
unfocused, so I followed them until we were close enough that he wasn’t so
stressed any more, and then started groundwork again. Initially he was
still very focused on the mares and not paying attention, but after a while he
relaxed and focused more on me. After half an hour he was licking and
chewing, and only occasionally glanced at the herd. I walked back and
forth with him and gradually a bit further away, and at first he was pushing
into my space, thinking he could push me more toward the herd, but I kept
wiggling him back and finally he was quite relaxed and respectful, and changed
direction with me on a loose rein every time I turned. Then I asked him to
back up and he lowered his head and backed up very softly….
HALLELUJAH!!! That was a good time to stop, I thought. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone
Coulee – Day 2<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Is it ever
smoky out there today!! I could feel it in my lungs when I went out this
morning, so today we only practiced calm walking while keeping space between
him and me, and walking in circles with the stick on his back, also making sure
he does not push into my space. It went well, but I have a couple of
questions for you:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">When we start
groundwork, he is very focused on the mares. After a while, he starts to
relax and focus on me, but he will still look over to the mares
frequently. When he does that, I’ve been giving him a tug on the rope to
bring his head back to me, and he refocuses for a while until he looks over
again. Is a tug sufficient, or should I give him a really good yank, or
just start moving his feet right away every time he looks over, with more
pressure? Just wondering what would tell him in the most clear way that
looking over to the mares is undesirable? Or should I not worry about it
at this point since he does pay attention to me again as soon as I ask him to
do something else?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Also, I’ve
been doing the groundwork a little bit away from the herd, thinking that
gradually I should be able to move further and further away with it. Then
the principle of making the space where he wants to be uncomfortable, and
making the space where he does not want to be a resting place occurred to me. Should
I do the groundwork closer to the herd and then move him away to let him
relax? Or would it not matter to do the groundwork closer to the herd in
an attempt to make it an “uncomfortable” space, since he will just go back
there anyways once I am gone? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Looking
forward to your thoughts!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">And try not
to breathe outdoors today…. Haha!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone
Coulee – Day 3<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Uli: Yay,
the horses are all by the shelter, I don’t need to walk all the way to the end
of the field! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Good
morning, everyone! Hi Fonzi! What a good boy!</span></i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"> <i>Nice job lowering the head
for me to tie the halter…. Hey, where are you girls going? You can stay
right here</i>….. damn, they are heading to the end of the field.
Guess I’ll be walking anyways. Oh well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Fonzi: <i>Ah,
here comes the woman that brings me treats. I’ll go check her out.
Oh good, she’s got the apple treats again. I’ll let her put the halter
on. Wait, the girls are leaving. No, girls, stay here! It’s
all good here. She’ll only make me work, not you….. Damn, they are
heading to the end of the field. I want to follow them and keep an eye on
them so that casanova Cayuse doesn’t flirt with anyone in my absence. Oh
good, we’re heading that way, let’s go!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Uli: <i>Fonzi,
don’t push into my space. We can follow these horses calmly.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">I said
calmly. Back. (</span></i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">rope
wiggling)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Back!
</span></i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">(more energetic
rope wiggling)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Slap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sorry, had
to do that, I really mean it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Fonzi: <i>Let’s
walk faster, mom, I can see Cayuse ogling the roan!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Faster?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Faster?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Ouch!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Okay, not
faster.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Uli: <i>Okay,
bud, here we are, let’s do a bit of groundwork right here by the mares.
Oh nice, you’re all relaxed, let’s walk away for a bit. You’re starting
to do the C pattern all by yourself… okay then, we can do that as we
walk. Send you to the left, take the hip and send you to the right….<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Damn, the
end of the lead rope got all tangled around my leg, one second….<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Okay,
carry on, send you to the right….<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Tangled
again, shit. One second….<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Take the
hip, send you to the left….<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Oh no, now
I’ve got the end of the stick rope wrapped around the lead rope wrapped around
my leg…. one second, Fonzi…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">What’s
going on here, there’s a knot, how did that get in there….. okay, got it,
on we go….<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">For f…..’s
sake, I am totally wrapped up in all these ropes and strings, why am I so
clumsy with my equipment this morning…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Fonzi: <i>Hahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaa…….<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone
Coulee – Day 4<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">TGIF! This
morning went very well!!! The horses were hanging out by the shelter as
they usually do when I get there, so I went out and got Fonzi, who much to my
delight still comes walking up to me now – he hardly ever did that at your
place. Wonder what changed that, I’m still the one making him work…
insecurity about the new place? Not as many humans around during the
day? Or maybe he actually likes me? Could it be love?</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"> I do suspect it’s because
Cayuse and Mistral always come to me for treats and he doesn’t want to miss
out. But whatever it is, it’s nice! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Once I
started doing groundwork with him, the herd left for the far end of the field
as usual, but this time I decided to just keep working with Fonzi by the
shelter. There is a patch of dirt in front of the shelter so I can
actually move his feet. The grass is wet in the morning so if I work with
him in the field, he slips on the grass quite a bit, but right in front of the
shelter is good. He was very unfocused at first because the herd went to
the far end where he could barely see them anymore, but after 30 minutes of
foot-hustling he was quite relaxed and only cast glances toward the far end
before he would focus on me again. I did feel like his sweet spot
today! Maybe I’ll go out again after work and this time take him all the
way to the round pen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">I feel like I
have to “up my game” so I can start riding him again. I very much miss my
arena mornings…. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone
Coulee – Day 5-6</span></i></b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is two days later, but I really wanted to recap my
experience with you and Fonzi on Days 5 and 6 as these were big milestone days
for me, and I think putting things in writing will help me remember, too. Although
Fonzi and I did make some progress over the past week, I still felt that
something was missing, that he didn’t fully trust me or feel safe with me away
from the herd, that I couldn’t find the right way to communicate with him, and
I wasn’t very confident about being able to improve things. But on Day 5,
after spending a couple of hours with you everything shifted back onto the
right track again! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As soon as you saw me start the groundwork, you realized I
was putting too much pressure on Fonzi. This was me thinking that I had to
move his feet with energy and determination to be recognized as his leader,
while Fonzi is such a sensitive horse and so respectful that all it takes a
slight turn and shift of my body. As soon as you demonstrated this in your
calm, relaxed way, he relaxed, and after just a little bit of quiet groundwork
he was so willing to walk away from the rest of the herd, it was amazing. It
was so nice to take him up to the round pen and he only whinnied once for the
herd. I also loved how he stuck with us when we took him off the lead rope
to practice the walking C-turns with you being my horse, us wanting Fonzi to
move away and he wanted to stay right there with us. It was great to see
how you went about the trailer loading so calmly and only escalated the
pressure a little bit when he started to escalate, which brought him right back
down - that was a great lesson. Thank you so much for an awesome
afternoon, for making it so much fun, for your patience when I am overthinking
things or get tangled in my equipment, and for pointing out that the technique
doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s the goal that I need to focus on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast forward to Sunday morning, Day 6. Putting what I
learned yesterday to the test! And man, did it ever work! I started
out by the shelter like we did yesterday, calmly moved his front end and his
hips with very little pressure, then walked up to the waterer and when he
passed me I wiggled him back or sent him over and moved his hip to get him back
in the right position. Cayuse and one of the mares came with us, but even
with them walking around us, we calmly did our little walking exercises and
then left through the gate to go up to the round pen…. no problem! I
wanted to yodel I was so happy! He only whinnied once in the round pen but
otherwise was really focused and connected, so we headed over to the
trailer. A bit more heavy breathing and curious looking around on the way
there, but no serious attempt to pass me, yay! And the trailer was very
fun, he was quite willing to go in, and after going in and backing him out a
few times I tried to extend the time we stayed in. After about 10 minutes
or so he was very relaxed in there, I moved his hips all the way over to the
wall and we had an apple. When he seemed really comfortable I called it a
day and let him graze a bit, then took him back to the pasture. Since he
walked so calmly I thought I’d go a little further so we walked past the gate
and past all the other horses in the field, just being happy to walk with each
other. That was a true sweet spot moment!! I turned around halfway
down the field because I wanted it to be a nice experience all the way through,
and on the way back to the gate we walked really slow, then fast, then stopped,
walked fast and so on, it was very fun. I had such a fabulous afternoon
just doing these small things with him, but doing them well and in tune with
him, and everything felt calm and soft. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So that’s my progress report for Day 6! It was
awesome, thank you so much for spending the time with me on Saturday and
getting me straightened out again…. I get a little confused at times without my
periodical Tovie fix.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be continued……<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone
Coulee – Day 7</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Morning mist
was hovering silently over the wet field and tiny tendrils of steam rose from the
horses’ backs as they stood in the cover of the shelter looking out at the
gentle rain. A tender-eyed deer with a fawn still in his spotted coat
slowly walked down the hill and crossed the pasture, pausing here and there to
nibble at some tender shoots of grass. There were no sounds, other than
the dripping of the rain and an owl hooting wistfully in the distance. An
otherworldly peace had descended over the coulee and it felt as if the world
was holding its breath for a brief moment in time….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">……<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">……<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">BECAUSE I
WASN’T THERE! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">I woke up
around 4:30 and it was raining beautifully in Okotoks, so I changed my alarm
clock from 5:15 to 6:15 and went back to bed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">The end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Hee hee….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">I will go out
tonight instead and hook up the trailer again and practice more trailer
loading. I guess my next task will be to close the divider once he is in
comfortably, but it’s a bit tricky because if it is not tied with the bungee
cord, it will fall closed on its own, so I have to kind of hold it open while I
load him and then close it. Picture me, leading Fonzi in with my left
hand, driving him with my right, and holding the divider with my left foot
while balancing on the other. I think that’s a yoga pose….. the
“hovering duck” or something? If you have nothing better to do, you are of
course always most welcome to join me for an evening of horse play in the
coulee…. </span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"> I know you’ve got plenty to do, just thought I’d
mention it….. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">I want to
take Fonzi on a walk along the other side of the creek where we ride, and one
of these days I’ll saddle him up and see how he does trying to ride out, but it
would be way nicer to ride with someone who has patience and lets me work
through any issues we may face, rather than riding the first time with an
impatient man. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone
Coulee – Day 8</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">As you
probably tell from my ecstatic phone message, I had an awesome session with
Fonzi in the morning. It made such a huge, huge difference going about
things quietly and softly right from the beginning. He was such a Rockstar, and
such a joy to play with. And when we walked past the other horses along
the gravel road, he was so calm and quiet, it made me cry again…..
what would I ever do without you!! Can I write a post for your website or
for your blog? I just want people to know how awesome you are and what a
tremendous difference you can make in someone’s relationship with their
horse. The world needs more Tovie!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone
Coulee – Day 9</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Houston, we
have a problem!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Fonzi is in
love!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">And it’s not
me that he is in love with!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Damn!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Good morning,
by the way! </span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">So, yesterday
evening I went out to the coulee right after work, but I made a big
mistake. Two mistakes. First, Chris very kindly offered to wait for
me so we could have a more relaxed dinner when I got back. While it was
very sweet of him, it also made me feel rushed, which was not good. Second
mistake: I focused too much on one thing, the trailer loading, rather
than helping Fonzi become calm and focused first.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Okay, so here
is me, wanting to get things done. I have a limited amount of time because
a hungry husband is waiting. Should have told him to eat without me, but
how can I do that when he wants to spend time with me….. argh!! Dilemma!!! Anyway,
when I get to the coulee I see that Fonzi meanwhile has fallen in love with the
little mare. Ignorante Schlampe!!! The grouping is now: Mistral
and two mares, Fonzi and one mare, and poor Cayuse by himself. Fortunately
Fonzi still comes up to me when I come with the halter. Yay! See
that, Schlampe??!! So we started doing our little exercises with very
little pressure, and that went well, but every time I tried to walk toward the
water trough and away from the herd, he would start trotting ahead and around
me rather than walking calmly, and looking back at his girlfriend. So I
wiggled him back or did the C pattern, but his attention kept drifting away and
he would stop and look back at the mare. Then we did our exercises by the
water trough, nice and calm, me trying to not pull on his head, to keep a loose
rein, and to just focus on the walking. He did settle down a bit more but
not as nicely as he did on Saturday and Sunday. I decided to skip the round pen
and head to the trailer. Probably mistake number three, ey? I was
able to load him in and out, and he would stand calmly in the trailer for a few
seconds, but every time I lifted my hand to try and wrap the lead rope, he
started backing out. I could ask him to come forward again before he
stepped all the way out, but I was not able to get him to stand for me to wrap
the rope. And of course every time he backed out of the trailer, he would
turn right away and look back toward the field. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Same thing
this morning. He came up to me quite happily, yay, (see that,
Schlampe??!!), but as soon as we started to leave his girlfriend, he
would get very worried about her. I spent my time out there just walking
in the field, trying to get him to walk calmly with me away from the
herd. Didn’t make much progress…… big sigh! Feel like after our
awesome weekend we took a step back last night and this morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Okay, so my
thoughts are:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">a)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">I
didn’t have enough time to work with him. If I had spent more time, I
might have been able to get him to worry less about being away from the
Schlampe.</span><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">b)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">I
was too focused on one goal – the trailer loading – when I should have decided
that we have to accomplish calm walking first, and if we have time we could
have worked on the trailer but if not, not to worry about it.</span><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">c)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Should
I have put more pressure on him to try and achieve better relaxation and focus?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Looking
forward to hearing your thoughts! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone
Coulee – Day 10</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Well, at
least I recognize what the problem was. I have to become better at being
present with Fonzi. I tried to, but I think I was once more too focused on
the goal than on the horse. It is a bit hard, knowing what we had
accomplished at your place and now starting almost from scratch again. And
of course wanting to be able to load him into the trailer nicely and calmly on
Friday evening does add pressure. I feel like I should make more
progress. But if I just let go of my lofty goals and focus on the basics,
we’ll get there again. I have to stop thinking “I know you can do this, Fonzi,
we’ve done it in the past” and think instead “where are you at, buddy, at this
moment in time, are you with me”, and if not, try different strategies to get
him there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">I won’t be
able to play with him at all tomorrow. It will be a tough day….. </span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone
Coulee – Day 12</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Fonzi here….
my mom said she’s too busy this morning to write a report so I get to do
it. I didn’t see her yesterday cuz she had a very busy day and today she
is pretty tired but it was nice that she came out to play with me anyways. My
buddies and I were all by the water because we were locked up overnight, so at
least she didn’t have far to walk. And I did come up to her right away
when she showed up, which made her very happy. I always forget she puts
the halter on and makes me do stuff…… But she also said it was good because my
girlfriend is in heat. I’m not sure what that means or what’s going on but
my girlfriend puts her tail up in the air and turns her butt to me and acts
really weird. I think she wants me to do something but I can’t remember
what that was. Women – so confusing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">So my buddies
all went down the hill toward the gate and I couldn’t see them anymore, but
that was okay. My mom was very calm and purposeful this morning, so I decided
it was fine to hang out with her. I think she was just tired. We
walked around by the waterer for a while and she asked me to back up and move
my feet, and I only got a little bit distracted. Once in a while I tried
to pass her but she wiggled me back quite firmly so I gave up on that. And I
did not whinny once! Then we got startled because Phil showed up. He
must have heard my mom’s car and wanted to check what was going on. He
said he thought it was just us but wanted to make sure because they had some
tools stolen. My mom told me later that she was quite embarrassed because
she doesn’t wash her face or comb her hair in the morning when she comes to see
me, cause it’s just us and she gets clean in the office, so she said she
probably looked like shit. I don’t think she did, I mean, she’s not brown
or anything, although her hair looked a bit like a bird’s nest……
Anyways, it was nice doing things with her, and then she took me on a walk out
the gate and past all the trailers down the gravel road, which I really
liked. It was nice to have an adventure and I forgot all about the other
horses. Then I tried to eat some grass because I hadn’t had breakfast yet
and she got after me. Then we walked back and she put me back in with my
buddies and gave me an apple, and then she let us all run out into the
field. It was a very good morning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Fonzi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Fonzi,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am very happy you made things easy for your mom this morning.
She has been getting a bit worried that you will end up liking that slutty mare
more than her – especially after all the work she has done to earn your trust
and your respect. Very glad to hear you don’t remember what to do when that
slut winks her hiney at you. Me and The Boys are super excited to see you
tomorrow. Hopefully you will be a good boy and load nicely into the trailer
because I have a lot to do to get everything ready for the clinic Saturday
morning. However, if you find her loading skills suck, tell her to give me a
call and I’ll pop over and help you get in the trailer. Perhaps it will be
easier for you to know that Mistral or Cayuse are coming with you and that you
will get to visit with your old buddies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, dear boy, stop teasing that poor mare because we
both know how much you love your mom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Auntie Tovie<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone
Coulee – Day 15</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">What a nice
change to have a smoke-free morning!! It also helped to get a bit more
light in the morning as the days are getting shorter and it’s now a bit gloomy
out there at 6 am…. I think my coulee mornings are going to come to an
end soon, unless I bring a big head lamp!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">The horses
were all at the far end of the field this morning, the little buggers. I
walked out there with the very unrealistic hope that Fonzi would come running
up to me as soon as he saw me, whinnying and wanting to hang out with me…..
alas…. I have not surpassed the Ignorant Slut in the order of friends
yet. Hmmm. Reality check. Can’t really expect him to give up grazing
and hanging out with the herd that willingly for someone who wants to take him
away from his buddies after just one weekend of heavy-duty bonding. Okay,
more work is needed. I do feel, however, that maybe I understand him
better and that we are connecting better, I just have to figure out how to
convince him that he is okay coming with me and leaving the herd. So, we just
worked out in the field by the other horses. I wanted him to follow
without passing me, walking in circles. He was very good going toward the
mares, but did speed up to pass me going away from them. I pushed him
into a bigger circle with my hip when he sped up so he had to cover more ground
and was only beside me rather than passing me. That worked quite well and
in the end he was just walking rather than trotting when we headed away from
the mares. I take that as a small success. Not as good as I had hoped
but not a total failure either. I couldn’t think of anything else to do
because the grass is too slippery with dew to hustle his feet out there. Do you
think I should have just headed for the shelter area where there is dry dirt,
making him do C patterns until we got there, and then hustle his feet? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone
Coulee – Day 18</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">What a
beautiful morning!! And I couldn’t go to the coulee… bummer! I was
out yesterday after work, though, and practiced more arousal
management… </span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">I thought I
would add a bit of a challenge and go to the round pen, and we managed to get
there mostly calm and quiet. Fonzi still wanted to pass me a few times and
we just did some moving of the hip or the front end, and once we were in the
paddock by the old chicken barn I could use that wall to cut him off. With
a bit more moving of his feet and stopping and relaxing we walked up there
quite nicely. I took the halter off in the round pen and he followed me
around right away. It was actually quite funny, he would get distracted
and stop to eat grass or to look for the other horses and I would keep walking,
and after a couple of seconds he would rush to catch up to me. In the end
we walked around the round pen very calm and connected and had a lovely
time. I would have totally ridden him at that point if I had brought my
helmet. Next time! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone
Coulee – Day 20</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">I went out to
the coulee yesterday afternoon and brought Fonzi up to the round pen. He
still tried to pass me but this time rather than walking on and doing the C
pattern, I stopped and sent him back to where he was supposed to be, making
sure I didn’t yield any space, then I took another step but stopped again each
time he tried to pass. I think after a while he realized that he was doing
all the work while I mostly stood still, and he got bored with it and started
to stay behind me much better. Yay! Once in a while he still sped up
but by then I was next to the fence and I could block him. We made our way
to the round pen mostly calm, and in the round pen he got a bit excited and
started calling to the mares but I took his halter off and asked him to follow
me, and that calmed him down quite quickly. Then I put his bitless bridle
on and took him over to my improvised mounting block. There was a black
tub outside the round pen that I turned over and stepped on to heave my carcass
up on Fonzi. Fortunately nobody was watching because during my first
attempt he wasn't standing right next to the tub, so when I swung my leg over
him he took a tiny step sideways but it was enough for me to shift my weight on
the darn tub and tip it over. I wasn't far enough up on him to pull myself
up, so I did a kind of vertical splits and then very ungraciously tumbled onto
the ground. I am certain I heard Fonzi laugh! Anyways, we had a very nice
little bareback ride in the round pen. Next time I’ll go into the paddock that
the round pen is in, that will give us more ground to work with. And this
morning when I led him from the mares to the water trough he followed me very
politely a couple steps behind me. He stopped a few times to look back at
the mares but I just waited for him to think about it and after a little while
he calmly walked on. That was the best walk away from the mares we were
able to do so far. They were all hanging out by the shelter so I’m sure it
helped that they were close, but I think he’s also getting used to the
situation. Just wish I had more light in the morning, it’s disappearing
quickly! But what a nice morning, I saw pink clouds, deer walking through
the field and a pretty little skunk. Fortunately the skunk was not
interested in me, haha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone
Coulee – Day 24</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">We had a very
calm little ride yesterday, it was great. I took Fonzi into the round pen
first for a bit and then we rode down the gravel road to the cattle guard and
back. I would have liked to go across the train tracks to the trails but
there was a train parked there and we couldn’t cross it. Fonzi did very
well, he stopped to look back at the mares a few times but then he calmly
walked on and followed Mistral. He was really ouchy on the gravel so I’m
hoping it’s just because he hasn’t been on any hard surfaces all summer and not
because of too much grass. The grass shouldn’t have much sugar left in it by
now, should it? Anyway, I will just talk to Chris briefly tonight to make sure
we don’t have any plans for the September 30 weekend and then I’ll register for
the cowboy challenge. </span></div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDC1hiqVZ52WF65UG2PoWwgDct5paxlTLYBld4LKWSxB1N35nZti9GiXAsPQjoo4mGozl6UhY928jKMmMLg0bJNx6eHDVzAqbLCqTTCPMH_P92sVtiZNuScNDsZX-gRMwmKbY4jgANjQ/s1600/Bridge+from+Hell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDC1hiqVZ52WF65UG2PoWwgDct5paxlTLYBld4LKWSxB1N35nZti9GiXAsPQjoo4mGozl6UhY928jKMmMLg0bJNx6eHDVzAqbLCqTTCPMH_P92sVtiZNuScNDsZX-gRMwmKbY4jgANjQ/s320/Bridge+from+Hell.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9SvS-ICAcZMLBRo-_QztSO15lG4QKGWgfejiTXfB2NpriyyDK8ZkwJ2EAMqWLACLp3O44zoMoAek7mmQhZjCbRSQPbP2kCadQd0sqt54WClSV45YuPIx8MowMUxBqR4R9UhggRo1sz4/s1600/Uli+fonzi+Jumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9SvS-ICAcZMLBRo-_QztSO15lG4QKGWgfejiTXfB2NpriyyDK8ZkwJ2EAMqWLACLp3O44zoMoAek7mmQhZjCbRSQPbP2kCadQd0sqt54WClSV45YuPIx8MowMUxBqR4R9UhggRo1sz4/s320/Uli+fonzi+Jumping.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone Coulee – Day 26</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Dawn in the
coulee, all is quiet, except the horses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><i>Mistral:
</i>“Hey Fonz, here comes your woman!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><i>Fonzi:
</i>“Huh? I’m eating.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><i>Mistral:
</i>“I can see her, she has a halter and a stick. I think she means business,
har har har….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><i>Fonzi:
</i>“Shit! I just woke up, I haven’t even finished my breakfast yet!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><i>Mare 1 (in a
sing-song voice): </i>“Fonzi has to work now, Fonzi has to work now….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><i>Fonzi:
</i>“Shut up!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><i>Mare 2:</i> “Poor
Fonzi-Baby, we’ll wave you good-bye… ”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><i>Fonzi:
</i>“Shut up, or I’ll bite you!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><i>Cayuse:
</i>“Don’t worry, Fonzi, I’ll look after the girls while you are gone.”
(Sniggering…)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><i>Fonzi:
</i>“No!!! Don’t you dare touch them, you lecherous old goat!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><i>Mare 3:
</i>“I’ll miss you, Fonzi!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;"><i>Fonzi:
</i>“Hi Mom! Okay, you can groom me for a little bit but I’m not
leaving here willingly. I wish you would stop tugging on that rope,
though. Oh well, let me think about it….. maybe I’ll come for a
little bit. I’ll pretend I’m behind you and then I’ll sneak by you on the
right, that’s a fun game…... Oops, what was that? Mom, that
stick hit the ground really hard, that could have been me! I’ll just see
if I can pass you on the left….. hey, watch it! You almost hit
me! I’ll run over to the other side, maybe I can get you all tangled in
your stuff and I can pass you now……. damn, you didn’t get tangled. I’ll
try one more time…… man, this is way too much work!
Guess I’ll just stand here where you want me. But I’m not
done yet, mom, just so you know!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">(15 minutes later)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Okay, mom, if
you really insist, I’ll just stay behind you and make sure you don’t have to
whack that rope any more with your stick. </span><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">I hate you,
stick!!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">But it’s kind
of nice to walk behind my mom and she’s telling me what a good boy I am and we’re
both all happy. I bet I’ll get some treats when we’re done!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">And then it
was all quiet in the coulee again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Sandstone
Coulee – Day 28</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Almost forgot
my coulee report, it was a busy day. Nothing happened this morning
because it was very frosty and slippery, so the Fonz and I just hung out for a
while, and played a little game where I would take a step forward, he would
follow, then I would square my shoulders and take a step backward, trying to
tell him with body language only that he should take a step backward too, then
one to the left, one to the right, and start over. I had to wiggle the
rope a few times to encourage him to step back but overall he did quite well
following my steps, and we both had a nice, peaceful time. It’s cold out
there at 6:30 am!! Winter is coming!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Finally
– its Spring again<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">It’s Fonzi
here. I haven’t seen you in so long, can you come visit me some
time? I miss you. I was thinking of you this weekend and I just
wanted to say that I am very grateful for all the stuff you taught my mom cause
it really helped us yesterday. You see, we went for a trail ride in the
coulee on Saturday with Uncle Chris and that obnoxious Cayuse horse who always
tries to hang out with my girlfriends, and I wasn’t a very good boy but it
wasn’t really my fault. First of all, Uncle Chris is always in such a
hurry and my mom didn’t make enough time to do good groundwork with me, and I
could tell she felt rushed so I thought I gotta be on the lookout for danger because
she wasn’t paying attention. Then we got to the big culvert in the creek and I
stepped over okay, but Cayuse didn’t want to, and he got all upset and then
Uncle Chris got more impatient and by the time Cayuse finally jumped over it, I
was all upset! And then the wind was blowing so strong it scared me a bit
because I thought there were dangerous things hiding in all the moving
stuff…… so I really wanted to get back to the barn and my mom couldn’t do
much with me on the narrow trail so she stepped off me and walked me for quite
a while, and I kept trotting past her trying to tell her I really needed to get
back to the barn and I just couldn’t calm down for a long time. I was okay when
she rode me on the way back but the way out wasn’t so good…. I was
very sorry but I just couldn’t help it. Sigh. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">But yesterday
I did really good! My mom and her sister and another lady named Allison
came out to ride me and Cayuse and Mistral, and my mom came early and took me
into the round pen and gave me a good beating. Just kidding, haha. She
did make me work quite hard, though, I was huffing and puffing because I am a
bit out of shape. Don’t tell the mares, that would be embarrassing because
they find me very studly. But when we started to ride I knew my mom was
paying attention and she was in charge, so I could be all calm and happy. I
only tried to turn around a couple of times but we started out along the road
and my mom convinced me with that hip moving thing that I was okay, and I
was. It was just us three girls riding and we were all having a really
good time. Clyde came along too but he is a good trail dog and knows how
to keep his distance from us, so I wasn’t worried about him. We even
encountered puppies!! There is a house where they had 6 or 7 chocolate lab
puppies in the yard and four of the fat little buggers climbed through the
fence and came to see us. They started trying to nip at our heels but we
all did very good, nobody spooked or kicked. Then their owner came and called
them back, so they were safe. They were very cute but very high
energy. We rode all the way to the highway and through a big field and
across the tracks and back on the other side, and a train came by but it didn’t
bother us at all. And when we got back we all got a nice grooming with the
massage gloves and we loved it. So I’m very glad you taught my mom this
groundwork stuff, it’s all I needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Bye Auntie
Tovie, love you lots!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Your <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Fonzi <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "candara" , sans-serif;">Finally
Spring Again – After Another Move</span></i></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">6:00 a.m.,
at the barn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Fonzi:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Look, here comes the red
car. That’s mom!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Aria:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Oh yes, oh yes, do you think
we’ll get treats?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Cayuse:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Yummm…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Uli:
Hello kids, how are you this morning! </span><u5:p></u5:p></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Fonzi:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> I’m good, mom. Can you
bring out some hay?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Aria:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> I’m good, too, Miss
Uli. I’m really pretty, look how I can toss my mane. Can I have hay,
too?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Cayuse:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Yummm…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Uli:
Okay, you three musketeers, we’ll have a little play time. Come over here,
you three. You too, Cayuse, don’t worry, Fonzi is not going to pick on
you. You can stand on the other side of Aria.</span><u5:p></u5:p></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Fonzi:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Cayuse, you just don’t get
it, stand in a line! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Cayuse:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> I’m coming, I’m coming!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Aria:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Look how pretty I can stand,
Miss Uli!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Uli:
Okay, that’s really good. Now don’t move.</span><u5:p></u5:p></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Fonzi:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Cayuse, you idiot, you took a
step and now you’re going to get sent back. You’re making us all look
stupid!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Cayuse:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Sorry, I just couldn’t help
it….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Aria:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Look how pretty my feet are,
Miss Uli!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Uli:
Very good, you’ve been great, now I’m coming over to give you each a
treat. No picking on each other!</span><u5:p></u5:p></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Fonzi:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Thank you, mom. That was
easy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Cayuse:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Can I have two? Or three? Or
four?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Fonzi:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Cayuse, you’re such a pig.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Aria:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Look how pretty I can eat my
treat, Miss Uli!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Uli:
Okay, let’s do it again. This time I’m going further away. Don’t
follow me, you stay where you are. </span><u5:p></u5:p></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Fonzi:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Piece of cake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Cayuse:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> The treats are moving further
away from us, I’m not liking it!! I sure hope she’s coming back?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Aria:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> My neck looks so pretty when
I stretch it far out, Miss Uli!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Uli:
That’s excellent, I’m coming back with the treats now, but I don’t want you to
step towards me. Then we’ll do it again, but I’ll go even further away.</span><u5:p></u5:p></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Fonzi:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Wow, that was really
easy. It only took us two minutes to train her to bring us treats and walk
back and forth and back and forth while we just stand here and lift a foot once
in a while to give her some sense of accomplishment. She’s so easy to
train.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Cayuse:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Yup. That’s why we keep
her around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><u5:p></u5:p>Aria:</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Yup. And she thinks I’m
pretty!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";"><u5:p></u5:p>😊</span><u5:p></u5:p><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">And all was
well at the barn….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
While I hated to see Uli and Fonzi move on, Uli said it was really good for because she had to up her game and has made their relationship stronger than ever!</div>
</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-9253573309964329132018-05-03T15:40:00.000-06:002018-05-03T15:40:00.332-06:00Horse Rescuer with Good IntentionNavar’s training is coming along so well that I decided it was time to bring on another horse that needs special help.<br />
<br />
Several days ago while browsing Kijiji, I found what I thought would be the perfect project. Whiskey was a lovely, 5 y.o. palomino gelding. In the ad it said he had trust and catching issues – perfect. Over the next few days, I learned she had purchased him and another horse from Bear Valley Rescue over 1½ years ago with the intention of training them to drive. However she also admitted, she had too many horses and life kept getting in her way. She also said he was perfectly healthy and sound and although he was nervous, he had never caused her harm and that he was prone to jump away from his handler than on top of them.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNnODm6e7GpO4pIl6kknBbZzjzio8t8gBTBYDb1ykQ8qqs1houSfEIJxb7cvYa_lIArf7_W8T94T-70AwKw3AKETwinXiz9-Ts9znk3PIrRG7MMhdk2fYpUDsj45h8jbk7TLKkLy22Ng/s1600/Whiskey+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNnODm6e7GpO4pIl6kknBbZzjzio8t8gBTBYDb1ykQ8qqs1houSfEIJxb7cvYa_lIArf7_W8T94T-70AwKw3AKETwinXiz9-Ts9znk3PIrRG7MMhdk2fYpUDsj45h8jbk7TLKkLy22Ng/s320/Whiskey+front.jpg" width="178" height="320" data-original-width="445" data-original-height="800" /></a></div><br />
He was located at Duchess, AB - a two hour drive from our place. I asked as many questions as I could to ensure it was worth making the trip on such a beautiful day and with fuel prices soaring. I knew I could help Whiskey so Gord, Lena and I made the trip to go meet him. I was so certain I would be bringing him home that I even decided to rename him Memphis.<br />
<br />
When we arrived, the owner had Whiskey in the round pen, haltered and ready to go. Upon closer inspection, I saw that his feet were terribly neglected and in fact she admitted he was not “foot” trained. Based on that, I asked her to move him around so I could detect any lameness issues. At the hurried trot and racing gallop, he seemed fine but when he walked, it was apparent there was something wrong.<br />
Nevertheless, I worked at getting near him which was no easy feat. Just reaching out to stroke his neck caused him to suck wind and tense his entire body. She had told me that once caught, he could be handled. Not sure what her idea of “handled” is. Mine is a horse who is comfortable being touched from top to bottom and in every orifice.<br />
<br />
Anyway, we agreed that I would take him and if he didn’t come up sound after proper hoof care, she would take him back, and would even come pick him up if need be. In anticipation of him being hard to load, I had the owner change out the halter to my stiffer Clinton Anderson 4 knot to give me better control. While I was back at the truck, filling out the bill of sale, I heard all hell break loose. The owner had tied the lead rope around his neck using a bowline knot and when she went to slip the halter over his nose, he ploughed her into the panels and bolted away, tearing the halter out of her hand. Now he was flying around the pen in shear panic with the halter dragging (chasing) after him and there was nothing we could do to help him. Every now and then the halter would tangle around his legs, causing him even more distress as he ploughed into the panels trying to kick off the foreign object wrapping around his legs. This went on for quite some time until thankfully, the bowline knot released. I stood in the middle of the pen throughout the entire ordeal because I didn’t trust walking into his path to escape the pen – he was running blind with fear.<br />
<br />
Since it was already getting late and there was going to be very little chance of getting another halter on him, not to mention trying to load him, I made the very difficult decision to walk away.<br />
<br />
There is no question this lady was in over her head with him, and I also learned she had a foal coming any day. It absolutely broke my heart to see a horse so mishandled (or neglected) with such good intention.<br />
<br />
When we take on the responsibility of horse ownership, it is incumbent on us to create a good equine citizen even if that means getting help to do so. That is the only way to ensure the horse won’t end up in the slaughter pens. It made me so angry to see beautiful Whiskey in such emotional and physical distress – I didn’t sleep very well thinking about him last night.<br />
<br />
I'm sorry I couldn't take you with us Whiskey - my heart goes out to you.<br />
TovieToviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-66621292845884994252018-05-02T14:02:00.002-06:002018-05-02T14:02:28.344-06:00Vickie Keam to the RescueLast fall Navar picked up a cough that we attributed to mulch we brought in for the shelters. He started coughing 3 days after we spread the mulch and I can tell you, the mulch came out of the shelters faster than it went in.<br />
<br />
We thought the cough would pass but it only seemed to get worse and when I started my weekly riding sessions with Marian Stav again, it became apparent that Navar needed help. At Moore Equine he was scoped and a minor amount of mucous was detected. We made the decision to go one step further and conduct a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) to determine the severity of the infection. Dr. Ashley Whitehead advised last year was particularly bad for lung problems and was likely due to the wild fires that raged throughout Western Canada last summer.<br />
<br />
Navar was prescribed 40 shots of a steroid called dexamethasone. I was definitely not looking forward to giving him that many needles but Navar took the treatment in stride. Every morning he came in for a treat and a shot which I rotated around his entire body.<br />
<br />
The treatment got rid of his cough but despite additional feed, he was underweight and lethargic and also had a tucked up appearance. I was going to run a blood panel on him to see what else could be wrong but instead I scheduled another treatment with Vickie Keam. She discovered his spleen was not functioning well and said it wouldn't have mattered how much extra feed he was getting, the blood flow wasn't allowing his body to process the feed well. She also found a displaced rib near his flank. Within half an hour of Vickie starting his treatment, the change in Navar's appearance was quite astounding. I sure wish I had taken before and after photos.<br />
<br />
The following week after Vickie's ministering, I took Navar to my weekly riding session. Marian noticed the change in his physical appearance immediately but what struck us most was his improved energy level. Prior to Vickie's treatment, Navar was lethargic and completely pooped out before our hour session was over. After his treatment he moved forward willingly and energetically (keeping in mind Navar is an energy conservationist) and he had plenty of stamina to last the entire hour.<br />
<br />
Now that the snow has finally melted and we can actually practice our "moves", Navar gets better under saddle every week.<br />
<br />
Thank you so much Vickie for what you do!<br />
Navar and Tovie<br />
<br />
<br />
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-91945492009601912782017-12-30T13:13:00.000-07:002018-05-02T13:18:00.686-06:00Clinic Woes...Navar and I attended a Natural Horsemanship clinic last October and I have been ruminating over the experience ever since.<br />
<br />
Over the years I have attended several clinics and feel quite proficient with my groundwork. I am now looking for more opportunities to transfer the natural horsemanship principles to create a better connection in the saddle.<br />
<br />
There were a couple of reasons I wanted to attend this clinic; it was advertised as an advanced clinic with an unquestionably skilled horseman; and two of my favourite people were also participating. While I recognize I am nowhere close to being the horse person this fellow is, we have had some similar influences in our past. We both rode at the first Craig Cameron Extreme Cowboy Clinic at the Calgary Stampede, we both attended a Ray Hunt clinic, and he competed at the Road to the Horse colt starting in the U.S. the year after we had gone as spectators. Yet try as I might to connect with this fellow, it became apparent that his primary focus throughout the weekend was himself.<br />
<br />
His program offers 8 levels of achievement which can be evaluated on-line. I overheard one of his loyal followers state that this was their fourth clinic and they were resigned to staying at Level 1 forever; or another person asking which would come first – passing Level 1 or Heaven. The journey toward exceptional horsemanship undoubtedly takes commitment to practice but I found these statements very discouraging for folks who are starting their journey later in life.<br />
<br />
I did my best to practice the techniques being taught at this clinic which were somewhat different than how I do things. However, even with years of practice and success handling hundreds of horses, I would have been hard pressed to pass his Level 1.<br />
<br />
It was discouraging to hear his response to folks who were asking questions; "that he had previously answered their question “many” times". Clearly, they had either not heard or understood his response and were seeking more clarification. Nobody should be treated in a condescending manner when they are eager to learn. I truly believe it is incumbent on the instructor to reiterate and demonstrate until the answer becomes clear.<br />
<br />
There was much time spent standing around while the clinician “fixed” a confused or worried horse. However, it was especially frustrating when it was the clinician’s daughter’s horse. He insisted that everyone watch what he was doing rather than continue practicing with their own horses. Unfortunately some of what I “had” to watch was rather unpleasant and I remember thinking – this man is not touching my horse. In fact when I heard him asking for an introverted horse and an extroverted horse for a trailer loading demo, I excused myself to the biffy to ensure Navar was not chosen.<br />
<br />
I even found it difficult to watch him ride and handle his own horse as the horse seemed overly reactive and nervous. It made me think of a recent article I read in my Linda Tellington Jones newsletter about being an advocate for your horse when others are handling them – whether it is a clinician, boarding facility staff, farrier, or veterinarian.<br />
<br />
I have no qualms about increasing pressure when a horse is not being respectful but whacking a confused or worried horse across the head with a stick is not the kind of pressure I would encourage unless the situation became life threatening to the handler. There were folks in this clinic that were new to horses and/or Natural Horsemanship methods and if they were to go home and apply that much pressure without knowing why or when to release, they would undoubtedly cause more harm than good. Folks need to learn methods they can take home and work on to improve their confidence, not erode it further. It is for this reason I have spent much time studying a variety of philosophies and techniques. This allows me to offer my students solutions that will help a wide range of folks and horses progress safely and with joy.<br />
<br />
Interestingly – most of the Ah! Ha! moments came during the group talks given first thing in the morning rather than during the time spent with my horse. At least there were a few things I will be able to share with others and I thoroughly enjoyed spending 4 days with Navar away from home. However, for the money spent, I would have liked to come away with more enthusiasm and inspiration and not have to listen to hubby say "I told you so".<br />
<br />
Tovie and Navar<br />
<br />
<br />
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-65512890787913823852017-07-11T14:09:00.000-06:002017-07-26T14:12:59.268-06:00Equine Osteopathy for The BoysEarlier this spring I heard very good things, from a couple of unrelated sources, about an equine Osteopath fairly new to our area. Lena and Lisa were both excited about how their horses had responded to this therapy so when I discovered they were talking about the same person, I just had to have Vickie Keam out to work on our horses.<br />
<br />
Although this year has been thankfully uneventful with regard to the well being of our horses, I had Vickie check out Gord's horse Magic, who is 21 this year; and Navar, because of the catastrophic hock injury he sustained last year. Sherri's horse Magnum is also a senior and so she had him checked over as well. There were a few things Vickie was able to detect; and it was rewarding to see the horses respond so well to her therapeutic touch. Since none of our horses has any serious issues, we considered this visit to be more of a preventative measure.<br />
<br />
Vickie is also a saddle maker who mentored under renowned saddle maker, Andy Knight; as well as a knowledgeable saddle fitter. When I mentioned that Navar had shown some unusual twitchiness under saddle recently, she asked to see my saddle. Admittedly, I was a bit nervous that she would find something glaringly wrong with my beautiful new saddle. Over the years, I have bought and sold so many saddles trying to find a good saddle that would work for me and my horse and certainly didn't want to head down that path again. My fears were unfounded as she reassured me that if she were making a saddle, it would be very similar to the saddle I am using.<br />
<br />
Always being one to question tradition when it comes to management, training, or handling of our horses, I was ecstatic to learn something new with regard to cinching a double rigged saddle. We have all been taught to do up our front cinch snugly first; and then our rear cinch so it just touches the horse but is NEVER as tight as the front cinch. In fact, you more often than not, see 6 inches of daylight between the rear cinch and the horse. I was astounded to learn the exact opposite - the rear cinch is done up first, very tightly and the front cinch is snug but not tight, tight, tight. Vickie had me place my hand into the gullet, under the saddle pad while she tightened the front cinch. I could feel my hand being squeezed as she tightened. She then had the horse flex its neck to each side and I could feel a definite pinch. She then loosened the front cinch and tightened the rear cinch - moving the horse around with each hole to ensure the horse was not worried by the new sensation. As she tightened the rear cinch, she had me place my hand in the gullet, under the saddle pad and it was remarkable how roomy the saddle now felt. We then snugged up the front cinch. Vickie proved to me that by setting the saddle in place with a tight rear cinch, it is not necessary to have the front cinch so tight, thereby minimizing any pinching around the scapula.<br />
<br />
Navar is all the proof I need - no more twitchiness.<br />
<br />
Thank you Vickie for your knowledge and experience!<br />
Tovie, Sherri, Navar, Magic and Magnum<br />
<br />
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-14501264203943411902017-06-28T11:02:00.000-06:002017-06-28T11:02:06.710-06:00Divine Intervention for Beauty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last Saturday I arrived at Lisa & Todd's for our weekly lesson with their horses Beauty and Calista. Experience has shown me that the horses will always show us what we need to work on, so I rarely arrive with a lesson plan. Beauty definitely showed us what we needed to work on because we found her in full colic that morning. Some of the symptoms she presented were sweating over the loin area on her back, panting, frequent flehman which left her mouth dry and tacky, and persistently trying to roll. Her discomfort was also very apparent in her stilted gait at the walk.<br />
<br />
Lisa and I have both taken an extensive equine first aid course so she had all the tools we needed to check her vitals, and listen for gut sounds. When no gut sounds were detected Lisa phoned in an emergency call to the vet; only to be told the vet was at least an hour and a half away.<br />
<br />
While we waited, I was able to share my knowledge of TTouch with Lisa. Linda Tellington-Jones has developed a series of TTouches that influence and promote healing at a cellular level. The following TTouches are specifically recommended for assisting a colicky horse:<br />
<br />
Belly Lifts - using a towel folded to approximately 6"-8", Lisa and I gently performed belly lifts along the entire barrel. Beauty consistently indicated to us she was most happy with one particular area near the flank.<br />
<br />
Ear Work - gently taking hold and firmly sliding down the entire length of the ear; paying particular attention to firm TTouch circles on the tips of the ears. There are many acupressure points in the ear that are activated by doing this.<br />
<br />
Mouth Work - Beauty's mouth was dry and tacky so I wet my hand in the water trough first and then proceeded to work the gums directly under the upper lip to release endorphins. Once Beauty was certain we weren't up to anything sneaky, she happily accepted the mouth work.<br />
<br />
Tail Work - gently working the tail from the base in circles and then using both hands give a gentle pull and push to the tail. Beauty gently rocked back and forth during this process.<br />
<br />
Pelvic Rocking - place both fists on either side of the tail and gently press until the horse performs a mini pelvic tilt.<br />
<br />
Mane, Forelock and Tail Hair Slides - imagine if you weren't feeling well and someone came along and gently slid their fingers along chunks of your hair. Not sure if it had any benefit, other than feeling wonderful, but Beauty seemed to enjoy it.<br />
<br />
I think we were both surprised how quickly Beauty started to relax and become obviously more comfortable. She stopped trying roll, stopped sweating, stopped the flehmen, and started licking and chewing and even relaxed with a cocked hind leg. After an hour or so we started to detect faint gut sounds. Lisa even questioned whether or not to cancel the vet call but aside from a couple small farts, still no glorious poop - which is a sure sign the worst is over.<br />
<br />
When the vet arrived, she administered the colic treatment protocol and when she and I left, Beauty was on a wait and see - still waiting for that glorious poop.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86je9UnQH_dN1KDjMATmyZfo4hNJEzRo5SHFsj5V5RssUuJgE3inZ_oHIB-dGigWGjDiRvIUCQhnnkjeNanZhBnfDECV2PUauUjnhx8hrDNs9-7AhK1sFDi_BuCtr2UekuQBlmbKkUig/s1600/Beauty+Poop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86je9UnQH_dN1KDjMATmyZfo4hNJEzRo5SHFsj5V5RssUuJgE3inZ_oHIB-dGigWGjDiRvIUCQhnnkjeNanZhBnfDECV2PUauUjnhx8hrDNs9-7AhK1sFDi_BuCtr2UekuQBlmbKkUig/s320/Beauty+Poop.JPG" width="179" /></a>Lisa sent me this photo around 5:45 that day titled, "the most beautiful thing in her pasture that day", a glorious poop that actually looked as if it could have been dropped by an elephant. She also attributed my knowledge of TTouch as the reason Beauty survived. I have absolutely no doubt that the vet's treatment protocol was vital to Beauty's full recovery; but I also know that performing TTouch, while waiting for the vet, made a significant contribution to Beauty's comfort and allowed us to feel useful and calm during the long wait. I always say, TTouch may not be a cure all but it absolutely causes no harm.<br />
<br />
Colic is the primary cause of death in seemingly healthy horses and depending on the severity, it can be a long and excruciatingly painful end.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhae-pTO9FTfZMCK0ClFP1g8V9XOHgQeburc0HlbuJIbiSUaLZ4Ej5NyTHjT-mFlgM7TuCHK0B1Fo2sfXnGW186C7PRUrGOrEm3QIWvD8i6N3zdEkk6jYFpaFhBfHlS98xkKLT49f2IW1c/s1600/Beauty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhae-pTO9FTfZMCK0ClFP1g8V9XOHgQeburc0HlbuJIbiSUaLZ4Ej5NyTHjT-mFlgM7TuCHK0B1Fo2sfXnGW186C7PRUrGOrEm3QIWvD8i6N3zdEkk6jYFpaFhBfHlS98xkKLT49f2IW1c/s320/Beauty.JPG" width="180" /></a>Divine Intervention allowed us to be there for Beauty with the knowledge and skills required to ease her discomfort and get her help quickly.<br />
<br />
You can visit Linda Tellington-Jones' web-site to learn more about how TTouch can help any person or animal in your life <a href="http://www.ttouch.com/aboutLinda.shtml">http://www.ttouch.com/aboutLinda.shtml</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Tovie, Lisa and Beauty<br />
</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-23640208786796739282017-06-01T14:50:00.001-06:002017-06-01T14:50:31.032-06:00Sir Leopold Found His Perfect Person<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A couple of weeks ago I advertised Leopold for lease. Hilary was looking for an uncomplicated horse to practice dressage, go over some small jumps and trail ride. Hilary came by to meet him and he was an absolute gentleman. However, when I explained that Leopold is still considered green, she decided to take him on as a project and had already starting thinking about a training plan for him.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I was taking a break at the office one day and searched "gelding" on Kijiji when I came across an ad for a gal looking for a horse. Her list of criteria fit Leopold perfectly so I sent her a response. After exchanging as much information as possible by email, Joanna decided to come meet Leo to see if he was a horse she would enjoy.<br />
<br />
I spent most of this morning trimming him and then with Sherri's help, we groomed him to make sure he looked his very best. He was an absolute gem to work with that morning so I'm not sure why Sherri said, "you watch, he'll be on his worst behavior when Joanna arrives".<br />
<br />
Sure enough, Leo who is rarely a problem to catch, decided he didn't want to be caught, and then proceeded to plant his feet when trying to lead him. I took him into the arena to show off some of his ground moves which went very well but then he wouldn't stand still for saddling. When we went back into the arena, he exploded into a bucking fit, the likes of which I haven't seen in the 19 months I've had him. He has tossed in the occasional buck on the lunge line a handful of times since I've had him but never when I'm on him. As often as Sherri is at our place, she had never seen him act out and Uli saw a small episode once. Naturally, I thought that would be the end of Joanna but when she said - that's nothing - I knew she could be his perfect person. After he shook out all his sillies, I mounted up and did a lovely demonstration of his movement under saddle. Next we re-saddled him with Joanna's saddle and once again, he threw another bucking fit. When he stopped, Joanna got on him and had a lovely ride.<br />
<br />
I can't help but wonder if Leo picked up on my sadness at the thought of him leaving. Selfishly, leasing seemed the perfect scenario because he could stay with us and still have his perfect person. However, my focus this year is to get Navar going well. Yesterday Navar and I competed at the Wareabouts Cowboy Challenge and I was pleased with our effort, considering I'd only been in the saddle a handful of times since the Challenge last fall. However, it is my goal to be an actual competitor at the September Challenge and I simply can't focus on more than one horse at a time. There are just not enough "horse' hours in a day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqq3xd6RlCHB3lWxBK290Sh3S7Qt9D5DI8tmRS7KlNyEzFKAiI6mk7ShN8T5Gb-IwAjFzFZspSMbqqonSCZTeRDoP266NlocigrtneJ5QZ4U476DYaSlc_WAcGEyj60mUW6Gqdg0w8So/s1600/Leo+last+day+group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="968" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqq3xd6RlCHB3lWxBK290Sh3S7Qt9D5DI8tmRS7KlNyEzFKAiI6mk7ShN8T5Gb-IwAjFzFZspSMbqqonSCZTeRDoP266NlocigrtneJ5QZ4U476DYaSlc_WAcGEyj60mUW6Gqdg0w8So/s320/Leo+last+day+group.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
Sherri, Uli and I saying good-bye.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2EkKgFLz7-VzcpzkHk_GXija5TZvaet4Swzy4X3Ll3bqjh3-KxRArgjIdOWg6wG5IIrcp_-qsKP_XmlKfX9P68RaWN9oOHYqMPMPuZewPtJRvBBk0Rt8f0CMEnUkSGBMNiVXNpzHqQQ/s1600/Leo+at+Joannas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2EkKgFLz7-VzcpzkHk_GXija5TZvaet4Swzy4X3Ll3bqjh3-KxRArgjIdOWg6wG5IIrcp_-qsKP_XmlKfX9P68RaWN9oOHYqMPMPuZewPtJRvBBk0Rt8f0CMEnUkSGBMNiVXNpzHqQQ/s1600/Leo+at+Joannas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2EkKgFLz7-VzcpzkHk_GXija5TZvaet4Swzy4X3Ll3bqjh3-KxRArgjIdOWg6wG5IIrcp_-qsKP_XmlKfX9P68RaWN9oOHYqMPMPuZewPtJRvBBk0Rt8f0CMEnUkSGBMNiVXNpzHqQQ/s320/Leo+at+Joannas.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Joanna sent me this photo of him quietly checking out her farm in Twin Butte, calm and content. She said he enjoyed playing with the jolly ball and didn't seem to mind the barn at all.<br />
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Joanna plans to ride several times per week and has promised to keep me updated on their progress. It will be exciting to see Leopold progress with consistent handling and training.</div>
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Happy Trails to Joanna and the beautiful Sir Leopold!</div>
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Tovie, Sherri, Uli, and the "Boys"</div>
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Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-34608099809212535762017-04-04T11:17:00.000-06:002017-04-04T11:17:32.134-06:00The Fonz<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In the fall of 2014, I had the pleasure of meeting Fonz when his owner, Wendy Ruekema, asked me to come up to Edmonton and help her with him. Even though Wendy had owned Fonz for several years, she had not ridden him for at least 6 years because they simply didn't trust each other.<br />
<br />
The following May 2015, Wendy came to the realization that her small window of horse time was better spent with Flash - a horse she was having a ton of fun with. Wendy made the decision to surrender Fonz to my care with the understanding he would only be rehomed to his perfect person.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzX9X03vhHo6hxnsC2p8UpEGlJy3-vGwe8QiOFMOQw4BOfzBVj4FmDRCBkH9iuTSfD3OjvBpCWYpM1CT58EmfqTjvllYrEkDEu5aUEpJcfBdgtMkm_SRTdKe1koDeRXKg3vEXYGaeD-Jw/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzX9X03vhHo6hxnsC2p8UpEGlJy3-vGwe8QiOFMOQw4BOfzBVj4FmDRCBkH9iuTSfD3OjvBpCWYpM1CT58EmfqTjvllYrEkDEu5aUEpJcfBdgtMkm_SRTdKe1koDeRXKg3vEXYGaeD-Jw/s320/IMG_1111.JPG" width="320" /></a>During that summer with Fonz, I kept having this recurring thought that my dear friend Uli would be the perfect person for Fonz. Uli is kind and gentle and an experienced horse owner and rider. However, Uli already had her horse Hank and she didn't need two horses. At the time Hank had been exhibiting lameness from a stifle issue for several months but Uli was still hopeful she would find a way to resolve Hank's lameness.<br />
<br />
That fall I sold Fonz to a young gal who seemed perfect but when it became apparent it wasn't going to work, back he came per my unconditional guarantee. Over the course of that winter, Hank's condition didn't improve and so last spring I invited Uli to come play with Fonz and learn some of the natural horsemanship exercises.<br />
<br />
The only time Uli and I could commit to regular lessons was at 6:00 a.m.; when she could stop in for an hour on her way to work. Although Uli has been involved with horses for much of her life; and has had horses in her life she adored - she never anticipated the connection she was able to create using the natural horsemanship philosophy.<br />
<br />
In the beginning, Uli would often become beautifully emotional whenever she would "feel" something she had not experienced before. It got to a point that her husband Chris, teasingly asked me to stop sending his wife home in tears - albeit happy tears.<br />
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Fonz demands a human he can trust and respect and Uli definitely earned both through her dedication to learning new ways of interacting with horses. There is no question the exercises are hard and we feel clumsy and incompetent during the learning curve but the relationship we establish with our horses makes it all worth while.<br />
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Uli continued to come every morning at 6:00 a.m. until we ran out of daylight last fall and Fonz and I were always happy to start our morning with her happy self.<br />
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Needless to say, Uli and Fonz fell in love with each other and are now lifelong companions. As for me, I couldn't be happier that Fonz continues to be boarded at our place because he got to stay with the "boys" and I got to keep Uli.<br />
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For some reason this post was forgotten in my drafts but better late than never.<br />
<br />
Tovie, Uli & Fonz</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-24059397601781535412017-01-24T12:17:00.001-07:002017-01-24T12:17:39.353-07:00Let's Play in 2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
2016 turned out to be one of my worst horse years with the loss of Jack and Dexter, and then Navar's injury. I still mourn the loss of Dexter nearly every day but sweet Navar is fully recovered from his catastrophic injury and doing his best to fill the hole in my heart.<br />
<br />
It is important to remember the good with the bad and there was plenty of good. Uli fell in love with Fonz and is having the time of her "horse" life with him. Leopold has been a tremendous source of joy and Navar and I did our first ever Obstacle challenge out at Wareabouts Stables. I had planned to take him up and "send" him over the obstacles but decided to ride him instead. With less than 20 rides under our belts and only the second time for him to wear a bit, I was tremendously proud of him.<br />
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Uli, Jaclyn, Lena and I went up to the Horse Conference in Sherwood Park last weekend. As expected, there were some tremendous speakers and for the first time, a liberty demo by Jim Anderson, his wife and 4 of their horses.<br />
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I always come away from the conference with better ideas and more inspiration to do better for my horses and this year was no exception. Karen Rohlf has been a huge influence for me over the past year. I don't even recall how I came upon her web-site, Dressage Naturally. I was likely doing some research on behalf of Leopold and how I can help him become a useful dressage partner. Karen is an accomplished dressage trainer, instructor and competitor and she discovered natural horsemanship a few years ago. Her virtual arena and video library are invaluable tools that help marry natural horsemanship with dressage. Her method and philosophy is exactly the type of influence Leopold and I were looking for and I can't help but think of the saying, "when the student is ready, the teacher will come".<br />
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Being a huge fan, I was delighted to meet Karen in person, attend her session, and have her sign my Dressage Naturally book. Her presentation was exceedingly funny, engaging and informative and I couldn't wait to get home and "play" with my horses.<br />
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One of my last rides with Navar last fall didn't go well at all. He got absolutely stuck out in a large field and refused to take one step forward. The good news is that he didn't even care that all his buddies rode away. It was nearly an hour of ground work and he would do everything except take one step forward in the direction I wanted to go. When my riding buddies came back, I jumped on and had a lovely ride home. Navar is typically an easy going horse that is a little on the timid side - he had me stumped and I felt an erosion in our relationship after that day.<br />
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After listening to Karen's presentation last week there were two takeaways that inspired me. Her story about spending years trying to replace her horse Brave Tom (reminding me not to try and replace Dexter), and a reminder about how important it is to "play" with our horses. Luckily, we came home to a beautiful break in the bitter cold temperatures, so Navar and I started to play and every day I saw him become his wonderful, playful, friendly self again. The transformation in our relationship has lifted my spirits and I can't wait to transfer this new "playful" feeling to the saddle.<br />
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Wishing you playful joy with your horses in 2017<br />
Tovie, Navar and Sir Leopold</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-65692799519008587302016-11-01T15:01:00.001-06:002016-11-01T15:01:29.966-06:00Jason McKenzie Custom Made Saddles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On a quick trip to The Mill Store near Okotoks to pick up some de-wormers, I saw a beautiful hand made saddle for sale on consignment. The quality and workmanship were so obvious that I decided to take them up on their 3 day full return trial and give it a try. The minute my butt settled into that saddle, I knew it was a saddle I had to own. The saddle maker stamps were Roy McCaughey and Jason McKenzie. I learned later on, after meeting Jason McKanzie at a trade show in Red Deer, that he apprenticed under Roy McCaughey and that I had one of the saddles they made together.<br />
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As much as I loved this saddle, it quickly became obvious that Dexter was less enthused than I due to the longer square skirts. Dexter had a beautiful short, strong back, but it became apparent when asking him to turn, that the skirt was inhibiting his desire to make sharp turns.<br />
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When considering a saddle that was right for Dexter, I had a vision of the perfect saddle - an SS Lightweight made by Jason McKenzie. However, at the time it was cost prohibitive so instead, I opted for a saddle made by JD at Eamors in Nanton. JD was terrific to work with and he made a beautiful saddle that fit Dexter and me perfectly. As beautiful as it was; and at a reasonable price, the workmanship, weight and colour, were not exactly what I had envisioned. And so I continued to dream of an SS Lightweight made by Jason McKenzie. After coming into an unexpected financial win fall earlier this year, I decided to go ahead and order a saddle designed and built specifically for my beloved Dexter. Unfortunately, It was only a couple weeks after finalizing the perfect design and sending in the deposit, that Dexter's tragic accident occurred. Dexter's death completely took away my enthusiasm for my new saddle and everything was put on hold.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFed7k7-AZX1qrhSIJ7FH1BqTg_8KcQov04QrmCp9FGs0gqZ4ld3mlI4KJ3vw2-pfXB3Fh_ZX0oZbFcoS99yS72HdSb0IzBlPyy9htKWOBO1YZrhKQ-y0CvyRbxFutWfpoIjgrVsULII/s1600/SS+Lightweight+Saddlebags.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFed7k7-AZX1qrhSIJ7FH1BqTg_8KcQov04QrmCp9FGs0gqZ4ld3mlI4KJ3vw2-pfXB3Fh_ZX0oZbFcoS99yS72HdSb0IzBlPyy9htKWOBO1YZrhKQ-y0CvyRbxFutWfpoIjgrVsULII/s320/SS+Lightweight+Saddlebags.JPG" width="240" /></a>After spending much needed quality time with Navar, enthusiasm for my new saddle eventually returned with some major changes. To me Dexter was the most beautiful horse on earth but in reality, he was a rather ordinary, solid chestnut. The saddle I envisioned for him was a flashy two tone with brass fittings. However, Navar, being a gorgeous grullo, was the flash; and so I opted for a more subdued design that wouldn't compete with his colour and good looks. Then another tragedy - shortly after making changes to the design, Navar was catastrophically injured on the barb wire fence and we seriously considered euthanizing him. I started to think of this saddle as the kiss of death and once again, completely lost my enthusiasm for it.<br />
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Jason however, never lost his enthusiasm and coincidentally shipped my JM McKenzie saddle on my birthday in August. We were both pleasantly surprised by his inexplicable timing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOnIE1dZqCi7d86qgtAJUa6GGPRvEO4G5yGM2kH6HwLOG_Byxwsl-3a8y36uqZ4JO6QpC1whtBrRIO09ar2naQXMR5p8KdFSZcOjlpoL9R-B9yorMj_FTTuPELdbKiQvnt9RN2vXjccs/s1600/SS+Lightweight+Saddle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOnIE1dZqCi7d86qgtAJUa6GGPRvEO4G5yGM2kH6HwLOG_Byxwsl-3a8y36uqZ4JO6QpC1whtBrRIO09ar2naQXMR5p8KdFSZcOjlpoL9R-B9yorMj_FTTuPELdbKiQvnt9RN2vXjccs/s320/SS+Lightweight+Saddle.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
My new saddle was definitely worth the wait; even though the US dollar exchange was a kick in the butt. Jason's workmanship is unparalleled and the lightweight design is much easier for me. Being a bit of a matching fanatic, I also ordered matching slobber straps, breast collar, headstall and saddle bags and I absolutely love every single piece.<br />
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This beautiful saddle was a much needed boost for my spirits this year. By the way Navar is coming along - I would have to say he agrees.<br />
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Tovie and Navar</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-26444351604699891192016-08-24T13:58:00.001-06:002016-08-24T13:58:56.030-06:00It Is A Beautiful Scar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
As if losing Jack in January and Dexter in March wasn’t
enough tragedy this year, on April 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> I came home to find my
beautiful Navar with a catastrophic injury to his right hind leg. From what we could
piece together, he likely kicked over the barb wire fence while frolicking with
the neighbour’s mare. The second top strand of wire had come down from 20 posts
without breaking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After calling the vet and getting the halter on him, I
managed to bring him in from the field. Walking backwards seemed easier for him
than walking forward so I was terrified he had suffered severe tendon damage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjl7sY3De2mbWAMmCmajAZ5zxyzc6K6GRjTj7lujehG4eF0qCw7Zlxr1A_F6My62kazYrpCe9lmqPvKqkF04_4TqmSObBojEQK-dD4PU9dxfcgbdHvc5HPcV5G4Cr3WSpHd8uxAJZGf4/s1600/04-11-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjl7sY3De2mbWAMmCmajAZ5zxyzc6K6GRjTj7lujehG4eF0qCw7Zlxr1A_F6My62kazYrpCe9lmqPvKqkF04_4TqmSObBojEQK-dD4PU9dxfcgbdHvc5HPcV5G4Cr3WSpHd8uxAJZGf4/s320/04-11-16.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">April 11th - This first photo shows the injury after the vet had cleaned
it up. She determined he had a small puncture in the synovial bursa which she
flushed with antibiotics; and a small slice to the tendon sheath but the tendon
itself was fine. She advised that if infection settled into either of those
areas, his chance for a full recovery would be slim. While there was very
little bleeding, the wound was horrific. Taking into consideration the
potential months of tending; a more than likely hideous scar and more
importantly, impossible to know if he would ever be sound; I seriously considered
euthanization. The vet suggested giving him a chance and advised that any infection
would likely show up within a couple of weeks. So we went to work…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The vet recommended stall confinement for at least 2 months
so we constructed a very small stall within a paddock that had a shelter. We
attached a tasty play toy and a salt lick to the wall; filled the shelter area
with shavings and put down a thick rubber mat outside the shelter. Gord even
hooked up a hose from the automatic waterer so I wouldn’t have to haul water
buckets. It was quite a dance in that little stall during cleaning but Navar was
very tidy and always pooped neatly in the same spot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The day after the injury, I googled “catastrophic hock
injury” and came across Dr. Jolly DVM at <a href="http://www.stepaheadfarm.com/" target="_blank">Step Ahead Farm</a> in Arkansas. I
wouldn’t recommend going to his web-site unless you have a strong stomach –
Navar’s wound looked like a scratch by comparison to the wounds he depicts on
his web-site. Dr. Jolly offers the first consultation free so I sent photos,
along with the findings from our local vet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dr. Jolly has had tremendous success healing horrific
injuries using foal placenta. His goal is to help a wound heal so the
horse is sound and has the most aesthetically pleasing outcome possible. For
$129.00 USD, he sent me a complete package by overnight collect courier of
everything I would need to get Navar’s healing well on its way. The package
included all the bandaging material and a how-to bandage DVD for the hock; a DVD
depicting a case study similar to Navar’s, his recommended wound wash and
ointment – yes $129.00 USD. I should also mention that 5 consultations were
$35.00 USD – remember the first consult was free.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The cost for two visits from my local vet, along with 5 days
of antibiotic, was $1,200.00. The second visit was a recommended follow-up that,
in hind sight, wasn’t at all necessary.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8r274RMDDhOzFiAVS_EnrsM3cPW5EfYpRrrIxn8RIFVrBaHNrKVncalKZslRF-Z45fowq8pkTXX2LDK0NJ-70Nah3aGxVlgQ2vgKNAARi7z3c_Xdt_5USVMEGZn_IbpAMTkACWLDZh0/s1600/05-05-16+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8r274RMDDhOzFiAVS_EnrsM3cPW5EfYpRrrIxn8RIFVrBaHNrKVncalKZslRF-Z45fowq8pkTXX2LDK0NJ-70Nah3aGxVlgQ2vgKNAARi7z3c_Xdt_5USVMEGZn_IbpAMTkACWLDZh0/s200/05-05-16+1.JPG" width="149" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 5th</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As the wound changed throughout the healing process, Dr.
Jolly reviewed my photos and always took the time to discuss what was going on
and encourage me to stay the course. I am sure his support saved me at least 4
additional farm visits – yes $35.00 USD for 5 consultations – I paid for two
sets of 5 ($70.00 USD).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There were so many silver linings, in what initially seemed
like another tragedy, that I just had to list them:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
fantastic spring weather made it more than pleasant to do the 3 X daily
stall cleaning, feeding and daily re-bandaging; and the water wasn’t freezing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Gord’s
ingenuity to whip up a perfect stall, make watering easy, and just being there
to think through and help out with whatever came up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->An
extremely mild winter meant our hay shed was still full.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Having
Leopold locked up to keep Navar company, gave me ample opportunity to fatten
him up; and gave his multiple Skeeter bite marks a chance to heal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Finding
Dr. Jolly’s web-site gave me a tremendous education about wound healing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->It
was foaling season and a friend who works nearby at a breeding facility provided me with all the fresh placenta I needed – even have extra in the
freezer that I hope I never need.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Navar
reminded me what a beautiful, sweet, well behaved horse he is; reassuring me there
will be more fun to come after Dexter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
support we received from dear friends allowed me to attend my daughter’s
wedding overseas without a second thought:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Uli - came early every morning on her way to
work to scoop and feed,</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Lisa - came every day around lunch to scoop and
feed,</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Jane - came later every afternoon to scoop
and feed,</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Lena filled in for the mornings Uli was
away,</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Mark & Sherri who lovingly cared for our dog
and came every night to haul poop away, debride (pick scabs) re-bandage, cut
lawn, etc., etc., etc. Even staying late to feed so it wouldn’t be too long
between the early morning feed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Clicker
training – absolutely made it possible to pick scabs and re-bandage, day after
day; without anyone getting kicked or stepped on. It was also instrumental
during the twice daily physio that started around 6 weeks in; when we flexed his
hind leg to his belly and stretched it out behind him to ensure the wound
healed properly – just more clicker tricks in Navar’s mind.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5WhYC_Qb63l3sk5I6MfAr8TqPrcjU7huaj_RjEbA7U1B4tuwPD2uvM3MpNWqsDj4pKi5eghr9jPOa5C_nKeW0VUtEC6hGybbuoDJcAZ9H0rX90v_9BaKoUU4JLa8fPOXE3M6bMQB4Kw/s1600/08-21-16+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJXeefIX0y5scAJq5j04ZaI11t2hLDgBfaUludWHF2Y9QA07c9YSVIM72bCaiYRJeXkjOc2ZX6yVNlY2ErjWcfnUztoauSq7QT4qL5JzOe5MM1XsEdki9Vl_mxQV0LSC_3A6DeTD6o_Y/s1600/08-21-16+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJXeefIX0y5scAJq5j04ZaI11t2hLDgBfaUludWHF2Y9QA07c9YSVIM72bCaiYRJeXkjOc2ZX6yVNlY2ErjWcfnUztoauSq7QT4qL5JzOe5MM1XsEdki9Vl_mxQV0LSC_3A6DeTD6o_Y/s320/08-21-16+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">August 21st - While Sherri’s patient, loving attention to Navar’s wound
was absolutely vital to the amazing outcome; it
wouldn’t have been possible without the help of each person who pitched in
throughout the days we were away. There are no words to express the gratitude I
feel for their care of Navar. I will definitely look forward to paying their
kindness forward whenever the opportunity presents.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was showing one of my colleagues at the office before and
after photos and he made the comment about it being a beautiful scar (hence the
name of this blog post). I didn't want to post this blog until it was completely healed but simply couldn't wait to share this. We are shooting for a complete healing by September 11th - 5 months. I have been riding Navar for the past few weeks without a bit of a hitch in his step.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would never have wished for this injury but it really is turning into a beautiful scar. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking forward to many Happy Trails!<br />
Tovie and Navar</span> </div>
</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-72462671332775194222016-03-23T08:33:00.001-06:002016-03-23T08:33:48.753-06:00Cudas Dandy Fritz (aka Dexter) April 22, 2006 - March 5, 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My beloved Dexter died senselessly when he slipped on the
asphalt floor in the barn and hit his head so hard that he never regained
consciousness. It has taken me two weeks to be able to write this post. I truly
thought Dexter would be the horse to carry me into old age – especially given
his talent for laying down when asked to let me get on. Some days it seems
unthinkable that I will never play with that special little horse again.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was divine intervention that took me to meet Dexter
in the first place. I was looking for an untouched, uncomplicated horse to replace
Nugget, who had become lame with arthritis. I was intrigued by the ad on Kijiji
for a 4 y.o. quarter horse - even though there was no photo. When the owner sent
me photos of a beautiful little chestnut, and a long history of his already
complicated past; she also admitted he could no longer be caught. To this day,
I can’t explain what compelled me to go meet Dexter but what I saw was a
friendly, curious little horse that was extremely skeptical of people. It was
a frigid 30 below that January day in 2011 so I was covered from head to toe with only my eyes peeking out. Intuitively, I sat down
in his pasture and got very small. It took Dexter only a few minutes to come over
and drop his head in my lap and from that day on, playing with Dexter has been pure
joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When it came time to start Dexter under saddle, I enlisted
the help of trainer, Rob Kroeger because I had never started a horse under
saddle before. Rob agreed to let me do all the work under his guidance; with a caveat that I could speak up if something didn't feel right for Dexter or me. Since
Dexter had a history of bolting when he got bothered, I worried he might do the
same under saddle. My fears were completely unfounded as he never seemed to
get bothered – except the time our friend Ron flew over our place with his
helicopter while I was riding Dexter – even then I got more bothered than Dexter. After
only 4 days under saddle, we were riding in the mountains through creeks and
over Rob’s bridge from hell; and that was the way it was throughout our entire
time together.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There were a couple of times when things could have gone
horribly wrong but Dexter always kept his head and pulled us through. During
one of our first rides, we were going up a steep hill that still had some early
spring ice under the grass. Dexter’s front legs slipped out from under him,
tossing me forward enough to kick my feet out of the stirrups. There I stood
unharmed as Dexter slipped down the hill between my legs. He calmly stood up
when he came to rest against a tree and allowed me to lead him to solid
footing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Another time, Gord and I were riding up a creek at Blue Rock
looking for a trail head to take us to the waterfall. When we decided to
scramble up a rocky slope, Dexter lost his footing and went over backward dunking
me in the drink. Again, he calmly got up and never lost a step as we headed
back to camp to get me dry clothes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">However, there was one ride that stands out when I honestly
believe Dexter saved my life. My friend Lena and I were riding in the mountains;
on a trail that runs along the edge of a gorge that dropped straight down hundreds
of feet. We came up behind a couple of ladies walking their black lab who
graciously moved off the trail to let us by. Dexter and I were in the lead and
just as we came up beside them, the dog lunged at Dexter, growling and barking.
The dog was on leash and the lady was able to pull the dog back immediately. Thankfully
my brave boy did nothing but spook in place because there was no margin for
error on that narrow trail. Lena’s horse had not been very relaxed on that
particular day and we were both so grateful that Dexter was in the lead because
we didn’t think Cash would have been able to handle the situation so calmly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">One of my students loved the story of my initial meeting with
Dexter. While we knew Dexter’s registered name, and the name of the breeder in
Saskatchewan, the AQHA couldn’t help me obtain a copy of his registration
paper. Unbeknownst to me, Jen used the information I had, and googled until she
was able to surprise me with contact information for the breeder. It took an
affidavit, photos and two years, but when his papers finally arrived, I was bursting with pride as I added his framed registration paper to the “wall of fame” in my tack
room.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Since November, I have been working with Ruth Ratcliffe, an
exceptional riding coach who has been helping me improve my technical riding
ability. With the combination of the glorious weather this winter and my newfound
riding skills, I discovered a joy for riding Dexter I didn’t even know was possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In the end, things went horribly wrong for Dexter that
fateful day but I will be forever grateful to have had him in my life – even if
it was only for 5 short years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There is still so much to be grateful for that will help heal this horrendous ache. The compassion of the ladies who were there when the accident happened; my dear friends Sherri, Uli & Jaclyn who came over immediately after the accident to sit on the barn floor and cry with me while I stroked Dexter; and the many other friends who came over for a hug or called throughout the week that followed; and of course my other beautiful, sweet boys - Leopold</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, Navar, and Fonzi
- they are all such a joy to be
with. The day after the accident, I was playing with Navar for some much needed equine therapy, when a bald eagle flew right over my barn roof. Since that day, I have seen a bald eagle every couple of days. Perhaps the eagles have always been around but I prefer to think it is Dexter encouraging me to keep soaring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">From the first moment I met Dexter, there was just something
about that playful little chestnut horse that grabbed my heart a little
tighter than most.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Say hi to Applejack for us all Dexter; and thank you for 5 years
of pure joy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I will forever be grateful to have met you!<br />Tovie</span></div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-78216036142939634172016-01-06T17:10:00.002-07:002016-01-06T17:10:33.666-07:00Happy 2016 and Goodbye Applejack<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I say that with a heavy heart today but it can only get better from here. This morning we said goodbye to Outback Jack (aka Applejack). Jack crossed the Rainbow Bridge after a mild bout of colic on Sunday, that actually corrected itself; however he still refused to eat. On Monday, the vet could find no physical reason for his lack of appetite and by Tuesday night we felt it best for him to be put down before the next cold snap set in. Jack would have been 24 in March.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was wonderful hanging in the barn alone with him this morning; reminiscing over the 20 years Jack was in our lives. I bought Jack from a horse dealer when he was just turning 4, back in 1996. Initially I wasn't going to meet him at all because I had not heard very favourable comments about Appaloosas. Luckily the young fellow who worked for Kevin Pole had been riding Jack at the dealers place. I`ll never forget Trent telling me that Jack was one of the nicest Appys he had ever ridden and that he was 4 going on 12. I trusted that Trent knew the horse and my level of inability and so I went to meet Jack. When I arrived, he was in a large pasture with about 30 other horses and when the gate rattled, his head came up as if to say ``people`` and he ran over to greet us at the gate. In the moment I didn`t realize this was the horse I came to meet but needless to say - I bought him on the spot.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
According to his registration papers, Jack was born in Yorkton, SK where he was sold at auction and purchased by the dealer I bought him from. I remember being wary about buying this horse from a dealer and waiting for something horrible to be wrong with him - but he was awesome. I wrote a letter to the folks listed on his papers to let them know I now owned Outback Jack and acknowledging how lovely his manners were. A couple weeks later I received a phone call from the lady who bred him saying she was visiting the Calgary area and would love to come see us. Apparently Jack was a darling from the moment he was born and her elderly father had a real soft spot for him. They were delighted to receive my letter and learn he would be loved and cared for. During our visit, she took video of me and Jack and gave me a very special gift - baby photos of him with his mama.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For several years Jack was my learning partner - always patient while I practiced TTouch, Clicker Training, Carriage Driving, Extreme Cowboy Challenge and Natural Horsemanship. There is no question I made my share of mistakes with Jack; including a carriage driving wreck and a trailer wreck but neither caused him resentment or resistance. However, my biggest mistake was trusting his teeth to Grant McKinnon whom my vet sincerely believes, greatly shortened Jack's life by taking off far more tooth than he should have. For nearly 3 years, Jack thrived on mash twice per day. He made looking after him so easy by meeting us at the gate, following us to the barn without a halter and when he was done eating, following us back to the gate. I knew something was seriously wrong when Jack was no longer waiting at the gate.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He was always the steady, reliable boy we could trust to get the job done safely. I took Jack to our bi-annual cattle drive up at Water Valley for 16 years. Unfortunately, that was the only time we got to play with cows so it took us 16 years to get it right; but he was so fantastic the last year I took him, it was definitely worth the wait. While Jack was too laid back to be competitive, I was always proud to have him as my partner.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I started teaching beginners about horses, Jack was my first choice because he would stand patiently during lessons and help folks learn and practice the basic ground skills.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One of those students was a young woman named Lisa Schmidt who fell in love with Jack and ended up becoming his guardian angle for nearly 3 years; right to the end. Lisa, Sherri and I shared many memories and tears last night as we celebrated a wonderful horse. As sad as it is to lose him, there is comfort in knowing how much Jack was loved by many throughout his life.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tovie, Lisa and her Doodlebug (aka Jack)</div>
</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-66836127317621889682015-11-25T14:19:00.001-07:002015-11-26T10:41:37.382-07:00Great Teachers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of my goals on the horsemanship journey was to find a great riding coach that could help improve my technical riding ability. Last summer one of my former students/now friend, invited me to watch her lesson with Ruth Ratcliffe, at Moose Hill Ranch in Bragg Creek.<br />
<br />
My friend Dar bought Echo as a 2 year old - Echo is a big, beautiful black mare who, as a youngster, was quite strong willed. There were times when Dar doubted that she was the right person for Echo. Seeing their harmonious riding partnership was truly magical and Dar attributed much of her success with Echo to her riding coach Ruth.<br />
<br />
Just last week I started taking lessons with Ruth and have already acquired a better understanding of western riding after only two lessons. I've been fortunate to have many wonderful horse and human teachers along my journey and Ruth will be right up there for me. Ruth Ratcliffe is a truly gifted coach; compassionate, funny, knowledgeable and very accomplished. It came as no surprise to learn that Ruth has also been awarded Coach of Year.<br />
<br />
I've never been delusional about my riding ability - while adequate I'm not a great rider. However, now that I am doing more rehabilitation work with horses that I want to re-home, I want to be able to bring them to another level under saddle. Not to mention I would like to bring my own personal horses, Dexter and Nevar to another level.<br />
<br />
Leopold has also been a great teacher for me. Riding Leopold has been rewarding but his fidgety, nervous behavior in the barn was frustratingly irritating. I tried hard to stick to more traditional training methods with Leopold knowing it would likely be more in line with his future when he finds his perfect person. However, after one extremely annoying evening in the barn with him, I heard Linda Tellington-Jones in my head saying he doesn't know how to be any other way - so show him another way to be. Even trying to do TTouch on Leopold was irritating because the bugger simply wouldn't stand still so the other day I reverted to clicker training. The change in our interaction was profound. Instead of dreading another barn session with Leopold, I now happily anticipate playing with him and thinking of new things to teach him. When I read articles or hear folks saying that clicker training is a bad thing, I can only think they don't understand the power of operant conditioning and they haven't seen it done well, if at all. Just like any training method or tool, used badly, it can get ugly. Leopold is now standing quietly in the barn with his head relaxed and giving me each foot nicely without falling out of position. This may not seem like a big deal to some folks, but I do my own trimming and when a horse doesn't stand still and balanced, it makes the job so much harder.<br />
<br />
Leopold's bravery is beginning to emerge now that he is relaxed and thinking rather than being fidgety and reactive. Anyone who has handled many horses knows that training a relaxed, curious horse is much more effective than training a tense, worried horse; as well as being much safer for the rider/handler.<br />
<br />
Ruth is teaching me to be a more effective rider and Leopold is teaching me to trust what I know to help him be a calm, happy horse.<br />
<br />
Tovie and Leopold</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-58711022673020897262015-11-03T13:45:00.000-07:002015-11-03T13:45:17.300-07:00Is there a Difference Between a Horseperson and a Rider?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A horseperson has time, knowledge, and skill; or the desire to learn, to help a horse through an issue or prevent undesirable behavior before it becomes habitual.<br />
<br />
A rider is somebody with a very busy life that simply wants to ride once a week on a safe, uncomplicated horse.<br />
<br />
Determining which of the above realistically applies to you is important to know before buying a horse. Horses that do everything we want in any weather or circumstance; and can handle our mistakes are rare - if they exist at all. They are typically the older experienced horse that has been there done that; or they can be a younger horse that someone has put hours and hours of time into.<br />
<br />
My experience with folks buying horses is they don't want to buy an older horse because of the potential for health issues, such as worn out joints and teeth, that can accompany them; and they don't want to pay the amount of money required for a really well trained younger horse that someone has put hours and hours of time and experience on. Although, even a young horse that has received hours of good training and consistent use can easily develop behavioural issues when mistakes are made by an inexperienced horse owner or they are neglected due to busy lives.<br />
<br />
It is my belief that once we become horse owners, it is incumbent on us to become the best horseperson possible, for the horse's sake.<br />
<br />
I went to see Fonzi and his new owner last Sunday after learning that things had gone from bad to worse over the past couple of weeks, due to an ill fitting saddle. Fonzi tried to tell her by not standing still for saddling and mounting; and when he wasn't heard, things escalated into him bucking her and the property owner off. When I saddled him with a saddle I knew was comfortable for him, he didn't disappoint and I was happy to discover that he hadn't learned to buck from this small incident.<br />
<br />
However his new owner doesn't feel she can overcome her jitters; and then seeing how well Fonzi did for me, she is now convinced she isn't the right person for Fonzi after all. Fixing horses that are mistrustful of people is a far easier task than fixing people that mistrust their horse.<br />
<br />
Since my mission in life is to help folks get started well with horses, taking Fonzi back was never a question. If I don't take him back, what would become of him. How can his new owner sell him if she isn't comfortable demonstrating him and he is way too good of a horse to become a pasture ornament.<br />
<br />
Tovie & Fonzi</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-19412980176759362512015-10-19T11:34:00.003-06:002015-10-19T11:34:56.245-06:00Life is Good<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Since my last post I have managed to ride Leopold every day without incident. After the one episode of crow hopping with the saddle, he has never offered to do anything remotely silly again. Saturday morning we even progressed to a canter without incident. During the first few rides, I prefer to use the halter or side pull (bitless) but I found it difficult to soften Leopold at the poll for vertical flexion. Yesterday I decided to see how he goes in the mylar bit. Once again Leopold didn't disappoint. He responds nicely to the bit and flexed beautiful through the poll.<br />
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Sherri came out to ride Magnum while I was riding Leopold in the round pen. The weather was a balmy 20 above and Leopold was super calm and responsive and so we decided to see how he would do out on the trails and in the back hay field - FANTASTIC! Leopold was relaxed and confident and actually took the lead away from good ole' Magnum who got stuck and didn't want to go into the trees. Nothing is perfect and my only complaint is that the trees on the trails seem much lower when riding taller horses. We did some walk/trot transitions out in the field and we practiced our leg yields while riding down the road.<br />
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Hopefully this dry footing continues so we can get a few more rides in before the snow flies.<br />
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Tovie and Leopold the Great!</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-14778417507591909692015-10-13T12:37:00.001-06:002015-10-13T12:41:56.314-06:00So Much to Be Thankful For<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After The Fonz moved along, I hesitated to bring another horse in so soon; primarily because I wanted to spend some time with Dexter and Nevar while the weather is still good.<br />
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I am so grateful that I changed my mind about taking beautiful Leo after all. He has been an absolute joy to play with. Even though I sound like a broken record because I feel that about every horse I play with - it is so true. It could be the somewhat unconventional variety of training methods I employ to help horses overcome their issues that makes it all so much fun.<br />
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It is hard to know what groundwork exercises Leopold was exposed to before he came to me as the only videos I saw showed traditional lunge work and chute jumping him. Yet, his focus and relaxation make everything I ask of him seem like he has done it a million times before. Yesterday, I put a saddle on him and he stood quietly throughout the process and then quietly walked out to the arena. However, as soon as I sent him out onto the circle - he started to crow hop. His behavior was strangely odd in the sense that he didn't seem scared or mad - just crow hopped a few times and then we carried on with our business without further incident. The TTouch body exploration work indicated no apparent back pain and he wasn't cinchy at all as I gradually tightened the girth. Will be interesting to see how he responds to the saddle today.<br />
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Gord took video of Leopold yesterday showing how well he is coming along with the ground work; lateral flexion, parking at the mounting block, and w/t/c transitions up and down. He doesn't mind when I bounce the giant equine ball off his back and around him, nor does he mind my slapping the ground with the stick and string. He actually seems to become more confident every day. Once the video is ready, Gord will download it on You Tube.<br />
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Tovie, Gord, and Leopold</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-20609987012457966042015-10-07T14:18:00.004-06:002015-10-07T14:18:51.428-06:00Big Mistake...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
All my friends at our barn decided that Leo's name wasn't sophisticated enough for such a gorgeous animal and so we now call him Leopold.<br />
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Typically when a new horse arrives, I spend several days introducing the new horse to one or two of our geldings at a time. Occasionally we meet a horse that causes nary a ripple amongst our herd and we turn them out sooner. That was Leopold - clearly not challenging any of our "boys" over the fence and so I made the decision, early Saturday morning, to turn Leopold out to the large field with our "boys". Erika had told me that Leopold had been turned out to pasture with wire fencing so I mistakenly assumed he would be OK.<br />
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Naturally, Leopold was excited to run. Our 4 laid back "boys" didn't even bother to run with him; and Dexter, Skeeter and Navar ran with him for a short while before giving up. Leopold however, just kept running all by himself - looking like he was having the time of his life. It was glorious to behold until suddenly Leopold started running straight at the 3 strand barb wire fence. As I stood watching in horror, thinking he was going to jump it, he ran straight through it. It didn't even slow him down and now he was running through our hay field where the gates are wide open to our neighbour's field. I stayed calm and tried to call Leopold to me and just when I thought he was heading my way, doesn't he go through the barb wire fence again to get back into the field with the other horses.<br />
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Thankfully, our boys come to a call so I quickly put out several piles of hay and Leopold came in with them. I was sickened by the thought of what I would see when he finally came in as I have seen wire fence injuries and they are, more often than not, horrific. I quickly put Leopold back in the rail paddock with a hay bag and was shocked by what I saw. Aside from a couple of minor scrapes of hair missing on his chest, one superficial scrape on a hind leg, and one tiny little drop of blood on his front leg - he was absolutely fine. First I cried with relief and then I pondered how to tell Gord he would be fixing fence that day.<br />
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I had so much to be grateful for that morning, including the fact that our lazy stock horses had given up following Leopold because with all that wire down, it could have been catastrophic.<br />
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In hindsight, it may have helped to put hay piles out in the field first and then taken Leopold in hand around the perimeter of the entire field so he had an awareness of the fence line.<br />
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Needless to say, Leopold will be staying in the rail paddock for the time being. Not sure if I will ever be comfortable putting him out to the pasture again. It is a lot more work to have him in but he is definitely worth the extra effort.<br />
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Tovie, Leopold and Leopold's Angels</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-15517509404119852342015-10-03T13:32:00.000-06:002015-10-07T13:34:53.347-06:00Leopold the Great<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
July 10th I received the following message from Page Campbell of Westwood Warmbloods up at Spruce Grove, AB.:<br />
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<em>I have been asked to help rehome a very special horse. (And this is an essay, so I apologize):<br />Leo is a 2008 Chestnut Warmblood Gelding, 16.2 (and we think he's still growing), with a ridiculously nice pedigree; by Der Lord (Hanoverian), out of a Hanoverian-Approved, Lord Vancouver (Thoroughbred) daughter. He is one of the last breedings by Rudiger Dupierry before he retired.<br />He is a friendly boy, first to greet you in the field. Reasonably easy keeper, he’s lived both inside and out, always kept on a regular farrier schedule, and has had regular handling. He loads and trailers well.<br />He is extremely athletic and talented, with very nice movement, free jumps four feet with ease.</em><br />
<em>That said, he is not an easy horse, and circumstances have not been in his favour. <br /> He was born here at Westwood Warmbloods, but as I mentioned, is not of our breeding program - his mother (who is lovely) was purchased in foal. As a five year old, he was sent out to be started, and they had no issues with him. When he came back, he was added to a very long list of horses in training - and unfortunately, as it so often is in this business, triage is the name of the game - client horses first, maintenance on school horses, prospects with interested buyers, not to mention teaching ground manners to younger stock, and our trainer's personal horses. Leo tends to need more persuasion than most, and a steadier, consistent hand, so even among his very small group of age-mates, he was not the first in line.</em><br />
<em>Then he bucked under saddle a couple of times, and moved even further down the list - our trainer no longer felt comfortable letting assistant trainers ride him, and he had never progressed to being ridden by advanced students. Then, he was cut from the list altogether last winter due to lack of time.</em><br />
<em>He had a chiropractor look at him, had his saddle adjusted, and a new girth, but honestly, we think it was just high spirits. He has come back into work again this spring, and he hasn't bucked since, but his work has been very limited - he's been lunged in tack at all three gaits and over poles, but so far just walking under saddle working on promoting relaxation. The trainer who started him suggested we move him back into a western saddle because that is how he was started, but our trainer doesn't ride western. From what we've done, he seems to be much more mature than he was at five, or even six.<br /> Here at Westwood, we practice Classical Dressage in the style of Legerete, which means we have not used side reins, draw reins, or a flash noseband on Leo. We focus on getting the horse to soften, move lightly and forward. We try to reward even the smallest amount of try, so that next time the horse tries harder. Leo tends to approach all sessions the same way;</em><br />
<em>1) OMG you want me to do what?</em><br />
<em>2) Yeah, I don't think so.</em><br />
<em>3) Okay, fine, if you insist, that's really not that awful.</em><br />
<em>Leo would very much benefit from someone who had time to earn his trust; he's naturally suspicious and takes care of himself.</em><br />
<em>Sitting in a field at the bottom of the training list is no good for Leo. Our priority still has to be our clients and their horses, fiscally, we can't afford to invest in Leo as much time as he needs. However, we've found it very difficult to market Leo; he may have ten thousand dollars of breeding, and ten thousand dollars of talent, but he needs five thousand dollars of training. And not only that, he needs to sell soon; being green at seven is acceptable, being green at ten is totally unmarketable. We've priced him ridiculously low, and have spent a long time weeding out homes that are just well, inappropriate. We're willing to keep him forever if the alternative is the meat truck, but Leo deserves better.<br />We've also done the worst thing you can do when selling a horse - we've been completely honest about him to everyone who has contacted us.</em><br />
<em>Let's be totally honest; we are willing give Leo away to a quality home. I would love to do a Dollar, or Fonzi deal with you; but would also appreciate any help, advice, suggestions or recommendations you can provide.</em><br />
Anyone reading Page's message can feel how much Westwood cares about the horses in their care and while I was completely ignorant about Leo's breeding and warmbloods in general, I felt compelled to help. At the time I explained to Page that I couldn't take Leo until I had found Fonzi's perfect person. However, once Fonzi left, I decided to spend more time with Dexter and Navar and so I sent Page a message saying I couldn't take Leo after all. Only thing is, I forgot to hit send. The following week, Page emailed asking if it was still OK to bring Leo the end of September. After discussing with Gord (who has been as neglected as Dexter and Navar), we made the decision to take him to give him a chance. Leo was delivered by the owner of Westwood Warmbloods, Erika and her brother Colin, Thursday, October 1st.</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-39438826108566266982015-09-28T18:22:00.000-06:002015-10-04T18:23:00.174-06:00Beautiful Fall and Not so Beautiful Fall<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Now that Fonzi has moved along, its me and Dexter again and with the fantastic fall weather, we've been enjoying some beautiful rides. A couple of weeks ago, Dexter and I were cantering in the field when he stumbled on some uneven ground and fell to his knees. There I was catapulting through the air over his head. Thankfully I was wearing my helmet and got up relatively unharmed so I decided to get back on and finish the ride on a good note. While the potential for injury is the same whether the horse stumbles, spooks, bucks, bolts, or rears, a horse falling doesn't seem to take the same emotional toll.<br />
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Last weekend, my friend Lena invited Gord and I to ride with her and some of her friends down at Waldron Ranch. The Ranch is located south of Claresholm in the gorgeous Porcupine Hills and riding these hills has long been on my bucket list. The colours were spectacular, the weather fantastic, and the people we rode with was one of the best groups of folks we have ever ridden with. Connie and her husband Mike are the Managers of the Waldron Ranch and Connie and her gorgeous buckskin, Valentine, were terrific guides.<br />
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Can`t thank Lena enough for inviting us along for the ride with Ken & Peggy, Sandy and Connie. Hope we can do it again.<br />
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Happy Fall!<br />
Tovie, Dexter, Gord and Magic</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-65788350828398822702015-09-17T14:46:00.003-06:002015-09-17T14:46:54.407-06:00The Fonz is Soooo Cool<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Fonzie has been reliable and consistent so I felt the time was right to start advertising to find his perfect person. Fonzie will give you his heart and soul if he trusts you but he is not an easily trusting horse so not for everybody - definitely the sort of horse that needs a relationship with his person. <br />
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Last weekend we were invited to join Rob Kroeger for a ride at Wareabouts Ranch - near Mesa Butte. Rob is one of my favourite horse people - he is a professional horse trainer and all around nice guy.<br />
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I decided to take The Fonz on the ride to see what he would be like in a group, around mares and on the trails and he definitely didn't disappoint. It all starts with loading into the trailer and even without a lead rope, I just point at the trailer and Fonz jumps right in. In my books that is a great start.<br />
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Despite the chaos of showing up at a training facility where there are a bunch of anxious youngsters and horses out of their element, Fonz was brilliant. I was a bit worried about going with a group, especially because there were mares going with us. All my worry was for naught - Fonz wasn't just OK - he was exceptional. If nobody knew his past, they'd never thought he was anything but a gorgeous, well mannered boy. We did a grueling and challenging 3 hour mountain ride and I can honestly say, I've never felt more comfortable riding any horse. He was sure footed and completely focused on the terrain. We came across some cattle and so I decided to see how he would be and just like everything I've asked of him - he was confident and trusting.<br />
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At Wareabouts, they have what I call, the bridge from hell. The bridge crosses Wareabouts Creek and is a steel grate bridge that you can see through. Aside from being quite high with no sides and terribly noisy, the horses can see the creek flowing underneath the bridge. It is not a bridge for the faint of heart and Fonz went across that bridge without hesitation. I couldn't have been prouder of him than I was in that moment. At one point I was about 1/3 of the way across the bridge when Gord announced he wanted to video us so I backed him off just as easily as that. I LOVE THIS HORSE!<br />
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Needless to say, I was a little more than skeptical when I came home that evening to several messages from a gal named "Tina" who was very interested in meeting The Fonz. We arranged a meeting for Sunday and it is with mixed feelings that I have to say, she was his perfect person. Everyone falls in love with a black horse so I didn't really care how she felt about the horse. Instead, I was watching how The Fonz responded to her and it was magical. I ended up telling Tina that I would cry if she took him and cry if she didn't. She left telling me she had a couple more horse to meet that afternoon and would let me know by the end of the day.<br />
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She came back twice that day and the deal was made. To my delight, she loves what I am teaching and asked if they could stay until the end of September so she could learn some of the "moves" Fonz already knows. If you don't already know how I sell a horse; I sell him with a money back guarantee. The horse leaves me happy, sound and healthy. If it doesn't work out for any reason (could be a cranky pasture mate you have no control over), you bring him back sound and healthy - I can always make him happy again. Happy Person = Happy Horse and Happy Horse = Happy Person!<br />
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Talk about six degrees of separation, Tina will be boarding Fonz at a facility where our good friends, Chris & Uli, keep their horses. Gord bought Magic from Chris and we often tease him that he sold the best horse he ever owned. Chris admits that for some reason, he and Magic simply didn't click. Another great reminder that just because a horse doesn't work out well for you, doesn't make him a bad horse. I whole heartedly thought Uli and Fonz would make a wonderful pair and Uli's horse Hank is having stifle issues. However, I completely respect the fact that Uli isn't ready to give up on Hank just yet by replacing him.<br />
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Now that The Fonz is moving on, I will finally have some time to get back to Nevar and Dexter. Nevar is starting out so well and my beloved Dexter has been terribly neglected this year. That alone makes the sadness of Fonz leaving bearable; as does the joy I see in Tina's face - she was absolutely vibrating with excitement.<br />
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Another Happy Ending - Tovie & Fonz</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555224141081413334.post-17734226014518441652015-09-04T12:06:00.005-06:002015-09-04T14:01:27.429-06:00Nevar's First Rides<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Nobody will dispute that I am not a breed or colour snob and that I absolutely adore every horse that crosses my path.<br />
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As a young girl, I used to go to my then, best friend's, Auntie Sis's farm and she had this old grulla mare named Topsy. By the time we were done grooming and pampering Topsy she shone like a fancy schmancy show horse. We doubled her bareback until at least one of us fell off - usually landing in a cow patty; and then laughed so hard we nearly peed our pants.<br />
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It must have been the joy of being with Topsy that I developed a love for the colour grullo (male) and grulla (female). After many years of learning and practice, I finally felt I wouldn't mess up a youngster too badly so I announced to my husband that I wanted to have a baby. He quickly reminded me that in my 50s it was highly unlikely to happen. I persisted and told him that if the baby lived to 30 I would be 80 and my biological clock was ticking. He was so relieved I meant a baby horse, he quickly agreed. While browsing Kijiji in 2012, there he was - my perfect little yearling and I called him Nevar - the hero in my favourite movie Ladyhawk.<br />
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I finally started riding Nevar this past week and I know some folks think starting a horse at 4 is too late. However, after making the painful decision to put down my beloved Nugget at 12 due to unmanageable arthritis, I chose to wait until Nevar was at least 4 before starting to ride him. I wanted to make absolutely sure his joints and ligaments were good and strong and would stay that way throughout his life.<br />
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Recalling my first rides on Dexter; after the 4th ride we were riding in the mountains crossing bridges and creeks. Just like my first rides on Dexter, riding Nevar this week has been rather uneventful - exactly the way I like it. This is why I am such a strong advocate for effective ground work. By the time you put your bum in the saddle, the horse has been well prepared for the saddle and bit, and already knows lateral and vertical flexion, one rein emergency stop, moving off leg pressure for lateral work, transitions, and halt.<br />
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Good preparation on the ground prepares young horses and rehabilitates older horses by developing mutual respect and trust. Trust is so important when riding a young or rehabilitated horse for the first time because trust translates into confidence and horses feel your confidence or lack thereof.<br />
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Folks often feel if their horse could just get more miles, or if they were better riders; they wouldn't keep falling off. I am definitely not the best rider nor am I the bravest rider but effective ground work has changed my riding experience completely. If you are coming off your horse, I encourage you to improve your ground work.<br />
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Fall is the best time of year for riding - bringing cooler temperatures, no bugs and spectacular colours. This year make fall about the red, orange and yellow; not the black and blue - improve your ground work!<br />
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Tovie and Nevar</div>
Toviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737023680964854457noreply@blogger.com0