Dollar has been for sale since August and while folks have been interested; we were committed to waiting for his perfect person to come along. When I help folks with problems they are having with their horses; and learning what they paid for those horses, it surprised me that it took so long, but it has definitely been worth the wait.
Last weekend was cold and snowy and a perfect weekend to devote to making my Saskatoon jam. Then I heard the ping of an incoming email - a response to Dollar's ad. As I read the inquiry, it turned out to be from Michelle - one of my first students. Michelle came for lessons when Just Horsing Around started up in 2007; and someone I also connected with on a personal level. After taking my initial course, Michelle went on to take riding lessons and had finally come to the point that she felt ready to commit to buying a horse. Since Dollar's ad didn't indicate who the seller was; Michelle had no idea it was me selling Dollar. However, once I confirmed it was her and she learned it was me, neither of us could wait for her to come meet him; and hope that it would be a perfect match.
For Michelle - it seemed like love at first sight but it was Dollar's reaction to Michelle that sold me. He was relaxed and calm and not pushy or fidgety - a testament to Michelle's calm, kind demeanor. Despite the obvious connection, we have arranged for Michelle to lease Dollar for a while to make sure he is indeed the right horse for her. I wouldn't want anyone to feel stuck with a horse they aren't enjoying because if the person isn't having fun, neither is the horse.
For purely selfish reasons, I couldn't be happier to have Michelle as another barn buddy. It also means that Dollar will get to stick around; and I will have more time to spend with Dexter, Navar and Skeeter.
Congratulations to Michelle on her "first" horse - may Dollar bring you all the pride and joy he brought to me!
Tovie and Dollar
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Just Horsing Around
Many of my former students have gone on to fulfill their dream of horse ownership and I love receiving updates about their horsey endeavors. While my role, often at the beginning of their equine experience, is relatively small; my goal is to share information and skills that will help them make informed decisions with regard to horse ownership and management.
There are also many other folks who participate in my program, who make the decision that horse ownership is not for them after all - at least not at this time. I consider those folks a success as well. Better to make that decision before getting involved with a horse, only to discover it is way more of a time and financial commitment than they bargained for.
As an experienced horse owner, I naturally steer all beginners to the older, well trained horses. A solid minded, well trained horse will often fill in for a beginner who is bound to make mistakes along their horsemanship journey. Having said that, I have seen folks buy an older horse that didn't end up being a good match for them; and I have seen young horses that have turned out to be great horses for their beginner people.
For me the joy comes from hearing stories of folks who are enjoying their horses - uninjured and unafraid. Some folks have made the painful decision to part with a horse they thought was good for them, but simply wasn't working out. The good news is that they recognize when it isn't working before something terrible happens.
So to you folks having fun with your horses - you make what I do so much more fun! Thank you for sharing your joyful updates and photos. I know we all have good intention to keep in touch; but we horse people know that any precious spare time is spent with our horse.
Enjoy our beautiful fall weather. In my opinion, this is the best riding season of the entire year.
Tovie & the "Boys"
There are also many other folks who participate in my program, who make the decision that horse ownership is not for them after all - at least not at this time. I consider those folks a success as well. Better to make that decision before getting involved with a horse, only to discover it is way more of a time and financial commitment than they bargained for.
As an experienced horse owner, I naturally steer all beginners to the older, well trained horses. A solid minded, well trained horse will often fill in for a beginner who is bound to make mistakes along their horsemanship journey. Having said that, I have seen folks buy an older horse that didn't end up being a good match for them; and I have seen young horses that have turned out to be great horses for their beginner people.
For me the joy comes from hearing stories of folks who are enjoying their horses - uninjured and unafraid. Some folks have made the painful decision to part with a horse they thought was good for them, but simply wasn't working out. The good news is that they recognize when it isn't working before something terrible happens.
So to you folks having fun with your horses - you make what I do so much more fun! Thank you for sharing your joyful updates and photos. I know we all have good intention to keep in touch; but we horse people know that any precious spare time is spent with our horse.
Enjoy our beautiful fall weather. In my opinion, this is the best riding season of the entire year.
Tovie & the "Boys"
Friday, August 16, 2013
Dollar Is Now Looking For His Forever Home
It turned out to be pretty easy to get Dollar over his worry about the cinch so we could get back to riding together. He is an exceptional horse with a very solid temperament. I have started to advertise him for sale and have been surprised to discover how many folks want a horse who does everything - for nothing. Part of me wants to shout at folks - you don't understand how much effort can go into helping a horse become trusting, willing; and ultimately safe. Admittedly, there are horses that are easier to train than some, and then there are those great horses that were handled by an inexperienced handler and learned some undesirable behavior; but the bottom line is, all horses have to learn to "be" with people and someone has to spend the time teaching them. Whether it is me teaching the horse, or me teaching people to teach their horse; horses have to be taught.
It takes time, knowledge, and experience to train horses; so if you only have 2 days a week and limited experience, it is going to take a lot longer to train some horses. While I completely support sending your horse to a reputable trainer; ultimately, it is you who will continue training your horse when they come back to you. The bottom line is that you need to know how to effectively handle your horse, especially when they are young and impressionable.
That is why I like to see folks who are just getting started, hook up with the well broke, older horses who have enough experience to keep folks from getting into too much trouble. Jack was the first horse I ever purchased and nearly didn't because he was only 4. I didn't feel I had enough experience to have a 4 year old. However, I enlisted the help of a young trainer who described Jack as 4 going on 12. What he meant was that Jack had a very sensible, laid back temperament and wouldn't overreact to any mistakes I was bound to make as a beginner.
While some breeds are characteristically known for being laid back or "hot"; breeding is not a surefire way to decide if that horse is good for a beginner. I have met horses of every breed that will be good for beginners - it really depends on their personality and handling.
It takes time, knowledge, and experience to train horses; so if you only have 2 days a week and limited experience, it is going to take a lot longer to train some horses. While I completely support sending your horse to a reputable trainer; ultimately, it is you who will continue training your horse when they come back to you. The bottom line is that you need to know how to effectively handle your horse, especially when they are young and impressionable.
That is why I like to see folks who are just getting started, hook up with the well broke, older horses who have enough experience to keep folks from getting into too much trouble. Jack was the first horse I ever purchased and nearly didn't because he was only 4. I didn't feel I had enough experience to have a 4 year old. However, I enlisted the help of a young trainer who described Jack as 4 going on 12. What he meant was that Jack had a very sensible, laid back temperament and wouldn't overreact to any mistakes I was bound to make as a beginner.
While some breeds are characteristically known for being laid back or "hot"; breeding is not a surefire way to decide if that horse is good for a beginner. I have met horses of every breed that will be good for beginners - it really depends on their personality and handling.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Dollar Tried To Tell Me
Dollar's previous owner had mentioned that once, when Dollar was being saddled, the cinch was done up so tightly that he actually laid down. Keeping that in mind, I have been very mindful to tighten his cinch slowly, in very small increments. Despite this, over the past couple of weeks, Dollar's behavior has been getting progressively worse during the cinching process. Initially, I would notice him slightly bulge his belly toward me - no big deal. When I didn't listen to that, he started taking a slight step towards me or walking away - annoying. Finally, the other day he stomped my foot, on asphalt - ouch!
Rather than get mad at him, I reflected on my painful toe until I finally figured out what he had been trying to tell me - he was having a very hard time with the cinch. During the saddling process, I was already planning our wonderful ride and thinking of the day when he would be going to his forever home, instead of staying in the moment and listening to him. Dollar's wonderful disposition is likely the only reason I didn't get hurt worse. I ignored his subtle attempts to communicate with me and as horses often do, they escalate into undesirable behavior that usually causes us pain.
Even though I knew his history; and was being extremely considerate when cinching him, it wasn't enough. Dollar was still worried by the cinch. Experience has taught me that often, horses will develop habitual reactions to stimula created by a bad experience, rather than actual discomfort. I believe that is why my careful cinching process wasn't helping him overcome his resistance to being cinched.
This morning I went out to play with a completely new approach. Instead of riding, or even saddling, I focused on helping Dollar relearn that the cinching process isn't a bad thing.
Firstly, I did a round of TTouch all over his barrel, paying particular attention to his girth area. Next, I took a wide tensor bandage and laid it over his back. Just the action of reaching for the tensor bandage while touching his belly was enough to make him move - his way of telling me he isn't happy about this. Incorporating Natural Horsemanship techniques; every time he moved, I disengaged his hind end until he was looking at me and standing still. Each time I would reach for the tensor and he would move, I would move his feet in a purposeful way. Eventually he decided that was way too much work and he stood relaxed while I reached for the tensor bandage. The next step in the process was to bring the tensor bandage under his belly, just like a cinch. Even though the tensor bandage creates no binding pressure or discomfort, he reacted just as if it were a cinch - a true indication his behavior had become habitual. Working through this process with Dollar made me realize just how much trouble he was having with the cinch and despite that, he was tolerant enough to allow me to saddle him every morning and have a wonderful ride. Hard to say how far his behavior would have escalated if I hadn't paid attention to my aching toe - likely would have laid down with my brand new custom made saddle.
In order to ensure Dollar will become a reliable, happy riding companion for many years, his habitual reaction to the cinching process has to stop. Dollar won't be ridden again until I have erased the bad memory and created a more positive response to being cinched. I will do this by progressively replacing the tensor bandage with a rope, my sheepskin surcingle, and ultimately the saddle and real cinch. Whenever he responds in a relaxed, accepting way, I create positive reinforcement with clicking. With Dollar's friendly, easy-going nature, I expect I'll be riding him again very soon.
Thank you again to Linda Tellington-Jones - her work taught me to listen to what our horses are trying to tell us. Her philosophy and teaching has also given me tools and ideas to help horses overcome resistance in a non-forceful manner. While there is much I love about Natural Horsemanship techniques, Dollar's reaction to the cinch would likely be seen as a sign of disrespect and the approach to "fix" him would look much different than lovely TTouches, a tensor bandage, and a click and a treat.
Admittedly, I got caught up in the excitement of Dollar's future, and didn't pay close enough attention to his present - what can I say, I am only human.
Tovie and Dollar
PS: Links to my interview with Linda Tellington Jones can be found on the (R) Sidebar of UTube favorites.
Rather than get mad at him, I reflected on my painful toe until I finally figured out what he had been trying to tell me - he was having a very hard time with the cinch. During the saddling process, I was already planning our wonderful ride and thinking of the day when he would be going to his forever home, instead of staying in the moment and listening to him. Dollar's wonderful disposition is likely the only reason I didn't get hurt worse. I ignored his subtle attempts to communicate with me and as horses often do, they escalate into undesirable behavior that usually causes us pain.
Even though I knew his history; and was being extremely considerate when cinching him, it wasn't enough. Dollar was still worried by the cinch. Experience has taught me that often, horses will develop habitual reactions to stimula created by a bad experience, rather than actual discomfort. I believe that is why my careful cinching process wasn't helping him overcome his resistance to being cinched.
This morning I went out to play with a completely new approach. Instead of riding, or even saddling, I focused on helping Dollar relearn that the cinching process isn't a bad thing.
Firstly, I did a round of TTouch all over his barrel, paying particular attention to his girth area. Next, I took a wide tensor bandage and laid it over his back. Just the action of reaching for the tensor bandage while touching his belly was enough to make him move - his way of telling me he isn't happy about this. Incorporating Natural Horsemanship techniques; every time he moved, I disengaged his hind end until he was looking at me and standing still. Each time I would reach for the tensor and he would move, I would move his feet in a purposeful way. Eventually he decided that was way too much work and he stood relaxed while I reached for the tensor bandage. The next step in the process was to bring the tensor bandage under his belly, just like a cinch. Even though the tensor bandage creates no binding pressure or discomfort, he reacted just as if it were a cinch - a true indication his behavior had become habitual. Working through this process with Dollar made me realize just how much trouble he was having with the cinch and despite that, he was tolerant enough to allow me to saddle him every morning and have a wonderful ride. Hard to say how far his behavior would have escalated if I hadn't paid attention to my aching toe - likely would have laid down with my brand new custom made saddle.
In order to ensure Dollar will become a reliable, happy riding companion for many years, his habitual reaction to the cinching process has to stop. Dollar won't be ridden again until I have erased the bad memory and created a more positive response to being cinched. I will do this by progressively replacing the tensor bandage with a rope, my sheepskin surcingle, and ultimately the saddle and real cinch. Whenever he responds in a relaxed, accepting way, I create positive reinforcement with clicking. With Dollar's friendly, easy-going nature, I expect I'll be riding him again very soon.
Thank you again to Linda Tellington-Jones - her work taught me to listen to what our horses are trying to tell us. Her philosophy and teaching has also given me tools and ideas to help horses overcome resistance in a non-forceful manner. While there is much I love about Natural Horsemanship techniques, Dollar's reaction to the cinch would likely be seen as a sign of disrespect and the approach to "fix" him would look much different than lovely TTouches, a tensor bandage, and a click and a treat.
Admittedly, I got caught up in the excitement of Dollar's future, and didn't pay close enough attention to his present - what can I say, I am only human.
Tovie and Dollar
PS: Links to my interview with Linda Tellington Jones can be found on the (R) Sidebar of UTube favorites.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
First Ride on Dollar
Dollar has been a continual surprise since that first day we went to pick him up. He was a bit thin when he first arrived, not to mention at 4, he is still a youngster with loads of energy. Initially we kept him in a paddock next to Magic while the other boys got comfortable having him around. Once the "boys" settled into having him around, and I was certain I would have no trouble catching him, it was time to turn him loose.
Jack has been having troubles with his digestive track over the past couple of years and so he hasn't been keeping the weight on as is typical for "fat" Jack. Because he and Dollar could both use the extra groceries, we turned them out to pasture together. Every couple of days, we would put a different horse out with Dollar until they eventually became one herd. I notice he does receive the occasional bite so I'm guessing he is a bit cheeky with the other "boys" but overall they seem quite relaxed together.
He has taken to my training program very well and the only thing he still struggles with is standing still - he can be fidgety when tied for grooming, trimming, saddling, and mounting - yes mounting.
Dollar has accepted everything I've asked of him so well, I decided to ride him today in the round pen. I likely would have ridden him sooner, however, the wet weather has turned everything to mud at our place. Gord freshly rototilled the round pen for me, and it has dried up enough to have decent footing. It took a bit of work to have Dollar stand at the mounting block but once he figured it out, he calmly allowed me to stand in the stirrup and lean over his body, rubbing him all over. Once he did that well on both sides, I felt confident about getting on. I just allowed him to walk around, gently turning him to see how willing he was and felt no resistance at all.
The cool thing about all this is that Gord was still using the tractor to rototill a rolling spot for the "boys" in the field. Dollar wasn't worried about the tractor in the least.
Very soon, we will be searching for a forever home for Dollar. He is a very special horse that deserves to find a very special person.
Tovie and Dollar
Jack has been having troubles with his digestive track over the past couple of years and so he hasn't been keeping the weight on as is typical for "fat" Jack. Because he and Dollar could both use the extra groceries, we turned them out to pasture together. Every couple of days, we would put a different horse out with Dollar until they eventually became one herd. I notice he does receive the occasional bite so I'm guessing he is a bit cheeky with the other "boys" but overall they seem quite relaxed together.
He has taken to my training program very well and the only thing he still struggles with is standing still - he can be fidgety when tied for grooming, trimming, saddling, and mounting - yes mounting.
Dollar has accepted everything I've asked of him so well, I decided to ride him today in the round pen. I likely would have ridden him sooner, however, the wet weather has turned everything to mud at our place. Gord freshly rototilled the round pen for me, and it has dried up enough to have decent footing. It took a bit of work to have Dollar stand at the mounting block but once he figured it out, he calmly allowed me to stand in the stirrup and lean over his body, rubbing him all over. Once he did that well on both sides, I felt confident about getting on. I just allowed him to walk around, gently turning him to see how willing he was and felt no resistance at all.
The cool thing about all this is that Gord was still using the tractor to rototill a rolling spot for the "boys" in the field. Dollar wasn't worried about the tractor in the least.
Very soon, we will be searching for a forever home for Dollar. He is a very special horse that deserves to find a very special person.
Tovie and Dollar
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Pleasant Surprise
Despite the lousy rainy weather, I was excited to spend the afternoon with Dollar just checking out where he was at. Much to my surprise, he came right over to be caught, haltered like a pro, led to the barn quietly, tied quietly, and then stood quietly while I gave him a thorough grooming. The grooming process is a great way to evaluate any touchy spots a horse may have. He didn't have any - even lowered his head without resistance when asked. He does need a little work on holding up his feet for longer periods of time, but it won't be a problem to trim him when he needs it.
When the other horses left the barn, we brought out all our scary toys; tarp, ball, bag of tin cans, stick & strong, pool noodles, hoola hoop - everything I could think of. Nothing phased this boy - in fact he was wonderfully playful and curious. Obviously, his previous owner did a lot of great work and it was a huge relief to discover he wasn't as bad off as I thought he was yesterday. In fact yesterday I was thinking "what have I got myself into" and today I'm thinking Dollar is going to be a ton of fun.
Not knowing much about the American Saddlebred as a breed, I've been doing some reading. To me, his confirmation and personality are classic characteristics of the breed. To watch him in the field is spectacular as has the most beautiful floating trot and canter that should be an absolute dream to ride.
Based on my observation over these two days; here is my early opinion of why the relationship with his previous owner didn't work out. As I mentioned yesterday, Dollar just turned 4 in early May. He is highly intelligent, and has obviously had some great work done with him. Firstly, I don't think a young inexperienced horse of any breed is good for a beginner, but from what I am learning about the American Saddlebred, definitely not a great breed for beginners. They have a strong influence of thoroughbred blood, making them spirited and sensitive. Combine that with his tender young age and it would be easy to make a mistake when handling. I think Dollar learned to get big and scary and then he didn't have to do what he didn't want to do. Because his big scary behavior doesn't bother me, I just insist that he does what I am asking, and he kinda goes - OK. Often those reactions become habitual and so it can take quite a bit of work to help them unlearn to react with undesirable behavior. Prior to re-homing Dollar, he will need to be exposed to many different situations to ensure he is safe.
He is definitely going to be more fun to play with than I initially thought.
Tovie
When the other horses left the barn, we brought out all our scary toys; tarp, ball, bag of tin cans, stick & strong, pool noodles, hoola hoop - everything I could think of. Nothing phased this boy - in fact he was wonderfully playful and curious. Obviously, his previous owner did a lot of great work and it was a huge relief to discover he wasn't as bad off as I thought he was yesterday. In fact yesterday I was thinking "what have I got myself into" and today I'm thinking Dollar is going to be a ton of fun.
Not knowing much about the American Saddlebred as a breed, I've been doing some reading. To me, his confirmation and personality are classic characteristics of the breed. To watch him in the field is spectacular as has the most beautiful floating trot and canter that should be an absolute dream to ride.
Based on my observation over these two days; here is my early opinion of why the relationship with his previous owner didn't work out. As I mentioned yesterday, Dollar just turned 4 in early May. He is highly intelligent, and has obviously had some great work done with him. Firstly, I don't think a young inexperienced horse of any breed is good for a beginner, but from what I am learning about the American Saddlebred, definitely not a great breed for beginners. They have a strong influence of thoroughbred blood, making them spirited and sensitive. Combine that with his tender young age and it would be easy to make a mistake when handling. I think Dollar learned to get big and scary and then he didn't have to do what he didn't want to do. Because his big scary behavior doesn't bother me, I just insist that he does what I am asking, and he kinda goes - OK. Often those reactions become habitual and so it can take quite a bit of work to help them unlearn to react with undesirable behavior. Prior to re-homing Dollar, he will need to be exposed to many different situations to ensure he is safe.
He is definitely going to be more fun to play with than I initially thought.
Tovie
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Maestro's Trubador (aka Dollar)
Dollar (formerly Trooper), is a beautiful registered, chestnut Saddle bred, who just turned 4 on May 8th, and has changed owners 4 times. My first encounter with Trooper was several months ago, when his well intentioned owner realized she did not have enough experience for such a young; and she called me for help. We had a couple of sessions and while she was already familiar with clicker training for dogs, she discovered the power of clicker training for horses. Based on this, she took boarded him with a local clicker trainer for a couple of months; and took lessons. However, after two months, his behaviour was still unpredictable, occasionally scary, and potentially dangerous. That is when I received the next call for help. This time his owner asked me to take the horse, train him, and then find him a suitable forever home.
Since this was going to be fresh start for this horse, I decided to rename him and chose the name Dollar, the amount I paid for him.
I gave the owner the following two options to consider:
She brings her horse to me for two months of training at my going rate, continuing to pay vet bills, farrier, and deworming, as necessary. If after two months, she decides she truly isn't the right person for him, I give her 1/2 her money back and continue working with him or re-home to recover my costs.
She sells the horse to me for $1.00 and when I feel he is ready to re-home, she gets first dibs on him for the cost she would have paid me for training. However, if she still doesn't think she is the right person for him, I sell him to recover my time and costs, or keep him (don't tell Gord I said this).
Needless to say, she chose option two but was grateful to have been offered the choice of keeping him.
Gord and I went to pick him up today. That is when I discovered Dollar flies back and rears when he does not want to do something you are asking. It gave me the impression that he has learned to get big and scary so people will leave him alone. I also learned he cannot be tied, and when under saddle, he will simply lay down. Aside from that, I did find him to be curious and friendly; and not particularly reactive.
I spent a good hour doing intensive ground work exercises with Dollar until he relaxed enough for loading but it worked, he walked right in. Knowing that he does not tie well, we used a very strong bungee trailer tie and this proved very effective. It had some give but relieved pressure instantly when he wasn't resisting. He trailered exceptionally well and has settled happily in the paddock next to Magic.
For those of you interested in following Dollar’s progress, I will post his progress as we go.
Tovie & Dollar
Since this was going to be fresh start for this horse, I decided to rename him and chose the name Dollar, the amount I paid for him.
I gave the owner the following two options to consider:
She brings her horse to me for two months of training at my going rate, continuing to pay vet bills, farrier, and deworming, as necessary. If after two months, she decides she truly isn't the right person for him, I give her 1/2 her money back and continue working with him or re-home to recover my costs.
She sells the horse to me for $1.00 and when I feel he is ready to re-home, she gets first dibs on him for the cost she would have paid me for training. However, if she still doesn't think she is the right person for him, I sell him to recover my time and costs, or keep him (don't tell Gord I said this).
Needless to say, she chose option two but was grateful to have been offered the choice of keeping him.
Gord and I went to pick him up today. That is when I discovered Dollar flies back and rears when he does not want to do something you are asking. It gave me the impression that he has learned to get big and scary so people will leave him alone. I also learned he cannot be tied, and when under saddle, he will simply lay down. Aside from that, I did find him to be curious and friendly; and not particularly reactive.
I spent a good hour doing intensive ground work exercises with Dollar until he relaxed enough for loading but it worked, he walked right in. Knowing that he does not tie well, we used a very strong bungee trailer tie and this proved very effective. It had some give but relieved pressure instantly when he wasn't resisting. He trailered exceptionally well and has settled happily in the paddock next to Magic.
For those of you interested in following Dollar’s progress, I will post his progress as we go.
Tovie & Dollar
Monday, March 11, 2013
Home Sweet Home
After our whirl wind trip - 6 countries in 5 weeks - throughout Afrika (their spelling), and visiting with friends in Dubai, there really is nothing quite like being home. Mark and Sherri looked after everything so well, I worried, our critters didn't even miss us, but they were all happy to see us and we readjusted to our routine very quickly. I never quite understood jet lag until experiencing it first hand. I'd say it took a good couple of weeks to get back to our "clock". The spring time change was helpful; instead of waking up at 4:30 am, it started waking up at 5:30 am. It didn't help that I caught a nasty cold soon upon arriving home.
As you know from my previous blog, our first stop was Egypt. From there we headed to the Kilimanjaro airport in Tanzania and spent 6 days on safari. Starting at Lake Manyara, then to the Serengeti for a few days, and finishing off with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. We had close encounters with nearly 200 species of birds and animals, thanks to our guide, Kimaro. Our next stop after Tanzania was Rwanda to meet up with our friends Jerry & Oraysha, and visit with the wild gorilla. Unfortunately Rwanda is best known for its horrific genocide less than 20 years ago. The government has done an amazing job of rebuilding and it is an extremely well run, clean, safe country.
Our guide, Francois, led us to Group #9, the Sabyinyo Group. This group of wild gorilla is famous because their leader Guhonda, is the largest and oldest wild silverback in the world. Francois has been guiding folks to this group since 1984. His intimate relationship with the Sabyinyo group is infamous and he really made our visit extra special. His ability to "speak" gorilla came in handy as he beckoned a youngster to come within a few feet of us.
Our next stop was Zambia to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls. We had a couple of down days there and decided to visit an animal refuge that has habituated young elephants, lions and cheetah to humans. After going on an elephant trail ride for an hour, we went for a cuddle and walk with two year old lions and then went to cuddle and walk with 3 young cheetah. To be touching and walking with these magnificent animals was beyond thrilling.
From Zambia, we headed to Botswana, the catalyst for going to Afrika in the first place. We were flown to Macatoo camp for a 5 day horseback safari. All I can say is WOW. Most of the horses were thoroughbred or thoroughbred crosses, although there were a few other breeds. These horses were well cared for and other than having very hard mouths, they were very safe as we galloped alongside several giraffe and rode amongst a herd of 32 elephant. Our guides told us that it can take up to 6 months of working with new horses to ensure they are safe around wildlife.
Finally, we finished up with a few days in the fascinating city of Dubai to visit Ron and Carol. They live in a beautiful apartment on one of the man-made palm islands. I was glad to be in their winter because the temperatures were moderate in the low 20C range. I can't imagine the 40C temperatures they get in the summer - no thanks for me.
It was a fantastic trip and I am happy to have been able to experience so much but I have to say, we live in a beautiful part of the world, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.
Karibu from Tovie & Gord
As you know from my previous blog, our first stop was Egypt. From there we headed to the Kilimanjaro airport in Tanzania and spent 6 days on safari. Starting at Lake Manyara, then to the Serengeti for a few days, and finishing off with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. We had close encounters with nearly 200 species of birds and animals, thanks to our guide, Kimaro. Our next stop after Tanzania was Rwanda to meet up with our friends Jerry & Oraysha, and visit with the wild gorilla. Unfortunately Rwanda is best known for its horrific genocide less than 20 years ago. The government has done an amazing job of rebuilding and it is an extremely well run, clean, safe country.
Our guide, Francois, led us to Group #9, the Sabyinyo Group. This group of wild gorilla is famous because their leader Guhonda, is the largest and oldest wild silverback in the world. Francois has been guiding folks to this group since 1984. His intimate relationship with the Sabyinyo group is infamous and he really made our visit extra special. His ability to "speak" gorilla came in handy as he beckoned a youngster to come within a few feet of us.
Our next stop was Zambia to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls. We had a couple of down days there and decided to visit an animal refuge that has habituated young elephants, lions and cheetah to humans. After going on an elephant trail ride for an hour, we went for a cuddle and walk with two year old lions and then went to cuddle and walk with 3 young cheetah. To be touching and walking with these magnificent animals was beyond thrilling.
From Zambia, we headed to Botswana, the catalyst for going to Afrika in the first place. We were flown to Macatoo camp for a 5 day horseback safari. All I can say is WOW. Most of the horses were thoroughbred or thoroughbred crosses, although there were a few other breeds. These horses were well cared for and other than having very hard mouths, they were very safe as we galloped alongside several giraffe and rode amongst a herd of 32 elephant. Our guides told us that it can take up to 6 months of working with new horses to ensure they are safe around wildlife.
Finally, we finished up with a few days in the fascinating city of Dubai to visit Ron and Carol. They live in a beautiful apartment on one of the man-made palm islands. I was glad to be in their winter because the temperatures were moderate in the low 20C range. I can't imagine the 40C temperatures they get in the summer - no thanks for me.
It was a fantastic trip and I am happy to have been able to experience so much but I have to say, we live in a beautiful part of the world, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.
Karibu from Tovie & Gord
Sunday, February 3, 2013
On Holidays Part 1
We begin our African adventure. It was a long drawn out affair to get here; 1.5 hour flight to Seattle, 10 hour wait for our departure to Dubai, 14 hour flight from Seattle to Dubai, airport shuttle to hotel in Dubai for a few hours shut eye before hopping on another 3.5 hour flight from Dubai to Cairo. Once we arrived in Cairo, we were greeted by Mamoud who briefed us on our upcoming itinerary and then delivered us to the local regional airport for yet another 1.5 hour flight for our arrival in Luxor.
We were greeted in Luxor by another friendly representative of Lion Dog Safari named Ahmed, who delivered us to the beautiful Steigenberger Nile Palace Hotel. Here we enjoyed the only authentic Thai cuisine in Luxor; and a peaceful night sleep. The following morning Ahmed introduced us to the guide who would navigate us through the next part of our journey; touring around Luxor and the 5 day river cruise down the Nile.
Ayman is a University educated man with a wife and beautiful baby girl named, Ereni. We have found Ayman to be wonderful company and very passionate about the political situation Egypt is currently facing under the leadership of the Muslim Brotherhood. Ayman also proved to be extremely resourceful when Gord’s backpack caved under the weight of all his electronics and broke a strap, and then again, when he was able to get Gord hooked up with Internet while we are in Egypt. While this country seems quite behind in many respects, Gord has ended up with a better internet connection than we have at home – go figure.
Yesterday we spent the morning visiting the tombs at the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, and the temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the status of Colissi of Menmon. Ayman then took us to a factory where we got to watch them hand carve all kinds of authentic artwork on genuine stone. I picked out a lovely Onyx pot for my collection and a hand carved Sand stone tablet with beautiful colours. The weather is quite lovely at around 20C, however Ayman finds it cold, as it is their winter here.
We then boarded our ship, the Crown Jewel, where we enjoyed lunch and relaxed for the remainder of the afternoon. After dinner, there was a cheesy belly dancing show and Ayman confirmed that belly dancing is not considered a respectable profession in Egypt.
After the show, we met up with Ayman and he took us for a walk downtown to Luxor. The weather was pleasant and it is Saturday night, and so there were many people on the street. It is an entirely different world here and it was fascinating to see the local people doing what the local people do. Considering the political challenges Egyptians are facing, they seem to be amazingly happy as we watched them dancing and laughing on the street.
There is no social support for poor people here and it was very hard for me to see a young mother with her infant child, begging in the street - absolutely heartbreaking.
In a society that does not look after their poor people well, animals do not fare well here. It has been so hard to see the horses and donkeys pulling carriages and carts through crazy traffic; that appear starving and are obviously lame. I just want to do TTouch on them and bring them to a sweet grassy field.
Tovie
We were greeted in Luxor by another friendly representative of Lion Dog Safari named Ahmed, who delivered us to the beautiful Steigenberger Nile Palace Hotel. Here we enjoyed the only authentic Thai cuisine in Luxor; and a peaceful night sleep. The following morning Ahmed introduced us to the guide who would navigate us through the next part of our journey; touring around Luxor and the 5 day river cruise down the Nile.
Ayman is a University educated man with a wife and beautiful baby girl named, Ereni. We have found Ayman to be wonderful company and very passionate about the political situation Egypt is currently facing under the leadership of the Muslim Brotherhood. Ayman also proved to be extremely resourceful when Gord’s backpack caved under the weight of all his electronics and broke a strap, and then again, when he was able to get Gord hooked up with Internet while we are in Egypt. While this country seems quite behind in many respects, Gord has ended up with a better internet connection than we have at home – go figure.
Yesterday we spent the morning visiting the tombs at the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, and the temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the status of Colissi of Menmon. Ayman then took us to a factory where we got to watch them hand carve all kinds of authentic artwork on genuine stone. I picked out a lovely Onyx pot for my collection and a hand carved Sand stone tablet with beautiful colours. The weather is quite lovely at around 20C, however Ayman finds it cold, as it is their winter here.
We then boarded our ship, the Crown Jewel, where we enjoyed lunch and relaxed for the remainder of the afternoon. After dinner, there was a cheesy belly dancing show and Ayman confirmed that belly dancing is not considered a respectable profession in Egypt.
After the show, we met up with Ayman and he took us for a walk downtown to Luxor. The weather was pleasant and it is Saturday night, and so there were many people on the street. It is an entirely different world here and it was fascinating to see the local people doing what the local people do. Considering the political challenges Egyptians are facing, they seem to be amazingly happy as we watched them dancing and laughing on the street.
There is no social support for poor people here and it was very hard for me to see a young mother with her infant child, begging in the street - absolutely heartbreaking.
In a society that does not look after their poor people well, animals do not fare well here. It has been so hard to see the horses and donkeys pulling carriages and carts through crazy traffic; that appear starving and are obviously lame. I just want to do TTouch on them and bring them to a sweet grassy field.
Tovie
Monday, January 7, 2013
Happy 2103!
Contrary to popular superstition, 13 has always felt like a lucky number for me, so I am very excited to be entering 2013.
While 2012 was filled with amazing horse encounters and experiences, it ended with great sadness on New Year's Eve, when my beloved kitty Clover died unexpectedly. Clover's little buddy Goblin is still looking for him and missing their daily wrestling matches. Clover was the best farm kitty and greeted everyone with hugs and purrs. He was always sitting in the driveway when we arrived home, no matter how long we had been away. Perhaps he was guarding the property, or he somehow knew we were coming and was waiting to greet us. If we were outside, Clover was always nearby waiting for any opportunity to be petted or treated. There is a huge hole on the farm without that big beautiful orange tabby cat.
You are greatly missed,
Tovie & Goblin
While 2012 was filled with amazing horse encounters and experiences, it ended with great sadness on New Year's Eve, when my beloved kitty Clover died unexpectedly. Clover's little buddy Goblin is still looking for him and missing their daily wrestling matches. Clover was the best farm kitty and greeted everyone with hugs and purrs. He was always sitting in the driveway when we arrived home, no matter how long we had been away. Perhaps he was guarding the property, or he somehow knew we were coming and was waiting to greet us. If we were outside, Clover was always nearby waiting for any opportunity to be petted or treated. There is a huge hole on the farm without that big beautiful orange tabby cat.
You are greatly missed,
Tovie & Goblin
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