Gord and I attended the above clinic with our friend's Sherri and Mark, and Linda and Tim.
Ross MacInnes and his daughter Heather, did a great job of organizing and presenting useful information; along with the help of Dr. Brian Taylor, DVM, and farrier, Karen McMann.
I attended the course in order to obtain the certificate and to ensure what I am offering through "Just Horsing Around" covers as much useful information as possible. There was very little information that was new for Gord and I but I am certain that the newer horse owners found the information very helpful.
As I've said many times throughout this blog, it is important to remain open to persuing ongoing learning opportunities; especially so for those of us who have chosen to mentor others.
Tovie and Gord
Monday, April 18, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Mounted Shooting
Gord and Magic attended a clinic today that introduced horse and rider to Mounted Shooting; something Gord has been wanting to do since he first saw the sport demonstrated at the Mane Event.
Chris Giffen was an outstanding clinician and I truly appreciated that his primary focus was on helping the horses stay relaxed and confident as the day progressed.
As you can imagine, shooting guns at balloons gets really loud and it takes patience and persistance to teach a horse not to over react. Chris started out by keeping all the horses bunched into a herd so they felt safe and then he proceeded to crack a stock whip while the herd followed him. When introducing a horse to scary objects, it is very helpful to allow the horse to follow the scary object as that is far less threatening to a horse than approaching them with the scary object.
It was surprising to see how well all the horses responded, even those who had not previously been exposed to this environment. Gord spent much time preparing Magic, prior to this clinic. He made sure Magic would be comfortable wearing the required ear plugs, and developed his tolerance to loud noises; much the same way Chris did at the clinic. The more preparation we can do with our horses, the less stressed they will get in new situations. Below is a UTube of Magic & Gord walking the pattern with six practice loads.
There are many discplines to choose from when we want to play or complete with our horses. It is so important when choosing a sport, to ensure your horse will also enjoy your discipline choice, especially if you plan to be competitive.
Tovie, Gord and Magic
Chris Giffen was an outstanding clinician and I truly appreciated that his primary focus was on helping the horses stay relaxed and confident as the day progressed.
As you can imagine, shooting guns at balloons gets really loud and it takes patience and persistance to teach a horse not to over react. Chris started out by keeping all the horses bunched into a herd so they felt safe and then he proceeded to crack a stock whip while the herd followed him. When introducing a horse to scary objects, it is very helpful to allow the horse to follow the scary object as that is far less threatening to a horse than approaching them with the scary object.
It was surprising to see how well all the horses responded, even those who had not previously been exposed to this environment. Gord spent much time preparing Magic, prior to this clinic. He made sure Magic would be comfortable wearing the required ear plugs, and developed his tolerance to loud noises; much the same way Chris did at the clinic. The more preparation we can do with our horses, the less stressed they will get in new situations. Below is a UTube of Magic & Gord walking the pattern with six practice loads.
There are many discplines to choose from when we want to play or complete with our horses. It is so important when choosing a sport, to ensure your horse will also enjoy your discipline choice, especially if you plan to be competitive.
Tovie, Gord and Magic
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Andrea Visits Dexter
Andrea has been wanting to visit Dexter since we brought him home; and she finally had a chance to come out this afternoon.
I have been walking and jogging Dexter, in hand, up our driveway and along the road to expose him to more than the tranquility of our little farm. Out there, he can experience cars and school buses passing, strange horses that come galloping over to the fence to check him out, and the neighbour's pasture full of cows and their playful newborn calves. So far, Dexter has been very brave with everything that comes his way and is able to stay calm and relaxed.
Just as Andrea arrived, Dexter and I were in our driveway chatting with a neighbour over the fence. There was no room for Andrea to drive around us because of the snow piled up, so she followed behind us. Dexter and I trotted, walked, stopped and backed up together as we made our way back to the barn. I rarely ever lead my horses from point A to point B in a straight line. In this time-crunched world we live in, every minute spent with our horses is precious and can be extremely productive with a little bit of creativity (i.e. backing through gates and doorways, changing gaits between walk, trot, and halt; and sending them back and forth - C pattern; as you walk them in from the pasture).
During Andrea's visit, Dexter and I demonstrated most of what we have been doing together; including saddling him. He was so good about it yesterday and again today that I assumed he had been saddled previously. Andrea however, confirmed that she had never put a saddle on him, nor had the gal she bought him from. Andrea admitted that she never thought Dexter would be ridable and so she was pleasantly surprised to see that he could become be a relaxed, reliable riding companion.
Andrea shared the following thoughts with me in an email this evening.
"When I first pulled up I could not believe that he was the same horse. It brought tears (of joy) to my eyes to see him thriving in his new home!!! You have brought him so far in such a short period of time. I don't think I would have ever gotten him there, ever. It was so nice to love on him and give him kisses like I have always wanted to do but never could, so I would also like to thank you for that!!!
I can't say enough about you Tovie, I felt so good after I left your place that I went and played with Sunny some more and got some amazing results from what I learned from you! I feel you have a way with horses that I am envious of and would like to learn some more. I will have to take a lesson with you and Sunny! Also I would love to go for a ride or just play with our horses together.
Again thank you so much!"
In response, I'd like to say that Andrea is already well on her way to becoming a great horse person. The skills can be learned but a truly great horse person will ALWAYS put the horses' well being first. Andrea realized she wasn't a good match for Dexter's over reactive, energetic personality, and she went about searching for the right person for Dexter.
Being with a horse that is a good match is pure joy. However, when the match doesn't work, it is frustrating for both the horse and the handler; and unpleasant to watch.
I can't express my gratitude enough to Andrea for this wonderful journey that Dexter and I are having.
Tovie and Dexter
I have been walking and jogging Dexter, in hand, up our driveway and along the road to expose him to more than the tranquility of our little farm. Out there, he can experience cars and school buses passing, strange horses that come galloping over to the fence to check him out, and the neighbour's pasture full of cows and their playful newborn calves. So far, Dexter has been very brave with everything that comes his way and is able to stay calm and relaxed.
Just as Andrea arrived, Dexter and I were in our driveway chatting with a neighbour over the fence. There was no room for Andrea to drive around us because of the snow piled up, so she followed behind us. Dexter and I trotted, walked, stopped and backed up together as we made our way back to the barn. I rarely ever lead my horses from point A to point B in a straight line. In this time-crunched world we live in, every minute spent with our horses is precious and can be extremely productive with a little bit of creativity (i.e. backing through gates and doorways, changing gaits between walk, trot, and halt; and sending them back and forth - C pattern; as you walk them in from the pasture).
During Andrea's visit, Dexter and I demonstrated most of what we have been doing together; including saddling him. He was so good about it yesterday and again today that I assumed he had been saddled previously. Andrea however, confirmed that she had never put a saddle on him, nor had the gal she bought him from. Andrea admitted that she never thought Dexter would be ridable and so she was pleasantly surprised to see that he could become be a relaxed, reliable riding companion.
Andrea shared the following thoughts with me in an email this evening.
"When I first pulled up I could not believe that he was the same horse. It brought tears (of joy) to my eyes to see him thriving in his new home!!! You have brought him so far in such a short period of time. I don't think I would have ever gotten him there, ever. It was so nice to love on him and give him kisses like I have always wanted to do but never could, so I would also like to thank you for that!!!
I can't say enough about you Tovie, I felt so good after I left your place that I went and played with Sunny some more and got some amazing results from what I learned from you! I feel you have a way with horses that I am envious of and would like to learn some more. I will have to take a lesson with you and Sunny! Also I would love to go for a ride or just play with our horses together.
Again thank you so much!"
In response, I'd like to say that Andrea is already well on her way to becoming a great horse person. The skills can be learned but a truly great horse person will ALWAYS put the horses' well being first. Andrea realized she wasn't a good match for Dexter's over reactive, energetic personality, and she went about searching for the right person for Dexter.
Being with a horse that is a good match is pure joy. However, when the match doesn't work, it is frustrating for both the horse and the handler; and unpleasant to watch.
I can't express my gratitude enough to Andrea for this wonderful journey that Dexter and I are having.
Tovie and Dexter
Monday, April 11, 2011
Let's Saddle Up
Today, I had a very special visit from one of my favourite people - Vanessa; and her mom, Linnea. You may remember Vanessa as the young lady who drew the beautiful pictures of the "Boys". We now have them hanging above each of their respective stalls.
Linnea and Vanessa have been following Dexter's progress on the blog and so they came by specifically to meet him and see his progress in person.
We ended up having a very special evening because I decided to saddle Dexter for the first time. As with everything I have asked of this very special little horse, it was pleasantly uneventful. As far as I know, Andrea has never saddled Dexter, nor had the previous owner she bought him from.
Linnea had her cell phone and took the following pictures. It was an amazing evening - thanks very much for being there to share it with me Linnea and Vanessa.
Vanessa has offered to draw a picture of Dexter so he can have his picture over his stall too.
I guess all there is to do now is ride him - can't wait!
Tovie and Dexter
Linnea and Vanessa have been following Dexter's progress on the blog and so they came by specifically to meet him and see his progress in person.
We ended up having a very special evening because I decided to saddle Dexter for the first time. As with everything I have asked of this very special little horse, it was pleasantly uneventful. As far as I know, Andrea has never saddled Dexter, nor had the previous owner she bought him from.
Linnea had her cell phone and took the following pictures. It was an amazing evening - thanks very much for being there to share it with me Linnea and Vanessa.
Vanessa has offered to draw a picture of Dexter so he can have his picture over his stall too.
I guess all there is to do now is ride him - can't wait!
Tovie and Dexter
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Spring is Even Better With Dexter
Today we finally experienced our first warm day in weeks. After taking Jack for a short ride through the Forbidden Forest, I decided to play with Dexter outside by doing some ground work exercises. Ropes have been particularly challenging for him so I spent a lot of time just throwing the rope over his body from both sides until he showed me signs of relaxation. We also did a lot of lateral flexing which he seemed to know pretty well so I added disengaging his hind end while he was flexed. It wasn't pretty in the beginning but we worked it through until he seemed to grasp the concept.
Once Dexter understands what I am asking him to do, he is extremely willing. I don't know too much about his prior training and handling so it is possible, he has been taught some of these exercises in his previous lives. In any case, he just gets better every time I handle him.
Most horse folks don't realize that every time they handle their horse, they are training it - good or bad; and that it takes consistent, regular handling to make a good horse and keep them there. As Clinton Anderson likes to say, "Horses don't train themselves standing out in a pasture".
Happy Spring,
Tovie, Gord & Dexter
Once Dexter understands what I am asking him to do, he is extremely willing. I don't know too much about his prior training and handling so it is possible, he has been taught some of these exercises in his previous lives. In any case, he just gets better every time I handle him.
Most horse folks don't realize that every time they handle their horse, they are training it - good or bad; and that it takes consistent, regular handling to make a good horse and keep them there. As Clinton Anderson likes to say, "Horses don't train themselves standing out in a pasture".
Happy Spring,
Tovie, Gord & Dexter
Monday, March 28, 2011
Dexter is now a Movie Star
Dexter has been home now for 3 weeks and has settled in with the other "boys" very nicely. I think they are still trying to figure out where he fits in the herd and for now, it seems to be in the following order: Skeeter, Nugget, Dexter, Magic, and then good 'ole Jack. When I call him in from the field, he readily leaves the others and comes right over. Occasionally, he will revert to his habit of wanting to step back when I approach with the halter. Without fail, I simply walk away and wait for him to come back to my shoulder and offer me his head. I never want to feel like I am chasing a horse to catch him.
Today, Gord video taped Dexter's progress and we tried some new things with him. He now offers me his feet nicely, but I still need to do more work on duration. I am able to touch him over his entire body, even his sheath area. When I first met Dexter, he would shoot off like a rocket if I tried to touch his body anywhere behind the front leg/wither area. He still looks a little skeptical when I touch the sheath area so that definitely needs more attention. My knowledge of TTouch has come in real handy with a sensitive horse like Dexter.
I want all my horses to be comfortable and accepting of my touching them on every inch of their body. One never knows when it may be necessary in the event of injury or illness. In fact, a few years ago, Jack punctured his sheath somehow and it became infected. The vet had to come out and lance it and insert a plastic drainage tube and then I had to hose him twice a day with ice cold water. Because Jack was very comfortable with me handling and cleaning his sheath, it made the vet's job that much easier.
I also introduced Dexter to some of our scary objects (i.e. the tarp, pool noodles, fitness ball, and plastic bag on a stick). Once again, this little horse surprised me with his fearless curiosity.
Tovie and Dexter
Today, Gord video taped Dexter's progress and we tried some new things with him. He now offers me his feet nicely, but I still need to do more work on duration. I am able to touch him over his entire body, even his sheath area. When I first met Dexter, he would shoot off like a rocket if I tried to touch his body anywhere behind the front leg/wither area. He still looks a little skeptical when I touch the sheath area so that definitely needs more attention. My knowledge of TTouch has come in real handy with a sensitive horse like Dexter.
I want all my horses to be comfortable and accepting of my touching them on every inch of their body. One never knows when it may be necessary in the event of injury or illness. In fact, a few years ago, Jack punctured his sheath somehow and it became infected. The vet had to come out and lance it and insert a plastic drainage tube and then I had to hose him twice a day with ice cold water. Because Jack was very comfortable with me handling and cleaning his sheath, it made the vet's job that much easier.
I also introduced Dexter to some of our scary objects (i.e. the tarp, pool noodles, fitness ball, and plastic bag on a stick). Once again, this little horse surprised me with his fearless curiosity.
Tovie and Dexter
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Cudas Dandy Fritz - April 22, 2006
Andrea did tell me that Dexter's registered name is Cudas Dandy Fritz and so I contacted the American Quarter Horse Association to track down his papers. The last registered owner is Warren Kelln out of Saskatchewan and so I've contacted him to see about transferring Dexter's papers to me. From the AQHA web-site, I was able to print off his pedigree and birth date - April 22, 2006 and obtain his registration number. However, there is nothing more the AQHA can do if Mr. Kelln can't help me. Oh well, his papers aren't all that important to me - but it is nice to know his background and birth date.
Cudas Dandy Fritz (aka Dexter), and Tovie
Cudas Dandy Fritz (aka Dexter), and Tovie
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