Sunday Stills

The Challenge this week is texture, so I kept that in mind as I went for a ride around the pasture with Beamer. We came upon this fence board, nicely weathered, with moss growing upon it.

Beyond it, there is a field partly plowed. ( D o ears count as texture?)

Then when we were at the arena yesterday, there is a lovely stack of wood for their outdoor furnace.

The Foose cat thinks the texture of his fur is outstanding against the dried grasses.

And, lastly, I love the texture of the petals of my Amaryllis.

And nobody showed up

You'd think that on a day when the weather is looking like this:

that folks would want to head to the local indoor arena and work cattle; really what else can you do on such a dismal wet day? I was so looking forward to getting Beamer in front of a cow or two. I was the only one who showed up, so since I had the arena to myself, I worked on our reining maneuvers. Beamer has a few things that need work. His left lead lope is rougher than his right lead, and harder to sit. His spin to the right isn't as smooth as his spin to the left. In both of those, he has to reach farther with his left front leg, so I am looking for the cause. It could be saddle fit, muscle problems, chiropractic needed, or just me. I have a lower back problem that makes me quite stiff there, and I probably don't move with the horse as much as I should, which can throw him off considerably. Also I can't rule out needing the dentist to come, and I have a call in to him; hope he can come soon as I want to get Chickory done so I can start her in a snaffle.

Come for a spin with us, here's the view from my saddle horn.

That arena is for sale, along with 40 acres. Wouldn't that be nice! I do like the Cover-All arenas better than steel ones, they let in so much light and aren't as noisy in the rain. I rode for about an hour and a half, got some good lead changes, and shortened my stirrups a half notch which gave me a better seat.

When we got home the rain was turning to snow, and Beamer gave me his imitation of a Snowflake Appaloosa. Sorry, Sherry, that's as close as we'll come to Appaloosa around here!

Height- don't matter!

Over at Not Quite Home on the Range, Cdn Cowgirl did a post on her horse's height as compared to another horse, and I mentioned that I need to measure Beamer, so here it is; my lovely boy is 58 1/4 inches, which makes him 14-2 and a quarter hands high. Now, I stand 5 ft 10, and I don't think Beamer is too small for me. And he darn sure is athletic, even with me aboard! So those of you who are looking for a horse, don't pass up those shorter horses - they can do just a well as a bigger horse at most things, except maybe heading (team roping) . I like not having to climb so high to get on; Velvet's mama was 15-2, and it was a lot harder to climb aboard her!

We get to work cattle again tomorrow- yahoo! Should be another warm day for it too.

I tried to get a good shot of the full moon, but don't have enough zoom on my camera to make it interesting. I'll have to see if Ed got another good one!

Wordless Wednesday

Our sunny day

Foose wants you to know that you should always start your day with a good breakfast.

Even if it does get away on you!

Followed, of course, by plenty of exercise.

I worked with the fillies again today. Velvet was much better but still has some anxiety when she is away from the herd, and didn't want to give me the feet on her right side- farthest from the brain, right Mrs. Mom? We got that sorted out though. Sparkle is showing me a lot of mental maturity for her age. She doesn't get too upset at being away from her buddies, reminds me of her Grandmother, my good mare Sundee who was never worried about where the other horses were when she was with me.

I saddled Chickory for the third time today. I didn't pussyfoot around, just slung the saddle up like I would on a broke horse. She moved away a time or two, then stood quietly while I took the saddle on and off a few times. So I cinched up and led her out a little. She is turning out to be quieter than I thought she'd be, so I just may start her myself.

Then it was Beamer's turn! My handsome boy was feeling pretty good today, and looking good too if I do say so myself!

I've gone to a milder bit on him. This one is a mullen mouth, which swivels in the center to allow me some good direct rein turns when working the cattle. Bill Conrad told me to use direct rein instead of neck rein when we are learning how to cut cattle, it helps the horse keep his shape on the cow. We stayed out of the mud today- the pasture ice has softened up so that's where we rode. I must say I'm impressed with how sure-footed this horse is. Since he was so full of energy, I made him do some maneuvers like side passing, roll backs, and spins, just to keep his mind occupied. He was pretty relaxed by the end of the ride.

In this photo you can see the high splint he has on his left front leg. I have to do more maintenance on that foot to keep him in balance; about once a week, just a skim with the rasp on the outside quarters.

Have to work the next few days, so I'll be lucky if I find time to ride. But I| should be able to work with at least one of the fillies every day.

I'll leave you with a photo of my Amaryllis, which I got at the Back Country Horseman's Christmas party. It's in full beautiful bloom.

Horse killers arrested

The killing of wild horses in the Sundre, Alberta area has been going on for years, and FINALLY there has been an arrest after the most recent shooting. Here is the story from CBC news.

Caution- photo may disturb some folks.

Alberta trio accused of shooting wild horse

Last Updated: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 | 7:54 PM MT

CBC News

A yearling colt was one of three horses found dead near Sundre in April 2009. (Courtesy Wild Horses of Alberta Society)

Two men and a teenager have been charged with shooting a wild horse in southern Alberta.

Jason Nixon, 29, Earl Anderson, 40, and a 13-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, face one criminal charge each of willfully killing a horse and careless use of a firearm.

Mustard Seed, a well known Calgary social agency, has confirmed in a statement that the two men are associated with its Mountain Aire Lodge near Sundre.

RCMP in Sundre announced charges against the trio on Wednesday.

Although police have been investigating the shooting deaths of wild horses in the Sundre area since 2007, the three are only charged in the death of one horse.

"We believe that there is a group of individuals that are doing these shooting of horses," said Sgt. Patrick Webb of the RCMP.

"These particular sets of charges are only dealing with one single incident of that. But we are certainly investigating all the other ones at the same time," he said. "All of these horses are wild horses, which for one reason or another are available or released into the area that's west of Sundre."

The horse was killed sometime between May and October of 2009, Webb said.

The Wild Horses of Alberta Society is relieved to hear about the arrests.

"This has been ongoing for a long, long time," said spokesman Bob Henderson.

"Since our group has been formed, there has been over 30 killings or around 30 killings that we know about, and it's also gone on long before that. So whether they've caught everybody, I don't think so, but at least there's some progress being made," he said.

Arrests welcomed

The RCMP and Fish and Wildlife officials are also pleased to have made some arrests, Webb said.

"The shooting of these horses has been going on since about 2007 and the RCMP members and the Fish and Wildlife member there are very satisfied to get this one particular charge and hopefully additional charges in these crimes."

All three of the people charged are from the Sundre area and will be in court on March 1. Charges are pending against another man from the Calgary area, police said.

Nixon is also charged with assaulting a witness to a wildlife infraction and uttering threats to a fish and wildlife officer, according to police.

$25,000 reward offered for tips

More than 22 wild horses have been killed in Alberta over the last four years — most of them in the Sundre area.

Despite a $25,000 reward from the Wild Horses of Alberta Society, this is the first time police have laid charges in connection with the death of a wild horse.

The Alberta government estimates there are about 300 feral horses in the Sundre area. Provincial biologists don't consider them true wildlife because they originated from domestic horses used in logging and mining operations in the early 1900s.

Horses were often turned loose or escaped, leading to several generations of offspring that still live in the area. In recent decades, some feral horses have been abandoned by their owners.

Anyone convicted of killing cattle or feral horses faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison under Canada's Criminal Code.

Mud!

I saddled up for a Sunday ride and found it still too icy in the fields- Beamer went but had to be really cautious, so it wasn't much fun. So we went up on the gravel road, which doesn't have much gravel on it right now, it's more like hard pan and was good footing, so we settled into a nice long trot for a mile or so, with the dogs trailing happily along. As I was riding I noticed that the dogs were covered in mud, and knew that I'd have to hose them down when we got back. So after the ride I get off Beamer and this is what he looked like:

He was just caked! The dogs were muddy but happy.

Out came the hose, and they all got a bath. Poor Beamer, it must have been awful to get cold water sprayed up on his boy bits but I couldn't turn him out covered in wet mud! I dried him with towels then put his polar fleece blanket on him, it wraps under his belly when the straps are done up. He dried off nicely in an hour or so. The dogs got to hang out in the room where the wood stove is after their bath.

Now I have to clean the mud off my boots, cinch and saddle, as well as Beamer's splint boots- who'da thunk a leisurely Sunday ride would turn into so much work!

Sunday Stills-Sports

I really wanted to get a photo of the Olympic torch being run through Creston, but it was going on at the same time as our cattle work, and of course, riding Beamer took precedence!

So my offering is from Friday night's team roping practice. I did get some clear shots, but I don't like to put people's photos on the internet without their permission, and I thought that this photo was rather interesting in it's blurred obscurity.

And even early morning sunrises are a good time for the dog sport of fetch! (pleeeeease kick the ball for us, mum!)

Me'n'Beamer

Today was cattle sorting day. Unfortunately we got the bad news that Bill Conrad suffered a severe stroke and is hospitalized in Alberta. We wish him a full and speedy recovery and our heartfelt sympathy to his family.

So, without our mentor, we did the best we could. Since only 4 people showed up, we opted for cutting practice- 2 for turnback, 2 for herd holders, and one to work. It worked out quite well and we had a lot of fun. Ted showed up and took photos, so guess what- you finally get to see me on the B Boy!

The youngster on the sorrel was holding herd. These are the roping cattle we use, hence the horns. Beamer loves this job, and frequently he'd be watching for escapees while I was watching the girls ride. Ted said if one got away that Beamer was watching and I wasn't, he'd swish his tail at it,which is what he was doing in this photo:

That horse is Cowy! We got some nice moves from some of the cattle and Beamer is learning that if he stays with the cow, I don't haul on his face or get after him with my legs. ( I gots strong legs, and he knows it!)

We both had a lot of fun. I sure hope I can take a cutting clinic this year, or some lessons. With Bill out of commission, I might have to travel to do that.

Baby school

The sun was shining yesterday and the ice around the hitching rail is gone, so yesterday the fillies had a kindergarten lesson. The days subject was patience and hoof handling.

Velvet was not too impressed with being separated from her buddies, and set back pulling a few times. Which is precisely why I use the equipment I do on my horses; there is nothing that can break on that halter and lead rope, and that hitching rail is buried 3 feet into the ground. Doesn't she look impressed, sticking out her tongue! She did alright with her feet though.

Sparkle was better than I figured she'd be; when the farrier came a couple of weeks ago I handled her a bit before he came and she was kicking out with one of her hinds, so she got a little tunin'. Must have a good memory, because she did really with her feet and didn't pull back at all, although she was a little apprehensive.

It's time to make new halters for the girls, they are growing out of their baby halters- the knot below her eye should be about 3 inches closer to her ear. I haven't found a good source of rope here, might have to go down to Idaho shopping soon (0h darn!)

Chickory thought she should have a turn getting out of the pen too, but by then the sun was going down and a cold breeze had come up. Beamer got hand walked, and enjoyed finding the old green grass to nibble on.

Today is team sorting, and I hope to get some photos for tomorrow's sport challenge on Sunday Stills.

Need a laugh?

Found this over on No Hoof No Horse blog.

Bridge to Terabithia

Since Beamer has been a blog-hog lately, it's time to feature the girls. Their paddock is low in the center so all the water collects and freezes there which means that they can't get to their back pasture. Since I was cleaning out their bedding area I used the soiled bedding to build them a bridge. They were really happy to be able to get out and have some play time.

Chickory is the boss mare, being the oldest, and wasted no time herding them down the fence line. I wasa little surprised to see Velvet instigating the rough play with Sparkle, as it's usually the other way around.

Maybe she is starting to realize she has a size advantage over Sparkle.

They were all cooperative in posing for me.

Short and chunky, Chickory is built to work a cow, I can't wait!

Velvet has a pretty little dish face that you don't often see on Quarter Horses.

Sparkle might have a plain brown wrapper, but I think she is a pretty girl.

She reminds me a lot of Beamer when he was that age. I'm thinking she might have to go into reining training in a couple of years.

Wordless Wednesday

Horse Play

I've had a comment or two about how Beamer likes to rear. I want to make it clear that this is something he ONLY does during play time, and that it is a natural behavior for horses. I watch yearlings at play, and they rear at each other, and for a stallion, rearing is necessary in breeding season. When Beamer rears, he is feeling good, and showing off. He is NOT trying to intimidate me; he is trying to impress me. I've seen him look at me out of the corner of his eye, snort and prance, then rear, as if to say. "look at me!" He will also stand in place and kick out his back legs together, also something he does only when he is feeling good, or excited about something. He NEVER does any of these behaviors under saddle, or in hand. He behaves like the gentleman he is. I can ride him with other horses, and the worst thing he does is talk softly to them, which merits him getting extra work to do, such as sidepassing a box, or leg yields, or spins, and he soon stops even that.

Owning and riding a stallion is not for everyone. You need to be a strict disciplinarian, and at the same time know how to have a lot of fun with your horse, because the only time he gets out of the boredom of his paddock or stall is when he is with you, or at breeding time.

Sunday Stills

I am only posting one photo this week for the challenge of a photo that will bring out an emotion in the viewer. The earthquake in Haiti was so devastating and brought about such tragedy that I think the other photos I had to post are just frivolous in comparison.

I'm supplying a link here to a blog from a woman who has been in Haiti since 1995 and runs a rescue center for sick children; she has many photos and stories of the devastation.

What a difference a day makes

I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

Yesterday:

Today:

Yesterday:

Today:

Yesterday:

Today:

The fog has lifted, the sun is shining, and the geese are heading north!

I hope things keep melting until the ice is gone, then it can snow again.

Wordless Wednesday

Movie night at our house

Last night we rented movies, I won't say which one we watched because I thought it wasn't very good. All 6 of us managed to cuddle up on the bed and it wasn't long before the usual snoring took place:

I think my critters were more worth watching than the movie!

Even Foose was happy to just lay around and air out his belly.

The other day a trucker came to move one of the old bee trailers out of here. Since we put in the hitching rail, it was a tight squeeze for him.

The small trailer on the right in the photo is a real junker, with a rotten roof; it will have to be dismantled and scrapped, hopefully soon as it is a real eyesore, and unsafe due to all the mould in it.

You can see here that he was inches away from the power pole, but he was a darn good driver and managed to skin on out of there by going to the right, as he couldn't get past the hitch rail.

Today they are removing another trailer body -a sea can- and it's quite a production.

A truck, a crane, and a loader. I'll be glad when it's all gone, I can't stand a messy yard!