In the interests of "keeping it real" as Sherry posted one day on Fern Valley Appaloosas, not all things go smoothly here. The other day when I went to work Chickory, we unraveled a little bit. First of all, she wouldn't let me catch her; even with grain. When I ran her into the foaling pen, she was pretty nervous and climbing the walls even though I used very little pressure; just body position to make her change direction. You think I would have been smart enough not to try working her, but I'm kinda thick- headed sometimes. So at the hitching rail after I haltered her, she was quieter, and I went to saddle her as I usually do, and she stepped away from the saddle. Went I tried again, she blew back and flung her head sideways- right into my head! Remember I said I was thick- headed? Good thing! I got knocked sideways, and it really rung my bell. Came up mad; took a deep breath and told myself to only be mad at myself for not working safely! So I went back a step and worked her with the flag; she stood like a trooper for that. No problem there so back to saddling; only this time I did it the way Walt Vermadahl taught us to do with green colts- not tied up, but with the lead rope draped over my elbow. That way, when they move away, you can follow them and they don't feel trapped. After a little waltzing around, the saddle was on. I longed her on the lead rope a little, then bridled her and asked her for a baby give. OK so far. Then I wanted to put the rein around the off side and ask her to follow her nose and face up- well you would have thought that rein was a cougar attacking her butt! I couldn't leave the lesson there, so I brought Beamer out of his pen so I could work the filly in an enclosed area, and we went back a step again. I used the longe line and asked her to just move out and lope a little. Remember I said I was waiting for her to blow? I guess this was her day! She tried to buck a little, when she did I asked her to speed up, which leveled her out. She settled down fine after that, and we finished on a good note.
For the next two days, Chickory was friendlier in the corral; less inclined to move away from me. I think she has a lot of fear issues , not from me because I've never done anything to cause fear or lack of trust for her, but she was extremely wild when I first got her. It'll be a long road, but we'll get there!
My "hoof care provider" came yesterday, and I gave him some info that I found courtesy of
Mrs. Mom on barefoot trimming. He was happy to get it, and will take any more that I can print off for him (He has no internet). He's really interested in pursuing this kind of hoof care, which really makes me happy!
Velvet had her first time using the stand.
Working on Beamer.
10 comments:
Damn glad you are OK there Shirley! Careful out there girl, with those youngsters.
And YAY for your hoof care provider!! I don't care if they are shoers or barefooters---- KEEP LEARNING! Education will only make it better and better for his clients. Thank you Shirley, for being the kind of owner who isn't a PITA, (you know what I mean,) but one who cares about the service provider from the standpoint of being better for your horses.
Keep it real, keep it safe, and have an awesome weekend!
Goofball youngsters. I know how it is with one like your girl. My pony is awesome when hes working good. One day something will set him off and he just wants to pull back and bolt.
Be careful.
Well, you knew it would come, and aren't we all hard headed at times!. Glad you were able to keep on your feet and end on a good note. How is the head?
Vern has always been a very open minded guy, which is what makes him such a good farrier! You should try and talk him into gettin Pete Rameys "Under The Horse" DVD series it is worth it's weight in gold and anyone who wants to under stand their horse hooves should have it!
Tara
That's not Vern, Tara, it's Matthew Blackmore. I'll see if I can find that DVD- thanks!
Yup we've all had one of those days(A Few Even)good thing you got a good head on those shoulders.Beamer looks quite happy with his new feet.
Glad you're okay Shirley. Knocking heads isn't a fun thing;) It's nice when you get a farrier that will listen to what you want.
Good for you keepin' it real, my friend.
It's a relief to know that life isn't always perfect for other folks and that through trials and challenges, there are great ways to cope....like taking a step back and trying something new.
Way to go. Chickory is lucky to have someone as patient and understanding as you. She's got a great teacher and she's learning every time.
Wonderful that your vet is open-minded, too. Velvet is so cute in that pic. Looks like she's set up to have a manicure at a spa. And she's giving the guy a kiss to say thank you. lol!
Beamer has great feet......I love Beamer!!!
That last pic rocks my world!
~Lisa
Oh how come Matthew now and not Vern.. Isn't Vern home yet?
Tara
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