Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Schooling Rio, continued
The other day, Shayla asked if Rio was quiet all the time, or if he had some life to him; the answers is yes indeed.
Our round pen footing is a little iffy right now- yesterday, I was longeing him in there and he slipped on a frozen spot, so today's session was all about ground work, which we did on the lawn to start with. He's coming along well with his halter lessons... that is, until it was time to ask him to trot nicely along. Well, not so nicely! He showed us that this quiet boy can have a little coltitude, leaping around a little, hitting the end of the lead rope and running sideways, head up. Shayla did a good job of getting after him, but since he was being so strong, we went into the round pen to continue, figuring it was better to have him contained even if the footing wasn't the best.We did eventually get him to trot on a lead but had to longe him first until he was starting to relax and think a little.
I think he's testing the boundaries of this new part of his life, checking to see if he can dominate us.
I decided to take him out to the hayfield once he started behaving a little better, and the new environment helped, as long as we stayed at the walk he was fine. Trotting... not so much, he used it as an excuse to power up. So out came the bosal, it has a little more authority than a halter. Every time he threw his head up as a prelude to his sideways dance, he got one good thunk with that heavy bosal. Pretty soon, he was thinking twice about acting up; you could see his head start to come up and then he'd stop, like a lightbulb came on- "oh yeah, that's not so fun anymore!" We quit on a good note, when he started to be more respectful. The bosal gave Shayla the tool she needed to make him realize he couldn't pull her around. I'm a lot bigger than her, not so easy to get away from me.
This brings up a couple of points about horse training. First, there is never any one right way of doing things. You do what you can with the situation you are given, you work with the horse that you have at that moment with the tools that you have at hand. It's more about timing and reading the horse than it is about a set program.
The second thing is, just because things are going smoothly, never think that it will always be that way especially with a youngster, and don't get discouraged if it seems that there is a setback. They will always try to test the waters at some point, and if they don't, it's more likely that they will blow up on you when you least expect it. I welcome it when colts get full of 'tude, because it's an opportunity to teach them where their boundaries are, and it's always a delight when they figure it out. It's a stepping stone to creating that "good horse to ride."
And in Rio's case, riding can wait another day or two until he gets this part figured out!
Our round pen footing is a little iffy right now- yesterday, I was longeing him in there and he slipped on a frozen spot, so today's session was all about ground work, which we did on the lawn to start with. He's coming along well with his halter lessons... that is, until it was time to ask him to trot nicely along. Well, not so nicely! He showed us that this quiet boy can have a little coltitude, leaping around a little, hitting the end of the lead rope and running sideways, head up. Shayla did a good job of getting after him, but since he was being so strong, we went into the round pen to continue, figuring it was better to have him contained even if the footing wasn't the best.We did eventually get him to trot on a lead but had to longe him first until he was starting to relax and think a little.
I decided to take him out to the hayfield once he started behaving a little better, and the new environment helped, as long as we stayed at the walk he was fine. Trotting... not so much, he used it as an excuse to power up. So out came the bosal, it has a little more authority than a halter. Every time he threw his head up as a prelude to his sideways dance, he got one good thunk with that heavy bosal. Pretty soon, he was thinking twice about acting up; you could see his head start to come up and then he'd stop, like a lightbulb came on- "oh yeah, that's not so fun anymore!" We quit on a good note, when he started to be more respectful. The bosal gave Shayla the tool she needed to make him realize he couldn't pull her around. I'm a lot bigger than her, not so easy to get away from me.
This brings up a couple of points about horse training. First, there is never any one right way of doing things. You do what you can with the situation you are given, you work with the horse that you have at that moment with the tools that you have at hand. It's more about timing and reading the horse than it is about a set program.
The second thing is, just because things are going smoothly, never think that it will always be that way especially with a youngster, and don't get discouraged if it seems that there is a setback. They will always try to test the waters at some point, and if they don't, it's more likely that they will blow up on you when you least expect it. I welcome it when colts get full of 'tude, because it's an opportunity to teach them where their boundaries are, and it's always a delight when they figure it out. It's a stepping stone to creating that "good horse to ride."
And in Rio's case, riding can wait another day or two until he gets this part figured out!
Monday, February 11, 2013
My kind of Sunday
Sunday is pretty quiet around here. We stayed out late on Saturday night, attending the Valentine's dance; that was fun, a good local band and good friends, dinner and dance; home just after midnight. I used to be able to bounce back after a late night but not so much anymore! After getting home from Church we both had a nice nap, then Ted went out to his shop, and completed the revamp on the log splitter he built. He had to order a new hydraulic ram for it because the used one he started with clapped out. Here is the finished product:
That is one stout machine! Completely hand built, designed and fabricated by my talented husband.It tilts to work in an upright position as well as horizontal, for those rounds that are too large to lift.
I spent the afternoon in my favorite place- a bareback ride on my Beamer, headed out to the big field for a cruise.
We were watched by Rio as we made our way out:
I spent the afternoon in my favorite place- a bareback ride on my Beamer, headed out to the big field for a cruise.
We were watched by Rio as we made our way out:
It'll be his turn next year!
There is only a few inches of soft snow left on the fields, and we picked our way through the low lying spots where the water gathers; Beamer isn't too fond of wet crossings with bad footing, but went through with only minor suspicion and we headed to the far side of the field where the drainage canal is.
I was hoping to see some birds, there were a pair of Flickers but they flew away before I could photograph them. Beamer was really enjoying himself, and the dogs had to investigate the mouse trails and holes, especially where the coyotes had been.
I never get tired of this view, especially from an ear-cam position.
A jet flew over, and left the smoke ring con trail that I have seen a few times here.
We made our way around the field, and Rio was there watching for us.(Nitro too!)
After I groomed Beamer, I let him snack on the lawn, when Thumper came along, so he got his first ride on a horse.
He wasn't too sure about it at first, and Beamer only lifted his head once before deciding it wasn't worth interrupting his chow time, and Thumper settled down and relaxed for a few minutes before jumping off.
A totally wonderful day!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Sunday Stills
Circles.... they are everywhere....
a mini brandy snifter, from above....
the barometer in the house (soon that will be the outside temperature, or so I keep telling myself)....
A little saw blade, painted up pretty....
the polka dots on the red dress that I didn't wear to the Valentines dance because it needs alterations....
and last but not least, the bubbles in my morning coffee.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Hello in there!
A few weeks ago, I got to see Belle's baby, bumping and boogieing around in mama's belly; even as far back as the December clinic, when Tara was working on Belle's feet and got bumped in the head by that active little baby; but although I have been watching patiently, no sign of motion in Gussie's belly. Finally.... this morning at chore time, it was a-dancin' away in there!
By my reckoning, they are about 6 weeks away from foaling. Gussie was covered from April 13-21, and Belle was covered from April 15-18.
As soon as they start making bag, I'll get the foaling contest underway, so keep an eye out for that post- should be soon!
By my reckoning, they are about 6 weeks away from foaling. Gussie was covered from April 13-21, and Belle was covered from April 15-18.
As soon as they start making bag, I'll get the foaling contest underway, so keep an eye out for that post- should be soon!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Training Rio, continued.
Today, it was back to working Rio. Shayla came over (hey world, meet Shayla, a fine young lady who I am happy to be working with!) and got on him again.
Can a horse look any more relaxed?
We did all the basics we do every session before mounting, and this time, I just stood in the center while they rode in circles around me. Rio is steering well, although a couple of times I had to assist to get him started; I think he was feeling pretty lazy today.
He stood well for mounting, only once stepping forward, not bad considering this is only his second day.
Checking out those boots!
He moved out nicely....
so we stepped it up to a trot for the first time. He stayed relaxed throughout, and trotted both directions. Good boy Rio! Shayla says she feels relaxed on him, not nervous at all, so it looks like this will be the beginning of a good partnership.
Sweet.
After the riding session, Shayla worked on his show manners for halter class.
We will show him at the local open shows to start with, and when he comes back from the trainers in late summer, a few trail rides and another open show, then in his 3 yr. old year the plan is to enter him in some AQHA shows.
Pesky varmints
The melting snow has exposed the secret life of voles/mice in my yard. Little rotters!
In all the time we've been here, they've never done this to my lawn. It must have been because the ground didn't freeze before we got snow over just before Christmas, so they could still dig their way under the snow.
Looks like they are right at home under my blueberry bushes and strawberries. Hope this doesn't kill the plants- and I hope the little varmints start showing their faces as the owls and hawks are passing over. Doesn't look as if the cats can keep up!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
I has a happy
Today, it felt like spring. Warm, a little south wind melting the remaining snow, mud everywhere- yep, it feels like spring.
Can't let a beautiful day go to waste!
Rio had a special day today. A young lady we know, the one with whom we went on trail rides last summer, kindly agreed to be the first one to step up on Rio.
A little preliminary work in the round pen- and it was time.
A few times each side of just stepping up and down in the stirrups and laying over the other side
Can't let a beautiful day go to waste!
Rio had a special day today. A young lady we know, the one with whom we went on trail rides last summer, kindly agreed to be the first one to step up on Rio.
A little preliminary work in the round pen- and it was time.
(this was done on both sides)
and it was time....
The grin says it all!
I was grinning just as much!
Rio never lost his soft eye and relaxed demeanor throughout this whole process.
I led him out, and since he was so calm, I had her take over the steering and rein him each direction, with a couple of stop and step backs. Rio was a star!
The plan is to do this twice a week, just a few minutes at a time, and next month haul him over to the indoor arena and get him used to some new sights etc. And.... This pair will be hitting the show ring in the future! Since I don't particularly like showing, and this young lady does (I don't yet have permission to use her name) she has agreed to show Rio - and possibly future Diamond Lazy H horses too. I am so happy to have someone to share my horses with, you have no idea.
I has a happy. For sure.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
All the pretty colours
How about another clue?
Monday, February 4, 2013
Progress- ground driving
My day off today, and on such a beautiful day, I got a lot of horse time in. I spent an hour grooming the mares, and got to see Coyote Belle's baby bunting mama, so far haven't seen Gussie's baby moving.
Then it was Rio time. I thought about using the bosal again for ground driving, but opted to put a web halter on him with my driving lines attached; the lines are a lot easier to handle than the mecate ropes for the bosal.
Saddled up at the hitching rail again, and headed over to the round pen. This time, I hobbled the stirrups so I couldn't get the lines caught under them. A couple of practice turns with the lead rope around the rump, and we stepped right in to driving. Rio has no problem at all with the lines laying around his legs, and he quickly figured out the turns, stop and back up in the new gear.
Nitro's owner was here too, and after a bit I asked him if he'd like to handle the lines. This fellow used to drive horses a lot, so I knew Rio would be in good hands; soft hands too.
Then it was Rio time. I thought about using the bosal again for ground driving, but opted to put a web halter on him with my driving lines attached; the lines are a lot easier to handle than the mecate ropes for the bosal.
Saddled up at the hitching rail again, and headed over to the round pen. This time, I hobbled the stirrups so I couldn't get the lines caught under them. A couple of practice turns with the lead rope around the rump, and we stepped right in to driving. Rio has no problem at all with the lines laying around his legs, and he quickly figured out the turns, stop and back up in the new gear.
Nitro's owner was here too, and after a bit I asked him if he'd like to handle the lines. This fellow used to drive horses a lot, so I knew Rio would be in good hands; soft hands too.
Steppin' out
Set and turn
and on out.
It was really nice seeing someone else work Rio, I really got to see how nicely he handles himself, the soft look to him and how willing he is. I don't normally have anyone else around to help with the horses, so I'm really happy to have this fellow around. His work with Nitro is coming along too, he's here every day, handles him ,gives him some exercise and just spends time with him- every day. Nitro seems to really like him, and has a lovely soft look to him, just like his big brother. I am so proud of these horses!
I phoned AQHA today and ordered the DNA kit for Rio, and I'm getting the full work up for his colour too. I'm hoping he will be homozygous for the black gene, like his mama.
I've been taking Beamer out bareback around the hayfield; and there is a fun little exercise I do that some of you might want to try. Write your horses name in the snow, using only his footsteps. It's challenging, and gives something to do. to write Beamer's name we have to count steps, do turns on the haunches, roll backs, back ups, etc. For those of you who don't have snow, try it in the sand, or in an arena. It's fun!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Sunday Stills
The challenge we were given today was to photograph fabric, I thought this was a fun challenge. You know I like to include horses in my posts whenever possible, so I'll start with my shower curtain:
Next is the fabric of my couch, Ed said to use macro too, so this is my macro shot.
I've always wondered how many yards of fabric there are in this gigantic flag that stands tall in Bonner's Ferry Idaho.
And back to the horse theme- this is my sheer curtains in the living room, with statues of Clydesdale horses on the window sill.
It's a cloth curtain with a Bernie Brown pencil drawing motif.
I love antiques, this one is part of a lamp shade on an old lamp.
I've always wondered how many yards of fabric there are in this gigantic flag that stands tall in Bonner's Ferry Idaho.
And back to the horse theme- this is my sheer curtains in the living room, with statues of Clydesdale horses on the window sill.
Friday, February 1, 2013
More lesson time
A little more work with Rio was on the agenda for this lovely, warm 1st of February. I took yesterday off because of a nasty headache, really sapped my energy even after it was gone. Today was 45 F, or +7 Celcius, and the snow is turning mushy and in the round pen it's only 4-5 inches deep and not bad footing. I took Rio over to the hitching rail and threw the saddle on him as if it was a broke horse standing there, led him over to the round pen and longed him in the bosal, he did really well both ways, and I know he's paying attention to me because every time I lose focus- like if I'm longeing him to the right and have to switch hands on the line so I can use my right hand to take a photo- he stops. There is absolutely no runaway in this boy, if anything he is quite willing to take it easy.
So, no photos of him going right, with the sunshine gleaming on his colorful mane.
After this, I attached another line to the bosal and introduced him to the concept of ground driving. First, I put a line around his hip and got him turning, a few times each way, then encouraged him to step out ahead of me. I didn't do this too much, just enough to give him the idea that it's ok to move out with me behind him instead of standing in the center of the pen.
I let the lines hang down around his legs on purpose, when I do more of this I'll run them through the stirrups, but he doesn't get excited about ropes around his legs, I can even pull them along his legs when he steps over them and he just takes it in stride. The only time I got a reaction was when I got the line under a stirrup, and it bumped him when I flipped it out of there; he gave one little leap, and then walked on nicely.
Normally, I ground drive in a snaffle bit, but I haven't put one on him yet because his teeth haven't been done yet, so this was an experiment driving him in the bosal. It seemed to work just fine. He turned and backed for me, and it was easy enough to get him steered in whatever direction I chose.
Love my boy!
Oh yeah- I measured him again today- 15 and a half inch at the wither, and 15.1 and a half inch at the hip. So in the last 4 months he has grown 1 1/4 inches at the wither and just an eighth of an inch on the hip.
After this, I attached another line to the bosal and introduced him to the concept of ground driving. First, I put a line around his hip and got him turning, a few times each way, then encouraged him to step out ahead of me. I didn't do this too much, just enough to give him the idea that it's ok to move out with me behind him instead of standing in the center of the pen.
Normally, I ground drive in a snaffle bit, but I haven't put one on him yet because his teeth haven't been done yet, so this was an experiment driving him in the bosal. It seemed to work just fine. He turned and backed for me, and it was easy enough to get him steered in whatever direction I chose.
Love my boy!
Oh yeah- I measured him again today- 15 and a half inch at the wither, and 15.1 and a half inch at the hip. So in the last 4 months he has grown 1 1/4 inches at the wither and just an eighth of an inch on the hip.
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