Attack Horses--Defending their property! (Beware of Horses?)

OK this may be weird, but today there were two dogs who were wagging their tails, came to visit (they had a cat in tow).  When my 5 dogs went to investigate them in the field the cat skedaddled, but they were all sniffing and wagging...until the idiot pit bull ran and body slammed one of the dogs.  Chaos ensued with the two new ones trying to pin the pit bull.  (he's a goof really). 

Out of the blue, Exy and O'Rion gallop over and CHASE OFF the two dogs who were trying to fight my one dog.  They ran them off good and proper.  I wish I had seen all this...it was relayed to me by Albert, who witnessed the whole thing. 

Funny.....I have attack horses! 
Maybe I should change the sign from "beware of dog" to "Beware of Attack Horses....they will kick your butt." 

2 1/2 hours, three horses

I was taken to CAVALIA for my 50th Birthday in Atlanta by my sweet hubby.  We had a lovely meal and then saw the show.  Fantastic!  I highly recommend it, although there was one stallion who did not seem happy with his job, most horses had ears forward and seemed to be happy with what they were doing.  It was Lovely! 

It was COLD.  Do I look like I'm riding this one bareback?  Ha ha!

NICE day today!~  It was 40's F today and not much wind.  The farrier (new one and less expensive but I think just as good and one that will not pop my horses!  Yes!) was coming today so I played with each horse before I gave him/her to the farrier.  They all did outstanding!  I was proud.   First was Boss (QH).  We did friendly and then stick to me.  Then moving HQ and FQ because of some nasty ears.  Then friendly (he IS afraid of the stick).  Circle with an obstacle (tree).  Yo Yo over a log.  then straddle the log and stay there.  Then back and stay there.  Lots of licking at this point.  Circle of 8.  Weave around some poo.  Nice expression.  Ready for farrier.

Next Exy.  We did friendly and lots of that, some extreme friendly and driving in zone 3.  Ready for farrier.  she wants to play!  Is very exuberent and I did not want to get her wild for the farrier.  Just in a calm frame of mind.  Success. 

Third was Fiona.  Friendly (she's afraid of the stick, too).  I really did lots of blowing with the intent to bring WAY down my energy.  She responded to this beautifully and was way more relaxed today (so was I and I could really tell she was trying hard to do what I asked.)  We did Stick to me (beautiful!) and some moving FQ because of nasty ears.  when the ears came back forward we moved on.  Match my energy came next.  Transitions on a circle up and down.  REALLY the BEST ever today!  I thought Walk...she walked, TROT, and upped my energy...what do you know...she trotted.  (I had to support with the stick just a tiny bit the second time).  Other side was brilliant!  No stick support at all.  Good girl!  OK here comes her bugaboo...canter.  I had to really keep my energy way up and WHACK the ground zone 5 but she got it and although I was thinking CANTER loudly in my head, I blew and relaxed while keeping my molecules cantering...she BLEW (lips flapping) and slowed her canter down beautifully...and when I trotted in my body so did she...then a duck landing on the ground.  That girl STOPPED!  YES!  I was so proud.  This is an extreme runaway who has had such strides of improvement!  We did that three times each side and it was lovely with lots of scratches and a rest period on there (for both of us) in between.  It was fantastic!  Now if that can just transfer to the saddle we'll be cooking with gas!  I'm chuffed! 

Tried something that I did with Buckley, Kelly Sigler's horse, the passage.  I thought UP and then did stick support under her chin and belly.  She got it.  Nicer banana than the fat belly hanging.  Then we trotted and I supported under her chin/belly  while I was ridiculously throwing my knees WAY HIGH...and trotting in place doing Passage with my body (it was hilarious I'm sure).  She didn't get it at first so I stopped, showed her UP with head and belly again, and then tried it again.  I think I got a little suspension that time (a tiny tiny tiny bit) so I called it good and moved on.  She licked a lot....and had a really nice expression on her face!  I'd say fascinated!  Belly scratches. 

I bowed really big and picked up her right front and brought head down....we did that three times and called it good.  More licking.  (really trying to do something way different than we usually do).  Trying hard not to be BORING!  I think Fiona really enjoyed our play time today.

Then did lead with tail.  Fairly non-successful but I think I missed her giving HQ to me...so my fault  that time. 

Last was O'Rion, my bad boy...very mouthy and playful/naughty!  Lots of friendly then extreme friendly zone 1/2/3.  He did very well. 
Circle of 8 with two piles of poo.   LOTS of licking and chewing and he picked it right up.  Weave with poo.   He REALLy licked and chewed this time.  And I gave him lots of time in between as he's LBI and can go over to RBI/catatonic if I push him.  I laughed a lot and blew (trying not to get myself so straight lined and hyper).  Tongue was hanging WAY out licking..it was hilarious.  Wish I'd had the camera.  That'll teach me!   It was a lovely day.  At first we did have a little nasty ears back so moved FQ some...ears quickly nice. 

 (remember we have a playground but were at the fence waiting for the previous horse's hooves so poo looked really good to play with!). 

O'Rion wanted to play with the rope so I said GREAT!  Let me help you with that....and pulled it tight.  he let go. 

Lead by front legs.  He did AMAZINGLY WELL, got it right away!    I was proud of my boy! 

He did pretty well for farrier.  Yay! 

Late NOTE:  The other night he choked.  Albert left off his 5 inch rock (slows him down or he chokes).  I heard him choking after Fiona put her head right up giraffe style...so I checked him out and found him choking.  No air movement.  Massaged his neck and got the food to go down....watched him for a while.   He stood quietly and let me get the lead rope/halter on even though he was making a horrible noise.  I'd say just enough air to keep alive.  It was VERY frightening. 

Albert felt badly so I didnt' scold him, just asked him NEVER feed O'Rion again without his rock in the bucket!  I feel without Parelli this horse would have been fighting for his life.  He could not breathe! 
I thank God every day for Pat and Linda!~ 

nighty night.  My cat just gave me a love bite.  she's a funny one.

Frozen hoses

We had to haul water today as the hoses are frozen.  It's COLD here! 

Horses ran around like crazy...we put a new round bale of hay in the field.   For some reason they thought they should help.  It was fun.  I love my horses..they really make it lovely around here.

Too cold to play but I got in some undemanding time and treats...scratches.  Had nice times with all four today.  Just simple undemanding .....nice! 

talk to you soon!

Played with Buckley!

AMAZING day yesterday! 

Got to play with Kelly Sigler's Buckley...he was like a HOVER BALL!  I thought something, he did it, and even did things I didn't realize I was sending out, but on reflection, I can see it.  He did get his play drive up a little and we played shoulders...he really got BIG for a moment...so I backed off, but dang it was FUN!  I was laughing.

Buckley likes to be CLOSE!  So that was interesting with a horse I didnt' know, but he was right with me.  Not over top of me but RIGHT THERE.  He is AWESOME!  did I mention I love Buckley!!

he sidepassed to me with just a string on his back and then faster than a walk....still sideways.  Stick with me...LOVELY....

Drove from zone 2/3 then 3, then 4 then drove from zone 5!  I was so happy. 

We did spins.  first time ever for me.  He taught me how!  (Nicola helped me see it). 

Passage!  Passage!  We did Passage!  Fantastic (on the ground).  Made me really happy....thanks, Nicola! 
She showed me how...and we were off!  both sides easily....oh Buckley I love you! 

Bad part:  I had no camera.  sigh....but memories are lovely. 

He's the best.  Hopefully I'll be better for my horse now. 

thanks, Kelly! 

part time job/barter

Kelly Sigler is letting me do some computer work for her (data entry) and I'm loving being around her and on her farm.  It's a lovely place.  Eventually I'm bringing O'Rion to her to finish his saddle training (I'm not savvy enough at this point although I've made a  good start).  and Exy, too. 

We'll be doing a workshop with Kelly at my sister's.  Hope this is a trend, as it's certainly a DREAM COME TRUE to be around someone like Kelly.

I'm smiling.   :)

Post Lesson happenings

Private Clinic with Kelly Sigler, my 50th Birthday present from my husband...Birthday is December 28, went very well.  I trotted without fear.  a HUGE thing for me!  Still licking over some things and it's really good.  I'm still working on myself. 

my herd

Fiona came home from Kim's house looking fit and more trim.   we just never could get our schedules connected to ride, so I brought her home. 

After weeks of putting Fiona on and off the trailer, driving just 10 feet, feeding her on there, ect...opening and closing doors, playing with lots of squeeze, we made the 15 min drive to the house and she was not quite as upset as going TO Kim's, she was pretty darned upset.  Added to that fact that the herd went crazy running, squealing, bucking and farting all along the fence, I had my hands full (of her like a kite!) when we arrived home.  She got off the trailer ok but was lightly sweating (an improvement) but then went completely RB aftter I had her in the yard. 

We did lots of my back to the fence 180's and walked sideways all the way down the fence.  FINAlly she calmed.

when I got her in the herd there was some pretty scary noises and striking.  She was striking out at her beloved son, O'Rion,  who had enjoyed a run of second in command while she was gone.  Momma came home and took back over her herd...and it was fun to watch.  I got some nice pics.   :)  Poor Boss was relegated to second and he kept trying to cut his herd out from Fiona, but finally the whole herd went with Fiona.  It was sad to see him give up.  He sort of deflated. 

I've had wrist pain/numbness these past few months...it's flaring up now.  so no typing.

I'm doing ok.  Had a LOVELY Liberty session with Exy tonight (RBI/LBI) with a tiny bit of dominance, then softening and some lovely phase 1 (I'm going for feather touches and she responded well) yeilding in zone 3.  When I had a little snake head and drove her away she went away sideways.  I had to laugh.  She loves sideays. 

we had a community grooming sesson with Fiona, me and O'Rion, they were licking me and doing that soft teeth nip, then more licking on both hands at once.  NICE...very soft looks from them and lots of licking and chewing right before the sesson. 

I did some undemanding time with them both and they really responded.

Lovely ring around the moon tonight. 

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Love,
Shelly

Trailering

For some reason say the word trailer in my home or take horse somewhere, and the truck and/or trailer hears you and acts up.   Today is the back tire of truck.  I've connected trailer to truck (Albert says WASH THE TRUCK AND TRAILER) like that's going to fix it.  Anyway, put trailer on truck and noticed rear tire sort of flat.  Albert takes truck to get tire filled.  Today it's a tiny bit low.  Tomorrow I"m on my own, he's working, so it's on me to put air, whatever it needs. 

Fiona and I take off for the other side of town today technically so she can meet and greet with Kim's horses and freak out over the fence...then get turned out with them so we can have a quiet clinic (prior and proper preparation, right?). 

I"M EXCITED!  Kelly Sigler is coming here on Tuesday/Wednesday for a private clinic for Kim and me.  This is JUST US TWO...no watchers, no one so we can get down to it.  FEAR MAKEOVER is this clinic's theme.  Kim is afraid to ride.  I'm afraid to go above a walk.  (a few trot steps is ok and FORGET jumping, my former passion). 

I'll check back and let you know how it goes. 

Fingers crossed Kim doesn't sell her horses.  (she threatened to). 

Umbrella Day /Happy Halloween

Fascinating day with an umbrella and my trusty steeds. Started de-spooking on Halloween, funnily enough, (again for Boss and Fiona) and it was Hey the umbrella's here, let's play for Exy (LBI/RBI) and O'Rion (RBI/LBI).  They quickly found out it was a toy and with a tiny snort and one backing off quickly, O'Rion joined Exy in trying to mob the umbrella.  As learners they both go RBI but their curiosity and play drive is up and they love to play and explore their world.  Lots of mouthing the brolly and trying to bite it.  I let them somewhat but hey it is my umbrella!  THEIR game then changed to Keep Out of my Space.  Very successful with sending energy to them and a small stop with the hand or a step towards them with lots of energy sent their way.  I was happy with it. 

Meanwhile Bos (LBI) was having none of it and wanted to completely ignore me and then go catatonic on me.  I noted not much breathing and some staring.  We did LOTS of retreat with my back to him.  Finally after about 20 mins he started turning to look at me.  (I was halfway down the field by this time).  Lots of time to process and he did a lot of licking with tongue way out. 

It took about another half an hour but I was able to approach and retreat with rhythm and relaxation approaching his shoulder that he was able more often to look at me and actually took two tiny steps towards me.  This is HUGE for Boss, who is TERRIFIED of an umbrella and has always been for the 20 or so years I've had him.  I rewarded this by retreat and quitting for a few moments.  More licking.

Finally I got to within 30 or so feet (10 meters) of him with approach and retreat and he changed his expression and then came to me licking and chewing.   I retreated more and he sped up a little from the previous creep to an actual walk so I let him catch me.  Sniffed umbrella, let me touch him with it.  I was amazed.  His expression was riveted as I was thinking the whole time I will not force you, come to me when you're ready.  Finally I was able to rub him with the umbrella while closed (NEVER BEFORE, this was HUGE!)  both sides minding my body language in neutral with one leg cocked.  He then proceeded to yawn several times, and lick, yawn, lick.  It was really good!  I was smiling from ear to ear and stood with him with my hand on his withers. 

NICE session and it was capped off by a lovely rainbow from the slight mist that caused me to get the umbrella in the first place!   A huge bow that stretched from one side of the farm to the other in a complete arch.  FANTASTIC STUFF! 

Tomorrow I take Fiona to Kim's (my sister's farm) so that the squealing and freakout will be over by Tuesday...so we can have our PRIVATE CLINIC WITH KELLY SIGLER in peace!  (no horse antics hopefully by then).  I'm So EXCITED!  This is my 50th Birthday present from my sweet husband Albert. 

Forgive typos today...glasses are in the bedroom and he's asleep.  I had to get up for a bathroom break and didn't want to wake him to get my glasses when I could not go back to sleep. 

Nighty Night! 

Preparation for Clinic

Today it is get prepared to TRAILER to the clinc with Fiona. We did Touch It on the trailer. Nose first...she blew by that and put her feet on it. Good girl. I'm impressed by her as she loves to put her feet on things.

Remember, one of the last times we trailered it was a horrible wreck (she FREAKED out in the trailer and hurt herself coming down the ramp) so my focus has been "stand in the trailer calmly."

We did approach and retreat (it was not a bad reaction at all, but I wanted her to keep her confidence the WHOLE TIME). Stand on ramp. Graze. Ramp again, let's go forward. Retreat. graze.

Nose in trailer. If she leaned towards, I left her alone and it was hard to be in neutral. In my head I kept hearing Pat say "she has to act like a partner. Quit micromanaging." How did he get in my head?

Anyway, I just STOOD in neutral unless she leaned back or took a step back. It WORKED! She loaded herself essentially and most of what I did was just support backwards movement with a tiny stick wave. It only took tiny movements. This is big.

SUCCESS.

O'Rion and Exy began snorting and farting, running along the fence to our back with the dogs barking, this made her lose confidence, so I took her away from trailer and did S Bends and then finally falling leaf. She looked at me as leader, we returned to trailer and did beautifully with them in the background. It's not about the herd. She kept asking questions this whole time and I was pumped. VERY nice for her and not her norm.

So then I showed her all the doors and things and did friendly on the closing mechanism. Stroked the sides of the trailer, stroked the gate, stroked the partitians in the trailer with her watching, thought loudly :) Good Trailer, Good sides, Good door, Rattled it in front of her...showed her how things worked.

She asked LOTS of questions and seemed engaged the whole time. It was lovely.

We loaded again and I closed the gate partway then she tried to come out. I let her. Rinse, repeat. got it closed and asked her to stay on when she moved to come out. Very gently tapped on her HQ with stick. She took the suggestion and stayed. Gate closed briefly and then I invited her out. Nice expression at end of session and I called it a a day. I figured we'd build on that and I'd ask her to stay in with gates closed next session, then a short ride.

I feel really good about how it went.

Albert came home so that cut short our grazing session I had planned. I had to talk to him about a project we're working on, but grazing will take priority next session.

:)

Rode Fiona with Parelli Saddle

well, silly me...didn't push down so felt like I was on a cushion of air...well I was!
I was tipped a little forward, but it was cushy and comfy and we had a nice hour or so ride around the little paddock. Also had a lovely liberty session before I mounted as she was going a little RB and sleepy, so I changed up the energy and changed the game. We forgot about me mounting and played games.

Fiona really woke up and liked that! Also I'm sure I was sort of wired about riding so it gave me a chance to sort all that out, too.

Stirrips were too little so I did not use them. Just used balance point and Pusing passenger, did tit for tat and mirrored, even when she shivvered for a fly I shivvered, too! She was licking and chewing a great deal and I noted she did turn when I would turn (tried to pretend I had no reins).

Nice ride!

O'Rion is on the list for a very gentle trainer this winter. (I don't bounce as well as I used to and he'll be very gentle). I checked him out thoroughly. Nice soft hands. He said I should be able to go to beach or trail ride when he gets done and for me to come ride, too, while O'Rion is there. He'll be starting one of O'Rion's half siblings soon, too.