1. Christmas is barreling towards us. I still have so much baking to do and just this one weekend left. I am working through the holidays with just the "eves," Christmas Day and New Years Day off. I was able to do all of my Christmas shopping online which was a HUGE help. And I have severely curtailed my Christmas card list; limiting it to those people who I don't correspond with throughout the year. I stopped at Starbucks in Placerville this morning and the place was full of people decked out in ski pants, buzzing with excitement as they headed to the snow.
2. I've finally come up with a new name for Mufasa that I like, that Brett likes, and that Mufasa likes. I'm calling him Tex. He is, after all, a Texas bred roping horse. He comes from a cowboy background and deserves a cowboy name. Tex is simple to say and when I look at Mufasa, it fits.
3. Brett and I both have spots reserved in the Mark Rashid clinic in March. Brett will work with Pistol and I will work with Tex. I hope to have my relationship with Tex on more solid ground before we go. Our cold, wet weather continues -- and Jackson's stall in the barn is the round pen -- so my opportunities to do much are limited at the moment. I'll work with him when I can and enjoy the rainfall when I can't.
4. At Thanksgiving, the kids and Brett requested that I stop making so many meals with Plated and the like. They miss my cooking. I'll still use the programs from time-to-time but not on a regular basis. I've been annoyed more than once by late deliveries, incorrect/incomplete recipes and (the worst), a bag of beautifully chopped chard -- that was full of grit.
Showing posts with label Mufasa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mufasa. Show all posts
Friday, December 18, 2015
Sunday, December 13, 2015
The Calm Between the Storms
Our current storm has been washing over us in waves. Each wave has been a bit colder and wilder than the last. Saturday we had a respite. The weather remained cold; but we didn't have rain so the horses spent the day playing sleeping in their pastures.
Flash and Mufasa were lumpy bookends in their pasture.
The girls and Jackson played with the configuration in theirs; taking turns sleeping and standing guard.
The Crazy Sheeplady created a puzzle and included a link. Now I'm hooked. I've created a few puzzles from pictures of the horses. Check out the one I made from the last picture here.
Flash and Mufasa were lumpy bookends in their pasture.
The girls and Jackson played with the configuration in theirs; taking turns sleeping and standing guard.
The Crazy Sheeplady created a puzzle and included a link. Now I'm hooked. I've created a few puzzles from pictures of the horses. Check out the one I made from the last picture here.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Random Friday
1. I received a gift from my friend, and neighbor, Nancy. She loves to quilt and made me this wall hanging of Kersey. I admit to getting a bit teary eyed when she gave it to me. Isn't it perfect above Kersey's bed?
2. We finished out November with 85% of normal rainfall. It felt like a lot of rain to Brett and I -- a storm every 7 days or so -- but we've been in a drought situation since we moved here so we don't really know what normal is here. Southern California, where we were both born and lived most of our lives, is very dry compared to Northern California.
3. It has also been very cold; lots of frost, ice and even some snow before Thanksgiving. The arena is very soggy for the hour or two each day that it thaws. The rest of the time it is frozen rock hard. The sand is holding a lot of water. I think our new normal will be riding in the spring and fall, with infrequent rides in summer (when it is ungodly hot) and winter.
4. I've been thinking about working with Mufasa. We haven't gotten many (okay, just two) inquiries from the ad so it looks like he will be with us for a while. The last few times we've needed to bring him into the barn, Brett has asked me to deal with him. The energy between the two of them just doesn't work. Isn't it funny the way that is? Just like with people, there are some horses you click with and some you don't. Brett and Mufasa never clicked and it has just gotten more difficult over time. They've lost confidence in each other and Brett has a very short fuse that quickly runs to frustration and anger. I feel something with Mufasa; I can't really say what it is at this point but I want to explore it. He trusts me and I think my quiet, patient energy suits him better than Brett's energy. Since the arena isn't useable at this point, I'll be concentrating on groundwork to build trust and confidence. We'll see how it goes. There is a little voice in the back of my head reminding me that Mufasa is awesome on the trail -- and wouldn't it be cool to have a trail horse to ride. Lucy hates the trail; too many things to worry about out there; trolls and dwarfs in the bushes and trees.
5. If it works out with Mufasa, I might have to change his name. I have been using a different name in my head for him since he arrived. Brett hated it... I might need to broach it again. He looks like Cinnamon to me.
2. We finished out November with 85% of normal rainfall. It felt like a lot of rain to Brett and I -- a storm every 7 days or so -- but we've been in a drought situation since we moved here so we don't really know what normal is here. Southern California, where we were both born and lived most of our lives, is very dry compared to Northern California.
3. It has also been very cold; lots of frost, ice and even some snow before Thanksgiving. The arena is very soggy for the hour or two each day that it thaws. The rest of the time it is frozen rock hard. The sand is holding a lot of water. I think our new normal will be riding in the spring and fall, with infrequent rides in summer (when it is ungodly hot) and winter.
4. I've been thinking about working with Mufasa. We haven't gotten many (okay, just two) inquiries from the ad so it looks like he will be with us for a while. The last few times we've needed to bring him into the barn, Brett has asked me to deal with him. The energy between the two of them just doesn't work. Isn't it funny the way that is? Just like with people, there are some horses you click with and some you don't. Brett and Mufasa never clicked and it has just gotten more difficult over time. They've lost confidence in each other and Brett has a very short fuse that quickly runs to frustration and anger. I feel something with Mufasa; I can't really say what it is at this point but I want to explore it. He trusts me and I think my quiet, patient energy suits him better than Brett's energy. Since the arena isn't useable at this point, I'll be concentrating on groundwork to build trust and confidence. We'll see how it goes. There is a little voice in the back of my head reminding me that Mufasa is awesome on the trail -- and wouldn't it be cool to have a trail horse to ride. Lucy hates the trail; too many things to worry about out there; trolls and dwarfs in the bushes and trees.
5. If it works out with Mufasa, I might have to change his name. I have been using a different name in my head for him since he arrived. Brett hated it... I might need to broach it again. He looks like Cinnamon to me.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Selling Mufasa
Since Brett stopped riding Mufasa, Mufasa has been spending his time in the pasture with Flash. In the summer he wore a fly mask, he gets his share of the cookies Brett carries in his pocket, and Brett checks him daily for ticks. Other than that (and regular vet and farrier care), he is left alone. With the demands of keeping the property up, Brett is only able to ride Pistol a few times a week. There is no additional time left for Mufasa. -- and the same goes for me. I don't ride Lucy, or spend as much time with her, as I would like. Any "free" time I have on the weekend is devoted to her -- or Jackson.
We tossed around the idea of selling Mufasa -- or even giving him to a trainer with the right skills (one who trains using the same philosophy as Mark Rashid). But, we didn't take any action on it. We want to make sure we are doing the right thing for Mufasa and that means being confident that he will be okay.
When Brett took Pistol to the Mark Rashid clinic a few weeks ago, Brett spent a fair amount of time talking to Mark about Mufasa. Mark remembered Mufasa from the clinic in March. He said that Brett had made the right decision in deciding to stop riding him. At 66, riding a skittish horse isn't a smart thing to do. Mark still feels that there is really good horse inside Mufasa and, in the right environment, he could be wonderful for someone. He needs a confident, flexible, rider. When we bought him, he was being ridden by a 20-something kid with a balanced seat and a kind manner. Mufasa was better then, than he is now with us. We are not the best place for Mufasa; not for him to be the horse that he is capable of being.
Yesteday afternoon, a cold winter system moved into the mountains from the Gulf of Alaska. We set up the horses' stalls and then brought them in. The girls and Jackson came in first. Then we went to the boys pasture where I put a halter on Flash and Brett went to get Mufasa. Except that Mufasa had a meltdown. He would come close to Brett, trembling a bit, and then lose his nerve and run off. Brett was getting wet and increasingly irritated. He threw some hay in the run-in shed and stomped off to stack hay in the barn.
Mufasa was miserable. He was running around in the rain, calling to the others. I took his halter off the hook and went into the pasture. I must have been a sight -- my rain jacket zipped up tight, and my cowboy hat squished onto my head on top of the hood of my jacket. It worked well for me, but I'm sure I looked like some freaky alien. Mufasa snorted and took off. I stood by the gate and he eventually came over to investigate.
Me, in a quiet, kind, but matter-of-fact voice: Mufasa, you are a pain in the ass. I know you want to go into the barn. You need to trust me.
He took a couple steps towards me -- and then took off. I stayed by the gate. He came back. We did this for what felt like forever. I told him that I wasn't going to put the halter on him until he touched me. He had to touch me first. He was curious about the jacket and my dripping hat. He did, eventually, stretch out his nose and touch me on the shoulder.
I approached him, slowly but with confidence. He trembled. I praised him for staying. I scratched his withers and then slipped the halter on. He thought about wiggling out and running at one point, and I said "whoa" in a stern voice. He stayed. And then we calmly walked into the barn where dinner was waiting in his stall.
Brett and I talked about selling him again. We had hoped that time in the pasture would mellow out the fear, but it hasn't. I created an ad. I tried to make it honest and fair to Mufasa. We'll see what happens.
We tossed around the idea of selling Mufasa -- or even giving him to a trainer with the right skills (one who trains using the same philosophy as Mark Rashid). But, we didn't take any action on it. We want to make sure we are doing the right thing for Mufasa and that means being confident that he will be okay.
When Brett took Pistol to the Mark Rashid clinic a few weeks ago, Brett spent a fair amount of time talking to Mark about Mufasa. Mark remembered Mufasa from the clinic in March. He said that Brett had made the right decision in deciding to stop riding him. At 66, riding a skittish horse isn't a smart thing to do. Mark still feels that there is really good horse inside Mufasa and, in the right environment, he could be wonderful for someone. He needs a confident, flexible, rider. When we bought him, he was being ridden by a 20-something kid with a balanced seat and a kind manner. Mufasa was better then, than he is now with us. We are not the best place for Mufasa; not for him to be the horse that he is capable of being.
Yesteday afternoon, a cold winter system moved into the mountains from the Gulf of Alaska. We set up the horses' stalls and then brought them in. The girls and Jackson came in first. Then we went to the boys pasture where I put a halter on Flash and Brett went to get Mufasa. Except that Mufasa had a meltdown. He would come close to Brett, trembling a bit, and then lose his nerve and run off. Brett was getting wet and increasingly irritated. He threw some hay in the run-in shed and stomped off to stack hay in the barn.
Mufasa was miserable. He was running around in the rain, calling to the others. I took his halter off the hook and went into the pasture. I must have been a sight -- my rain jacket zipped up tight, and my cowboy hat squished onto my head on top of the hood of my jacket. It worked well for me, but I'm sure I looked like some freaky alien. Mufasa snorted and took off. I stood by the gate and he eventually came over to investigate.
Me, in a quiet, kind, but matter-of-fact voice: Mufasa, you are a pain in the ass. I know you want to go into the barn. You need to trust me.
He took a couple steps towards me -- and then took off. I stayed by the gate. He came back. We did this for what felt like forever. I told him that I wasn't going to put the halter on him until he touched me. He had to touch me first. He was curious about the jacket and my dripping hat. He did, eventually, stretch out his nose and touch me on the shoulder.
I approached him, slowly but with confidence. He trembled. I praised him for staying. I scratched his withers and then slipped the halter on. He thought about wiggling out and running at one point, and I said "whoa" in a stern voice. He stayed. And then we calmly walked into the barn where dinner was waiting in his stall.
Brett and I talked about selling him again. We had hoped that time in the pasture would mellow out the fear, but it hasn't. I created an ad. I tried to make it honest and fair to Mufasa. We'll see what happens.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Food, Food, Glorious Food
Nobody loves food more than Pistol.
Meanwhile, even wild turkeys in the pasture couldn't distract Jackson from nosing around in the oak leaves for acorns.
The horses all know that Brett's pockets are usually full of cookies. He's a big softie when it comes to treats.
 |
| Hey, you got cookies? Carrots? An apple per chance? |
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| Lucy: You should be ashamed, begging like that. Pistol: bug off, Princess |
Meanwhile, even wild turkeys in the pasture couldn't distract Jackson from nosing around in the oak leaves for acorns.
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| Flash: Hey, Whiskey - what are you doing under the hay feeder? Mufasa: Is that a camera you're carrying -- or do you have cookies? |
Friday, July 31, 2015
Random Friday
1. Mary Ann asked if it is still dry here. The little bit of rain we got last month (and I mean little bit) didn't put a dent in the drought. Southern California got hit with some rain a week or so ago; remnants of a tropical storm but we didn't see any of that. What we need is a winter full of cold wet storms from Alaska to build the snow pack.
2. Last week, Brett and I were like two ships passing in the night. While he was in Park City, Utah with his daughters and their kids for a baseball tournament, I held down the fort. Mid-week, Camille flew in and we had an afternoon and evening at home before leaving for Shaver Lake. Camille took picturess of herself with all the animals. My favorite is this one of her with Lucy.
3. Thursday, while Camille and I drove to Shaver Lake to meet up with my family, Brett drove back home from Utah with his daughter, Jen, and the grandkids. You've seen all the posts this week of their time riding Pistol. Brett also took them to a historical park in Placerville where they went into a gold mine and then learned how to pan for gold. They filled little vials with sparkling flecks -- and didn't want to leave.
4. Meanwhile, the kids and I spent four days at Shaver Lake with my sister and her family, and my dad and his girlfriend. The "kids" are all grown; Camille is the youngest at 21 and my oldest nephew is 27 (I think). Kyle brought his girlfriend, Ana, and she fit right in. We have been doing this since Camille was an infant and the cousins look forward to this vacation every year. They are scattered now, but they all showed up for this annual family vacation.
5. The weather the past few days has been hot, dry and breezy. When it is in the triple digits like this, a breeze feels like a furnace blowing. Five fires are burning in Northern California; two of them close enough to give us smokey hazy skies. The garden is wilting, the horses stand in the shade swishing their tails, the chickens pant, Kersey plunges into her wading pool constantly, and we hide in the house. I dislike this time of year - too hot to garden or ride. The days are getting shorter so I no longer have time to ride before work. I love spring and fall; I don't mind winter -- but summer... yech!
6. Brett came off Mufasa this morning. Brett got banged up but nothing broken, thank God. Mufasa spooked at something while at the mounting block, Brett's shirt got caught on the horn and ripped, and the sound sent Mufasa crow-hopping away. Brett lost his balance, slid sideways and then landed with a thud on the ground. Mufasa jumped sideways, away from Brett, and slammed into the donkey pasture fence post. He bucked and kicked the fence, then took off running, bucking as he went. We retrieved him in a corner by the front gate, with the rope reins wrapped around his front leg. While Brett worked on washing gravel out of his abrasions, I got Mufasa - who was wild eyed worried -- untangled and back to the tie rail. Brett's very sore and, at the moment, I don't care if Brett ever rides Mufasa again. Brett's 66. Mufasa is unpredictable - not mean - but he spooks at any little sound or movement. Its Brett's decision, of course, and I will support him either way. I reacted with dread, then fear, then panic, and finally tears. I don't trust Mufasa. I just don't.
2. Last week, Brett and I were like two ships passing in the night. While he was in Park City, Utah with his daughters and their kids for a baseball tournament, I held down the fort. Mid-week, Camille flew in and we had an afternoon and evening at home before leaving for Shaver Lake. Camille took picturess of herself with all the animals. My favorite is this one of her with Lucy.
3. Thursday, while Camille and I drove to Shaver Lake to meet up with my family, Brett drove back home from Utah with his daughter, Jen, and the grandkids. You've seen all the posts this week of their time riding Pistol. Brett also took them to a historical park in Placerville where they went into a gold mine and then learned how to pan for gold. They filled little vials with sparkling flecks -- and didn't want to leave.
4. Meanwhile, the kids and I spent four days at Shaver Lake with my sister and her family, and my dad and his girlfriend. The "kids" are all grown; Camille is the youngest at 21 and my oldest nephew is 27 (I think). Kyle brought his girlfriend, Ana, and she fit right in. We have been doing this since Camille was an infant and the cousins look forward to this vacation every year. They are scattered now, but they all showed up for this annual family vacation.
5. The weather the past few days has been hot, dry and breezy. When it is in the triple digits like this, a breeze feels like a furnace blowing. Five fires are burning in Northern California; two of them close enough to give us smokey hazy skies. The garden is wilting, the horses stand in the shade swishing their tails, the chickens pant, Kersey plunges into her wading pool constantly, and we hide in the house. I dislike this time of year - too hot to garden or ride. The days are getting shorter so I no longer have time to ride before work. I love spring and fall; I don't mind winter -- but summer... yech!
6. Brett came off Mufasa this morning. Brett got banged up but nothing broken, thank God. Mufasa spooked at something while at the mounting block, Brett's shirt got caught on the horn and ripped, and the sound sent Mufasa crow-hopping away. Brett lost his balance, slid sideways and then landed with a thud on the ground. Mufasa jumped sideways, away from Brett, and slammed into the donkey pasture fence post. He bucked and kicked the fence, then took off running, bucking as he went. We retrieved him in a corner by the front gate, with the rope reins wrapped around his front leg. While Brett worked on washing gravel out of his abrasions, I got Mufasa - who was wild eyed worried -- untangled and back to the tie rail. Brett's very sore and, at the moment, I don't care if Brett ever rides Mufasa again. Brett's 66. Mufasa is unpredictable - not mean - but he spooks at any little sound or movement. Its Brett's decision, of course, and I will support him either way. I reacted with dread, then fear, then panic, and finally tears. I don't trust Mufasa. I just don't.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Mufasa Spam
Brett took pictures of Mufasa on Sunday.
Mufasa was hanging out in the pasture.
He saw Brett with the camera and came over to investigate.
Mufasa was hanging out in the pasture.
He saw Brett with the camera and came over to investigate.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Start with Walk
We beat the heat this morning. Brett and I were both awake at 5:30. We were mounted and in the arena at 6:30. The sun wasn't yet up and it was a very comfortable 58 degrees. I planned to just walk Lucy. I had set up some of my cavelletti blocks to mark out a small dressage court. If I do enter one of the Interdressage online shows, I will need to ride my test in a small court.
Mufasa took one look at the blocks and snorted.
I'm not going near those things. They weren't here last time we rode and they probably harbor horse-eating monsters. Uh-uh. No way.
Brett worked with Mufasa in the lower end of the arena, far away from the blocks, turning this way and that so Mufasa couldn't brace. He eventually settled, relaxed and went past the blocks.
Meanwhile, Lucy (who was a jumper in her youth) was not impressed or even interested in the blocks. We wove through them, doing our version of a slalom pattern. We worked on some rein back, some leg yield and lots of circles. All at the walk. She became supple, relaxed and through. Her walk got bigger and any hint of hiccup in that front left completely disappeared.
What the heck, I thought, let's try trot and ride through the test.
Lucy: I thought you'd never ask. Enough of this walk stuff already. Let's move.
We headed down center line and rode the test. She was awesome. Not perfect, mind you, but awesome nonetheless. Her trot was forward and through; her canter transitions were smooth as silk; we even got a few strides of extended trot on the diagonal before we came back up center line for our final halt.
And then we did chores. The sun was up by then and it was warm, but I had a big grin on my face as I flung manure into the muck cart.
Mufasa took one look at the blocks and snorted.
I'm not going near those things. They weren't here last time we rode and they probably harbor horse-eating monsters. Uh-uh. No way.
Brett worked with Mufasa in the lower end of the arena, far away from the blocks, turning this way and that so Mufasa couldn't brace. He eventually settled, relaxed and went past the blocks.
Meanwhile, Lucy (who was a jumper in her youth) was not impressed or even interested in the blocks. We wove through them, doing our version of a slalom pattern. We worked on some rein back, some leg yield and lots of circles. All at the walk. She became supple, relaxed and through. Her walk got bigger and any hint of hiccup in that front left completely disappeared.
What the heck, I thought, let's try trot and ride through the test.
Lucy: I thought you'd never ask. Enough of this walk stuff already. Let's move.
We headed down center line and rode the test. She was awesome. Not perfect, mind you, but awesome nonetheless. Her trot was forward and through; her canter transitions were smooth as silk; we even got a few strides of extended trot on the diagonal before we came back up center line for our final halt.
And then we did chores. The sun was up by then and it was warm, but I had a big grin on my face as I flung manure into the muck cart.
Friday, May 29, 2015
Random Friday
1. There were a few comments after my post about Mufasa's meltdown that suggested maybe Mufasa has an equine equivalent of PTSD. This resonates with both Brett and me. Mufasa is kind, willing and calm almost all of the time. However, once in a blue moon (let's say, once a month) he has an episode. We've had horses before who played "catch me if you can" and it was very clearly a game. Their eyes glinted with mischief as they galloped past you; letting you think you had them cornered and then scooting out at the last minute, their manes shaking with laughter. That isn't Mufasa. It isn't a game and he isn't having fun. Every fiber of his body is asking for help, for rescue, and for security. Thanks to skills learned at the Mark Rashid clinic, Brett is better able to respond and diffuse Mufasa's panic attacks. For the time being, Brett is working with Mufasa at home and not trailering out for trail rides. The last thing we need is for Mufasa to experience an attack while in the wilderness, pull back from the trailer and break free, and then go racing off into the hills. I'm not sure that we will ever "fix" Mufasa, but we can teach him to come to Brett for safety and help.
2. I'm crossing my fingers that I can ride Lucy this weekend. She was a tad uneven in her gait walking around the pasture yesterday evening. Brett said she was racing around like a mad woman in the morning so maybe the hard ground had something to do with that.
3. You heard that right. The soft, mushy ground of the front pasture is now rock hard. It seems to have happened overnight. We won't be getting any more rain until November; the days are warming up; and the flies are out. This weekend, we will have temperatures in the mid 80s. Next week we should dip back down to the 70s but I'm sure the reprieve will be short lived.
4. The first of June will mark the one year anniversary of Lucy arriving at our ranch. That first summer, she required a fly sheet and mask at all times. She had no tolerance of flies but also hated fly spray. Since then, she has learned how to keep a coating of dust on herself as protection. She welcomes fly spray (we use an herbal spray with no pesticide - it smells wonderful) and no longer needs a fly sheet. We attack flies in a number of ways: we remove manure from all the pastures twice a day; we feed a stinky garlic supplement so they won't taste good to flies; we use a monthly spot-on repellent and we use fly spray. The horses do wear fly masks and Lucy loves hers. The other evening, I removed the masks from Lucy, Jackson and Pistol after mucking their pasture. Lucy followed me to the gate and stuck her head under my arm and into a fly mask. I laughed and put hers back on.
5. Brett paid a visit to the doctor a few weeks ago. It's been eons since he's had a thorough check-up so they took a bunch of blood, ran tests, took x-rays and he was poked and prodded. The good news -- his heart and his cholesterol are in fantastic shape. His blood work results were great. But, the x-rays show lots of wear and tear on his joints. He was a bit discouraged about that. I can't say I was surprised given how hard that guy works and plays. He has some issues in his back; falls from Mufasa and Flash probably contributed there. They are sending him to a hand specialist due to calcification in his wrists and fingers. If he were a couch potato, his joints would be in better shape. But, his heart and cholesterol would be horrible. Maybe he'll go easier with the weed-whacker now (but I'm not holding my breath).
2. I'm crossing my fingers that I can ride Lucy this weekend. She was a tad uneven in her gait walking around the pasture yesterday evening. Brett said she was racing around like a mad woman in the morning so maybe the hard ground had something to do with that.
3. You heard that right. The soft, mushy ground of the front pasture is now rock hard. It seems to have happened overnight. We won't be getting any more rain until November; the days are warming up; and the flies are out. This weekend, we will have temperatures in the mid 80s. Next week we should dip back down to the 70s but I'm sure the reprieve will be short lived.
4. The first of June will mark the one year anniversary of Lucy arriving at our ranch. That first summer, she required a fly sheet and mask at all times. She had no tolerance of flies but also hated fly spray. Since then, she has learned how to keep a coating of dust on herself as protection. She welcomes fly spray (we use an herbal spray with no pesticide - it smells wonderful) and no longer needs a fly sheet. We attack flies in a number of ways: we remove manure from all the pastures twice a day; we feed a stinky garlic supplement so they won't taste good to flies; we use a monthly spot-on repellent and we use fly spray. The horses do wear fly masks and Lucy loves hers. The other evening, I removed the masks from Lucy, Jackson and Pistol after mucking their pasture. Lucy followed me to the gate and stuck her head under my arm and into a fly mask. I laughed and put hers back on.
5. Brett paid a visit to the doctor a few weeks ago. It's been eons since he's had a thorough check-up so they took a bunch of blood, ran tests, took x-rays and he was poked and prodded. The good news -- his heart and his cholesterol are in fantastic shape. His blood work results were great. But, the x-rays show lots of wear and tear on his joints. He was a bit discouraged about that. I can't say I was surprised given how hard that guy works and plays. He has some issues in his back; falls from Mufasa and Flash probably contributed there. They are sending him to a hand specialist due to calcification in his wrists and fingers. If he were a couch potato, his joints would be in better shape. But, his heart and cholesterol would be horrible. Maybe he'll go easier with the weed-whacker now (but I'm not holding my breath).
Monday, May 25, 2015
A Good Long Busy Weekend
Brett and I flew down to San Diego Saturday morning. Camille met us at Brett's sister's house and from there all the girls bundled into cars and went to a baby shower for our niece, Jan. It was lovely. When Camille pulled up in her little turquoise car I ran out to the curb to meet her. I'm pleased to report that her eye is, indeed, healing great. You have to really look for the scar and once it fades from red to white, I'm sure you won't be able to see it at all. We toasted Camille's 21st birthday at dinner -- she will be celebrating for the next few weeks with her friends, I'm sure.
Sunday, we enjoyed brunch with Brett's sister, brother, their spouses, and all the nieces and nephews. It was a crowded, happy, noisy affair. We flew home Sunday night. We had a good time; enjoying family and far too much food. We were hoping to see Brett's youngest grandson but that didn't work out. It's the only bummer about the trip.
This morning we retrieved Kersey from the neighbor; she exploded out of their house and straight to us. I think it had more to do with wanting breakfast than anything -- Rich and Fran spoil her rotten. When I take her over to their place she pulls on the leash and whines in her eagerness to see them.
This morning we drove out to our favorite local farm to buy peaches since we missed the farmers market Saturday. Then we rode.
Brett had a great ride on Mufasa; who stood quietly for the halter and was calm throughout their time together. He stood perfectly still while Brett mounted and waited until Brett asked him to move off. They've been working on that. Brett said he had one of his best rides ever on Mufasa.
Lucy met me at the gate and walked out nicely when we went into the arena. She was reluctant to trot tracking right, and refused to canter on that lead. The other direction was fine. There was nothing obviously off, but I could feel her discomfort; so subtle that it was almost intuition. I know Lucy well enough that I could tell it wasn't attitude. She was sore. We called it quits. I'll continue to give her lots of rest between our rides.
Later this afternoon we had neighbors over for a BBQ. Like I said, busy! But busy in a very good way.
Happy Memorial Day everyone. We'll be thinking of Brett's dad who served in WWII and was part of the Normandy landing.
Sunday, we enjoyed brunch with Brett's sister, brother, their spouses, and all the nieces and nephews. It was a crowded, happy, noisy affair. We flew home Sunday night. We had a good time; enjoying family and far too much food. We were hoping to see Brett's youngest grandson but that didn't work out. It's the only bummer about the trip.
This morning we retrieved Kersey from the neighbor; she exploded out of their house and straight to us. I think it had more to do with wanting breakfast than anything -- Rich and Fran spoil her rotten. When I take her over to their place she pulls on the leash and whines in her eagerness to see them.
This morning we drove out to our favorite local farm to buy peaches since we missed the farmers market Saturday. Then we rode.
Brett had a great ride on Mufasa; who stood quietly for the halter and was calm throughout their time together. He stood perfectly still while Brett mounted and waited until Brett asked him to move off. They've been working on that. Brett said he had one of his best rides ever on Mufasa.
Lucy met me at the gate and walked out nicely when we went into the arena. She was reluctant to trot tracking right, and refused to canter on that lead. The other direction was fine. There was nothing obviously off, but I could feel her discomfort; so subtle that it was almost intuition. I know Lucy well enough that I could tell it wasn't attitude. She was sore. We called it quits. I'll continue to give her lots of rest between our rides.
Later this afternoon we had neighbors over for a BBQ. Like I said, busy! But busy in a very good way.
Happy Memorial Day everyone. We'll be thinking of Brett's dad who served in WWII and was part of the Normandy landing.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Mufasa Has a Meltdown
This evening, I started mucking the mares' pasture while Brett went up to the top pasture to bring Flash and Mufasa back down to their pasture. He does this almost every day. About the time I finish mucking, Brett usually shows up with the hay cart. Lucy was pacing impatiently while I finished up and dumped the contents of the cart into the compost bin that Brett finished the other day.
I could see Flash in his pasture, but no Brett or Mufasa. I started walking up towards the back pasture and soon saw Brett standing with the halter, and Mufasa running. Not good.
Brett was frustrated. He had been trying to catch Mufasa for a good 20 minutes. He was tired and not happy about the setback. Mufasa was running like a deer -- the bounding, not breathing running that indicates fear. But fear of what? Brett said Mufasa had met him at the gate, as usual, but as Brett started to slip on the halter Mufasa ducked and ran off. Now Mufasa was in full panic mode.
I took the halter from Brett and walked toward Mufasa. Brett walked over to the gate and watched. Mufasa eyed me warily and then took off. As his butt passed me, I swung the rope. He stopped, turned and faced me -- but wouldn't let me get close. He was clearly worried. His shoulder twitched nervously. I stopped outside his bubble and talked to him, breathing slowly and calmly. He looked at me intently, tried to stay, but couldn't do it.
The interesting thing was that he ran to Brett. Twice. Brett didn't have the halter so he just stood and stroked Mufasa's neck and back; telling him it was okay. The second time, Mufasa stayed while I approached. I talked to him, praising him for being brave and staying, before slipping on the halter. Brett led him down to his pasture, where hay and Flash waited, with no drama whatsoever.
Mufasa is an interesting nut to crack. He clearly thought he was in trouble or danger or both. Poor boy.
I could see Flash in his pasture, but no Brett or Mufasa. I started walking up towards the back pasture and soon saw Brett standing with the halter, and Mufasa running. Not good.
Brett was frustrated. He had been trying to catch Mufasa for a good 20 minutes. He was tired and not happy about the setback. Mufasa was running like a deer -- the bounding, not breathing running that indicates fear. But fear of what? Brett said Mufasa had met him at the gate, as usual, but as Brett started to slip on the halter Mufasa ducked and ran off. Now Mufasa was in full panic mode.
I took the halter from Brett and walked toward Mufasa. Brett walked over to the gate and watched. Mufasa eyed me warily and then took off. As his butt passed me, I swung the rope. He stopped, turned and faced me -- but wouldn't let me get close. He was clearly worried. His shoulder twitched nervously. I stopped outside his bubble and talked to him, breathing slowly and calmly. He looked at me intently, tried to stay, but couldn't do it.
The interesting thing was that he ran to Brett. Twice. Brett didn't have the halter so he just stood and stroked Mufasa's neck and back; telling him it was okay. The second time, Mufasa stayed while I approached. I talked to him, praising him for being brave and staying, before slipping on the halter. Brett led him down to his pasture, where hay and Flash waited, with no drama whatsoever.
Mufasa is an interesting nut to crack. He clearly thought he was in trouble or danger or both. Poor boy.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Trot from Thought
Brett and I were dragging this morning. Last night we went to a neighbor's house for Friday night pizza and wine. We ate too much, drank too much, talked too much -- well, not the last part. You can't talk too much with good friends. There is a group of seven couples in our neighborhood that regularly get together for pizza or potlucks. I'm the youngest of the group, at 55, and the oldest couple are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary next week -- let's call them 80-something. I am the only one who isn't retired and they tease me about that. So, we were in bed late last night and woke up with that fuzzy tired feeling that comes with too much wine. On our way home from the farmers market this morining, we discussed riding. We knew we should ride but neither of us had the energy. Back home, I settled in the garden with a bowl of cherries
while Kersey stole green peaches from the tree.
Brett found me there and convinced me to ride. I'm glad we did.
As I led Lucy out of the pasture, I felt (but couldn't see) that she might have a slight hitch in her step. She wasn't off, but she was - perhaps- not 100%. She felt fine when I rode her in the arena; a bit sluggish at first, but even. We worked on walk-trot transitions from feel. As we walked, I thought about trot (nothing), then I lightened my seat (still nothing), and then a nudge (and off we went). It didn't take long for her to slide into trot from a light seat and eventually we were doing it from a space somewhere between thought and light seat. The transitions were seamless, relaxed, prompt and through. Happiness vibrated in the connection.
Meanwhile, Brett was having an excellent ride on Mufasa. Their connection and bond just keeps getting stronger. Brett had put a row of blocks across the front of the dressage court to keep the sand from washing out during the rain last week. Lucy didn't care about the blocks, walking right through the small opening Brett had made by removing two blocks.
Mufasa wasn't so sure. It took a bit of convincing to get him to walk in. After we finished our ride, Brett worked with Mufasa and the blocks. They walked back and forth, in and out, of the court until Mufasa was relaxed. Brett was happy with the way that Mufasa trusted him and walked in despite his apprehension.
This afternoon I noticed that Lucy was walking a bit off. Jackson is very off.
The rain was just enough to soften their feet, but not the ground. Jackson got a big dose of bute and a trail boot this morning. I'll keep an eye on Lucy. I need to keep her sound so we can enjoy more moments of happiness.
while Kersey stole green peaches from the tree.
Brett found me there and convinced me to ride. I'm glad we did.
As I led Lucy out of the pasture, I felt (but couldn't see) that she might have a slight hitch in her step. She wasn't off, but she was - perhaps- not 100%. She felt fine when I rode her in the arena; a bit sluggish at first, but even. We worked on walk-trot transitions from feel. As we walked, I thought about trot (nothing), then I lightened my seat (still nothing), and then a nudge (and off we went). It didn't take long for her to slide into trot from a light seat and eventually we were doing it from a space somewhere between thought and light seat. The transitions were seamless, relaxed, prompt and through. Happiness vibrated in the connection.
Meanwhile, Brett was having an excellent ride on Mufasa. Their connection and bond just keeps getting stronger. Brett had put a row of blocks across the front of the dressage court to keep the sand from washing out during the rain last week. Lucy didn't care about the blocks, walking right through the small opening Brett had made by removing two blocks.
Mufasa wasn't so sure. It took a bit of convincing to get him to walk in. After we finished our ride, Brett worked with Mufasa and the blocks. They walked back and forth, in and out, of the court until Mufasa was relaxed. Brett was happy with the way that Mufasa trusted him and walked in despite his apprehension.
This afternoon I noticed that Lucy was walking a bit off. Jackson is very off.
The rain was just enough to soften their feet, but not the ground. Jackson got a big dose of bute and a trail boot this morning. I'll keep an eye on Lucy. I need to keep her sound so we can enjoy more moments of happiness.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Beaming
This morning Brett and I squeezed a ride in before the vet came out for spring vaccinations. The weather was perfect, 60F, with clear skies, a light breeze, birdsong and the arena sand still slightly damp from last week's rain.
(I can't take any pictures as our camera died last night. It was in Camille's pocket when the shed came down on her and it sustained quite a few dings and dents. -- which is fine with me. I'd rather have a broken camera and not a broken daughter. It has not worked well since then and last night it quit completely).
Lucy is no longer in heat so I didn't have to scrub herdisgusting hind legs and she was chill at the tie rail. In the arena, she marched right out (when she is in heat, she is very sluggish). I wore my tall boots. This is the first time I've worn them since they came back from the cobbler with zippers and gussets. I think I will wear them all the time. I loved how they kept my lower leg quiet and against Lucy's side. With a sensitive horse like Lucy, you have to keep your leg against her all the time. That way, she knows where I am and kicks or bumps don't come out of no where; there are no surprises, just gentle nudges. Lucy was very forward and relaxed. We worked on transitions within trot first. I posted as we sailed along the long sides and then sat and compressed a bit on the short sides. We did circles with transitions between trot and canter. Last, we did arena laps at canter. I picked up the canter at A or C, rode a 20m circle at E/B, back down the long side, the short side and then we did some extended canter on the long side. I sat tall and braced in my back a tiny bit to get her back to a working canter. We changed direction at trot and picked up the canter again. Lucy wanted to skip the 20m circle and go straight to extended. She started to rush and lose her frame, throwing her head in the air and hopping. We did a few more 20m circles. When she was relaxed, we went back down the long side and had a lovely, controlled extension. Brett was sitting on Mufasa in the middle of the arena, watching us. I transitioned down to a walk, stopped, and beamed at him.
Meanwhile, he and Mufasa had a great ride as well. Mufasa found his rhythm and balance in the trot. He halted from thought. He backed with no pressure; just a simple ask. And they had the straightest canter I've seen from them yet. They looked pretty pleased with themselves, too.
After putting the horses away and cleaning my tack, I sat on the front porch and drank it in. Brett started lugging his project equipment out to the compost bin site. He saw me and called over, "Are you all right? What are you doing?"
"I'm sitting here being happy" was my reply. He smiled and joined me on the porch.
(I can't take any pictures as our camera died last night. It was in Camille's pocket when the shed came down on her and it sustained quite a few dings and dents. -- which is fine with me. I'd rather have a broken camera and not a broken daughter. It has not worked well since then and last night it quit completely).
Lucy is no longer in heat so I didn't have to scrub her
Meanwhile, he and Mufasa had a great ride as well. Mufasa found his rhythm and balance in the trot. He halted from thought. He backed with no pressure; just a simple ask. And they had the straightest canter I've seen from them yet. They looked pretty pleased with themselves, too.
After putting the horses away and cleaning my tack, I sat on the front porch and drank it in. Brett started lugging his project equipment out to the compost bin site. He saw me and called over, "Are you all right? What are you doing?"
"I'm sitting here being happy" was my reply. He smiled and joined me on the porch.
Monday, May 4, 2015
Getting Better all the Time
Brett and I rode again Sunday morning. It was already warm at 9am when we headed out to get the horses. All of us (humans and horses) were sweaty by the time we finished grooming and tacking up. The arena was in full sun with no shade and no breeze. We didn't ride for long.
I led Lucy up to the mounting block and she stood perfectly still while I mounted. I settled in the saddle, slipped my feet into the irons, gave her a good long scratch on her neck and withers - and then we walked off into the arena. She immediately dropped her head and stretched into a long frame. Saturday, every time we passed by Brett and Mufasa she tried to stop. A boy! A really cute boy! Let me pose for you! A nudge didn't work yesterday; I had to deploy a swift hard kick to her belly. Under normal circumstances, a swift hard kick results in her head flying up and a careening lunge forward. Yesterday? I got a slow amble forward.
This morning her focus was much better. As we approached Mufasa, I gave her a gentle nudge reminder "We're working Lucy, not cruising for boys." She kept her focus on me and hardly slowed at all.
I am trying to get to a place where Lucy and I do our transitions from thought. We are making progress. My hands don't do much at all. They maintain a very light connection and I will periodically tense my ring finger as part of a half halt. When I want to trot, I bring up my energy and off we go. I rarely need to press with my calf anymore. Today, we were in perfect sync. Her canter was lovely and I didn't need to use any circles to slow her down as we cantered around the perimeter. I concentrated on following with my hands, sitting tall, and using my abs to regulate our speed.
After our ride, Lucy and I stood in the shade so she could munch on dandelions. She pulled a big clump out by the roots and started shaking it in frustration. I grabbed the root ball and held it while she ripped off the leaves. She gave me a little nicker of thanks. When I put her back in the pasture, she didn't rush the gate. In fact, she completely ignored Jackson; eating her cookie and calmly going off for a roll.
Brett had an excellent ride as well. Mufasa isn't straight at the canter and he falls out on a circle. Today, Brett tried cantering him on the long side of the arena instead of on a circle. Mufasa was much straighter and more relaxed than he had been on Saturday.
Back at the tie rail, Brett took off Mufasa's bridle and then undid the cinch. Brett's fingers are arthritic and he has trouble gripping things. (He dropped a basket of eggs last week after collecting them - and Kersey thought she had died and gone to heaven as she slurped them all up). Sunday morning, Brett lost his grip on the cinch buckle and it dropped against Mufasa's side, causing him to spook. The spook caused his saddle and pad to slip off onto the ground. Mufasa pulled back and took off with the lead rope flying behind him. Brett walked over to the pasture fence where Mufasa had stopped. Unlike in the past, Mufasa stood still and waited for Brett. This is huge for Mufasa. He trusted Brett to help him and he trusted Brett not to be angry. Lucy and I stood up by the barn watching. I wanted to clap -- and Lucy wanted to give Mufasa a big kiss.
I led Lucy up to the mounting block and she stood perfectly still while I mounted. I settled in the saddle, slipped my feet into the irons, gave her a good long scratch on her neck and withers - and then we walked off into the arena. She immediately dropped her head and stretched into a long frame. Saturday, every time we passed by Brett and Mufasa she tried to stop. A boy! A really cute boy! Let me pose for you! A nudge didn't work yesterday; I had to deploy a swift hard kick to her belly. Under normal circumstances, a swift hard kick results in her head flying up and a careening lunge forward. Yesterday? I got a slow amble forward.
This morning her focus was much better. As we approached Mufasa, I gave her a gentle nudge reminder "We're working Lucy, not cruising for boys." She kept her focus on me and hardly slowed at all.
I am trying to get to a place where Lucy and I do our transitions from thought. We are making progress. My hands don't do much at all. They maintain a very light connection and I will periodically tense my ring finger as part of a half halt. When I want to trot, I bring up my energy and off we go. I rarely need to press with my calf anymore. Today, we were in perfect sync. Her canter was lovely and I didn't need to use any circles to slow her down as we cantered around the perimeter. I concentrated on following with my hands, sitting tall, and using my abs to regulate our speed.
After our ride, Lucy and I stood in the shade so she could munch on dandelions. She pulled a big clump out by the roots and started shaking it in frustration. I grabbed the root ball and held it while she ripped off the leaves. She gave me a little nicker of thanks. When I put her back in the pasture, she didn't rush the gate. In fact, she completely ignored Jackson; eating her cookie and calmly going off for a roll.
Brett had an excellent ride as well. Mufasa isn't straight at the canter and he falls out on a circle. Today, Brett tried cantering him on the long side of the arena instead of on a circle. Mufasa was much straighter and more relaxed than he had been on Saturday.
Back at the tie rail, Brett took off Mufasa's bridle and then undid the cinch. Brett's fingers are arthritic and he has trouble gripping things. (He dropped a basket of eggs last week after collecting them - and Kersey thought she had died and gone to heaven as she slurped them all up). Sunday morning, Brett lost his grip on the cinch buckle and it dropped against Mufasa's side, causing him to spook. The spook caused his saddle and pad to slip off onto the ground. Mufasa pulled back and took off with the lead rope flying behind him. Brett walked over to the pasture fence where Mufasa had stopped. Unlike in the past, Mufasa stood still and waited for Brett. This is huge for Mufasa. He trusted Brett to help him and he trusted Brett not to be angry. Lucy and I stood up by the barn watching. I wanted to clap -- and Lucy wanted to give Mufasa a big kiss.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
While we were Away
...wine tasting, the horses had a party.
It must have been pretty wild because they were wiped out.
Flash couldn't keep his eyes open.
Or, keep his tongue in his mouth for that matter. Talk about slack jawed.
No pictures of the mares, they were in the kitchen -- no doubt cleaning up the mess.
It must have been pretty wild because they were wiped out.
Flash couldn't keep his eyes open.
Or, keep his tongue in his mouth for that matter. Talk about slack jawed.
No pictures of the mares, they were in the kitchen -- no doubt cleaning up the mess.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Random Friday
1. Kyle and his girlfriend, Ana, are coming this weekend. There is a big wine festival at the wineries in our County so we will be very busy all weekend. If the blog is quiet, you will know I've been out having too much fun.
2. Mufasa continues to improve with his trust issues. He waits for Brett at the gate and has even gone so far as to push Flash out of the way so he can get to Brett first. Brett is loving his "new" Mufasa -- and Mufasa seems pretty happy with life, too.
3. Jackson continues to be my funny valentine. He's such a silly, sweet horse that I don't mind all his issues with his feet. I'm hoping to put him in the mare pasture (where the ground is soft and there aren't many rocks) this weekend. The weather is supposed to be in the upper 70s so he won't feel like racing around (and he doesn't do that much anymore anyway).
4. Camille continues to heal. She had a slight setback when her incision got infected but she is back on antibiotics and doing well.
5. I've started the Masterson body work course and have found it to be fascinating. The horses all react differently to the releases. I was sure that Mufasa would walk away from me and resist. Instead, he relaxed and even nuzzled me in thanks a couple of times (yeah, it made me cry). Jackson who I expected to stand still and drink it in -- walked off and fidgeted before releasing. I find that I especially love the bond that is created during the work. I have to be very focused and closely read the horse; the horse has to trust me. Very cool.
Have a good weekend everyone.
2. Mufasa continues to improve with his trust issues. He waits for Brett at the gate and has even gone so far as to push Flash out of the way so he can get to Brett first. Brett is loving his "new" Mufasa -- and Mufasa seems pretty happy with life, too.
3. Jackson continues to be my funny valentine. He's such a silly, sweet horse that I don't mind all his issues with his feet. I'm hoping to put him in the mare pasture (where the ground is soft and there aren't many rocks) this weekend. The weather is supposed to be in the upper 70s so he won't feel like racing around (and he doesn't do that much anymore anyway).
4. Camille continues to heal. She had a slight setback when her incision got infected but she is back on antibiotics and doing well.
5. I've started the Masterson body work course and have found it to be fascinating. The horses all react differently to the releases. I was sure that Mufasa would walk away from me and resist. Instead, he relaxed and even nuzzled me in thanks a couple of times (yeah, it made me cry). Jackson who I expected to stand still and drink it in -- walked off and fidgeted before releasing. I find that I especially love the bond that is created during the work. I have to be very focused and closely read the horse; the horse has to trust me. Very cool.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
The Girls Get a Turn
Brett has been taking Flash and Mufasa up to the back pasture for the past few weeks. They graze under the oak trees during the day and spend the nights back down in their pasture. The fence is low in a few spots so it isn't a good place for escape artists. Brett worried about putting the girls up there because Lucy was a jumper in her previous life. I didn't think she would jump out -- she doesn't love to jump and she likes to stick close to Pistol -- who is definitely not a jumper. I decided to give it a try today. I planned to work in the garden all day so I would be outside keeping an eye on them.
I led the girls up to the pasture together after breakfast. They were both good; Lucy was looking around trying to figure out the plan. Pistol walked placidly beside me. She's a wonderful, level-headed mare. Once in the pasture, I removed their halters. Pistol dove into the grass. Lucy put her head up and lifted her tail like a flag while she proceeded to trot/float around the pasture checking it out. Pistol didn't look up from the grass. Lucy floated a few steps, came back to Pistol, ate a few bites, and floated off again. Eventually, she settled down next to Pistol and grazed.
Meanwhile, all hell was breaking loose in the boys' pasture. What the heck were the girls doing up in that pasture? And why weren't the boys invited? Unfair!
Mufasa ran laps, skidding in his turns at the fence line facing the direction of the back pasture. Once, I saw him spin so fast that he was almost laying on his side. Flash stood watching but didn't join in the gallop-fest. ...until I walked back from the upper pasture, towards the gate to the boys pasture where I would turn, cross the bridge and go into my garden. Flash saw me coming and let loose with a loud whinny, then trotted over to the gate and thrust his head over expectantly. Take me! Take me first! I laughed so hard, I almost cried. Sorry Flash we aren't mixing boys and girls together.
Throughout the day, peace reigned.
Every few hours Flash would call loudly to the girls and Lucy would answer. I planted lilies in the flower bed and dahlias by the barn; mulched everything, fertilized the fruit trees and weeded.
Our resident Canada geese spent most of the day in the empty girls' pasture, but they did wander around the driveway a bit too.
At dusk, when I closed the hen house door, I saw a wild turkey walking across the bridge. This little ranch feeds my soul.
I led the girls up to the pasture together after breakfast. They were both good; Lucy was looking around trying to figure out the plan. Pistol walked placidly beside me. She's a wonderful, level-headed mare. Once in the pasture, I removed their halters. Pistol dove into the grass. Lucy put her head up and lifted her tail like a flag while she proceeded to trot/float around the pasture checking it out. Pistol didn't look up from the grass. Lucy floated a few steps, came back to Pistol, ate a few bites, and floated off again. Eventually, she settled down next to Pistol and grazed.
Meanwhile, all hell was breaking loose in the boys' pasture. What the heck were the girls doing up in that pasture? And why weren't the boys invited? Unfair!
Mufasa ran laps, skidding in his turns at the fence line facing the direction of the back pasture. Once, I saw him spin so fast that he was almost laying on his side. Flash stood watching but didn't join in the gallop-fest. ...until I walked back from the upper pasture, towards the gate to the boys pasture where I would turn, cross the bridge and go into my garden. Flash saw me coming and let loose with a loud whinny, then trotted over to the gate and thrust his head over expectantly. Take me! Take me first! I laughed so hard, I almost cried. Sorry Flash we aren't mixing boys and girls together.
Throughout the day, peace reigned.
Every few hours Flash would call loudly to the girls and Lucy would answer. I planted lilies in the flower bed and dahlias by the barn; mulched everything, fertilized the fruit trees and weeded.
Our resident Canada geese spent most of the day in the empty girls' pasture, but they did wander around the driveway a bit too.
At dusk, when I closed the hen house door, I saw a wild turkey walking across the bridge. This little ranch feeds my soul.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Random Friday
1. I picked up my tall boots from the cobbler earlier this week. He added zippers and a leather gusset -- they look fantastic and fit perfectly. The leather was too stiff, and the amount of stretch needed too great, for stretching the boots. I'm super pleased with the result (and SO much cheaper than a new pair of boots).
2. When we moved into the house I found a very shrubby, overgrown lilac planted underneath the kitchen window. I've never had much luck with lilacs in the past; Southern California didn't get enough chill in the winter to create spring bloom. I pruned this one aggressively, knowing that I was sacrificing any potential bloom for last year. I noticed buds on it earlier this week and they are starting to open. I am ecstatic!
3. Mufasa continues to do well. He's in a five steps forward, one step back place. This past Tuesday Brett sent me a very frustrated text saying that he couldn't catch Mufasa in the top pasture. He did, eventually, but it concerned him. The next evening, I was home in time to help with chores so I went with Brett up to the pasture. Mufasa, again, walked towards Brett then changed his mind and walked a few steps away. Brett and I reviewed the work Mark did with Mufasa the first day. Brett walked towards Mufasa and Mufasa walked away, passing by Brett. As soon as Mufasa's butt was past Brett, Brett swung the rope (don't point your butt at me). Mufasa went, "oh," and swung his head to face Brett. He did it one more time, then waited quietly for Brett to approach. Brett didn't halter him right away but spent a moment or two connecting. Progress is a good thing.
4. I did some research on the Masterson method of horse bodywork. I was pleased to see that it is relatively easy to learn and that it is endorsed by USDF and USEF (so its legit). I've done basic T-touch with the horses but anything beyond basics is way above my memory capacity. I cruised around the website and found a sample lesson on lateral cervical flexion to try for free. I read the instructions, watched the video, and then tried it out on the horses -- all of them. Lucy was tight up by her poll, Flash was tight by his shoulder, Jackson wasn't tight anywhere, Pistol tried to groom me -- and Mufasa (who Brett worked on) was good about it too. I've decided to do the online course.
5. The last few times I've ridden Lucy she has been resistant to trot -- and then felt slightly off. I couldn't tell if she was sore or just resistant so I lunged her. As I suspected, she is a bit sore on her feet. It isn't like Lucy to be resistant or to suck back. We have had very little rain (as you all know) and the ground is drying up and getting hard. Our farrier comes next week and I'm going to ask him to put shoes back on Lucy's front feet.
2. When we moved into the house I found a very shrubby, overgrown lilac planted underneath the kitchen window. I've never had much luck with lilacs in the past; Southern California didn't get enough chill in the winter to create spring bloom. I pruned this one aggressively, knowing that I was sacrificing any potential bloom for last year. I noticed buds on it earlier this week and they are starting to open. I am ecstatic!
3. Mufasa continues to do well. He's in a five steps forward, one step back place. This past Tuesday Brett sent me a very frustrated text saying that he couldn't catch Mufasa in the top pasture. He did, eventually, but it concerned him. The next evening, I was home in time to help with chores so I went with Brett up to the pasture. Mufasa, again, walked towards Brett then changed his mind and walked a few steps away. Brett and I reviewed the work Mark did with Mufasa the first day. Brett walked towards Mufasa and Mufasa walked away, passing by Brett. As soon as Mufasa's butt was past Brett, Brett swung the rope (don't point your butt at me). Mufasa went, "oh," and swung his head to face Brett. He did it one more time, then waited quietly for Brett to approach. Brett didn't halter him right away but spent a moment or two connecting. Progress is a good thing.
4. I did some research on the Masterson method of horse bodywork. I was pleased to see that it is relatively easy to learn and that it is endorsed by USDF and USEF (so its legit). I've done basic T-touch with the horses but anything beyond basics is way above my memory capacity. I cruised around the website and found a sample lesson on lateral cervical flexion to try for free. I read the instructions, watched the video, and then tried it out on the horses -- all of them. Lucy was tight up by her poll, Flash was tight by his shoulder, Jackson wasn't tight anywhere, Pistol tried to groom me -- and Mufasa (who Brett worked on) was good about it too. I've decided to do the online course.
5. The last few times I've ridden Lucy she has been resistant to trot -- and then felt slightly off. I couldn't tell if she was sore or just resistant so I lunged her. As I suspected, she is a bit sore on her feet. It isn't like Lucy to be resistant or to suck back. We have had very little rain (as you all know) and the ground is drying up and getting hard. Our farrier comes next week and I'm going to ask him to put shoes back on Lucy's front feet.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Back Home
Mufasa enjoyed rolling in the pasture and sleeping in the sand with Flash yesterday after breakfast.
Across the driveway, Lucy and Pistol did the same.
Monday evening we rode for a few minutes before chores. Mufasa met Brett at the gate and didn't move away from the halter at all. At the tie rail, he moved his head into Brett's shoulder and was downright affectionate while being groomed and tacked up.
While Brett and Mufasa practiced their new way of interacting under saddle, I tried a few things with Lucy. First, I wanted to ask her to halt -- thought, stop, release. We walked along, I thought -- and she stopped. Whoa, I never said stop. I tried it again paying attention to my seat (I usually stop by stilling my body) and not giving it away. Either I am incapable of not being still with my body when thinking about halt, or she is already there. Either way, I'll take it. I also introduced her to backing in the way Mark taught in the clinic. From halt, I rocked her back on her haunches with my weight, and then took a bit of contact; not a lot, just enough to say I need something. She thought, and chewed, and thought, and then took a tentative step back. I immediately released and praised her. After a few more tries, she was floating backwards in a smooth cadenced march, with nothing from me other than the initial ask.
We stopped and I asked her to walk forward.
She said no, thank you. I like this stopping and backing stuff. Let's do more of that.
Really Lucy; we need to walk forward.
No.
Okay then, let's try a turn on the haunches.
She rocked back, but instead of going backwards, I asked her to cross her front legs and turn in a circle. She was happy to give that a try.
I may have created a monster. She doesn't want to do the same old things. She wants to learn this new stuff. Yeah, that's a smile on my face.
Across the driveway, Lucy and Pistol did the same.
Monday evening we rode for a few minutes before chores. Mufasa met Brett at the gate and didn't move away from the halter at all. At the tie rail, he moved his head into Brett's shoulder and was downright affectionate while being groomed and tacked up.
While Brett and Mufasa practiced their new way of interacting under saddle, I tried a few things with Lucy. First, I wanted to ask her to halt -- thought, stop, release. We walked along, I thought -- and she stopped. Whoa, I never said stop. I tried it again paying attention to my seat (I usually stop by stilling my body) and not giving it away. Either I am incapable of not being still with my body when thinking about halt, or she is already there. Either way, I'll take it. I also introduced her to backing in the way Mark taught in the clinic. From halt, I rocked her back on her haunches with my weight, and then took a bit of contact; not a lot, just enough to say I need something. She thought, and chewed, and thought, and then took a tentative step back. I immediately released and praised her. After a few more tries, she was floating backwards in a smooth cadenced march, with nothing from me other than the initial ask.
We stopped and I asked her to walk forward.
She said no, thank you. I like this stopping and backing stuff. Let's do more of that.
Really Lucy; we need to walk forward.
No.
Okay then, let's try a turn on the haunches.
She rocked back, but instead of going backwards, I asked her to cross her front legs and turn in a circle. She was happy to give that a try.
I may have created a monster. She doesn't want to do the same old things. She wants to learn this new stuff. Yeah, that's a smile on my face.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Mark Rashid Clinic: Day 3
This morning Brett had his third, and final, session with Mark. While Brett was tacking up Mufasa, there was some commotion and Mufasa pulled back on the lead line. Brett released the quick-release knot and Mufasa settled down. At the start of his lesson, Brett asked how best to help Mufasa in a meltdown. Mark told Brett to act like nothing happened; to go about his business as usual. This boy, he said, needs confidence from you.
Then they got to work under saddle. Mark noted that Mufasa has questions about his job under saddle and this leads him into worry. Brett needs to always go back to the foundation/basics between he and Mufasa. He needs to get a positive response from Mufasa with pressure at less than one (on a ten point scale). Mark explained the Japanese concept of Maai, which means shared space. There is shared space between everyone and everything. Most of the time, things just go along but when things go bad, the person in charge of the space is important. Brett needs to be close to Mufasa at first by maintaining light contact with the reins. If the reins are too long, there is too much space, and Brett can't be there to help Mufasa. Brett needs to feel the point of meaningful resistance in Mufasa, the point at which Mufasa starts to do what is asked of him in a movement. The amount of resistance created is very small.
They started with work on the halt. This is how Mark explained how to teach Mufasa a soft, light halt.
Don't release in halt until he gives. Don't pull -- either of you.
Keep Mufasa's head straight. If his head is off by one degree, his hind will be off by three.
You need to give and soften in the stop; not push him into your hands.
Stop internally first; think about stopping; it isn't a physical change. (Mufasa hesitated, feeling for Brett). Eventually thought will be all he needs. Think about stop, then stop, and wait -- look for a stop with no brace, with softness.
Turning:
Turn without the outside rein (Brett was trying to use inside leg to outside hand). Don't use your leg. You don't want to set up a brace.
Backing:
Shorten the rein. Take contact and wait. Keep his head straight.
Getting the distance correct in the contact is key.
Don't let him do it for you. If you pull, he has to push. Hands low. Give him time to figure it out.
The backing work cleared up misunderstanding for Mufasa.
The initial brace is why he had trouble. He was waiting to be pulled back. Mufasa needs to work it out himself and do it. His feet were going backward before (when pulled into a back) but not his mind. It's like memorizing the answer of 1+1=2 without learning how to add. Mufasa needs to learn to add; to think; to feel better because he understands. By waiting for him to figure it out, without pressure, you are showing and not telling. You are doing this together. Help him by explaining what the heck we're doing. He's offering stuff (sideways) we don't need because it's how he got release before. Pick something on the fence as a target and use that to keep his head straight. If you look at the back of his head, you will go in circles.
Mufasa figured out that he needed to go backwards and took a few steps back. With a little more practice, Mufasa was floating backwards with 0.5 pressure from Brett. It was beautiful to watch and Brett couldn't believe how it felt (neither could Mufasa).
Mark continued:
We want this same soft feeling in everything we do. He gains confidence because there is consistency in everything you do. If he doesn't understand, it feeds anxiety. You want him to wait for you, not have him take you. That's the leadership he needs.
Brett walked a very relaxed Mufasa around. Gather the reins, think about stopping, stop, wait for him to soften. When you get him home, stay consistent. Have the attitude, "How can I help you with this?" You have his best interest in mind. Stay in walk until you have reinforced the feel. If you have good feel, you don't need to back. He's a good guy with a lot going for him. Even with his issues (which will drop away), you bought a good horse.
Brett and Mufasa have a lot to practice before the next clinic with Mark. Because there is no doubt that the next time Mark comes to California, Brett and Mufasa will be there. We felt fortunate to have the opportunity to have Brett ride in the clinic with Mufasa. Many of the other riders came from too far away (Washington, Alberta Canada) to bring their own horses so had to rely on ones at the barn. One guy trailered his horse down from Oregon, a two day trip. We were only four hours away, closer than most of the other participants.
Mufasa was happy to get home tonight. He immediately rolled in the pasture and got caught up on the news from Flash. I can just hear Mufasa saying to Flash, "Guess what? Being with people is a good thing!"
Then they got to work under saddle. Mark noted that Mufasa has questions about his job under saddle and this leads him into worry. Brett needs to always go back to the foundation/basics between he and Mufasa. He needs to get a positive response from Mufasa with pressure at less than one (on a ten point scale). Mark explained the Japanese concept of Maai, which means shared space. There is shared space between everyone and everything. Most of the time, things just go along but when things go bad, the person in charge of the space is important. Brett needs to be close to Mufasa at first by maintaining light contact with the reins. If the reins are too long, there is too much space, and Brett can't be there to help Mufasa. Brett needs to feel the point of meaningful resistance in Mufasa, the point at which Mufasa starts to do what is asked of him in a movement. The amount of resistance created is very small.
They started with work on the halt. This is how Mark explained how to teach Mufasa a soft, light halt.
Don't release in halt until he gives. Don't pull -- either of you.
Keep Mufasa's head straight. If his head is off by one degree, his hind will be off by three.
You need to give and soften in the stop; not push him into your hands.
Stop internally first; think about stopping; it isn't a physical change. (Mufasa hesitated, feeling for Brett). Eventually thought will be all he needs. Think about stop, then stop, and wait -- look for a stop with no brace, with softness.
Turning:
Turn without the outside rein (Brett was trying to use inside leg to outside hand). Don't use your leg. You don't want to set up a brace.
Backing:
Shorten the rein. Take contact and wait. Keep his head straight.
Getting the distance correct in the contact is key.
Don't let him do it for you. If you pull, he has to push. Hands low. Give him time to figure it out.
The backing work cleared up misunderstanding for Mufasa.
The initial brace is why he had trouble. He was waiting to be pulled back. Mufasa needs to work it out himself and do it. His feet were going backward before (when pulled into a back) but not his mind. It's like memorizing the answer of 1+1=2 without learning how to add. Mufasa needs to learn to add; to think; to feel better because he understands. By waiting for him to figure it out, without pressure, you are showing and not telling. You are doing this together. Help him by explaining what the heck we're doing. He's offering stuff (sideways) we don't need because it's how he got release before. Pick something on the fence as a target and use that to keep his head straight. If you look at the back of his head, you will go in circles.
Mufasa figured out that he needed to go backwards and took a few steps back. With a little more practice, Mufasa was floating backwards with 0.5 pressure from Brett. It was beautiful to watch and Brett couldn't believe how it felt (neither could Mufasa).
Mark continued:
We want this same soft feeling in everything we do. He gains confidence because there is consistency in everything you do. If he doesn't understand, it feeds anxiety. You want him to wait for you, not have him take you. That's the leadership he needs.
Brett walked a very relaxed Mufasa around. Gather the reins, think about stopping, stop, wait for him to soften. When you get him home, stay consistent. Have the attitude, "How can I help you with this?" You have his best interest in mind. Stay in walk until you have reinforced the feel. If you have good feel, you don't need to back. He's a good guy with a lot going for him. Even with his issues (which will drop away), you bought a good horse.
Brett and Mufasa have a lot to practice before the next clinic with Mark. Because there is no doubt that the next time Mark comes to California, Brett and Mufasa will be there. We felt fortunate to have the opportunity to have Brett ride in the clinic with Mufasa. Many of the other riders came from too far away (Washington, Alberta Canada) to bring their own horses so had to rely on ones at the barn. One guy trailered his horse down from Oregon, a two day trip. We were only four hours away, closer than most of the other participants.
Mufasa was happy to get home tonight. He immediately rolled in the pasture and got caught up on the news from Flash. I can just hear Mufasa saying to Flash, "Guess what? Being with people is a good thing!"
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