9.29.2008

Mercury's first Blue



It is always a sense of huge accomplishment to win your first blue with a horse you have raised from a baby, and done all the training on. I have started many babies but Mercury is special. He had an added level of difficulty from day one. I have seen wild mustangs that were easier to start than him. I could go on about my training adventures with him but suffice to say he is as challenging as he is talented ("rodeo", is his nickname). His saving grace is, he is my huge momma's boy and he is full of antics (which always make me laugh out loud, comedian that he is). No horse has more try or willingness. It has allowed us to form a partnership that I have not had with any other horse. So I have an even greater sense of achievement with Mercury because of his challenging personality. Not only did we win but, we received the highest scores I have ever gotten in dressage on any horse! I look forward to more adventures with my friend Mercury and many more Blues!
FDT

9.26.2008

Check out my videos on my new channel

My Channel is now up and running with videos tips,info and such. Keep checking in for new videos!

9.20.2008

Interesting Horse Behavior



Today I witnessed a very interesting an sweet interaction between my mare Phoenix and her foal Elsa. I was in the pasture working on teaching Elsa to lead with her rope halter. They were standing side by side and Elsa had decided she didn't want to move anymore. I was observing her and being patient when she began licking and nibbling her mom's lips and muzzle. At first I thought "oh she's just showing affection or she's checking in with mom" But then after she stopped, Phoenix went to Elsa's rope halter to the exact area it was tied and proceeded to spend several minutes trying to untie it. I watched and thought about it and it was as if Elsa had actually communicated with this little nibbly language, "Mom I am bored with this human game, can you remove this thing so I can be done with it?" I was so entertained by this and the precise way Phoenix stepped in and "tried" to free her but in the most relaxed peaceful way until she realised she couldn't do it. When this interaction played out fully, I coaxed Elsa forward once again. Telling her if she could do one more step, I would relieve the gentle pressure she was trying to escape. She finally complied and I removed the offending rope halter immediately to reward her and gave her a good scratch which she loves and will gladly stand for. I just love being able to see something like that, and it makes me wonder what I may miss when I'm not there...
FDT

9.01.2008

Check out my Ebay auctions...

Here's some stuff I have for sale. It's a great opportunity to get some expensive items at a great price! I have a 7 1/4 New in the Box Charles Owen GR8 helmet black. And an Excellent condition Ansur Carlton II black treeless dressage saddle with accessories. Check it out Ebay Auctions