| HORSIN' AROUND WITH WENDY behind the scenes Newsletter for Abrazos Adventure, the horse connection March 16 - 20, 2008 |
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March 16 A blowing, cold day. The wind gusts
and dirt were on a come and go basis today. I
decided I have really tough people riding. Not
one complainer. The wind was so bad we didn’t
feed until after dark. Both breakfast and
supper were packed into feedbags for Shorty,
Newbie and Drafty. We hang those on the
fence and at least the horses get more food
than if we would just put it on the ground. You
can see his bag on the back fence.
This was Drafty's solution to the wind issues.
and dirt were on a come and go basis today. I
decided I have really tough people riding. Not
one complainer. The wind was so bad we didn’t
feed until after dark. Both breakfast and
supper were packed into feedbags for Shorty,
Newbie and Drafty. We hang those on the
fence and at least the horses get more food
than if we would just put it on the ground. You
can see his bag on the back fence.
This was Drafty's solution to the wind issues.
© Copyright March 2008 Wendy Toombs
These are the feedbags that I talk about. We feed Teefa, Warlie and Jody grain and special additives in them. This way each horse can eat at their
leisure and the others can’t take their food away. Warlie and Jody are pictured left. Teefa, right, has her own style of eating. Much of the time the
bag is in the air as pictured here. They are outside their pen without halters on them. The bags are made of light weight canvas and hold up pretty
well.
leisure and the others can’t take their food away. Warlie and Jody are pictured left. Teefa, right, has her own style of eating. Much of the time the
bag is in the air as pictured here. They are outside their pen without halters on them. The bags are made of light weight canvas and hold up pretty
well.
Marilisa had her sister and mother visiting. She wanted them to ride
with her so we arranged a special time. Mom wasn’t too sure she
wanted to do this but she and I talked about it and she was game
to try. When she finished, she said she had fun. Pictured are
Marilisa on Fred, Doris on Drafty and Mel on Sadie.
with her so we arranged a special time. Mom wasn’t too sure she
wanted to do this but she and I talked about it and she was game
to try. When she finished, she said she had fun. Pictured are
Marilisa on Fred, Doris on Drafty and Mel on Sadie.
Jennie prepared for
anything while watching
Courtney.
anything while watching
Courtney.
March 17 When I fed tonight I had the mares penned in their water lot. After I pulled the 3 out for their grain, Lil, Golly, Goober and Target decided
it was playtime. They ran, bucked and chased each other. I stood and watched. On one turn Goober was making hers before she came to a fence
and Target came around her and scooted under her neck as she turned. I thought she would go down but she didn’t.
March 18 I didn’t get to the barn early to turn Smudge out into the arena so I decided to take her to the round pen. That is further than the arena
and I wasn’t too sure just how she would lead over. She was calm and kept her space. The gate was much narrower than the arena but she
remembered that she is to pause and not charge through. She turned with me as I shut the gate. I turned her loose, held the halter, stroked her
then let her totally go. She walked off and did not jump and kick up.
She was more active in the round pen. She was vocalizing with short squeaky nickers. She could also see the mares from the pen and I wonder if
that got her to talking. The geldings were still in their turn out but that didn’t seem to really interest her. When time came to return her I thought I
might have the problems I have been. She will pull on the lead and circle me several times before we get back to her pen. Surprisingly she didn’t.
She came right over when I called. When I had my back to her unhooking the gate I felt her nose in the middle of it. In the past this has resulted in
biting. She didn’t today. I actually made both trips without being chomped.
Lil is stiff in her shoulders so her work out consisted of extending the trot and doing quite a bit of it. This will help her stretch muscles and build
muscle. By the end of the workout she looked a lot better. She did demonstrate some good and lighter energy in her way of going.
When Dan came home tonight, he emptied and cleaned the big tank in the mares’ pen and filled it. After the last few days of wind and dirt it looked
like a swamp. I think the water is low enough in the individual tanks to work on cleaning tomorrow.
March 19 I find it very interesting how all things come together when they should. I have just finished a book called Healing Shine by Michael
Johnson. It is about his journey with a roping prospect called Shine. The journey became that of life rather than the grand moment in the arena.
Two Michaels within a month each giving me tremendous insight into what I am doing with horses and riders.
I went to the barn this morning and Smudge was my first project. Before getting her out I went to explain to Patches where I was now coming from
and that she and I were going to work together. I also let her know I hoped I was at a point of being open enough to understand what she had to
tell me.
After visiting her I returned to the mares’ pen. Golly had come to the fence to see what was going on so I invited her over. She thought a minute,
took one step my way then stopped. I turned away and was sighting in Goober who was lying down. All of a sudden I felt a nudge on the shoulder
and it was Golly. We visited a few minutes then I went to Goober.
She was still lying down and remained so as I approached. Mattie (yes, the uncatchable) stepped over to check me out. I let her know I needed
her to keep some space so Goober wouldn’t get up. I visited Goober then gave Mattie a visit.
Lil too was down so I went over to her. She was groaning as she breathed. I don’t know if something is wrong or this is just her. I will observe
occasionally and be sure to step in again when she is down. Some of us do extra groaning at times and it doesn’t mean anything other than a
noisy habit.
I took her to the round pen and turned her loose for a time. When I went to get her I decided to see how she would act with the ATV. I use it a lot to
take horses different places and save on walking. She was a little ‘iffy’ when I led her over to it (I had left it running). She sniffed and didn’t pull
back so I climbed on and we went. She led like she has done it all the time.
I did catch Patches and brought her to the barn for a grooming. I was watering in between and around so that gave her periods of just standing
and waiting for me. When students came, I took her to the round pen. Things were quiet for a little while then she and Smudge spotted each other
and commotion ensued. She ran and nickered and so did Smudge. That got the geldings started in stupid behavior too. I caught her and tied her
to a back fence so she and Smudge couldn’t see each other and everything calmed down by the time we went to the arena for a lesson. A
reminder that my plans and the horse plans are usually different.
it was playtime. They ran, bucked and chased each other. I stood and watched. On one turn Goober was making hers before she came to a fence
and Target came around her and scooted under her neck as she turned. I thought she would go down but she didn’t.
March 18 I didn’t get to the barn early to turn Smudge out into the arena so I decided to take her to the round pen. That is further than the arena
and I wasn’t too sure just how she would lead over. She was calm and kept her space. The gate was much narrower than the arena but she
remembered that she is to pause and not charge through. She turned with me as I shut the gate. I turned her loose, held the halter, stroked her
then let her totally go. She walked off and did not jump and kick up.
She was more active in the round pen. She was vocalizing with short squeaky nickers. She could also see the mares from the pen and I wonder if
that got her to talking. The geldings were still in their turn out but that didn’t seem to really interest her. When time came to return her I thought I
might have the problems I have been. She will pull on the lead and circle me several times before we get back to her pen. Surprisingly she didn’t.
She came right over when I called. When I had my back to her unhooking the gate I felt her nose in the middle of it. In the past this has resulted in
biting. She didn’t today. I actually made both trips without being chomped.
Lil is stiff in her shoulders so her work out consisted of extending the trot and doing quite a bit of it. This will help her stretch muscles and build
muscle. By the end of the workout she looked a lot better. She did demonstrate some good and lighter energy in her way of going.
When Dan came home tonight, he emptied and cleaned the big tank in the mares’ pen and filled it. After the last few days of wind and dirt it looked
like a swamp. I think the water is low enough in the individual tanks to work on cleaning tomorrow.
March 19 I find it very interesting how all things come together when they should. I have just finished a book called Healing Shine by Michael
Johnson. It is about his journey with a roping prospect called Shine. The journey became that of life rather than the grand moment in the arena.
Two Michaels within a month each giving me tremendous insight into what I am doing with horses and riders.
I went to the barn this morning and Smudge was my first project. Before getting her out I went to explain to Patches where I was now coming from
and that she and I were going to work together. I also let her know I hoped I was at a point of being open enough to understand what she had to
tell me.
After visiting her I returned to the mares’ pen. Golly had come to the fence to see what was going on so I invited her over. She thought a minute,
took one step my way then stopped. I turned away and was sighting in Goober who was lying down. All of a sudden I felt a nudge on the shoulder
and it was Golly. We visited a few minutes then I went to Goober.
She was still lying down and remained so as I approached. Mattie (yes, the uncatchable) stepped over to check me out. I let her know I needed
her to keep some space so Goober wouldn’t get up. I visited Goober then gave Mattie a visit.
Lil too was down so I went over to her. She was groaning as she breathed. I don’t know if something is wrong or this is just her. I will observe
occasionally and be sure to step in again when she is down. Some of us do extra groaning at times and it doesn’t mean anything other than a
noisy habit.
I took her to the round pen and turned her loose for a time. When I went to get her I decided to see how she would act with the ATV. I use it a lot to
take horses different places and save on walking. She was a little ‘iffy’ when I led her over to it (I had left it running). She sniffed and didn’t pull
back so I climbed on and we went. She led like she has done it all the time.
I did catch Patches and brought her to the barn for a grooming. I was watering in between and around so that gave her periods of just standing
and waiting for me. When students came, I took her to the round pen. Things were quiet for a little while then she and Smudge spotted each other
and commotion ensued. She ran and nickered and so did Smudge. That got the geldings started in stupid behavior too. I caught her and tied her
to a back fence so she and Smudge couldn’t see each other and everything calmed down by the time we went to the arena for a lesson. A
reminder that my plans and the horse plans are usually different.
I have no idea how
Newbie did this. All
of this was just a
surface scratch
and it is now at
scab shedding
stage. He is always
messing with
something and
putting the nose
where it doesn't
belong.
Newbie did this. All
of this was just a
surface scratch
and it is now at
scab shedding
stage. He is always
messing with
something and
putting the nose
where it doesn't
belong.
Pepper decided to argue with Laura.
March 20 I took Smudge out to the tie line shortly before visitors arrived today. Before putting her on the line, I decided to see if she would go into
the barn. This was the first time. She was a little concerned with the door banging against the fence so we stopped and looked at it. She put her
nose onto it and sniffed thoroughly. We then arrived at the ‘dark cave opening’ (entrance to the barn). Not only was she asked to go into a cave but
there was strange stuff under her feet too. (We have a board that crosses the entryway and horse hooves on it make kind of a hollow sound.)
Although there was all this new frightening stimulus she didn’t jump on me to get away from it. She took her time (and so did I – I gently asked and
did not force any issue), looked everything over with much interest and decided it just might not eat her. She came all the way in with little snorts
accompanying her. Then, once inside it all looked different. We stayed in about 5 minutes before taking her out and tying again.
Since the visitors had arrived she remained tied about 20 minutes while we went to see the mares. She was in good shape and not fussing when we
returned. I took her over to the round pen so she could get some exercise.
When I picked her up I tried asking her to stop a few times as we went back to her pen. She responded nicely and stood beside me rather than
going by or leaning into me. She is gaining confidence and really seems to be trying to figure out what I want her to do and how to do it. All I have to
do is keep me doing the right thing so she can. Her wanting to bite all the time is decreasing noticeably. That pleases me. We still have her trying to
get her mouth on the rope under her chin but there is a little hanging and I know that entices her.
the barn. This was the first time. She was a little concerned with the door banging against the fence so we stopped and looked at it. She put her
nose onto it and sniffed thoroughly. We then arrived at the ‘dark cave opening’ (entrance to the barn). Not only was she asked to go into a cave but
there was strange stuff under her feet too. (We have a board that crosses the entryway and horse hooves on it make kind of a hollow sound.)
Although there was all this new frightening stimulus she didn’t jump on me to get away from it. She took her time (and so did I – I gently asked and
did not force any issue), looked everything over with much interest and decided it just might not eat her. She came all the way in with little snorts
accompanying her. Then, once inside it all looked different. We stayed in about 5 minutes before taking her out and tying again.
Since the visitors had arrived she remained tied about 20 minutes while we went to see the mares. She was in good shape and not fussing when we
returned. I took her over to the round pen so she could get some exercise.
When I picked her up I tried asking her to stop a few times as we went back to her pen. She responded nicely and stood beside me rather than
going by or leaning into me. She is gaining confidence and really seems to be trying to figure out what I want her to do and how to do it. All I have to
do is keep me doing the right thing so she can. Her wanting to bite all the time is decreasing noticeably. That pleases me. We still have her trying to
get her mouth on the rope under her chin but there is a little hanging and I know that entices her.
We had a really little rider tonight. She is only 4 and came with her
cousins. Jody, being the grand lady she is took good care of her.
This little girl is in high gear wherever she goes and she had to
slow down to horse energy. She managed to be in good horse
energy for the entire time she was here – not just riding.
Notice that when we have little bitty riders we have an adult walk
with the horse and keep a hand on it. In this case Jody’s head is
going forward as her body is and Mikayla has body forward and
head at about a 100-degree angle. Her aunt Suzi is keeping it all
under control.
cousins. Jody, being the grand lady she is took good care of her.
This little girl is in high gear wherever she goes and she had to
slow down to horse energy. She managed to be in good horse
energy for the entire time she was here – not just riding.
Notice that when we have little bitty riders we have an adult walk
with the horse and keep a hand on it. In this case Jody’s head is
going forward as her body is and Mikayla has body forward and
head at about a 100-degree angle. Her aunt Suzi is keeping it all
under control.
March 19 I left to get Smudge. On the way to her pen I talked to her and let her
know she was going to be tied for the first time today. The area I took her to was
new to her so we had a few little snorts to let me know she wasn’t too sure what I
was getting us into.
I had set up my tie area earlier. It is a big, strong inner tube secured to the top
rail of my fence. I chose a place that does not have bottom wires or cable
running where her feet will be. I want to minimize potential for accident. I secured
a tie line to the inner tube so I didn’t have to worry about trying to tie her. I could
just transfer her.
It worked nicely. She led up, stopped and stood for the snap changes. I stayed
with her for the 10 minutes on the rail. She would step back as far as she could
and stretch head and neck out. She was testing to see where the boundaries
were. One time the rope went from the snap under her jaw up around her ear
and pulled to the rail between both ears. That caused concern and a pull back.
As soon as she felt the pressure release she was fine. She didn’t continue to
have a fit with it.
She spent 10 minutes there then I took her off and over to the round pen. She
even responded to my voice and hand signals to move over.
know she was going to be tied for the first time today. The area I took her to was
new to her so we had a few little snorts to let me know she wasn’t too sure what I
was getting us into.
I had set up my tie area earlier. It is a big, strong inner tube secured to the top
rail of my fence. I chose a place that does not have bottom wires or cable
running where her feet will be. I want to minimize potential for accident. I secured
a tie line to the inner tube so I didn’t have to worry about trying to tie her. I could
just transfer her.
It worked nicely. She led up, stopped and stood for the snap changes. I stayed
with her for the 10 minutes on the rail. She would step back as far as she could
and stretch head and neck out. She was testing to see where the boundaries
were. One time the rope went from the snap under her jaw up around her ear
and pulled to the rail between both ears. That caused concern and a pull back.
As soon as she felt the pressure release she was fine. She didn’t continue to
have a fit with it.
She spent 10 minutes there then I took her off and over to the round pen. She
even responded to my voice and hand signals to move over.
The purpose of the newsletter is to share the day to day happenings of living with the horses of Abrazos Adventure. Serving Portales and Clovis New
Mexico this horseback riding barn is in operation 24/7. You will glimpse what happens when you are not around.
Mexico this horseback riding barn is in operation 24/7. You will glimpse what happens when you are not around.