Dixie and Trixie

The girls have made a lot of progress in such a short period of time! They are quickly becoming popular with my friends too! Trixie was following Kim around like a lab, it was pretty cool to see that these mares trust not only me, but anyone they meet that shows them kindness.

After lunging Dixie with all of her tack on, I started to practice mounting up. She never even batted an eyelash when I  put weight in the stirrup, a good sign! 

We decided to go for a walk and see all of the fun things on the property. Tarps, tractors, wood piles, you name it! Dixie took it all in, I was very proud! When it came time to go back in her pen, she was not very convinced that was such a great idea. It took a lot of time to get her to willingly walk back in. Poor Trixie was not happy she got left behind! I told her that in a few days she would be ready to take a walk too!

Karin has been making friends with Trixie. 

The saddle pad was a bit of a challenge, it took some time to convince her that it was not a scary animal trying to kill her. I think a few more days of practice and she will be fine with it. 

"What the heck is that and why is it on my back?!?"

I promised Trixie she could go on a walk too as soon as she was ready. Once Anthony came out and worked with her, I could tell it was time. She was following him around in the pen and so they took a walk outside. It was nice and uneventful, except for the few whinnies from the distressed Dixie who was not happy about being left behind. I figured that would happen so I was busy introducing side reins and lunging her while Anthony and Trixie were on a walk. 

You can see Trixie in the background, they both look great!

And finally, we decided it was time to take a little walk with a rider. It was so exciting to be in the saddle for the first time! Anthony was there to lead me around (and he got a ride too!) 

These last 15 days have been great, I can't to see the next 75!

Quick Update!

Well, the girls have settled in nicely! Both of them enjoy their view of 350 acres of green grass and 2 cute geldings hanging out waiting for them to say hello. One of those geldings is Cinnamon (adopted at the Napa event in September 2011). He has been fun to be around, what a character! While I was introducing the girls to some things, Cinnamon came up and stole my saddle pad! He ran around with it like a dog with a stuffed toy. I was able to catch a lot of it on video, you can see it here: Cinnamon vs. Saddle Pad

Ok, so back to the girls. Both are doing really well. I decided to name them Dixie's Double Take and Trixie's Trouble Maker. I have been able to touch both of them, although not when a camera has been around for poor Trixie! Here are some pictures from the last few days, I hope you enjoy them!

Ooooh, I'm supposed to wear these on my legs? That makes more sense:)

 

                                         
                                                            Watching the boys graze.

Saddled up and ready to go!

Let's learn a trick! Watch the carrot...

Lower...

Lower...

Tada!!! 

What is the best birthday present?

2 new mustangs of course! Ted, Kirstin, and I headed to the corrals on Friday and on the road home with them Saturday morning. After arriving around 2pm, it took a little more time to separate everyone into the right pen. Kirstin's mare did not want to leave my 2, and I don't blame her! By the end of the day everyone was tired but happy. Here are the pictures from the corrals to the new pens. I will be posting lots of pictures and updates as often as I can. I am really happy with both of these mares, from their conformation to their size and attitude, it is going to be another great adventure! 

Drumroll please...

I am very excited to announce that I was selected to compete in the 2012 Norco Extreme Mustang Makeover!

The last time I competed, Neo Noir did well adopting for $2500 and finding one of the best homes ever (thanks Priscilla!) I know the Mustang Heritage Foundation has set the goal for this year to find 4000 mustang's homes. Since Neo, I have trained and adopted out another 6 and found a breed that is truly amazing to work with.  As for the competition, this year a few rules have changed... Instead of geldings, we are working with mares. Trainers also had the choice of taking one or two mustangs to gentle, train, and compete with in 90 days. Obviously, I chose two! I have no doubt this will be tons of work but cannot wait to get started. In the meantime, my 3 other mustangs I am still working with weekly will be keeping me on my toes as well as the amazing friesians I work with in Sonoma. The mustangs are coming from the Litchfield Corrals and are assigned randomly so I have no idea what size, color, or temperament. I am planning on keeping the blogs as current as possible, stay tuned for pictures and bios. I head up on Friday and will be bringing the girls home Saturday. I will probably recruit some photographers to help document this adventure. If you haven't already, sign up for my blog by typing in your email address on the top bar that reads 'email address' and hit submit. It sends you an email when I post a new blog (no spam, promise!) 

Summer: Riding & Lunging Outside!

The pictures do the talking, Summer is progressing and learning everyday.  Today we spent some more time in the saddle and also took time learning to lunge in the big arena (around the mud of course)! She also took a few small jumps, which she seemed to enjoy. She has a lot of 'spirit' as I am sure anyone who saw her at the barn today would confirm. It was nice to see her truly act like a horse that wants to learn and work! And when we were all done, she wanted kisses and a nuzzle.  

Enjoy the pics, I sure enjoyed making them!

Sunday=Funday

The days seem to fly by when you drive from one barn to the next! This weekend alone I have spent more than 10 hours riding, giving lessons, and ground work with some amazing horses. I was getting spoiled with all of the dry weather, and now the rain has finally started to pour! Good thing we have indoor arenas:) That means the pictures/lighting is not that great, but the progress was!

Summer and I had our first ride today! With the support of Glen on lead rope, we casually walked around the indoor arena. Not one bit of hesitation from Summer, it was really nice to see how quickly a young, smart, and willing horse will progress!

Remy is also taking huge steps, he is able to lead and hoof pick in the front. A very big sign that he has enough trust in me to give me his hoof. He is quite the handsome boy, and looks a little but like a giant fuzzy teddy bear with his winter coat!

2012 update

Well the new year has brought a surprise... Summer! She was the little 2 year old mustang I took in June 2011. Her owner contacted me and sadly through no fault of Summers, had to find her a new place to live. I said I would take her back immediately! So, that means that after working with 5 horses at 2 barns yesterday, I then went to wait at another barn near my home for little Summer to arrive. When she got there, she had been pretty stressed out and no one was able to halter her (she was free loaded into the trailer). It was sad to see my sweet little friend look so upset so I waited a minute and then climbed into the trailer with her. We stood there for a few minutes while I talked to her, telling her she was with me now and that meant nothing but good food, good training, and a good start to the new year. Then I slowly reached my hands around her neck and put on a bright and shiny brand new purple halter. We opened the trailer and she hesitantly jumped out but after a few circles, I think she recognized the place! I walked her to her stall and she sniffed around. Having the wonderful support friends, Summer had grain, hay, and a nice fluffy stall waiting for her. She wasted no time and ate some grain, sniffed the hay, and then rolled in her stall. I am hopeful that she will be finding a new home as soon as possible!