Mustang Challenge Mission 007: Yearling Edition

Reno was GREAT!!!

2008-08-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

Chester was just Amazing. You could not have asked for a more well mannered little guy.
He was 100% calm, cool and collected. We got our Hip # 305 and then had to sit around and wait till it was our turn to show, because I was in the Pros we where the last group to show.
When it came to our turn I was a bit nervice but not Chester he was ready to go show what he had learned.
So off we went, I felt that we went though the class great, but that was just my thoughts. We did not find out the results and the placing's for a couple hrs after the show, when they did read off the placing's they started at the end and worked there way up to 5th place then they announced the top 5 well, when they said this is the top 5 I got excited because they had not said my name yet so, I knew that I was in the freestyle but, I had no idea where I had placed. They said the second place winner and my heart about stopped as tears came to my eyes, I turned to look at my dad and some friends and said that I am the only one left and at that time they said the first place winner of the Pros is Dixie, I could not believe it Chester and I took First place (I knew he was a special little boy).
Then they said the placing's for my dads group and Yes him and Tess and my dad took 3rd place so they are off to the Freestyle also. Well, now we did not have much time to get thing set up for the Freestyle so I was going a bit nuts but thanks to some wonderful friends everything worked out good they all jumped in and helped get all my props out in the arena and set up (thank you everyone). When they got the right music on everything went good all my nerves where gone and all I could see or hear was just me and Chester. My dad said that they where talking and said a little bit about me and where committing on Chester and I but I had no idea. I was very happy with how it went and we ended in Chester Bowing. The next morning they announced the placing's. I was not as nervice about it this time I felt that Chester and I where winners already and it was an honor to just be hear. Then they said in Second place in the freestyle is Dixie and Winchester and hear came the tears again, I could not believe it we took First in our Pro Group and Second in the Freestyle WOW!! As for the Auction Chester and Tess both had a bid on them on Thursday evening I could not believe that, we had not even shown yet. Then on Saturday They did the Auction and Tess was Adopted for $125.00 to a very sweet family and the kids just loved her my dad could not have been happier. For Chester he was the Highest Adopted horse he went for $300.00 The woman that Adopted him Just Adores him and he is going to have a Very Good Life with her she had big plans for him. A friend trailered Chester to his new home and I was going to be at the Stalls when they came to load him up but my alarm went off and as much as I tried to get going to see him off I just could not do it, I could not be there and say by. I new the people that where tailoring him and I new they would take good care of him and see him safely to his new home. I saw all my friends and meet a lot of new ones, The hole experience was wonderful. I would like to thank the Mustang Heritage Foundation and the BLM for putting on the wonderful event.
I have a lot of pics that I will share as soon as I get them on my computer.

Is It Time To Go Yet?

2008-08-07T00:49:00.000-07:00

Tess (green) and Chester (purple) are Very excited about heading out to Reno,
They can't wait to see everyone and say Hi.

Papers are in the making.

2008-08-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

We spent last weekend at Lifesavers. We had hoped to make it to Ingrid's to play on Sunday but we needed to go back home Saturday to collect a forgotten item (medically necessary item)

So we spent another day playing with the girls at Lifesavers and it helped! We (Sera and I) are still working on feet, and working on her off side. Zoe flunked the catching game on Saturday. Oh she was getting caught.. but by her hind end not her front one LOL. Sunday helped her out with that.

Today we went to get health papers and Zoe's coggins expired last month so, she got a blood draw as well. They led and loaded great, unloaded and their only hesitation was when they encountered the asphalt patio where Dr L does his thing. They both got over it and Sera stood as close to Me as she could but they got their exams. (Zoe was a trooper for her blood draw) But they refused apple flavored treats from Dr L. Silly mustangs with their strict food rules ;)

We put them back in the trailer, did the paperwork and headed home. We should be able to pick up the papers Friday or Monday once the coggins results are back. Dr L told them to make sure and note that Zoe has TWO socks, and that the front one is roan. ;D

I can't believe we leave in one week... This went by way to fast!!

P.S.
A shameless plug.. One of our babies is going to be on Equusite Tomorrow 8/7.

Please vote for Deedee!

Of course Tryst is turning into a fine filly herself!

PLAY DAY

2008-07-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

THE PLAY DAY FOR SUNDAY AUGUST 3RD IS A GO. THE TIME WILL BE 9:00am TO 12:00. WE WILL BE RAFFLING OFF SOME GREAT STUFF FOR ELIZABETH. THERE WILL BE 6 TO 8 YEARLING MUSTANG COMING. SO PLEASE JOIN US BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, WE NEED A CROWD. TRAINERS, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING YOUR YEARLING ( THE MORE THE MERRIER !! ) PLEASE CALL ME.

THANK YOU, INGRID ARMSTRONG

ADDRESS

40028 25TH ST. WEST

PLAMDALE, CA. 93551

661-272-4541

Sorry for the lack of posts

2008-07-30T04:41:00.001-07:00

But I have been up many nights waiting for this......

Perfect Delite (Deedee)
Dun It Perfect (APHA) X
Foundations Delite (AQHA/FQHA)

She was due July 8th, and finally arrived July 26th at 3pm.

But before she arrived I got this..

Tryst of Fate

Eyes A Dun Dee (APHA)
x Symphony Solstice (AMBA)

Yes my beloved Twin Peaker decided she wanted to be a mom even if I didn't think she should.

She managed it last year while we were rushing around a few weeks before the EMM.

Symphony and I celebrated our 6th Adoptaversary on June 23rd. She captured a chunk of my heart when she chose me at the adoption. I left but she haunted my dreams, so I went back the next day and adopted her.

Both mares decided to foal in daylight, with half the neighborhood watching while I was down the hill at the ETI Nationals.

Tryst arrived about 8:30am and many phone calls went out to have people check up on mom and the little one. Just as we were settling down over Tryst I got another call that Delite had also delivered at about 3pm.

Needless to say we are not disappointed by our fillies, but they will probably be the last foals I have. (I haven't had one since 1987)

Between the daytime temps and the long nights of watching foal cams Sera has been a bit neglected, but we are back at work and she is doing well.

Here are the girls at 3 days.

We got 3 blue eyes, 4 tall white socks, 2 almost completely bald faces, one is saucy, and the other is sweet!

Chester's First Show !

2008-07-27T22:52:00.000-07:00

Saturday there was a schooling horse show here in our town and I was the judge so I took Chester with me for the experience. He was GREAT I used him to demonstrate the in hand trail class and then there was a woman and her little girl that used him for the class, he was SO good for them. He stood there in the crowds of people with kids running around him, and all that excitement, I was so proud of him. My dad had Tess there. He did not show her he was to busy helping me but, she was wonderful, these are two amazing little horse.

Who said Saddle?

2008-07-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

Yup both Liberty & Cupid now wear a saddle with no problem. They just turn look at it and say hmmm what is this thing. I guess its ok its not hurting me and better yet lets go stand on the pedestal and look pretty. So here we are.

Paperwork for Reno

2008-07-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

Just wanted everyone to make sure you check your paperwork before you go to reno. I just found out that not only is the health cert needed to be renewed that the coggins might need to be also depending on when your horse had his coggins done. In Nevada they said its only good for 6 months and both of my horses were done end of 2007..... Ok I just got an email back and yes if you aren't already in Nevada you will need health cert and coggins done again. Oh Joy.............

How many of you are professional trainers? I'm curious because I might have some questions you might be able to answer for me in regards to my mustangs since you had the same experience.......Contact me privatly. Chevygirl1977@aol.com

A Day with Chester,

2008-07-15T23:36:00.000-07:00

Chester is such a good boy he loves to go out and play with me,

most of the time we play at liberty.

He likes his box.

Look mom no halter, no lead rope,

and no hands.

I am so proud of this little guy. He is so very smart.

Hi, my name is Tess

2008-07-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

This is Tess my dads yearling filly going to Reno.

She is a silver bay and such a sweetie.
She is great with her feet, ties, takes a bath very well,

tralers, ponings, crosses a brige, and clips.
She loves to be with people.

This is Chester and Tess on the box.

Tulip

2008-07-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

Tulip has come a long way. It will definitely be hard to let her go in a month at the competition. We have three horses already (2 mustangs) otherwise we would definitely keep her. Nothing fazes this little horse. She has become the “stump champion” at the barn. She has allowed us to do some clipping but we need to wait for the last few warts to fall off before we finish. She will make someone a great horse.

Chester

2008-07-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

Most little boys like the color blue and well, I guess little horse boys do to.
This is Chester modeling his tarp he thinks it will be the net big thing in fashion. (comming soon to horse barns near you!)

Chester is doing his part in helping to promote his breed the Wild Mustang.

Hi Everyone

2008-07-12T23:01:00.000-07:00

My name is Dixie LaFountain and I would like to thank Kathy for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful blog.

I have one Yearling going to Nevada, Winchester (Chester) he is a red bay from
Jackson Mountain.
He loves to be with people and plays at liberty with me,
He fly sprays, clips, ties, loads in a trailer, stands on a box, crosses the bridge, has had his feet trimmed and takes a bath. He has a nice pivot and will trot with me.
Chester loves to go out for a ride with me and my old mustang Misty. We go down the road, cross the bridge and play in the river.
I will try to get some pics for you, It is just so smokey that all the ones I have don't look very good.

Cupid & Liberty's Update

2008-07-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

My two horses are doing really good. I'm so proud of myself for how much I have accomplished with them so far. I amazed myself and others. So many people tried to talk me out of getting the mustangs. They said I could never train them in time and I proved them wrong. I already clipped around their faces, and bridle path they did good. One I even trimmed the hair on his ears and he was fine with it. The both got a full bath and did wonderful. This has been a dream for me and it came true. These mustangs really taught me alot. They are just so sweet and just great horses. Its been a fun journey with these two.

Play Day for Our Mustangs

2008-07-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

Calling all trainers who would like to have a play day with their Mustang Mission 007 Yearling babies. I would like to get together on Sunday August 3rd. We will set up the arena with all the things we think we will have to do during the competition. Bring family and friends to watch us work our babies. This will help the babies get use to having a crowd. I don't have a time yet, but was thinking early morning or after noon / evening because of the heat. If you have any suggestions or would like to help me. It would be greatly appreciated. E-mail me at Ingridea@sbcglobal.net or comment. My adress is 40028 25th st. West, Palmdale, CA.

BAYBERRY - I LOVE THIS LITTLE HORSE

2008-07-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

BAYBERRY GET HER FIRST PONY RIDE IN TO THE WORLD OUT SIDE THE YARD. NOTHING SEEMED TO BOTHER HER TRASH CANS, MAILBOXES, FOR SALE SINGS, AND A PASSING CAR. WE WILL SEE HOW SHE DOSES WITH THE HIGH WAY AND DUMPED TRASH. SHE IS A PLEASURE TO BE AROUND. THIS ONE IS GOING TO BE HARD ON ME TO LET GO. I WISH I COULD KEEP HER BUT I HAVE TO MANY HORSES. THERE WILL BE TEARS FOR SURE. :( ALL I CAN HOPE FOR IS THAT SHE WILL GET A GOOD FAMILY THAT WILL LOVE HER. I'M JUST WORRIED WHERE SHE WILL END UP. IF SOMEONE IS INTERESTED IN HER LET ME KNOW.

JACKSON MOUNTAIN HERD

2008-07-03T12:59:00.000-07:00

I FOUND A BLOG ON JACKSON MOUNTAIN HERD THAT IS INTERESTING. PALOMINO VALLEY CENTER CLOSURE IN SEP. 2007 DUE TO SALMONELLA BACTERIA FROM 130 JACKSON MOUNTAIN HORSES. TO READ THIS BLOG GO TO AMERICANHERD.BLOGSPOT.COM . ( LOOK AT SEPTEMBER 28 & 29 2007 )THESE HORSES FACED MORE THEN HARD CONDITION WITH LITTLE WATER. AFTER BEING GATHERED SOME BABES WERE SEPARATED FORM THEIR MOTHERS AT A YOUNG AGE TO NEVER SEE THEM AGAIN. NOT ALL BABES SURVIVED.

Potluck, Raffle for Donations

2008-07-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

We are planning on holding an event on August 3rd @ 2 pm in Phelan at my house to get donations for travel expenses to take my two mustangs back to Reno, NV to show off their gentling skills. We are trying to get a DJ to donate his time for the event. We would like to get a head count of who can come and what you can bring. We will have raffle items at the event, a picture area to take a photo with one or both of the mustangs, we also want to order some t-shirts to help support the mustangs that will be for sale at the event if we can get enough people interested. We will also try to have other items such as license plate frames that say I love my mustang or something like that. Maybe support the wild mustang. Something in that matter. If you are interested let me know we need to place these orders fast. We are trying to find the best prices on the shirts and other items at the moment. These are all just idea's nothing have been ordered as of yet.

Jackson Mountain

2008-07-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

4 of the 6 yearlings we picked up in Reno came from Jackson Mountain HMA. The HMA sounded familiar.. I didn't know why, but just spotted the answer.

Jackson Mountain was the HMA that had run low on water in it's tanks and the horses were trapped waiting for a chance to drink from the trickle that was coming outof the well. As soon as it was discovered an emergency gather was done, but many of the horse because of the dehydration then had a battle to get back to good health.

So these babies certianly had the tenacity and fortitude to have survived such a rough start.. and just look at how beautiful they are! No wonder Sera finds so much delight in her pool ;D I think she has earned the right to play in it all she wants!

Mustang Hearts

2008-06-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

We knew going in we couldn't keep the girls.. I mean we already have 10 horses and 2 foals on the way! So there is no way we can add to the herd at his time. If there were I can tell you that Prosperity would have come home from Sacramento with me!

But Beth has a friend who comes over to visit, and she thinks Sera is beautiful (guess she never heard that Justa Bay is supposed to be a boring color, LOL.) Well Sera has decided she likes Brittany.. and she likes her a lot more then she likes me.. The lady with an agenda and fly spray!

She is walking up to Brittany and asking for attention. She nudges her, and follows her and I think she has picked out HER person! This is how I ended up with Symphony because she picked me out of a crowd of people at an adoption and I was hooked! We have had a 6 year love affair, so it isn't hard to spot when I think a mustang has given someone their heart.

I'll need to talk to Brittany's mom and make sure she is up for an adoption, and 30 years of horse ownership! But it was pretty clear that today, Sera has made the choice to love and be loved.

Mustang Playday

2008-06-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

We attended the mustang playday at mustang-spirit. It was so much fun. My two gelding did very well. Although my yearlings said jumps, what, thats to much work but I will walk over them. There were clumsy walking over the jumps but they didnt knock any poles down. They are doing so good and I'm so proud of them and myself. We got first and second in halter for the boys class. Cupid was second in the liberty class, and second in trail. Thats pretty good I think for only 6 weeks into the training. Of course I'm no professional so 6 weeks might seem like I didnt do much in a professionals eyes, but I'm learning. But I think it paid off to have them at the playday yestery because today I walked right up behind Cupid for the first time without him spinning around to smell me first. Thats really good for him because he's always nervous when you go into the pen to get him but he's much better today. We only have about another 6 weeks to get things together and prepare our freestyle just in case we do end up in the top. :)

Moving right along..

2008-06-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

Horse torture was the word of the day ;D

I loaded up Sera and took her to our local mustang club play day. This time it was held at Mustang-Spirit in Pinion Hills. We saw two of the other Challenge Yearlings and they are doing GREAT!

I was wondering how Sera so new to leading would do in a new place, with a bunch of people and activity. I had planned on just walking around a bit at most. She was doing so much better then I anticipated. She was a little nervous and decided that I was her safe zone, even though I asked her to do some tough things.

Cupid & Liberty

She got second place in halter. She walked, trotted, and backed pretty well for being so new to wearing a halter. We tried out the liberty class where I had to ask her to work away from me.. then the follow me class where I asked her to follow me. (lol I think the order of it confused her, but she let me put her halter back on both times with just a little bit of backing up.) We did the trail course as well but just walked around trying a few of the obstacles. She stood tied at the trailer for lunch (first time she has been tied) I used a tie blocker but she didn't really test it at all. She is pretty good about not blowing out of my hands so I am not surprised that she did so well.

Sera tied for the first time

Our little trip also made me want to be able to fly spray her, as trailers seem to be fly magnets at events like this. (fresh poo, wet pee, and shade.. oh yea! they LOVE it!!) I felt bad to put her back in with so many flies and no protection. So when we got home we tried the hose to see what she thought of it, and she was OK with her front legs, left side and played with the hose with her mouth, right side was not so happy.. still once she dried a bit I was able to fly spray her front legs, chest, both shoulders, and her left side and belly.

That sounded like more then enough torture for one day so she got an early dinner and fresh water in her pool.

Sera with Beth (she is going to be a really nice mare)

Bayberry & Pumbaa

2008-06-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

Bayberry gets her first bath and loves it. She is doing great at everything I ask. I think this little filly will make a great family horse for someone. She loves people and wants to please you. There isn't much

that bothers her. She still has a lot of warts on her nose, chin, and eyes. I was hoping it would clear up before the competition. It looks like I'm out of luck, they are still growing.

Pumbaa is not as advanced as Bayberry. He is scared of fast movement but is coming along great. He is a good looking horse with 4 tall white socks and a flaxen mane. When we picked him up in Reno he had so many warts on his face, eyes, chin, and up his nose.(that is how he got his name)It was hard to think of him as cute. His warts are now starting to fall off and will must likely be cleared up in time for the competition. :) BOTH OF THESE BABES WILL BE UP FOR ADOPTION.

My special purpose

2008-06-29T00:25:00.000-07:00

Everyone has one right? Well tonight Sera let me show her mine.

I was allowed to..... scratch her itchy neck!

Over and under, chest to withers... repeatedly!
(I need a huge smiley face emoticon inserted right here with the biggest evil wicked grin you can find. )

Now that I have multiple uses.. food water and scratches, which requires hands on she will be unable to resist loving me any longer! (evil laugh)

Catching up.

2008-06-25T21:18:00.000-07:00

I was starting to wonder if I would ever catch up to all you folks who can touch their yearlings! LOL Well I may not be all the way there but Sera has made a lot of progress.

We had gone to Angis on the 13th and she got wrapped up in a rope sat morning and haltered before we headed for Lifesavers. I wrapped her up again there... and took the halter off. Then I broought her home a few days and wrapped her up... went back to Lifesavers and Marty wrapped her up, haltered her and I led her around the round pen and arena. We came home and I wrapped her up AGAIN.. and visited her at all hours of the night checking on a almost due to foal mare.

She got used to me walking around her to check on Delite, but did not want me to touch her. I loaded her back up this morning and went back to Lifesavers, haltered in the trailer and led her all the way to the covered round pen YEA!! I took the halter off and let her rest. After lunch I got some advice from Angi (more like step by step instructions ;D and got her haltered again and out into the arena, but I think I bored Sera just leading her around and petting her head. So we walked on the tarp and looked at the SMALL ball.

I left her rest in a green pen for awhile then went to catch her. Halter went on and she led really well right up the alleys and into the trailer. I have run or pointed and herded her into the trailer SO many times she just walked right in now!

For those of you worried I am going to pass you... I can not touch her past her neck yet!

I kept thinking WOW she is so strong and unafraid of everything but me, she must be just like Symphony but not loving me like Sym did from the moment we met. But Angi says nope.. she is more like Freedom. She isn't really afraid she just doesn't think she needs you, and that's true.

She'll sniff me and follows me at feed time, but other then that she sees no practical use for me what so ever!

I have no idea what to do as a special talent/freestyle other then she can stretch out farther then any horse I've ever seen!

Playday Anyone??

2008-06-24T14:27:00.001-07:00

Cross posting for those who are not on the High Desert Mustang Club Yahoo Group..
Oh and Domestics are welcome! :D

HIGH DESERT MUSTANG CLUB PLAYDAY

Mustang-Spirit will be hosting a playday for the High Desert Mustang Club.
The event will be held on June 29th, 2008 with classes starting around 10 a.m.

The playday is open to all breeds with a focus on wild born Mustangs & Burros. Besides the riding classes there will also be classes available for in hand, long line, lounge line, and cart horses too so come out and join us for a day where we can all enjoy our horses and each others friendship.

Directions to Mustang-Spirit

Please keep in mind that these directions are being posted here for the above listed events.
Other then these events, Mustang-Spirit is open by APPOINTMENT ONLY.
If you show up to look at horses without an appointment, you will NOT be shown in.

We are located at 13150 Oasis Rd,

Pinon Hills, CA 92372

Directions from the 15

Exit Main St (in Hesperia) and go west off the off ramp

Main St turns into Phelan Rd

Take Phelan rd to the end

Make a right at Hwy 138

Go to the next paved rd which is Oasis rd

make a right on Oasis Rd

Go about 3 1/2 miles till you cross the bridge with water under it

once over the bridge if you look on the left side you will see an empty lot,

then a dirt rd and then our driveway.

Directions from 14

exit hwy 138

go east toward Victorville

you will pass through Littlerock and Pearblossom

at the Hwy 18 split take the left towards Victorville

once on the 18, you will soon go over a tall bridge

then you will see a "Welcome to San Bernardino County" sign

once you see the sign start looking for a left turn lane this is located at Oasis rd

You want to make a RIGHT at Oasis (the turn lane is a land mark only, DO NOT TURN LEFT).

once on Oasis rd you will cross a set of rail road tracks

if you look ahead on the right you will see a few empty lots and a dirt rd, one more empty lot and then our place

Our ranch is marked with two white fence sections (one on either side of our driveway) with the address 13150 posted on them.

If you need directions from any other location or need clarification please email us and let us know how we can assist.

I will also be posting a class listing on the website in the next
night or two

Thanks
Tania

Cupid & Liberty Update

2008-06-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

Cupid & Liberty are coming along really nice. They are both moving off pressure, going through/over obstacles. Liberty trailer loads very nice even after his accident in the trailer(he spooked and reared in the trailer, making a hole in his head and cut his leg). He's recovering very well and the vet will be out here on thursday to remove his staples and check his leg. I'm glad I have two very sweet mustangs. Both move off pressure very nicely now. I turned them out with the other horses and they had so much fun. They were running, jumping , playing with the saddlebred whom I have never seen so happy. I'm in the process of teaching them to tie. Cupid has had a saddle on and he just walked around and kept looking at the saddle like what is this thing on my back. He never took off running, never bucked he is just very curious about everything. My challenge with Cupid is the crowd that will be watching him, other than that watch out Cupid is going to show off his stuff. Liberty has alittle more work left that Cupid because of his injuries he has been resting, and healing. But I can't wait to see everyone in Reno. This is going to be so fun. I'm excited to be competing.

Slow start

2008-06-21T02:06:00.000-07:00

Between the clinic, a trip to Flagstaff, and going to watch the Western States Mustang Challenge, we didn't spend much time with our yearlings. It gave them some time to destress and now that we have been home we are getting in some play time.

Sera is a very brave, strong willed, too smart filly! She has spent some time running with my strong willed FattButt StudMare and Symphony became pretty attached to her. :D She didn't want me to take her away the other day.

Sera is not afraid of ropes in fact since the first time I wraped her she has been tossing off loops as quickly as I can put them on... We have gone to play at Lifesavers twice, and the girls are calmly climbing on and out of the trailer at liberty. They ride very nicely and are learning to squish into a single slot and handled it just fine.

Cupid & Liberty

2008-06-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

I decided to give this a try. After going over names we came up with Cupid (1st pic) and Liberty (2nd pic). We are still deciding one the name Liberty if that will stay or change. My two mustangs are progressing very well. I can pick up their feet, fly spray them, one will trailer the other isn't ready for the trailer yet, lead, moving off pressure, walking over a tarp, they are so curious I put a plastic bag near them and they just tried to eat the thing. Of course show a plastic bag to our saddlebred or my paint mare and you see a freaked out horse. We are working with the paint mare on that but the saddlebred it not being ridden right now so we arent to worried with that. I just find it amazing how much easier mustangs are to work with than the domesticated horses. I guess alot of people don't know how to teach their horse to be use to things and they stop in bad places and end up with a horse more afraid to accept things. I'm really looking forward to the competition in August. This is just so exciting for me. Here are some pictures of my two.

Tulip

2008-06-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Tulip's first bath!!! Below are some photos of her nice and clean. There was a playday at the barn this weekend. We walked her up front to see all the commotion, she was quite the hit. Tulip will be available for adoption at the end of this program (I have three horses already, two mustangs). Here are some new "clean" photos

Getting Started

2008-05-31T21:36:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone I'm not getting this blog very well but I did get this far.

This is my gelding (who is still not named) on day 3. It was hot here and my family felt sorry for him in the sun I tried to explain he came from the sun before he was here but we put up a flapping umbrella which he did not mind.

He is very friendly let us touch, halter and lead him gets nippy and I'm not sure how to handle that. If someone has a solution to that I would appreciate the help.

Tulip

2008-05-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of Tulip on Day 2. We have taken some great video also. I was glad to get that number off of her neck.

progress

2008-05-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

Well we have finally named number 2055 to "tulip". Tulip has made some great progress. The day we unloaded her out of the trailer I spent a few hours standing in the pen with her. The second day I was able to catch her and now she is now leading, picking up her feet, standing at the tie rail and packing around a bareback pad. I hope to be able to give her a bath this weekend (when you pet her your fingers turn black). We have let her loose in the arena to run with another mustang of ours. They seem to have a great time running around together. I'll attach some photos of her once she has had her bath.

Muffin's new baby

2008-05-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

Those of you that came to last weekends meet and greet know that Ashley's horse Muffin, was due to foal. Well he is here and is a bay colt. He arrived on Tuesday 2:30am. Ashley named him Comanche. All is well with mom and baby:).

Pumba and Bayberry

2008-05-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is Pumbaa.

This is Beth's Zoe Star
This is Bayberry and Ingrid

I changed Halle Berry's name to Bayberry. These are some pictures of the horses that were at the fund raiser for Angi & Prosperity. We had a lot of fun and hope to get some of the babies together for a play day.

Monday Bayberry and I work hard on getting her tag off. It was so tight that it left a indent for two days on her neck. She has been doing great at haltering, giving to pressure, pick up front feet, and leading around the pen. :) Pumbaa is getting use to the rope and is no longer attacking it. He is letting me rub the stick all over his face, neck, back and front legs.

More the Merrier

2008-05-27T22:41:00.000-07:00

We have some other trainers signed up to post, and more that have been invited! I am eager to see pictures and stories of the other babies.

Sera is doing well, she is calmer and able to look at me when she is out in the big yard with Symphony. I tried putting her back in the small yard Sunday, and she couldn't stand still. She was nervous and circled at a trot or lope, pausing only occasionally. In the big yard she has room to move away and does at a walk. She also doesn't go far as she wants to stay near Symphony. So in the big yard she will walk in a circle stopping to look at me and I retreat.. Soon she is drawing towards me.

It still takes a bit before she will turn and look at me that first time on Monday and Tuesday, but she is a much calmer less reactive filly in the bigger space. She likes to hang out near Dandys stall, (our week old colt.) He wants to play but Hayden (his mom) makes sure that Sera knows she is not allowed to touch him.

Symphony is letting Sera eat with her a bit but still moves her away if she crowds into her... and if mom is available for scratching itchy spots. :D

Zoe Star

2008-05-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

She has lived up to her name this weekend. After all she put up with on Saturday, Angi and I left her alone. Sunday we played with Chester and other horses. Angi determined that after a year of not being ridden that Chester was slightly nervous, but was trying to be relaxed. He is so smart. He allowed Angi to put the saddle on with no fuss. She got on walked him around a bit and got off. We both decided that she is going to ride him the rest of the week to get him more comfortable with her up there. Monday night her and I decided to play with Ms. Zoe. She really made me proud of her. Angi worked with her a little and then I got in with her. This was the first time i was getting in to actually work with her. After a couple of minutes of stop and go, I reached out and touched her nose with the tip of my pointer finger, She did freak out and run the other way, but I decided that was a good place to stop! I felt her become more scared with every step I took and I wasn't sure if I would get her to even sniff me, but to let me touch her. Now she is at Angi's for the rest of the week and I am going back this weekend for a little more playing. YAY!!!! ZOE STAR!!!!

A week already? Catching up.

2008-05-26T03:32:00.001-07:00

We had left the girls alone (except to feed and water) so that Zoe could go to a gentling demo on Saturday. We separated the babies fri afternoon and took Zoe off to clinic. She loaded right up and traveled well. We picked up some other horses along the way with little fuss.

We did offer them a pool since Sera likes to dig in the water so much, she kept tipping it over. She was not very concerned about the pool. She promptly climbed in and started pawing it. The first pool didn't last long (I figured it wouldn't, it was not the kind I had wanted, and it has been replaced with something a little bit hardier, but still not what I would consider Mustang tough!)

Zoe visited with Pumba and Halle (Ingrid's pair) all three participated in the fund raiser for Angi and Prosperity to travel to Sac for The Western States Mustang Challenge. We took Zoe back to Angi's. Beth stayed with her so she could play with Zoe, Chester, and Freedom today.

The three yearlings were super stars. Each a little different and therefor great examples of horse behaviors. Zoe was able to face up and smell a stick. Pumba accepted the rope and learned to give to pressure. Halle (whom Ingrid has been working with) was haltered for the second time and stood to be touched with a stick from head to tail and down her legs.

Sera stayed at home, and I put her out in the big yard with Symphony, so Sera could start to learn the ropes. At BLM I think they keep the youngsters separate from the big horses once they are weaned, so she probably has not had any mare time for awhile. Symphony let her know right away she was not sharing her alfalfa! There was another pile for Sera but after 4 meals she still had a hard time eating at her own pile, and with the space Symphony is expecting her to maintain.

Sera is used to bunching in a pack with the other babies when she is nervous or scared and to stand separate from them, is HARD. It makes her vulnerable and she doesn't like it!

Luckily for Sera, Symphony is a nice leader who will nip, and even lift a hind hoof if needed and only kicks or removes hide if someone else takes it to that level. Sera is already less reactive and able to look at me, and even follow me a bit.

Symphony is teaching her that

A You may not eat MY food.
B You may not run up my butt, nor do you push past me, because I am the leader!
C You can not have my mom! She is MY mom!
D Tarps are not to be feared! In fact they usually have food under them and should be examined very carefully.

Zoe is what I have always known as a black bay. (BLM calls her brown) She has a star, one hind sock and one front roan sock.. yes roan. (if you click on the picture it will open a larger version)

I have seen roans, and even roan flanks, I have watched horses gray, but I have never seen just a roan sock before. When Beth and I talked about her name, I asked her if there were any stars sporting long lace gloves these days.. (maybe thats how Star became part of Zoe's name.. )

Whats in a name?

2008-05-25T23:25:00.000-07:00

I have been neglecting these two a bit, but then they went from BLM in the middle of nowhere to my side yard. (On a corner so they are watching cars trucks, and the guy that is always pushing then leaving empty shopping carts on the corner. )

Many people came by to see our new baby Dandy, and took a peek at the yearlings too. Cameron, my young neighbor across the street (he is almost 5) came over with his mom. He is always visiting Symphony and who ever else is in the yard. We had to get tough about him looking before he crosses the street to visit though!

He was fascinated by the yearlings and they by him. Maybe they never saw a little person before but my filly was enthralled she was following him along the fence moving closer, until Cameron just reached out and touched her nose! She was surprised and pulled her head back but didn't bolt, she paused for a second (I could see her thinking) and then she laughed!

I made sure Cameron knew he was the first person to touch her, and asked him to help me decide her name.

I usually add something for their adoption day, but these girls won't be adopted until August, so I looked at her HMA (Jackson Mountian) and her capture date, September 11th?
That's a tall order! So you can maybe understand why this was so hard.

I was thinking at first she's Justa bay, so Justa whatever might work, but once I saw the date, Justa anything sounded wrong. I don't want to belittle the date with something trite, I wanted it to be respectful but not make her name TOO important.

Cameron says her name should be Sarah (his moms name is Sarah) So I named her Sera short for September Serenade. Beth named her filly Zoe Star.

The Mission Begins..

2008-05-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

12 hours from home finds Ingrid and I checking in to a hotel in Reno, and after 5 horizontal hours we are off again to fetch our little visitors.

It is a pleasant surprise to find Patti in the office, with the schedule the MHF folks have these next few weeks.. perhaps Patti was already nearby?

We get in line and wait, watch move forward, and then in what seems a blur 6 babies are in the trailer. I really only remember watching the last one load... (mine was first in the trailer, and I hadn't even made it out of my truck!)

3 bays, 2 reds, and a Black Bay, 3 Geldings, 3 Fillies...
The last baby was Sal's, it was almost a black, but after going half way into the chute at least 3 times, a cute bay gelding got tired of that and walked in himself.

10 hours on the road and we make it to Angi's. Despite rest stops the babies are too tired to be sorted and reloaded so we leave them to rest in he round pen for a day and sort and deliver them Saturday evening.