Change in Attitude

Christmas afternoon, Steven and I went out to the barn to watch Rupert get set free after his dinner (didn't happen since it was still to muddy for the ass kicking to safely take place) and were waiting in the truck until Christina came. Kid was across the parking area over by the 4 horses of the apocalypse and actually recognized my truck! He walked all the way over to my driver's side window and stuck his face in when I rolled the window down. I was soooo happy. If I arrive and he is in his paddock, he comes over to the side nearest my truck and waits. This is such a far cry from the horse that was trying to run me down this time last year.

Rupert has been calling for Kid when he goes out after meals. I think they really missed each other. The mud should be mostly gone and Rupert can safely go out with the other horses today - I hope!

Rupert is home!

Rupert came home from the trainer's on Wednesday. Kid and Rupert were so happy to see each other. I thought it was great that you can actually tell when a horse is happy to see another horse.

Ever since Rupert left in October he has seemed pissed off on the times I have seen him. The trainer has confirmed that Rupert is very stubborn and impatient. I know he is glad to be home but the training will continue for his own good.

Yesterday, we worked on ground tying. First, I had Rupert's rope halter on and then decided to change to the woven halter and the stud chain. I got the halter on and when I reached for the stud chain, Rupert took off down the aisle to the round pen area. Right off the bat I did a bad thing - I didn't try to catch him. I was by myself and did not feel comfortable catching a horse whose mission was to run around. I would call to Rupert periodically and finally he just walked over to me. I put the stud chain on him and led him back to the barn.

To practice ground-tying, we stood together but every time he took a step without permission, he got a loud "No!" from me and then I made him go backwards the length of the barn. We would then walk back to the front and stand some more. After about 30 minutes, it was time for the other horses to come in for dinner so I put him back in his stall.

We will continue working on being a patient pony including "big blue trailer time". The BO has a huge, 6-horse gooseneck trailer that weighs a bazillion tons and is great for horses who pull back because they can't pull it over. Rupert doesn't pull back when he is tied with other horses just when he is alone. He is very herd-bound.

Rupert has been in his stall since Wednesday and probably will go out on Christmas Day. The BO wanted him to stay in to give him time to re-acclimate to the other horses who can greet him over his paddock rail. I told John we were just prolonging the ass-kicking to which he told me we were just making sure the ass-kicking wasn't going to be as bad.

Trail Ride!

Kid and I went on a trail ride with people from our barn and had a great time. Kid and Mr. Butters wanted to head back to the barn right off the bat, but we just circled them 2 or 3 times and headed for the bridge. Both crossed with no problem.

The wind was really gusting which spooks Kid a little but he soon got over it. Every time the horse behind him moved to his left or right, Kid would pin his hears and try to turn around which resulted in me kicking him and saying "quit it!" in my best displeased-mommy voice.

We rode for about an hour which was about all my butt could stand. While we were waiting for the gate to the bridge to be closed, Kid through a fit complete with head tossing which drives me nuts. Our next thing to work on is standing patiently.

Kid is afraid of the round pen

I rode Kid in the round pen this afternoon for about 15 minutes. He has always been afraid of certain area/objects surrounding/in the pen including trailers, buckets, woods and pylons. I was able to keep him moving in the directions I wanted despite a big, sideways jump/spook as we passed a white 2-horse trailer. I lost my right stirrup but stayed in the saddle with no problem.

We actually trotted a bit which has made the tailbone hurt a bit, but that is getting better as time passes. His ears were in constant motion most of the ride which meant I was on constant alert for the spooks. I still felt relaxed but would have been interested to see if I looked relaxed.

Trail ride is planned for Sunday afternoon and I can't wait. This will be the longest ride since I started riding again after the fall. Woo hoo!

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for my family, friends, dogs, cats, and horses! I fly home from Virginia this afternoon and we will be headed straight to the barn to see Kid. I need some horsey kisses bad. No offense to Ares-pony, but you are not mine.

Saturday we are going to see Rupert and maybe ride him. He will be in training through the end of the year. I can't wait!

Getting on a Horse

I previously mentioned that I need to work on getting on a horse without someone holding the reins. A friend of mine got dragged by her horse this week because he does not stand when she gets on him (she's ok). Not good at all.

Kid stands 95% of the time. My goal now is 100%. I shouldn't expect less and will not settle. We always use a block when I get on because:

1. Chiropractor recommended it
2. I'm too big to get on him without it
3. Kid is too tall for my short legs

When we are done riding and get to the vicinity of the barn/block, I tell Kid to go to the "big, pink block" and he walks to it and circles around so I can get off. While we still might need to make adjustments, overall he has the concept down.

All of this being said, my friend was outside with no block at hand. I think she had knocked a barrel over so had to get off to right it. Note to self: Don't knock over barrels and/or poles. Easier said than done, I know.

All in all, I don't feel I should have to settle for bad manners from my horse. It is best for me and for him if he knows how to behave.

Why I Fell Off Rupert

After my visit to the cardiologist, we determined I fell off Rupert because I blacked-out due to low blood pressure. Go figure. Medication has been changed and hopefully problem solved. We will now venture forth!

I was checking my list of stuff to work on with Kid and we can now knock "riding like a car with frame damage" off the list. It looks like I've been hitting him with my spurs causing him to do exactly what I unknowingly ask him to do.

Today on http://wildponybeast.blogspot.com/, it has been decided to put Denali down. I have been following this blog for a long time now and even though I don't know the writer, my heart aches for her.