Kid and Rupert's New Home

Last Sunday, we moved Kid and Rupert to a new barn which is much closer to home. Our friend, Bethann, moved Big Red also. The horses have 40 acres to graze and run around on. The arena and round pen are very nice and I can't wait to ride in them.

The decision to move was a difficult one but barn drama and more importantly, horse weight issues ultimately made moving necessary. The horrible Texas drought has made forage in many places non-existent. The place we were boarding was no exception and the horses were losing weight rapidly. Our new place has been watering their pastures and it shows. The grass is green and apparently tasty. Kid was very clingy the first few days he was there but he is definitely over that now. I went to catch him yesterday and he was awful - pinned ears, walking away, etc. Didn't want to leave his grass.

Everyone we have met has been so nice and Lesley, the BO, has been so helpful. We can't wait to begin taking lessons again.



Saturday, we had blogging greatness visit us for new adventures with hooves. Details to come.

Absence makes the Heart grow fonder

I had seen Kid and Rupert twice since July 16 and yesterday made the third. I missed them so much but with working late or without days off, I just couldn't make it out to the barn.

We got there about 7:30 last night and not a horse was in sight. Since we didn't have time to ride, Steven went off to find the horses to see if they would follow him back to the trailer. As he approached where they were, Rupert came running up the hill to see him. Kid was nowhere to be found at that point, so Steven walked back to the trailer with Rupert right behind the entire way with no halter. Rupert was desperate for attention. Soon we will be able to see both he and Kid more.

After a while, Kid decided to join us. As I was loving on Rupert, I could see Kid walking across the pasture and head straight for me. He also let me hug and kiss on him. I turned to walk to the trailer to get his halter and Kid followed. He stood for the halter, he backed-up with verbal cues only, and basically, was absolutely wonderful. This was the horse that used to charge me in the pasture, the horse that bit me on the chest, and the horse that would not move when ridden. In our case, time and work paid off. I love both of them so much and I know Steven does too. He and Rupert have really bonded.

We move to a new barn next week which I think will be good for both horses. Kid is looking a bit thin and there is not much grass for them to eat let alone hay. I'll be so grateful to leave the drama behind which has totally ruined my barn time for the last year.

Horse Riding Anxiety

Today Steven and I rode in the pasture with friends. I worry constantly about how Steven is doing on Rupert and it is affecting my riding. I was so proud that as soon as I was physically able, I got back on a horse. I've done trail rides and play days but riding and practicing in the pasture makes me a basket case. I need to get back in the round pen as soon as we get ours back and then hit the arena to practice loping. Also, I've got to lose weight. I've put on a few and it also hurts my riding.

Fort Worth Stock Show Parade

Saturday, Bethann and I rode in the Fort Worth Stock Show Parade. The weather was in the 40s and drizzling but we stuck it out. I've been nervous for weeks but it turned out to be lots of fun. The hill up to the courthouse was not as bad as I expected but I am soooo glad they sanded it.

I can't believe how good Kid and Voodoo were during the parade. The noise from the marching bands and the crowds didn't see to bother them at all. It was easy to get caught up in the atmosphere and before I knew it, I was relaxed and waving at people. One elderly man pointed at my helmet and nodded which made me very happy.

Fort Worth is such a great place to live.

Big Blue Trailer Time

Rupert spent some quality time tied to the Big Blue Trailer this evening (Kid is the big bay in the picture of the Big Blue Trailer). He was absolutely wonderful and didn't even attempt to pull back. Before training, he always pulled back. I sat in a chair and watched him for about 45 minutes and he barely moved.

While Rupert was being patient, Kid and I worked on ground tying out in the open. He was also a very good pony. After a bit, I gave Kid a hug and he actually returned it. He curved his head around the back of my head and pressed for about 3 seconds. It was so sweet.

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.