Checking In and Scotty Update

Long time no post!

Between work and school, lately, I have just not had the time to write anything other than papers on Greek Civilization. (You really don't want to know...) 

But I miss you guys!

So I thought I'd take a few minutes to update you all on my life.

First, Scotty is doing great! I am officially in love with the guy. He just cracks me up! The other day he was behaving so insanely hilarious because there was a new horse in the feild next to his. He galloped circles around the pasture for a solid 10 minutes! And let's admit it, those short little legs are so stinking cute. He's got the most adorable short stride ever. Like I said, it makes me laugh.

I've also taught him to free lunge in a round pen, and we've started ground driving him. He doing a great job with it! I think he's pretty smart and a fast learner. I've also started desensitizing him to the pony cart. So far it hasn't bothered him in the slightest! I can't wait until I can drive him! 

Secondly, my trainer has offered to sell me my favorite lesson horse. Do you recall the rescued OTTB that I wrote about a few months ago? That'd be the one. I love his story so much, and I strongly believe he needs to share that story with the world. Its something I am really considering. The downside is the fact that I am a poor college student, and he is solidly out of my price range. Something to think about though... But I really doubt I can make it happen.

Well, hope all of my blogging friends are doing well. Hopefully I'll have some time to check in with you again soon!

Until then!

Happy Trails.

Scotty the Pony!

Meet Scotty!

The new pony seems to be settling in well. He's so little and adorable! He is very sensitive and I think rather intelligent. We decided to get a miniature because we want to try out driving. We've even bought a pony cart! I also wanted another horse to keep Lady company. So far we really like him! I think he is a sweetheart! I am really excited about training him to pull a cart. He's only four, so he's kind of like my first training project! I am literally starting off small! 

Meet Our Newest Addition!

Meet the new addition to the farm! He's a four year old miniature horse gelding!

Hobo the Retired Rescued Racehorse

I got to ride my new favorite horse this past Tuesday! I got to ride a racehorse! Okay, his last race was 13 years ago... But still! It totally counts!

This is Hobo a 17 year old OTTB gelding that my trainer rescued from the kill pen.

The kill pen.

Look at him. Should this horse be in the kill pen?

His crime? Nada. He was used in a college equestrian program. Because of that he is extremely well trained. His canter cues are gorgeous. Yet for some unknown reason this particular college did not retire him properly. And come one guys its not like that would have been hard. Sure, he's 17. But his is beautifully trained and still completely ride able! So why didn't the college take a few extra days to re-home him (and his buddy) properly? I don't know. There are obviously some idiots running that program, because he and another older thoroughbred were auctioned off to the kill buyer. My trainer found just in time. They were about to be shipped down south when she heard of them and knew they didn't deserve that. Hobo came through the whole ordeal pretty well considering. He was only a little under weight. But the other horse Okie is extremely emaciated, and is having trouble gaining weight despite their best efforts.

Why would someone do that to these beautifully trained horses? Okie even used to be an upper level dressage horse! And they both raced back in the day. They are not lame. They weren't sick until treated badly. 

Horses like this should not be in the kill pen. 

They served people so well throughout their lives. They deserve to be treated with respect and dignity in their later years.

Please retire your golden oldies responsibly. 

Gone But Never Forgotten

Its been a little over a year since I said goodbye to Mya. I still miss her a lot. But I am happy because I know that I made her last few years the best they possibly could have been. She was always a happy horse! I've yet to meet a horse that has her gentle and sweet yet spunky spirit. She was one of a kind! I could not have asked for a better first horse.

 Even though she is now gone, she will never be forgotten. 

She has forever placed a hoof-print on my heart. 

Rescue Horse to Lesson Horse

In my two previous lessons I got to ride a new horse named Boomer. He is a rescued thoroughbred gelding. One of the things I love about my new barn is how the owner likes to bring in rescues and the typical underdog horses. And some of them, like Boomer, have turned out to be really great lesson horses!

I also got to jump for the first time on him!!

The Joy of Sharing Pony

There is something really fulfilling about being able to introduce someone to horses. Since horses are such unique animals, there is really nothing quite like watching someone experience a horse for the first time.

My new sister-in-law was up at my place a few days ago. I was about to go out and groom Lady and tend to her feet, so I asked her if she'd like to come out and help me. My sister-in-law has had next to no previous experiences with horses so it was a lot of fun to tell her about Lady.

I started out by giving her the generic safety instructions. (Don't do anything sudden, don't walk in there blind spots with them not knowing, etc.) And then since she is so artistic and enjoys that sort of thing, I showed her how to brush out Lady's mane and tail. Which she seemed to get into, and Lady looks so much more lady-like now with her hair all silky smooth.

After that I showed her how to pick out Lady's feet, and I was impressed at how quickly she picked that up! (Pun intended. haha) Lady was perfect with her and immediately let her mess around her hooves. Then I brought out the hoof oil and let my sister-in-law paint her hooves with it. I don't know about you, but I thinking painting hooves is rather fun. It could just be that the stuff smells like bacon though... (Anyone else use Rain Maker who also thinks it smells interesting?)

Then we ended with her giving Lady a treat (which the pony greatly appreciated), some fly-spray, and I showed her how to untie Lady's halter and take it off. In the end I think she really enjoyed being around my horse, and I think Lady might even have liked her a little...

There is definitely something magical about being around horses.

No one can deny that!

And then I fed pony for the evening, cause she would never let me forget that...