Fluffy Fat Pony

Look how fluffy! He is literally the fattest little fluffy horse I have ever seen in my life. Just. So. Cute. I. Can't. 

So I tried something new with Scott yesterday! I eventually want him to be able to give pony rides to little kids. So I decided to start desensitizing him to that. But I do not own a saddle small enough to fit him, so I came up with my own "saddle". I found this girth that was small enough and that worked really well. And that on his back would be a fleece shipping wrap. Hey, it worked perfectly as a saddle pad! And Then I tied baling twine to the girth to tie it. Might not look pretty, but it worked. Proud of myself for MacGyver-ing it. And it didn't bother him in the slightest. I think he'll make the perfect little kids pony.

Searching for a new horse...

I am on the hunt for a horse. I haven't had a horse that was truly mine since Mya. I think I am finally ready to once again have a horse I can call my own. So the search is on! I am looking for something young and athletic. I would love to gentle my own horse and train for english riding. Perhaps it is a little ambitious. But I really want to learn to start young horses. And. Well. How can I learn if I don't give it a try! So we shall see...

In the meantime, I have a full day planned for Scott tomorrow! He has done so well up to this point,, and I think its time to add something new. I think I'm going to start getting him used to the driving harness tomorrow, and probably work on some more ground driving at the same time. He is already pretty used to being around the cart, so I think we are getting close to being able to hook him up to it! Not quite there, but close.

The one thing I hate about this time of year is how they get burrs in their manes every single day.
Maybe they do it one purpose. The vain little thing wants me to brush his hair every day...

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.