Alot To Do And No Time To Do It
With all the new horses settled in for the most part, and the existing herd slowly starting to find acceptance, we’ve had time to hit the ground running on our first annual Spookfest event.
Lining up vendors, setting up supplies, and getting everyone on the same page schedule-wise has been a chore. Not to mention, most of us have regular full-time jobs, children, and then there’s our training clients to schedule on top of that. The last week or so has been a juggling act, not for the faint of heart, to put it mildly. However, we are passionate and committed to our work at The Place, and we’ve found that even through some adversity, God has shown up for our team in a multitude of ways. We hope to be able to do this every year, for every holiday season, for years to come!
It’s also made it difficult to keep a training schedule with the horses. I’m probably about 6 months behind the young colt, Streaker, but he’s so laid back and accepting of our sessions that I don’t worry much about it, and I spend what time I can with him. We’ve decided to geld and keep him, and we’ve got high hopes for his future work life right here at home.
Our little hobbit pony, Dustin the paint, is just about the sweetest soul I’ve ever met. His ringbone makes it apparent that he’s lame, but he’s willing to be ridden, (at the walk only and with minimum weight), and acts like being out of the arena is a great adventure. He did have an incident with a trampoline last week, but I honestly don’t think he’s ever seen one, and the reaction was mild. He snorted a bit and lowered his head; sidestepping a few times, and then waited while I dismounted. We walked around the scary thing as I shook it and banged on it, and he calmed down quickly. With him quiet again, I remounted right next to the trampoline, and we continued without issue. We’ll have to be cautious of his workloads and times he’s allowed to work, but he genuinely seems to enjoy himself. I have no doubts he’ll enjoy his future life as a lesson pony for the children.
Sky, the big grey and white paint, and I have had some issues this past week. She seems to freeze and then unfreeze all throughout our sessions. She seems to have worked in a round pen before, but she also seems like she doesn’t know what to do, all at the same time. I can’t tell if she’s trying to figure it out, or she’s past the age of relearning it, either way, I’m going to need more time sorting her out.
The old grulla mustang, Violet, is surprisingly respectful and light on the ground. She lowers her head and flexes beautifully with minimal pressure. She’s a little sticky on the front end, but her hip yields are there. I haven’t done much more than that with her, other than get a saddle on her. She’s incredibly muzzle shy still, and until I get to know her better, I don’t want to push beyond her mental or emotional limits. I think she, too, may have some “holes” in her, (meaning, there are potholes, in an otherwise smooth road). She’s very watchful, snorts and blows a lot, and her brow always looks slightly creased in worry. So far, I don’t have any other physical proof that she’s not trustworthy, but anyone who knows horses knows that mustangs are a little different.
Neither mare is fond of getting her feet done, unfortunately for all our backs.
Clover, the little mini horse, has been a joy to work with. She’s calm, and very affectionate. She often muzzles your hair or your face and scoots closer and closer while being groomed. She doesn’t seem to know any groundwork at all, but she’s found a training buddy and teacher in the owner's daughter, Shawna. They make a good pair and have been patient and understanding with each other. I have a feeling she’s going to make a wonderful children's lesson pony right alongside Dustin.
Tobie still has barrel horse tendencies, but that’s to be expected. She may always fall into those habits on occasion, no matter what I teach her, and there’s not much left at this point.
Velvets progress is similar, and with little teaching to be done, we mostly practice what she knows. She’ll be our headless horseman's mount for our Spookfest event, and we’re all so excited to show her off.
Gibbs it seems now has a good idea the differences between being a pasture pet and having to work. You can guess which one he might prefer. He makes his opinions known and we managed to have a small rodeo recently. He’s a perfect gentleman when someone is holding a lead rope, but as far as independent rider work, he’s just too snarky about it. I’m still doing what I can, and I’m thinking outside of the box about things he might be able to do around The Place to earn his keep. He’s an excellent cookie-eater for instance.
That’s progress for now. We know that God is with us on all things we worry over, and considering how far He’s brought us; why sweat the smaller things?
