hay, this looks like supper

The weather in WI has finally cleared up, makes for gorgeous riding! We’ve been spending more time riding outside the pasture this week. The boys have done pretty well, including when separated. There are lots of buildings, machinery and different terrain to experience. They cut the hay, which allowed us to take in a much longer trail ride. I’ve never been on that part of Brad’s family farm. It was beautiful riding in that rolling field. Koda kept looking down as if to say, “hay, this looks like supper”! We passed a big buck, and saw a couple turkeys along the way. As long as we don’t run into the pack of coyotes I occasionally hear back in that general area, I’m good.

On our way back, I was glad Nemo and Brad were behind me when a car pulled into the farm and proceeded up the path until they saw us, and pulled over to wait for us to come down. I couldn’t see exactly where they were waiting. I thought they were still on the path, so I took the alternative route. I came around the building and crap; there wasn’t much room to pass between the vehicle, tall corn and equipment. When we got close Koda hesitated and took one step back - but there was Nemo. I cued again, and we walked through the scary stuff. I’m always glad to get a little help from a friend! Turns out it was our nephews in the vehicle. I’m sure they weren’t planning on running into us, and I’m glad I didn’t run into them - via air transport!

Yesterday did bring out some attitude from both boys. Koda’s water induced backing showed up when we headed down by the road. There are two big culverts where the water is supposed to go under the highway. They didn’t care about the giant culverts, but they sure didn’t like the mushy ground and standing water. Neither one would cross it. I chose not to get into a battle with the highway nearby, and turned around. We headed straight back to the pasture to work on crossing the larger puddles. I corrected the second backing episode. He did listen and cross, but the issue is clearly not gone. Earlier in our ride, Nemo gave Brad a crow hop type buck while maneuvering the end of a lope. That was a new one. Not sure what that was all about, but he didn’t do it again. We’ll see what fun tonight brings?!

transition home

It’s been a busy week since Koda & Nemo made the transition from Iron Horse, to home. They were in training a month longer then we had originally planned. It made such a huge difference, and was worth every penny. It allowed us to hone what we learned, and so much more. We feel fortunate that we were able to give our boys 120 days of incredible training and care. Let me tell you the training shows.

The transition home really couldn’t have gone any smoother; they eased right back into a familiar routine enhanced with riding. We brought them home last Sunday night, and started riding Monday. Much to my surprise they both did everything we asked. I was expecting some attitude, but neither one showed any. Instead, they really look forward to us riding them as much as we do. It’s a great feeling!!


















 

Koda's back home, still a curious hungry boy.



















 

Nemo's back home, and keeping track of everything.

We’ve had a couple very minor issues, such as the need to start tacking in the same area (for now) so it’s clear when it’s time to go to work. Not a surprise with the location change. We don’t have a barn or aisle mat for them to relate to what they are being asked. It quickly became a non-issue when we designated an area, they figured out when play time was over on day 1. We have since had a few high-headed moments, that quickly subside. I’m sure as we continue to ask more of them things will pop up. 
 

We haven’t finished our outdoor arena, so we’ve been riding in the pasture. Even if it was done, it would be too wet. As many of you know, WI has had a ton of daily (or better said nightly) hard rain – and we all know what that brings. Mud. We haven’t been able to fully work the boys like we would like to, it’s too slippery. Regardless, we miraculously got four rides in last week. A couple ended with sprinkles as we got into the truck to leave, which soon changed to heavy rains later in the evening. We’ve been doing the typical short lunge warm-up, progressive riding, and then started adding a short trail ride on the path where we used to walk. As we all know another thing rain unfortunately brings is mosquitoes; the nasty’s end one's desire to trail ride in a hurry.
I really miss Iron Horse, especially the camaraderie. But it's a trade-off, we love taking care of our boys and seeing them daily. Hoping to ride together sometime soon.


















 
Too hot, and slippery, to run and greet our humans.

The boys got the past weekend off between the rain, hockey tournament, and going to a grad party (3 down, one to go). Little time was left for anything more than feeding and hugs. Today however it's back to the new routine, and then we added barrels (walk/slow trot) – that was fun!!

our last training ride

We had a slice of perfect weather, with no rain, for our last training ride at Iron Horse. The outdoor arena was still too wet to ride in, so we rode in the field again. I’m glad Brad & Nemo got a chance to experience it. It’s very different from outdoor arena riding in that there are no rails or obstacles to guide the horses. They really need to listen to their rider, and watch their footing. What a fun and free feeling, trotting and loping among the swaying grass and pretty scenery!
We changed it up and took a short trail ride on Patty’s property, and then headed out to the road. Along the way we did a little puddle work with the horses. Koda did good, of course the size was no comparison to what we faced last week – but I don’t care I’m walking through all the puddles I can. Patty wanted to see the geese that chased after some of her other horses earlier in the day. We never did see them, just the gawking llamas. I’m thinking it’s a good thing we didn’t have a run in with the geese, occasional cars were whizzing by at an arms length. Why the dipsticks don’t slow down and move over is beyond me. The only thing that gave the horses concern was the big black spooky mailbox wrapped in some strange white material straps. I’m not sure if the straps were holding it together, or decorating it, but all three horses would have rather not been walking right next to it. Of course they didn’t have a choice, but it did raise some ears. The only big scoot came from Nemo. They all did better the second time around. We headed back to the field to ride around some more – and as usual, several hours had flown by having fun. It was time to head in. I’m reeeally going to miss Iron Horse…it won't be our last training ride there forever, just for now.

spotted surprize!

I entered a naming contest on Fern Valley's blog, and placed second. I had fun learning more about her beautiful appy's, and trying to name the spots. If you haven't already, check out her blog - it's one of my favorite reads.

I received the fun (sur) prize in the mail yesterday! We grabbed our mail on the fly, and I had to wait to open my package. The suspense was killing me. It had a rounded hard edge...was it a holder of sorts? nah, it wasn't heavy enough - then what could it be?? I soon found out.

It was an awesome hat, that actually fits my large noggin. I don't have many hats, cuz they never fit right. This one does. I now have my first Appaloosa apparel!! I don't have a lot of pink, but what I do have is treasured. My favorite t-shirt is "Tough Enough to Wear Pink", which will match nicely. My new hat is comfy and well made, I can already tell it too will become my favorite. I'll think of Fern Vally every time I wear it!

But wait, there is more! I also received a cowboy angel pin, complete with a saying, to put on my hat. I've never seen a cowboy angel before. I am a believer, and love the pin! Thank you Fern Valley for the wonderful gifts!!

See photos, and read angel saying below.