Rainy Day!

It has been pretty wet around here the past few days. I thought the mustang might like a dryer spot in the barn with the other horses. So, we put a halter on and walked right out of his pen into the rain and to the other barn. It wasn't very far but it was loud from the rain. He took a few looks around and a long pause before casually walking into the stall. He sniffed his new neighbors and went about checking out the stall. He acted like it was no big deal. Yesterday when the rain was coming down in buckets, he was a little more cautious. It is so loud when the rain hits the aluminum roof! Again, he made sure to pause and check things out before walking into the rain. We headed for the indoor arena. He has been walking all around the 1200 acre property pretty nice. There were even a few people in the indoor who commented on how great he was doing.

Thanks!

I wanted to post a blog for everyone that has helped me along the way:

Andy thank you so much for helping me on this project, a lot of long hours have been put in and you have been right by my side the whole time!

Janna of Black Sterling Frisians has allowed me the privilege to work with some of the "finest horse flesh in the country". I have found a home here helping to train the sale horses in dressage, saddle seat, and driving. You are an amazing rider to watch in the ring! I have learned so much from working with you. I know where I am going for my next friesian: www.blacksterlingfriesians.com

Jenny, my trainer back in Michigan who has been "phone counseling" me over any issues that I need to work out. She has always been by my side, even if we are quite a ways away!

Aspen, my blog stalker! If it weren't for you I would have no following (or tack!) Thank you for telling me I am not crazy to do this project!

Also many thanks to Robert and Patricia who trailered, Laura for borrowing your saddle ( I plan on returning it in 1 piece!), my parents for not calling me crazy, and you, for reading this crazy story as it unfolds. Come back real soon, I think this boy is going to be worth following to the finals!

February 21st

He has officially been here for over 1 week and come a loooong way! Last I posted he was just starting to leave the pen. We have blocked his "aisle" so he has a limited amount of space to use when he does leave. Lots of hard work and hours have been put in to desensitize him. Yesterday he walked the whole length of the aisle, past horses, trees, open pens, and trees. No butt rope anymore for this boy, he just takes it all in. Sometimes he stops to think for a second and then walk on again. I have never seen such a smart mustang. I hoof picked both front feet with ease and the backs are coming along too. The saddle and bridle have been on and off without issues. I do need to get a smaller bridle for him before I start the lunging work though. Here he is today for the first time in the round pen and taking a stroll around the property!

Elvis has left the building...

Well, sort of. He did leave his pen today! It was an exciting day. Using the butt rope to guide/encourage him he made a successful walk around the pen 10 times each direction and then we casually walked right out and into the aisle. For the most part, he was great. Now it's just practice, practice, practice!

Happy Valentines Day!!

Day 3 was awesome. After reviewing everything from the last 2 days, I introduced leading with a butt rope. With some practice, he got the hang of it pretty quick. He also tried on a few different hats, and played with a saddle pad. It smelled like horse, so he was pretty curious. He is willing to do just about anything for a chin scratching!

Day 2

What a day. Started the morning using the lunge whip to start rubbing and continued on until I was standing right next to him. He turned to see what was going on. From there, it was curiosity and a laid back attitude about people. I was able to interact with him, brush him, pet his head, use the whip to touch his body from his pole to his feet. And on top of it, it was a beautiful sunny day! Hope tomorrow is just as nice!

Day 1

Well, he got here around 2:30pm today and had a nice quiet trailer ride from the Litchfield, CA corral. He walked off the trailer into his pen and sniffed around. We could tell right away this guy is a sweetheart! Between 2:30-6pm we were able to walk around the pen, move him on both sides, and he even took a nibble of hay from me at the end! I hope you like the pictures, I can't wait until we can brush him and get that mud off! Enjoy, Olly

Peanut in Tahoe

Just thought I would share a picture of Peanut playing in Tahoe. Pretty cute huh?