What a week it's been! The " when you have a minute, Ryan" tasks all came to a head. I refer to him as "favorite son"......he made the mistake of complaining his parents liked his younger, sports oriented brother better. That was over a decade ago....the name sticks...he is also called the anti rider....
Truck brakes are done, trailer is being serviced as I type, lights are getting checked, later we pull the dividers and finish packing horse gear etc...Steven is busy with his plasma cutter and welder: fashioning gates to replace the electic fence tape that was formerly used to keep leaners off the pvc etc.
The pet sitting at home is covered, bags are packed and miscellaneous errands and details are being attended to. It's been a crazy, crazy week....who's had time for work? Our once upon a time work ethic is a thing of the past for now.
I even washed the trailer for the princess. What horse would want to arrive in a trailer covered in winter green? I couldn't find the car was brush and substitued a soft push broom......which was interesting. All the while cursing Steven for parking so close to the edge of the woods.
Those of you that have washed a horse trailer tangled in thorns and a choke cherry tree with a long handled broom, with a winterized and kinked hose will know what I mean. Sure, I know there are many of you, admit it.
Just a few more details, like work in the morning, and will be on our way. Crossing hooves that all goes well with the mechanics tonite.....It's so nice to have great friends, and I wonder just how we will repay them...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Moment Of Truth
After Sage was safely back at her hay, Steven Robin and I sat down at the table just outside the barn.
Very thoughtfully, Steven said: I would like to go ahead and fill out the paperwork.
Insert here, I am skipping around in my brain....good move, dude......
The ever prepared Steven had brought with him a filled in adoption form for purposes of accurately stating the measurements of fences, gates, stall size, and head clearances which Robin inserted into a new form. He is one of those prepared kind of people.....I warned Robin that completing the paperwork may take some time as Steven needs to read e v e r y t h i n g....which is a good thing, and he took the teasing very well. With all the paperwork necessary and the BLM check filled in Steven's adoption of Sage is officially pending. We are to return on May 2nd, with the trailer, to get his final stamp of approval and bring Sage home.
The very long ride home ( we hit NYC traffic and 1 accident causing tie ups)was used to form strategies and my reading outloud the informational information that Robin had written and given Steven a copy.....He's got plans for Sage.....But for now, there's some prep work to be done so we will be rolling out for NJ on Friday afternoon and then meeting up at the barn at 7 am on Saturday, May2....Adoption Day!
Very thoughtfully, Steven said: I would like to go ahead and fill out the paperwork.
Insert here, I am skipping around in my brain....good move, dude......
The ever prepared Steven had brought with him a filled in adoption form for purposes of accurately stating the measurements of fences, gates, stall size, and head clearances which Robin inserted into a new form. He is one of those prepared kind of people.....I warned Robin that completing the paperwork may take some time as Steven needs to read e v e r y t h i n g....which is a good thing, and he took the teasing very well. With all the paperwork necessary and the BLM check filled in Steven's adoption of Sage is officially pending. We are to return on May 2nd, with the trailer, to get his final stamp of approval and bring Sage home.
The very long ride home ( we hit NYC traffic and 1 accident causing tie ups)was used to form strategies and my reading outloud the informational information that Robin had written and given Steven a copy.....He's got plans for Sage.....But for now, there's some prep work to be done so we will be rolling out for NJ on Friday afternoon and then meeting up at the barn at 7 am on Saturday, May2....Adoption Day!
Will She or Won't She
Sage had been trailered successfully many times, but, recently had become a bit balky. Robin said it was because she had been moved to different locations and was not liking it! We decided to load Sage into Robin's stock trailer. This time I was handed the camera while she and Steven loaded Sage.
She walked right up to the trailer.....and stopped. it took several minutes, in which time the memory stick on the camera was filled. I abandoned the camera and went to observe.
It took some inspiration to get her in, but she did it, standing calmly inside once she entered. Some butt smacking, offering treats and company in the form of Steven in the trailer did the trick. Robin then backed her out to repeat the performance: she loaded, with much less anxiety. We closed the door, leaving her loose inside the front section and started the truck. Off to the gas station!
She rode very well over to fuel up. I didn't notice much in the way of horse movement at all. We returned to the barn, and offloaded Sage, walking out this time, one more reload with no effort and the relesson was complete: she trailers great!
She walked right up to the trailer.....and stopped. it took several minutes, in which time the memory stick on the camera was filled. I abandoned the camera and went to observe.
It took some inspiration to get her in, but she did it, standing calmly inside once she entered. Some butt smacking, offering treats and company in the form of Steven in the trailer did the trick. Robin then backed her out to repeat the performance: she loaded, with much less anxiety. We closed the door, leaving her loose inside the front section and started the truck. Off to the gas station!
She rode very well over to fuel up. I didn't notice much in the way of horse movement at all. We returned to the barn, and offloaded Sage, walking out this time, one more reload with no effort and the relesson was complete: she trailers great!
Preview For Steven
Robin brought Little Sage into the barn. Though she was 3 years old, she looked small to me. I would guess not even 14 hands. She was perfectly well mannered and calm. Brushing, feet, mane, tail: exactly as big Sage was: accepting and calm. Robin used the same Abetta Trail saddle I had used the day before, complete with the nylon saddle bags tied neatly to the front. It took us a bit to find a girth snort enought to get a good fit, and yet longer for some adjustments. The entire time Little Sage stood quietly, eagerly looking forward to going to work.
She accepted the bit with very little difficulty and was not at all put out when it needed repeating as the headstall was a bit large for her. Robin got herself ready with helmet and vest. Steven had never seen a vest like that, and had all the appropriate questions about it. I grabbed the step stool and Steven had the video camera ready and we all proceeded to the round pen for a demo of a first ride.
Robin took her time with Little Sage. Had her side passing and bending for quite some time, all the while Steven was standing on the step stool just outside the roundpen with the video camera pointed at Little Sage and Robin. Later, in the video, you could hear him asking Skye, who was very busy checking out her new toy on the step stool, to stop bothering him. She is no fool. She knew what was going on and she very well knew that the nailing apron I was wearing was full of yummy horse treats. She was going no where.....
Little Sage was very obviously enjoying her session, and appeared comfortable and confident with everything that Robin was asking of her on the lead line. She then attached the reins and used them, with body pressure of her own ribs to simulate a riders leg and asked Little Sage to bend, give and turn. Each little success was met with lots of praise and a treat for a job well done.....and it was time for a rider.
I held the longeline while Robin took the step stool into the round pen with her, placed it next to a very patient and accepting Little Sage. She put body weight on her at first, with no reaction. I was impressed. For such a young inexperienced horse that has never had a rider, she was amazingly unconcerned, she knew all this....now all that was to be learned today was to accept the human on her back...everything else was old hat. It was very clear.
Robin slowly settled onto Little Sage. Her ears moved around a bit, and she stayed still, and earned the appropriate praise. Robin asked to to move forward....ears moved, but she was still. Eventually she moved forward, walking around the roundpen, not quite sure what to make of all this new stuff, but happy with the praise and treats she would receive when asked to stop and to move. It was actually a really touching moment, she was confident and comfortable and I am sure Robin gave herself a well deserved pat on the back for a job well done, and if not: she should have.
I smiled at Steven, and told him that's what it should be like...I hope you watched closely....
Back in the barn, untacking, I saw what Robin had said to be true. They like to work. Little Sage was in no great hurry to be returned to her buddies and the hay in her paddock. She was just as happy standing in the barn with her human friends....
We had one more lesson, actually a relesson for Steven's Sage that day.....
She accepted the bit with very little difficulty and was not at all put out when it needed repeating as the headstall was a bit large for her. Robin got herself ready with helmet and vest. Steven had never seen a vest like that, and had all the appropriate questions about it. I grabbed the step stool and Steven had the video camera ready and we all proceeded to the round pen for a demo of a first ride.
Robin took her time with Little Sage. Had her side passing and bending for quite some time, all the while Steven was standing on the step stool just outside the roundpen with the video camera pointed at Little Sage and Robin. Later, in the video, you could hear him asking Skye, who was very busy checking out her new toy on the step stool, to stop bothering him. She is no fool. She knew what was going on and she very well knew that the nailing apron I was wearing was full of yummy horse treats. She was going no where.....
Little Sage was very obviously enjoying her session, and appeared comfortable and confident with everything that Robin was asking of her on the lead line. She then attached the reins and used them, with body pressure of her own ribs to simulate a riders leg and asked Little Sage to bend, give and turn. Each little success was met with lots of praise and a treat for a job well done.....and it was time for a rider.
I held the longeline while Robin took the step stool into the round pen with her, placed it next to a very patient and accepting Little Sage. She put body weight on her at first, with no reaction. I was impressed. For such a young inexperienced horse that has never had a rider, she was amazingly unconcerned, she knew all this....now all that was to be learned today was to accept the human on her back...everything else was old hat. It was very clear.
Robin slowly settled onto Little Sage. Her ears moved around a bit, and she stayed still, and earned the appropriate praise. Robin asked to to move forward....ears moved, but she was still. Eventually she moved forward, walking around the roundpen, not quite sure what to make of all this new stuff, but happy with the praise and treats she would receive when asked to stop and to move. It was actually a really touching moment, she was confident and comfortable and I am sure Robin gave herself a well deserved pat on the back for a job well done, and if not: she should have.
I smiled at Steven, and told him that's what it should be like...I hope you watched closely....
Back in the barn, untacking, I saw what Robin had said to be true. They like to work. Little Sage was in no great hurry to be returned to her buddies and the hay in her paddock. She was just as happy standing in the barn with her human friends....
We had one more lesson, actually a relesson for Steven's Sage that day.....
Can She Measure Up?
After a good night's sleep and checkout, we headed back to the barn, directed by Jill, after locating a Dunkin Donuts for coffee and a dozen to share with Robin and the herd.
He FINALLY asked me what I thought......and I told him this story. When I went to see a buckskin that I had been seeking for a few months, 4+ hours from home, it came up lame in the round pen. I was very disappointed and nearly left, but a worker at the barn convinced me to walk the aisles and look at what else they had. I saw this big white blaze and great big eyed horse looking at me....Cute. Can I see him? Out came a very pretty blanketed appy, 4 years old....about as far from buckskin as I could get. He was saddled, ridden by the employee. Good. I tried him. Good. My (then) husband rode him. Good. I still couldn't make up my mind. I asked my husband: "What do you think". His reply put the registration papers in my hand. He said " I think you are crazy to say no".
I looked Steven dead in the eye and said: I don't think you could ever ask for a better disposition and if her finished size is sufficient, you'd be crazy to say no! especially with a relatively low cost and a return policy. He just nodded. I was 99% sure, he was hooked.
Back at the barn, after sharing, via Steven, my favorite donut: French Cruller,with Sage, I asked for a measuring tape, in hands of course, to start my research. I asked Robin about the 'new' kind of measuring I had discovered on line the day before. First Steven and then I noticed on the day before that the cannon bone seemed shorter on a mustang than on a 'regular' horse, but the forearm seemed longer. She had explained at the time that is typical and partly for that reason the 'new' measurement may or may not be accurate.
My rational mind told me to measure the adult mares to see what sort of impact the 'new' measurement had on their actual adult height. So off I go to the big paddock to visit and measure the 2 adult mares. They stood stone still, only Skye was even remotely interested in this white tape blowing around us. She craned her neck around, and kept herself amused playing with my hair and cell phone case while I measured. Doing the math from hands to inches then back to hands and then measuring the horse in hands, told me that the 'new' measurement showed the horse to be slightly shorter than she actually was! I repeated this ritual with Reno, who cared much more about her breakfast than anything else, with the same results. Later, I found out, that this measuring routine had been caught on video by Steven.
Armed with that information, I headed off to the barn to tell Robin what I had discovered, she was not surprised and went to get Sage from her paddock for one more session with the measuring....Her projected height is 15.2-15-3 hands: perfect.
We then retrieved " Little Sage" from her paddock and prepared her for her first real ride.......
He FINALLY asked me what I thought......and I told him this story. When I went to see a buckskin that I had been seeking for a few months, 4+ hours from home, it came up lame in the round pen. I was very disappointed and nearly left, but a worker at the barn convinced me to walk the aisles and look at what else they had. I saw this big white blaze and great big eyed horse looking at me....Cute. Can I see him? Out came a very pretty blanketed appy, 4 years old....about as far from buckskin as I could get. He was saddled, ridden by the employee. Good. I tried him. Good. My (then) husband rode him. Good. I still couldn't make up my mind. I asked my husband: "What do you think". His reply put the registration papers in my hand. He said " I think you are crazy to say no".
I looked Steven dead in the eye and said: I don't think you could ever ask for a better disposition and if her finished size is sufficient, you'd be crazy to say no! especially with a relatively low cost and a return policy. He just nodded. I was 99% sure, he was hooked.
Back at the barn, after sharing, via Steven, my favorite donut: French Cruller,with Sage, I asked for a measuring tape, in hands of course, to start my research. I asked Robin about the 'new' kind of measuring I had discovered on line the day before. First Steven and then I noticed on the day before that the cannon bone seemed shorter on a mustang than on a 'regular' horse, but the forearm seemed longer. She had explained at the time that is typical and partly for that reason the 'new' measurement may or may not be accurate.
My rational mind told me to measure the adult mares to see what sort of impact the 'new' measurement had on their actual adult height. So off I go to the big paddock to visit and measure the 2 adult mares. They stood stone still, only Skye was even remotely interested in this white tape blowing around us. She craned her neck around, and kept herself amused playing with my hair and cell phone case while I measured. Doing the math from hands to inches then back to hands and then measuring the horse in hands, told me that the 'new' measurement showed the horse to be slightly shorter than she actually was! I repeated this ritual with Reno, who cared much more about her breakfast than anything else, with the same results. Later, I found out, that this measuring routine had been caught on video by Steven.
Armed with that information, I headed off to the barn to tell Robin what I had discovered, she was not surprised and went to get Sage from her paddock for one more session with the measuring....Her projected height is 15.2-15-3 hands: perfect.
We then retrieved " Little Sage" from her paddock and prepared her for her first real ride.......
Sometimes: Size Can Be An Issue
After a cooling homebrew, and a snoring Steven, armed with my TMobile 24 hour internet pass for just $ 6.99, I set to work. I had one issue with Sage and her possible adoption: Size.
I was surprised, when I first saw the fillies in the paddock with Sage, of their small size. Anywhere from 1 to 3 years old, they more closely resembled 10-24 month old foals, in my limited knowledge of equine babies. I had learned quite some time ago, reading over Steven's shoulder on the laptop on a BLM adoption page, that mustangs are trypically not large animals. We both noticed that larger mustangs seemed to be from the California bands. Later Robin said that while it is true that some bands tend to be taller, it really did not have anything to do geographics.
When Steven had initially spoken to Robin on the phone, she had explained a method of measuring a horse at any age that will reveal the final height. Not fully understanding the terminology, he was unable to relay it to me....otherwise I am quite sure I would have run out into the back yard and started measuring my guys....
I was surprised, when I first saw the fillies in the paddock with Sage, of their small size. Anywhere from 1 to 3 years old, they more closely resembled 10-24 month old foals, in my limited knowledge of equine babies. I had learned quite some time ago, reading over Steven's shoulder on the laptop on a BLM adoption page, that mustangs are trypically not large animals. We both noticed that larger mustangs seemed to be from the California bands. Later Robin said that while it is true that some bands tend to be taller, it really did not have anything to do geographics.
When Steven had initially spoken to Robin on the phone, she had explained a method of measuring a horse at any age that will reveal the final height. Not fully understanding the terminology, he was unable to relay it to me....otherwise I am quite sure I would have run out into the back yard and started measuring my guys....
When we measured Sage earlier in the day, using a lead rope and tracing the length from ergot to elbow, flipping the end up to the withers area, the rope said she would have 2-3 inches of growth to go. Yes! Good news! We then, of course, approached Skye and Reno: the 2 fully grown mustang mares. They were so patient. With no lead and only a flymask to hold, we measured them both. The measurement was spot on.
When the subject of size first came up after we arrived, Robin explained that often mustangs do not meet their full height until the age around 7 years old. In my reading that afternoon, that is exactly what I read, on multiple sites: mature at 4 to 7 years old. Good news, but why?
Jumping from pane to pane on the laptop, some mustang pages, some not, it occurred to me that growth spurts come at different times, and can actually be manipulated by feed, specifically: protein. However, a horse will not surpass it's genetic marker. That information I stored neatly in my mind, I proceeded to equinesite.com's bulletin board. The BB is one of my favorite horse boards for information, and there I posted a question. How to tell a young horse's finished height.
I had a few people tell me that if she is 5 years old, that is about as large as she would be. A few offered a method of measuring from the coronary band ( hair/hoof line) to the middle of the knee, then translate the inches to hands. There! At least I had another tool.
I woke Steven up at 6, we contacted Robin and left to meet she and Mike at the barn to go get some dinner. We followed our new horse friends to a restaurant that had teriffic atmosphere and very good food! I don't think I ever knew the name of the place, or I have just completely forgotten, but we had a wonderful time chatting about everything under the sun. Both Steven and I noticed that they knew nearly everyone that came in the place.....I felt like we were dining with local celebrities. You gotta love that small town flavor.
Over dinner, Robin asked if we were going to be around much the next day: Monday. We had no great plans to rush home, we wanted to spend a bit more time with Sage anyway. Robin explained she wanted to put the first ride on who she called " Little Sage", a 3 year old that had already been adopted but was at the barn for training. Mike would be at work and she explained she would like to have some horse people around. Of course we said yes!
Left the restaurant around 10 or so, back to the hotel, Steven crashed.....and I read, just a little bit more.......
FDI's: Fears, Doubts and Insecurities...
After arriving back at ahe barn, we untacked Skye and Reno, adorned all 3 horses with fly masks and returned them to their paddocks. Robin, for at least the 3rd time, delivered hay to all the feeders. Everyone looked happy, munching away. We noticed that in Sage's paddock, when a horse would lie down in the sun to snooze, another would stand nearby: standing watch. We observed this several times. Impressive.
There is a cool room at the barn which we retreated to for a donut and to chat a bit more about Sage. We had seen her records, which even included some teeth! Robin filled in some blanks regarding her history, previous adoptions and reasons for her returning. All were prefectly reasonable and I was again satisfied that it was not a behaviour issue which sparked the failed adoptions. But I had one more nagging doubt.
Steven had a couple doubts. He can't help but compare to what he knows of horses: mine. One of his concerns was that Sage, being so quiet and compliant, would not be able to 'turn it on', 'whoop it up' etc, as many of our rides are rather, um, er, quick? Robin explained that the mustangs are capable of many disciplines and will rise to the occasion when asked. She told of her personal experience with her own mustangs. I found that to be especially helpful. To ride one that was so quiet would naturally make one think that they were deadheads. We knew better: when we'd asked Skye to trot, she was quite willing, and I believe Steven even got her to lope ( or canter, if you must) without much effort. He likened Sage to be more like a Dazzle ( steady eddie who knows who is on him and acts accordingly) than a Caly ( very light on his feet and has a quick trigger, a bit zany and unpredictable)or Casino ( had an on switch that is always on: rode like a kite on a string). Although Steven adores Dazzle, and gets a lot out of him, he does enjoy a good challenge.
Although Robin described the abilities of a mustang very well, I just had to put my 2cents in. I explained to Steven that he has to remember that these horses are being trained and gentled for a good foundation. I added that most people are looking for a Dazzle, not a Casino or a Caly. It was a much better idea to have a quiet horse that can turn it on when asked than one that is high as a kite and can't settle down. Robin elaborated and explained about the importance of training at all speeds. Steven understood, and I could feel the hesitance waning.
Having been up since 3 am and a 5 hour drive, not to mention a very hot sunny day, we decided to go find the hotel and get a nap in before dinner. It was about 4:30pm, we had been there 7 hours, and we had learned and experienced so much, it was time to reflect and discuss the day's events. We left with a promise to phone Robin when we were done resting and meet up for dinner. The last thing we did before leaving was to see Sage. I grabbed a glazed donut, one of her favorite treats, breaking it up into pieces for Steven to feed her. This time, even without the bait of a donut, she came right to him when he entered the pen.
On the ride to the hotel we jabbered about Sage. How quiet she is, how pretty, how calm and compliant. The possibility of her being of the proper mindset and physical capability that Steven wanted, whether she would get along ok with the 2 geldings at my house, etc, the conversation interrupted intermittently by Jill, the bitch in the box, demanding that we turn.....with only 1 missed turn ( NJ has some funny laws about turning) and a "recalculating" admoishment, we arrived.
Steven got us checked in, we hauled our stuff upstairs, using the elevator as we were fading fast. I went and got some ice to cool off a couple home brews we'd brought along and then just one more trip to the office.....for an internet card. I had some research to do.
There is a cool room at the barn which we retreated to for a donut and to chat a bit more about Sage. We had seen her records, which even included some teeth! Robin filled in some blanks regarding her history, previous adoptions and reasons for her returning. All were prefectly reasonable and I was again satisfied that it was not a behaviour issue which sparked the failed adoptions. But I had one more nagging doubt.
Steven had a couple doubts. He can't help but compare to what he knows of horses: mine. One of his concerns was that Sage, being so quiet and compliant, would not be able to 'turn it on', 'whoop it up' etc, as many of our rides are rather, um, er, quick? Robin explained that the mustangs are capable of many disciplines and will rise to the occasion when asked. She told of her personal experience with her own mustangs. I found that to be especially helpful. To ride one that was so quiet would naturally make one think that they were deadheads. We knew better: when we'd asked Skye to trot, she was quite willing, and I believe Steven even got her to lope ( or canter, if you must) without much effort. He likened Sage to be more like a Dazzle ( steady eddie who knows who is on him and acts accordingly) than a Caly ( very light on his feet and has a quick trigger, a bit zany and unpredictable)or Casino ( had an on switch that is always on: rode like a kite on a string). Although Steven adores Dazzle, and gets a lot out of him, he does enjoy a good challenge.
Although Robin described the abilities of a mustang very well, I just had to put my 2cents in. I explained to Steven that he has to remember that these horses are being trained and gentled for a good foundation. I added that most people are looking for a Dazzle, not a Casino or a Caly. It was a much better idea to have a quiet horse that can turn it on when asked than one that is high as a kite and can't settle down. Robin elaborated and explained about the importance of training at all speeds. Steven understood, and I could feel the hesitance waning.
Having been up since 3 am and a 5 hour drive, not to mention a very hot sunny day, we decided to go find the hotel and get a nap in before dinner. It was about 4:30pm, we had been there 7 hours, and we had learned and experienced so much, it was time to reflect and discuss the day's events. We left with a promise to phone Robin when we were done resting and meet up for dinner. The last thing we did before leaving was to see Sage. I grabbed a glazed donut, one of her favorite treats, breaking it up into pieces for Steven to feed her. This time, even without the bait of a donut, she came right to him when he entered the pen.
On the ride to the hotel we jabbered about Sage. How quiet she is, how pretty, how calm and compliant. The possibility of her being of the proper mindset and physical capability that Steven wanted, whether she would get along ok with the 2 geldings at my house, etc, the conversation interrupted intermittently by Jill, the bitch in the box, demanding that we turn.....with only 1 missed turn ( NJ has some funny laws about turning) and a "recalculating" admoishment, we arrived.
Steven got us checked in, we hauled our stuff upstairs, using the elevator as we were fading fast. I went and got some ice to cool off a couple home brews we'd brought along and then just one more trip to the office.....for an internet card. I had some research to do.
Steven and Sage's First Outing
When the 3 of us had finished the necessary barn chores, Robin's husband, Mike arrived. Ready to start his day at the farm: seeding the pastures. After the introductions and more discussion about Sage, who we learned was a favorite of Mike's, Robin again retrieved Sage from her paddock, and handed the leadrope to Steven so he could walk her around the farm. He was more than willing, and so was Sage.
When they reached the edge of the sand where it met the blacktop, Sage reacted. Oh my, she seemed to say, what is this? After a brief inspection and a 'walk on' from Steven, she obliged. He led her around for a bit, letting her stop to graze occasionally which she seemed to enjoy.
Robin offered to saddle up Skye for me so I could ride my first mustang, and Steven could pony Sage alongside. Cool! I thought, this will be fun. Robin suggested going down the street a bit and described the entrance to a park, across the street. She explained the rules of the park, which included helmets are a must. I am not a helmet wearing rider, but when in Rome.....I was game.
Apparently Mike knew that finding the correct trail may present a challenge to us, not being at all familiar with the area. He suggested Robin saddle up Reno, her first mustang: a buckskin as well, in her 20's and looked pretty darn good! She balked, had work to do.....but we ganged up on her and she relented. After passing Skye to me, fully tacked, she went to retrieve Reno.
I was thankful to see that the saddle she put on for me was an endurance Abetta. For someone who is comfortable racing around barrels and weaving poles at high speeds, the thought of an english saddle makes me nervous...this was good. I adjusted the helmet she handed me, placed it on my head, we both mounted and headed down the driveway for the road. Steven leading Sage behind us. It was then Robin told us: This was her first real outing.
Sage walked down the edge of the road completely uneventfully. Eyes bright and moving along nicely, even whe cars whizzed by, no reaction. My mother's eye, the one in the back of my head, kept watch from the saddle. Is she for real? I asked myself. Into a small path, well hidden by thorny shrubs, we wove, then entered a large grassy field. Skye was a very compliant mount, and I noted how well behaved she was amidst all that very green grass.....my guys would be tugging on the bit to get their heads free to graze.
We entered a nice trail leading into the woods where it was much cooler. It was exceptionally warm those two days for Mid April in New Jersey. Steven led Sage, who remained cool and calm, even when Robin and I broke out into a brisk trot. She had told me that mustangs, due to the short back are quite smooth.....I didn't think so. I mentioned it to her and she said to just wait til they warm up. Even with some distance between the saddled horses and Sage, she was being a good girl, no tugging or pulling, just a normal inquisitiveness as to her new surroundings and a couple whinnies. Steven asked her to trot to catch up, she obliged. So far, so good.
After a bit, I suggested to Steven that we swap places, I would walk and he could ride. While Robin and I were adjusting stirrups there was a rustle from Sage and Steven. She'd spun around and put a lead rope's distance between them, and was facing him, alerted, but not panic stricken. He reassured her, and they came back together. Apparently, he'd touched the end of the rope near the rear of her body and she was not sure what was coming to get her. She recovered very quickly, Steven mounted Skye after adjusting the brain bucket, and we were off.
I noticed that Sage was attentive to my speed. Never pulling me, never lagging behind. I adjusted my pace often, and she was consistent: good! Since we left the barn we'd passed walkers, bikers, cars, dogs, cut outs of dogs that Robin explained were an effort to keep the geese off the fields. All with no reaction. She was relatively unflappable: a testament to the ground training and exposure that Robin had apparently worked very hard to achieve. Good job, I thought.
I asked Sage to trot a bit, she hesitated and then broke into a nice easy jog, consistently and carefully matching my speed. We resumed our walk and I observed Steven on Syke. A bit too tall for her which was exaggerated by the height of the helmet. This was my growing concern about Sage and Steven, Sage is 5 and about 14.3 to 15 hands high. I made mental note to myself that I would ask about age and growth rate of mustangs.
I only had one instance of a bubble in her steadiness. An adult on a small yellow bicycle passed us, coming towards us. She was a bit startled, but I was surprised that instead of flight she chose to duck in behind me, not on me, but just behind. Could this be budding trust? I reassurred her with my voice and she once again, without fanfare, fell into step beside to me.
After exiting the shady trail and heading back to the barn, Steven and I again switched places. Robin suggested, that since all else was going so well and Sage seemed happy and relaxed, we try for another first. She wanted to pony Sage. I swung up onto Skye to watch after donning the brain bucket and adjusting the stirrup length. Steven passed the lead rope to Robin. Walk on she cued, and Reno started forward. Sage stood still, the lead getting straighter an Robin repeating: "Sage, walk on".......Sage walked. We all smiled....and gave her the appropriate praise that she well deserved....Good girl!
We continued for a short time, stopping in the field for a job well done grazing reward, and back to the barn with no issues. Steven and I had ridden a mustang for the very first time, no one died and Sage proved herself, to me, to be a very good candidate for Steven's first horse.
When they reached the edge of the sand where it met the blacktop, Sage reacted. Oh my, she seemed to say, what is this? After a brief inspection and a 'walk on' from Steven, she obliged. He led her around for a bit, letting her stop to graze occasionally which she seemed to enjoy.
Robin offered to saddle up Skye for me so I could ride my first mustang, and Steven could pony Sage alongside. Cool! I thought, this will be fun. Robin suggested going down the street a bit and described the entrance to a park, across the street. She explained the rules of the park, which included helmets are a must. I am not a helmet wearing rider, but when in Rome.....I was game.
Apparently Mike knew that finding the correct trail may present a challenge to us, not being at all familiar with the area. He suggested Robin saddle up Reno, her first mustang: a buckskin as well, in her 20's and looked pretty darn good! She balked, had work to do.....but we ganged up on her and she relented. After passing Skye to me, fully tacked, she went to retrieve Reno.
I was thankful to see that the saddle she put on for me was an endurance Abetta. For someone who is comfortable racing around barrels and weaving poles at high speeds, the thought of an english saddle makes me nervous...this was good. I adjusted the helmet she handed me, placed it on my head, we both mounted and headed down the driveway for the road. Steven leading Sage behind us. It was then Robin told us: This was her first real outing.
Sage walked down the edge of the road completely uneventfully. Eyes bright and moving along nicely, even whe cars whizzed by, no reaction. My mother's eye, the one in the back of my head, kept watch from the saddle. Is she for real? I asked myself. Into a small path, well hidden by thorny shrubs, we wove, then entered a large grassy field. Skye was a very compliant mount, and I noted how well behaved she was amidst all that very green grass.....my guys would be tugging on the bit to get their heads free to graze.
We entered a nice trail leading into the woods where it was much cooler. It was exceptionally warm those two days for Mid April in New Jersey. Steven led Sage, who remained cool and calm, even when Robin and I broke out into a brisk trot. She had told me that mustangs, due to the short back are quite smooth.....I didn't think so. I mentioned it to her and she said to just wait til they warm up. Even with some distance between the saddled horses and Sage, she was being a good girl, no tugging or pulling, just a normal inquisitiveness as to her new surroundings and a couple whinnies. Steven asked her to trot to catch up, she obliged. So far, so good.
After a bit, I suggested to Steven that we swap places, I would walk and he could ride. While Robin and I were adjusting stirrups there was a rustle from Sage and Steven. She'd spun around and put a lead rope's distance between them, and was facing him, alerted, but not panic stricken. He reassured her, and they came back together. Apparently, he'd touched the end of the rope near the rear of her body and she was not sure what was coming to get her. She recovered very quickly, Steven mounted Skye after adjusting the brain bucket, and we were off.
I noticed that Sage was attentive to my speed. Never pulling me, never lagging behind. I adjusted my pace often, and she was consistent: good! Since we left the barn we'd passed walkers, bikers, cars, dogs, cut outs of dogs that Robin explained were an effort to keep the geese off the fields. All with no reaction. She was relatively unflappable: a testament to the ground training and exposure that Robin had apparently worked very hard to achieve. Good job, I thought.
I asked Sage to trot a bit, she hesitated and then broke into a nice easy jog, consistently and carefully matching my speed. We resumed our walk and I observed Steven on Syke. A bit too tall for her which was exaggerated by the height of the helmet. This was my growing concern about Sage and Steven, Sage is 5 and about 14.3 to 15 hands high. I made mental note to myself that I would ask about age and growth rate of mustangs.
I only had one instance of a bubble in her steadiness. An adult on a small yellow bicycle passed us, coming towards us. She was a bit startled, but I was surprised that instead of flight she chose to duck in behind me, not on me, but just behind. Could this be budding trust? I reassurred her with my voice and she once again, without fanfare, fell into step beside to me.
After exiting the shady trail and heading back to the barn, Steven and I again switched places. Robin suggested, that since all else was going so well and Sage seemed happy and relaxed, we try for another first. She wanted to pony Sage. I swung up onto Skye to watch after donning the brain bucket and adjusting the stirrup length. Steven passed the lead rope to Robin. Walk on she cued, and Reno started forward. Sage stood still, the lead getting straighter an Robin repeating: "Sage, walk on".......Sage walked. We all smiled....and gave her the appropriate praise that she well deserved....Good girl!
We continued for a short time, stopping in the field for a job well done grazing reward, and back to the barn with no issues. Steven and I had ridden a mustang for the very first time, no one died and Sage proved herself, to me, to be a very good candidate for Steven's first horse.
First Impressions Count
Steven entered the pen to meet Sage for the first time. Most of them were gathered around the hay feeder, still working on the mornings breakfast, unconcerned about the new people standing at the gate. They were all very aware we were there. Some quietly just watched us, and one smaller filly approached, stopping several feet from the fenceline. Eyes bright and expectant looking. These are 'wild' horses, I thought? Neither of us knew what to expect upon his entering a paddock of 'wild' horses. Afterall, most of the reading we had done on various websites led us both to believe that they were really, truly wild. Wild to the degree that a trailer delivering your mustang must back up to a chute or gate as you would not be able to lead your new friend out.....we were prepared for a scattering of the foals....
There was a parting of the sea of horses, but it was brief. Sage turned to look at him, she looked inquisitive, and only slightly unsure about this new guy approaching her: hand extended, softly speaking to her, saying her name. He has a normally quiet voice. She took a step towards him, poking her nose out for a sniff, and let him touch her. Her body condition was as Robin had described. A little bit ribby, her mane, tail and coat were in good condition. She was clean, except for the smearing of ointment, administered by Robin after a bath, on various little bite marks. The souveniers from her former pasturemates. Having previously had a horse with weight issues, and being used to viewing an undermuscled horse, she didn't look bad at all by comparison. It struck me that it would be very difficult to have the ability to envision what she could look like, fat and muscled, had we not seen photos from the previous summer and had less experience with horses, in an auction or adoption day setting. I was thankful we had made the effort to take the trip to meet her prior to the actual adoption day.
Within a minute or so, the rest of the young horses approached Steven. They were looking for a scratch, a rub, and a treat. They were so friendly! A couple times, Sage, being the elder, sent one away from Steven and herself. No dramatics, just a friendly go away look from her face. We were pleasantly surprised! I entetered the paddock, smirking to myself. I recall thinking how nice and loving it was of me to send this relatively new horse person into a paddock of wild horses.....by himself. Sort of like some kind of bait.
Robin came in as well and we had a long discussion, standing amongst happy little horses, that wanted nothing more than attention. Steven was unconcerned, and continued to pet and touch Sage, and the others, while we all talked.
Sage has some really neat markings. Her mane looks like it was frosted, lighter hairs on top of darker ones. She is a buckskin, what I had been looking for when I bought my Appaloosa, who I kiddingly refer to as an Appa Loser. She has a very small fetlock, just covering her poll, and a long dark tail. {{THANKS ROBIN: for letting me know I said "fetlock" and not forlock, indeed: a fetlock in the middle of her head would certainly be a major conformational flaw! LOL }} Her body color was similar to my red dun's at home, and she has a beautiful dorsal stripe. She has 2 white forefeet, and white hairs extend up the back in light feathers, striking. Her front hooves are striped, uh oh, appy trait I warned Steven, he turned and gave me little smirk: that is a good thing in Steven's eyes. We noticed the bars: the zebraish darks stripes near her knees: way cool! And of course: her freeze brand.
Still not completely legible due to remnants of her winter coat. Sage looks like what one should look like in my mind. Her face has a slight bow to it, some may call it a Roman Nose, I wouldn't: it's a noble feature in my eyes. The shape of her head reminded me of Durango: the mexican trained ranch horse Steven rode out in New Mexico at a working cattle ranch, The Double E Ranch, where we vacationed just over a year ago. Now he was some horse, knew his job and was the horse of choice for the ranch hands if they had an absolutely must do job. That kind of dependancy carried Sage in my mind as dependable and noble, yep, based on nose alone....
Sage's feet were slightly concerning. Her forefeet showed signs of a small crack, and evidence she had spent a good deal of time in some mud, her hinds looked better.They were due for a trim, which Robin told us was scheduled for the following week, a few days before the actual adoption day. All in all: she passed inspection with me, and I was just busting waiting for Steven to ask me of my first impression. This was Steven's gig....I had to keep reminding myself that it was ultimately his decision. It was a struggle to keep my thought to myself and reserve comment until he asked or had a question for me. It was torturous, I am not one to stay quiet, so I kept thinking of questions for Robin who obviously knew Sage well and was very clear with her answers, even when Steven and I barraged her at the same time.
When we'd made this date to meet Sage, I had offered slave barn labor to Robin. It seems, no matter where Steven and I go, we both have this personality flaw that we need to be helpful. Afterall, here we are in NJ with absolutely nothing to do, except hang out with Sage and the mustangs and learn as much as we could in a little bit of time. We helped Robin with cleaning the paddocks, Steven took the long walk to empty the wheelbarrow at the designated location. We filled waterbuckets and got a really good look at all the mustangs in the process. Robin brought Sage into the barn. She had told me via email that she tied and crosstied, and she sure did, like a trooper.
......
In the crossties, Robin demonstrated how Sage was taught, as they all are in her care, to pick up the feet. She simply touched the hoof and said: "foot". That was it, and very impressively the hoof was lifted and presented for cleaning. She took the time to explain how useful that technique is for her with her history of endurance riding. It would be ( and is) annoying that everytime you touch a leg, a hoof comes up. Made absolute sense to us both.
We more closely examined her freezebrand, and Robin explained the basics of how to read them. It's a whole new language, but we get the jist of it. Next came the brushing. had I not known she was a mustang, I would had thought she was just another horse: completely uneventful. Robin was all over her with a brush, even standing behind, and later, on a step stool up above her: no theatrics. Then the saddle. Robin had told us that Sage has accepted a saddle before, and has had a body laid over her, but no one on her. She stood quite still for the saddling and the girth, to her, was unconcerning. Lastly, the bridle. Sage lowered her head and accepted the bit like a veteran. She started to wiggle a bit forward and back in the crossties. I watched her body position and was surprised and pleased to see what Robin had told us about her: she has great work ethic. Her entire body position was one of readiness. She stood square, eyes bright and calm, but expectant. Her chest was out and her rear legs postured as if she was asking to go out and work in her new clothes. She was quite a picture of readiness, and I couldn't keep my mouth shut: " wow, she is ready to work!"
Robin leaned up on her from the stepstool. No reaction, the body stance was still one of eagerness, willingness, and calm....very, very calm. Very impressive. After all the fuss of what a good girl she was from all 3 of us, and the appropriate treats, the tack was removed and she went back to her paddock to enjoy more hay. I was very, very pleased, and Steven was smiling
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Going to the Barn.....
The trip to NJ was uneventful, tho there was great potential for waywardness in taking flatlander Cape Codders off the sandbar. Jill, the bitch in the box voice of the GPS, kept us in line...even with her smarmy 're~calculating' announcement at every pit stop. We arrived at the farm to meet Robin about 9:30. There were horses in nearly every corral, where was Sage? Our eyes scanned the pens hoping we would recognize her. Robin had warned us that Sage had not fared well at her wintering barn. She was thin and had been bitten a bit by her pasture mates: geldings, I was told, that she tried to seduce. We spotted Robin, already hard at work with muck rake in hand and wheelbarrow near the barn entrance. We introduced ourselves and Robin brought us up to speed with the barn inhabitants and their individual stories. Bear with me as many of the details are lost in my brain, but there were 2 adult mustang mares and 1 mustang gelding in a large paddock at the right edge of the property. The 2 mares, Skye and Reno, belong to Robin and the gelding was an adoptee that Robin was training. His name was Gus, and he was fearful of nearly everything. Later, I nicknamed him Guts. He is one of Robin's current challenges.
There was a 'baby' in the training pen. Little mud pods on her side. Robin called her " Mocha". She is another of Robin's challenges. She has a bit of an aggression issue when told no, so the mud pods will have to wait til a more compliant day. She looked fat and happy, and only slightly aloof. ( edited: 05/24/09: She is now gentled and adoptable!)
The larger pen on the left of the barn property was next to explore. In it were a group of babies of various colors, some sporting flymasks, which Steven was a bit confused about their purpose. I later learned that they were all mares, 1-3 years old, and there was one more horse, a taller mare: Sage.
There was a 'baby' in the training pen. Little mud pods on her side. Robin called her " Mocha". She is another of Robin's challenges. She has a bit of an aggression issue when told no, so the mud pods will have to wait til a more compliant day. She looked fat and happy, and only slightly aloof. ( edited: 05/24/09: She is now gentled and adoptable!)
The larger pen on the left of the barn property was next to explore. In it were a group of babies of various colors, some sporting flymasks, which Steven was a bit confused about their purpose. I later learned that they were all mares, 1-3 years old, and there was one more horse, a taller mare: Sage.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Finding Sage....
It was a couple years ago that Steven accompanied me for the first time to Equine Affaire in West Springfield Ma. For a horse person, this is a 'must attend' annual event as it an information and shopping mecca like no other for an equine enthusiast. It is also comforting to be amongst others with the same fetish.
I wonder if he knew what he was in for when he started dating me. Non horse people need to understand why it is that we horse people are often referred to as wierd. We can't help it....it's an addiction, and I can't truthfully say that I know any of us that desires a cure. It is infectious, and I am definietly a carrier....and I wouldn't want it any other way.
Steven saw the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) exhibit in the Stroh Building. The Stroh Building's contents represent a vast number of breed promoters, clubs, associations, farm bureaus and it's there you can find information about nearly any breed, or association group that you can think of.
I recall he was fascinated by the plight of the Mustang and what our government is doing to reduce herd numbers. I remember practically dragging him away after a good chunk of time had passed, and the word 'mustang' sprung from his lips often. I knew he was hooked, and it was just a matter of time.
Back at my home, I have a 3 stall barn housing 3 geldings, I called them " the Boyz". Steven, a former near workaholic, was relatively easy to convince that he needed to leave work early to go for a ride. I had warned him early in our relationship that I would destroy his stellar work ethic..... We have had so many equine adventures, both from home and on various showing events: whether couty fair or Hunter Pace....we did it all.
Thru all of this, it was quite common to have various discussion about mustangs: where the adoptions were being held, dates for on line auctions, requirements for containment and stabling of mustangs. Consideration was given to how much work would it take to construct a shelter at his house for a Mustang. I think I recall that he even registered on line so he could view the horses up for adoption on a particular date.
After the passing of one of the Boyz, Casino: an older palomino that was a bit of a nut, and a favorite mount of Steven's, came the resurgence of the word "mustang". I must admit, I fueled the fire by sending an inquiry to someone posting about a "Special Adoption of Gentled Mustangs" in New Jersey. I had inquired about where to find pictures of those horses that would be offered for adoption and the exact location of the event.
http://uswhba.org/ricks_mustang_adoption
I picked 2 horses from the page: a gelding and a mare....
The poster from the Bulletin Board, Kim, put me in contact with the President of the organization, Robin, who replied to my query. There was 1 mare that may work for Steven. Of course, being a equinesick person, and wanting to spread the affliction, I forwarded the info to Steven via email. First I sent the adoption info with pictures, a suggestion to pay particular attention to Sage, and then, nearly immediately, a mapquest link showing the location....only 5 hours from home.
I didn't hear anything from him immediately, and to tell you the truth, was a bit disappointed. The questions started that evening...Should I? Do you think I can? Do you think it's a good idea?
Silly Steven....of course all the answers were yes....How else would I spread my addicition than to get him fully involved, and I did afterall, send him the information. It's the horseperson's equivalent of building a fire: paper, twigs, and kindling....and then handing him the match and the gasoline!
Multiple emails and phone conversations with Robin later, the date was set, the Jeep was clean, the alarm clock set for 3 am......and we went to New Jersey....to meet Sage.
I wonder if he knew what he was in for when he started dating me. Non horse people need to understand why it is that we horse people are often referred to as wierd. We can't help it....it's an addiction, and I can't truthfully say that I know any of us that desires a cure. It is infectious, and I am definietly a carrier....and I wouldn't want it any other way.
Steven saw the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) exhibit in the Stroh Building. The Stroh Building's contents represent a vast number of breed promoters, clubs, associations, farm bureaus and it's there you can find information about nearly any breed, or association group that you can think of.
I recall he was fascinated by the plight of the Mustang and what our government is doing to reduce herd numbers. I remember practically dragging him away after a good chunk of time had passed, and the word 'mustang' sprung from his lips often. I knew he was hooked, and it was just a matter of time.
Back at my home, I have a 3 stall barn housing 3 geldings, I called them " the Boyz". Steven, a former near workaholic, was relatively easy to convince that he needed to leave work early to go for a ride. I had warned him early in our relationship that I would destroy his stellar work ethic..... We have had so many equine adventures, both from home and on various showing events: whether couty fair or Hunter Pace....we did it all.
Thru all of this, it was quite common to have various discussion about mustangs: where the adoptions were being held, dates for on line auctions, requirements for containment and stabling of mustangs. Consideration was given to how much work would it take to construct a shelter at his house for a Mustang. I think I recall that he even registered on line so he could view the horses up for adoption on a particular date.
After the passing of one of the Boyz, Casino: an older palomino that was a bit of a nut, and a favorite mount of Steven's, came the resurgence of the word "mustang". I must admit, I fueled the fire by sending an inquiry to someone posting about a "Special Adoption of Gentled Mustangs" in New Jersey. I had inquired about where to find pictures of those horses that would be offered for adoption and the exact location of the event.
http://uswhba.org/ricks_mustang_adoption
I picked 2 horses from the page: a gelding and a mare....
The poster from the Bulletin Board, Kim, put me in contact with the President of the organization, Robin, who replied to my query. There was 1 mare that may work for Steven. Of course, being a equinesick person, and wanting to spread the affliction, I forwarded the info to Steven via email. First I sent the adoption info with pictures, a suggestion to pay particular attention to Sage, and then, nearly immediately, a mapquest link showing the location....only 5 hours from home.
I didn't hear anything from him immediately, and to tell you the truth, was a bit disappointed. The questions started that evening...Should I? Do you think I can? Do you think it's a good idea?
Silly Steven....of course all the answers were yes....How else would I spread my addicition than to get him fully involved, and I did afterall, send him the information. It's the horseperson's equivalent of building a fire: paper, twigs, and kindling....and then handing him the match and the gasoline!
Multiple emails and phone conversations with Robin later, the date was set, the Jeep was clean, the alarm clock set for 3 am......and we went to New Jersey....to meet Sage.
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