Any horse people on here?

[MouseMagic]

Since such a large part of my life involves horses I was just curious to see if we had any horse lovers amid the Disney lovers....

I'm an instructor here in MA and I have one horse of my own and train a foster horse for New England Equine Rescues.


Best,
Dora

[glypnirsgirl]

Hi Dora - I no longer train horses - but I did for many years when younger. I trained Tennessee Walkers. My own personal horse was a quarter horse. I had the horse from 12 until I went off to college. My granddad.bred Tennessee Walkers and each summer he would send me two to train. At the end of the summer I would send then back. I did this until I graduated from college and got a full time job. One of my cousin's daughters still trains horse - but she trains cutting horses, not walkers.

The walkers were so elegant. Their stride was so comfortable. I could ride all day!

Elaine

[Rozzie]

Another horse person here. I don't have any horses now, but had 3, all QH's. I did almost everything, from Halter/Pleasure to Barrel Racing to Eventing/Dressage over the years. I still ride for pleasure when I can. There is nothing like riding, total release from the world around you. :beatinghe

That is great you are doing rescue work. I really have my heart set on rescuing a Premarin foal one of these days.

[MouseMagic]

:clappingh Hello fellow equestrians....

Elaine, I had a TW back when I ran camp programs as a summer job in college (what I did until and after the Disney summer job)... Allie was a blast to ride...you could go all day on that horse on a trail and not have a sore muscle any place. Very level headed also.

Rozzie, I'm mostly dressage now, though I touch on hunters when schooling a young horse at unrated shows and have some students who event....back in 4H I used to have a QH/Morgan I showed in WP and Reining.....but I know what you are talking about with the total release... we had this beautiful, perfect sunny morning on Sunday so myself and two other women headed out into the state forest... I was on my mare (3 yr old draft cross) for her first ride out and it was the perfect release from life to canter along on her, listen to the pine needles crunch and enjoy the spring.

I think my mare might have been a premarin baby... she was a kill pen rescue at 1.5 yrs old (Another Chance 4 Horses rescued her) and she wasn't halter broke so we think she was premarin or amish. But you should do it some day, the rescue, it is a rewarding project and I find it a good deal of fun also :D

Sadly I have a 'real' job so I only teach on weekends and can only handle one or two training rides a week.

What can I say...horses and Mickey make my day!

Dora

[cheyenne]

Since such a large part of my life involves horses I was just curious to see if we had any horse lovers amid the Disney lovers....

I'm an instructor here in MA and I have one horse of my own and train a foster horse for New England Equine Rescues.


Best,
Dora

Hi Dora. Just joined this forum after a very active thread I was involved in was exiled from the Disboard :mad: Also, a horse person & also in MA. My name on the other board was horselover, but decided to have a fresh start on this board. New name is Cheyenne (my horse's name of course!) :dancingba He's a 9 y.o. Solid Paint Gelding. Does not look or move like a Paint though, more like a TB. People don't believe me when I tell them he's all paint. They're convinced he's got appendix in there somewhere, but not according to his papers. Training him for dressage, maybe a little light jumping, but that's really not my thing anymore. Glad to see there are other horse enthusiasts that also love Disney! :jumpingbe

[MouseMagic]

Hi Cheyenne

Welcome! Funny that you're in MA.... Its a Small World (all bad pun intended!).

Great weather finally right? Headed out on my mare this afternoon and it was perfect trail weather. I figure we're not going to have too many more non-buggy days to get out and about and my mare (Cenere or "Chichi", usually called Chi) needs more out of the ring miles.

Our trail partner was a lovely (also green) mare who happens to be a paint but she is chromed out. I was proud of our greenies...kept their head on the road and everything.

When I started this thread I figured I could find other horse people who could understand WHY I would want to stop in and the Double D rance at Ft. Wilderness JUST for a few deep breaths :D

Best,
Dora

[greenban]

Where's Rash, he's a horse person, of course!

-Tony

[Rozzie]

Oh it's not a trip unless we hang out at least a hour at the horse barn at FW. :beatinghe

[MouseMagic]

Cheyenne.... cute avatar...... mind if I copy (well not yours but I have a cute Chi avatar I use on the horse sites sometimes)

Tony...tell Rash to get over here!

Rozzie....I've booked the HDDR just to make sure I have a rock solid excuse for some horse time :D

My mother likes to remind me that I used to drive her insane about going to the MK and insisting on spending every second they would let me with the trolley horses and then refusing to wash my hands so I wouldn't have to get rid of the smell.

I promise I'm not nuts... no....really :innocent:

Dora

[cheyenne]

Cheyenne.... cute avatar...... mind if I copy (well not yours but I have a cute Chi avatar I use on the horse sites sometimes)

Tony...tell Rash to get over here!

Rozzie....I've booked the HDDR just to make sure I have a rock solid excuse for some horse time :D

My mother likes to remind me that I used to drive her insane about going to the MK and insisting on spending every second they would let me with the trolley horses and then refusing to wash my hands so I wouldn't have to get rid of the smell.

I promise I'm not nuts... no....really :innocent:

Dora

Thanks for the compliment on my guy. I do think he's quite handsome if I say so myself! :D

We stayed at the WL on our last trip & shared the bus with FW. Everytime we went to pick-up there I'd get all excited to see the horses. My kids thought I was nuts. They kept saying you can see horses at home anytime you want! :upsidedow Didn't matter to me.

[mkhurley]

Only of the Iron breed...... :)

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeo1xmz/2007Ultra.jpg

[MouseMagic]

Okay I don't know much about the iorn horse...but WOW...that is one heck of a ride.

Probably cheaper to feed also :D

Dora

[greenban]

Okay I don't know much about the iorn horse...but WOW...that is one heck of a ride.

Probably cheaper to feed also :D

Dora

Ditto, sweet ride, dude, er man, I mean SIR!!!!

-Tony

[mkhurley]

Okay I don't know much about the iorn horse...but WOW...that is one heck of a ride.

Probably cheaper to feed also :D

Dora

Not sure how the price of gas these days compares to feed....but I'm bettin it's pretty close. ;) Thanks....

[mkhurley]

Ditto, sweet ride, dude, er man, I mean SIR!!!!

-Tony

Sir??? My Dad past away years ago..... Thanks....

[greenban]

Sir??? My Dad past away years ago..... Thanks....

Sorry about your dad.....

However, from your Username, is your bike

A Hurley Davidson?

At the Magic Kingdom, i.e. MKHurley>>>>>??????


-Tony

[mkhurley]

Sorry about your dad.....

However, from your Username, is your bike

A Hurley Davidson?

At the Magic Kingdom, i.e. MKHurley>>>>>??????


-Tony

Almost didn't catch the MK part, but yes it is a Hurley Davidson.......it's been as close to MK as the BWV Parking Lot...

[MouseMagic]

Wonder if they'd let me park mine there..... :beaniepro

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/spiritus01/Chichi/Favorite_pic.jpg

[greenban]

Wonder if they'd let me park mine there..... :beaniepro

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/spiritus01/Chichi/Favorite_pic.jpg

Now that is another sharp looking ride.

One question, where does the gas go?

-Tony

[MouseMagic]

Oh Tony....

This is a gas OUT model only.

After the roughage she enjoys several times a day...... :thumbsup:

Rather economical in theory during this economy...great gas milage but the 1 horse engine has limited pick up.


Dora

[mkhurley]

Wonder if they'd let me park mine there..... :beaniepro

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/spiritus01/Chichi/Favorite_pic.jpg

Well if they won't I have a friend near by in Groveland, FL with a few empty stalls in her stable......

[MouseMagic]

See...proof of how helpful this board is....

DVC information....

And support for my OCD love of horses....

Because of here I could put them both together (trip to WDW AND still see my horse daily).

Now if I could only get the spouse to see the sheer genius of this. :slyasafox

Dora

[cheyenne]

:laughing:Oh Tony....

This is a gas OUT model only.

After the roughage she enjoys several times a day...... :thumbsup:

Rather economical in theory during this economy...great gas milage but the 1 horse engine has limited pick up.


Dora


I love the t-shirt of the feed going in the front & $$$ coming out the back. If only it worked that way. :laughing: Sometimes I think it would just be easier to just feed them the money. BTW your horse is super cute! Love gray horses. :lovestruc

[MouseMagic]

cheyenne - I totally agree with the $$$ out the a$$, and lately with my mare I feel like I need to BUY the tshirt or tatoo it on my forehead. In fact when I was picking her stall last night I was joking with another owner that we (meaning equestrians) are really missing the boat on making our stall pickings into a renewable energy source....

Thanks for the compliment btw, I think she is rather cute myself. When I bought/adopted her last year she was coming 2, 300# underweight, with these GIANT ears and even LARGER joints... she looked like a great dane puppy gone wrong :D . Mind you I was *supposed* to be buying a 'real' dressage prospect.... eh...I think it was the big ears.

I love how her eyes still have that 'baby' look to them (only three but 16.1h and wears a 34cm tree!).

This is a favorite from this winter....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/spiritus01/chiMar08_1_cropped-1.jpg

Dora

[glypnir]

Hi Dora - I no longer train horses - but I did for many years when younger. I trained Tennessee Walkers. My own personal horse was a quarter horse. I had the horse from 12 until I went off to college. My granddad.bred Tennessee Walkers and each summer he would send me two to train. At the end of the summer I would send then back. I did this until I graduated from college and got a full time job. One of my cousin's daughters still trains horse - but she trains cutting horses, not walkers.

The walkers were so elegant. Their stride was so comfortable. I could ride all day!

Elaine

She's too modest to mention that she also actually got a rodeo scholarship. It was only $500, but pretty good for a state school in 1972. It was to Sul Ross State here in Texas.

She rode with Mary Kay Crider, who was later a rodeo champion. She rode with her on team events only, but Mary Kay carried her to lots of wins.

DW's role was to be a reliable partner. She still is.:jumpingbe

[MouseMagic]

DW's role was to be a reliable partner. She still is.

Glypnirsgirl... you are a lucky woman to have such a cute DH!! And with all this background info.... I'd be embarassed to let you see me in a stock saddle!!

Dora

[cheyenne]

cheyenne - I totally agree with the $$$ out the a$$, and lately with my mare I feel like I need to BUY the tshirt or tatoo it on my forehead. In fact when I was picking her stall last night I was joking with another owner that we (meaning equestrians) are really missing the boat on making our stall pickings into a renewable energy source....

Thanks for the compliment btw, I think she is rather cute myself. When I bought/adopted her last year she was coming 2, 300# underweight, with these GIANT ears and even LARGER joints... she looked like a great dane puppy gone wrong :D . Mind you I was *supposed* to be buying a 'real' dressage prospect.... eh...I think it was the big ears.

I love how her eyes still have that 'baby' look to them (only three but 16.1h and wears a 34cm tree!).

This is a favorite from this winter....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/spiritus01/chiMar08_1_cropped-1.jpg

Dora


She's so sweet & fuzzy (insert AWWW!) She has such a soft look to her eye. 16.1 & only 3! Yikes she's going to be a big girl. :yes:

Wanted to share this on the horse thread as I know you'll understand. This has been a really good week. Sold my old saddle yesterday so now I can pay myself back for the new saddle I already bought! :thumbsup: But, the best news is I've found a wonderful woman to do a partial lease on my guy! :woohoodan :woohoodan I've been trying to find someone to help me out for a while. Time & financial constraints have made horse ownership difficult lately. Having a horse is not an inexpensive hobby! :sosad: The woman that will be leasing him is a friend of another boarder. She's a great rider, very experienced & loves my guy. What more could I ask for! :jumpingbe

[MouseMagic]

Wanted to share this on the horse thread as I know you'll understand. This has been a really good week. Sold my old saddle yesterday so now I can pay myself back for the new saddle I already bought! But, the best news is I've found a wonderful woman to do a partial lease on my guy! I've been trying to find someone to help me out for a while. Time & financial constraints have made horse ownership difficult lately. Having a horse is not an inexpensive hobby! The woman that will be leasing him is a friend of another boarder. She's a great rider, very experienced & loves my guy. What more could I ask for!

FANTASTIC! :clappingh:clappingh:clappingh

I feel your pain...re: saddle... and any saddle dust you want to share... PLEASE DO. I have a beautiful, custom Lovatt & Ricketts up at Pelham Saddlery up for sale (for months.......) and I couldn't wait any longer to fit moster filly so I bought a Thornhill Vienna (wanted a Duett, but I would have HAD to sell the L&R saddle first for that). I am dying to pay that bill totally off... and need to sell the L&R to do it!

And great lease situation! I always had to lease out my 4th level TB because he needed 6x week to stay sane and when I was newly out of college 6x week AND horse bills didn't mix on a new grad's salary. When you get a good lease rider it is like a dream come true. Two of my best 'horse' friends are ex-partial lessees of my old guy.....

But hasn't our area become insanely expensive to keep horses at???? Most places that were at like 525/month 2 yrs ago are now 725+/ month. To afford it I am back to taking on training rides and teaching lessons (adult privates only, to cranky for kids these days)

[greenban]

Originally Posted by glypnirsgirl
Hi Dora - I no longer train horses - but I did for many years when younger. I trained Tennessee Walkers. My own personal horse was a quarter horse. I had the horse from 12 until I went off to college. My granddad.bred Tennessee Walkers and each summer he would send me two to train. At the end of the summer I would send then back. I did this until I graduated from college and got a full time job. One of my cousin's daughters still trains horse - but she trains cutting horses, not walkers.

The walkers were so elegant. Their stride was so comfortable. I could ride all day!

Elaine


I have no real experience with Horses (a.k.a. Horse Sense), BUT, I have always been told, you don't train a horse, a horse trains it's rider!

-Tony

[glypnirsgirl]

I have no real experience with Horses (a.k.a. Horse Sense), BUT, I have always been told, you don't train a horse, a horse trains it's rider!

-Tony

Hmmm ... I am thinking about this. The horses that I "trained" were young and they had been bred very well. Tennessee Walkers are even tempered, gentle and a little high strung (compared to a Morgan or other working breeds, not to the racing breeds). My bonus granddad bred TWs --- that was my source. He would send down a 3 year old that he had been blanket training. We always used hackmores, not bits. The hardest thing is to help them find their gait. TWs are seven gaited, and they should be able to do each gait on demand - that is the goal. So I could never ride the TWs the way that I rode my quarter horse - hell bent for leather. Nor could I play the games on them that I played on my quarter horse. A bunch of us that kept our horses at the same place would run up on each other and holler and sometimes even make contact with the other horse in an attempt to get them to buck their rider off - we called thie "cowboys and indians."

So since I voluntarily refrained from doing these things with the horses that I trained, I guess I was getting trained also.

Elaine

[cheyenne]

FANTASTIC! :clappingh:clappingh:clappingh

I feel your pain...re: saddle... and any saddle dust you want to share... PLEASE DO. I have a beautiful, custom Lovatt & Ricketts up at Pelham Saddlery up for sale (for months.......) and I couldn't wait any longer to fit moster filly so I bought a Thornhill Vienna (wanted a Duett, but I would have HAD to sell the L&R saddle first for that). I am dying to pay that bill totally off... and need to sell the L&R to do it!

And great lease situation! I always had to lease out my 4th level TB because he needed 6x week to stay sane and when I was newly out of college 6x week AND horse bills didn't mix on a new grad's salary. When you get a good lease rider it is like a dream come true. Two of my best 'horse' friends are ex-partial lessees of my old guy.....

But hasn't our area become insanely expensive to keep horses at???? Most places that were at like 525/month 2 yrs ago are now 725+/ month. To afford it I am back to taking on training rides and teaching lessons (adult privates only, to cranky for kids these days)


Here's some pixie dust for you to sell your saddle quickly. :dust :dust I had no choice but to buy a new saddle for my guy. He's very hard to fit & extremely sensitive to a bad fitting saddle. Every saddle I tried on him pinched him in the withers. I made many trips up to Pelham taking saddles out on trial. I finally ended up with a Karl Neidersuss Symphonie, but I had to sell my Arabian Solstice Endurance. :crymeariv I loved that saddle & saved to buy it new for a long time. Just got it 3 mos. before I got Shi. It fit pretty much every other horse I put it on except my own :laughing: I thought it would sell quick because they're very hard to find used, but it was on tacktrader for awhile with no bites. Pelham wanted it, but I didn't want to pay the 20% commission. Finally ended up putting it on ebay & it sold within 2 hrs.

You had a 4th level TB?! Do we have a green-eyed monster smiley? I'm so jealous. Never had a horse that could do those movements. My instructor's horse can do a nice half pass, but that's about it.

I agree about the board situation around here. It's outrageous. When I had my 1st horse back in 1993 I was paying $250. I'm paying more than your $725 amount listed above now. :jawdroppi You sound like my instructor. She won't take the kids either!

Off to the barn. Have a great day.

[MouseMagic]

Cheyenne.... we tried Ebay 4 times without success!! I'm in shock, I think it is partially because it is a brand not well know here that my trainer knew I could get a good deal on way back when (custom for a TB I had)...top it off and it is a medium tree and most people that want this brand are people like me NOW that have the wide backs....I did have it cut back to allow for wither clearance so really it is a good deal for someone.. It was only my show saddle and I'm asking for about 1/3 its worth. I went to drop it and Pelham refused....but I think I've had it for sale in some form for over a year!

LOLOL... don't be green about the TB... I brought him along myself so 4th level took ELEVEN years to reach! Sometimes, when I'm on Chi (who, although I LOVE her doesn't have 'it' to show 4th or beyond....so I will consider another horse after she is well started and somebody can help keep her in work) I can't believe I'm back at square 1 again. She was just backed end of January and since she is going to be HUGE I'm taking it easy....couple of times all spring per week under saddle and I had to wait until I bought the thornhill so I could really work her. Mostly trails right now but I work with her on the trails.

Actually I am SO proud of her, my MIL is in town so I took her out and my green THREE yr old lead the trail ride yesterday, past traffic etc...ran into a family on the main path that had a child in an electric wheel chair and she not only took it in stride but once she checked it out put her big head down in the girl's lap so she could pet her. Then in typical 3 yr old horse fashion tried to eat the chair's controls :innocent: .

Elaine... do you have any photos of the TWs? And can I just share that I laughed about the "cowboys and indians" description? We weren't quite that crazy as kids but we used to set up huge jumps along the state trails and dare each other to go over...or through....whatever....and our poor horses used to double as diving rafts...god bless them..first horses of kids really earn sainthood status!

:D

Dora

[glypnir]

Glynpnirsgirl's step-grandfather switched from Tennessee Walkers to Tennessee Walker Mules. I had to go look one up today, and they're as cute as my sweetie says they are:

http://crestridgesaddlery.com/minniepearl.shtml

Tough and ornery as a mule, smooth as a Tennessee Walker.

I'm not really a horse person, but I could be. Of course at my present weight I'd need something like a Percheron. On trail rides, I get horses named Cannonball, Duke, Lumberjack, not to mention Spaz. I really enjoy riding, but I feel sorry for the horse. And I seem to be too stupid to be afraid of those big strong critters.

Just another expensive hobby trying to lure me in, but I've resisted so far. :Paranoid:

[glypnirsgirl]

Actually I am SO proud of her, my MIL is in town so I took her out and my green THREE yr old lead the trail ride yesterday, past traffic etc...ran into a family on the main path that had a child in an electric wheel chair and she not only took it in stride but once she checked it out put her big head down in the girl's lap so she could pet her. Then in typical 3 yr old horse fashion tried to eat the chair's controls :innocent: .


That is amazing my TWs were easy going like that. But to encounter something as extraordinary on a trail as an electric wheelchair - WOW



Elaine... do you have any photos of the TWs? And can I just share that I laughed about the "cowboys and indians" description? We weren't quite that crazy as kids but we used to set up huge jumps along the state trails and dare each other to go over...or through....whatever....and our poor horses used to double as diving rafts...god bless them..first horses of kids really earn sainthood status!

:D
Dora[/quote



I am so sad - I do not have even ONE picture of the TWs that I trained. I would have to look through old boxes at my parents to find pictures of Lad, my quarterhorse. Since they live in Oregon and I live here that won't be happening until next summer.

Elaine

[MouseMagic]

Glynpnirsgirl's step-grandfather switched from Tennessee Walkers to Tennessee Walker Mules. I had to go look one up today, and they're as cute as my sweetie says they are:

http://crestridgesaddlery.com/minniepearl.shtml

Tough and ornery as a mule, smooth as a Tennessee Walker.

I'm not really a horse person, but I could be. Of course at my present weight I'd need something like a Percheron. On trail rides, I get horses named Cannonball, Duke, Lumberjack, not to mention Spaz. I really enjoy riding, but I feel sorry for the horse. And I seem to be too stupid to be afraid of those big strong critters.

Just another expensive hobby trying to lure me in, but I've resisted so far. :Paranoid:

I LOVE MULES... but really that has to be the most freakin' cute thing I have ever seen. If I ever get space of my own to keep horses on I'm getting a mule for guests. They just *THINK* more.

My fun story....

Back in college to make money I co-owned a few quality pony mares with a more established (ie not in college) friend. After managing summer camp one year I took some money and purchased a beautiful liver chestnut with chrome welshx mare. She was rising three and just stunning to look at.

2 months into our purchase I was grooming her and had to call out to the co-owner... "Sherry...should a 2 yr old filly be bagged up".....(usual sign of upcoming bundle of joy).... so naturally we hadn't bought her bred, wouldn't have personally bred a 2yr old etc...but we were excited. The welsh stud the previous owner had was magnificent! So it wasn't what we planned but heck it was like winning the lottery! 2:1!

So we set up a foaling pasture etc etc... now the filly being a maiden of course didn't follow the book and one morning I arrive to feed and there isn't a filly but there is a placenta... excited and nervous I start hiking up the pasture....

There behind a tree is the new momma doing spendidly with baby (phew) and on the ground is a lovely little bundle who hears me approach and looks up...a beautiful dished fact with doll-like eyes stare at me....I can't believe how lovely...and then...

One giant ear flops forward....followed by another......

Lets just say that it wasn't sired by the farms beautiful welsh stallion.

Rather I think PeeWee their mini-donk did a bit of underage dating....

My friend still owns the mule (I'm godmother)......Junebug.

Glypnir...I'd say go into horses, great DH/DW hobby in my mind... and you know what they say "Ride a Draft...They Make Your Butt Look Smaller". Besides percherons are commen in either grey (white) or black... so either the smooth prince charming... or the dashing black knight...either works.

Hey Elaine... I think taking him on a nice long romantic beach ride is in order and soon! You could get him addicted... I keep trying with my partner but she is rather resistant to more money spent on four-legged hay burners :D

Dora

[glypnirsgirl]

Glypnir...I'd say go into horses, great DH/DW hobby in my mind... and you know what they say "Ride a Draft...They Make Your Butt Look Smaller". Besides percherons are commen in either grey (white) or black... so either the smooth prince charming... or the dashing black knight...either works.

Hey Elaine... I think taking him on a nice long romantic beach ride is in order and soon! You could get him addicted... I keep trying with my partner but she is rather resistant to more money spent on four-legged hay burners :D

Dora

Great advice Dora - Ian and I have lots to do together. I could use one more though. I wonder how much stabling fees are now. When I was training, we paid 100 per month for two stalls and pasture. I am certain that our set up would be 10X that now. The Hackberry Ranch is where we kept the horses - it is now known as Las Colinas - an upscale addition to the City of Irving.

Elaine

[cheyenne]

I wonder how much stabling fees are now. When I was training, we paid 100 per month for two stalls and pasture. I am certain that our set up would be 10X that now.


Oh those were the days! I think you're right in thinking it will be 10x that amount now. Granted you're in a totally different part of the country from Dora & I. I don't know how much Dora pays for her board but in my part of Mass. board at a nice facility with indoor & outdoor rings runs anywhere from $750-$1200. If you don't want an indoor $550-800 or so, rough board anywhere between $275-$400, but when you add in the high cost of shavings, grain, hay add at least $200 to rough board price. :scary: I pay $750 for a great facility with indoor & outdoor rings, all day turnout & fantastic care (think italian grandmother that likes everyone to eat). The owner lives on-site & is always there for emergencies & farrier & vet appts. & she doesn't charge extra for those services like a lot of barns do now.

We're a strange bunch us horse people. We must really love our little guys & gals to pay these kinds of prices, but we do!

I agree with Dora on the percheron for your DH. We have a gorgeous black percheron/warmblood cross in our barn. He's the sweetest horse around (next to mine of course!) :D

[glypnirsgirl]

We're a strange bunch us horse people. We must really love our little guys & gals to pay these kinds of prices, but we do!

I agree with Dora on the percheron for your DH. We have a gorgeous black percheron/warmblood cross in our barn. He's the sweetest horse around (next to mine of course!) :D


I would love to be able to ride again. But it is just WAY out of our price range to keep a horse anymore. And it would be at least a 30 minute trip to get to a stable ... any stable. I sure miss it though.

Elaine

[MouseMagic]

Elaine... Here in MA I'd say 30 min is considered a good horse commute! I'm serious :D And.... horses are like DVC...make absolutely no SANE investment sense but once your riding it is perfectly clear...so I say wake the horse person back up in you and go riding!! And of course make DH an addict too...that way it will make perfect financial sense to all involved.

Cheyenne: We're at 725 - 775 depending on where you are stalled. I get to work part of mine off in lessons and training rides...so what I manage to save is directly related to how much free time I have. With a 2 (almost 3) yr old daughter... sigh...sometimes not enough. And I know we're 'cheap' in cost..BUT...crappy turn out. 8-2pm...paddocks leave something to be desired. Great indoor and outdoor rings though, plus backs up to the state park. Also...very kid friendly which was important to me with my DD.

I took the day off of the barn today since I didn't make it home to get DD in bed last night....two students showing rated in NH, I had a morning commitment and couldn't coach so another instructor took coaching on them...but that meant a late night tune up.... So I of course spent the whole day with her today...

Tomorrow I have to teach and I'm planning a nice sudsy bath to help with the heat.

:flowerfor

Dora

[MouseMagic]

Cheyenne....

UGH... how is your boy doing with the first heat of summer?????

Poor Chi was just drenched in her stall. Going to have to buy a stall fan to mount!

DOra

[cheyenne]

Cheyenne....

UGH... how is your boy doing with the first heat of summer?????

Poor Chi was just drenched in her stall. Going to have to buy a stall fan to mount!

DOra


Poor horses!! :sosad: Just got back from the barn. I thought I might be able to sneak in a short ride this morning, but no such luck. I got there at 9:00 a.m. too. Brought Shi in from the paddock & he was already soaked & breathing hard. Poor guy. I hosed him down, gave him a little beauty treatment & then put him back out. He was standing under a big shady oak tree when I left. The owner is having to hose every horse down when she brings in this week. It's a lot of extra work for her. She'll be bringing them in around noon today. I'll be glad when the heat wave breaks tomorrow. I'm down to my last few days of "freedom" before school gets out next week. I hope I can get a few more rides in before I need to switch to evenings which is always more difficult for me.

Stay cool! :umbrella:

[MouseMagic]

Arrived at the farm tonight after work and Chi was drenched head/foot with sweat... poor girl.....

I didn't even attempt a ride, so that will mean the last time I tossed a leg over her is Friday...almost didn't ride, glad I did. So we wandered into the roundpen to just work on our stupid pet tricks... hosed her off....watched her promptly load her wet tush with sand from a good roll.

Made a hay stretcher mash for her to slip more water into her.

Looking forward to getting over the heat!

Of course if this was August I would be so used to the heat I wouldn't complain a bit.

Dora

[bavaria]

I need to pop my head into this thread!!!I used to ride hunter/jumpers and worked for a dealer breaking Gelderlander half breds. I was able to finance a lot of my equestrian activity by working for trainers and dealers, luckily. Then like so many I had to start 'real life', expecting one day to go back, but never doing so.

Every so often I have to buy a copy of Practical Horseman and dream about the old days (I really enjoyed this months copy) Rozzie is the recipient of my old copies - I think that I sent her two large boxes last year...

I'm enjoying your posts :)

[cheyenne]

Not at all horse related but just wanted to share. We're official now!!! :dancingba :dancingba :dancingba Got the word this morning we closed on our AKV purchase. :jumpingbe

Please note my new signature! :woohoodan :woohoodan :woohoodan

[MouseMagic]

Bavaria....

No time like today.... go to a barn and get back on a horse!!!!! I bet the second you do you'll be wondering what took you so long.

Until then...hang with us :innocent: we'll feed your horse fix.

Chronicles of the Horse and The Horse are also good mags to keep up with!

Dora

[MouseMagic]

Cheyenne....

THIS TYPE OF NEWS NEEDED ITS OWN POST!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:jumpingbe:jumpingbe:jumpingbe:jumpingbe:jumpingbe :jumpingbe:jumpingbe:jumpingbe:jumpingbe

Fantastic.... and I love the siggy :bluebloun

Now go celebrate the best way in weather like this.... trail ride with a good hand gallop!

Dora

[cheyenne]

Thank Dora! Unfortunately we don't have much in terms of trails near the barn, but I will go for a ride today. The weather has finally turned beautiful.

Bavaria - I agree w/Dora. Find a way to get back on a horse! You'll be so glad you did. BTW - what does a Gelderlander look like? I've never heard of that breed before.

[Rozzie]

Every so often I have to buy a copy of Practical Horseman and dream about the old days (I really enjoyed this months copy) Rozzie is the recipient of my old copies - I think that I sent her two large boxes last year...

I'm enjoying your posts :)

My favorite cranky German! Yep, Bavaria is one of the most giving people I know. 2 Boxes full last year, I read every word and dreamed of the old days too. What fun reading it was. I even caught Mr. Roz flipping through one. :D

[MouseMagic]

Okay so part of what I do at the barn I teach at is match new horse/owner combos.... I have my set way of doing things etc....

Anyhow, one 11 yr old H/J rider needed a horse after out growing her pony...plus the pony was a bull-dogg paint type and just wasn't going to pin at the rated. Now this pony was a FREAKIN' SAINT. Made her 11 yr old owner a bit big around the head.... kid got her heart set on a TB... not a huge issue... except that the saint like pony means this kid is bold but at the same time doesn't have the skill set to ride out typical TB personality moments.

Other issue is the Dad refuses to go see the horses...he wants them delivered on trial.

Anyhow, brought up a pointed 3'6 hunter (AO and Jr.s), 11 yrs old.... Lets just say I hope he calms down because right now my ride on him? People were saying they didn't realize a horse could have that much hang time.

Trained to hell and back...but push a button wrong and STAND BACK (or rather SIT DEEP). I admit I was pushing his button's on purpose to see what I had before the kid rode but still.... not a fan of eating the indoor rafters.

I think I'm going to send this guy back unless there tomorrow brings a new horse. I'm going to lunge him first (would have today but they were about to toss the kid on when I got there).

Finding this kid a horse is going to KILL me... I want to just beg them again to GO LOOK first. Oh and this is an important client to the barn. VERY IMPORTANT.

Help! (kidding, sorta)

Cheers...

Dora

[cheyenne]

Okay so part of what I do at the barn I teach at is match new horse/owner combos.... I have my set way of doing things etc....

Anyhow, one 11 yr old H/J rider needed a horse after out growing her pony...plus the pony was a bull-dogg paint type and just wasn't going to pin at the rated. Now this pony was a FREAKIN' SAINT. Made her 11 yr old owner a bit big around the head.... kid got her heart set on a TB... not a huge issue... except that the saint like pony means this kid is bold but at the same time doesn't have the skill set to ride out typical TB personality moments.

Other issue is the Dad refuses to go see the horses...he wants them delivered on trial.

Anyhow, brought up a pointed 3'6 hunter (AO and Jr.s), 11 yrs old.... Lets just say I hope he calms down because right now my ride on him? People were saying they didn't realize a horse could have that much hang time.

Trained to hell and back...but push a button wrong and STAND BACK (or rather SIT DEEP). I admit I was pushing his button's on purpose to see what I had before the kid rode but still.... not a fan of eating the indoor rafters.

I think I'm going to send this guy back unless there tomorrow brings a new horse. I'm going to lunge him first (would have today but they were about to toss the kid on when I got there).

Finding this kid a horse is going to KILL me... I want to just beg them again to GO LOOK first. Oh and this is an important client to the barn. VERY IMPORTANT.

Help! (kidding, sorta)

Cheers...

Dora

Oh Dora I feel for you! You are in a bad position. 1st of all the Dad/parents should not be letting the child dictate what kind of horse she wants. She's not capable of making that kind of decision at her age. 2nd Dad clearly doesn't know the market right now because most people will not let their horses go out on trial at all. From what I've seen only the dealers are willing to do it because they know if the horse doesn't work out it's usually trade for another horse, not get your money back. I might be a little leary of owners that say here take my horse on trial! But that's just skeptical, cautious me.

I would send this one back as quickly as possible. If the people watching are thinking they didn't realize a horse could have that kind of hang time an 11 y.o. shouldn't be riding it. I know she has her heart set on a TB, but how about something like a Draft/TB cross? Many of the draft crosses that I've seen make fantastic prospects for many disciplines & they usually have wonderful temperments. We have a Percheron/TB X at my barn that is owned & ridden by a 12 y.o. He's the most fantastic horse. Green, but so mellow & a beautiful mover. Really takes care of his rider. Wish I knew of a nice horse I could recommend to you, but don't know anyone selling what you're looking for right now.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that you find something suitable. :fingerscr Hang in there!

[MouseMagic]

Horse update:

Okay so the horse settled in and is behaving quite well. Of course I fitted a different saddle to him and then had a lightbulb moment.... hmmm... every photo of the horse doesn't have a martingale on (standing). Sure enough found out that WE'D put it on him supposedly for safety.

Sigh.

So took the darn thing off and we have a new horse. Forward? Yes. Responsive? Yes. More horse than the kid is used to? H*LL yes.

Will it work out.... very probable. :fingerscr

Even took the bugger out on a trail with one of the older teens and he was dead calm.

He'll never be like this kid's pony and I won't let them give a yes/no answer until the full trial is over and we've taken him to one show.

Cheyenne.... I would love for this family to get that a TB is a breed that you work UP to. Not one that you just decide you want. They don't get it... AND I had found a dead broke, chromed out chestnut TB mare that was 16... get this.. TOO OLD. :holymoly:

She doesn't want a draft cross... at all. I mean Chi is a draft cross and is a dream and a half at 3... can't imagine her a few years down the road.

Dora

[MouseMagic]

Okay... just back from the show at Volo Farm... Guess what kid took third in her medal class?????

:dancingba:dancingba:dancingba

New Horse and The Kid are starting to 'get' each other. He is still a lot of horse for her but she pinned in 5 out of 6 classes.... no wins but the classes were big.

Other than that I have to take a video or at least a picture of my Chi doing her new skill... Spanish Walk. Granted it is only on the ground right now, but we have to start some place right???

Best,
Dora

[cheyenne]

Okay... just back from the show at Volo Farm... Guess what kid took third in her medal class?????

:dancingba:dancingba:dancingba

New Horse and The Kid are starting to 'get' each other. He is still a lot of horse for her but she pinned in 5 out of 6 classes.... no wins but the classes were big.

Other than that I have to take a video or at least a picture of my Chi doing her new skill... Spanish Walk. Granted it is only on the ground right now, but we have to start some place right???

Best,
Dora

Hey Dora! I was just about to post & ask how the new guy was working out. I guess somehow I missed this post. So glad to hear things are starting to click & he's working out. If you get that video of Chi doing her new trick send me the link. :sunny:

[Beca]

I know this is really late to this thread, and I don't get to post too often (more of a lurker), but we just bought my daughter her first horse. She rides hunter, and LOVES to show, however, she is still very young (she's 6) Personally, I do not know very much about horses, but I would to talk to others and learn more!!

Beca

[MouseMagic]

Hi Beca,

Welcome! The thread has been quiet but only because I'm trying to figure out how to get a video I took of my mare learning the spanish walk to upload correctly. I think I'm going to end up sticking it on youtube.

The barn I teach at is primarily a mix between low level eventing and low level H/J (like your daughter!). I grew up H/J but Pony Club introduced me to dressage and I ended up hooked.... so that is my dicipline of choice. I come in handy for the event riders and do take on some H/J adults that need to learn to be more effective. I also enjoy pairing up riders with new horses when they are ready for the first or needing to move up after outgrowing their previous mount.

What kind horse did you guys end up with? I love stats...

My mare's barn name is Chichi, her show name is Cenere. She is 3 yrs old, 16.1+ hands, 1145#, draft/something cross. Adopted her as a barely halter broke, 300# underweight, long yearling in a moment of horseless weakness.

She is fun, I enjoy working with her. She is both a challenge but also kind. Right now I'm going easy on her since she is still actively growing... a bit of ring work at WTC and trails. And stupid pet tricks... a lot of stupid pet tricks :)

Welcome to our lil' thread,
Dora

[MouseMagic]

Here is a photo of one of Chi's stupid pet tricks in progress...First I worked on bow...now we're refining that to a one-legged bow and then holding it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/spiritus01/Chichi/ChiBow.jpg

Cheers,
Dora

[MouseMagic]

Here we are schooling the spanish walk.... we still have lots of work to do but its a start!

Chi Tries The Spanish Walk (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v369/spiritus01/Chichi/?action=view&current=horse001.flv)


Dora

[Beca]

Hi Beca,

Welcome! The thread has been quiet but only because I'm trying to figure out how to get a video I took of my mare learning the spanish walk to upload correctly. I think I'm going to end up sticking it on youtube.

The barn I teach at is primarily a mix between low level eventing and low level H/J (like your daughter!). I grew up H/J but Pony Club introduced me to dressage and I ended up hooked.... so that is my dicipline of choice. I come in handy for the event riders and do take on some H/J adults that need to learn to be more effective. I also enjoy pairing up riders with new horses when they are ready for the first or needing to move up after outgrowing their previous mount.

What kind horse did you guys end up with? I love stats...

My mare's barn name is Chichi, her show name is Cenere. She is 3 yrs old, 16.1+ hands, 1145#, draft/something cross. Adopted her as a barely halter broke, 300# underweight, long yearling in a moment of horseless weakness.

She is fun, I enjoy working with her. She is both a challenge but also kind. Right now I'm going easy on her since she is still actively growing... a bit of ring work at WTC and trails. And stupid pet tricks... a lot of stupid pet tricks :)

Welcome to our lil' thread,
Dora

Hi Dora,
Thanks for the welcome!!

Your horse looks gorgeous!!! What a lucky adoption "find" for you!! I love her stupid pet tricks...she must be a BIG ham!!

I wish I could tell you some appropriate "stats" on my daughter's horse. His name is Lightning, and he is an Arabian/Saddlebred cross. He is 11yrs, and has won some world championships....but, I do not know enough to tell you what they are. Here's a link to her trainer's website, and he is the Reserve Champion Pinto horse at the bottom of the page: http://www.texasbesttrainer.com/lichau-petes-press.htm Sorry I don't have a better pic....I do not know how to post pics on here.

I THINK he is about 14.2 hands, and weighs about 900 lbs. He competes in both English and Western, but my dd is only 6, and her trainer will only let her compete in H/J (and, we are NOT talking about the "J" part!!). We just showed him last weekend, and my dd took 4th in her event, but Lightning did much better with other riders...he got 9 ribbons, including two Champions, and one Reserve Champion :cheerlead...we were really proud of him.

He's adorable, sweet, and very funny!! We were much more interested in purchasing a sweet, SAFE and wonderful horse that my dd could form a close relationship with, than we were in purchasing a good show horse. Lightning just happened to come available and need a home....so his record and training was a bonus. He gets excited when he sees her, and makes her laugh with his "stupid pet tricks", and that is all we wanted. I hope she has some moderate success at horse shows because we do not have land to keep him with us, and showing is the activity that they do together to "bond", but we do not have grand expectations for either one of them. She was most disappointed that Lightning did not win the coveted "pink ribbon" at any of the shows we have taken him to. Of course, pink would be the ULTIMATE ribbon for her...she'd like 100 of them to decorate her bedroom. :loveisint

Anyway....thanks for the welcome!! Much of what you talk about on this thread is WAY beyond my understanding....but, I will certainly enjoy learning from all of you, and seeing pics of your babies!!!!

Beca

[cheyenne]

Here we are schooling the spanish walk.... we still have lots of work to do but its a start!

Chi Tries The Spanish Walk (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v369/spiritus01/Chichi/?action=view&current=horse001.flv)


Dora



Hi Dora. The walk is coming along nicely! :clappingh :clappingh She really is a beauty.

Welcome Beca! :welcome: Your DS's horse is adorable too.

I think I need to take some new pics of Shi & post a few, especially now that it's warm enough to wash off all the dirt! ;)

[MouseMagic]

Okay...fun update....

Thursday night I did a last minute hike into NH (2.5 hrs! each way!) to look at a pony I thought would be a great new driving project for a girl we have that broke her hip in a horse accident 2+ yrs ago and found out it is still going to be a long time before she is able to ride....

And the barn owner has wanted a black riding pony....

And we need a new lead line pony....

Introducing: Sweetie... morgan cross....13.3 hands....7 yrs old.

Well broke to drive....greener than grass under saddle but has a good heart and a good try...did really well today with one of our advanced kids.

Very very comfy... I wish she were bigger and I'd do all the training.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/spiritus01/trot41.jpg

Cheers,
Dora
PS... Beca...Lightning looks like a fantastic find! How lucky your daughter is to have such a nice boy to learn and grow with...any photos of them showing?
PPS... we need Shi photos!