Update

The whole family is having fun with Chassey! She is patient and very very sweet :)

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It's Hot!

The executive decision...

Well, after all that gushing I did about how well Rascal and Patience were getting along, I should've known that things just could not possibly turn around that fast. Christmas break was a "probationary" period for Rascal. She has thus far proven to be fairly moody, only deciding to be what I call a good fit for Patience when Rascal was in the mood to be a good fit. Other than that, she was just plain confusing to my daughter - I did not have problems making her mind, but Patience is fairly timid (not to mention green around horses) and was having a difficult time. On the second to last day of break, Patience was working Rascal in the round pen and I was watching, leaning on the fence. Rascal had a bit of a moment and when Patience corrected her, Rascal turned her butt in and tried to kick my daughter. Not just kicked AT her, she BACKED up and tried to KICK my daughter. Well, screw that and screw that horse. She is gone. Not without some seriously dramatic moments between mother and daughter. I told Patience right then and there that I was sorry, it was all my fault for picking out Rascal in the first place - but that she was leaving. Wow, I got a violent reaction of tears and when that didn't work, a flat-out stomping fit complete with tears. After that didn't work for her I got the silent treatment, for about two days. At the end of the silent treatment, I told Patience that she would not be without a horse, I would find her a suitable horse - you know, the kind that I should have gotten her in the first place. That seemed to placate her and she started talking to me again. On Friday January 14th, the Arab Crazy Family made a switch. Rascal got delivered back to her previous owner, and Chassy got to become a part of our family.

Meet Chassy: A 22 year old gray quarter horse mare who thus far has proven to be the epitome of a perfect horse for our family. Both the boys ride her, Patience rides her, and last week I took the most wonderful ride reminiscent of my younger years. What a blessing, I can not say enough wonderful things about our sweet new addition! Thank goodness my "mommy" instincts kicked in and thank goodness I backed up my gut feeling.

Somebody's watching me...

The kids are out of school on Christmas break! This is exciting to me, because working horses is much more invigorating with Patience (able to do her own horse) and the boys (wreaking havoc) all running around, making noise, and shaking up the horse's dull lives a bit :) Today was rather interesting, I've separated Chester and Rascal into different paddocks because of some "fit" issues - mostly related to being friend sour and they seem to be doing sooo much better this way. Plus Chester was eating Rascal's tail and I can't very well take her to any show's with a half-eaten tail!
At any rate, us girls were feeding, grooming, mucking, etc while the boys took turns "working" each other in the round pen. (It's sooo cute, one of them stands in the middle with a whip and "drives" the other one around the pen-I need to get pics) After a while I kicked the boys out of the round pen and exercised Chester. When we got done, Patience asked if I was going to exercise Rascal and I told her yes, just let me get my stuff put up. Low and behold, I came out of the shed and Patience had Rascal bookin it around the round pen! Free lunge at that! My jaw absolutely hit the ground - I mean, we've worked on this before but Patience just wasn't catching on to the body language and they just didn't "click" so I've just been doing it. After I picked up my jaw I walked over and watched, just giving a few pointers. If I hadn't seen their communication with my own eyes I wouldn't believe it, they were totally in the zone and completely concentrated on each other!
Later on, in the car I asked Patience where she learned all that. She simply said she'd been watching me do it and so now she knows how...

FIRE!

Uh oh! One of the many things I try not to think about is grass fire. Hubby got a call yesterday and I answered (he was cleaning fish). A friend called to inform us that there were some huge grass fires and one just happened to have surrounded my beautiful Arabs. Shit. I tried not to panic. Hubby noticed my non-panic as I frantically searched for my keys and cursed our house ghost (they are never where I left them) and we all hopped in the truck and hauled A** to the horses to discover that indeed there was a fire all around the horses. To the north, south, east, and west, only missing the paddocks by feet. Fire trucks were everywhere, I was worried about the horses, and about all the livestock, houses, hay, etc. Needless to say, Chester and Rascal were NOT happy with all the fire and sirens and commotion, but they both kept their heads. I think if I'd had to move them pronto it would not have been difficult. I never did find my keys - not till this morning did I find them in a basket by the TV. Shakin my head, I would never have put them there?!

After some thought, I disagree...

About a month and a half ago the farrier was out to do the horses. Since he's really about the only other horsey person I see we usually talk horse. The conversation got going really well while he was doing Rascal's feet and he voiced some opinions that I've been mulling over. We were discussing getting horses under saddle. His opinion is that training a horse to carry a rider is the "hard" part and all the ground work is the "easy" part and that bascially anyone can teach a horse ground work. After some careful thought I have to say that I disagree. Obviously not anyone can teach a horse how to move on the ground, how to respect your space, and how to exhibit proper manners. Maybe it is easy, and maybe my opinion is based on the fact that so many people just do not teach/make their horses behave properly on the ground. I think the riding foundation is built off the ground foundation and if there's a crack anywhere you have to go right back to square one-which is on the ground.
LOL! Now onto more important things. The horses are doing very well, it's getting cold, the days are shorter and Christmas is right around the corner!

That went well....

Finally got sick and tired of the horses having mohawks! I took a trip to Atwoods (my favorite store) and bought some clippers. First I bought the Wahl brand that had battery powered clippers along with the little hand one (for whiskers and such) but took that back because the small one only lasted about four whiskers. I exchanged for some Andes brand and boy howdy do they work great! I actually cut the horses whiskers and bridle paths, then went home cleaned the clippers and gave both the boys a fade! I have to say, I was nervous about getting the "cheap" clippers (if you count fifty bucks as cheap) - everyone I talk to says don't waste your money. Actually, I could not be happier with my purchase at this point and I think if kept clean and sharpened these will work for what I want to do!
On another note, Rascal. Enough said right? Saturday was family horsey day and while Patience re-braided Rascal's mane I started to ride Chester in the round pen. After about ten minutes or so I looked over and Patience was standing there with her chin on the gate with a wistful look in her eye. You can evaluate the wisdom of my next parenting decision; I told Patience to come here, put her helmet on her head and told her to get on Chester - and she did. I kept a lunge line on him and all they did was walk in circles but the smile on her face said it all. So, at this point I am stumped. Current financial's prohibit another horse and we really love Rascal - plus her progress is astounding. Making her work is the option for now. So, today I got on Rascal. No, I didn't actually ride her, but I plopped a bucket next to her and laid on her back. Then I saddled, lunged, and put weight in both stirrups. Considering her previous reactions, today went well. Exceptionally well.

Well I'll be darned...

Oklahoma had an earthquake today! A five point-something on the richter scale about nine thirty this morning. Guess what? I was mucking around (LOL)... seriously though, I was cleaning up some horsey poo while Chester and Rascal enjoyed a light snack when all of the sudden they both just kinda flipped out. They just started running and neighing and kicking, even Sami ran around- I bet they didn't stop for about ten minutes! I just thought it was cool and they were all enjoying the weather. Anyway, the morning continued on normally. I groomed, threw out some hay, and went home to shower and nap before work. When I got up this afternoon it was all over the news and I thought - that's what their deal was this morning! There was an earthquake, the animals knew it, and I never felt a thing. I'll be darned!

Yak Yak

The farrier came out this week-yes, I decided that my back is not cut out for that. I did file both horses a couple of times to extend the length of time between trims and the farrier was supportive. I also did something interesting over the summer into September-the horses are now on a roughage diet only. I gradually cut their grain ration down to nothing, unless they give me a good hard workout and then it's served as more of a treat. It's definitely made both Chester and Rascal more manageable and they look better than ever. Chester is not even requiring weight builder!
I rode Chester some this week and we worked on frustration. Chester is easily frustrated when learning something new, and this is no different. I guess keeping his "lessons" short and to the point are just what he needs right now-I hope to goodness all this pays off because I'd really like to do some trail rides next summer!

Three days, two horses, one tarp...along with my musings.

Along with some days off together, came some horsey training time. As usual, it was interesting.

Day 1: Chester is in the round pen. I decide to go get the $5 tarp I got at Atwood's out and see what happens. History tidbit - every other time I have gotten a tarp or plastic substance around Chester it has produced an amazing explosion. Nothing new for today. I took the tarp out of the bag while standing in the middle of the round pen and Chester took off at a dead run as if hungry mountain lions had spotted him. Sigh. I reined Chester into me with the lunge line with my left hand and held the tarp with my right hand. After ten minutes or so of circles he let me sack him out on both shoulders.Next is Rascal. She took the tarp in stride. I sacked her out and while she was obviously nervous, she never bolted. Deciding to push her, I put the tarp on the ground and asked her to put both front feet on it. This produced a couple of snorts, but nothing hairy happened. After this non-reaction from Rascal I decided that if sweet Chester wanted to eat, he could eat off the tarp. He took about a half hour to accomplish this task, but in the end he stood on the tarp rather nervously, and ate.
Day 2: Chester is meeting the big blue monster again, after he's already eaten on it again today. I was frankly irritated at his reaction (I'm human, OK) so I sacked him out until he put his head down and then asked for him to place both front feet on the tarp - which he did- finally.
Rascal walks over the tarp today, with all four feet touching it. The first time, she walked over, then did a little hop-around to see if it was coming to eat her. The second time, it was no big deal.
Day 3: Jeez Chester, you just ate off it again. I sacked him out and asked him to walk completely over the tarp. He hopped around, jumped over, shimmied, jigged, and planted his feet and refused to move forward. Uh-huh. Listen Chester, the kids are in school and it's only 9am, I've got all day to mess around here so let's just get it done. So, he did. I was super-proud of him too! Rascal wears the tarp today. She also walked over it and yawned.

Some other interesting tidbits: Patience had her first Washington Co Saddle Club Meeting this week (the boys are signed up now too, they can be clover-leafs till they're 9). Suffice to say that it was interesting. The meeting didn't start on time, but it was very educational for the young horsey-mind. We also discovered that you don't even have to OWN a horse to be in the club (however, some helpful mom's are willing to sell you a MINT of a horse AND give lessons - snort) and after some careful deliberation, Patience thought that Rascal should be great for now - thank goodness. I was a little put out at the club leader though, after the meeting part was over and they elected the next year's officers, she had everyone say their name and if they had a horse and about their horse etc... When Patience's turn came she said her name and Rascal and stated that she shows Sport Horse In Hand. The leader responded "so you do speed events?" No, Sport Horse, In Hand. This puzzled the leader and she said "do you ride her?" No, not yet. Leader: "She's eight years old and you can't ride her?" At this point everyone was staring at Patience and she looked like she wanted to crawl in a hole. Dang it, I am trying to get my daughter out of her shell and at this point your fifty-something ass is not helping! I realize, that taking an eight year old mare who's been out to pasture for six, was not the best idea. I get it, and I'm frustrated with myself, but Patience has shown her at halter and learned to groom and clean feet and sing to the horse - and that dang horse has boosted her confidence so much she wanted to join 4-H AND play basketball this year, so move along to the next person please! They finally moved it along, and after the meeting was over Patience decided that 4-H was indeed a wonderful idea and she can't wait till the next meeting.
Anyway, those are my random musings for today!

Time off...

Wow, six whole days off! I didn't ask for a vacation, but that's how my schedule worked out this weekend, and I wasn't about to argue! First, a little extra sleep and some movie's. Then working the horses and grocery shopping. After that, a visit home to see grandma. Saturday I took the kids to the Indian Summer Festival here in B-Ville in the am, then to the Western Heritage Days in Dewey for the afternoon. What a blast! Sunday Patience had her 11th (yes count 'em) birthday party. I've had plenty of extra time to work the horses and I even accomplished a couple of goals. First, Chester and Rascal will both let me sack them out with a tarp. So far, Chester will stand on it only with his front feet, but Rascal walks over it no problem. Second, I trimmed Chester's hooves myself! I would have done Rascal as well, but my back was screaming, so she gets it tomorrow. I know, what mundane things to have accomplished, but they're exciting to me.
On another note. Patience is going to join the local 4-H horsey club and she is dead set on having a horse to ride. She saved all of her money from her birthday and we have discussed the fact that mom and dad can only afford to keep two horses so one must go and left the decision up to her. After some careful thought, she decided a horse to ride is what she wants. -Interestingly enough, I am having a tough time deciding just which one will have to find a new home.

Hold on...

I discovered yesterday exactly why I do not take people out to "meet" our horses. An acquaintance at work who happens to live here used to "break" horses with her dad and practically insisted on coming out some time to say hi. I relented, everybody needs horsey time, and what's an extra hand to groom, right? Wrong. The acquaintance brought along her young child, which I don't mind (usually) because I have kids too. Anyway, the kid was wild, even after I explained all the rules about not climbing, running, screaming, etc... It started out nice enough, with her doing some grooming and me hauling around some hay and feed while Patience groomed Rascal. Then it escalated until I told all three of the boys (my young sons included) to just go play by the car - away from the horses. Then I decided to hop on Chester because I've worked the last three days and like to do a little "freshen-up" as I call it. Danged if that kid didn't come barreling out of my car running toward Chester screaming at the top of his lungs I WANNA RIDE, I WANNA RIDE, I CAN RIDE, I WANNA! My response was a no, followed by a NO, followed by another loud NOOOO, STAY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE! All the while poor Chester did his best to stay right where he was, rooted beneath me even though I could tell he wanted to high-tail it across country RIGHT NOW MOM. Needless to say, my lovely little ride was cut short and I escorted everyone to the car.

That whole experience really got me to thinking. I really like being alone. I really like taking my small little family and having our own horsey time. I also really like my days off during the week, the kids are in school and so I have the horses all to myself. Me. Me and sometimes the dog. I've realized that after all these years of searching for a "balance" in life, I've found it and do not want to let it go. Ever. My mind is absolutely cleansed of everything with my horses, and I need cleaned pretty often :)

Enjoy Life.

I've had to make some more horsey changes, but for the better. Chester went on some better feed, the Purina Healthy Edge Strategy and Rascal went on a serious diet. She's dropped about 400lbs (yes she had that much to loose). It's so nice to finally be able to regulate the horses diet and all their care myself! They've also both been on a regular exercise program. I think, that they look wonderful and I can tell they feel wonderful.





Chester looking handsome for the camera.....

and Rascal throws a little of that diva attitude over my way!

I have to admit, most of my horsey deadlines have been moved. Hubby pointed out in mid July that perhaps there was a little too much going on and that being super tired and trying to train the horses constantly was "overwhelming me." (His nice way of saying you're tired and being a *itch) Sooo, after evaluating his opinion, I decided he just might be onto something. I've re-evaluated myself and even though I spend less days actually "training" I think we're making more progress - just because I only "train" on the days I've got the energy and if I'm too tired we just groom or hang out. Frankly, I think we're all enjoying each other more this way. Deadlines are for people who need deadlines. Our family has horses to enjoy the horses, so that's what we've been doing! On an interesting note - I don't know if anyone else has been feeling the economic crunch, but we have. The October Arabian show at the Tulsa state fair is out this year, but there is an open show charging $5 per class at the end of this month we just might load up and go to. Another big expense is the farrier, and I'm seriously considering starting the horse trims myself. -Listen to my whining, and all the while I'm trying to find two saddles :) Anyway, that's today's update, hope to keep it up!

Something New

Soooo, to get to the arabian horse family from now on, you'll have to use http://arabianhorsefamily.blogspot.com I was using a custom domain, but this is just as easy. Plus it's free! :) Will post some updates soon, I promise.

Did you see my butt?

Sigh. So the kids and I went to muck paddocks, clean water troughs, and hang with horses. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, while I was cleaning the trough Chester moseyed over to check it out and started grazing next to me. All of the sudden I felt something crawling up my jeans...seriously! It was all the way up to my thigh and started wiggling - too tight to head up farther I guess. Good grief I freaked out, screaming and jumping all over trying to figure out how to get "it" out of my pants while Chester just stood there munching. Munching and watching. So, not able to get this living squirming thing out of my pants prompted me to just pull the damn things off - right then and there without thinking I pulled my pants off. There is a highway to my left and a house with people in it to my right and my children were behind (they were rolling by the way). Finally, I pulled a little green grasshopper out and sent him on his way. Then I put my pants back on. This sums up my week so far :)

Musings

Goodness, it's been HOT around here! 115 for the "heat index" yesterday and believe me, the horses are feeling it-yeah right! The two of them seem to thrive in the heat, running around in the evenings has become a favorite pass time. I have to say, I join in their game and almost had a heatstroke last night.

Chester is doing wonderful under saddle, I've started using a mechanical hackamore and he seems to do really great with either that or just a halter.




Rascal, however, has been a royal pain in the ass. A few weeks ago the farrier came out and she gave him a little trouble, while he was there I asked his opinion. His opinion was that I've been letting my daughter handle her. Rascal needs a firm leader. Hmmm. I took some of his advice though, and I have to say, Rascal is more respectful with me, but more willing for Patience. If that makes any sense. I have been thinking of sending her away for ninety days later this year (must have the money first). Not because I don't think I can train her myself, just that maybe a full-time working mother of three and wife may not have enough time to train TWO horses.

Hunter-Jumper?

Wednesday night into Thursday morning the weather decided to get crazy and dump 3 inches of rain. As if that wasn't enough the winds gusted well over 60mph and the lightening was crazy (I hear, I was about 60 miles away - working). Anyway, right after I got off work and hopped in the car I got a call from Sallie, one of the owners where we board..um, Chester was out this morning. CRAP! Well, he had gotten out where the round pen is which is another fenced-in area and was grazing to his little hearts content. She called to let me know that they had put him back in he and Rascal's paddock and he looked okay and was walking okay, but that I might want to come check him over and make sure. I stepped on the gas and made record time. Once there, I discovered that I had unloaded my mud boots from the car (more on that trip later) so I ended up getting my work shoes soaked checking Chester over. He is fine, not a mark anywhere except the top of the gate - which has two scratch marks. I think the scratch marks are from his hooves clipping the gate (which is over four and a half feet) as he sailed over like a champion. I really would've liked to have been there so I could see it! Anyway, the two hams got a little extra feed for dealing with what was obviously a very harrowing night and I went home relieved. But maybe, just maybe, we'll try that together someday :)

A Quiz!

Misfit in Paradise e-mailed me the cutest quiz, and I'm just so flattered that anyone wants to know what I think.

1) You can Invite three people to dinner. They can be from the past, present, or future. Who are they? -Okay, I'd start with my alien brother Davis, add in hubby's bff Mark, and then throw in my cousin Travis' mom (Penelope). Then I'd laugh my ass off, cause they are all polar opposites, and watch the fireworks go off!

2) Why did you start a blog? -I have no one to talk about daily life with, except hubby, and he doesn't really like to look at pictures.

3) Monkey's, llamas, or horses? -Horses. Monkeys always cause an evolution argument and llamas spit when they're pissed.

4) Comedies or poignant dramas? -Comedies, there is enough drama is real life.

5) Do you have siblings? What kind (brothers, sisters, evil aliens)? If yes, where do you fit in the lineup. -Two brothers and one male alien. Oldest is the book-smart smarty pants who has learned some hard lessons in life. He's married now with kids, and never misses a Sunday at church. Frankly, he was sweet to me but the years have created a canyon. Next is the sweetie pie who's stomach is constantly stressed about life. He's the mediator who tries to make everyone happy. After that is the alien. He wasn't an alien until this marriage, but the new wifey decided she doesn't like the sister (don't worry, all I had to do was breathe fire in her general direction). And me, I'm the sister. The youngest and only girl of four children. Grew up with four dad's and they made me tough - I'm The Devil Wears Prada of the Arab Crazy Family :)

6) Besides me, who is your favorite author? What book? -Well crap, I'm a total Twilight junkie. (Stephenie Meyer)!

7) Are you a Gleek? -Hmmm? Well if a Gleek is someone who is slightly geeky and watches Glee, then yes. I do on occasion gleek when I am talking.

8) Do you have any You Tube subscriptions? If yes, what? -No.

9) Inside? Outside? Country? City? -Outside in the country.

10) Paper, plastic, or bring your own? -Plastic.

Thanks Misfit! Don't worry, I'm rockin the bumper sticker in Fort Worth this week!

Go and Whoa...

Chester's specific goal for today was letting me mount from the off side and moving off my legs. He had no issues with the off side mount and after about twenty minutes of moving off my leg and getting rewarded each time he was just done. Chester has always been that way when learning something new. His mind works really hard to figure out what it is I want. I have learned that once he "gets it" and does it right two or three times his mind is usually blown and nothing will come of me pushing harder that day. So, after I got what I wanted, he got some love and some grazing time.

Rascal is learning the fine art of whoa. She has the interesting habit of when I lunge her and ask for "whoa" she automatically turns and reverses the other way - taking off in a trot. No thanks. So today, my goal was when I say whoa, she stops. It was cute to watch her mind take in this "new" concept. She caught on quickly though, and we moved on to saddling from the off side, which we'll do again tomorrow.

Another interesting note is the weight tape. It's time to worm so I got out the tape. Chester is about the same weighing in around 740lbs. Rascal's weight is not on the map :) The tape goes to 1250lbs and she measures over that, around 1300lbs - she's also a little under 14 hands. Chester is a little over 15 hands. I think Chester is looking very well, and I think Rascal is a short round horse (translation - fatty). So, how accurate do you think weight tapes are? Do you use one, or rely on your eye?

Reflection

Remember those summer vacations when you were a kid?

The backyard and some cool water was a magical place on a hot day.

These smiling faces and the sound of that laughter make everything worthwhile.

The innocence of childhood...

is infectious.

I think my kids are making me feel young.