Farrier visit on 19th

The day dawned bright and sunny for once. Farrier arrived on time too...so it was off to a good start.

We started the day with Molson and his bad front foot. Farrier is now thinking maybe a tight tendon...but that to me seems a little off and he had never mentioned anything like that before and you'd think that by the age of 2 I would have noticed that something was not right with the foot.

Molson was NOT a good boy to start off with. Rob tuned him in but good and he finally stood still like a good boy. Those hormones are sure playing havoc with his brain. Rob still really likes him even with the attitude. Said he is one stunning piece of muscled horseflesh. LOL

The rest of the horses were well behaved for the most part. A few instances of "I don't want to stand right here cause I can't see anyone else"...and one of "OUCH...that is my bad leg".

Dolly, out of everyone, was the most unsure of having her feet done. We usually do them inside when they have a foal but it was such a nice day that we tried for outside. It took us about 10 minutes for her to finally relax and let Rob pick up a foot. Phoenix was a holy terror...running around like his tail was on fire for most of the trimming on his mom.

Rob also looked at his feet - just a visual as we haven't done any halter work with the little man yet. He said he looks okay...but could use a bit of a trim up the next time he is over.

But all in all it was a good day.

We also did the shots and worming on everyone.

I had wanted to measure everyone - mainly the youngsters - for height but just didn't manage to get that in.

Haidas Sugarlicious

Or Sugar...or "Ding"...will also be arriving in early July from Illinois along with Rondee.

Ding has been a favorite of mine since I saw her as a 2 month old filly at Paige's. Her dam was blind so she wore a bell on a collar...hence the name "Ding" or "Ding-a-ling".

We have decided, however, to call her Sugar as she seems like such a "sweety".

She is also going to join our broodmare band when she is old enough. With Haidas Sugar Doc and Doc Tari up close this will be a nice cross on both Hyde and Gunner as well.

And with the added bonus of her red dun color we may get some color in the pasture again.

Playboys Rondeevous

Will be here in 6 weeks or thereabouts!!!

I can hardly wait. This stunning girl is the perfect start to our broodmare band.

She is also going to head to Jason's for a 30 or 60 day course in "trailriding 101". LOL

With her great pedigree - Smart Little Rondee, Smart Little Lena, Playboys Guard and Freckles Playboy - we will have some great little cutting horse babies in the future when breeding her to Hyde and Gunner.

Claresholm show postponed

due to some home stuff that Jason had to take care of this weekend.

The boys will now go there on June 4 - 6. I am off that weekend as well so will travel down to watch.

I hope that the extra couple of weeks will help Hyde settle down and he will show really well there.

I am headed to Jason's tomorrow for a visit to see my "3" boys. Hyde, Gunner and to see how Sonny is making out at his new home.

Saddle shopping

Well, now that we are down to only 2 saddles...and only one that fits Melissa, Doyle and I...Paige and I did some saddle shopping online.

We had originally found one at Hutch's (Paige's friend's place) but when he got back from a business trip, it had been sold.

We did, however, find two nice saddles and will be ordering them right away.

One is a Blue River cutting saddle for myself. Not that I will ever do any cutting...but just in case...you never know.



Here is the info on the cutting saddle:

Blue River Saddles are custom hand crafted and this was benchmade by
their best saddle maker. This is their highest line of saddle made
with premium materials. If you are familiar with Blue River Saddles
you will know how nice this saddle is. This saddle is top of the line
in every way. Only premium leather and hardwear is used. Heavy duty
saddle made to last a lifetime. Truely a gorgeous saddle, built atop a
premium hide covered hardwood full quarter horse tree with a full 7"
gullet. This saddle tree has a manufactures 5 year guarantee!

Horn: 4" Cutter,
Cantle Height: 3"
Swell: 12"
Seat: Roughout Hard Seat
3" Stirrup leathers
Full Double D-Rings
Full Quarter Horse Bars
7" Gullet
Extra heavy #1 skirting leather for extra long wear.
Basket tooling with roughout fenders and jockies.

And the other is a Showman Roper for Doyle.



Saddle Features:

Top grain leather seat with 3 1/2 inch, high back cantle for superior comfort.
Extra heavy #1 skirting leather for extra long wear.
Bullhide covered hardwood tree guaranteed for roping.
3 Inch post roper horn w/ rawhide binder
Full 3 inch stirrup leathers with hand laced, rawhide covered deep
roper stirrups.
Stainless steel full D rigging.
29" x 12 1/2" skirts.
Weighs approx. 37 pounds.
Hand made and hand tooled.
Light oil


He is very excited as he has never had a saddle all for himself. Now to get some horses home that are broke well enough for him to ride. LOL

Changes at work

Things are still going great. But there have been a few changes implemented.

The first is we are now down to two girls in the timeoffice. Rhonda has taken a promotion to Payroll Assistant. Our Payroll Supervisor is going on maternity leave so the current assitant will be moving up...and Rhonda is filling in there.

This now means that the work load has increased a bit. But Cathaleen and I are sure we can handle it.

It also means that we will now be getting every 2nd weekend off instead of every 3rd. And we will be working them alone...which will increase the work load to double on those two days.

The bad part of all this is I will be losing 20 hrs of OT every 4 weeks. That could cut into the boys show schedules...so I will have to watch my $$$ very closely now.

Reached the top of the hill

on the 17th. LOL

Had a small bbq planned but wouldn't you know it...everyone already had plans for the May long weekend.

My girlfriend Sharon came out with a friend from Toronto. They were going to stay and have a couple drinks to help me celebrate before heading on their route of visits...and then ended up staying for supper.

Doyle cooked a wonderful bbq of steak and potatoes and veggies.

My mom and dad called and reminded me that I should be "on the water"...which is a family joke...as I was almost born on a boat in the ocean.

Sonny's offspring for sale

A friend of mine up here found this today:

http://www.northernhorse.com/classifieds/AdDetails_horse.asp?ID=6432

I sold this colt in 2006. He was the only foal out of my red roan mare that was put down in September with Semi.

He sure looks nice. I have e-mailed his owner to ask for full body shots.

Farrier booked

for May 19

Told him about everyone's feet. He is coming right away.

Hopefully it isn't anything major with Molson's front foot. I had not noticed anything weird about it until Jason pointed it out.

Farrier said that foot was really badly broken when he was here last time...so he is thinking it just needs some extra trims.

Jason visits

Jason also stopped over on his way home to look at Sonny as he was going to see about putting him in his dad's big cowhorse sale. He also looked over everything else I have. Liked Molson but said he has a foot problem on one front...so I need to get the farrier out to hopefully correct it - said is looks "clubby" and it sure the hell doesn't look right that's for sure. He said my price range on Gidget was good - promote her for a kid pony - put some rides on her and pics of her being ridden. Thought Phoenix was massive. Said he will pass his info on to some of his roper friends.

And then he offered me training in exchange for Sonny. He liked him for himself. Is going to use him for a turn back horse and do some roping on him. so I am pretty happy. Sonny loaded right up into Jason's trailer!!!

So all in all a good day I think. LOL

Hyde shows

In Lloydminster on Mother's Day...and I was there to watch!!!

Hyde was extremely relaxed and comfortable with everything today. But again in the ring, he let that one section of fence catch his attention and he stopped again. To explain what I am meaning - the entire outside of the arena is done in white board...except a 12 foot section which is just metal panels. And it is right where the horse would stop and turn the cow back at the fence. So Hyde can see people and horses, stalls, and outside.

Going the other direction and if the cow didn't go that far over, Hyde worked really really well...his stop has come a LONG WAY.

Hyde scored a 60 yesterday. But he no scored today...Jason didn't have enough time to bring out a 3rd cow so shut Hyde down with about 20 seconds left - causing the no score. When I asked him about it...he said it was the "gentlemanly thing to do for the next competitor and for the person who would eventually win the class".

He also told me that he was getting lots of compliments on all his horses with their training levels and skill level...even Hyde. It is just the "show ring" experience that Hyde has to get used to. Jason said Hyde worked at his practice session like he does at home - and that was done in the show ring...but there was no announcer...no audience...and as Jason and his group were the first to arrive, there were no other horses around either. I suggested to Jason that he bring a big tape recorder and record a show and then play it over and over again in his arena at home. LOL

Jason is going to try to set up some travel dates with some other trainers over the next few weeks. Hyde and Gunner both will be going.

Hyde's next show was to be Claresholm on the 23 - 25 of May. Jason feels that he will just take Hyde and Gunner there for the experience and practice works. Unless Hyde shows that he is over the "stage fright" if he can get him out to other places between now and then.

The pics from the show aren't great but here are a couple.

Molson is growing!!!

Just measured the little man. He is not so little anymore.

He is 13.3 (and 1/2) at the withers and 14.1 (and a half) at the hip.

Not too bad for the little munchkin he was at birth. He didn't even make it to my belly button - and I am on 5 ft 1 inch. LOL

May 11 - Hyde's first show day

was yesterday.

He did not fare too well. His inexperience showed big time Jason said when I talked to him last night.

he worked well in the practice on Friday night. Really concentrated and worked hard in the 5 minutes they are given.

Jason said he had good hopes for Saturday but with all the extra goings on in the arena - all the people and noise - Hyde just wasn't "all" there. Jason said he went into the herd really nice and quiet...picked out a good cow and set down to work. part way through the work - he saw an open arena door (about 70 - 100 feet away) and just stopped and stared at it. Jason had to pick up the reins and get him back on track. Jason said he has to remind himself now that Hyde is just like any other 3 year old (even though he is 4) and treat him as such...make sure he gets more exposure to things etc.

He said that after the class, his buddy from Texas rode Hyde around in a halter and lead rope and had no issues with him with any other horses around, noise, vehicles etc. So that is a positive for sure.

So we are hoping for better things today.

We are headed out the door in 10 minutes or so to go and watch. Have my camera and camcorder all set and ready!!!

Cross your fingers, toes, eyes...whatever you can!!! LOL

Spring has sprung - May 9

And the boys are feeling their oats...even those who shouldn't know what the "oats" feel like anymore.

Well, it finally happened. Sonny had enough of Molson and put him over the fence at some point today.

Molson is not hurt - has a few "hair" scratches but no blood or torn skin.

Doyle and I went through all possible "horse buddy" matches and have decided that until we either sell Sonny or Molson or both or geld Molson, both will have to stay by themselves. Poor boys.

We will leave Sonny where he is...and have put Molson in one of the stalls with the outside pen...and tomorrow we will put up some boards and he will go into the two big wooden pens we built for Hyde and Gunner. That means we will have to feed him hay...but do have a smaller pasture/pen beside those that he can go into as well...but it is 1/2 dirt.

This also gives me more of an opportunity to work with Molson as he will be easier to catch at night and I don't have to worry about Sonny being a pain in the ass around us while we catch and leave the pasture. And after leading Molson tonight...he sure needs a good tune up. But the funniest was his attitude when I left the halter on him while in this little pen. He is tossing his head and trying to look down his nose at what is sitting on it...have you ever seen a horse try to go cross-eyed. He is also shaking his head...then stopping and looking at me as if to say "HELP". LOL

The rest of the horses have big pastures to be on so they are all fine.

Visiting Hyde and Gunner - May 3

Here are a couple pics from today's visit. I will do a longer write up later as I am pretty tired tonight. They just worked the flag as Jason is building fence right now and had no way of getting cattle or buffalo into the arena today.

Gunner pics:




Hyde pics:




Both boys are doing fantastic and looking even better. Their pics actually look like they are cutting horses now with how low they are getting down in the dirt...and the stops - wow - power. Hyde's stopping shot looks like he is a reiner there is so much sand flying.

Jason has changed his mind about me taking money from Hyde and putting it into Gunner as Hyde is now working very hard and showing Jason that he is ready to go.

Hyde's first show is next weekend actually!!! I am soo excited. Hyde will be entered in the $3000 Novice Horse class. He will do a "prep work" on friday in the show ring with the herd and turn back riders etc. And then will show on Saturday and Sunday.

I was a little disappointed in the pics as I could not for the life of me find my multi-burst setting. And they are very yellow. I am going to have to play with the lighting setting next time too.

More stupid weather - April 29 - 30

It was absolutely beautiful here the last two days...temps hovering around +20C. It is now cooling off really fast...raining.

Forecast is for up to 2 1/2 inches of snow by morning...GOOD GOLLY. Obviously mother nature isn't looking at the same calendar as me that says it is almost MAY!!!

Well, morning arrived - no snow and hardly any rain. driveway is soft all the way to the barn so we did get some moisture...just not as much as predicted.

the grass though really liked it and you can see a little touch of green here and there...but we are probably 2 weeks away from not having to feed unless things drastically change weather wise.

Good thing I bought 6 extra round last year because we sure needed it. And now that we are out...and no good grass in sight yet...we are off to find a few more bales.

Saddle selling - April 28

Well, after a long debate, I put my Billy Cook reining saddle up for sale. Doyle bought it for me for Christmas a couple years ago.



I just don't ride enough to have something that fancy. Plus it was a little big for me - both in seat size - and in how big it was on the horses.

He picked it out because it was fancy and because, at the time, we were thinking of going into reining horses.

But with the purchase of cutting horses...it just didn't suit.

I ended up selling it in a matter of a week...not too bad. Didn't get what I was asking for it...but did pretty good I think.

FURIOUS - April 23

I cannot believe the nerve of some people!!!

As I have said over the last couple days we are in the middle of a "second winter" complete with 8 inches of snow, cold, wind etc.

Our gravel road is not the best in the winter when it is just normal...but add in the soft new snow and the wind...it is trecherous at best.

Well, Melissa got her car stuck coming home...right at the neighbors driveway.

Now these people, despite our best efforts at talking to them over the last 3 years, continue to plow their driveway out across the roadway into the ditch on the other side of the road causing a nice big hill for the snow to blow over and cause a MASSIVE drift to drive through.

So Melissa calls us, asks for advice (remember this is her first winter driving). We say...call Shayne to come get you in the truck and to bring the shovel...shovel the car out and then head home....DO NOT try to pull it out (they do not know how to attach a tow rope or have even been towed). Shayne, by the way, doesn't even have his
learner's permit yet.

Two hours later, we get another phone call...couldn't get it out. Doyle asked if it was possible for the neighbors to get in their driveway. Melissa says yes. So he says "leave it there until I get home". So off home they go...Melissa to bed as she is working nights.

Just over an hour later, Shayne starts getting nasty yelling phone calls from the neighbor about the car...it is in the way...come get it...NOW...the "oldest in the house better get dressed up and down here with a shovel to dig that car out or it will be pushed into the ditch".

Another neighbor was called and the kids again got another nasty phone call to get their asses down there to the car as it will be plowed out and they best be there to drive it home. So Shayne gets down there (Bailey took him on the quad). The people get there with their tractor - didn't bring a rope - yell at him some more and make him walk the 1/2 mile home to get one. By now Shayne is in tears.

He gets back there, into the car, they pull it a bit...tell him to drive it home. He gets into another deep rut of soft snow and gets stuck again...so now they are not just yelling at him but SWEARING AT HIM.

Doyle pulled up and blasted them. Like really...he is 14 fricken years old...not supposed to be driving...never driven in the snow...and this is how you treat him???

They just drove off.

I then get home - after almost getting stuck myself in my new suv in all wheel drive at the same spot...only to find all this out. I then listen to the phone messages...which while not overly nasty are pretty condescending to the kids.

I AM NOW ABSOLUTELY LIVID. I WOUL D NEVER EVER TREAT SOME OTHER PEOPLE KIDS LIKE THAT NO MATTER HOW FURIOUS/FRUSTRATED I WAS.

Winter is never going to end

Okay - this is just nuts.

We now have over 8 inches of snow on the ground...temps are around -35 again.

I am exhausted. Cleaning stalls, wrapping legs in this sucks.

And no end in sight according to the weather network - at least until MAY 2!!!

This has to be one of the longest winters on record since I moved to Edmonton in 1988.

The trees lost their leaves in early September...horses started their winter coats around the same time. We started feeding in late September...first snow fall in early October.

WHEN WILL IT END!!!

April 20 - Discussion with Jason

As we are in the middle of a massive blizzard - so much for spring -
Jason and I just talked on the phone today instead of me trying to
drive out there.

We discussed the boys prospective shows as well as how he thinks they
will go.

Hyde will go next weekend to his next "pretend" show where he will
just lope around and get used to the sights and sounds. Gunner may
also tag along as Jason is very concerned about his attitude
(studdiness).

As for the shows, Jason so far has these in mind for them:

May 10/11 - Lloydminster - Hyde to show both days

May 23, 24, 25 - Claresholm - Hyde to show 2 days; Gunner to go for
experience

May 31 - June 1 - Blacklands Ranch Show (Fort Saskatchewan) - Hyde to
show

June 28 - 29 - Olds (Vic Almond) - Hyde to show; Gunner to go for
experience

July 4 - 6 - Olds (Kim Moore) - Hyde and Gunner to show

August 29 - Sept 1 - Northlands Futurity (Edmonton)- both to show

August 21 - 25 - Olds Futurity (first BIG show for both boys) - both
showing 2 days

September 22 - 28 - Canadian Supreme (Red Deer) - both boys to show

October 14 (?) - Wrangler Cutting Futurity (Calgary) - both to show

November - St. Lake City - Gunner to show (maybe)

Now this is what we have tentatively planned...some will depend on
funds for sure.

We also discussed Jason taking on Molson for 60 days as well as
Rondee for 60 days when she gets here...just to get them BROKE for me
to ride here at home. He told me he has an "assistant" - friend -
coming from Fort Worth right now to help him out for the summer
months. Said that I would get a good training deal on it. So am
happy with that.

As for the boys, Jason had this to say:

Hyde is a very flashy showy boy...he just wishes he would stop
harder. Said he is very calm about everything. And has learned that
studdy behaviour is totally not acceptable at any time. He is hoping
that being in an actual show situation will "liven him up" and he
will show stronger than he works at home.

Gunner is a powerhouse and said he should either win or place in
every competition from what he has seen and heard out there for other
3 year olds. Said his stop is so strong and hard that it can be hard
to sit at times. His one big downfall is his stud factor - has had
a real hard time getting that under control and has to work on it
constantly. But said he is going to be a big money horse!!! And
really wants to keep him on through his 4 year old year.

C

April 16 - A new "Journey"

has begun.

We went car shopping tonight. Bought a 2009 Dodge Journey.



Traded of my "piece of crap" Saturn Vue.

It is Dodge's cross over vehicle. It has lots of cool things...coolers in the floor of the back seat, a cooler above the glove compartment, a flashlight in the very back. A third row of seats that fold flat. It also has back seat temperature controls.

Very nice and comfortable too.

Weird weather

This is the temp changes here this week. On Monday, we were wearing
winter jackets, gloves and hats...temp was around -15 C in the morning
and got up to 0 - +4 or so. It stayed like that until Thursday when
it only dropped to around -5 and the temp raised to +9. Friday was
really nice - temps got up to +13. Then yesterday it was BEAUTIFUL.
When I was coming home from the city, the thermostat in my car read
+23!!! We were outside in t-shirts. Saw people in shorts in the
city.

It is supposed to be almost that nice today again...but tomorrow
(Monday) we are only supposed to get up to +7. How is that for swift
changes in temps.

Max is growing up

He is going to be one massive dog when he is done growing. At 5 months, he is almost as big as Maggie. Hard to believe this was that cute little pup 3 months ago.

We are working on some word commands...like "don't hurt the kitties"...as he likes to jump on the cats. "NO" is now starting to get some attention. And he still "comes" when called. So that is good...LOL

Phoenix is home - April 11

Here a couple pics of the little man now that he is home and outside.
He will be 2 weeks old on Sunday.




Please excuse the dried mud on his little body but we are just now
starting to dry up.

For a registered name we are thinking of going with either "A Major
Flame" or "Dee Major".

Lucky's vet visit - April 11

After working with Lucky for a week, and not seeing too much improvement, I figured it was time for a vet visit.

It is a tendon injury. Vet isn't sure whether it is just a simple pull or a tear of some sort. But she said she will recover - in 6 - 8 more weeks.

She told me to continue doing everything I have been except for the liniment right on the fetlock joint - but I can put it on the muscles above and the knee and even on her other front leg just to keep the muscles nice and loose and ease any strain they are having from bearing more than their share of the weight.

I asked about how to wrap and showed her what I was using and she said - wrap the quilted pads firmly...then wrap the stable wraps tight. I asked if it mattered which way to wrap as I always get confused and she said that it basically doesn't matter much as the quilted pads will keep me from causing damage to anything else.

I also asked about the bute...told her I was giving 1 cc a day in the morning. She said that is good but if she needs more I can give 1 cc at night. She said if she gets really bad, I can give up to 2.5 cc 2 x per day.

She went over her overall health with me (this, btw, was the same vet that was out last fall and did teeth and then put Semi and Copy down) so is sort of familiar with Lucky. She said Lucky was in great overall condition. Still no overt signs of arthiritis in any of her other joints...no heat or anything either. Looked at her coat and told me to give her a bath as soon as I am able as she is pretty dry skinned from her long coat and blanket wearing (this I already knew). I asked about testing for cushings and she laughed and said "look at her - don't need to test". I asked what to do and she said "just what you are already".

We talked about her feeding schedule and she said to up her grain now that I know what the foot/leg problem is...I had cut it down thinking of founder etc.

Other than that she had no concerns for Lucky's health and said that she could really see her living for a number of years.

So YIPPEE!!!

Tire kickers

What is with people. You sit and talk to them on the phone for ages it seems. Tell them all they want to know. They say the horse sounds perfect. Come out...spend at least an hour or more here. They then say they will think about the horse...and let me know in a day or two.

So here I sit waiting and waiting...and NOTHING.

FRUSTRATING

Interest in Sale Horses

YIPPEE...now that spring has arrived (a snowy one at that)...I am getting interest in my horses for sale.

Have had a few people out to look at Sonny and Ace. Others out to look at some of the mares.

Here's hoping that someone will move so I will have extra in my show budget for Hyde and Gunner.

Also have had some interest in my show saddle.

MORE SNOW

I can't believe that it is snowing again. Told to expect at least 3 inches...well we already have 7. YUCK

When will this winter ever end!!!???!!!

Update on Lucky - April 4

Went out this am at 4:30 to check on the old girl. She is NOT happy about being in the stall...talked to me the whole time I was getting her grain, hay and bute ready. Met me right at the door of the stall ready to jump out. Good thing she is well behaved.

Had the big flashlight with me and checked out the leg. The swelling has gone down considerably from the knee to half way down the cannon bone. It feels "lumpy" along the inside of the cannon bone - like a bump. It is soft and very tender so I wonder if she hit it and then with all the walking on it made it swell???

Anyways. Gave her more bute, half her grain (5 lbs), and her hay (which she had completely cleaned up from last night). Also rubbed her down with the linament again.

Her walk is a lot more even today...she is bearing more weight on the leg this morning as well.

Got home from work and went to check on her and she is much better tonight. Swelling is down to just the fetlock and just an inch above. Still fairly tender as she didn't want me squeezing it to see if I could tell where exactly it is sore.

She is also bearing full weight on it again and pacing the stall.

April news

Okay - here we go again for another big round of updates. Still way behind as you can see.

We will start with April...and hopefully will get all caught up!!!