I've begun the saddle hunt in earnest now, and I've narrowed it down to just a couple. The reviews are great. I just have to figure out what it is that I want, and what the Palomino Princess needs.
I've found a butterfly skirt that I love, and I know that I want really pretty tooling. Roses maybe. I definitely want a flex tree for her. I saw a piece on RFD about saddle trees that were made out of rubber, like tire rubber. But that's...really expensive. I would love to have a Parelli saddle, but that's so far out of my price range. All this cantle height, and fender length, rigging, housing, and seat sizes gets really confusing. Or I've just spent way too many hours researching it all.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
I'm comin' in!
I stepped out the door to get something, and left the sliding glass door open, not thinking. I took down the rope that's across the bottom of the stairs, went on my way. No sooner had I gotten past the steps a little ways then Anya headed inside the house! I couldn't get past her to stop her from the top! I grabbed her tail and tried to pull her back.
You know those cartoons where the character is pulling with all their might, heels dug into the ground, leaned waaaay back using all their weight? That was me. She put up a good fight but finally came back down. I promptly shut the door and put the rope back up.
This is apparently a hereditary thing. She is sure she belongs inside with us.
I'm not so good with the relationship thing, but her grandsire is Royal Ivory, who is the sire of Ivory Pal of Ivory Knoll Ranch (which I think would be her Uncle, but don't quote me.)
Ivory Pal gets to go inside his people's house, as evidenced here, and here, and here aaand here.
Somehow she knows this, and expects the same royal treatment Ivory Pal gets. No matter how many times I tell her she can't, she continues to try. I haven't yet told her that he's also on the cover of the March issue of Equus. She'd find some way to get a photographer here.
You know those cartoons where the character is pulling with all their might, heels dug into the ground, leaned waaaay back using all their weight? That was me. She put up a good fight but finally came back down. I promptly shut the door and put the rope back up.
This is apparently a hereditary thing. She is sure she belongs inside with us.
I'm not so good with the relationship thing, but her grandsire is Royal Ivory, who is the sire of Ivory Pal of Ivory Knoll Ranch (which I think would be her Uncle, but don't quote me.)
Ivory Pal gets to go inside his people's house, as evidenced here, and here, and here aaand here.
Somehow she knows this, and expects the same royal treatment Ivory Pal gets. No matter how many times I tell her she can't, she continues to try. I haven't yet told her that he's also on the cover of the March issue of Equus. She'd find some way to get a photographer here.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Bareback
I rode bareback for the first time today at my riding lesson. I realized it's not quite as easy as everyone makes it look. I'm going to have to work on the whole balance thing. Those first two steps or so from a stop I didn't do so well. After that I was okay and was able to get into the groove. But that initial take off is kinda shakey for me. I'm also going to have to work the inner thighs some more. Thank goodness for the Thigh Master!
It was a completely awesome feeling though, and I can't wait until it's second nature for me!
It was a completely awesome feeling though, and I can't wait until it's second nature for me!
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Three going on...SIX?!
I had a shock yesterday. I was waiting on the vet to get here, it's time for spring shots and I needed her to do the blood draws for me to send in for Anya's registration. I was just kinda hanging out, looking over all the paperwork when I realized the date in the Foaling date box was '02.
I did what I do best. I panicked. I was about to have the vet out to do blood work on a horse that wasn't the one on the paper! My horse is only 3 1/2! Something's dreadfully wrong. The breeder must have sent us the wrong paper. So I called the TWHBEA, talked to one of the girls there who was just as confused as I was, and then sent me over to leave a message for the person in charge of registrations.
Being so confused, I called the lady we bought her from, because surely she sent the wrong paper, and we need to get this sorted asap! She completely denied everything she'd told me before about the horse. She said the date on the ad was "a typo."
I'd actually snagged a screen shot of her ad a few weeks after we purchased her. It was a cached page, and unfortunately I was unable to get the text of the ad because it had already been deleted. But here's the screen shot:
She said I had the right papers. Then she proceeded to tell me she'd never owned Anya's dam...
I said that the transfer slip I had wasn't signed by her, but someone else. She said that the slip was supposed to be signed by the person who owned the foal at the time they should have been registered. Which, according to what she told me when I purchased her, would have been her. She owned the dam at the time, because she bought her in foal. Foal = Anya.
She was "out until Monday" and I told her I needed her to check her records and be absolutely certain. I asked her what year she'd bought Anya's dam, and she gave me "I have no idea, at that time I had more than 80 broodmares. I don't remember names, or dates. I'm sure you got the right paper."
How in the world could she be sure I got the right paper if she can't even remember anything else?
When we bought her, her name was "Misty." When we got the papers in the mail from her, there was a little slip of notebook paper clipped to the registration information that said "Goldie." I was so excited to even HAVE the papers after all we'd been through with this woman that I didn't think too much about it. Maybe it's what they'd called her initially? Who knows.
The vet came and I explained to her what was going on. She said there was no way she was that old, and that she'd look at her but if she didn't think she was there was no way she would sign the paper. I was totally fine with that, because I didn't want the papers for the wrong horse anyway.
I brought Anya out, and the first thing the vet said was "Wow, she's really grown!" I kept thinking that too, but since I see her all the time I wasn't really sure. I know she's gained weight! Then she commented that her face had broadened and that she was beautiful. (She is, she knows she is.) So the vet looked at her teeth, looked some more. Stopped and said, "Well she might be..." and looked again. It seems like she looked for a good five minutes, but it probably wasn't that long. She finally went and referenced a book just to be certain. "Yeah, I think she's about six."
Then she looked over her and said "I can't believe she's grown this much as a six year old!" She said that she must have had a really horrible start and have been so malnourished in order for her to have grown like that at this age. So we did the rest of the visit, I opted for putting in the microchip.
Honestly, I don't give a rat's behind that she's six years old. That's not it at all.
First of all, I didn't start working on riding her because I thought she was still only 3. She needed to gain weight and settle in anyway obviously, but I held off so she could finish growing some, let her joints and ligaments form, etc. So I feel like I've wasted the last few months that I could have been riding.
Second, it pisses me off to no end that she was completely misrepresented. There's a really big difference between a barely-three-year-old and a six-year-old horse. Further, that this woman has completely changed her story and denies even owning her as a foal now! It's the principle of the matter more than it is anything else.
I did a lot of mulling things over last night, trying to figure out why I was quite as upset as I am. Yeah, principle, she lied about her, Anya's older than I thought. She's still the same horse that I love, and her age isn't going to make that any different.
Then it hit me. I've just lost three years of time with her that I thought I had. In a matter of hours. Three years!
It wouldn't have made an iota of difference if I'd known she was six, I'd have bought her anyway. I actually wanted a horse older than 3, and even told the lady that, but there was something about this horse. That would have given her the perfect opportunity to say "Oh you know what, she might be older than you're thinking. Maybe the ad is wrong, let me just double check." She'd have had a much more sure sale! I had to convince my husband to let me buy a horse that young. (It'd have saved me a lot of headache, that's for sure.)
This is my forever horse, and I thought our forever was at least three years longer than it apparently is. It's just a bit sad that in a moment, I lost three years with the horse who's saved my life.
I did what I do best. I panicked. I was about to have the vet out to do blood work on a horse that wasn't the one on the paper! My horse is only 3 1/2! Something's dreadfully wrong. The breeder must have sent us the wrong paper. So I called the TWHBEA, talked to one of the girls there who was just as confused as I was, and then sent me over to leave a message for the person in charge of registrations.
Being so confused, I called the lady we bought her from, because surely she sent the wrong paper, and we need to get this sorted asap! She completely denied everything she'd told me before about the horse. She said the date on the ad was "a typo."
I'd actually snagged a screen shot of her ad a few weeks after we purchased her. It was a cached page, and unfortunately I was unable to get the text of the ad because it had already been deleted. But here's the screen shot:
She said I had the right papers. Then she proceeded to tell me she'd never owned Anya's dam...
I said that the transfer slip I had wasn't signed by her, but someone else. She said that the slip was supposed to be signed by the person who owned the foal at the time they should have been registered. Which, according to what she told me when I purchased her, would have been her. She owned the dam at the time, because she bought her in foal. Foal = Anya.
She was "out until Monday" and I told her I needed her to check her records and be absolutely certain. I asked her what year she'd bought Anya's dam, and she gave me "I have no idea, at that time I had more than 80 broodmares. I don't remember names, or dates. I'm sure you got the right paper."
How in the world could she be sure I got the right paper if she can't even remember anything else?
When we bought her, her name was "Misty." When we got the papers in the mail from her, there was a little slip of notebook paper clipped to the registration information that said "Goldie." I was so excited to even HAVE the papers after all we'd been through with this woman that I didn't think too much about it. Maybe it's what they'd called her initially? Who knows.
The vet came and I explained to her what was going on. She said there was no way she was that old, and that she'd look at her but if she didn't think she was there was no way she would sign the paper. I was totally fine with that, because I didn't want the papers for the wrong horse anyway.
I brought Anya out, and the first thing the vet said was "Wow, she's really grown!" I kept thinking that too, but since I see her all the time I wasn't really sure. I know she's gained weight! Then she commented that her face had broadened and that she was beautiful. (She is, she knows she is.) So the vet looked at her teeth, looked some more. Stopped and said, "Well she might be..." and looked again. It seems like she looked for a good five minutes, but it probably wasn't that long. She finally went and referenced a book just to be certain. "Yeah, I think she's about six."
Then she looked over her and said "I can't believe she's grown this much as a six year old!" She said that she must have had a really horrible start and have been so malnourished in order for her to have grown like that at this age. So we did the rest of the visit, I opted for putting in the microchip.
Honestly, I don't give a rat's behind that she's six years old. That's not it at all.
First of all, I didn't start working on riding her because I thought she was still only 3. She needed to gain weight and settle in anyway obviously, but I held off so she could finish growing some, let her joints and ligaments form, etc. So I feel like I've wasted the last few months that I could have been riding.
Second, it pisses me off to no end that she was completely misrepresented. There's a really big difference between a barely-three-year-old and a six-year-old horse. Further, that this woman has completely changed her story and denies even owning her as a foal now! It's the principle of the matter more than it is anything else.
I did a lot of mulling things over last night, trying to figure out why I was quite as upset as I am. Yeah, principle, she lied about her, Anya's older than I thought. She's still the same horse that I love, and her age isn't going to make that any different.
Then it hit me. I've just lost three years of time with her that I thought I had. In a matter of hours. Three years!
It wouldn't have made an iota of difference if I'd known she was six, I'd have bought her anyway. I actually wanted a horse older than 3, and even told the lady that, but there was something about this horse. That would have given her the perfect opportunity to say "Oh you know what, she might be older than you're thinking. Maybe the ad is wrong, let me just double check." She'd have had a much more sure sale! I had to convince my husband to let me buy a horse that young. (It'd have saved me a lot of headache, that's for sure.)
This is my forever horse, and I thought our forever was at least three years longer than it apparently is. It's just a bit sad that in a moment, I lost three years with the horse who's saved my life.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Simply love
One night a few weeks ago, I stopped and looked out the back door. Anya was standing there. She didn't want anything, for once. She just looked at me. I looked into those big dark eyes and it was as if love physically flowed between us.
On the way home from the Parelli conference last night, we listened to Katie Drake's CD which we picked up. One of the songs really struck me. It's exactly how I feel about Anya.
I remember the first time I saw you
I couldn’t look away
Everything I had dreamed of and more
Was standing there that day
I didn’t think I had a chance you were way out of my league
And when you came walking toward me
My knees went weak
That day my life changed forever
Why do I get this feeling
What we have is special
It’s not a love you see everyday
It all started when you caught my attention
And I still can’t keep my eyes off you today
On the way home from the Parelli conference last night, we listened to Katie Drake's CD which we picked up. One of the songs really struck me. It's exactly how I feel about Anya.
I remember the first time I saw you
I couldn’t look away
Everything I had dreamed of and more
Was standing there that day
I didn’t think I had a chance you were way out of my league
And when you came walking toward me
My knees went weak
That day my life changed forever
Why do I get this feeling
What we have is special
It’s not a love you see everyday
It all started when you caught my attention
And I still can’t keep my eyes off you today
Sunday, February 10, 2008
The Parelli Tour
Wow. We attended the Parelli tour stop this weekend in Williamston.
I'm fairly new to the Parelli ideas, but the more I learn, the more they just make sense to me. This weekend has really shown me what the philosophy is all about. It's not about staring at your horse's butt to get them to move, it's about your horse understanding you so well that you don't need to push or shove or hit them to get them to move their butt.
So many philosophies seem to be "start with as little pressure as possible and increase pressure until you get a response." That may be all well and good, but what then? You're whacking your horse because they've stopped responding until you use brute force. I saw a Clinton Anderson "starting a colt" series, and he was literally beating the colt in the belly with the stirrups! To "desensitize" him supposedly. Desensitize because he did nerve damage maybe.
I am just overwhelmed by all that I've seen the last two days. Maybe because it was our first up close and personal experience and I got to watch it unfold in front of me. Maybe it feels like this every time. The truth always has a way of making itself known, and I have seen and heard so much of it this weekend.
I loved the demo horse section. I think Pat had a really challenging horse, more so than I've ever seen on his shows. I have a hard time believing that anyone actually rode that horse. He was so scared, and was fighting so much. I really learned so much by watching him, and hearing the process. It really helped me to hear the why's of some of the behaviors, as well. Pat told us today that he was interested in owning that horse, which I thought was fabulous. I really think that particular horse NEEDS Pat right now. He really worked with him a long time, and even ended yesterday's sessions and said "I need to put more love into this horse, and you're free to watch." I don't know how much longer he worked with him last night since we didn't stay much past that. But to have seen all the effort and energy he put into him in those few hours, to know he was interested in buying him, and helping him warmed my heart. It just showed how much he cared for him after only a little while, and how much he wanted to really help him.
He also said that after working with him again a little this morning that he realized he wasn't so much scared as he was just not going to give up his dignity anymore.
Something that really impressed me today was when he brought out one of their younger horses for his first show demonstration. Smart Seven wasn't at all interested in putting the bridle on, and Pat never pushed him into it. So many other people would have tied the horse, and forced it on him, or wrapped a lead rope around his neck and held onto him. To me, to be able to see that not only can Pat tell and explain and show all of these things, he LIVES them was so inspiring! There was no pressure for Seven to put the bridle on, and I've little doubt that if he hadn't accepted it, we'd all be sitting there still waiting on him and Pat would be just as patient as when he started.
I'm overflowing with all the things I've learned and seen the last two days and I can't wait to get started with it all! We bought the Complete Kit, and a spare carrot stick. They were out of the equipment bags and the Liberty & Horse Behavior set, and will be shipping those to us at no extra cost. And today they had a table (at least I think it was only the one table) of shirts for 1/2 price. I'm already thinking that next year, we won't have to buy the complete kit, so I can spend lots more on the goodies on the other end of the arena! Those bareback pads are drool worthy.
My husband isn't a horse person, and he really enjoyed the weekend and even bought a Parelli hat for himself. This says LOADS!
We got home and our 4 & 2 year olds were playing with the carrot sticks. Our 4-year old daughter came in, carrot stick in hand and said "I want to play the right brain extrovert game." I assure you that the last two days are the only times she's heard that phrase! So even she got something out of it. She hung her orange neck tag on her bed post last night and it's there again tonight.
I do have pictures, but after a nearly 3 hour drive each way, both days, I'm pooped and they'll have to wait until tomorrow, but we did get some from today. Brilliant me grabbed the old camera that doesn't work on the way out the door yesterday and didn't realize it until I pulled it out to take pictures. I'd really loved to have gotten some of the demo horse and Pat working with him. But I made up for it today!
All in all, I think it was the most amazing weekend I've had in a long time, and more than once I sat with tears in my eyes. I didn't think I could love my horse any more than I already did. I was so wrong! And our journey's just begun!
I'm fairly new to the Parelli ideas, but the more I learn, the more they just make sense to me. This weekend has really shown me what the philosophy is all about. It's not about staring at your horse's butt to get them to move, it's about your horse understanding you so well that you don't need to push or shove or hit them to get them to move their butt.
So many philosophies seem to be "start with as little pressure as possible and increase pressure until you get a response." That may be all well and good, but what then? You're whacking your horse because they've stopped responding until you use brute force. I saw a Clinton Anderson "starting a colt" series, and he was literally beating the colt in the belly with the stirrups! To "desensitize" him supposedly. Desensitize because he did nerve damage maybe.
I am just overwhelmed by all that I've seen the last two days. Maybe because it was our first up close and personal experience and I got to watch it unfold in front of me. Maybe it feels like this every time. The truth always has a way of making itself known, and I have seen and heard so much of it this weekend.
I loved the demo horse section. I think Pat had a really challenging horse, more so than I've ever seen on his shows. I have a hard time believing that anyone actually rode that horse. He was so scared, and was fighting so much. I really learned so much by watching him, and hearing the process. It really helped me to hear the why's of some of the behaviors, as well. Pat told us today that he was interested in owning that horse, which I thought was fabulous. I really think that particular horse NEEDS Pat right now. He really worked with him a long time, and even ended yesterday's sessions and said "I need to put more love into this horse, and you're free to watch." I don't know how much longer he worked with him last night since we didn't stay much past that. But to have seen all the effort and energy he put into him in those few hours, to know he was interested in buying him, and helping him warmed my heart. It just showed how much he cared for him after only a little while, and how much he wanted to really help him.
He also said that after working with him again a little this morning that he realized he wasn't so much scared as he was just not going to give up his dignity anymore.
Something that really impressed me today was when he brought out one of their younger horses for his first show demonstration. Smart Seven wasn't at all interested in putting the bridle on, and Pat never pushed him into it. So many other people would have tied the horse, and forced it on him, or wrapped a lead rope around his neck and held onto him. To me, to be able to see that not only can Pat tell and explain and show all of these things, he LIVES them was so inspiring! There was no pressure for Seven to put the bridle on, and I've little doubt that if he hadn't accepted it, we'd all be sitting there still waiting on him and Pat would be just as patient as when he started.
I'm overflowing with all the things I've learned and seen the last two days and I can't wait to get started with it all! We bought the Complete Kit, and a spare carrot stick. They were out of the equipment bags and the Liberty & Horse Behavior set, and will be shipping those to us at no extra cost. And today they had a table (at least I think it was only the one table) of shirts for 1/2 price. I'm already thinking that next year, we won't have to buy the complete kit, so I can spend lots more on the goodies on the other end of the arena! Those bareback pads are drool worthy.
My husband isn't a horse person, and he really enjoyed the weekend and even bought a Parelli hat for himself. This says LOADS!
We got home and our 4 & 2 year olds were playing with the carrot sticks. Our 4-year old daughter came in, carrot stick in hand and said "I want to play the right brain extrovert game." I assure you that the last two days are the only times she's heard that phrase! So even she got something out of it. She hung her orange neck tag on her bed post last night and it's there again tonight.
I do have pictures, but after a nearly 3 hour drive each way, both days, I'm pooped and they'll have to wait until tomorrow, but we did get some from today. Brilliant me grabbed the old camera that doesn't work on the way out the door yesterday and didn't realize it until I pulled it out to take pictures. I'd really loved to have gotten some of the demo horse and Pat working with him. But I made up for it today!
All in all, I think it was the most amazing weekend I've had in a long time, and more than once I sat with tears in my eyes. I didn't think I could love my horse any more than I already did. I was so wrong! And our journey's just begun!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
To Parelli or not to Parelli?
I've heard so much talk about Parelli, both positive and negative. I've looked at their program, and I'm having a hard time justifying that kind of price tag. What concerns me more though is when I look on eBay for used sets, most of them are only the first series with "only one disc opened."
Does that mean they didn't like it once they got it? Did the first disc or two make so much difference that they didn't need to open the rest of the set? Did they just not have the time? Did their horse not cooperate? Did they lack the desire to work at having that kind of relationship with their horse? Did they sell their horse? Send him off to a trainer?
I've read all the things about their program on their website. I ordered (and watched) their free DVD. I have a book that I picked up from Amazon that briefly describes all of the "Seven Games."
Yesterday my husband and I sat down and watched a couple of the Parelli tv shows I'd recorded on our newly acquired RFD-TV station. I actually really enjoyed Pat. He was down to earth, and entertaining and there were several "oh wow" moments. He no doubt has a wonderful understanding of horses and how to communicate to them. I realize the price tag on the programs is high, but how do you value knowledge and time? For them to put down in writing and on film all of the methods and tricks they've discovered over the years, and offer that up to the general public is a monumental task which should be rewarded. I also think the programs could save some people an enormous amount of time in training and understanding their horse. Something is only valued by what people are willing to pay. Selling their program enables them to work full time at something they love. I'm a firm believer in supporting that.
But I've yet to see Pat actually get on a horse. Surely he knows how to ride. Right? I understand ground work is the foundation for everything you do with your horse. If you have no foundation, you have nothing and riding isn't going to be a pleasant experience for anyone. But where does the riding come in with this program? Why doesn't anyone talk about it? They have the advanced programs which seem to include it, but does anyone ever buy them? Maybe they do and they're the people who use them and keep them and don't stick them up on eBay. I've never seen them there anyway.
There's just something about it. I like that it's not beating the horse into something. And having a horse that's been obviously abused, I'm kind of thinking that it might be a better way to go with her. I guess I'll have to keep doing some researching. I think it's like anything else, no one way is "right" and I'll probably use different methods depending on how she reacts. I really like Pat's mentality though, and so much of what he says really makes sense.
Does that mean they didn't like it once they got it? Did the first disc or two make so much difference that they didn't need to open the rest of the set? Did they just not have the time? Did their horse not cooperate? Did they lack the desire to work at having that kind of relationship with their horse? Did they sell their horse? Send him off to a trainer?
I've read all the things about their program on their website. I ordered (and watched) their free DVD. I have a book that I picked up from Amazon that briefly describes all of the "Seven Games."
Yesterday my husband and I sat down and watched a couple of the Parelli tv shows I'd recorded on our newly acquired RFD-TV station. I actually really enjoyed Pat. He was down to earth, and entertaining and there were several "oh wow" moments. He no doubt has a wonderful understanding of horses and how to communicate to them. I realize the price tag on the programs is high, but how do you value knowledge and time? For them to put down in writing and on film all of the methods and tricks they've discovered over the years, and offer that up to the general public is a monumental task which should be rewarded. I also think the programs could save some people an enormous amount of time in training and understanding their horse. Something is only valued by what people are willing to pay. Selling their program enables them to work full time at something they love. I'm a firm believer in supporting that.
But I've yet to see Pat actually get on a horse. Surely he knows how to ride. Right? I understand ground work is the foundation for everything you do with your horse. If you have no foundation, you have nothing and riding isn't going to be a pleasant experience for anyone. But where does the riding come in with this program? Why doesn't anyone talk about it? They have the advanced programs which seem to include it, but does anyone ever buy them? Maybe they do and they're the people who use them and keep them and don't stick them up on eBay. I've never seen them there anyway.
There's just something about it. I like that it's not beating the horse into something. And having a horse that's been obviously abused, I'm kind of thinking that it might be a better way to go with her. I guess I'll have to keep doing some researching. I think it's like anything else, no one way is "right" and I'll probably use different methods depending on how she reacts. I really like Pat's mentality though, and so much of what he says really makes sense.
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