Here is a photo of Annie and Luc She's put on weight but still has a lot to go.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Annie Gets Her Teeth Done
I took Annie to the vet today. Doc Davis and Kelly were, as always, wonderful and took very good care of her. Her teeth were horrible. She had sharp points on the inside AND the outside that were causing painful ulcers in both her cheeks and her tongue.
She should be able to eat much easier now. He gave her a shot of Ivomac and I loaded her with Penicillin tonight. I'm sure she'll be sore for a week but soon she will be filling so much better.
Before we went to the vet, I gave her a bath and she did well. Then we practiced getting in the trailer. Annie does NOT like the trailer. She'll go in, but she explodes right back out. I used feed to get her in a few times but let her back out as she wanted to. Then when it was time to go I had Val shut the door. Annie was real unhappy. I had to make two trips to the vet to take T for his coggins because I couldn't trailer them together.
We'll work on it.
She should be able to eat much easier now. He gave her a shot of Ivomac and I loaded her with Penicillin tonight. I'm sure she'll be sore for a week but soon she will be filling so much better.
Before we went to the vet, I gave her a bath and she did well. Then we practiced getting in the trailer. Annie does NOT like the trailer. She'll go in, but she explodes right back out. I used feed to get her in a few times but let her back out as she wanted to. Then when it was time to go I had Val shut the door. Annie was real unhappy. I had to make two trips to the vet to take T for his coggins because I couldn't trailer them together.
We'll work on it.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Raggedy Ann - Day One
In early 2009 we saw our first Curley Horse up close and personal. She was a sorrel mare at the Horse Auction, on the thin side, with a soft coat of curls and a whispy mane and tail. Her name was Raggedy Ann, probably named from a misunderstanding about her sparse mane and tail. We couldn't help but bond with her as we talked to her. She had big doe eyes and such a kind sweet face. We were happy when a little girl wanted to buy her. Both mare and girl looked very pleased. We often thought about the mare since then, in fact, I found an ad on line for her and called just to make sure she'd been sold. She had.
In fact, a year later, we found her again at a pasture down the street from our house. She was thinner, her feet were a mess and her owners (same little girl and parents) were working on it. We introduced ourselves and told them where we lived, asking that they let us know if there was anything we could do to help.
Well, this last Sunday, they took us up on it. They asked if we would adopt her. How could we say No?
She was thin before, but now she is just plain boney. Her stomach is suspect -- either bred or full of worms. And her coat is riddled with rain rot. She'll be going to see Doc Davis on Thursday to check her teeth and to make sure she isn't pregnant. We just call her Annie and are determined she will not be Raggedy much longer.
Based on the ad I had found in 2009, she was born in 2005 and is a Missouri Fox Trotter. She is definitely a Curley.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Cody's First Real Obstacle Ride
Cody did very well at the Mystery Map Ride in Little Manatee River Park. He successfully tackled every obstacle in a timely manner. The only one that really threw him were these bright pink rafts hanging from a rope with pink streamers between them.
He did go through them but only after another horse joined him.
All in all, he did fabulous.
T wasn't frightened by anything, but he generally just didn't see the point in crossing bridges that went no where, or walking through pink rafts. Mules certainly have their own way of doing things... and NOT doing things. :P
He did go through them but only after another horse joined him.
All in all, he did fabulous.
T wasn't frightened by anything, but he generally just didn't see the point in crossing bridges that went no where, or walking through pink rafts. Mules certainly have their own way of doing things... and NOT doing things. :P
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Cody's Big Adventure
I woke up early on Saturday, October 16th, ready to tackle a new milestone in Cody’s training. His first trail ride without a pasture-mate. There was a huge event planned at the Carlton Reserve called Canter for Cancer and it seemed like the perfect venue. 100’s of horses were registered to attend and Peggy had other plans.
The sun was just casting it’s orange glow to the yard as I brushed Cody out, cleaned his hooves and combed his mane and tail. He immediately became suspicious. When I pulled out the halter bridle, he shoved his head as far out the back of the stall as it would go. But I was not so easily discouraged. A small wrestling match began, which I won, and then I led him to the gate.
He had resigned himself at that point. That is, until he realized no one was coming with him. About halfway around the house, he started to whinny and fuss. The others answered, which fanned the flames of his rebellion.
I hooked his trailer tie to the outside of the trailer so I could tack him up and he was still trumpeting. I walked out of the tackroom just in time to see him rear and sit back, and the quick release “released” and off ran my horse.
The black blur took about three spins around the yard before aiming at the fence with intentions to jump. It was like a car wreck.. I had to look. But he didn’t jump. He slid to a mincing halt then ran up and down the fence line. I was able to sweet talk him into standing still a moment and grabbed his trailer tie.
BACK to the trailer we went. Since the saddle was already out (dumped where I dropped it and ran after him), I just held onto him until I had the saddle and pad up next to him and we did a quick saddling.
Again, he had calmed down and seemed to resign himself. So I put him in the trailer and secured him, then finished loading the truck and ran inside to get ready. I figured it would give him time to reflect.
When I came back out, I was happy to find he hadn’t clawed his way out of the trailer and all was well. Cody was unhappy, but still tied in the trailer. I jumped in and off we went. We made it to the gas station only to find that my wallet wasn’t in my purse. And back home we went! So much for being early.
Cody was ecstatic. YES! Just a trailer ride. We’re home. By this time all of the horses were in the pasture and much screaming back and forth ensued. As we drove away again, I could hear Cody calling after them.
It was a 50 minute drive to Carlton Reserve, which gave me plenty of time to daydream about how I’d die sometime during the day. I envisioned Cody, a sweaty horrified mess leaping at every noise, snorting fire, and bucking.
We arrived at Carlton Reserve and were waved in to register. There were so many horses and trailers there. It was an amazing turnout. Excitement was in the air and so were pink unicorns and fairies. There were people dressed up in so many shades and textures of pink, it was crazy. I counted at least four unicorns with horns of various objects tacked onto their heads. There was a horse with a mane made of feathered boas, and at least two pink fairies complete with pink wings.
Maybe that’s how I’d die, I reflected as I waited to register. He’d spook at a fairy and bash me into a tree. Death by fairy.
Cody whinnied when I got out of the truck to register, and I told him it was ok. His snort echoed back to me like a scoff. He’d obviously seen the fairy too.
After registering, we followed the golf cart way out to the parking which was about a mile and a half from the main area. This was it. Time to get the dragon out of the lair. Deep breaths.
I opened the side door to the trailer and Cody looked expectantly at me. Carefully I slide the pink halter over his halter bridle and unhooked the trailer tie. “Ok now. Wait!” I told him. He just blinked.
I went back around the trailer and opened the back door, expecting him to escape like a bat out of Hell. But he just stood there, ears pricked, head turned to look at me. I waited a minute. So did he. So I said. “Ok, Cody. Back up.”
And leisurely, as if he really didn’t intend on being an insane animal today, he began to back up, and stepped ever so politely off the trailer, then faced me like. “Ok, now what?”
Encouraged, I gave him a treat, put the saddle bags (with more treats!) on his saddle and locked up the truck. Then we began to walk back to the main area. He was interested, looking around, walking out eagerly, but respectfully staying beside me. No pushing or walking on my feet. He didn’t trample me once.
About halfway we ran into Roberta and Marcia, who had come looking for us. At that point, we were at one of their trailers so I used it to mount up. Cody stood like a perfect boy as I got on. He even let me get my feet in the stirrups before he moved. Hmm. Just like he’s supposed to.
And that set the tone for the entire day. He was eager, excited but in no way unmanageable or unruly. He forged a little when we moved out but nothing that wasn’t corrected by a little more pressure on the reins. He gaited out, well collected. We were moving out at one point at a fast rack at the same speed the others were cantering. He was responsive, obedient.
And for some reason, I was amazed! The weather was beautiful and it felt so great to be out on the trail. I actually stopped worrying! It was very pleasant.
There was no posturing toward strange horses. Cody walked calmly along as horses and riders passed us. He didn’t spook or jump, even when some of the other horses did. He even saw a water moccasin near his feet at a stream and all he did was back up with his head bowed looking at it.
He did kick out once when my cell phone “barked”. I have this silly ring that barked out a tune and I’d forgotten about it. It was in the saddle horn bag and when it started “barking”, Cody bowed up with his head to the side and kicked out, thinking a dog was on his heels. Once I pulled the phone out and it barked it’s final time, he was over it.
We went out for a little over an hour, came back and ate lunch, then went out again for a few more hours. I know he covered at least 12 to 15 miles and much of it at a good gait. I’d say Cody had as good of a day as I did. He got treats, saw a couple of unicorns and fairies. He got a lot of petting and a hell of a lot of praise.
I was very proud of him. It’s like when you teach your child to fish and all they catch is seaweed. Then one day, you watch them reel in a big fish, and they actually remember everything you taught them about it.
I think Cody caught a very big fish this day.
The sun was just casting it’s orange glow to the yard as I brushed Cody out, cleaned his hooves and combed his mane and tail. He immediately became suspicious. When I pulled out the halter bridle, he shoved his head as far out the back of the stall as it would go. But I was not so easily discouraged. A small wrestling match began, which I won, and then I led him to the gate.
He had resigned himself at that point. That is, until he realized no one was coming with him. About halfway around the house, he started to whinny and fuss. The others answered, which fanned the flames of his rebellion.
I hooked his trailer tie to the outside of the trailer so I could tack him up and he was still trumpeting. I walked out of the tackroom just in time to see him rear and sit back, and the quick release “released” and off ran my horse.
The black blur took about three spins around the yard before aiming at the fence with intentions to jump. It was like a car wreck.. I had to look. But he didn’t jump. He slid to a mincing halt then ran up and down the fence line. I was able to sweet talk him into standing still a moment and grabbed his trailer tie.
BACK to the trailer we went. Since the saddle was already out (dumped where I dropped it and ran after him), I just held onto him until I had the saddle and pad up next to him and we did a quick saddling.
Again, he had calmed down and seemed to resign himself. So I put him in the trailer and secured him, then finished loading the truck and ran inside to get ready. I figured it would give him time to reflect.
When I came back out, I was happy to find he hadn’t clawed his way out of the trailer and all was well. Cody was unhappy, but still tied in the trailer. I jumped in and off we went. We made it to the gas station only to find that my wallet wasn’t in my purse. And back home we went! So much for being early.
Cody was ecstatic. YES! Just a trailer ride. We’re home. By this time all of the horses were in the pasture and much screaming back and forth ensued. As we drove away again, I could hear Cody calling after them.
It was a 50 minute drive to Carlton Reserve, which gave me plenty of time to daydream about how I’d die sometime during the day. I envisioned Cody, a sweaty horrified mess leaping at every noise, snorting fire, and bucking.
We arrived at Carlton Reserve and were waved in to register. There were so many horses and trailers there. It was an amazing turnout. Excitement was in the air and so were pink unicorns and fairies. There were people dressed up in so many shades and textures of pink, it was crazy. I counted at least four unicorns with horns of various objects tacked onto their heads. There was a horse with a mane made of feathered boas, and at least two pink fairies complete with pink wings.
Maybe that’s how I’d die, I reflected as I waited to register. He’d spook at a fairy and bash me into a tree. Death by fairy.
Cody whinnied when I got out of the truck to register, and I told him it was ok. His snort echoed back to me like a scoff. He’d obviously seen the fairy too.
After registering, we followed the golf cart way out to the parking which was about a mile and a half from the main area. This was it. Time to get the dragon out of the lair. Deep breaths.
I opened the side door to the trailer and Cody looked expectantly at me. Carefully I slide the pink halter over his halter bridle and unhooked the trailer tie. “Ok now. Wait!” I told him. He just blinked.
I went back around the trailer and opened the back door, expecting him to escape like a bat out of Hell. But he just stood there, ears pricked, head turned to look at me. I waited a minute. So did he. So I said. “Ok, Cody. Back up.”
And leisurely, as if he really didn’t intend on being an insane animal today, he began to back up, and stepped ever so politely off the trailer, then faced me like. “Ok, now what?”
Encouraged, I gave him a treat, put the saddle bags (with more treats!) on his saddle and locked up the truck. Then we began to walk back to the main area. He was interested, looking around, walking out eagerly, but respectfully staying beside me. No pushing or walking on my feet. He didn’t trample me once.
About halfway we ran into Roberta and Marcia, who had come looking for us. At that point, we were at one of their trailers so I used it to mount up. Cody stood like a perfect boy as I got on. He even let me get my feet in the stirrups before he moved. Hmm. Just like he’s supposed to.
And that set the tone for the entire day. He was eager, excited but in no way unmanageable or unruly. He forged a little when we moved out but nothing that wasn’t corrected by a little more pressure on the reins. He gaited out, well collected. We were moving out at one point at a fast rack at the same speed the others were cantering. He was responsive, obedient.
And for some reason, I was amazed! The weather was beautiful and it felt so great to be out on the trail. I actually stopped worrying! It was very pleasant.
There was no posturing toward strange horses. Cody walked calmly along as horses and riders passed us. He didn’t spook or jump, even when some of the other horses did. He even saw a water moccasin near his feet at a stream and all he did was back up with his head bowed looking at it.
He did kick out once when my cell phone “barked”. I have this silly ring that barked out a tune and I’d forgotten about it. It was in the saddle horn bag and when it started “barking”, Cody bowed up with his head to the side and kicked out, thinking a dog was on his heels. Once I pulled the phone out and it barked it’s final time, he was over it.
We went out for a little over an hour, came back and ate lunch, then went out again for a few more hours. I know he covered at least 12 to 15 miles and much of it at a good gait. I’d say Cody had as good of a day as I did. He got treats, saw a couple of unicorns and fairies. He got a lot of petting and a hell of a lot of praise.
I was very proud of him. It’s like when you teach your child to fish and all they catch is seaweed. Then one day, you watch them reel in a big fish, and they actually remember everything you taught them about it.
I think Cody caught a very big fish this day.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Summer Suckage
It was Hot this summer. So damn hot. We skipped a lot of weekend rides and hardly rode with the Myakka River Riders at all :(
Cody had a few bouts of hoof issues from our pasture being flooded so much. We had to keep them in small dryer paddocks and for about a month they couldn't even go in their stalls because they were flooded too.
Now October is here and it's drying up, cooling off. We've ridden Deep Creek for the last three weekends and trying to condition Cody and T for riding with the crew again.
This weekend, Cody is going for his first ride without a pasture mate. Peggy is going to her high school reunion so Cody and I are doing the Canter for Cancer ride without her. It's going to be interesting!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Back in the Saddle AGAIN!
Finally! Our first ride after my doctor released me to ride was at Deep Creek. It was a wonderful ride! Cody did very well and even crossed his first wooden bridge.
He has grown so much!
(pic taken at Deep Creek in March 2010)
To show how much Cody and Luc have both grown together.
April 2008 -
April 2010
He has grown so much!
(pic taken at Deep Creek in March 2010)
To show how much Cody and Luc have both grown together.
April 2008 -
April 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Another Set Back
Just when things were going well with Cody's gait and trail work... As it seems to do many times, disaster reared it's ugly head. But luckily for Cody this time, it wasn't his injury, it was mine.
We were going to go to the Mobstacle Event at Alafia River State Park (an equine obstacle course) but it was threatening to rain so we decided to skip it. In the afternoon, I decided I should at least ride Cody around the area, so I saddled him up and worked him up and down the dirt road. He did really well, but the wind really started to blow.
Just as Peg was coming back around the corner from the store in the truck, Cody must have caught a glint of light off the windshield and he spooked. My attention was diverted by the truck and we were half in a ditch when it happened. I went one way, he went the other.
I landed pretty hard and Cody ran off but came ambling right back quickly, nosing on me. it didn't really hurt at first but after a while, my arm began to ache pretty bad. Two days later, I was Xrayed and I had broken my elbow. It was a radial head fracture so they didn't cast it, therefore, there was no riding for eight weeks. EIGHT WEEKS.
EIGHT WEEKS. GAHHH!
We were going to go to the Mobstacle Event at Alafia River State Park (an equine obstacle course) but it was threatening to rain so we decided to skip it. In the afternoon, I decided I should at least ride Cody around the area, so I saddled him up and worked him up and down the dirt road. He did really well, but the wind really started to blow.
Just as Peg was coming back around the corner from the store in the truck, Cody must have caught a glint of light off the windshield and he spooked. My attention was diverted by the truck and we were half in a ditch when it happened. I went one way, he went the other.
I landed pretty hard and Cody ran off but came ambling right back quickly, nosing on me. it didn't really hurt at first but after a while, my arm began to ache pretty bad. Two days later, I was Xrayed and I had broken my elbow. It was a radial head fracture so they didn't cast it, therefore, there was no riding for eight weeks. EIGHT WEEKS.
EIGHT WEEKS. GAHHH!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Three Years Old!
Well, Cody is a few days from being a Three Year Old. I can hardly believe it. It has been quite a year.
We went on the Myakka River Riders Annual New Years Chili Ride on January 2nd and it was quite an event. 26 Riders!
We had a rocky start. It was a cold morning and Cody was very excited about the event. I saddled him, then helped Peg mount up, and when I dropped Cody's halter off and put it around his neck so I could bridle him, he just backed right out of it! I called Whoa but he was like Woo Hoo I'm free. I got a handful of mane and tried to keep up with him, but his walk, turned into a running walk and off he went. I let go just short of smacking into a trailer door.
I asked everyone not to chase him just let him come around. He made a spin around the parking lot, flagging and gaiting.. I think he was quite impressed with himself. And then somone had a bucket and his stomach over-ruled. I was able to slip his bridle on as he munched a treat.
I didn't fuss at him over it. After all, he only went for a short walk about. :P
So, I mounted up and we started down the trail. With the cold and so many horses, I rather expected Cody to be a knuckle head but I was very pleasantly surprised.
After the first few miles, I could tell he was really listening and responding to the slightest cues. He was gaiting very nicely and traveling straight. Not rushing or crowding the horse ahead. And waited very patiently when I asked him to. We had several stops as we'd come across obstacles the bottlenecked the ride and he was patient and well behaved.
We came across some new things too. One, the rain had caused alot of water and mud and he managed it very well even though he isn't too fond of crossing water. Also, there was one dip in the trail where there were banks on either side of the trail, moss covered. He stopped and snorted, then tentatively touched his nose to each side making sure it was just dirt before he traveled through like a real trooper. At the bottom of the dip was a little stream and he trudged through it well.
He really made me proud on the trail. There was one little head wind... which is usually the preclude to a prong or hop, but after the head wind he just kept gaiting. What a good boy!
On the final stretch, the gap between groups had widened and I rode Cody ahead of the second group. He did very well out there by himself.
After the ride, Cody and Trav enjoyed some hay at the trailer, and we enjoyed some Chili with our friends.
It was a beautiful day!
Since it is almost his 3rd Birthday, here is a little tribute to Cody!
New Born January, 2007
Six Months Old
Cody at One Year Old with Bo
Cody at Two Years Old
Cody at Three Years Old
We went on the Myakka River Riders Annual New Years Chili Ride on January 2nd and it was quite an event. 26 Riders!
We had a rocky start. It was a cold morning and Cody was very excited about the event. I saddled him, then helped Peg mount up, and when I dropped Cody's halter off and put it around his neck so I could bridle him, he just backed right out of it! I called Whoa but he was like Woo Hoo I'm free. I got a handful of mane and tried to keep up with him, but his walk, turned into a running walk and off he went. I let go just short of smacking into a trailer door.
I asked everyone not to chase him just let him come around. He made a spin around the parking lot, flagging and gaiting.. I think he was quite impressed with himself. And then somone had a bucket and his stomach over-ruled. I was able to slip his bridle on as he munched a treat.
I didn't fuss at him over it. After all, he only went for a short walk about. :P
So, I mounted up and we started down the trail. With the cold and so many horses, I rather expected Cody to be a knuckle head but I was very pleasantly surprised.
After the first few miles, I could tell he was really listening and responding to the slightest cues. He was gaiting very nicely and traveling straight. Not rushing or crowding the horse ahead. And waited very patiently when I asked him to. We had several stops as we'd come across obstacles the bottlenecked the ride and he was patient and well behaved.
We came across some new things too. One, the rain had caused alot of water and mud and he managed it very well even though he isn't too fond of crossing water. Also, there was one dip in the trail where there were banks on either side of the trail, moss covered. He stopped and snorted, then tentatively touched his nose to each side making sure it was just dirt before he traveled through like a real trooper. At the bottom of the dip was a little stream and he trudged through it well.
He really made me proud on the trail. There was one little head wind... which is usually the preclude to a prong or hop, but after the head wind he just kept gaiting. What a good boy!
On the final stretch, the gap between groups had widened and I rode Cody ahead of the second group. He did very well out there by himself.
After the ride, Cody and Trav enjoyed some hay at the trailer, and we enjoyed some Chili with our friends.
It was a beautiful day!
Since it is almost his 3rd Birthday, here is a little tribute to Cody!
New Born January, 2007
Six Months Old
Cody at One Year Old with Bo
Cody at Two Years Old
Cody at Three Years Old
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