Miss Shilow is coming on a lease - Going Gaited!!!

I posted about Shilow on a gaited site and Brenda I. said she thought she was nice and that she was doing a natural fox trot!  Woot!  I wish I knew more about gaited horses but I am going to make it my business to know more.

I called about her and went and rode her last Wednesday.  She is a cutie patootie - pretty grulla color, long mane, forelock and tail...star in her head.  Cute as can be.  She is calm and easy going but with get up and go.  I know she is calm because we ran over the little deaf mini Dachshund and she nor I freaked out.  Woot.  She got a little unsettled when I asked for a side pass but the horse hasn't been rode in a long time.

I called her owner today and asked to lease her for 1 month to make my decision.  I need a Coggins pulled - she had shots in June.  I am going to try to go get her Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.  I am off Wednesday and that will give me all day to play with her.  I think she will look cute in purple.

Looking for another horse

I went looking for another trail horse.  I looked at 7 horses.  The first one was pretty but seemed to have a serious stifle issue poor thing.  What a shame.  She was pretty and well behaved.  I liked a little mare so much but it paces...not a good thing for a gaited horse.  One's back feet turned out slightly and was a little more than I wanted to pay for a horse that I didn't think was perfect.  Another was well trained, quiet and very nice but covered with a scaly scabby skin...they said it was the nats and it probably was but I don't need that and he was too tall for me to get on.    I then tried another little mare and she was nice, sweet, cute, well behaved and well trained but I didn't think she was smooth.  She didn't say "take me home".  She was a gaited Morgan and very nice but just not for me.  Next two were very nice TW mares.  Pretty, well made, sweet but just way too much piss and vinegar for me.  She was also shod on all four feet. I got on the older mare and she was too much for me.  She wasn't bad...just too much for me.

So, what did I learn?

Take videos to see how they gait.  Pacing is bad.  I want a gelding primarily.  I want hooves as strong as steel without shoes!  I want one probably no taller than 15.1 so that I can mount them unassisted.  I want one that is very calm and laid back.  It may take a while to find my perfect horse but I am willing to wait.  I will miss riding with the group but I want a good horse and will wait til the right one comes along.

I went out and hugged Sarge up.  I want a horse as nice as Sarge...as smooth as Sarge...loving like Sarge and Red...and calm like Red. 

Saying goodbye to my boy Red

Saturday was a sad day for me.  I went out to the pasture and got my boy and walked him up to the barn.  LOL he decided to walk down in the ditches which is always funny when he does that.  I brushed him and loved on him for a while and then loaded him up in the trailer.  He self loads now bless his heart. 

We hauled to Folsem, LA through LSU game traffic which meant we came to a dead stop before the bride in Baton Rouge and was slow going on the bridge.  Red as always, hauls nicely but he was dropping huge piles so I know it was stressful for him, poor baby.

We got to Heather's and he was curious and friendly with them as he always is.  I was proud of the way my boy behaved.  Heather tacked him up in her Stubben saddle and snaffle and I got on him to show them his skills.  We trotted around, backed, side passed on both sides, turned on haunches and forequarters.  He was a little confused for a minute but he did everything just right.  Heather and Sara both rode him and he was such a good boy. 

It came time to leave and Barry took picture of me with him.  I hugged him up and kissed him a zillion times.  My face was leaking...it leaked off and on to Lafayette.  I leaked more when I got home.  I wanted to run back and get my boy but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Heather will love him like I do and take very good care of him.  My heart weighed a ton dragging it home. 

Heather has called and I have called her.  She posted pictures so I could see him.  Sara is going to show him and if I can I am going to go watch my boy in a show.  Heather said he and Flicka Foo were getting along famously - Red always liked the ladies. 

He will always hold a special place in my heart.  I don't know if I will ever love another horse like I love Dashing Big Red.  Don't know if my heart could take it.

One last hoooraaaahhh

I rode Red this afternoon in the back of the ranch.  Would have preferred Tyrrell Park though.  We started in the arena and he did a great job...side passed, backed, turned on hauches and forequarters like a pro.

We went down the ranch road.  They had cut hay.  We were trotting behind Sarge and Red stopped himself.  LOL  he is sometimes a lazy boy.  We went right past the windmill and there was tractor ruts going at an angle and all of a sudden Sarge did a major spook and shot to the right.  Red reacted and moved quickly to the right.  LOL  A thought shot through my head that I was going to get dumped but Red quickly moved and just as quickly stopped.  He is such a good boy.  He didn't spook...he just got out of Sargent's way! 

We went into the trees and good gracious - his head went up and he collected himself.  We went trotting through the turns and twists...through trees/branches like the fanoodle thingies - he wasn't in the least concerned - they weren't purple fanoodles.  Charged right through.  Went down one that was full of spiders - we side passed and played spider polo and we won!  Denise and Red 2 - Spider's 0.  We came out of the trees and cut back across the mowed hay....we did a little canter and it was so much fun. 

I hugged him up so much I think he thought I was going to choke him.  I had put Cowboy Magic on his mane and he smelled so good. 

Archie had shoes put on Butterbean.  They only got the left side done and Butterbean was giving them so much trouble they gave up...they are going to go at it again and tranquilize him.  Margaret always said he was a pill to trim/shoe!

Butter is lame and is returned to Woodville

I went to the barn Sunday morning to play with Butterbean and was going to ride.  I left my saddle pads at home like a dummy.  Barry got Sarge out and was lounging him in the little arena.  He was making the Chunky Boy work!  I thought Butter seemed a little stiff but I was working with him, cleaning his tail and brushing him down.

I got him in the arena for Barry to work with him.  He was lame poor guy.  I felt so bad for him.  I took him to Dr. Schneiter today and he said he was very lame on the front feet.  Could possibly be corrected with shoeing but needed to block his feet to test him.  I said no.  I am not pouring money into a horse that may never be sound and that I am paying board on.  No way.  I hauled him back to Archie's, poor guy.  Archie thinks he can be made sound - I am not that optimistic because I am not that lucky.

So it is back to the drawing board to find a horse. 

I went to the pasture and called Red.  He started walking slowly up front.  I called again...still walking slow.  I got out alfalfa and hung it over the fence - sham wow - he was galloping and nickering as he strode up.  OMG he is funny and I am going to miss my boy.

Heather's daughter can't wait to get him and I am glad - he is going to a wonderful home and they are working on his shelter right now!  Woot!!!

Another Day

I wasn't able to spend but a few minutes at the barn Saturday.  I had to work and then meet a bride.  Bride's support horses.

It was getting dark before I got out there.  I visited Butterbean in the arena.  He was at the back of the arena but he came up to me and followed me to the front.  He seems just fine and is such a happy camper.  I went to the back and called Red and Sarge.  They were in the back of the pasture but they came up to the front for hugs and kisses.  Red was sweaty which is wonderful.  He looks good right now.  What a sweet boy!! 

I will put Butter in the pasture with them for a few hours Sunday and watch them.  I am planning on riding at the barn or Tyrrell Park Sunday and putting Butter in the pasture some Monday too.  

Whipped Butter

Barry and I went to the barn this morning to check on Butterbean.  Sarge immediately started herding him around and ran from Barry - I wish I had had my camera out - it would have been funny.  I took Butter out and walked him to the front.  He was a little jittery - he thought a small round bale that was not much bigger than a regular bale of hay - was an alligator or something.  I got him up in the wash rack and he did have some bites and hair gone.  Nothing bleeding or missing flesh but you could see that Sarge had buffed him up.

Miss Jean came to see him and thinks he is a pretty boy which I think he is cute myself.   He wouldn't let me pick up his feet this morning though.  I brushed him and doctored his scrapes and turned him out into the big arena.

Sarge was in deep doo doo with Barry.  I went out to the barn after work and got Butters out and put my black saddle on him.  I don't think it fits.  I brushed him and he still wouldn't let me pick up his hooves while he was on concrete.  I took him off of the concrete and he let me pick them up then. 

Butters arrives at Plum Nearly

I called Barry and asked him to bring the trailer so I could pick up The Butters today.  I texted Kellie and told her I would be there after work to get The Butters.  I picked up 10+ piles of poop - OMG that horse can poop!

It took a little feed to convince him to get in the trailer but he is an excellent little fellow.  We got him to Plum Nearly and let him sniff Red and Sarge.  Red quickly lost interest - he has know The Butters all of The Butters life!  Sarge tried to herd him around which is hilarious - Butterbean just turned around and faced Sargent!  LOL  That non plussed Sarge.  They were all good - no one acted like a fool - there was not running bucking or kicking. 

I called Lee Anne P. to let her know that Butterbean was there on the property and I had fed him at Kellie's.  I will go out and check on them in the morning and will try my saddles on Butterbean.  I will ride him tomorrow after work.  Kellie and I are planning a ride for Sunday - maybe at the beach - that sounds way too fun! 

Red looked gorgeous this evening.  I think it rained out there and his coat looked like a dark red jewel.  He was just stunningly beautiful today.  I hugged him up and petted him and sweet talked him. 

I looked out on line and Kellie had added pictures and I grabbed this one...also there is one of Butterbean at Plum Nearly for the first time.

Worming Butterbean

I cooked dinner for Kellie and Randy - I am so grateful that they so generously helped me with Butterbean.  I would not have been able to vet him and watch him like I have done had they not helped me.  Randy had to pick up poop - so I make him Bird of Paradise for picking up poop.  It is a wonderful recipe of chicken and rice so chicken for poop. 

Barry went out there with me and I wormed Butterbean and he was such a sweetie about it.  I picked up all four of his feet.  He was a good boy about it but the back feet were a little more like "huh?  what do you want?"  I will have to get him used to having his feet worked with.  I walked him around and then picked up a bucket load of poop myself.  He is eating and pooping like a champion.  His little battle scars are healing nicely. 

Kellie and I have planned a ride for Sunday.  I have to do taxes at 11:00 Monday but I am going to go get Butters after that and take him riding.  I need to get him in shape - I am going to put him on the walker for 20 minutes a day.

We went to Plum Nearly and I hugged Red up.  It was my second trip there today.  I have visited Red everyday this week.  He is such a sweetie.  I will miss him so much. 

I talked to Lee Anne, Krishna and Miss Jean today.  I will probably be taking Butterbean over to Plum Nearly either today or tomorrow so I can work a little with him and have Red there at the same time.  In fact, I need to get up, get dressed, and get going.  I have to go get Barry's truck to do all of that!!!

Butterbean goes to the Vet

Kellie and I took Butterbean to Dr. Schneiter's Monday afternoon.  He seemed a little uncertain going into the barn but he did just fine.  Doc checked him out and said his knees had a little fluid and were thick but he was just fine.  He watched him walking up and down.  He gave Butters his shots, pulled a Coggins and said that his feet needed attention.  His two front teeth are toast...they will grow in somewhat but will be jagged.  We decided to float his teeth - He was uncertain about the stock but followed me in.  Doc tranquilized him and I held his head while Doc floated his teeth.  He was drunk as a skunk and Kellie walked him around and then loaded him while I payed.  It was $206 and then $18 for some Silvadene for a saddle gall.

Butter was like a drunken sailor walking around but he will be fine. 

I went out to Kellies on Tuesday and Butter was doing just fine.  He is sweet and loving and he has made good friends with Randy. 

Margaret gave me his pedigree and date he was foaled.  He was foaled on May 17, 2006 so he is 4 years and 4 months old. 

Last year's Butterbean

This is a picture I took of Butterbean last year - I want him back in this shape asap.  He was walking behind Red on the walker when I snapped this picture.

Butterbean is at Kellie & Randy's House

I went late Sunday afternoon to see Butterbean.  He was happy as a clam at Kellie's in the round pen.  They said he loaded after a few little issues but he got in after they got Elan out! 

Randy showed me where Butterbean was galled by the saddle girth...omg I have NEVER galled one of my horses.  I felt so bad!  I sprayed some Furazone type stuff on it and he was good natured about it.  He seems very sweet as always.  I had wanted Barry to buy Butterbean last year and he wasn't interested - he doesn't like Roans and I love Roans. 

I got him out and walked him around - I see no evidence at this time of lameness and I think it would have shown up if that kind of riding was going to be a problem.  I will be calling the vet tomorrow to have him checked, shots and Coggins Report done.  Woot!

Taking Butterbean for a spin

My cousin Archie told me the other day to come get Butterbean.  Barry said for me to ride him this past weekend at Ebenezer so that is what we did. 

Red was more than happy to stay home - he didn't even come up to the gate.  Sarge would have had a cow if we would have left him!  He hopped right in the trailer and off we went.  We stopped at Archie's and Butterbean was super easy to catch.  We had a little trouble getting him up the ramp but he came for food!  The ramp is a little off putting to horses at first but he will learn.  When we got up to Ebenezer and backed him out he was hilarious.  His hinney was all tucked under, he was up on his toes looking for the step down and he was super cautious.  LOL he made it though.

We cleaned the trailer out while they settled in to the pens.  We visited with Kellie and Randy and laughed and cut up with them.  Mr. and Mrs. Miguez came up and we got to talk to them about Rocky Mountain Horses.  If Butterbean doesn't work out - it will be a Rocky Mountain Horse for me.  I'd love to own Dan!

I gave poor ole Butterbean a bath.  He about came uncorked over the green hose - don't know if it was the water or the coils of the hose moving or both.  Anyway, I gave him a bath - he didn't look real dirty - that is the advantage of a roan! but he had witches knots in his long mane that needed to be cleared out.  I soaped it, conditioned it and then used Cowboy Magic on it.  Pulled out a lot of mane but it was now clear.  Didn't do his tail though.  Barry saddled him up and got on him and Butterbean acted like he had been rode yesterday.  I checked with Archie - he rode him about 30 minutes not to long after he got him and I think Butterbean went to Archie's in May.  I know that he came up lame on November 1st last year when we were riding up at Ebenezer.  Not a bad limp but Margaret and Ronnie said he was lame and that is why they gave him to Archie.  So he hadn't been rode in nearly 11 months to amount to anything.

I got on him and we went for a very short ride...down the trails to the middle - across that wide trail we went down 2 weeks ago that contects back into the road through the fence area.  He stumbled several times - kept wanting to walk off the trail and go hither and yonder.  He did go down the deep little hill that Red loves to run up and down.  Butter did a good job on it - slow and methodical.  His canter is not near as smooth as Sarge's - Sarge feels like he is floating - but not near as rough as Red's either.  His trot is ok, his jog is very smooth.

I told Barry the stumbling was an issue for me.  We will see tomorrow how it goes.  We went to Archie's with Kellie and Randy for dinner and we had a blast.

Next day - got Butterbean up and saddled using Barry's Billy Cook saddle.  I like my Aussies!!  Anywhoo.....I put Butterbean beside the asphalt and I was able to mount by myself!  Wow Wee!  Randy and Kellie cheered for me!!!  Butterbean moved around a little wanting to go but he minded very well.  We finally took off and omg is he tender over the rocks....super duper tender.  We followed behind Ann Miguez riding Dan and Butterbean surprised me because he was extremely forward in motion - he was keeping up with RMH and doing a great job.  He stayed on the trail this time!  We rode all over - we made our on trail for awhile - going over trees, brambles, downed trees next to more downed trees and Butter just kept calmly going through EVERYTHING.  He was sweating like a Trojan.  We went up and down hills, crossed creeks and he couldn't have been more fantastic.  It is hard to believe this horse hasn't been rode in nearly a year and is a BABY at that.  Butterbean is just 4 years old and a young 4 at that. We went down to the lake and he went to the water and backed quick and skittered to the side when little waves were rolling in.  He soon discovered that other horses were in so it must be ok.  In he went up to his knees in no time, pawing in the water and having a ball.  We came up from the water and headed up the hill. 

My knees were starting to hurt because I didn't have the crooked stirrups or my Aussie so knees were letting me know they were very unhappy.  We got to the road (we left to come home to go to the Dwight Yoakum concert) and I walked some but mostly trotted the almost 2 miles back to the park.  When I got to the park after riding for 4 and 1/2 hours Butterbean wasn't breathing hard, he was soaking wet with sweat, his saddle pad was soaking wet with sweat, and best of all, Butterbean wasn't hot.  He was getting a little tired before we stopped at the water but he recovered that quickly.  I hosed him off and OMG he was as cool as a cucumber right then!  Wow....that is amazing.  No stumbling that day - that little fellow didn't put a wrong step all day.  He finally figured out to pick up back feet going over trees when the front feet were picked up!  LOL 

Everyone knew I was riding Butterbean on a trial and that he had come up lame before.  Mr. Miguez said if all that riding didn't make him lame - he wasn't lame and he'd buy him from me!  LOL  He is a mess...I said Butter isn't even mine quiet yet!

Kellie generously offered to bring him home with her and let him stay there so I could vet him and if I decided to keep him he could stay at her house until I could bring him to the ranch.  So I left him there with Kellie and she said he was a perfect little doll.