Welcome to the Extreme Mustang Makeover Trainer Blog. Extreme Mustang Makeover trainers are a dedicated bunch of men and women who are using their incredible talents to train these amazing horses. Here you'll be able to share in their journey as they tell their own stories of connection, triumph and victory in building their unique bond with an American Mustang. Enjoy!
Kris and Nik Kokal, HorseTenders LLC
AppleJack and Diamond Rio are doing great! We can't wait to meet you all in Texas.
Posted by
Nik Kokal HorseTenders
at
7:50 PM
on
Sunday, August 31, 2008
HURRICANE GUSTAV
I'm not happy to post this, but we are uncertain at this time if we will have to evacuate for Gustav. Please keep the three trainers in Louisiana and those in Texas, Mississippi, and anywhere else here on the coast in your prayers that may have to flee the storm. Please pray for the safety of our mustangs and our families. Hope our next blog is full of good news!
Posted by
lauren
at
10:45 AM
on
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Mustang River
Mustang-River
Right now I have a couple of photos of the mustang that I currently have. His names River i'm currently working on updating the blog but there will be more post coming very soon.
Posted by
lorrie
at
5:09 PM
on
Friday, August 29, 2008
Christina
About those levels, I'm sure hoping I'm in amateur with this yearling! lol This is the first time I have shown a horse.....especially on a time limit! I hope Hammar lives a very very long life, for you...... Rio is very handsome! Seems like everyone is enjoying their training..... As Christina says, keep up the good work!
We didn't have too good a day today, seemed antsy...maybe the mosquitos were too bothersome and he couldn't concentrate.....more interested in eating grass and making sure he knew where Sadie Mae was at all times! Tomorrow will be a new and better day!
Posted by
lauren
at
9:20 PM
on
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Rio Gato
Sheesh... I can't wait to meet Rio in person! You are doing phenomenally with him! He really is a gorgeous guy. Are competing at Idols or Legends? I'm sticking with Stars :P What level is everyone doing?
Lauren, I'm the same way! But I'm also a sucker for tack and riding accessories... I have some many things that I don't need, it isn't even funny! :P But, I think I will survive with just Hammar ;) I don't need all the riding stuff, either, because I can ride Hammar in just a string if I need to (though I can't control him with that faster than a trot unless I am in an arena :P). He's a great guy, I just wish I could have gotten him earlier so we could have spent more time together. He's only 11 now, but that still means I will outlive him, and I don't know how I'm going to get over that...
Anyways, back to happy subjects! Everyone is doing so great! Keep up the good work!
Hi, I'm Mina Caliente! This picture was taken 2 days after my arrival (05/25/08). My humans agreed to let me do the training until I knew they weren't gonna eat me.
I have attached a short clip of Uno taking a bath in the pond. This was his first exposure to being ponied down into the pond. Uno absolutely loves water. You oughta see him drinkin' from a waterhose. He absolutely grins :) Just 3 weeks and counting to Ft. Worth! Lookin' forward to seeing everyone because it looks like everyone is making great progress as we get close!
Wow! Hammar is great looking as well! You know, most women are suckers for shoes, but I'm a REAL sucker for a horse! I secretly want them ALL! If only I was a massive land owner...........they could all come to my place to live a happy life! I got Apache's front feet up last night after work!!!! Yipee!!! Now, we'll work on back ones. Hey everyone, please say a prayer that Hurricane Gustav decides to do something that won't affect ANY of us mustang trainers! Seems that a lot of us have had a lot of rain to deal with during our 100 days of training.... Great work Kirstin! I know it's hard now that school has started because Caitlyn is in the same situation! Rio looks awesome! You look perfect up there in your photo!:) I'm amazed at all the places the mustangs have been....working buffalo, parades, rodeos, playdays, etc.! You guys and gals are the best!
I know what you mean. Your Chief Red Cloud is handsome. I have my Hammar: He's a BLM Mustang, but I was his third or so owner (Nine is the first wild horse I have work with, but not the first Mustang). Now he is 11 years old, and a total champ at anything I ask him to do. He's the reason I applied for the EMM!
Congrats Kirsten! I ought to be able to get Nine's back feet up soon, we'll see. And that's a great quote!
Rio Gato is looking fantastic!
Posted by
Christina de Pinet
at
8:31 PM
on
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
And the rear hooves are up!
I finally got these 2 to pick up their rear hooves with out using a rope to help out and most importantly without them kicking out at me. Halona was feeling a little full of herself on this day so we didn't go anywhere near the rear hooves(although I saw plenty of them when she was kicking them up while running around) School has started and training is now cut down to what little bit of time I have before it gets dark. So now I guess I just try to perfect what they know and start working on what I would like to do for a possible freestyle. I have come across a quote that I love and just want to share with everyone:
"The gift of the Mustang lies not in their ability to carry us with their backs. It lies in their ability to carry us with their soul." unknown
Wipe away the tears now, because it made me cry too, but how true it is.
Until next time-Happy training and just 23 days til Ft Worth.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
4:02 PM
on
He's soooo sweet!!!
Here's another picture of Traveller & me. This was taken just a couple of days ago at the end of our training session. He is a now a snugglebug and just loves to be loved on.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
3:18 PM
on
Monday, August 25, 2008
RIO
Stacey, I can't wait to see the photos. Rio looks great! You look so comfortable up there.....you've done an amazing job as have the others....keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing you "strut your stuff"!
He's is gorgeous or should I say handsome! You don't have to worry about me "stealing" him from you, I have a mustang 4 years old that I got as a yearling. He has my heart! That's my Chief Red Cloud, even though I love them all, none can ever take his place! But Nine is beautiful and you've done a wonderful job with him! Keep it up! oh and funny on the Sam's size!! ha ha
this weekend Rio Gato and my other mustang learned all about chasing cans, we parked the pair right into the line up of downtown chaos and just let them take it all in. Of course Sampson is already used to this rodeo lifestyle he was super in being the ambassador for rio into this world of the fast, furious, and loud. People do look at him in his bosal, with his long flowing mane and have asked me how did he do? I laugh and say just fine. we ponied Rio Gato and Stacey Naomi with Motions in time Photography took phenominal Pics which will be posted sometime tomorrow.
Shelby, you're doing so great! Great job for not copying those other horses. Your mom must be so proud! Thanks Lauren! We have a big Sam's Club size bottle of Ibuprofen, lol. You want more pictures? Well, don't fall in love with him :P And don't say I didn't warn you... Isn't he beautiful? :D
By now you should have a good supply of Tylenol on hand for all those aches and pains! I know you're working really hard and it's beginning to show! Keep it up and we're all going to be amazed at how wonderful Nine is.....days are flying by, I'm getting dizzy! Post some more pics, we love seeing them!
So nice of you to keep us updated! Tell your "mom" to take some photos of you because we like seeing them! Glad you had fun on your adventure out with others of your "kind" even though some were not good role models for you! Keep on being sweet.....see you soon!
Hi everyone-wow! Bu's ride looks great. I can't wait til I'm old enough to do that! Dena took me to a practice show yesterday and it was fun. I was a little afraid when we started walking up and couldn't help myself - I tend to snort whenever I get nervous. So I snorted a lot at first. But everyone else seemed to be having fun so it didn't take me long to join in. I'm always up for a party! There was one renegade there, however, who kicked his owner in the chest. He wasn't a very likeable guy and it was kinda scary, but she's ok now. There's always one in the bunch so everybody, please be careful!
There was another guy who got scared and started rearing up and striking out. Then he just got plain mad. His day wasn't going so well and his trainer was losing patience...please, a word of caution...if you're having a bad day and we're having a bad day, it's just not a good mix. Take a break and come back tomorrow. Every new day brings another chance to live and enjoy your time together. And another day to live!
Uh oh, here comes JD with my food and that's the best part of my day! Ciao!
Posted by
Rock'n S
at
5:59 PM
on
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Catch up?
I think you're right, Rebbecca, that each horse goes at his or her own rate. Luckily, Nine's rate has been starting to pick up. I was finally able to FINALLY FINALLY lay on the saddle over Nine's back! There are pictures and such in my blog, but gosh, I am relieved! And sore... there was a lot of standing on one leg while Nine calmed down, and my left butt cheek is TIIIRRRRREEEDDDDDD! Tomorrow we are trying again, wish me luck and a soft landing. Edit: never mind, Mom (my horse-holder and ready-to-drive-to-hospital-person) pulled a muscle and can barely move, and I am ridiculously sore, so we're taking a break today :P
Posted by
Christina de Pinet
at
9:51 PM
on
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Previous posts!
Christina.. thanks so much for the compliments... I think everyone is doing a great job.. not sure why I have aseen a few posts about people playing catch up! I think each horse is an individual and will go at their own speed. I know there were a few people that were riding their horses within a week! I'm not included in that group! Horses, I think, will tell you when they are ready to progress.. don't you guys think?
Stacey have you started working your horse on the ranch? You have an interesting backgroud! Good luck to you and everyone else! These horses are awesome.
woohoo! sorry it has been a few weeks but alot has been going on. I am no longer just a pedestrian. I am now a passenger and no one has gone north or south at a great rate of speed. The saddle is no longer a lion that will come alive and eat Rio Gato. The last month has been tough, Like the movie groundhogs day-Because he had such a flee tendency my best insurance has been to keep repeating out lessons until all issues lied down. As I have always said, this horse is well worth the wait. We may be behind some in the riding department, but he is putting all the peices together and we are quickly playing catch up. He is still cautious and wary of the 'lion', looking over his back to make sure it is 'dead', but not a buck or flee as of late. Yippeee! Rio gato and i have made a very deep conection and my saftey seems to be a real priority for this horse. new website for updates and such www.freewebs.com/snsranch1 come check it out!
Don't know if you can see it from the second picture, but Uno has taken the glass and is holding it with his teeth. You know how I know he has become a member of the family. When I was a little kid, I would spend the day with my grandma during the summer because she lived right down the road and my mother worked. Every day after grandma would finish with lunch, they call it dinner down south, she would sit down with her glass of sweet tea to watch her stories. She would sit there and chew the ice from her sweet tea. That is a habit I picked up and I have been chewing ice for 30+ years now, even though the dentist tells me it is bad for my teeth. Well guess what, Uno likes sweet tea and he will manipulate the glass to get the ice from the tea and chew it too. Guess it runs in the family. :)
Posted by
L4LLL
at
12:37 PM
on
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Christina and Nine
Awww, thanks Kirsten's Mom! I am a mother myself, though my daughter is only 16 months right now! I hope I can give her an experience like I have had, and like you have allowed Kirsten to have. What a fantastic mother!
Bu look fantastic! He is holding his head nicely. I can see a huge improvement! I wish I could bring Nine home with me, but my dad would have a fit! He doesn't want to have to buy feed for an extra horse for very long ;) But I think we might get away with bidding him up to at least $200, just to get things started :P Besides, if no one bids him up more, I can have a great horse for $200, and I don't care what my dad will think :P
Hi everyone. First of all thank you so much for including Kirstin in your thoughts and prayers. Secondly, thank you for fostering these Mustangs. I am sure that all of you, just like Kirstin, have developed an unbelievable bond with your horses. At first, I must admit, that the scholarship was a strong reason for Kirstin participating, but as she continues something much bigger and better has come from this experience and the scholarship no longer even matters. As her parents, we have always recognized Kirstin's special gift with horses, but never did we expect to see her devote so much time to them(without us nagging her). When most kids are loungeing their summer away, she has spent hers training 3 Mustangs. It's a heartwrenching moment when a parent realizes that their baby is growing up. As I watched her last night, I couldn't help but think that we did something so right and so positive for her and that this will be an everlasting memory. As all you make the final preparations for the competition, remember that although you might hit a speed bump or two, in the end what you all have done; in a very short amount of time, is quiet simply put-AMAZING! I am so impressed by all of you and your willingness to share tips and suggestions, just proves that you are here for these horses also. Keep up the good work and I can't wait to see all of you here in Texas. Thanks again, Priscilla
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
9:26 AM
on
Hey everyone, how's it going? Karen, I'm working on a T-shirt design with my beautiful eyes pictures like you suggested. Hopefully, I will be able to come up with something before the competition. Training went pretty good last night. I was able to pick up the hooves on Mia & Traveller. Halona was being a little cantankerous and wanted run and kick up her "heels" so training with her was kept to a minium. Mia & Traveller both got a bath last night, they are both shedding so badly that I thought it would help. I have a little hint for those of you who have the "run away" manes. If you would like to train the mane to fall nicely on one side of the neck all you have to do is braid the mane on the side you would like it to lay on, leave it in for a week or so. When you take it out it should stay on that side. I did this with Mia and it worked great-she had an awful "bed head" look, mane going every which way. I'm trying it with Traveller. His was all on one side, but it covered up his freeze brand, so after I rinsed him off yesterday, I applied a little watered down conditioner and then braided it on the other side. A little vane, I know, but I love to see the freeze brand. Sounds like everyone is doing great. I can't wait to see all of you in Ft. Worth.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
8:03 AM
on
New video of Bu working!
I am so pleased with this horse. I have really developed a great bond with him(like I am sure, every other trainer has with his/her horse) and hope I can bring him back home in September. How many trainers are planning on bringing their horses back home with them?
Shelby here, again. Dena is at work today, hobbling around I suppose. She is going to try to work with me again tonight with a walker. I don't know about her sometimes...
I'm really looking forward to meeting Uno. He seems to have a sense of humor like mine. And Kirsten has the prettiest eyes! Lauren, we try never to share our secrets, but it looks like you figured out the one we always hide best: patience. You might think we can hold out longer, but it's only a test to see if you will hang in there. Us mustangs have to know that we can trust you to keep doing the right thing until we give in. Of course, trust is our biggest issue, but you didn't hear that from me!
We're also very social, and so I miss seeing Dena out here every day. She was starting to get annoying, though, because sometimes she would come out twice a day. So we're both getting a little break from each other, but I'll be glad to see her tonight. Maybe I'll try to run really fast around her so her walker falls over! She's funny when I do things like that cause she says words I've never heard before! Can't wait to see everyone-shelby
We did it! We walked on the blue tarp (after a little persuasion), but we still won't allow the feet! Dena, I'm exercising my patience! He just doesn't know how much I have....we may get to that part of the judging and just have to stand there a second while moving on! ha ha Of course, I'd like him to do it now so he'll feel comfortable with me handling them. We'll keep trying. Kathy how are you feeling today? a little sore, I guess? Glad you weren't injured in a bad way. I'm like you, though, I try to figure out what I did differently??? Sometimes I never know.Wishing you all the best in a speedy healing. Kirstin, I don't know whose eyes are prettier, yours or your horses! You look very sweet as do your babies! Your mom and I have something in common, taking photos!The sunset was from last night when we finished working
Posted by
lauren
at
3:27 PM
on
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Another set of beautiful eyes!
Here's another picture my mom took. This one is of Traveller & me. Mom used to be a photographer, can you tell? This one is similar to the one she took of Mia & me. Traveller has become so accommodating, there's not much he won't do. He is still a little leary about anything close to his hind end, but we are working through that. I still have a hard time believing that he is the same horse I brought home. I wish I would of videotaped his behavior, because no one would believe the way he behaved for the first month and a half. He was so bad my parents would not let me get in the pen with him. He was just confused, now he knows who loves him, feeds him, & takes care of him. I have no reservations at all about handling him now. He is truly a sweetheart.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
9:33 AM
on
UNO
Uno! You never cease to amaze me! What you won't do! You are too funny and I can't wait to see you! I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm bringing a new memory card for my camera, cause I've just gotta have pictures of everyone! Uno, keep up the good work and we'll see you there!
One night my horses are acting totally weird and the next night they do everything perfect. Last night's training was unbelievable. Go figure. All three of my yearlings did everything I asked them to do. I even got Traveller to trot-yea. Dad had to chase behind him, but he trotted. I was able to pick up & pick out all of their hooves-first time for the rear hooves on all three-yea. Night's like last night give me hope, makes me feel like anything is possible. All of the horses on our place got wormed last night. The 3 mustangs did better than our other 3 horses. I was able to give them their wormer without any help, our other 3 I had to have someone hold them(they hate to be wormed). Of course the curiosity factor probably played a role in that-the yearlings have to put every new thing in their mouth. 30 days til Ft. Worth, but whose counting? Keep up the good work. I'm confident that it will all work out in the end.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
8:41 AM
on
Uno Drinking From The Pond
On day 8, Dad took Uno to the pond to play. Uno would rather drink water from anything other than a water bucket. He loves the water hose. He will even practically take your glass of ice water from you and drink it. But when Dad took him to the pond, I have to say, I have never seen a horse that shoves his entire head, up to his eyeballs, into the water to drink. Uno DOES! Not just once, but almost everytime!
So sorry to hear you were dumped, Kathy! But I'm grateful you didn't get hurt. Sometimes there is no real reason as to why, so it can be kinda scary when they catch you unawares. But one of my favorite cowboys always told me; "It's not the first ride that will get you, it's the third or fourth one." I believe that's true. (These clinicians are able to make it look easy for that reason, it's one of those little known facts they don't share!) I'm never as nervous on the first ride as I am on the next few. Lauren, thank you so much for your prayers. I can't tell you how much it means to me to have your support and kind words. I can't wait to meet you next month! I'm recuperating, but not fast enough. Dr. gave me permission to sleep without the stupid boot, but yesterday I fell in a parking lot. Just too clumsy with all this 'equipment'. But my dear husband buoyed up my confidence and tonight we're working together in the round pen. I'll be using my walker and he'll make sure I don't get too tangled up in the ropes! Shelby is always so calm and patient, though. She looks at me as if to say "good grief woman. Get your crap together so we can get done with this and I can eat already!" After I stop cussing at myself, I usually start laughing cause she just stands there looking at me...waiting...and if a horse can laugh, I know that's what she's doing! We're in a time crunch now, everyone just take a deep breath and take your time. If you start hurrying now, you'll get hurt or miss an important part of your training. (Listen to me, giving advice about being patient! :) Seriously, though-remember to keep it fun and enjoy this experience with your horse and we'll see you next month.
Nine seems to be coming around.. I really liked the pics you posted.. I love seeing the pics of everyone and how well they are doing. Bu didn't like the tarp at all.. took awhile to convience Bu it wasn't gonna eat him.
Glad everyone is doing so well with their guys...I can't wait to see everyone in Texas!
BTW Bob looked great in english tack!!!!
Rebecca
Posted by
RoddenEquine
at
12:32 PM
on
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Dumped!
Hello all,
Well.... I was riding Reno last night (it was his 4th ride) and he was doing great. Then suddenly when I asked him to turn and yield his hind quarteres he BLEW UP! I stayed on for a bit but we had ourselves a regular rodeo. He was bouncing on all 4 legs then started tossing his body every which way. I got tossed up, came down on his but and got tossed up again and landed in a heap in the middle of the round pen with the wind knocked out of me.
I am so very very lucky that I am just bruised up and sore and not in the hospital. God had some special angels set me down just right - that is for sure!
I had a friend over and he got back on him and rode him out for 15 minutes or so because I could hardly stand up. I went over it a thousand times in my head and I can't figure out what happened. I do know that I let my guard down and that is how he was able to get his head down before I could get him pulled back around.
I am planning on getting back on him in the next few days, but I might end up just showing him in the in-hand classes. I just don't want to push him and if he is not ready then he is not ready.
Congrats to everyone that is making such great progress, and for those of you that are running into road blocks like I am... just try and take a step back and remember we are doing it for them.
Well, well, well, Bu looks like that mattress is just a little too small for you! ha ha You look really great in all your photos! You can just do all sorts of things can't you? I think you're awesome and your trainer's okay too!(just kidding) She's been working really hard with you and it shows! Keep up the good work you're doing a great job and keep posting!
Welcome Penny and Shasta! Glad you found the blog and joined in. You two sure are pretty girls!Looks like you've been working hard and doing well. Keep up the good work and keep us updated with photos and stories!
Good for you Nine, now you know that saddle will not hurt you, and those dangly things are just things! You seem to be progressing nicely and I hope your vet visit goes well. Keep on taking those pictures, we just love seeing them! Hey if you lived closer, I sure would watch Miss Toddler, she's so cute! She doesn't know you're a hero yet! Keep up the great work you're doing and I'm sure it will all fall into place, his "little light bulb" will go on soon!
Well, girls! how's it going...Dena I know it's killing you not to be able to move like you want to, but just hang in there and do as the doc says, hopefully you'll be in full motion for Sept.! Shelby was so nice to keep us posted, and her friends at our house miss her too! They can't wait till their reunion and share all the fun things they've been learning! Dena is there anything we can do for you?? I feel so helpless when I encourage you to "hang in there", cause I know it's tough. I've been praying for your speedy recovery and a miracle to boot (no pun intended)! Keep sending photos, we enjoy those!
Kirstin, I know exactly what you mean....things will be going ever so well and then all of a sudden it's like they don't even know who you are! I guess part of being a "toddler" ! lol Oh well, little do they know, you are the only anchor they have right now for stability. Every time I go into the pen, Apache acts like he's never seen me before in his life! But if I'm outside the pen, he comes up to me for a pet and me to pick him some grass.........go figure! Keep up the good work and it will all come together!
What an interesting night last night. In between storms, I was able to get a little work in with my 3. The only one that seemed to be himself was Traveller. He did everything I asked him to do, he even trotted for me(dad was helping from behind), but it was his first trot at lead-yea! Mia & Halona on the other hand were almost uncontrollable-you would have thought I just started working with them. Halona even freaked out about a squirrel that was chattering in the tree-we have hundreds of squirrels so she should be used to them. I think it has something to do with my neighbor's gelding-he thinks he is still a stallion. He kept neighing at them(he can't even see them) and they would neigh back. They were fussy and just didnt want to do anything I asked, we spent a lot of time bending. Also, I'm sure the weather was a factor-this was the first real storm we have had since I brought them home. Hopefully it was just that, but we have a chance for rain all the way into next week. Dad said I could take the 3 to a show the first weekend in September. I haven't decided if I will show all 3, but I want to expose them to the show atmosphere. Traveller will definitely be showed, I'll decide about the other 2 closer to the show.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
8:07 AM
on
Monday
How sweet of you, Shelby, to help your trainer out so! :P
So the overnight thing worked well! Nine stood (mostly) still while I unsaddled him, and once he felt that cinch loosen he heaved this huge sigh of relive and wouldn't move a muscle! We introduced him to the new saddle. He accepted the new saddle blanket without any fuss, but the saddle was a bit different. It does have stirrups after all, which the old training saddle does not have, and the stirrups on the riding saddle are even tied up on top making the saddle look even bigger! But, Fiance got Nine to smell the new saddle and got it almost on. Then we had visitors and had to stop, but it was still a nice progressive day!
Tomorrow is the vet appointment, wish us luck!
Posted by
Christina de Pinet
at
4:54 PM
on
Monday, August 18, 2008
Shelby's update for Rock'n S
Hi everyone,
I'm Shelby the mustang, filling in for my crippled owner, dena. She's currently hobbling around the house with crutches and a bad
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