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!
The Heavens have opened up in East Texas
Well FINALLY- after 2 months of drought the dam has broken!!! Samson is enjoying his first rain since arriving here by running full speed out in the field. It is a wonderful sight!! He is having a ball. We have had 4 inches so far. Hope that others under the drought are getting relief also!
Posted by
Angie
at
10:23 AM
on
Friday, July 31, 2009
It might help If I let you know where we are. We are less than 40 minutes away from Will Rogers Memorial Center in a town that is located a little South/West of Fort Worth called Godley, Texas.
I have not been on in a while due to the fact that I have been working like crazy.
I did want to put up a few pics a buddy of mine took of me working Sugar Daddy in the round pen along with my Daughters help.
Francesca thought it would be nice to play as rough with Sugar Daddy as she does her stuffed animals so she proceeded to hit him in the nose. Once I explained she needed to be gentle she decided she would give me kisses and then pick his nose for him.
All of which Sugar Daddy was up for. It's good to see everyone is making progress with their wild broncs. I can not complain, my two are rocking the flipp'n house doing everything I want them to and we still have over a month and a half left for training. I have a feeling it is going to be a barn burner this year.
Best of luck to everyone.
Also,
If any one is interested we are going to be opening up our stable for a clinic/pre-makover training the Monday Tuesday and Wednesday before the competition. We have a 22 stall facility, covered arena, outdoor arena, horse walkers ,round pen and about 27 acres where we will have various trail courses set up.
I thought it might be some good practice and prep going into the show and some good exposure for the horses.
If your interested shoot me an e-mail. I will be sending an e-mail out to everyone later this weekend.
We've had an unusual amount of rain this year, which I guess has caused the snakes to come out of their holes. I was gathering a pasture of cattle on Rainmaker the other day when we came upon a ratttlesnake. He must have been watching because he saw the snake before I did!
Posted by
Teryn Muench
at
8:39 PM
on
Thursday, July 30, 2009
WEBSITE WORTH LOOKING AT
Hey all you fellow trainers......I don't know about you, but I'm always up for learning something new, but that can get quite expensive! I have stumbled on a website (some of you may already know about it) that is similar to Nexflix only this is horse DVDs you can rent in the same manner! I just wanted to pass the information along to everyone, there may be some questions you need answered or just want to better your training skills or maybe you just want to see what other clinicians have to say! It's www.giddyupflix.com Check it out!! I know I'm going to! Flash and I are still working on becoming a "team". He has by far been the most stubborn horse I have dealt with! BUT I still love him!
Samson had a pretty tough Tues and Weds as we asked him to become independant of his pal and equine trainer Fred. It was unfortunate that we had to encourage this bond from day one as Samson proved to be an escape artist. He has been the only mustang that has gotten out of our gentling stalls. I have a full description of the first solo outing on Tuesday on my blog. It wasn't easy on any of us. Yesterday was alittle better. He has no fear of his surroundings during the ride- he just wants Fred and his home. He knows a good thing when he sees it!!!!! He had the toughest workout yesterday so far. We rode hard for 2 hours and covered several miles with my Dad around on his ATV to offer assistance if needed. We called it quits and had a bath, rest and some grazing while still away from home. Today we are all resting.
Even though here in Texas we have been hitting triple digit temps, Tuff just didn't want to shed his winter coat. It was still almost an inch long, so Kirstin decided to see how he would do with clippers. He loved the clippers, I guess it felt good. Look at how shiny his coat is underneath it all. Finally seeing the benefits of feeding Strategy which he loves. If anyone is still having a hard time getting their Mustangs on food, you might consider trying Strategy. It's made by Purina and all of our Mustangs have always eaten it right off the bat. Here is Tuff completely shaved. His papers list him as black, don't think so. He is actually a brownish color. He loved the trim and I'm sure that he will feel a lot better now that all of that hair is gone.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:37 AM
on
Ergon
Hello one and all EMM trainers,
Just wanted to let everyone know that my Blogspot is up and running. Check it out and let me know what you all think. It would be awesome!!! to have some followers to watch Me and Ergons progress. I am looking forward to meeting each and every trainer in Fort Worth. By the way, this is my favorite pic of Me and Ergon. Just click on my name, Jessica Frantz, in red on the right, and it will take you to my blogspot. If you want to contact me by email here it is: wildjzbuzz@yahoo.com
Posted by
Jessica Frantz
at
10:04 PM
on
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Kris and Nik Kokal... Boy Named 'Sioux' and Ranahan
Hey everyone! I hope everyone is having a great time with their mustangs. The entire family up here is really enjoying Sioux and Ranahan. We can honestly say that both Sioux (the black...potentially a blue roan) and Ranahan (the bay) are two of the best horses that we have ever had on the farm. These two mustangs have fallen head over heels for people and are really coming into their own up here with the boys methods. Both of them have already been out for numerous rides, both solo and with 60 other riders ( and a weekend long campover ride next weekend). The mustangs have also been in the local parade for the celebration of our volunteer fire departments 100th. From firetrucks, and crowds to the deep woods and rushing rivers the mustangs are passing with flying colors! Boy Named Sioux has already been riden by multiple people and is loving every bit of it. Apart from the solid month and a half of rain up here in New England our summer has been great. We Hope that all of you are doing great and having fun with your 'stangs. Please keep in touch and let us know how you all are doing!
P.S. I will atempt to post a video along with this blog of Ranahan and Sioux during days 20-40. If it does not appear then it will also be posted on our website and youtube (with better quality). I appologise about the double pasting of the video I must be doing something wrong haha.... :-/
Hey trainers, Everyone is doing such a fantastic job. Sara you can send some of that rain to us. Here in South/Central Texas we are soooo dry and hot, just broke the record for the longest time hitting triple digit temps and no relief in sight. Kirstin trains early in the morning and late evening. Yesterday, she worked mostly with TAZ the mustang we adopted at last year's makeover. She is dying to carry a flag on his back, she wants so badly to use him in her drill team. TAZ hates the flag. Will eat alongside it, play with it but put it above him and he freaks. We can circle round and round him, touch him with it, but no on the carrying just yet. Might have to try a different approach. Tuff is doing wonderful. Kirstin has to be the luckiest girl around. He is such a smart little guy and so easy going. She was having problems with backing and trotting at a lead, but if yesterday is any indication, the problem seems to have been solved. He backed with very little pressure, and trotted off immediately when Kirstin started jogging with him-no pulling YEAH!!! But, she has worked continuosly on both day in and day out. And will continue to-we all know that just because they do it once, doesn't mean they will do it again. Keep up the good work everyone. Kirstin's mom-Priscilla www.kirstinsmustangmakeover.blogspot.com
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
12:57 PM
on
Rain Rain and more Rain!
Well we have been forecasted to have rain all week! I hope it stayss away long enough for me to work Kizer this week. We have been making good progress and he is finally not running from me when I come into the round pen. I think as long as it's not a down pour I will work with him. Can't take a day off because of some stinkin rain! Hope everyone is doing well
Finally Image is coming around, she has been harder than Stunner to get her to trust us. Yesterday was a great day for her, she allowed me to walk up to her without running away, she even allowed me to rub her head. This is great, and amazing progress for her.
Stunner got his first bath yesterday, he loved it, he drank from the hose, and stood like a gentleman for it.
Our little girl tried to feed him Twizzlers, but I don't really think that he was thrilled with them. lol. She thinks that all the horses should be crazy about them, like she is. I have more pictures, and details on my blog, www.stunningimage.com
Waylon was so scared of tarps, now he likes to hide under them...LOL!
Posted by
Evelyn Gregory
at
10:38 PM
on
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Re: Freedom isn't Free!
Thank you so much for posting that, what a great thing the CCSP kiddos did. Your post hit home with me as my boyfriend leaves for his 3rd deployment to Iraq on August 23. He wasn't supposed to go until December, so when we found out last month he'd leave so much sooner, it threw us into a bit of a whirlwind. We were so excited to share the EMM this year, and I wanted nothing more than to have him there by my side. He is, afterall, Memphis' BIGGEST fan, and my biggest motivation. He will spend 3 weeks in Florida training before he leaves, and will actually arrive in Iraq on my birthday, which also happens to be the day we arrive in Ft. Worth for the EMM. I'm so proud of him, and so thankful for him, and for each and every man and woman that serves this country. Thanks again for the post!
This is my boyfriend and Memphis, best buds from day one.
Posted by
Rita Olsen
at
8:48 PM
on
Monday, July 27, 2009
Okay sorry all fellow mustang trainers and fans, been awhile since I have blogged. It has just been CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyways will be posting some pictures of Cowboy here soon. Cowboys doing great, went on a heck of a "trail ride". Hes doing all gaits fine now, moving forward without any arguments, hes just a great horse and I mean great. Everyone is going great. I am so looking forward to Ft Worth. If anyone from Oklahoma or on the way to Ft Worth needs a ride or help hauling their mustangs let me know. I will be more than happy to help out anyway I can.
Kirstin takes Tuff through the paces. He loves to jump and looks so good when he does. He is doing well at most things, still working on backing-he backs but very slowly. Trotting at a lead is coming along slowly as well, but it's happening.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:58 AM
on
Freedom isn't Free!
Just a reminder that in our day to day life sometimes we forget that what we have here in the USA has a price. This weekend the kids of the Comal County Sheriffs Posse honored a fallen soldier as he was escorted home. Brandon Lara, only 20, always wanted to be a Marine. Last week, Brandon gave his life for his country while serving in Iraq.
Kirstin is the one holding the American flag. This was especially hard for her because her father is active duty Air Force and it brought a little bit of reality to the risk her father and other military people face when they are deployed. Everyone in the military is family even if you don't know them. Trigger the horse that she is on, is normally a very dancy, prancy type of horse and hates to stand still, but today he was on his very best behavior and stood still with so much pride showing on his face-he knew what he was tasked to do.
Just remember that we are free to do what we do and will remain that way because of people like Brandon who are willing to give all.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:43 AM
on
Ransom - One week.
Hey Everyone - All I can say is WOW! It's funny, quite a few people have stopped by to see the 'wild mustang' and if it wasn't for his freeze brand they would't believe he was 'the wild mustang.' He walks right over to the fence to be scratched and doted over. I can't tell if the visitors are amazed or disappoionted at how friendly he is. It seems everyone has this vision of a mustang made up in their heads and expect to see a horse running around, kicking, and rearing...lol. We went on our first trail/road ride yesterday, the only thing that really made Ransom nervous was a shirtless jogger... haha, we'll have to work on that! Happy Trails! Fawn
Waylon & Willie are progressing everyday. The difference in Waylon is unbelievable. This little horse has made a remarkable turn around. Willie is still a big ol baby!
Posted by
Evelyn Gregory
at
11:27 PM
on
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Kizer
Well we are a week into training and things are going MUCH better. I was getting a little concerned with the first few days but the last two have really made it a lot better. We have learned how to lead and Kizer is much better about me rubbing him all over. He finally got over his fits about me moving around him and has learned that me being close isn't so bad. Hopefully I can upload some more pics tomorrow
Today will be a week since the mustangs arrived here in lovely Adrian ,Georgia. They are adjusting great.Wyatt is very mellow. He seems to always being saying "whatever" to my requests. He is leading great, disengaging his hindend well and could care less about grooming and what not. He did not like those plastic bags though so I tied up bags everywhere in his area. Now he says "whatever" to them too. Easy-(we named him that cuz I could see right away that he was very hesitant)- is learning not to run away when I make him uncomfortable. He has decided that he would rather stand and let me pet him rather than do a few laps. As he learns more and more he will replace that flight instinct with some thinking-hopefully-no he will he just may need a few more laps! I have always said that I prefer a training a more lively horse to a dull one because you can teach a lively one what to do with that energy but it is hard to teach anything if they wont move!
Texas EMMers, keep the pics coming, so cool to see everyone's adventures. Tenn EMMers, it's fun to see the journey beginning for you guys, reminds us where we were just 6 weeks ago!
I am still recovering from an injury, which has hendered me some, but Memphis is still progressing. He gets shod on Monday and not a moment too soon as I'm anxious to get him out and about. He's just too tender outside of the pen to do much without shoes.
One of my friends that participated in the EMM last year brought over some trail obstacles for us to play with. I love how brave the Mustangs are. Memphis digs this bridge, he even looks for it when I turn him out to graze.
I had his wolf teeth pulled and teeth floated 2 weeks ago, and as I was unable to ride anyway, he got the week off following. It's a good thing, the roots of his wolf teeth were an inch or more long, so he was sore for a while. My first day back on him he was good, but the next day, he was aggitated. I went back to the hackamore on him and was immediately back to his good ol' self. One of our biggest challenges has been lightness though. He's so big and heavy, and tends to want to be lazy, that keeping his feet forward and light, as well as his face and his ribcage is a constant challenge. In the hackamore, he is good for a couple of days, but then starts to get heavy again, so we've been alternating back and forth until his mouth feels better. I have been pushing the socialization with him too because every new person is still a new person to him. He is absolutely completely gentle with me, but he will snort at a stranger until they get their hands on him. He'll come around. He has regular visitors. :)
I'm sharing a picture of him in the hackamore, but I like this picture because I think his neck has shaped up so well so far! He was SO cresty when he got here that when he'd walk, his neck would sway from side to side. He's still a big heavy boy, but it's fun to see him getting fit.
I'm in the west San Antonio area and anxious to haul this horse as much as I can before the EMM. Anyone want to meet up somewhere? Horse show? Trail ride? Anything? mcmillanshowhorses@yahoo.com
Posted by
Rita Olsen
at
12:04 PM
on
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Here he is!
Well I finally got a chance to upload some pictures of Kizer so here he is. He is still making good progress. Probably not as fast as some, but like Clinton Anderson says "You gotta have a good foundation to work with!"
For those that have not been following our blog: www.gsperfhorses09mustang.blogspot.com
Cody is coming along REMARKABLY well.
SO well that he now lunges with the saddle on him. We will be working a bit more on leading before I add the sidepull and start asking him to steer- but all is well!
OK I know, Sorry we were not too photogenic today, Worked on backing, leg pressure, turning off front and back legs, and sidepassing. A little confusing at first, but Element is doing it all smooth now, and even transitions smooth from any one of them to another. Took things slow, didn't work too hard, but made tremendous progress with handling. Some things just don't make for a good picture... Thanks to everyone that sent help on getting my own blog, it will be on soon. Good Luck to everyone with your progress, looks like Ya'll are doing Great! robbie_daughtry@yahoo.com
Posted by
Robbie Daughtry
at
7:43 PM
on
Friday, July 24, 2009
Lorrie and Kidd Cool
Kidd Cool is doing great here in Corpus Christi, Tx.
Here is a wonderful sunset photo my friend and sponsor Richard Olsen caught of us at the beginning of this month.
Hey yall, Aimee and Lio here. I've been working with him everyday, and now I can do just about anything to him or with him that I want. He is smart and willing to please. Good Luck to yall. :b
Well Kizer did much better with our progress yesterday! I decided that he had firgured out our round pen game so I moved him to a pen about the size of a large box stall. It worked! He wasn't so concerned with me petting him as he was with the actual part of me coming up to him to pet him. So it was a good day and the thought of adding more pressure really worked. I also introduced him to the saddle pad from the rail and within about ten mins. he was unconcerned with it to. So maybe today I will start introducing the saddle to him!
My name is Fawn and I'm part of the EMM - Eastern Stampede, this' my first Mustang Makeover!!! I picked up my boy on July 17th in Ewing, IL. After a much longer than expected ride home to New Hampshire, we are home and ' Ransom' has settled in quite nicely. It only took a couple hours before I could touch him, he is an absolute doll! Everyday he amazes me with his willing attitude and curiousness!
Hey This is Buck,I am eight years old and a horse girl in Tennessee. been working with my mustang daily.He nickers when he sees me and will eat out of my hand,I can rub his head without him pulling back.His name is Winner.
In a mountain valley somewhere on Bald Mountain Herd Management Area, a new life begins; the little bay filly opens her eyes for the first time. She discovers the tall mountains, the sagebrush and her wild herd that she is born into. This filly is born with instincts that a domestic horse will never know; she has the blood of her ancestors running through her veins as she grows stronger every day. The herd teaches her to run with all her heart from any danger, this will help to keep her alive. Her home is also home to the Mountain lions, she lives in constant threat from them. One nice warm day the herd approaches a water hole...... To read the rest of the story visit Brady's blog, http://www.stunningimage.blogspot.com
Sooo...today when i was drinking my water after a good 2 hour working in the round pin with Miss Unique aka "Missy", she decided she was thirsty too.
She reached up and hit my glass with her nose, which of course, made it spill down the front of my t-shirt.
I didnt complain much, with this hot and humid Alabama weather, it actually felt kinda nice. :)
But i wasnt going to let her know that.
I filled my glass back up with fresh water, and held it up to her, that little hefer drank all of that glass plus 3 more and didnt hardly spill a drop. :D
She is so silly.
Next time i go to get a drink of my water, i'll know to watch out for a "nosey" little filly.
Posted by
mandy(:
at
8:55 PM
on
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The full first day(:
JULY 13
I brought her home last night. Im so happy she is here. (:
When i woke up this morning, i started on her.
Within the 2 hours i worked her, i despooked her with a feed sack, i picked up all her feet, lead her around, and had her saddled.
This is my first time to compete in an EMM competiton, I am bringing Element to Ft. Worth for that. Is there a way to get my own blog space over there ----> in the red? robbie_daughtry@yahoo.com
So I picked up Winston last Saturday. It all started well and went off without a hitch except my stupidity of forgetting the halter that would fit him. So, we loaded him without. Got to the barn, backed the trailer in, gave him the first stall in and shut the doors to the barn. He walked right in the stall..........then it got fun!
Trying to get the halter on in a stall was a chore, after being bit (on the nipple) and on the side....we finally got it. I got him haltered and the last few days I have sacked him out. He is good everywhere except right on the front of his face, little touchy...but then so am I when people stick their finger in my face.
The last couple of days have been good. We have him leading fine (still a little touchy when things move around him). One thing I have learned, I have to be the alpha at all times. It is an interesting balance between being very calm and patient and being strong and pushing off when he gets in my space. I have been able to lay him down once and starting to try and get him to think about things other than how to beat the poop out of me......so we are ready to go to work!
One thing, I don't know the name of the movie but the book was 90 Days With a Horse about prisoners in Colorado training mustangs. We watched it the other night. It was very interesting and showed a lot about the horses and the men. If you can find the name of the movie by the book, I would try and watch it.
I have found that by not increasing the pressure and sending you horse away he will never respect you. In the wild the ALPHA horse get its respect by sending the other horses away, so I would increase pressure. In the mortal words of Clinton Anderson " You can not control your horse and gain its respect unless you have control of his feet going forwards, backwards, left and right." Hope this helps and good luck.
Hey ya'll. Samson and I are still here-just haven't had time on computer for 2 weeks. My son and family (including 4 yr and 2 yr old) stayed with us for 2 wks while in process of transferring from Ford Hood, Tx to Fort Carson, Co. Go Army!!!! Needless to say, things were alittle hectic. Samson and I did what we could which included a trip to the local arena for exposure. This is my daughter in law on him. He handled the outing pretty well - which included a cowboy church service going on right outside the gates. Samson much prefers his trail rides- doesn't think working in arenas is a good thing.
Priscilla, that's great! Tell Kirsten I said congrats!!! It seems to me that Kirsten will be putting that old trainer out of business here in a few years! "Untrainable", pfft.
Okay, Sara - I think it's important that a horse will move away from you when asked. My first BLMer, Hammar, would stand on my feet when I showed him a rope (I didn't adopt or start him, I'm his 3rd or 4th owner and the previous "trainer" was very harsh). It was as if he would say "PLEASE don't hurt me, I won't run away!" But he was a danger to me, and had to be taught to move away. Kizer doesn't sound too dangerous, but he could do anything at any moment. Horses are unpredictable. I would suggest sending him away from you with either a soft rope or a lunge whip/dressage whip/buggy whip/training stick of some sort. If you use a rope, swing it slowly at first towards his neck and shoulders. Let it tap him, and swing it harder and harder (but progress slowly!) not enough to hurt him and you need to still have control of the rope so it doesn't hit his ears or eyes or anything... But keep the pressure on until he moves away from the rope, even if it's just a single step. As soon as he even shifts his weight away from you, drop the rope completely! This will reward him for his try. Give him a moment then start again, very softly at first. He ought to pick up on the cue eventually, and you can start asking for more and more movement until he will move around the round pen freely.
If you are using a stick/whip/whatever, tap him on the neck, softly at first, then slowly increase the pressure until he moves. You don't want to hit him hard, because firstly you can loose control and accuracy and hit him somewhere you don't want to (ears or eyes or whatever) and secondly you want to be able to keep it up for a long time before your arm falls off! Same goes for the rope of course. Follow the same procedure, releasing the pressure at the slightest try at first, and starting again as softly as you did the first time. Kizer will start moving off and a slight tap eventually. Hopefully, lol. Every horse is different of course, but this is the way I would try at first.
Another thing you can try, to get him used to the idea that you can give him cues from a distance is Parelli's Yo-Yo Game. If you've never heard of that, here's basically how it goes; get a long lead rope on Kizer and stand right in front of him. See if you can get him to back away from you when you wiggle the lead rope, then come back to you when you gather up the lead rope and reel it in. Again, start gently - wiggle the lead very softly and slowly, then increase speed and energy by increments until Kizer takes one step, even a tiny one, back. Then drop the lead to release the pressure immediately. When you ask him to come forward start by just running your hands along the lead rope, using the friction to cue the horse. At first he probably won't respond to this, so you start closing your hands to increase friction until he steps forward.
I think if Kizer figures out that even if you're not right next to him you can still communicate with him, he will start making leaps and bounds! :) I know you're worried about pushing him at this point, so use your judgment and instincts; if he reacts badly, take a step back and think about it, maybe try a different approach. Safety needs to be you're number one priority, not a blue ribbon. Again I think you will be safest if you can get Kizer to move around the pen without you next to him in case he spooks or whatnot; you don't want to find yourself beneath the hooves of a wild horse! Good luck, let us know what works!
If my mother in law shows up today I will try to ride Nine again. I have a good feeling this time :P
ok all you guys out there, i haven't blogged in forever i know, and i've got some new pictures of my slow but sure progress with fancy! i can finally pet her back while being on her side not in front of her, i think her biggest fear was me leaving her front but she is starting to trust me and guess what
I GOT THE FEET IN MY HANDS!
good luck everyone yall have done amazing work! cant wait to catch up in ft. worth:)
Well one day five we made some more head way. I used my 6 yr old quarter horse mare as help. She is very calm and we stood at one end of the pen and he came to check us out, meanwhile letting me rub his face and hips. I'm a little stumped on wether I should put more pressure on him. He is unconcerned with me in the round pen with him. Ropes or any other training tools don't phase him. He will let me breifly touch his head, but then he is done. To get him to even move in our round pen I now have to stay within touching distance of him and continusley walk beside him. I'm just wondering if I should start adding more pressure to our traning or just keep it at the same pace? I would really appreciate any advise from anyone.. Thanks
Wonderful pictures everyone! Looks like the TN trainers are well on their way to success!!! Priscilla, you always make me cry (happy cry) when I read your blogs, such happiness is meant to be shared! I am so proud of Kirstin, too! She WILL ride Sakari! Looks like it will be soon, too! Kirstin, you are one awesome teen and your parents are lucky to have you! Mine are good too, but they don't have the dedication that you show! Kelsey and Caitlyn, you're doing great too, just keep at it and you'll be suprised what a little time invested will return to you!
Image had a great day yesterday and is finally realizing Brady isn't going to eat her, lol. She is now facing up with him and will touch the pole. This little girl has an amazing trot, she flows on air. I am going to try and get a video of it today.
One thing that is really funny about her, when the pole touches her belly she is super ticklish. She has a shipping cold, so she is on meds and being kept separated from everyone, and she is not happy about that. Here is a really good body shot of Stunner. Y'all be the judge, is he Brown or Grulla?
I love the head and neck on this boy, he is going to make someone a wonderful jumper or crossage horse. He loves to jump and will jump over the water tank just for fun. Silly boy.
About 4 years ago we adopted Sakari, Kirstin's first Mustang. Sakari is the horse that got Kirstin to come out of her caccoon. Kirstin was a very shy, temid little girl until she found confidence in herself and I strongly believe that it is because of Sakari. Sakari taught Kirstin that she could do anything if she believed in herself and worked hard enough. Sakari was only 1 1/2 years old when we adopted her and Kirstin worked day and night to gentle her. When she was old enough, we sent Sakari off to be trained only to pick her up a couple of months later and $1200 later to be told she was untrainable. Give me a break, a then 11 year old was leading her around, could put a saddle blanket on her and even a surcingle on her and you can 't train her. Sakari has been pasture art since then, we just didnt have the knowledge to train her ourselves & no longer had the money. But Kirstin is determined to ride her someday. Today when I got home, Kirstin met me at my car, blindfolded me and led me out to the horse pen. I figured that she had done something new with Tuff and wanted to show me. Boy was I surprised when she removed the blindfold and this is what I saw:
This is Sakari, saddled for the first time ever. Kirstin got a wild hair and decided it was time to move on with Sakari. She didnt get on her back, but she did see how Sakari would react if she attempted to put weight on the stirrups. Sakari didn't like that, but this was huge not just for Sakari but for Kirstin.
Becoming involved with the Extreme Mustang Makeover has given Kirstin a new purpose in her life. There's not much a 15 year old can do especially when you live out in the middle of no where, but the Mustang has become such a huge part of who Kirstin is, they are forever in her soul, a part of her and really define who she is becoming as she matures into a wonderful young adult. She is living her dream at such a young age and has gained so much from her experience with her Mustangs. Not to many teenagers these days will devote this much time and energy to something unless it's a video game, yet Kirstin & all of the people involved with the makeover do this day in & day out and look forward to it each & every day. And I'm sure that I speak for everyone, it really doesn't matter how you do when competition day comes, it matters that you cared enough and really tried to make a difference. I've blabbered enough, put I'm a very proud parent, my daugther wakes up after I leave for work and while I'm gone does all of the chores expected of her and trains her horses. What more could a parent want, I really am blessed!
Chavez is moving along a lot faster than the mares from GatorlandEMM. I am thankful for a gelding. We have joined and followed up, and working on desensitizing him. WOW you look good on Element looks as if you may be a force to be reckoned with. Good Luck in Texas. I am hoping I can get away to watch.
First time jumping with me on him, at least he didn't balk and leave me jumping by myself. still got some work to do, but I'm still proud of him and his effort.
Good luck all you EMM trainers! I wish I was doing the EMM again this year, but I'm too broke and evidently too inexperienced :P No Stars division this year and all that. It looks like all of you are doing very well! Keep up the good work, I know it's hot but it's worth it!
Here is an update on whats going on down here in South Texas. HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I haven't been workin' Ergon much. He's had some tender feet. So he's been catchin up on his grazing. LOL!! Just doing simple things with him at this point. We all are wishin for some rain to cool things off. As you can see I am not the only one training.
Hoss and his training. On day 16 he got his first ride. He didn't even get snorty or anything I've been extremly cautious with him due to his size. I love working with such an intelligent horse, he catches on quickly and retains very well. If you couldn't tell this is my first mustang makeover. Posted by ghost at 11:12 AM 0 comments Subscribe to: Posts (Atom) Followers
Blog Archive â–¼ 2009 (1) â–¼ June (1) Hoss and his training. On day 16 he got his fir... About Me ghost View my complete profile
The ride home was a little challenging. The Mustang I now call Hoss kept pacing back in forth and rocking the trailer. We made it though and he is settling in just fine. My dogs had to check him out he doesn't seem to mind them either. Hoss seems really laid back and not much bothers him just yet. I, like most of you, had a rough time sleeping Thursday night with anticipation of picking up my mustang on Friday. I want to thank all the workers at Pauls Valley for their help and support. Well that's all for now, look forward to seeing y'all at Ft. Worth.
Posted by ghost at 10:27 AM 0 comments Subscribe to: Posts (Atom) Followers
Blog Archive â–¼ 2009 (1) â–¼ June (1) Mustangs Beginning About Me ghost View my complete profile
Image is more reactive than Stunner, so she is taking longer to come around, and realize that we are friends not foes. This little filly is from Callaghan NV, and is built like a tank, she has a very wide chest and wonderful comformation to her. She also have stripes also, so we are thinking that she has some dun in her.
Brady picked up two yearling competition horses, we tied their names together for the club. The gelding is Stunner, and the filly is Image.
Stunner has been very friendly and curious, but Image is reactive, so we are still working with winning her trust.
This is Brady's second time touching Stunner. Stinner was captured outside of a HMA on January 5, 09. I spoke to Shawna Richardson from the Ely district BLM, and found out that he was caputed on Simpson Park Mountain, which is not a HMA, but has had horses on it for years. The horses move across Simpson Park Mountain from Rocky Hills and Callaghan HMA's. These horse are some of the descants of the Demale family's orginal horses. THey are nice, big, well built horses.
Johnny, welcome aboard! I sent you an email with the same info as Priscilla did, so follow her directions and we'll see your name in no time! ha ha Kirstin, you are doing so well with Tuff! I'm sure you're running out of things to teach him....maybe he could sit up like a dog???? go on the internet and look under "tricks to teach your horse" and maybe you can find something to challenge him??? The girls want to come spend a day with you before school......Priscilla we'll need to work on that! Maybe we could meet in the middle at Angie's??? Angie, you up for lots of company to "practice"?????? All you new people...... you'll NEVER meet a better bunch of people than right here with EMM!!! Yeah Mustang Heritage Foundation!! You guys rock!
Ooooh, Rebecca, lookin' good! they are really nice looking horses! We might just have to take a trip to TN to see you compete! Keep those pictures coming! Lauren
Johnny, To set up your own blog to the right, first start your the blog. If you don't have one set up yet go to www.blogger.com and you can get started there. Once you have your blog set up email the site address to the folks at the Mustang Heritage Foundation. I believe Randi is the contact for the blog and they will add you to the list. Your horses are looking great and it's great to see another yearling participant. Tell your son to keep up the great work. My daughter is having the time of her life with her little guy. Priscilla www.kirstinsmustangmakeover.blogspot.com
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:47 AM
on
help
hey guys , i dont wanna feel up th page here but could any one tell me how to get my on blog listed over there >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> in that red list . thanks .cookcowboy9@aol.com
Posted by
johnny cook
at
9:40 PM
on
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
some help required.
rehab is starting to come around . he was a lil agressive,and we werent makin much progress so i used my draft cross mare bella to work him around a lil bit . he came right along with that. snowman is still a really nice horse .ive been busy with rehab and helping caldon with firecracker. im just now getting to play with snowman.(in case you missed it rehab is the other geldings name lol) i think hes gonna be a goodun.
We didn' work too hard today it was so hot, and we were both tired, I did nail some boards togather for a small jump, and Element was willing to try like always. Great to see more trainers blogging Man! those are some nice looking horses from The Tennessee pick up. Best of luck to all of you, I hope you have as much fun as I have with Element this past month. robbie_daughtry@yahoo.com
Thanks for the encouragement! It means a lot to me. I'm trying so hard to gain this guy's trust, he just doesn't have a clue as to how much I love him!! You guys are doing great with Willie and Waylon. I really get inspired reading all the updates from everyone, Element, Memphis, Rainmaker, Sampson, and all the rest out there! We'll continue to lay a good solid foundation for Flash and go from there!
Caldon, great job! looks like you'll get the opportunity to challenge your horse since he's so easy to work with. Great opportunity for you as a trainer to stretch your limits and knowledge......good luck and we love updates! Lauren
Rebecca, they look great! I know you'll do well. I look forward to keeping up with your progress. No you're not a glutten for punishment, you just have a really soft heart! lol Good luck! Lauren
After a little round pen work, Tuff follows Kirstin around like a puppy dog. She walked around the pen for quite a long time with Tuff following her every move even speeding up when she sped up. Notice the flip flops, the lecture must not of sunk in. No gloves but she wasn't working with a rope at that time.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:51 AM
on
You want me to do what???
Yes, I want you to step up on this funny little box thing. Tuff wasn't to sure about stepping up on top of this box platform. He pawed at it a couple of times to test it and then he stepped right up.
Look at how proud he is, he did it and then he did it again & again. Kirstin then took Tuff for a walk to a brand new area, we have a large but very old round pen just outside of our back yard so she took him there. Sprinklers were going and her dad had just saw a snake slither out in their direction. All of that extra stimulation didn't set right with Tuff & he tried to get away. Kirstin wasn't wearing any gloves and received a nice rope burn on one of her hands, but Tuff didn't get away-he got to the end of his rope and felt the tug and stopped. Kirstin not only got a rope burn, but also a long lecture about wearing the proper protective gear(gloves, boots, we've given up on the jeans-too hot here).
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:41 AM
on
not sure this colt wasnt imprinted lol
caldon and firecracker are getting along great .leading at th trot ,pickin up all feet. this lil guy is so willing
Posted by
johnny cook
at
9:59 PM
on
Monday, July 20, 2009
Flash Update..LAUREN
Lauren, don't get to concerned about your progress, the area you are working on is the slowest and most important to building a good foundation. Some of these horses move slower than others. Its the last 30 days that the riding comes very important. Don't get discouraged, your progress may seem slow but one day it will start to speed up and you will be riding flash also. Good Luck, Evelyn & George Gregory
Hey everyone, I decided to try my hand with two mustangs this time! They are so different and both are going to be really nice horses! We are affectionatley calling them Big Mac and Small Fry! My niece thought of those names while we were driving back from TN! I just had to laugh and they stuck... so for now Fry and Mac are doing great!
Just picked up my mustang in Cross Plains, Tn. We are naming him after my favorite young guns character Chavez. We have already completed join up, and he is doing great. Looking forward to competing with 100 days this time (instead of the 69 we had for Fl) in Oct. Good Luck to everyone.
I've been keeping a daily log of activities with Flash and staying off the main page, but yesterday I was able to give a rub between the eyes while standing in front of him! BIG TIME PROGRESS!!! All of you that are and have been riding, I am so happy for you. I wish I had stories of us riding, but that will come I just know it will! Even though I have to go slow, I'm trying to utilize my time wisely so here are a couple of pics of a saddlepad on his back and me giving him a rub between the eyes yesterday! Success at last!
hi all , johnny cook here from tallapoosa ga.we got our mustangs picked up friday mornin,3 in all ,2 for myself and one for my 12 yr old son caldon. Iwas really surprised how nice most of these horses were.i got a 4 yr old gelding that was captured at snow storm mountian. we will call him SNOWMAN . Hes a nice stought pretty brown geld maybe 15.hands weigh 1050 would be nice in anyones barn. the othe geld is a 4 yr old bay geld from wilson creek we call him REHAB cause he may break us of the habbit lol.and last but not least my sons yearling is a lil sorrell geld he named fire cracker.which is doing great . 30 mins off th trailer and he could touch him any where . hes leading well and walks right up to you when we go out to the lot. im totaly new to this blogging thing but hope to get pics up in a bit . thank you all and good luck. we had a great experience with the blm ms carr ms colbert and miss kalli . you guys rock thanks for being so helpful.
Kizer did great today again. He decided to come up and eat out of my hand this morning. He really is the calmest mustang I have ever met. We did some more join up work this morning, and by this afternoon he was coming up and letting me touch his nose. I think I got really lucky with the personality he has and I think things are going well
Friday Day 1- We showed up about lunchtime to get our mustangs. While waiting for our mustang paperwork, Christen picked out a horse that looked like Black Beauty and sure enough it was the horse she was given. The little guys loaded pretty easily and we began making our way back to Oneida from Cross Plains. It was a long drive back but we were pretty impressed with the way the mustangs handled the trek across the mountains. Once at the barn, they easily went into their new stalls and promptly went to munching on hay and enjoying their new surroundings. Christen's Mustang seems pretty skittish while mine seems more trusting and curious. For now, we are letting them settle in while we worry about picking some names for them. Saturday Day 2- After some rubbing on his head, I was able to get in the stall and halter my horse without complaint. Christen finally coaxed her mustang over for some petting and then was finally able get into the stall and rub her mustangs head and neck. Still have no official names just a nicknames; for mine "goober" and Christen's "Black" but who knows what were are going to actually call them. SundayDay3- Well today, Christen was able to find a few sweet spots on her horse (behind the ear was really nice) and stand next to him in the stall. Mine has become increasingly curious as to who I am and what I am all about my next step will be to try some brushing. . Still no names but I think we have narrowed down the choices...We will keep you posted...no pun intended.
Willie is progressing nicely! We have been having a great time!
Posted by
Evelyn Gregory
at
11:26 PM
on
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Element
Element didn't like this new bit, thought it would be better for me to hold it... I thought "NECKING" was something Me-Mom used to do at the drive-in LOL robbie_daughtry@yahoo.com
Well today was the first day for me to work with my horse! He is great! I couldn't have ask for a prettier or more well built horse. I'm very excited to be in the competition and am looking foward to talking to other trainers in the area. We made a lot of progress for the first day (at least I think so) After about half a day in the round pen he will now turn and face when I say whoa and has started following me. He is still warry about coming all the way to me. He is following just two or three steps behind, so all in all I think for the first day things went pretty well. I have named him after my dad who has been my biggest influence with all my horses. So his name is Kizer. He always helped me with anything involving any of my horses and so I think this will be my way of showing him I really did read the books he pushed so hard and listened to all those seminars! Lol I will try to post some new pictures later on in the week
I was busy acting as the offical photographer for my son and his friend. They are trying to break into the music business and they needed some pictures for their myspace. This is RyKo-Derrick Koehler & Ryan Harrison along with Kirstin's mustang TAZ! TAZ is the biggest ham of all. Since I spent my entire evening taking pictures for these 2 guys, I was unable to get any pics of Kirstin. Tuff is doing wonderfully. I looked over at them while she was training and saw her trotting at a lead, a big accomplishment. She said it didn't happen right away, but when he finally decided to trot along side of her, he stayed there until she stopped him. Wish I could have gotten a video of that.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:47 AM
on
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Samson on the trails in the East Texas Piney Woods
Big day for us yesterday as we took to the trails for the first time. Here we are meeting my Dad accompanied by big old white Fred and daughter in law Violet. Samson met up with deer, hawks ,clinging vines, untrimmed trails, water crossovers, deer blinds, etc and showed alot of curiousity rather than fear. He stepped out eagerly during the entire 2 1/2 hour ride which is all we could do in the heat. Today we will take the day off- do another trail ride Friday and then Samson and I really must get down to work and quit playing around!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by
Robbie Daughtry
at
8:36 PM
on
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Element
OK Daddy this one is for you! Couldn't talk him in to rolling over t'he saddle horn LOL. He is a workaholick like you. Just layin down to take a break ain't easy for him...Love ya,ll robbie_daughtry@yahoo.com
This is not a trick that Kirstin has taught Tuff, but he did this anyway. She was outside of the round pen and decided to see how Tuff would behave if she tried picking up his hoof and picking it out. Tuff spotted a blade of grass and wanted it so I guess he thought it would be easier just to get on both of his knees to get it. He stayed there the entire time that Kirstin picked that hoof. She stood up to move to the other side & he got up also. I think it says a lot for the amount of trust he has with her otherwise I don't think he would have put himself in such a vulnerable position. Finally both front & hind ends get on the bridge together. It is so funny to watch these guys when they realize that they did something right. They are so eager to do it again. Tuff also spent some quality time in the trailer. Kirstin tied him up inside of the trailer for about 20 minutes last night, tonight she will increase the time and even add another horse with him to get him used to riding with other horses.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:43 AM
on
Riding Willie
The temps of 105 have really been hot. We have been working early in the morning and again in the evening. Willie is doing great!
Posted by
Evelyn Gregory
at
10:29 PM
on
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Element
Took a few trips around the big pasture, cut down some low limbs in the small pasture, then worked on speed and control. Element did Great! robbie_daughtry@yahoo.com
After the "L" comes the very small bridge. I think we are going to have to enlarge this. Tuff doesn't fit on it very well. And then the crow's foot, chicken's foot, W or whatever one wants to call it. Tuff would click his hooves on every post when they first started. Kirstin took him over it several times and by the time they were done, Tuff was only hitting it a couple of times.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:49 AM
on
Obstacle course
When I got home from work yesterday, Kirstin told me that she set up an obstacle course to work Tuff on. So I go outside and find that Kirstin has set up some of the fence post that her dad has to make an "L" shape, and what I call a crow's foot to walk & back Tuff through. Here she is backing Tuff through the L shape and then... pivoting thru the opening. He would swing his hip a little bit too far,but considering this was his first day doing this, I think he did pretty well. Kirstin took him through this 5 or 6 times. By the time she was done, when she got to the end and turned around, Tuff would automatically start backing without any cueing. He is really a very smart little guy, he is going to make a great riding horse someday.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:40 AM
on
Memphis
My doctor said no riding for 1-2 weeks due to a torn ligament in my pelvis. What misery! No riding?!? I'm trying to stay optimistic that this setback won't hinder Memphis, and I think with as well as he's been doing and still some adequate time ahead, we'll pull through. With little activity, the highlight of this week was the trip to the vet. I hauled Memphis in the slant load with another gelding, which went perfectly. He got his teeth floated and wolf teeth pulled, which he needed badly. I'm happy we got that out of the way. Hopefully I'll be back in the saddle soon, and we'll be back on track!
Posted by
Rita Olsen
at
10:11 AM
on
Monday, July 13, 2009
Tuff's first trailer ride.
Kirstin has been working on trailering Tuff, she is very eager to take him places, so we decided it was time to take Tuff down the road to see how he would do. Only went a couple of miles, this was just a test. Tuff did alright, we took him a couple of miles down the road, unloaded him, reloaded him and then returned home. He sat back once which kind of scared me, but not Kirstin. Kirstin rode along side of Tuff while we made our way down our 1/2 mile long driveway just to make sure he was OK.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:40 AM
on
Christina and Nine
Lauren, Nine is lookin' good and acting like your typical 4 year old, but today (my first chance in a week!) to really work with him, everything started going wrong so I didn't risk a ride. He was super spooky and I was scared and I just had a terrible feeling about it... So I rode my older Mustang, Hammar, instead. But the babysitter is back and ready to take my daughter three days a week again, starting on Tuesday! So things out to start working out...
Gosh, Element and Rainmaker are both doing spectacular!
Posted by
Christina de Pinet
at
8:19 PM
on
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Element
I don't know if Element is just really excited or if I should call David Blaine and tell him Element learned his levitation trick! LOL robbie_daughtry@yahoo.com
Posted by
Robbie Daughtry
at
8:42 PM
on
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Horsemanship Clinic
This past week I put on a 4 day horsemanship clinic in Alpine for the 4-H kids and other members of the public. I used Rainmaker a little every day. Everybody loved him! He pretty much stole the show! Lots of people are very interested in the Makeover and cannot believe how gentle and kind Rainmaker is. He sets a great example for mustangs everywhere. One of the kids asked me about laying a horse down, so I demonstrated it with Rainmaker. He takes everything so well!
Worked on WOAH!!! today. Element got to move to a bigger pasture and was so excited to get over to the other horses across the fence, so when he finally settled down, and learned to stand quiet with me, I just turned him out. robbie_daughtry@yahoo.com
Ergon, lookin good! Tuff you are such a pushover!! Glad to hear how well everyone is doing, we're getting there, slowly but surely! I know soon, I'll look back and these days will be a faint memory! Keep on bloggin and keep up the good work! Christina, how's it going with Nine??
Posted by
lauren
at
9:53 AM
on
Friday, July 10, 2009
Kirstin & Tuff
Kirstin & Tuff venture outside the pen last night. Winds were pretty high, so she didn't stay out long with him, but Tuff did very well. Loaded him in the trailer again-he follows Kirstin in without any hesitation.
Sorry the pic is so dark, but Kirstin didn't start working until 8:00pm because of the sweltering heat. When they got to the fence line, Tuff noticed the cows coming up the lane. He was very curious about them.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:45 AM
on
Ergon
Hi everyone,
Thought I would send some more pics of what's been going on down here. I hope everyone is stayin' cool.
Posted by
Jessica Frantz
at
8:50 PM
on
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Samson and Fred find relief
Samson and his good buddy Fred found a way to beat the heat yesterday!!! Trailered my good old boy Sam to a friends yesterday for a little workout. First time off the property. He did so much better than I expected. Pretty anxious but responsive.
There is what? maybe 15 or 20 of us blogging, to all of you, If I can help in any way, please e-mail me. I think me and Element are gonna spend a little time to ourselves, cause I'm gonna sure miss him when he is gone. but you can bet your sweet hind quarters, when it comes to Fort Worth, we'll come running !!! robbie_daughtry@yahoo.com
Posted by
Robbie Daughtry
at
10:08 PM
on
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Element
I'm really starting to wonder, just how many people really are looking at this Angel? This is just a glimpse of how special this horse is!, I'm Lovin every minute of it. e-mail us at robbie_daughtry@yahoo.com
Today the rains came down this afternoon! Much too muddy to work with Flash, so today he just gets his grain and has some peace and quiet, but we did visit for a bit. He's getting calmer by the day! Till tomorrow Flash!
TAZ is Kirstin's mustang that we adopted for her at last year's makeover. He injured his leg about a month & a half ago. Directly above his hoof is a cut which is taking it's dear sweet time to heal. Doesn't help that he decided that the other day when this wet stuff was coming out of the sky, he started to act like a kid, running around his large turn out pen-kicking up his heels and doing sliding stops and puncturing the healing sore. So now he has been banned back into the smaller pen until his cut has healed. But everytime Kirstin trains Tuff, TAZ looks at her like "hey what about me???" So while Tuff was practicing being patient while being tied, Kirstin jumped on TAZ's back-just a halter on, no reins. He hasn't been ridden since mid-June yet still he is a good boy-turning on cue, stopping when asked. TAZ will never cease to amaze us-he is a wonderful horse. And while TAZ worked on being tied, Kirstin worked with Tuff. She is still working on perfecting the back up and he is getting really good at that. He is a pro at yeilding his hindquarters and leads like a puppy dog. Kirstin also worked on his stops. By the time she was done, Tuff was stopping beautifully. She also started teaching him to trot at a lead. He tends to get a little excited about trotting and the yearling side comes out after a few steps and then he decides he wants to kick up his heels, but it is early...
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:42 AM
on
Ergon
Some more of me and Ergon horsing around.
Posted by
Jessica Frantz
at
10:31 PM
on
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
~~~~~Ergon~~~~~
What's Crackalackin!!
Just wanted to try out some new stuff with him today. He took it all real well . I try all my stunts out before hand on my other horse, Elvis, Just to see if I can do them or not. Then I give it a whirl on Ergon and away we go.
It was super hot here today, 105. Tomorrow the same. Supposed to rain maybe on Friday. What a relief that will be for all the horses and us too. Ergon never ceases to amaze me. He is an honor to work with. I couldn't have asked for a better horse.
My photo technician is my younger sister, Trisha. She's 11 now and she has been a great help and she wants to be a trainer also.
Angie, I love the look on his face as he watches you over exaggerate the "step over" process! Isn't it fun to have such an attentive student!! You're doing great and I'd love to see a video of when you teach him to trot and jump over those logs! Love you!
Believe me it felt as silly as it looks. But take a look at the bottom picture- he got it!! This was a few days ago-today he went over those poles without touching any!!!
We enjoy reading everyones progress. Kristin, you are doing so great with your horse! I especially enjoy hearing about the teenagers who are so excited about their horses. As an "oldie, goldie" who taught high school for over thirty years - I think it is worderful for teenagers to get involved with horses, because the saying "The backside of a horse is good for the inside of a person" is so true. Good job teens, keep up the good work! Smokey is coming along nicely. I do not have any new pictures. As a grandmother, I have had grandchildren duty - so Doc has just been doing his thing with Smokey without photos. We did have one "set back" - Smokey was so good to bridle and loved being scratched around his face and ears, until last week - one day he just went "crazy" when Doc tried to put the bridle on him. A closer look confirmed that he had ear ticks. He was easier to doctor than some of our other horses, and after a few days, he is back to normal and getting easier to handle everyday. Hope some of you Texas people got the nice rain this past weekend - we did not - one small shower that cooled it off for the day - now we are back to hot and extremely dry.
Well Memphis is really starting to come my way.....
Kidding! :) That picture is from the beginning, I just think it's cute. He really is coming along though, but with the good always comes some bad. We had a stupid accident on Sunday. We were loping around in the pasture, between two trees, and a car came by behind us and scared him a bit; just enough that he ducked to the side a little...right into a mess of tree, low limbs and all. That's the last thing I remember of it, until I woke up, and saw Memphis standing feet away. At least he didn't leave. I couldn't get around much that day, but was walking better yesterday, so was hoping to ride, but then the rains came (not complaing about the rain..we need it!!). Hopefully today! These pictures were taken Sunday before our tree incident.
What happens when you have a bored teenager & a very compliant yearling?
Kirstin is now experimenting with Tuff to see just exactly what she can do with him. He stands perfectly still for her to pick up his hooves, so she decided to see what would happen if she crawled underneath him. As you can see, her back is even touching his belly and all he does is stand there.
Click on this photo and look at the smile on Kirstin's face-it says it all. She was so excited when she did this. She actually crawled under him 4 different times-2 times on each side. I wish that Kirstin or even us her parents knew more about training because this little guy is sooo smart, the possibilities are endless. We have different books but it just not the same as first hand knowledge.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:40 AM
on
bored teenager & a very compliant yearling con'td
So as everyone already knows, Tuff just seems to take whatever Kirstin does with him. She is starting to get bored with what she is doing, which in our eyes is trying to perfect what she has already taught him. But we parents view things differently than a teenager does. She wanted to see what Tuff would do if she put a little bit of weight on him. Before everyone starts fussing at her, she only leaned on him, she knows he is too young to bear her full weight. But, he didn't seem to mind that at all, he didn't even move away from her.
He did finally take a small step when Kirstin draped her arms down his side, but only 1 step.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:37 AM
on
Element
Man!!! It is so hot and dry these days. I keep trying to think about that song Miley Cirus sings. There's always gonna be another mountian, It ain't about how fast you get there, it's all about the climb. robbie_daughtry@yahoo.com
Doing great, with a steady trot, and crossing a bridge, I know what you are thinking'''Thank God Robbie don't build bridges for a living, LOL, bare with me it ain't finished yet, but Element didn't seem to mind. First time working on sidepassing, went pretty well nothing to brag about at this time tho. robbie_daughtry@yahoo.com
finally got up to a lope, not the smoothest tho Element seemed a little tired, tried a little buck, a few times before he gave in. robbie_daughtry@yahoo.com
Biscuit and Zeek are doing great. Biscuit is still a god send and Zeek is making the change he is almost ready to be saddled he is taking the blankets with no hesitation now which is a big deal for him.
We got word today one of our TIP mares are leaving us we have gotten rather attached to her in such a short time. My son cried and asked why cant we keep her.
She isn't a big mare maybe 14.3 but Rance is 11 and only weighs 70 lb so he is tiny. we have only had her a little more than 6 weeks. But they make such an impact on you. She has a good home and will be joined later by other BLMs so she will be happy.
Posted by
Cow Track Slash
at
1:42 PM
on
Monday, July 6, 2009
Ideas for Kirsten
Priscilla, first of all thanks for all your kind words! It just occurred to me that since Tuff is picking up on everything so well, maybe Kirsten can do some of the 7 Games that Parelli does. Especially the Yo-Yo Game; getting Tuff to back up when his lead is wiggled, and come forward again when Kirsten reels in the lead. Eventually she might be able to have Tuff so responsive he will back when she wiggles just a finger, and come forward when she runs the lead through her open hands - that is a bit hard for me to describe... She will be pulling the lead towards her, but as Tuff learns she can loosen her grip on the rope more and more so she eventually is not gripping it at all, and Tuff is leading from the friction of the rope along her open palm alone. There is also the Circle Game, which is like lunging; but Kirsten can get Tuff to jump obstacles (small ones, since he's just a yearling) and even continue his circle around Kirsten while she is walking in a strait line. I have found that to be very tough to teach to Hammar, and I haven't even tried yet with Nine.
Those are some suggestions, and if she shows off those skills at the Makeover I'll bet it will really catch the attention of many adopters!
Christina glad to hear that you are back on Nine. And Robbie just proved why I have always said that the Mustang Trainers are the greatest people around. They all have 1 common goal and that is the Mustang and everyone is so willing and ready to offer any help that they can. In today's world it's nice to see. Not much to report on Kirstin & Tuff. Kirstin got part of the weekend off. We let her go up to the lake Saturday afternoon and she returned Sunday afternoon. Her father got in the pen with Tuff just to see what he can do and he was impressed with all that he is retaining. Kirstin has kind of sped through so much of the ground work, but Tuff is a sponge and is learning it so quickly. We were a little afraid that Kirstin was skipping things, but Tuff has leading, yieldinghindquarters, yieldingforequarters, backing, staying out of your space and lunging with stops, & directional changes down like an old pro. We were really surprised. Since her father & I both work full time and then have a ranch to run after we get home, we don't get to spend a lot of time with her while she is training. I tried going out there last night just to get some new pictures but by the time I got out there, she was already done training and started feeding all of the horses. If anyone can think of anything that she might be missing at this point, please let us know. This is only her 2nd time to train a horse, so she is still quite green herself.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:49 AM
on
Samson
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. Having trouble figuring out how to upload these pictures the way I want. Have some more to share when I figure it out!
Samson and I working on that forward motion. The switch from bridle to bosal made a huge difference for him - we are moving out now.
Christina, send me an e-mail, can,t seem to find your e-mail address, but I could offer some suggestions with Nine's issues. robbie_daughtry@yahoo.com
Posted by
Robbie Daughtry
at
10:03 PM
on
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Ergon
Howdy ya ' all,
Hope it's HOT enough for ya all. LOL!!!!
104 degrees yesterday, broke a record!!
I finally found out what he is deadly afraid of, a tarp. He doesn't mind too much on the ground but soon as he hears it flopping he's a ready for it to eat him. I have a Mustang filly in with him and she is trying to help as much as she can. She grabbed the tarp in her mouth and ran with it. And ran straight for Ergon and flopped it right on his back. Scared him so bad he thought it was his worst nightmare coming true. LOL!!
But we have been working on it for about a week now. And I got it where I can put it on him all over.
He loves to trail ride and see the open terrain. Now I have him loping long distances and he is excellent in all gaits. Very, very smooooth!!
I have been leading other Mustangs with him to new pasture and he does a fine job.
I have a question for all you under-saddle trainers, in you're infinite wisdom. I've ridden Nine twice now without help (Nine was not being ponied, though we were following another horse) and I've already noticed where we might have a problem. Nine is very food-oriented! If he sees grass within 5 feet he will try to eat it. I had this problem with him in-hand, but he brings his head up for me when I ask him to, but not when I'm in the saddle. I suppose he doesn't know that's what I'm asking because the snaffle is so much different from the halter. My mother in law suggested I ride him just in the halter, which I'm tempted to do, but I would like Nine to eventually go well in a bit. It's a big problem, because when he gets his head down I can keep him from actually eating anything, but he won't bring his head up and move out, either. When it happens I've been giving the lead rope to my MiL who's on the other horse, and they "pull" us out onto the road where there is no grass.
Does anyone have any suggestions or tips for me? Nine is the first horse I've started on my own, so I have very very little experience with this...
Here is our God send under saddle. He looks great and is such a sweety. He is going to make a great Ranch Horse or Family Horse for someone. Who ever gets him is gonna be very lucky. Samson doesnt need to feel alone Biscuit doesnt have a mane either. But one gorgeouse tail. Hopefully we can get alot of growth in the 90 days. That will take a blessing. I keep seeing Angels. Last nights 4th of july Rodeo had a Christian Drill Team. Which rarely impresses me but hey were good and carried a great message. The photo is not that great but all the horses were Perlinos or White/Faded Greys mostly Perlinos and ifyou look These two are dressed like Angels Standing on their horses blowing their horns. I dont quite remember the passage but it was about Gods Angles on White horses preceeding the arrival of Christ. Photostaken from the stands with my phone.
Well we got home from the Whitesboro Rodeo and Firework show. There are many home fireworks going on around here along with the lightening storm that has came in. We have 6 very nervousBLM horses. They are not impressed with all the pretty lights. LOL But they are managing. Cooler weather coming Yeah! We are going to work during the day light hours.
As you see he oversees all that is done in our arena. He just knows if we would get out of the way he could do it all. He is up at he barn with us no matter the hour or how long we stay. He has his own spot that he has rearranged to suite his needs. He is Harolds right hand man. They are inseprable. At nap time they are both in the recliner together. It is rather funny. The Boys get a little irritated with having to constantly refill his hole in the arena. Happy 4th everyone
Posted by
Cow Track Slash
at
10:34 AM
on
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Training with my mustang is going great and he has become a great addition to the family. He is leading, lunging, working well at all of his gaits on the ground and now tolerates baths. My plan is to get a saddle on him in the next few days. I am so excited!
Hey guys! Everyone looks to be doing well. We are certianly progressing here. Wish the heat would turn down a notch or two. Zeek is steadily progressing and Biscuit is a god send. Zeek is starting to gain some weight. He was pretty thin when he came home. I have him on my special formula for picking one up and what I keep my show horses on. I am in charge of our feed and grooming program. I have some pictures from the other night. But I was washing biscuit afterHarold worked him and trying to keep my phone dry and taking pictures at the same time it was rather funny. Biscuit likes to drink out of the sprayer. Biscuit has a good 3 inch crest we are working diligently to remove. I am the competor and Harold is the trainer around here so he is really stepping out of his comfort zone for this. I hope everyone has a safe and fun 4th of July. We attended the APHA World SHow yesterday to watch the Reined Cow Horse 4-5 year old Sweepstakes we have 3 eligable for next year. It was a tuff competetion yesterday. Ill post photos when I get a chance to load them to the computer.
Posted by
Cow Track Slash
at
12:14 PM
on
Friday, July 3, 2009
GREAT job, everyone!
This is Christina, I was in the 2008 EMM; Kirsten, you are doing awesome with Tuff! You are very good at what you do. Lauren, Flash with come along. Someday he'll have an "aha!" moment and everything will start clicking. To the Kokal brothers: I saw both of your horses in Fort Worth last year, you are both awesome trainers! I think I'm in love with the bay, Ranahan. He is gorgeous. Rainmaker sounds like a dream come true, he's doing great!
I've finally started riding Nine. As soon as I get my mother in law over here to help with the baby I want to get back on him. I think I can ride him independently of the pony horse, now. I'm getting much more comfortable on his back.
Just checking in, sure is exciting to see everyone's progress! Memphis is coming along, and sure is going to make a great horse. The farrier comes today and he'll get his first set of shoes, so we'll be hauling to Bandera soon. I'm excited to get him out there and see what he can do. If anyone else is up for some rock climbing ;) let me know, we'd love the comany. I've just updated the blog (finally) as well http://www.memphisemm09.blogspot.com/, and hopefully this weekend I'll get some new pictures. I snapped these with my phone today. Memphis and the calves, and then him ground tying in the barn after our ride today. I'll include one from our ride down to the creek last week also (well what's left of the creek anyway). Til then!
A couple of days ago I took Rainmaker along with me to show a roping horse to a customer. When we were done, I decided to see how Rainmaker would handle tracking a steer. Turns out he did pretty well! I spent some additional time with him this afternoon just playing around. It seems he unchained his stall door and let himself out for most of the day while I was working cows. He didn't go far from the barn and the other horses though. He just hung out and ate grass! I captured him down by some other horses and rode him back to the barn with only a rope! He is such a cool horse!
Posted by
Teryn Muench
at
8:28 PM
on
Thursday, July 2, 2009
MEDICINE MAN
We often have "discussions" where I explain to him what I want him to do! He really looks at me like he understands. Then it's "back to work"
Update on Hoss day 16 riding around and moving off leg pressures. Having a blast with this big guy. Being alot more carefull than usual, Do to this being my first mustang and not exactly knowing what to expect. He is great with a willing to please attitude. I'll try to upload pictures now.
Don't know if you've been watching Flash's progress but he's very skeptical of touching by humans! Seems as though he's from one of those areas where the horses are a little harder to "win" over. Our progress has been slow, but steady. Last night I wanted him in closer to me so in desperation I placed his feed bowl 3 1/2 feet from the bucket I was sitting on. He did the advance, retreat several times before "taking the chance" and eating. I remained silent and still and he ate over half of it before deciding he had enough. His trust level is not there yet, but I know we'll manage through it! Here's some photos that show last night....
Tuff won't be ready for a rider for quite some time, but if this is any indication, Tuff should accept a saddle and even a rider with out any problem. He is so laid back, any one who sees him for the first time finds it hard to believe that Kirstin has only been working with him for a little over 2 weeks. He is quite the little horse.
Just a YEE-HAW & WAY TO GO to all of the Mustang trainers. You guys are doing such an awesome job and the stories told here are amazing. I look forward every day to the new post and love to see the progress everyone is making.
Posted by
Kirstin's Mustang Project 2008
at
7:47 AM
on
Element
So miserably hot here in Texas, neither one of us started out wanting to work, but I think we came full circle today, not pushing him, Element gave more than usual, now I feel confident he trust me totally. "Look out" the sky is the limit. That trimming feet thing just needed to be done, and it went great. The other pics we gotta send out to Me Mom cause we promised to send something good, that wave was to you. I'm stoked, like Darius Rucker said " I got all I need, and that's alright by me" robbie_daughtry@yahoo.com
Posted by
Robbie Daughtry
at
6:21 PM
on
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
HorseTenders - Kris and Nik Kokal
This is a short video that Nik put together of the first 14 days of both him and his brother training their mustangs. Kris' mustang "Boy Named 'Sioux' " is the black gelding, and Nik's mustang "Ranahan" is the bay. Hope you enjoy the video and hope everyone is having as much fum as we are, best of luck to everyone. Keep in touch.
HorseTenders LLC We Tend To Horse Around (TM) Developing Mettle Without Metal (TM)
Just wanted to share alittle story from this morning. I worked with Samson this morning as usual in hand around the open arena and then took him into the round pen for saddling and alittle riding-still working on forward motion. I had already ridden last years makeover horse with same saddle. Well- I saddled him up and rounded him a few times and noticed he seemed alittle "off". Difficult to describe- just alittle agitated for no apparent reason. I checked all tack-everything seemed ok. I had already decided in my mind that this morning I would get that forward motion no matter what so I got on up there and began the turn to lead into the forward walk that I was looking for. He turned well and then just stopped and started pawing the ground with alot of energy. Now- I may be hardheaded at times - but having just turned 51 yesterday-maybe I got alittle wiser overnight - or alittle more nervous about hitting the ground. Whatever the reason - I decided I better get on down pretty quick as something was definitely not right. I tied him up still fully tacked to take a breather and figure out my next step. Well- he is not great at being tied and started to move around just alittle and then gave alittle hop. I glanced over there and the off bilet had broken off the saddle from the bars -everything was hanging on the near side and he was standing still like a champ. I sent up my thanks and praise at that time, to my God who watches over me and this wonderful horse who tried from the getgo to tell me something was not right. I am thankful also that I am not as stubborn as I used to be- or I would have gotten in a fight with him about that forward motion I wanted- it might not have been pretty.
My patient and wise husband got me a new digital camera for my birthday so once I figure it out I will be able to post some pictures. Taking the rest of the day off. For those suffering in the heat like we are-- STAY COOL.
We are enjoying all the reports from other mustang trainers. My husband Nolan is the trainer of "Smokey" a three year old mustang. Nolan (Doc) has no time to blog, so I will try to blog for him. We live at Salado and are both retired educators. Horses are Doc's passion - We picked up Smokey at Paul's Valley on June12th, and he seems to be very smart with a sweet disposition. Doc is riding him in the round pen, but hopes to take him outside this next week. We have been fighting the sweltering heat here in Central Texas, as some of the rest of you have I see. It really takes it toll on horse and rider.
I am posting some pictures of Smokey - He is really pretty - Black with White on face and one white sock. The grandkids love to pet him and he loves the attention.
