The Journeys of Cactus Jack Splash

Weekend Clinic

2012-01-29T16:12:00.000-08:00

My sister Bohannan's Rhapsody Splash, Hanna, attended a small private clinic yesterday. Seven other horses in the arena, one a recent gelding, 3 of the horses were green, and 2 of the riders were green also. Seems like the makings of a circus to me...
All the horses were good and the riders were all successful.
The DOR is still hesitant about loping a green horse managed to cowboy up and lope Hanna. The DOR should have had no worries, after all Hanna is so much like me...well maybe the DOR should have more worries.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Signs all over

2012-01-22T17:07:00.000-08:00

The SCC and Mushboy came to the DOR's office last week. Her office is full of horse related decorations, it makes her feel that we are close by.

She has a small sign that says "Have you hugged your horse today?" The SCC to a small sticky note and changed horse to husband. I think he may may be wanting all of the hugs...doesn't he know it is nice to share.

I am thinking that I may need to change my closer to 'Don't forget to hug your humans' What do you think?

Enjoy your day and don't forget your DOR

The DOR has a warrant for her arrest!

2012-01-18T17:23:00.000-08:00

They say the DOR is wanted for speeding...
Now I have never seen the DOR do anything I would consider speeding. She likes to savor every step she takes. So she must have been on horseback to earn this warrant.
I think they captured her on the wrong horse, Hanna is definitely not speeding-unless it was overly quick head turns for scritches.
Now if they had seen her and me streaking down the road on Black Friday that would be another matter. I was flying, my hooves were a blur. But then again it would be me wanted for speeding not the DOR.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Haven't forgotten you

2012-01-11T18:18:00.000-08:00

I have not forgotten you my friends. The DOR has been busy with her dad. His Parkinson's has reduced his ability to manage physically and he experienced a bout of sudden onset dementia. She has been helping get things ready for him to have a permanent place to spend the rest of his days.
While he forgets things, I do not. I want you all to know that things are well here. The oldest soprano has been started under saddle and is a rock star! Hanna, my littlest sister, has had her 12th ride and did great (what else would you expect she is my sister). She even took the DOR's grand daughter for a ride. Little Sister gave her first ever ride to a human, she begged for the DOR to let her tote her grand daughter...I guess she didn't want to be out done by Sir Royal Pain.
We have a clinic coming up at the end of the month.
While postings may be sporadic for a bit, just know we are all here and love you lots.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

In a manger much like this one a miracle was lain to rest.
The first beings to greet the Christ child besides his parents were the lowly animals. As we are now the animals back then were very aware of things. They knew this small child was special. They watched over him and sang lullabies. As a gift to the animals for their tender care and attention they are granted the gift of human speech every Christmas eve.
Below is a legend from Norway (the DORs great-grandmother was from there) about the Christmas Eve miracle.

The Night The Animals Talked
In the frosty mountains and on the snowy fields of Norway, there is a legend that draws children to all kinds to stables and stalls throughout the country on each Christmas Eve night. They are hoping to hear a miracle. They are waiting to hear the animals talk. Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem. This was no abandoned place, but was a working stable, filled with animals of all kinds. Into these humble surroundings, encircled by the innocent creatures of God, the Savior of man came into the world. Now according to legend, at least, Christ's birth occurred at exactly midnight. Inside the stable, the animals watched in wonder as the new-born babe was lovingly wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger. Suddenly, God gave voice to the animals and immediately they began to praise God for the miracle they had just seen. This went on for several minutes and, just before the entrance of the shepherds -- who had hurried to the stable because angels had told them the Christ had been born there -- the animals again fell silent. The only humans who had heard them were Mary, Joseph and, of course, the Christ child. The legend of the talking animals persists to this day in Scandinavia. And every Christmas Eve, wide-eyed children creep into stables just before midnight to hear the animals praise God for the wondrous birth of His Son. Of course, adults scoff at this. "Old wives tales," they grump. "Those children should be home in bed, not out in the cold waiting for the family cow to preach a sermon." But the children know -- or at least believe -- that animals really do praise God at midnight every Christmas Eve. And who of us -- those who believe in an all-powerful God -- can say that it really doesn't happen?
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26 NIV)
Have a blessed Christmas Eve and listen to hear the animals sing.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR

Lots of thing doin' here

2011-12-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

The horse in the picture is my youngest sister. The DOR heard about her a bit over a year ago and thought about getting her, but Freedom insisted that she get Friend instead. My little sister was close to being sent to a bad place this year so the DOR went and looked at her, she even tried her out. Yes that is her with no helmet on and she got put in time-out for it. My little sister now lives in our herd and her name in Bohannan's Rhapsody Splash, aka Hanna. I am thirlled that she did not end up in a very bad place-she is a youngster and should not be on a dinner plate.
The DOR also brought home two former stallions, she calls them the sopranos. They are living in my pasture learning to be part of the "He Man Gelding Club". The little one has a bunch of learning to do, but the older one is coming along nicely.
A group of horses went to school with the DOR this past week. She was working with two groups of boys that wanted to harm each other. There have been bad things going on for over a year and people have ended up in the hospital. She made them take her C.O.W. Intervention program and part of that is with horses. She picks special horses to come in that will be able to teach the students a particular lesson they need. It work well and now there is a treaty in place. The students have asked if they can have the horses come in again....
I am doing well. I did give the humans at the ranch a scare when I did a flip running as fast as I could to get to the new hay. It was slick and I still had on my 'Boogie Shoes' (which are now off until summer). I hopped right up and finished running for the hay and munched away. I was not hurt, a bit embarrassed, other that a bit of a scrape where I banged my ankle with my shoe. The DOR gave me a bit of a scolding...she doesn't want me to hurt myself. I gave her my 'really I don't want to discuss this' look and she smooched my nose.
Hope all is well with your herd.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Thank you

2011-11-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

To all of our veterans my deepest thanks for being able to live peacefully in my pasture.
The sacrifices made by human and animal can never be repaid and must never be forgotten
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

The following letter is written by Bub, he is the young man who worked with Lady when she needed to go to charm school and works with other horses of the DOR. He wrote this letter to the DOR's students while he was in Iraq. I wanted to share it with you because he is such a fine young man and I found the letter touching. Bub came home safe and we are so grateful for that. He has been changed by his experience and he looks at things differently now. I am doing a repost because I couldn't say things better than Bub already did.

Hi everyone,

As some of you know my name is PFC. Justin Hewitt and Mrs. Hewitt is my wonderful mom. Mom asked me to write you guys a letter for Veterans Day so I figured I’d give it a try. I joined the army during my senior year and went to basic training in Ft. Leonard wood Missouri July 11 07 . Basic training was... interesting. They thought us basic soldier skills like shooting an M-16, throwing hand grenades, and hand to hand combat. It was the longest 9 weeks of my life but in some ways it was 9 of the best. I made friends there that I will never forget like Daniel "the coop" Cooper, David Johnson, and one of my best friends I have ever met Andrew Jon Shields. On May 29th 2008

Andrew was deployed to Afghanistan and was on a routine convoy when his vehicle was hit with a road side bomb. Andrew died instantly. After basic and our advanced individual training we all went our separate ways to our units and new duty stations. I was assigned to the 659th Engineer Company in Spokane. I was only there a little while until I volunteered for a deployment and was reassigned to the 277th En Co from Ft. Sam Houston TX. We got mobilized the 3rd of January 2009. We spent January in Ft. Bliss TX Iraq the beginning of February getting all of our medical and in processing done and were in. We started missions almost right away. Being an Engineer company our missions consisted of running heavy construction equipment to foot patrols through the streets of Baghdad and Sadr city which used to be called Saddam's city but we renamed it as soon as we kicked Saddam's butt outa power. We also do what’s called Route clearance. That’s where we patrol the roads that U.S. forces use for I.E.D.'s and other road side bombs (that’s my favorite). Our tour is almost over but not without a loss, June 11th one of the soldiers in our company was at the medical clinic getting some meds when another soldier from another company came in and opened fire with a pistol. My friend Specialist Jacob Barton saw the man come in and pull his pistol out. The shooter took aim at a female working in the Aide station and Barton jumped in front of her and was shot twice in the head. 4 more soldiers were shot and killed before the shooter was taken down. I've been shot at, been in fire fights, my route clearance vehicle has been blown up twice by road side bombs. I've slept in old school houses, the back of dump trucks, and even an old Iraqi prison once. I've driven over 3000 miles and stayed awake for days on end and I would do it all over again in a heart beat. The friends I’ve made over here are more like brothers and I know without a doubt they would give they're life for me just like I would for them. If you ask any soldier they're not fighting for themselves or for freedom of speech they're fighting for the man to they're left and right. Mom wanted me to tell you guys why I joined but I don’t have one of those I did it for my country answers (although I guess I kind of did). To be honest I really don’t know why I joined. I just wanted to do something with my life that I can look back on some day when I'm old and say “man that’s something to be proud of". At times I regret joining the army but I can’t see myself being anything but a Soldier. I like to say it’s the best worst decision I ever made, and I made quite a few bad decisions just ask my mom. People call us heroes but where not heroes we're just doing our jobs. The real heroes are those that come home in a box with a flag draped over them. It doesn’t matter if you support the war or not, you should still support the troops. Because we didn’t start the fight but we're more than willing to fly half way around the world leaving our wives, husbands, children, moms, and dads and everything else we know and love behind to finish it. So this Veterans Day don’t just think of it as a day off from school. Remember the fallen heroes from past and present wars that died defending your freedom. So if you know a vet from any generation make sure you shake their hand and tell them thank you. It’ll make their day. Well thank you for listening and I hope you have a great Veterans Day.

Sincerely
PFC. Justin Hewitt
277th En Co, 101st En battalion, camp liberty Baghdad

Iraq

Running as fast as I can

2011-11-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

This past Monday I went on a trail ride with the DOR and some friends. We climbed steep hills. We went down steep hills. We traversed loose rocks and boulders. We went to the edge of cliffs and looked over...800 feet straight down can make you dizzy.
For six hours I wondered through the roughest terrain I have been in with the DOR.
I walked, I trotted, I loped....Best of all the guide finally convinced the DOR to let loose of the reins and let me run as fast as I could. Oh boy did I run!!! I have to admit at first we were both unsure, what if I stumbled? The DOR made sure to stay centered and balanced, I watched the ground, and the next thing you know we were flying. Yes I did stumble, but I caught myself and the DOR stayed centered on my back which helped. I ran full out several times and we were having a ball.
Yep, I have some crazy feet now.
In two weeks I am taking the DOR to dressage lessons. Before I am done training her she is going to know all kinds of things.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Today I celebrate!!!!

2011-10-24T17:36:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have followed my blog for a long time, you would know that me working cows what not something that looked likely to happen ever in my lifetime.
I am happy to say I took the DOR to a Joe Wolter cow clinic and showed her that I have not reached my potential yet. I worked cows with the best of them. Yes I moved a bit different from the other horses at times. But what I can't do in speed or tight turns, I more than make up in lateral movement. The DOR asked Joe to ride me to make sure she wasn't asking too much of me. He did and said I was perfectly capable of working and holding a cow. He noticed that I have figured out how to compensate for the things my body still can't do. He also said I was a nice horse. The DOR just about cried, she is so proud of me.
She has learned not to say "can't" about me, she now just says "not yet, but someday".
The journey we have had this year has taken us from me starting back under saddle, to the mountains, Buck Brannaman, the ocean, numerous trails, and Joe Wolter. I am starting dressage lessons with the DOR in November. I am the little appy that could!! I am the little appy that WILL!!
So today I celebrate all that I have done in the past two years.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

A Boogie went up a mountain

2011-10-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

I took the DOR to Horn Rapids on Saturday. It was the spot where we had been viciously attacked by a herd of tumbleweeds.
I was pleased that she was not nervous. I fact she was confident to line me up to a white picnic table to mount up from. We rode past all the things that worried her before with no problem. We even survived the remote control planes that were flying around. Although she did make a comment about hoping that we didn't have a scene like one from North by Northwest, whatever that meant.
At the end of the ride I decided that she had been brave enough that I would try taking her up a short/steep hill. I love chugging up hills like a little freight train. I would do that all day if I could.
It was a wonderful day for all of us. Even Coelho had fun.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Returning to the storm

2011-10-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Before I was needing rehab the DOR and I went for a ride at Horn Rapids. Some of you might recall me writing about the tumbleweed tornado. It was a very frightening thing to have been caught in. The DOR and I came out the otherside of it a bit shaken but fine.
Today I am taking her back to Horn Rapids and making her face her fear. We are going on a nice, uneventful trail ride with the SCC, Horse Guardian, and Cow Boss. This is part of my plan to get her ready for our big three day cow clinic with Joe Wolter this week.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

A New Adventure

2011-10-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
In response to my concern over bullies and the fact that it is the main focus of my Presidential Campaign I have started a new blog-
Boogie and The Bullies
This blog is designed to support children who are being bullied, have friends who are being bullied, or who just want to stop bullying.
I hope it makes a difference.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Finally the DOR gets it!

2011-09-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

I got the DOR in the spring of 2008. I was looking for the owner I always wanted.
When I first met her I realized she had been started fairly well, but she had a lot of refining left to do. I believed that with time, understanding, training, love, and support that she had the potential to be my dream owner.
We started our journey and have had many adventures. There were misunderstandings, accidents, illnesses, and potential situations that could have cost one of us our life. Through it all I kept as level a head as a little appy could and promised her all the time she needed. But we still had one big sticking point in our relationship...TRUST. I needed her complete and total trust for her to become my dream DOR.
This weekend I took her to a clinic at the beach. I believed the clinician was the one who could solve this issue for us. At the end of the clinic I left with the DOR that I wanted. I have my dream DOR, turns out I always did! I knew we had finally got where I wanted to be when she was loping me down the beach with abandon and laughing happily. I was able to run as fast as I wanted, as long as I wanted, and as often as I wanted!
Now we can finally move on to refining our skills.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Happy Trails!

2011-09-19T19:05:00.000-07:00

After the DOR wouldn't let me chase the cows, which irked me, she took me out for a trail ride.
We went to Sunnyside, out to Griffin lake and down to the river. We did a bit of trail blazing through the brush, but nothing too tough.
I did get a scolding for tripping too often. The reason I was tripping was I was trying to graze and walk down the trail. So I guess the scolding was really for munching when I should have been about my business-ooooh well who cares.
This weekend I am heading to the ocean for the first time in my life. I hope it is fun.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Cows

2011-09-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

Yep that is me and I am not terribly happy in that photo.
Mushboy calls this move "pissed offs", a naughty horse's version of piaffes.
The DOR took me out to work cows for the first time in a big pasture. I wanted to run as fast as I could and chase the little stinkers, especially after the bull glared at me-he was asking for it! Now according to the DOR a good cow horse can work cattle at a walk or a trot and get the job done. Well wouldn't that mean a GREAT cow horse should be working cattle at a dead run?
I lost my mind because I was soooo excited and threw one of my werehorse fits. I crow hopped, I bucked, and I danced like a Spanish dancing horse (and I looked good doing it). No matter what I did the DOR stayed square in the saddle, just sighed, hummed, and wouldn't let me run. In fact she even said, "Dance all you want, we are not running after the cows and it is going to take you twice as long to get back to them"
I finally gathered my brain cells back together, well mostly because the ones screaming "CHASE THEM" were still loud and clear, concentrated on what the DOR was asking and helped finish the job.
The DOR says my participation in the cow working clinic next month is going to be entertaining. She plans on making me walk out in the cow pasture and be nice a calm around the stinkers between now and then.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Shadow dancing

2011-09-15T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today I taught the Mighty Q a bit about shadow dancing. I helped the DOR catch him and then we went for a nice walk. All three of us. Q and I in our halters and the DOR holding the leads. Now things could have gotten ugly real quick, but I kept talking to Q and he just kept relaxed. Q has been getting a lot of lessons about horse manners out with the geldings. Seems that he had "baby manners" and those will not be tolerated from a big horse. He has learned to be more mature and we like having him with us.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Say a prayer for peace as we remember

2011-09-11T05:22:00.000-07:00

Another Presidential candidate

2011-09-05T20:12:00.000-07:00

It is that time again. I promised the DOR that I would stay out of politics, she says it is poor form for me to make the humans running look bad. I fully intended to keep my promise, really I did. But the humans have already made themselves look pretty bad and often time down right silly, so my running for president won't make them look any worse!
I know there are people who will say I am unfit for office given my two years in rehab. But at least I addressed my weaknesses and issues unlike some of the candidates. I have been busy practicing my leadership and negotiation skills this summer and am now very confident in my abilities.
I will be searching for a running partner in the near future.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Shandi is home!!!

2011-08-28T12:25:00.001-07:00

My little Lolly Dolly is home. Shandi has been at the trainers for six months and boy has she grown up. She was drinking beer and smokin' cigars with Johnny Rango the mule. She also had a love affair with a warmblood named Ted, they hung out together so much the two of them became known as Shed.
The Horse Guardian, SCC, and the DOR took Coelho and me to go get her. We went riding in the deep woods.

The trail disappeared and we went bushwhacking. I LOVE bushwhacking. I love the hills and woods. I want to be a trail horse all of the time. The DOR says that I have turned into the horse that she knew I was...well that is because she has turned into the rider I need.

Shandi is a good solid citizen now and is surprisingly well trained and mellow for being only three. We are all glad she is home.

Sorry for the lapse in posts. The DOR and I are getting in as many trails as we can because school is starting up. Hope you all are having happy trails too.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Did you bring her here to die?

2011-08-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

"Did you bring her here to die?" A comment made by a RAB about Little Sister....The DOR plans on keeping all her horses until they cross the rainbow bridge, or she does. So this question was just totally stupid.

The DOR believes that seeing a horse out well is just as important, if not more so, than bringing them along. It is easy to love any being when they are young, athletic, and healthy. She also finds it easy to love them when they are winding down, a time when they need that love the most.

The DOR believes that it is important to thank her horses for all they have given her. She thinks that making sure we are well taken care of our ENTIRE life is one small way to do that. She brought Little Sister her to thank her for a life well lived, for the gift she gave the DOR in Friend, to repay Friend in some way for the blessing he was to her life.

So in answer to the RAB and his stupid question...yes she was brought her to die-we all were really including the RAB. Little Sister is an appy, the DOR is hoping she is like Freedom and has 20 more years to enjoy being retired and spoiled. The DOR is hoping we all out live her.

I hope the RAB learns to value life and to appreciate other beings just because the exist, otherwise he is going to continue to be a lonely and bitter person.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Relaxed Rein

2011-08-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

Here I am walking on a loose rein. It has taken me a long time to train the DOR how to ride me with a loose rein without me getting a bit goofy. The DOR says it is because I have matured, I say it is because she is more confident and not worried. Whatever it is I like it...

I want to update you on Little Sister:

She is eating well. She likes being on pasture 24/7 and getting mush each evening. Little Sister will be having her feet done tomorrow. I am glad the Dolly is so kind to older horses because Little Sister will need patience. The entire herd will nicker her through getting her feet done and the DOR will be there to support her.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

My new BFF

2011-08-08T07:48:00.000-07:00

The Horse Guardian moved my herd in with another herd on the hillside pasture. It is a group of horses that we hang out with off and on throughout the year. It is always good to be with them because they are so nice.

Yesterday the DOR and SCC moved a new horse in with us, Quincy. I got to see Quincy when I was in the small pasture getting ready for the Buck clinic. He is a big fancy boy who has an overload of energy. When he got to the pasture I immediately claimed him as MINE! He is going to be my new goofing around buddy. The other horses are stuffy and don't want to play. This guy wants to play, play, play and I am just the perfect horse to keep him busy.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Welome home Little Sister!

2011-08-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

This lovely horse is Little Sister, she is Friend's mother and my distant cousin. The DOR found her and other members of Friend's family after he passed away. She got to meet his full siblings and both of his parents. After meeting Little Sister, she found where his baby doll head and lovely temperament came from. She has been working for several months to bring her home to the herd to retire. Yesterday the DOR and Horse Guardian picked her up and brought her home.

Little Sister is the mother of National and World Champions, the daughter of a very famous horse. She is 20, has lost some vision in her left eye, and needs TLC. Little Sister was with a herd of 20+ brood mares and her gentle nature put her at the bottom of the herd pecking order, which got her run off food most days. Now she has her own pasture until her weight is good and mush once a day. Little Sister is going to live the rest of her life being pampered and loved. I am glad she is here, I miss Friend too and she is very much like him.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Smiles

2011-08-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

People who are around the DOR often see her smile a lot. However, she usually has a serious look when she is riding and around her students. So for those students out there here is a photo of her smiling. She had a wonderful time at the Buck clinic and did a bunch of smiling while we were there. She says that she thinks I was smiling too.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Still licking and chewing

2011-08-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

The DOR and I are home from our big adventure. I was the best spotted butt at the clinic.

We are doing a lot of licking and chewing about all of the things we learned. The clinic was a life changing event for the two of us.

I am proud that the DOR did so well. She wasn't nervous after the first day and she followed directions well.
I was a very good boy too! The DOR says that I have grown up to be a big boy now.

Buck also told the DOR that she has a very nice horse. That made us both feel really good.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Buck

2011-07-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

Today Buck met me, Boogie, for the first time. I am sure that I dazzled him with my simple presence in the arena, not to mention my DOR training skills. I am sure I was the best DOR trainer there!
I am so proud of how we did today!
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

New shoes!

2011-07-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

My old farrier moved far away. He put my first shoes on me while I was at Sun Mountain in rehab. He was very kind and set the DOR up with a really great new farrier to take care of us.
I am going to call her Dolly because she is so kind and gentle with us. Dolly gave me a new set of shoes for the Buck clinic. She says I had almost worn my last pair of shoes out working in the mountains.
I am not sure If I will be posting while we are at the clinic. We will be really busy learning lots of great things and becoming a better team.
Happy trails until I am back.
Enjoy your day (err week) and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Packing

2011-07-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

I am packing for my trip. I think I have everything, but you never know.

Saddle, my special blanket, treats, spare blankets, bridle, halter, grooming kit, treats, hay, water bucket, treats, mounting block for the DOR, breast collar, treats, fly spray, my special Boogie relaxing spray, treats.

I hope that the DOR get her stuff packed and ready. I am not waiting on her and when it is time to go it is time to go. If she is late she will be chasing us down the road on foot.

I am getting new shoes for the event. The DOR has decided to were a old favorite pair of boots...Oh well, at least she will have shoes on her feet too.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Trotting

2011-07-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

Today I had the DOR working on trotting. I know how to trot and the more I do it the better I get. The DOR on the other hand needs to get her act together. She looks down between my ears when I trot, that is not a good thing. It causes her to curl up and put her heels in my side. She then complains I am being "squirty" and the tightens on the reins, then I fuss my head and she repeats her curling. I have found that swishing the heck out of my tail will let her know that I am frustrated with what she is doing. She spent today sitting up straight, shoulders back, and heels off my side. In turn I gave her several trips around the arena at a nice trot.
I am pleased with her performance today. She even remembered to breathe and smile. Great progress for the day.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Quote for the week

2011-07-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

A person who is afraid is not clear in his cues, so the horse gets confused

~John Lyons pg 31 Communicating With Cues Part I

The DOR has realized that this has been a big problem with our communication. She has always had a bit of fear while riding me, which in turn has caused some confusion. After our time on the mountain she found her courage again and the fear is finally gone. Our communication is so much better now. The only things in our way still are her worries about me keeping my feet and her micromanaging me when we are not performing a task. I am sure the Buck clinic will sort this out once and for all.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

The thinking horse

2011-07-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

My past behavior has shown that I am a reactive horse. Yep I would react then think, usually when thinking was too late. The DOR has commented several times in the past month that it seems that I now think more than react.
Today I proved she is right.

We were in the arena practicing for the clinic and playing with the soccer ball. The ball got stuck in a corner and the DOR got a "carrot stick" to try and work it out of the corner. Now usually getting the carrot stick off the fence would upset me, not today. We worked together for quite a bit to get the ball unstuck with no success, but I did not get frustrated like I usually would. The DOR then had me working on going back to the fence to put the carrot stick back-something I have never done. As we were working on this a tractor came rolling by the arena, no big deal. About a minute later a lady on a bike rode right by us, I kept it together. We were working on the fence that was just across from the pasture the Icelandics were in and they were running like silly buggers...whatever. Just as we were right about where we needed to be to hang the carrot stick up a sprinkler head blew off the line in the pasture. Now that was too much, I blew some marbles and skittered a bit sideways. I stopped and stared, blowing marbles, and the DOR petted me telling me how good I was. If this had happened before my accident and all of my rehab I would have bolted, bucked, and sent the DOR to the moon. She is so proud of the thinking horse that I have become.

Enjoy the day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

How good am I?

2011-07-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

How good am I? Well right after this picture was taken the DOR started to move me off and the bit fell out of my mouth due to a serious bridle malfunction (it fell apart) and I didn't go nuts. In fact I followed the DOR's directions given with a neck rope and her seat. She was very pleased, at one time in my past this would have turned into a werehorse incident for me.

Of course the DOR has to fess up that at one time in our past this would have given her a panic attack. I think we are doing much better.

John Lyons talks about teaching cues so that horse and rider can communicate better. He also talks about working on one thing at a time. Well I have been working on the "get off" cue for the DOR. I have to say she is a very slow learner. I line-up to the mounting block and she stays on. I got to thinking my problem was that it is the mounting block, not the dismounting block. When the DOR would line me up to the mounting block to get off I would wait for her to swing her leg over and then step away from the block, forcing her to drop her left stirrup and hop to the ground. I was thinking that it would teacher her that my proximity to the "mounting" block was the cue for her to get off. It didn't work, in fact she started making the mounting block an arena ornament that I had to work around.... So I started lining up with the rail fence for her to get off, she won't even try...

Well I am persistent, I will get her trained soon. After all Buck will laugh me out of the arena if I can't get my rider to dismount on cue.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Force of impact

2011-07-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

I am not sure why, maybe it was pure insanity, but the DOR decided to figure the force of her impact from when I had my werehorse incident and fractured her pelvis. Here is what she found:
Velocity at impact 31.63 feet per second. Force of impact 593.01 pounds.

Wow that appears to be some giant wreck, yet still she loves me best and worked so hard for us to be able to ride together again. I even bucked with her a bit last week and still she mounts up with a smile and enjoys the ride.

It seems she has learned forgiveness from all of the horses that she has rescued from horrible circumstances. Horses forgive and continue to try to build relationships with humans, I am glad she has learned this lesson.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Serious training

2011-07-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

With just a week left before the DOR and I head to the Buck Brannaman clinic there is some serious training going on.
I am working on getting my spotted rear as muscular as possible. The DOR is still shedding pounds and working on getting her endurance up. We are going to be ready for whatever the clinic brings...well maybe not loping.
If I don't post much in the next two weeks please be patient. Attending this clinic is a big dream of the DOR's and I want to help make it come true in the best way possible.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Lots of successes!

2011-07-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

The Wrestler and Mushboy went up to help the DOR and crew at RCER's Horse Daze. They worked as the Pony Express and Outrider, they were a great help and had lots of fun.
The event raised a lot of money that will help horses throughout the year.
The DOR was especially proud of a special guest at this year's Horse Daze-Freedom's Lady. She found herself tearing up at the wonderful little horse the wild child has become. She also wished that Freedom had been there to see what his lady has matured to be-he would be so darn proud of her.
Free now has her own special lady, the curly haired lay, and is training to do enduance riding. The following pictures are of Free and Paul Rogers, the rope man, at Free's first public appearance. She did a wonderful job!
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Hope to see you here

2011-07-15T19:55:00.001-07:00

Faux Wrangler

2011-07-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

The DOR is home after four days on the mountain pretending to be a wrangler. The horse that made her look good for this adventure was Stormy. The DOR found that funny because when she was much younger she rode a strawberry roan named Stormy who lived up to his name. The Stormy she rode on the mountain was a wonderful horse. The only way the DOR could have done better is if I was on the mountain this time with her.

I am not sure what she was wrangling though. Here she is holding a wounded snake. Maybe she thought she was a snake wrangler.

She spent a lot of time watching wild life. I bet she was trying to figure out what kind of costume to make them wear and how to get it on them.

But her favorite place to be was in the saddle with a bunch of riders. I am glad she loved being on the mountain, she was sad to leave. I am thrilled she is home, ready to spoil me like I should be. Maybe next time she and I can go together.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

I won gold!!!!

2011-07-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

The DOR was so pleased with me at the summer games that she is giving me a medal. I have to say she is a more confident DOR and that made things nicer for me. I also have to admit, while I poked fun at all her new gee gaws for the clinic, my new bit if the bomb! It doesn't poke or pinch me and I like the roller on it.
I was a rock star for the ground work. In the obstacle course in-hand nothing bothered me...okay the car wash was a problem. The DOR decided that she would walk beside me through it and I walked slowly an calmly, I even stopped with her in the middle of it. I have discovered that she will never ask me to do something she wouldn't do herself or that she thinks in dangerous.
I was a good boy in the arena...I get bored in the arena. I lead all of the horses out of the arena and out for riding tour of the obstacle course. Then I tackled the obstacles...I completed things I have never done before. I moved flags, before I wouldn't even let the DOR pick them up. I played soccer, before I didn't like the ball coming at me. In fact I love soccer now! I was pushing the ball with my nose, side passing in the open to get the ball, and I made goooooooooals.
I showed the DOR that I can almost run backwards when it came to pulling the cow model. I even pulled it with a young man sitting on the cow...I am sooo strong.
It was a great day for all of us. Good friends, great successes, and lots of laughs.
The DOR is headed to Sun Mountain Riding Stables for a few days. She is going up for some more rehab...she works on her confidence and bravery there. I am looking forward to see how far she progresses.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Summer games

2011-07-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today is summer games at the ranch. The DOR, Mushboy, and the SCC set up a new and improved obstacle course in the big pasture. There is the car wash, hoof trap, mail delivery, black holes, critters, soccer goal, and the creature from the black lagoon....
Friends are coming over and we are having a play day.
Mushboy is making tacos and his famous DK salsa to go on them. I promised the DOR I would behave, you see this is our first game day since my werehorse incident. I am going to be the best Boogie ever!
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

The DOR is really sick....

2011-07-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

We have finally recieved a diagnosis of what the DOR is suffering from, there is no cure.

The entire herd is very glad she has this illness

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug our DOR!

New stuff...it isn't going to help

2011-07-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

This is my new bit. I also have a new bridle, blanket, and other gee gaws. The DOR has new boots, a fancy belt, shirts, special "Boogie" spurs (which are a waste of money as far as I am concerned). All of this stuff for a clinic that the DOR is nervous about.
Now how is all of this stuff supposed to help her ride better?
Will these boots help her balance better?
If she thinks I will be a better horse with these....well she is just plain nuts, nuts I say!

Then there is the shirt. I think all this is going to do is give me ideas.
The DOR knows that she is going to this clinic because I told her to go. I am insisting that she become the kind of rider that I deserve. Until she fixes her rider issued I am going on strike. Yep you heard it I AM ON STRIKE!!!! I refuse to have a gentle rocking horse lope with no cross-firing or the occasional frustrated buck. DOR get your act together or you will be sorry. All this stuff is not going to help. Show up to Buck's clinic with your baseball hat, Hawaiian shirts, well worn boots, and your jeans that you keep having to yank up because you have lost weight-well maybe the belt is a good idea. We have work to do, not a show.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug you DOR!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

Have a happy 4th of July everyone!
I am celebrating my freedom. I am free to enjoy a peaceful life, friends, good food, family, and love because humans and animals have worked and sacrificed to ensure all of our freedom.
The DOR says that I should not celebrate too much or I could end up looking silly.

I guess I should have listened.

Enjoy your day an don't forget to hug your DOR!

Shandi Doll

2011-07-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

Here is my Shandi Doll loaded up and heading to the mountains. SCC still thinks she is his little filly, but he is wrong-she is mine ALL MINE!
She has been at Full Circle Ranch for fours months, she will be there one more month. She has become a lovely young lady. She is smart, quick, brave, and has cat-like responses. She wants to be a cuttin horse, remember her practicing on the llamas at the ranch? I think she is going to be my trail riding buddy.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Walk the talk!

2011-07-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

This female pit pull was seized from Michael Vick's property, along with 51 others. A quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, Vick received a federal indictment on dogfighting charges. (The Humane Society of the United States)

Now he has won a sportsman of the year award and has a new deal with Nike. Leaves me wondering what are humans thinking?

I am surrounded by humans who walk the talk all of the time, not just because they are in trouble. Maybe Mr. Vick has changed, but that has yet to be proven. Mr. Vick should turn over his Nike endorsement money to dog rescues, use his extra funds to do good and keep doing it.

Of course he could also build a facility for Tayman and Friends Equine Facilitated Education Center...that would be good too.

That is this spotted ponies opinion.

By the way Quincy is getting the Smoke treatment tonight...that is going to be something to see.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Busy weekend

2011-07-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

This is Mushboy's little Icelandic Tahkoe...
She says Darick for President!
The DOR has finally finished gathering all of the stuff she thinks we need for the Buck clinic. I am thinking all we need is tack, food, and the DOR needs her riding clothes-jeans and Hawaiian shirts. So I am not sure what all the fuss is about.
She also has all the obstacles ready to put together for the trail clinic. Mushboy is making taco meat and his famous DK salsa for the clinic lunch.
I am going for a trail ride tomorrow.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

How good am I?

2011-06-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

How good am I? Good enough that I get to play with the DOR's grandson. Sharkbait has never been on me before. In fact my former snorty self frightened him a bit. During his visit this week he has been feeding me my treats, in fact he looks forward to it. Last night he put on his helmet and asked, "Grandma can I sit on Jack?" "Well of course he can grandma!" was my response. So Shakbait was lifted up and sat on me while I ate my treats. I didn't move, not a step, not a wiggle, in fact not even a twitch other than my munching. He had a grand time and asked if he could ride me for real.

Tonight is ride night and I hope that Sharkbait has fun.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Would she really?

2011-06-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

The DOR says that people who attend Buck clinics seem to wear "costumes". The DOR rides in jeans, comfy boots, t-shits or her Hawaiian shirts. She wears her helmet most of the time and sometimes wears a baseball hat that says saddle brat on it. She is thinking that she should dress a bit more western for the occasion. She has shirts ordered, a vest, special Boogie spurs, is thinking about a new pair of boots, and has looked at hats. This is a hat she looked at. Now how am I supposed to blend into the background if she wears a hat like that?

Especially if she wears a shirt like this...
I am going to have to have a heart-to-heart talk with her about her clothing choices. At least she won't be tucking her jeans in her boots, well that is unless she finds some work of art boots.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

A special visit

2011-06-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

The DOR started her day yesterday giving me a smooch. She then headed out to visit the appaloosa breeder the Friend came from. The breeder is retiring and needs to place all of her horses.

Friend's full sister is still there and the DOR has been looking forward to meeting her. I know that the DOR loves me best, but she still misses Friend terribly.
This is what she had to say about her meeting Friend's sister "She has the same head and expression as her brother. I know she is not Friend but for a moment, one brief and priceless moment, she allowed me to feel as if I was touching him once more. The same greeting, the same smooch, and she touched my head just like he used to. She gave me a gift beyond measure and I will never forget it."
I am glad for a moment the DOR got to experience the presence of her beloved Friend once more.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Quote for the week

2011-06-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

"The horse owns all the time that we spend with it. It is his life that we are imposing on."
~Michail A. Gonzalez

Yes I am home, out in the pasture with one of my best friends Salty The Wonderhorse. I have not left his side.
The quote today is about time. Time is the most important thing when it comes to building a partnership with your horse. Time to build a good foundation. Time to practice the skills we know. Time to work on our communication with each other. Time to grow and time to heal.
The DOR gave me all of the time I needed to heal. It was hard for both of us. I wanted so much to be able to do more with her and there was a small part of her that despaired over what the outcome would be. Two years is a long time...but at the end of that time not only are we back to what we were-we are even better!
I challenge you to remember that time is the key to getting where you want to be. Not only with horses, but also with everything in your life.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Learning to dance again

2011-06-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Boogie and I had our first ride for a short circle early this spring. He struggled, but tried hard. He was put on an exercise regime to build his strength. In February it became obvious that he still had some mental blocks interfering with his body. So I went to work helping him learn that he was worried about his body when he didn't need to be anymore. In April the old Jack was mentally back! He wanted to work, he was bored, he had his sense of humor back, and he was making it clear now was the time. So slowly we began to dance again, working not to step on each other's toes.
We both wanted to rush forward, to get back to where we were before this journey began. Then I realized that where we were wasn't were we needed to be. He needed to be stronger and I needed to be more confident. Boogie went to spend time at Sun Mountain with Debbie Shrock. She found that his mind was ahead of his body and that he needed to work on strength. John gave Boogie his first pair of shoes to help support his hind end, they made a big difference. Debbie got him out on trails. Boogie climbed hills, he went down hills, and he grew stronger every day.
Debbie also rehabbed my confidence. By having me lead trail rides I had to pay attention to something else besides what Boogie was doing. I was turning in the saddle, riding turned backwards, talking to guests, making sure the line stayed together, and doing a job. Before I realized it I was mounting without butterflies in my stomach, something I have not done since the werehorse incident. I was riding in wind and pouring rain, all things I would have used as an excuse not to ride. I got up every morning excited to be spending it riding Boogie, not even thinking about what shenanigans he might pull.
Boogied carried me three days straight for 4 to 6 hours. We did things I only dreamed of doing. The horse that could barely keep his feet was dancing in the hills and loving it. The rider who lost her confidence found it again in a spot where she and her dad used to ride when she was much younger. A wonder was worked on Sun Mountain, a wonder that has opened a new path on our journey.
Where do Boogie and I go from here? Today he comes home and we continue our rehab. We are getting ready to ride with Buck Brannaman at the end of July. Imagine that, us doing something like that. It is a dream come true.
Where we end up going is still a mystery, but I do know we are going there together.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR, and DORs don't forget to hug your horses!

Hit like a ton of bricks

2011-06-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

It looked like Jack and I were back on track, heading down the road that would help us become a team. Then in in September of 2009 our legs were kicked right out from underneath us. This is the first post that I made about Jack getting sick. Besides Jack struggling to keep his feet, I struggled to hold on to hope. For Jack and I this was the beginning of the longest journey that we would make together. This is the time that Jack became known as Boogie, I started calling him that because he and I would dance again-it was a belief I had to hold on to.
Luckily for both Boogie and I there were friends to help us keep moving forward. Shelly Richardson, Dana Simsen, my husband and son all kept my spirits up. Regan Gottlieb and Kelly Mills both provided guidelines for supportive care. My vet Ernie Munck patiently helped figure out what had happened and answered endless questions. Debbie Shrock stepped in and provided physical therapy, energy work, and nutritional advice from the very first day. She and her husband John have been there for Boogie during the past two years while he healed both physically and mentally. I also had the invaluable assistance of an animal communicator, Leanna Whisperinghorse.
Boogie went through many changes during this time. There was a time when he didn't want anyone near him. There was a personality change for a bit. Then there was the rehabbing process of his body and mind. During this time I also started making changes in myself. I needed to loose weight, become physically and mentally stronger, and I needed to become the person that Boogie needed me to be. We both spent two years in rehab....
There were times I wondered if Boogie would ever be more than a pasture pet, times I wondered if I would ever ride him again, and in the beginning I wondered if he would even survive. Survive he did and now we are working on a new chapter of our journey.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR, and DORs don't forget to hug your horses!

Small steps forward to rebuild...

2011-06-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

So with the help of my friends Becky Valentine, Shelly Richardson, and others cheering me on I ventured out onto the trails. My husband listened to my fears and encouraged me not to give up on something I loved so very much. I was up, I was riding, and I was still very much afraid.
Jack keyed in on my fear and it made him jiggy and over reactive. I was being so unfair to my horse. So I decided that I needed to start from the beginning again. I asked another friend, a talented horse person, Debbie Shrock to help me. Debbie was Kelley Mills apprentice at Willow Creek Animal Rehab and understood what I was going through. Debbie helped me learn to communicate in a clear manner with Jack. She taught me that loving Jack didn't mean I couldn't be firm with him. Most of all she did not accept the excuses that I tried to make for my failures...she called bull poop and made me suck it up.
Then came the day that I decided that hell or high water I was going to lope Jack. Debbie rode him first to show me that it was really going to be safe. With my heart in my throat I mounted up and set out on my mission. Bless Jack's big old appy heart, he knew I was afraid and he kept himself together. He made me work for that lope, he wanted to make sure when it happened I would be ready. Together we loped 1/2 the arena, I stopped him, collapsed on his neck and cried my heart out. We had done it and I was still in the saddle not laying in the dirt. I got off and with shaky legs I walked Jack to the fence and unsaddled him. I was happy, I was relieved, I was proud, and I was grateful.
Little did I know what the future would hold for us the next week....
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR, and DORs don't forget to hug your horses!

Jack had a person problem

2011-06-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hi,
It is me the DOR. I wanted to talk a bit about the journey Jack (aka Boogie) and I have been on.
When I first saw Jack he stole my heart. He wasn't the horse I would have picked out for myself, in fact he wasn't anything like the horse I was looking for at the time. Jack picked me and for that I am grateful. Jack was green, full of life, loving, and the biggest character you would ever meet at the time. He and I have forged a partnership that has brought out the best in both of us.
In November when Jack had his werehorse incident (which by the way was rider caused) and fractured my pelvis I lost every bit of confidence I had. I didn't ride all winter because I was healing up. I had my friend Paul Rogers give Jack a tune-up for me the following spring and decided that our first ride would be at a clinic with Jack's old trainer. I went to the clinic trembling in my boots, I was flat out afraid to get back in the saddle. I also knew that this clinic would be the deciding factor in if I would ever ride again. With the help of Bill Basham and my good friend Shelly Richardson I mounted up. I took a deep breath and promptly dismounted. I stood shaking with tears in my eyes, I just couldn't understand why I would be so afraid of the one horse I loved more than any other. Bill told me he understood, he told me to trust my horse until he showed me he did not deserve my trust, and he told me to hum when I was afraid. So I mounted up and probably hummed every song I knew for the next two days. I left the clinic with some of my confidence restored, but still wary of my horse.
Jack patiently helped me work through my fears. He tried so hard to not respond to my nerves and worries. Jack had to deal with a person problem...me
More tomorrow
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR, and DORs hug your horse!

I am a riser!

2011-06-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a beautiful day. The sun was bright and not a cloud in the sky. Then the wind kicked up, kicked up hard. I took the DOR out on the breakfast ride and played caboose. I wanted to show her even though I don't like being at the end of the line I can do it when asked. On the way back to the stable I showed the DOR what I am really made of. We were coming down a steep hill where one wrong step could cause a stumble down the hill. I was going great when the rider in front of us had her black hat blow off her head and hit me right square between the eyes. Now in the past not only would I have blown marbles I most likely would have sat and spun sending the DOR and I sliding down the hill or worse. Not this time, no way! Seasoned wrangling horse that I am I just blew marbles, gave it the evil appy eye when it hit the ground and then stepped around it. I have to compliment the DOR. She has become more confident in me and instead of getting worried about what I would do she let me handle things. The three days we spent on the trails has shown her that I am what her grandfather calls "a riser". After the werehorse incident she was always a bit worried about things when she rode me. Now she is confident and feels that she can trust me to take care of her. She told the therapist that it is so nice to have that final barrier that has been between us gone. I am thinking that we both needed this mountain therapy....
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Climbing fool

2011-06-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

I am loving working in the mountains, I may be part mountain goat. Climbing hills makes me happy!
My original trainer told the DOR that both times I was at Full Circle Ranch I always enjoyed being out in the mountains. Seemed even as a youngster I liked steep climbs.
My therapist had this to say about me last weekend "He has felt better since then and I think that he is starting to make working saddle horse material!"
Now the DOR is wondering if I will be happy just wondering the flat trails at home. I am hoping that she takes me out for a mountain climb once in a while. Maybe she will actually find a cabin in the woods and we will move....
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Foster brother

2011-06-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

My foster brother Quincy has his own blog. Great, just what the world needs a Cali surfer trying to be a ranch horse. It could be entertaining to read though.
You can follow him at Quincy & Another and see how he deals with life on the ranch and the shenanigans of the DOR.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

The Spa

2011-06-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

Well I made it to the spa and got beautfied...well sort of. I got my mane done, a massage, and my tail put in a herringbone braid. I did have to be careful not to muck up the floors.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Amazing

2011-06-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

All the DOR could say was amazing. Amazing views, amazing ride, and AMAZING HORSE!
I took her on two great trail rides. The last one I climbed steep hills, descended steep hills, and did not blow boogers at one single thing. The DOR said it was the most rigorous country we had ever been in together-including rides from before my accident. The DOR had such a good time she is going to ride up here as much as she can during June.
I amazed her to say the least. I would like to thank my equine therapist, Debbie Shrock, for all of her hard work. She helped the DOR and I every step of this healing journey. Also the Horse Guardian, she encouraged the DOR on the days she had doubts. I believe the I will be flashing my blingyness at Buck's clinic this summer.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

She made it!

2011-05-31T21:30:00.000-07:00

No picture to prove it, but she made it! The DOR arrived with treats and presents. She also arrived with two saddles...I guess that met that she expected to ride. Since she drove four hours to see me I decided that I would let her ride me on a short trail ride, just to be a good guy. I did do the "Jack Hammer" trot for a bit of it-after all I can't be too nice.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Visitor

2011-05-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

The DOR is coming to visit me for the next two days. She will be taking a lesson and maybe I will take her out on the trails. I know that she is looking forward to seeing me. Don't tell her, but I miss her and the ranch bunch.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Never Forget

2011-05-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

May we never forget the sacrifices made by animal and human to ensure our freedom.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Fatty Pasture

2011-05-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

So this is Quincy the horse that the DOR is fostering out of California. I have to say while he is nice looking he can never compete with the King of Bling.
Quincy is in what I like to call the "Fatty Pasture". It is where the DOR kept me and Sir Royal Pain when we get too fat. Quincy is on a diet right now to get him down to the weight he should be. He has a thyroid disorder according to the DOR, so he still gets some treats. I think that is a likely story and she is just getting scammed, but I am going to try that out when I get back from rehab.
Nice thing about the new guy is he is busy giving Sir Royal Pain the evil eye. You go Quincy and put him in his place.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug you DOR!

Therapy Update

2011-05-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest report from my therapist:

Sunday morning we brought the horses in and since Jack and Tootsie Roll were the only ones in, guess you got to play saddle horse, yes that would be Jack! He was very decent and thought about being bad but maybe having Tootsie there helped! Also we have gone on the 1 1/2 loop ride once now and he was definitely tired after climbing but he made it so that was great! He is in a place of needing more miles yet trying to keep his body up with his brain. In other words more miles for his brain! He has moments he wants to be a stinker but has pulled through without a large conversation but he does think he is pretty big stuff! He has been getting a fair amount of standing at the hitching post and likes it as long as he has company:) Also he appears to be moving better with his shoes! The walk isn't as side to side looking and he feels better to me under saddle!
I am doing really well!
I bet I will be taking the DOR to Buck's clinic and Sir Royal Pain can stay home and babysit.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

This is a Taco?

2011-05-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

These are tacos, Mushboy's favorite food. He loves them and would eat nothing but tacos if he could...the hotter the better.
When the DOR was up visiting me she was talking about how taco was going to arrive that week. How taco would be good for the trail and eventually for therapy. She said she was going to put taco in the paddock with the ranch Icelandics...
Now why would she put Mushboy's favorite food in with the little horses? How is he going to eat it after they mash it into the ground?

As it turns out the DOR was talking about Tahkoe (pronounced taco), not tacos...

Tahkoe is Mushboy's new horse. She is the cutest little Icelandic. Mushboy is going to train her, with help. This photo is of their first session. I think it is going pretty good.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Beating feet

2011-05-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

Yep that is me in my workin' clothes. The DOR's friend Cody took this photo when she was up visiting Sun Mountain Stables this weekend. My therapist rode me and I got to herd horses.

Yep I am a wranglin' horse!

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Tough enough to wear pink

2011-05-15T09:22:00.001-07:00

You all know how I feel about Sir Royal Pain...

Snooty horse that thinks he s soooo much better than the rest of us because he used to live in a fancy barn and was a fancy dressage/jumping horse-whatever, he has four hooves just like the rest of us!

Well the old fart surprised us all. He granted a little girl a very special request...he went to school pink, with silver hooves, a bow in his tail, flowers in his mane, and butterfly wings. He spent 45 minutes visiting a class of kids and had other students show up also.

I have to give him his props...those students will never forget this special visit.

Enjoy your Day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Role reversal

2011-05-11T20:46:00.000-07:00

When I first started getting ready to work again I was ponied by Sir Royal Pain. I was a good boy and ponied well.

For the past two days I have been the pony horse. Not for a kind appy like me, but for a wild/barely handled four year old mule. Yep I have some skills...I can hear the DOR now "Well Boogie it shouldn't be too hard for you after appies and mules are only one degree of seperation". Yeah whatever, it takes a special horse to handle a raw mule-good thing I am special.

Here is the report from my therapist:

"Jack is helping me gentle my wild mule. He ponied him yesterday and today I took them both for a hike looking at some fence today. I led Jack and tied the mule to Jack. We ended up climbing up and down much steeper ground than I had planned and we all made it! I thought I wasn't going to able to breath for a while but recovered. Jack did well! I was worried for a little bit especially since I didn't plan to make it quite that hard for him but he rallied very well! I wish I could have had my camera and I would have shown you bcecauseI know you would have been very proud of him, even if it was just being his own weight. We all worked up a sweat so they got a little grazing at the top:) I have put the mule with Jack since yesterday and them seem to get along fine."

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

I'm dancing

2011-05-09T20:10:00.000-07:00

Here I am working on going down the trail while holding my body properly. My therapist is pretty particular about how I carry myself. The DOR is just happy to see me doing this without dragging my hind end or tripping. The DOR has me working with the therapist because she knows that she will let me off easy just because she is so darn happy that I can be ridden again. She also knows it is very important for me to be as biomechanically correct as possible to help prevent me from having issues later.

I am enjoying the views on my outings. It is so fun to have the guests of the lodge all stare at my amazing beauty as I go down the trails.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Appy Mother's Day to my mom, Gem's Joker J-Ket also known as Jake. She is living about a mile from the ranch and doing well. I also want to thank the individuals who mounted the large rescue of the horses at Gem Acres. Without you my mom and many other horses would have died.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Priceless!

2011-05-06T18:53:00.001-07:00

A nine hour drive, a day without pay, three hours with me and my therapist Debbie, seeing me travel the trail for an hour...priceless!

The DOR rode a draft horse named Dawson while I was working on caring myself appropriately down the trail. It was a wonderful site for the DOR to see after a rough week. She was all smiles and tears.

I will have an even bigger surprise for her when she visits the next time.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

I want a spa day

2011-05-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

Life is hard for a poor spotted pony who is in physical therapy....

Poking, prodding, walking, trotting, collecting, uphill, down hill and what ever else the therapist can come up with. I think that I should be allowed a spa day. I think that Sun Mountain Lodge should wave their no horses allowed in the spa rule. I would love a soak in the whirpool, having my hooves polished, and getting my hair done. I may have to pull out my pouty face soon.

Well back to the grind. I need to be up to snuff when the DOR comes for a visit this week.

Have a good day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

I'm asking "Why?"

2011-04-29T23:27:00.000-07:00

My mother was rescued from a fancy high-dollar appaloosa breeder. I have to wonder how the humans get to this point before they ask for help? Prayers for the horses and those who are helping them.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Appy Easter

2011-04-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

I saw this video and thought it said things so well:

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug yourDOR!

Fancy digs

2011-04-23T07:53:00.000-07:00

Oh man, has my spotty butt landed in some fancy digs! I am at Sun Mountain Lodge for my rehab and therapy. I arrived last night and couldn't see much but it sure smells good. Yep there is not a whiff of Sir Royal Pains pompous self, fresh air.

The DOR is pulling out all the stops to make sure that I can go with her when she rides at the Buck Brannaman clinic this summer. I hate to tell her but in a spot as lovely as this and a butt as lovely as mine, I think it is going to be more like SPRING BREAK!!!!

I hear there is a fully appointed spa.....

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Quote for the week

2011-04-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

The honesty I find in my horses' eyes is so raw that it is often overwhelming

The DOR and other horse owners have discovered this truth. She has also learned to be careful of the questions she asks us, knowing that we will show her the truth and it may not be something she really wants to hear.

The one thing about the honesty of a horse is that we make humans better people. We show you your strengths and your weaknesses. We illuminate your fears and your joys. We will lay your soul bare and force you to look at it. We will lead you on a journey of self discovery.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

The first step of a dream

2011-04-13T21:30:00.001-07:00

The first steps of a dream are being taken. Humans have been rallied to begin the work. Every horse in the herd stands at the ready to assist any way we can.

The DOR and I are off on another adventure together.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Riding Rules for "Older Horsewomen

2011-04-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

Riding Rules for "Older" Horsewomen From the Tackoftheday.com website. Worth sharing, as I too am an "older" horse woman: Some RIDING RULES for the, ahem, Older Horse Woman:

• We DO NOT need to show up with our hair combed, makeup on and wearing a clean shirt.

• Moaning, groaning and complaining about aching muscles is perfectly acceptable, as is taking Motrin (or something stronger) prior to a ride.

• Helping someone on or off the horse does not mean the rider is an invalid. It only means the horse got taller overnight.

• No one will comment about how big someone's butt looks in the saddle.

• When a horse is acting up, we will accept that the horse is just having a bad- hair day and it is not the rider's fault.

• Mentioning it is too hot, too dry, too humid, too wet, too buggy, etc., is considered self expression, not whining.

• We will acknowledge that horses are very strange animals and sometimes for no reason at all we fall off of them. If this happens to any rider, the other riders will ascertain that the person is okay and then not mention the incident to another living soul, especially husbands and significant others.

• We will acknowledge, without apology, that riding more than 6 hours increases our grumpy level far more than any ego benefits we may get from riding longer.

• Looking at my bouncing fat is NOT an acceptable way of determining if I have a good seat. My fat always bounces, thank you. It is cushion I carry in case I fall off. (author of the above rules is unknown)

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Work's purpose

2011-04-07T18:53:00.001-07:00

Work's purpose is ultimately to make good things happen for others, and in that process we make good things happen for ourselves. This is a belief that the DOR holds to be true. This is what drives her to work with at-risk and special needs students. It is also part of what keeps her working on her partnership with the horses in her life.

She has been working to improve her skills so that she can address my needs as I recover. She is learning energy therapy and developing her riding skills. She has worked loosing weight and strengthening her body so that she can "carry her own weight" when she rides me. Improving her balance allows her to use a lighter English saddle, rather than the heavy western saddle.

I am doing my share of work too.

The work we both are doing is improving things for both of us.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Girl and the Horse-amazing video

2011-04-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

Pretty amazing short clip Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Tail rising

2011-04-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

So the DOR decked me out in orange. Orange is the color tied to the chakra that I am having trouble with. First I got a nice Reiki session and then she had to make me look like the Great Pumpkin that Linus is always waiting for. I thought if I raised my tail up like a flag she would be happy and take the outfit off, but nooo she made me wear it for a long time.

The DOR used an orange bath towel under my new orange blanket so that the color would be touching me. Now that wasn't too bad, but the orange footwear was something else. I had to snort at the boots and then when the DOR lead me off I walked a bit silly. I did lift my hinds up really good though, I looked like I was stepping over a three foot obstacle. I did get tired of the boots on my hind feet and tried to kick them off, it didn't work. I want to know how the DOR would like walking with something on her ankles that felt vaguely like a rope?

The DOR took the hind boots off and the mounted up for a ride. Good thing she took those hind boots off or I might have had to hope around with her on. I did decide to trot with her, with my famous Jack-Hammer trot, just to make her pay for torturing me. It ended up being a good session.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Reiki

2011-04-02T19:17:00.000-07:00

Last night I had my first Reiki session. It was a bit odd. The DOR had me look at some rocks and then used the one I kept mouthing. I am not sure what that was about, it was just a bit yummy.

She started at my head and worked her way to my rear. I actually enjoyed the work she did on me. By the time she was done my tail was unclamped and not cranked over to the right. My tail stayed centered when I moved, in fact it was actually lifted up a bit.

The DOR checked me today and the effects of yesterday's session were still there. She was a bit under the weather so I didn't get to pick a new rock today. She is planning on giving me another session tomorrow.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

My softer side.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Quote for the week

2011-03-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

"My eyes are a mirror to your soul, they will never lie to you"

The first photo was taken right after my accident. You can see panic and fear in them, those emotions were not just mine. The DOR was feeling her share of panic and fear. I reflected her feelings and mine back to her.

The second photo was taken last week during our first ride. You can see my eye shows calm and confidence. Again some of the emotions reflected in them belong to the DOR.

She has learned that her emotions effect my emotions, making them amplified. Now that is all an good when her emotions are clam, happiness, confidence, and peace. But when she is worried, panicked, scared, or unsure it can make things ugly for us both.

While she is working on being honest with me about her emotions, incongruency cases me distress, she is also working on maintaining positive emotions while working with me. It has been good for bot of us.

Enjoy your day ad don't forget to hug your DOR!

Ony if you do it first....

2011-03-24T19:58:00.001-07:00

The DOR had me the arena working out tonight.

First I had to do "carrot stretches"...there were no carrots involved, but I did get a horse treat. I had to reach my head down between my legs to get a treat from her hand. This move was not all that hard for me to do.

Then I had to reach my head around to both sides while she stood at my withers. Problem with this move is I am so muscle bound that when I reach around I tip my head sideways and actually drop it down to my elbow. The DOR wanted me to keep my ears level and my head at wither height, whatever! I will do that when she can bend over and touch her toes-how does that sound hmmmm?

She had me work on the lunge line. I had to walk and trot over poles and work my way through the tire obstacle. Part of the poles were raised up off the ground so I had to work on getting my legs picked up. Then, as if I had not worked hard enough, she had me go out of the arena to a hill. I thought I was going to get to graze for being such a good boy, but nooooo. I had to back up and then back down the hill four times. Does she know how hard that makes my rear work?

I did get a lot of "Good boy Boogie" and treats so I guess it wasn't all bad. I think that I will be feeling it in the morning.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Mini Horse Gets Lifesaving Prosthetic Leg

2011-03-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

Shall we dance?

2011-03-21T20:01:00.001-07:00

The DOR had me do ground work for 1/2 today. She was very happy with what she saw. I made it clear it was time for us to go back to work. So she saddled me up in an English saddle, that was a bit embarrassing because I am not a sissy horse like Sir Royal Pain. I do have to admit it was comfy though.

The DOR worked on reminding me how to line up to the mounting block and wait for her to get on . I worked on reminding her that I will bump her off the mounting block if she stands on the third step rather than the second while I am lining up. Once we came to a mutual understanding it was all good. The DOR mounted up and we went for our first real ride since my accident 1 1/2 years ago.

She has sat on me and I have taken a few steps and struggled doing that. The last time I carried an adult, the SCC, I staggered so badly the DOR thought I would loose my balance and fall so she had him get off quick.

Today I was rock solid! No wobbling when she mounted, no wobbling, and no staggering. I even stepped over poles and went through the black hole of death. The more we worked the more confident I got.

Yep, I am back! Time for the DOR and I to start dancing once more-after all my nickname is Boogie.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Quote for the week

2011-03-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

When you listen with your heart together we will find the way.

The DOR has had a difficult time coping with my condition. She has put on a brave face for the past year and a half. She is worried about where this road I am on is taking us. What she does know is that no matter the outcome I will always need to be in her life. She has practiced listening to her heart when it comes to me...she knows that it is the only way to know what to do. When she listens with her heart I can then whisper to her where we should go. I am ready for a rider once again and have let her know that. This means she has to let me travel to the equine therapist so I can learn to carry a rider properly an rebuild my muscle memory. This is a big step for both of us because we do not like being apart, but it is a necessary step.

I challenge all of you to sit with your furry family, clear your mind, and listen with your heart. You will be amazed at what you hear.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Super Appy!

2011-03-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

It's a bird!

It's a plane!

No, it is Super Appy!!! Able to leap a string of tires from a stand still with a single bound. Oh yea, I have got rocket launchers in that hind end of mine. Takes lots of power to get my rear above my shoulders.

I was showing Sir Darby that there is no need to gingerly pick your way through the tires when you can clear them all in one leap.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Little packages

2011-03-16T18:50:00.000-07:00

After impressing the entire ranch with my trail obstacle prowess I threw in an encore.

I took a special little package for a ride through the obstacle course. I had a good time taking the DOR's grand-daughter for a ride.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Call me "The Streak"

2011-03-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

Sunday I went out and played in the trail prep course. I went through all the obstacles with the amazing agility that only a special appaloosa can exhibit.

Where Sir Royal Pain sauntered through the car wash I flew through it at mach 10, after all why waste time? Yep I was like a streak I was moving so fast.

I had a good time and will share more tomorrow.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Quote of the week

2011-03-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

~Learn how to read a horse's misbehavior as communication, then you will be able to understand how to help your horse do what you want it to do.~

The DOR practiced this with Sir Royal Pain yesterday. Not that he was misbehaving...actually he was really good. He was much better than I would have been, especially if I had been forced to wear floral boots.

There were some obstacles that he wasn't to sure about once she was mounted and wasn't leading him through. He was secure when she was on the ground because she did everything first. Once she was mounted she was still leading the way, just not in a manner that he could understand. They worked their way through things and had a really good day.

Remember a human is always leading their horse, whether on foot or mounted. Our behavior is just a way of telling you we are having an issue.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Face in Space

2011-03-11T18:25:00.000-08:00

Here is the certificate that the DOR and I received after the Discovery landed safely. We are very proud to have had our photo join the crew on this last, historic flight.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Horse eating things

2011-03-09T19:22:00.000-08:00

I am glad I am not going to the trail clinic...or at least I think the DOR is only taking Sir Royal Pain.

There is going to be an obstacle similar to the one in the photo. It will have pool noodles and sparkling tinsel hanging down. I think something like that would eat a horse if given a chance.

There are going to be other things that are purposely designed to stretch the tolerance of the horses attending.

I am sure there will be lots to share after Saturday.

Coelho is getting his teeth done tomorrow. He will be running around showing his chompers off to everyone.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Pansy boy

2011-03-08T20:47:00.000-08:00

See those leg supports? I think having to wear two of them would be bad enough, but wearing a set on all four legs...that is just toooo much. However it isn't me that has to wear them it is Sir Royal Pain. The DOR got them for him to use at the trail clinic so he doesn't bang or scratch his delicate legs.

I think it is hilarious that he has to wear them. I was rolling in the grass laughing. The SCC saw me and thought I had a tummy ache until he realized was was giggling.

The DOR put an end to by fun though by telling me that I might have to wear them to when I am back to work. I would be laughed out of the "He man gelding club" for sure if she does that. I don't know but that might call for a werehorse incident. I

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Quote for the week

2011-03-07T19:29:00.000-08:00

Peace can be found in the breath of a horse.

The DOR finds peace just sitting with her horses, even her little wild stallion. The feel of our breath, the sound of us chewing, the soulful depth of our eyes.

I wonder if the world's leaders had to spend a day together just sitting with a herd of horses if they would find the same peace. If they found that peace then maybe they would work harder to ensure world peace.

I am thinking that horses need to be members of the U.N.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Grumpy Old Horse Ranch News

2011-03-05T17:19:00.000-08:00

The ranch has been a busy place this week. Winds howling at 30-40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph made it so we had to eat our hay on the run. The hay even blew out of our feed tubs.

The photo is of Coelho having a bit of a fit today in the arena. He is not ready for his winter vacation to be over. He gave the SCC a bit of a hard time. Once he was saddled up and ridden he was just fine.

Shandi is still trying to be a big girl. She isn't being so pushy with the mares, they are teaching her herd manners.

Sir Darby was playing peek-a-boo in the arena with the DOR putting a shirt over his head while she was riding him. He was a real good boy about it.

Jack got his feet done and a new friend in his pasture. The two of them ran themselves silly. Jack was lathered up from all of his silliness. The farrier told the DOR if Jack was able to do that he should be perfectly fine carrying weight and walking. Jack will be heading up to the therapist to learn to carry himself correctly with a rider at the end of this month.

Mighty Mouse is still waiting to be gelded so he can come home. The DOR is heading up to Ellensburg to work with him tomorrow.

I am hanging out in a pasture keeping an older mare company. I needed to move so I could get some extra feed, mush. I always drop weight with the change of seasons from fall to winter and winter to spring. I just don't like drastic weather changes. Besides being Salty The Wonder Horse involves care taking duties.

That is all the news from Grumpy Old Horse Ranch where not all the horses are old and Sir Darby is the only one who is grumpy.

Skywatch Friday, Season 4, Episode 34

2011-03-03T18:18:00.000-08:00

This was such an unusual cloud formation.

Please go visit the other great Skywatch participants at Skywatch Friday There are wonderful photos from all around the world!
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Two more herd members

2011-03-02T18:46:00.000-08:00

These are two more members of the DOR's herd, her 27 year-old daughter and 30 year-old son. They came out to visit us and spoil us all a bit. The DOR's son is living back home with his daughter, the little princess. He is a single dad and is doing a good job raising his little filly. Her daughter lives 45 minutes away and is engaged to be married. She lost the little prince's dad when he died in a horrible car accident.

The DOR loves having all her kids and grand kids come home...she would like it if they were always home.

We horses are like that too, we want all our herd members together in one place-that is the way it should be.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Quote for the week

2011-02-27T08:11:00.000-08:00

"Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?"

The DOR tends to be a terrible worrier. She worries if we are warm enough, if we are too hot, are we eating enough or eating too much, are we out of adjustment, do we get enough attention, are we too spoiled.....and the list goes on. Now look at the list, those are worries she has just about us horses-imagine the worries she must have in the rest of her life? What can a human accomplish if they spend so much of their thinking time worrying. Surely more could get done with less worry.

Believe it or not she worries less now the she is listening to the lessons we horses are teaching her. I have challenged her to try and have a worry free week this week. How about joining her in my challenge? See what a difference it makes.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Grumpy Old Horse Ranch News

2011-02-26T19:19:00.000-08:00

This morning was 11 degrees as the farrier and equine therapist pulled into the ranch. The DOR had on three shirts, fleece lined jeans, fleece leg and neck warmers (made by her friend Jody), gloves, and a hat...she was having a hard time moving with all those clothes on. The DOR and SCC were bundled up so much that if they tipped over they would probably need help getting up.

Coelho, Shandi, and I got our feet done and we were very good for the farrier. The therapist gave me an adjustment...it felt wonderful. She also worked on Darby. The DOR was going to take a lesson on Jack, but she was so bundled up and would have struggled getting on and off of Jack. As it was time just ran out so they didn't get to the lesson.

We were all shocked to see the 32 year-old horse who boards here give the farrier a really hard time. We have seen some hard to trim horses before, but this guy put them all to shame.

The farrier will be back next week to trim Sir Darby and Jack, along with other horses.

That is all the news from Grumpy Old Horse Ranch where not all the horses are old and Sir Darby is the only one who is grumpy.