This issue will be the first web attempt. Current plans are to log the experiences I think are interesting, educational or
funny during the month. As I complete pages, I will add them to the web site and send out notices of new information up.
The purpose of the newsletter is to share the day to day happenings of living with the horses of Abrazos Adventure.
Serving Portales and Clovis New Mexico this horseback riding barn is in operation 24/7. You will glimpse what happens
when you are not around.
Left over from last month – When I returned home one afternoon and went to the barn to take care of horses I noticed
my baby Smudge pen was empty. The gate was still locked. She is not what I call halter broke so I was immediately
concerned about catching her and getting her back into her pen. I grabbed the ATV and went looking. She was at the
North barn - visiting mares through the fence. I stopped at the arena and shut the machine off. She looked my way and
took a few steps toward me. I turned around to get a lead line and she came a lot closer. She stopped and I realized she
wasn’t too sure about the ATV. I slowly walked toward her making sure I didn’t signal any reason for her to go away from
me. I stepped up to her, reached for the halter, caught it and snapped the lead line. So far, so good.
Since the sand has covered the bottom rails of the gates to the arena, I couldn’t take a short cut back to her pen. She
did pretty well as we came down the north side but she bites when being led. As we rounded the east side she saw the
geldings that were still in turn out. When they saw her their attitude went to ‘what’s that’ and lots of running and
excitement. Of course that transferred over to her so I had a bouncing biter attached to my arm. Not only that but now
she is coming close to me because all the commotion was scaring her. Slowly we made our way along the south side of
the arena with me dodging bites, standing firm for bumps and hollering “uhhhh” when she hit the end of the lead line.
The good news is that she didn’t get away and she actually did respect the feel when she hit the end of the line. She
was safely returned to the pen.
Saturday March 1 was a lovely day dangling promises of spring with little wind and warm sun. You know the adage in
New Mexico, wait 10 minutes and it will change. Sunday winds during the first lesson were a bit gusty but not bad. By the
time 12:30 arrived the wind was gusting some dirt at times. Riders went ahead and by the time 2:00 arrived it was
relatively calm. As my 3:30 riders drove up, clouds covered the sun and the wind strengthened coming straight out of
the north. This wind was serious about gathering up the dirt and creating a terribly undesirable environment.
I gave the students the option of calling it off. They looked at one another, shrugged and decided that they would try
since they were already here. Of course this was the day I had two of the three up on new horses (one bareback on
Target) and I had no clue how the horses would behave. I did instruct them that when the dirt hit just turn the horse’s tail
to the wind and sit it out. There was a lot of that. Of course the temperature was continuing to drop all along. These
folks definitely get the ‘cowboy up’ award for the day. They are the first to start with conditions so bad. Others have had
the weather change occur while riding and finished up.
By the time we finished the wind was at a steady blow strong enough to push me around as I tried to walk. The horses
did without feed since it wouldn’t have stayed in their pens.
March 3 Before daylight as I was waking up the wind sounded as strong as when I had gone to bed. When I looked out
a light dusting of snow covered everything. The mares needed a new bale of grass hay so I decided I had better go up
with Dan. I think it takes me as long to dress on a day like this as it does to do the chores. We delivered hay without any
escapees. All were running, bucking and playing.
We led geldings to turn out so they could access the round bale of grass hay. Dan took Shorty, Newbie and Drafty on
the first trip. I had the others haltered when he returned and I took Shag while he took Bart and Tio. All of them were
extremely high energy and ran off bucking and playing. While Dan and I were doing other chores we heard a sound that
I term a horse scream. When you hear it you know the noisemaker is unhappy with something and at least one more
horse is involved. In this case, Shorty had his teeth clamped onto Drafty’s halter and wouldn't let him go. Drafty was mad
and let the world know.
When I picked geldings up from turn out Newbie had a long line of missing hair from forehead to muzzle. I have no idea
what he managed to get into but he did a good job. It is just a surface ding and the hair will grow back. He seems to be
good at this kind of thing.
March 4 We apparently are into the horrid wind and dirt spring. Spent the day inside and worked more on learning about
website building. That is what I have been doing for about 3 weeks. I have mine current and am working on starting one
for Equestrian Special Olympics. If you are reading this it means I have figured out how to keep a newsletter going again.
March 5 Dan injured himself at work so I was on morning feed duty. Watering was one of the things I did and while the
hose was in Smudge’s tank, I spent time in the pen with her. All I did was scratch, stroke and make sure she respected
my space. I also did some step away and invite her to come to my space. I ran my hands down all four legs. This is in
preparation for hoof work down the road.
As I observed her throughout the day I noticed she didn’t seem as frantic as usual. She spends a tremendous amount of
time pacing her pen. She would walk but it was walk a few feet and stop. Her whole being looked a lot more relaxed. I
also noticed her napping a couple of times today, which is not usual. Ray said she tired herself out finally. She was not
as nippy today either.
I need arena markers so the students can learn to perform maneuvers and steer their horses. I have used field cones
but the wind blows them out or the dog takes them off. I tried filling plastic jugs with sand and they work for a while but
deteriorate quickly. As I was driving around or place I thought of broken bricks (I need to be able to collect them and
move them – that is why plastic is so much nicer). I set some out Sunday before all the winds and as of today none had
moved. I picked them up, broke them some more and started spray painting so we will be able to see them.
When I brought the mares out for their grain Teefa managed to knock a couple over and into the dirt. Since snow is
forecast I picked them up and put them under cover.
Teefa and I had a bit of an argument when I grained her so she wasn’t agreeable about me walking up and catching her.
I opened the gate to the inside of the pen and stepped into the opening with my back to her. I could see her out of the
corner of my eye. She stood for about a minute pointed the original way, which was not toward me. She then turned her
head my way and after another 30 seconds came my way.
Jody decided she didn’t want to go in when I was ready so she traveled to the west side of the pen. I did my usual of
finish my chores figuring she would come back around. Not tonight. I finally took the ATV around and chased her in.
Neither of us was happy with the other when we got done.
The weather forecast is for a winter storm tomorrow so I am watering and getting everything in shape so all I have to do
outside tomorrow is chores.
March 6 When I got up there was a light film of snow over everything and still coming down. I did stay in and work on
learning more about websites and doing some information research. The weather wasn’t too bad when I went up to do
the night chores.
March 7 Although the sun was shining it was a cool to cold day. Since I only had one rider today I gave her a ‘challenge’
ride. She rode Shorty in a halter with the lead line serving as one rein. When we were done I asked her what she
learned and how she felt about it. She said she had to use her legs to help turn him. She didn’t like the exercise all that
well. I told her I wanted her to take what she learned with her when she rode in a bridle next time.
March 8 It started cold and blowing this morning. I was orienting two new riders and by the time they were ready to ride it
wasn’t too bad. After they left I worked on watering. The weather is iffy for tomorrow and if it doesn’t run us out I have a
full day of lessons. So, better caught up then trying to sandwich it in. Since the wind blows continually nails and other old
metals keep coming to the surface and a day of reckoning arrives. I have a magnet on wheels that I can push while
walking and it will slurp up all kinds of things. I used it for about 2 hours while I watered and got a lot picked up. The
discouraging thing is you look back where you worked and see a lot that you missed.
March 9 A full day of lessons – only one time slot not used and I was busy during that time. Everyone managed to set
clocks and arrive on time. It was nice to have some daylight left after the last lesson.
March 10 I got as far as getting Goober out, saddled and to the round pen. I didn’t get up on her. I lunged her for about
10 minutes then tied the reins up and left her while a rider had their lesson. While lunging she indicated she would like
to buck a little. It appeared that the volume was at what we call a ‘crow hop’ and not too serious. After turning her loose I
think she rolled with my saddle on. I heard her shaking and some dirt was flying. Not good for the saddle. While she was
in there she was quite impatient and fussy. She was rubbing her bridle so I went back over to tighten the throatlatch so
she wouldn’t rub it off. She survived and will be doing this exercise more. I like my horses to be patient when left for long
periods. Newbie just cocks a back foot and sleeps now.
March 11 Topping water off on all tanks was on my list today. While I did Fred and Smudge, I went in and combed her.
She is liking that since she has a pretty thick coat and the day was hot. After I finished, I took her to the arena and
turned her loose. I thought she would take off and run like crazy. She didn’t. Shorty and Drafty had gotten in trouble with
Dan early so they were still penned up. She went to visit them. Later in the day she was tucked down taking a nap by
Shorty’s pen. When I went to catch her she came to me as I talked to her. Next step is to work on leading.
Shorty and Drafty presented hindquarters to Dan instead of the front end for the halter. Drafty apparently challenged
Dan so he was spanked with the lead line and both were left in for the day. I guess they thought abut their behavior
because I see them in the turn out this morning. (Yes, they do get fed if left in the pen. Not feeding could result in colic
so all that really happens is they don’t join the herd for the day)
In January Cluie surfaced with a fracture in her coffin bone (located in the hoof). She was put into a support shoe and
onto ‘bed rest’. On a recent cold day she decided she too could buck and play and consequently pulled up sore.
Consultation with farrier and veterinarian resulted in making her living quarters MUCH smaller. She is in an area about
15’ in size now. Unfortunately this (her bucking) will set back the healing process.
The mares were a trip at feeding time – Warlie and Teefa. When I went to put the mares back in from their grain Goober
and Target were standing parallel to the gate scratching each other’s backs. I pushed the gate in which pushed them
over and away from us. Jody was the first in line and went in with no problem. Next was Warlie. By the time I had her
positioned Goober had move so she was more in the opening. I took Warlie’s feedbag off and she whirled and went the
other way. When I turned around to the gate after watching her go Goober was nearly out. When Warlie went, she took
Teefa with her. They headed to the west pasture. Bear in mind, this is at sunset so I don’t have a lot of time to gather
horses and get the feeding done. I went out and fed the mares and Copper. By the time I was heading back to take care
of gelding so were they. When I arrived at the gate corner Warlie was there. She wasn’t going to let me catch her but
she did run in when I opened the gate.
Teefa? By this time she was down by the gelding pens visiting them. She had gone into the alley there so I started the
feed rounds from the arena. This brought me into the alley so I pushed her back toward the in gate for the mares’ pen.
She got the message and left. By the time I got back there she had gone into Cluie’s pen ( when I shortened it I left the
gate open). Of course she was at the back with Cluie. I looked at her and told her that if she didn’t want to dry lot for the
night (spend the night with no feed or water) she had better come to me and go in. She did.
The weather today was absolutely perfect – temperature just right, no dirt or wind.
March 12 I turned Smudge out again and left her for about 3 hours. I worked just a little on leading before letting her go
and when I picked her up. In the arena she is more mannerly than when we leave and head for her pen. I am so glad
she is short.
Apparently Drafty and Shorty got the message about the ‘error of their ways’. When I looked out this morning they were
out with the gelding group.
Again the weather today was absolutely perfect – temperature just right, no dirt or wind.
March 13 High winds were forecast for today so I got out early. I turned Smudge out again and this time when we walked
into the arena I walked her in a zigzag pattern through the markers then once around the arena. She did well so I turned
her loose for free time. Her frantic pacing energy is changing since I am turning her out and beginning to work her. She
doesn’t run and race but possibly just the change of scene is helping. When I picked her up she came to me when I
called and was good about being caught.
We have not gotten around to putting tin on the outside of the barn yet to help cut down on dirt coming in. Spray foam
insulation is available (terribly messy) so I worked on plugging holes. It takes about an hour to use one can and I had
two of them.
Lee Anne came out again today and rode Lil. They are getting acquainted and both of them need to get into physical
shape. I can already see some good small changes in Lil. She is a little more willing to flex when asked and is carrying
herself a little more balanced.
I had one kid ride today on Fred. Her mom wasn’t too sure about her energy however all things went quite well. The wind
kicked up a little when she got to the arena but she didn’t complain and the little dust bundles didn’t last long.
Yesterday I upgraded the web site to unlimited access and storage and before I went to bed tonight I had the new site
up and the old site down. I just love easy to use publishing tools.
March 14 Today, unfortunately, the weather forecast was correct –high winds. I stayed in an worked on the computer
finding out more about the web publishing.
I had no choice but to go out in it and put the geldings and Star up into their pens. The sand was awful. I found a pair of
goggles and put them on over my glasses. I think it must have helped about 50% but there was a lot of sand creeping
into my eyes.
Of course, under these conditions, horses were asserting themselves as far as cooperation. Shorty and Drafty – non-
cooperative. The first time I came around to get them Drafty was at the gate and when I got off the ATV and went to
catch him, he turned from me and ran Shorty off while he was going. I went back to the house to wait for sunset and left
the two in turnout. When I came by the next time Shorty stood his ground and didn’t let Drafty run him off. So, I managed
to get one more horse back in. The only good thing was that the sand had quit even though the wind was still at it. One
thing about a day like this there is electricity in everything you touch. I had to be careful when I reached for a horse so I
didn’t shock him.
At this time, Drafty is still in turn out – the only one left. I grained the mares and started feeding hay. My little group of
feed bagged ladies was cooperative and I didn’t have to chase anyone. Drafty – still out. I put the cart away and went
over to the fence. He came trotting up and to the gate. When I walked in he turned his head away. I stood for him to
swing my way. Not! His feet followed the direction of his head and he walked off away from me. I told him he’d better
rethink this because it was going to be a long dry spell until put up time tomorrow. It took about one more minute and he
walked over to me. Both of us were persistent in our approaches.
March 15 What do I do with a day off? Horse things of course. I started early watering so I don’t have to worry tomorrow.
I was really paying attention and when I reached to turn on the water my jacket touched a piece of electric wire. I was
wondering if it was still hot, now I know.
Then I left to go help with a horseshow. On the way, I stopped to check on the location of a house where I will be doing a
pony party in May. I always like to go and find the location and see how the trailer and I are going to handle the
situation. This one is nice and clear with soft footing for the pony. The back yard is very large with 6’ high solid PVC
fence. I will need to have time in the yard with whichever pony I take so he/she can get used to the fence.
After leaving there I journeyed on to the show grounds. The arena is covered and walled on 3 sides. The direction the
wind was blowing made it feel like walking into a wind tunnel. I thought about long underwear before I left the house but
according to weather forecast it was supposed to be nice. Nice and windy. It’s pretty bad when the only warm place you
can find is in the porta-pot. Consider it is made of fiberglass, not too big and was sitting in the sun with the door shut.
Need I say more?
I found out that you can run a microphone switch in mittens. That was what was in the coat pocket. When I got there I
tossed them into the cab of the truck. By the time I needed them (hands just this side of ice) they were nicely warmed by
the sun.
Oh yea, since it was cold I did my announcing standing up and moving around. Suddenly I lost the power to the unit.
One of the ladies was busy at the breaker box when another asked about an extension cord hanging in my area. I
looked down. I had stepped on the switch to the power strip and turned it off. What choices – freeze or be heard.
I worked ‘til noon then went to town for lunch and on to Clovis for a Special Olympics meeting. Everything was very
productive but by the time I write this I find I am getting tired. Now for the big challenge – this is the last entry for this
issue and can I get it published to the web? Find out.
funny during the month. As I complete pages, I will add them to the web site and send out notices of new information up.
The purpose of the newsletter is to share the day to day happenings of living with the horses of Abrazos Adventure.
Serving Portales and Clovis New Mexico this horseback riding barn is in operation 24/7. You will glimpse what happens
when you are not around.
Left over from last month – When I returned home one afternoon and went to the barn to take care of horses I noticed
my baby Smudge pen was empty. The gate was still locked. She is not what I call halter broke so I was immediately
concerned about catching her and getting her back into her pen. I grabbed the ATV and went looking. She was at the
North barn - visiting mares through the fence. I stopped at the arena and shut the machine off. She looked my way and
took a few steps toward me. I turned around to get a lead line and she came a lot closer. She stopped and I realized she
wasn’t too sure about the ATV. I slowly walked toward her making sure I didn’t signal any reason for her to go away from
me. I stepped up to her, reached for the halter, caught it and snapped the lead line. So far, so good.
Since the sand has covered the bottom rails of the gates to the arena, I couldn’t take a short cut back to her pen. She
did pretty well as we came down the north side but she bites when being led. As we rounded the east side she saw the
geldings that were still in turn out. When they saw her their attitude went to ‘what’s that’ and lots of running and
excitement. Of course that transferred over to her so I had a bouncing biter attached to my arm. Not only that but now
she is coming close to me because all the commotion was scaring her. Slowly we made our way along the south side of
the arena with me dodging bites, standing firm for bumps and hollering “uhhhh” when she hit the end of the lead line.
The good news is that she didn’t get away and she actually did respect the feel when she hit the end of the line. She
was safely returned to the pen.
Saturday March 1 was a lovely day dangling promises of spring with little wind and warm sun. You know the adage in
New Mexico, wait 10 minutes and it will change. Sunday winds during the first lesson were a bit gusty but not bad. By the
time 12:30 arrived the wind was gusting some dirt at times. Riders went ahead and by the time 2:00 arrived it was
relatively calm. As my 3:30 riders drove up, clouds covered the sun and the wind strengthened coming straight out of
the north. This wind was serious about gathering up the dirt and creating a terribly undesirable environment.
I gave the students the option of calling it off. They looked at one another, shrugged and decided that they would try
since they were already here. Of course this was the day I had two of the three up on new horses (one bareback on
Target) and I had no clue how the horses would behave. I did instruct them that when the dirt hit just turn the horse’s tail
to the wind and sit it out. There was a lot of that. Of course the temperature was continuing to drop all along. These
folks definitely get the ‘cowboy up’ award for the day. They are the first to start with conditions so bad. Others have had
the weather change occur while riding and finished up.
By the time we finished the wind was at a steady blow strong enough to push me around as I tried to walk. The horses
did without feed since it wouldn’t have stayed in their pens.
March 3 Before daylight as I was waking up the wind sounded as strong as when I had gone to bed. When I looked out
a light dusting of snow covered everything. The mares needed a new bale of grass hay so I decided I had better go up
with Dan. I think it takes me as long to dress on a day like this as it does to do the chores. We delivered hay without any
escapees. All were running, bucking and playing.
We led geldings to turn out so they could access the round bale of grass hay. Dan took Shorty, Newbie and Drafty on
the first trip. I had the others haltered when he returned and I took Shag while he took Bart and Tio. All of them were
extremely high energy and ran off bucking and playing. While Dan and I were doing other chores we heard a sound that
I term a horse scream. When you hear it you know the noisemaker is unhappy with something and at least one more
horse is involved. In this case, Shorty had his teeth clamped onto Drafty’s halter and wouldn't let him go. Drafty was mad
and let the world know.
When I picked geldings up from turn out Newbie had a long line of missing hair from forehead to muzzle. I have no idea
what he managed to get into but he did a good job. It is just a surface ding and the hair will grow back. He seems to be
good at this kind of thing.
March 4 We apparently are into the horrid wind and dirt spring. Spent the day inside and worked more on learning about
website building. That is what I have been doing for about 3 weeks. I have mine current and am working on starting one
for Equestrian Special Olympics. If you are reading this it means I have figured out how to keep a newsletter going again.
March 5 Dan injured himself at work so I was on morning feed duty. Watering was one of the things I did and while the
hose was in Smudge’s tank, I spent time in the pen with her. All I did was scratch, stroke and make sure she respected
my space. I also did some step away and invite her to come to my space. I ran my hands down all four legs. This is in
preparation for hoof work down the road.
As I observed her throughout the day I noticed she didn’t seem as frantic as usual. She spends a tremendous amount of
time pacing her pen. She would walk but it was walk a few feet and stop. Her whole being looked a lot more relaxed. I
also noticed her napping a couple of times today, which is not usual. Ray said she tired herself out finally. She was not
as nippy today either.
I need arena markers so the students can learn to perform maneuvers and steer their horses. I have used field cones
but the wind blows them out or the dog takes them off. I tried filling plastic jugs with sand and they work for a while but
deteriorate quickly. As I was driving around or place I thought of broken bricks (I need to be able to collect them and
move them – that is why plastic is so much nicer). I set some out Sunday before all the winds and as of today none had
moved. I picked them up, broke them some more and started spray painting so we will be able to see them.
When I brought the mares out for their grain Teefa managed to knock a couple over and into the dirt. Since snow is
forecast I picked them up and put them under cover.
Teefa and I had a bit of an argument when I grained her so she wasn’t agreeable about me walking up and catching her.
I opened the gate to the inside of the pen and stepped into the opening with my back to her. I could see her out of the
corner of my eye. She stood for about a minute pointed the original way, which was not toward me. She then turned her
head my way and after another 30 seconds came my way.
Jody decided she didn’t want to go in when I was ready so she traveled to the west side of the pen. I did my usual of
finish my chores figuring she would come back around. Not tonight. I finally took the ATV around and chased her in.
Neither of us was happy with the other when we got done.
The weather forecast is for a winter storm tomorrow so I am watering and getting everything in shape so all I have to do
outside tomorrow is chores.
March 6 When I got up there was a light film of snow over everything and still coming down. I did stay in and work on
learning more about websites and doing some information research. The weather wasn’t too bad when I went up to do
the night chores.
March 7 Although the sun was shining it was a cool to cold day. Since I only had one rider today I gave her a ‘challenge’
ride. She rode Shorty in a halter with the lead line serving as one rein. When we were done I asked her what she
learned and how she felt about it. She said she had to use her legs to help turn him. She didn’t like the exercise all that
well. I told her I wanted her to take what she learned with her when she rode in a bridle next time.
March 8 It started cold and blowing this morning. I was orienting two new riders and by the time they were ready to ride it
wasn’t too bad. After they left I worked on watering. The weather is iffy for tomorrow and if it doesn’t run us out I have a
full day of lessons. So, better caught up then trying to sandwich it in. Since the wind blows continually nails and other old
metals keep coming to the surface and a day of reckoning arrives. I have a magnet on wheels that I can push while
walking and it will slurp up all kinds of things. I used it for about 2 hours while I watered and got a lot picked up. The
discouraging thing is you look back where you worked and see a lot that you missed.
March 9 A full day of lessons – only one time slot not used and I was busy during that time. Everyone managed to set
clocks and arrive on time. It was nice to have some daylight left after the last lesson.
March 10 I got as far as getting Goober out, saddled and to the round pen. I didn’t get up on her. I lunged her for about
10 minutes then tied the reins up and left her while a rider had their lesson. While lunging she indicated she would like
to buck a little. It appeared that the volume was at what we call a ‘crow hop’ and not too serious. After turning her loose I
think she rolled with my saddle on. I heard her shaking and some dirt was flying. Not good for the saddle. While she was
in there she was quite impatient and fussy. She was rubbing her bridle so I went back over to tighten the throatlatch so
she wouldn’t rub it off. She survived and will be doing this exercise more. I like my horses to be patient when left for long
periods. Newbie just cocks a back foot and sleeps now.
March 11 Topping water off on all tanks was on my list today. While I did Fred and Smudge, I went in and combed her.
She is liking that since she has a pretty thick coat and the day was hot. After I finished, I took her to the arena and
turned her loose. I thought she would take off and run like crazy. She didn’t. Shorty and Drafty had gotten in trouble with
Dan early so they were still penned up. She went to visit them. Later in the day she was tucked down taking a nap by
Shorty’s pen. When I went to catch her she came to me as I talked to her. Next step is to work on leading.
Shorty and Drafty presented hindquarters to Dan instead of the front end for the halter. Drafty apparently challenged
Dan so he was spanked with the lead line and both were left in for the day. I guess they thought abut their behavior
because I see them in the turn out this morning. (Yes, they do get fed if left in the pen. Not feeding could result in colic
so all that really happens is they don’t join the herd for the day)
In January Cluie surfaced with a fracture in her coffin bone (located in the hoof). She was put into a support shoe and
onto ‘bed rest’. On a recent cold day she decided she too could buck and play and consequently pulled up sore.
Consultation with farrier and veterinarian resulted in making her living quarters MUCH smaller. She is in an area about
15’ in size now. Unfortunately this (her bucking) will set back the healing process.
The mares were a trip at feeding time – Warlie and Teefa. When I went to put the mares back in from their grain Goober
and Target were standing parallel to the gate scratching each other’s backs. I pushed the gate in which pushed them
over and away from us. Jody was the first in line and went in with no problem. Next was Warlie. By the time I had her
positioned Goober had move so she was more in the opening. I took Warlie’s feedbag off and she whirled and went the
other way. When I turned around to the gate after watching her go Goober was nearly out. When Warlie went, she took
Teefa with her. They headed to the west pasture. Bear in mind, this is at sunset so I don’t have a lot of time to gather
horses and get the feeding done. I went out and fed the mares and Copper. By the time I was heading back to take care
of gelding so were they. When I arrived at the gate corner Warlie was there. She wasn’t going to let me catch her but
she did run in when I opened the gate.
Teefa? By this time she was down by the gelding pens visiting them. She had gone into the alley there so I started the
feed rounds from the arena. This brought me into the alley so I pushed her back toward the in gate for the mares’ pen.
She got the message and left. By the time I got back there she had gone into Cluie’s pen ( when I shortened it I left the
gate open). Of course she was at the back with Cluie. I looked at her and told her that if she didn’t want to dry lot for the
night (spend the night with no feed or water) she had better come to me and go in. She did.
The weather today was absolutely perfect – temperature just right, no dirt or wind.
March 12 I turned Smudge out again and left her for about 3 hours. I worked just a little on leading before letting her go
and when I picked her up. In the arena she is more mannerly than when we leave and head for her pen. I am so glad
she is short.
Apparently Drafty and Shorty got the message about the ‘error of their ways’. When I looked out this morning they were
out with the gelding group.
Again the weather today was absolutely perfect – temperature just right, no dirt or wind.
March 13 High winds were forecast for today so I got out early. I turned Smudge out again and this time when we walked
into the arena I walked her in a zigzag pattern through the markers then once around the arena. She did well so I turned
her loose for free time. Her frantic pacing energy is changing since I am turning her out and beginning to work her. She
doesn’t run and race but possibly just the change of scene is helping. When I picked her up she came to me when I
called and was good about being caught.
We have not gotten around to putting tin on the outside of the barn yet to help cut down on dirt coming in. Spray foam
insulation is available (terribly messy) so I worked on plugging holes. It takes about an hour to use one can and I had
two of them.
Lee Anne came out again today and rode Lil. They are getting acquainted and both of them need to get into physical
shape. I can already see some good small changes in Lil. She is a little more willing to flex when asked and is carrying
herself a little more balanced.
I had one kid ride today on Fred. Her mom wasn’t too sure about her energy however all things went quite well. The wind
kicked up a little when she got to the arena but she didn’t complain and the little dust bundles didn’t last long.
Yesterday I upgraded the web site to unlimited access and storage and before I went to bed tonight I had the new site
up and the old site down. I just love easy to use publishing tools.
March 14 Today, unfortunately, the weather forecast was correct –high winds. I stayed in an worked on the computer
finding out more about the web publishing.
I had no choice but to go out in it and put the geldings and Star up into their pens. The sand was awful. I found a pair of
goggles and put them on over my glasses. I think it must have helped about 50% but there was a lot of sand creeping
into my eyes.
Of course, under these conditions, horses were asserting themselves as far as cooperation. Shorty and Drafty – non-
cooperative. The first time I came around to get them Drafty was at the gate and when I got off the ATV and went to
catch him, he turned from me and ran Shorty off while he was going. I went back to the house to wait for sunset and left
the two in turnout. When I came by the next time Shorty stood his ground and didn’t let Drafty run him off. So, I managed
to get one more horse back in. The only good thing was that the sand had quit even though the wind was still at it. One
thing about a day like this there is electricity in everything you touch. I had to be careful when I reached for a horse so I
didn’t shock him.
At this time, Drafty is still in turn out – the only one left. I grained the mares and started feeding hay. My little group of
feed bagged ladies was cooperative and I didn’t have to chase anyone. Drafty – still out. I put the cart away and went
over to the fence. He came trotting up and to the gate. When I walked in he turned his head away. I stood for him to
swing my way. Not! His feet followed the direction of his head and he walked off away from me. I told him he’d better
rethink this because it was going to be a long dry spell until put up time tomorrow. It took about one more minute and he
walked over to me. Both of us were persistent in our approaches.
March 15 What do I do with a day off? Horse things of course. I started early watering so I don’t have to worry tomorrow.
I was really paying attention and when I reached to turn on the water my jacket touched a piece of electric wire. I was
wondering if it was still hot, now I know.
Then I left to go help with a horseshow. On the way, I stopped to check on the location of a house where I will be doing a
pony party in May. I always like to go and find the location and see how the trailer and I are going to handle the
situation. This one is nice and clear with soft footing for the pony. The back yard is very large with 6’ high solid PVC
fence. I will need to have time in the yard with whichever pony I take so he/she can get used to the fence.
After leaving there I journeyed on to the show grounds. The arena is covered and walled on 3 sides. The direction the
wind was blowing made it feel like walking into a wind tunnel. I thought about long underwear before I left the house but
according to weather forecast it was supposed to be nice. Nice and windy. It’s pretty bad when the only warm place you
can find is in the porta-pot. Consider it is made of fiberglass, not too big and was sitting in the sun with the door shut.
Need I say more?
I found out that you can run a microphone switch in mittens. That was what was in the coat pocket. When I got there I
tossed them into the cab of the truck. By the time I needed them (hands just this side of ice) they were nicely warmed by
the sun.
Oh yea, since it was cold I did my announcing standing up and moving around. Suddenly I lost the power to the unit.
One of the ladies was busy at the breaker box when another asked about an extension cord hanging in my area. I
looked down. I had stepped on the switch to the power strip and turned it off. What choices – freeze or be heard.
I worked ‘til noon then went to town for lunch and on to Clovis for a Special Olympics meeting. Everything was very
productive but by the time I write this I find I am getting tired. Now for the big challenge – this is the last entry for this
issue and can I get it published to the web? Find out.
| HORSIN' AROUND WITH WENDY behind the scenes Newsletter for Abrazos Adventure, the horse connection March 1 - 15, 2008 |
Click for more photos of riders, horses and miscellaneous back to home page back to newsletter index Email me
This is Smudge - our little escapee.
Michael Richardson - Ag Expo
presenter.
At the Ag Expo the horse
demonstrator was in a wheel chair.
In the morning he demonstrated
loose work with the horse. I came
away with new focus on the fact I
don’t need to get around as fast as
I thought I did, I just need to
increase my awareness of all that is
happening. You can find out more
about him at www.brokenrranch.
com.
presenter.
At the Ag Expo the horse
demonstrator was in a wheel chair.
In the morning he demonstrated
loose work with the horse. I came
away with new focus on the fact I
don’t need to get around as fast as
I thought I did, I just need to
increase my awareness of all that is
happening. You can find out more
about him at www.brokenrranch.
com.
Before I came to the house I saw Teefa
lying down at the gate to enter the
mares' pen. The gate swings in toward
the west and she was lying down with
her rear toward the gate. She was also
about 3 feet from the gate opening into
the water lot. As I watched, one of the
horses walked by her. This usually
causes the down horse to get up. Not
Teefa. She lay there, pinned her ears
and swung her head the direction of
the horse. Of course, to me, she looked
funny, not fierce.
Doesn't look that fierce does she?
A point of interest - in my groups of
horses, when they lie down, at least
one remains standing. The one
standing serves as a look out for
danger. It seems that no matter how
domesticated the natural tendencies
stay with them.
lying down at the gate to enter the
mares' pen. The gate swings in toward
the west and she was lying down with
her rear toward the gate. She was also
about 3 feet from the gate opening into
the water lot. As I watched, one of the
horses walked by her. This usually
causes the down horse to get up. Not
Teefa. She lay there, pinned her ears
and swung her head the direction of
the horse. Of course, to me, she looked
funny, not fierce.
Doesn't look that fierce does she?
A point of interest - in my groups of
horses, when they lie down, at least
one remains standing. The one
standing serves as a look out for
danger. It seems that no matter how
domesticated the natural tendencies
stay with them.
Well, it looks like Lil is really taking in
the video. I'm not sure what she
learned.
Granddaughter Kelsea has decided
she wants to quit the horses. She has
not been riding for about 3 months
and made it official this weekend.
A friend has been coming out so she
is going to take Lil on and see what
she can do about progressing her
education. She had her in the barn
yesterday when I was processing a
new student. The first thing students
do is watch a video. I guess Lil has
not been in there when it is running.
She positioned herself so she could
watch it, had her head up, ears
forward and body tense. Occasionally
there would be soft snorts – she just
didn’t quite know what to do about it.
the video. I'm not sure what she
learned.
Granddaughter Kelsea has decided
she wants to quit the horses. She has
not been riding for about 3 months
and made it official this weekend.
A friend has been coming out so she
is going to take Lil on and see what
she can do about progressing her
education. She had her in the barn
yesterday when I was processing a
new student. The first thing students
do is watch a video. I guess Lil has
not been in there when it is running.
She positioned herself so she could
watch it, had her head up, ears
forward and body tense. Occasionally
there would be soft snorts – she just
didn’t quite know what to do about it.
His saddle was custom made and
has been fitted with a rip cord.
There are releases on both sides in
the front of the saddle. All he has to
do is pull and he is free of the
horse. Since he cannot use his
lower body and is velcroed and
buckled into the saddle, it could be
necessary if a horse went down. He
has used it twice.
In the afternoon he rode his horse.
The gelding has been with him 13
years. He was funny. As Michael
lectured he would turn his head up,
wiggle it around and work his lips as
if he were ‘talking behind Michael’s
back’. Definitely amusing. Part of
the demonstration was riding
without the bridle using two
dressage whips to take the place of
legs. I enjoyed it.
has been fitted with a rip cord.
There are releases on both sides in
the front of the saddle. All he has to
do is pull and he is free of the
horse. Since he cannot use his
lower body and is velcroed and
buckled into the saddle, it could be
necessary if a horse went down. He
has used it twice.
In the afternoon he rode his horse.
The gelding has been with him 13
years. He was funny. As Michael
lectured he would turn his head up,
wiggle it around and work his lips as
if he were ‘talking behind Michael’s
back’. Definitely amusing. Part of
the demonstration was riding
without the bridle using two
dressage whips to take the place of
legs. I enjoyed it.
One of my students was assigned to
Mattie. She rode her two or three
weeks ago and Mattie was not
cooperative. In between she has been
on ones that have not been willing to
work for her. She got on Mattie
expecting the problems of the earlier
ride so rather than warming up and
letting Mattie ‘tell’ her what was going
on she made assumptions. The ride
did not start well at all. Mattie was
tense and trying to break up in gait.
After we identified the problems, she
went back to the beginning which was
to just relax, ride around and see what
Mattie was feeling before she asked
anything of her. She needed to wait for
lack of cooperation before taking
corrective action. She changed her
approach and the rest of the ride went
quite well.
Mattie. She rode her two or three
weeks ago and Mattie was not
cooperative. In between she has been
on ones that have not been willing to
work for her. She got on Mattie
expecting the problems of the earlier
ride so rather than warming up and
letting Mattie ‘tell’ her what was going
on she made assumptions. The ride
did not start well at all. Mattie was
tense and trying to break up in gait.
After we identified the problems, she
went back to the beginning which was
to just relax, ride around and see what
Mattie was feeling before she asked
anything of her. She needed to wait for
lack of cooperation before taking
corrective action. She changed her
approach and the rest of the ride went
quite well.
When I water I need to keep an eye
on it but don’t need to hover over it
so I am trying to arrange other tasks
in the vicinity. Today it was magnet
work while the big tank filled. This was
in the mares’ pen at one spot that
was just covered with old wire from
fence and nails. I was concentrating
on my work when I heard hoof beats
coming my way. I found it interesting
that I could identify the horse by the
sound – it was Mattie. She hung out
while I worked. My bucket was getting
heavy so I set it down and worked
with the magnet. When I stepped a
little distance from the bucket Mattie
headed to it to see if I had food
stashed inside for her. I called her
name and gave her the ‘sound’ for
‘don’t you dare – I don’t want to pick
all that stuff up again.’ She went the
other way and my take was safe. I
was curious as to weight of what I
gathered. In 30 minutes I collected
10# of old metal. Scary. When I look
over where I was there is still a lot that
needs to come up.
on it but don’t need to hover over it
so I am trying to arrange other tasks
in the vicinity. Today it was magnet
work while the big tank filled. This was
in the mares’ pen at one spot that
was just covered with old wire from
fence and nails. I was concentrating
on my work when I heard hoof beats
coming my way. I found it interesting
that I could identify the horse by the
sound – it was Mattie. She hung out
while I worked. My bucket was getting
heavy so I set it down and worked
with the magnet. When I stepped a
little distance from the bucket Mattie
headed to it to see if I had food
stashed inside for her. I called her
name and gave her the ‘sound’ for
‘don’t you dare – I don’t want to pick
all that stuff up again.’ She went the
other way and my take was safe. I
was curious as to weight of what I
gathered. In 30 minutes I collected
10# of old metal. Scary. When I look
over where I was there is still a lot that
needs to come up.
I had a really cool experience with
horse communication. While I was
working I had water on in the mares’
tank. I had checked it once and of
course forgot about it and water was
still running. As I was working I got a
picture in my mind of the water in that
tank running over. I put my tools down
and rushed out. Mattie was standing
next to the tank facing it and it lacked
about ¼ inch of running over. I think I
may have truly been on the receiving
end of a message sent. I thanked her
for looking out for me.
horse communication. While I was
working I had water on in the mares’
tank. I had checked it once and of
course forgot about it and water was
still running. As I was working I got a
picture in my mind of the water in that
tank running over. I put my tools down
and rushed out. Mattie was standing
next to the tank facing it and it lacked
about ¼ inch of running over. I think I
may have truly been on the receiving
end of a message sent. I thanked her
for looking out for me.
© March 2008 Wendy Toombs
Offering family, children and adult recreation to Portales, Cannon AFB, Clovis New Mexico.