Arobridge Kaimanawa's

Continuity

2011-12-08T14:12:00.000-08:00

I have ridden Louka for 2 days now... the first day my friend Aileen came to walk alongside us as we felt our way....It was great Louka is such a steady character..he just doesn't flap at all- think he'll leave that to someone else....
I got on down by the stream- I have been teaching him the "my grass" method and he didn't try to munch once- that is really great......I practised taking him to where I want to go from my seat, only using the reins as the last resort for direction.eyes, belly button - shoulder....thanks for the reminder Aileen. hee hee..we went through the stream and round the paddock - all at a walk- once I'm feeling that we can get faster I will...
Yesterday I did more of the same - and felt so much better than the day before...I had to go through the stream and the waterhole then on to the "ethel" paddock and practised there..backup great , riding from my seat a lot better than yesterday....I think maybe Louka will be my riding horse for a while now....at least for the next month and then I'll give him a months rest to mull it all over and then bring him in again....I just can't believe how stable and steady he is- he's like this really old soul that's telling me he'll make sure we are ok.

Riding Louka

2011-12-06T23:53:00.000-08:00

Well what a day that was- Off I went to pick up Louka thinking I'd only have to ride him in the roundpen or small paddock..but no Amanda had other ideas- we went right up over the steep hills only walking - it had been raining so the clay tracks were a bit slippery.Louka has been doing this trail trotting and cantering for the past 3 weeks,and Amanda wanted me to see where he has been and to ease me into it before she let him go home....I was like a newby- but the nerves eased as I realised that he was taking this all in hs stride - my nerves started to ease as we got nearer to home and Louka didn't put a foot wrong. My friend Jak's came with me to pick him up, and it was wonderful as she was able to come with us and ride another really safe huge grey ( he was only 3 years old)- that was an unexpected bonus too. Thanks Megan for riding Louka every day, and thanks Amanda for your expertise in getting him to this point.

What has been happening with my little herd.

2011-12-03T21:29:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I updated on this site so I decided I'd better get onto it....
There has been an enormous amount going on over the last few months...Every Monday and Friday our little kai's have been amazing using their skills to help "at risk youth" and this will finish for the year tomorrow- Monday 5th December 2011. The school year is almost at an end, and the "Equine Therapy" has been instrumental in helping to give these children a better view of life, and a few tools to help them along the way.
We have had a few online lessons with *1 star Parelli instructor Jane Cook and will be looking to book a few more.

Arobridge Maxwell A & P Show Clevedon Nov 2011

There has also been the A & P show We entered Maxwell and Louka - in hand only and were very proud to see that Maxwell and Louka both came away with some ribbons. There was a good turnout for the Kaimanawa section this year, so it was brilliant that they both did so well. Also Maxwell's first floating and outing from our place- so he excelled in everything- I think he likes to be on "show"- he was very well behaved...while Louka was really far more interested in the grass.

Arobridge Louka @ A & P show clevedon Nov 2011

Louka had been away to be started under saddle, and we brought him back to the show for the weekend off, and then he went back again- hopefully he will be home again on tuesday..I really miss him, so it will be great to see how well he is doing - apparently he hasn't put a foot wrong so far- that's my boy!!!! I have also went along to Equidays and stayed the 3 days- that was just brilliant and I would recommend anyone that horses to attend the next one..then a few days later I attended Jackie Chant's horsenality clinic at Waerenga- was just awsome...there is so much to learn. As it gets drier and when the hay has been cut I can't wait to get out and use that paddock to practise all the lessons so far learned...I want to sit the pnh level 2 freestyle this summer, so that I am progressing through the levels....in the meantime there is still a lot to be done with Maxwell and Oscar to bring them on a bit more. Oscar is looking lovely in his summer coat and he is the quiet gentleman of the herd- much bigger than the others. Sarg is his usual cheeky self, and has just had a lump surgically removed from his butt- don't think it is anything sinister but we had it sent away for analysis to make sure..... He backs up the paddock with his tail held to the side to show me, because he knows that I need to check that it's healing and clean...no problems - the stiches will be removed in 2 weeks time....so that's about it for now....Christmas is nearly upon us- so hope all our horsey friends out there have a great safe and happy Christmas....HOhoho have lots of fun and laughter. Cheers from Gypsy, Sarg, Louka, Oscar, Maxwell & Me

Awsome weekend

2011-09-26T02:30:00.000-07:00

I went to a Dale Speedy- Bio Mechanics course last weekend....took Gypsy to the first session and Louka to the second day... What a brilliant course- could recommend it. This is a first for Louka..being looked at by many different people....trying to practise the techniques of this very different way of targeting problems and then observing behaviour, actions & movement by the horse/ human and the surrounding environment.
All things that horses do naturally. Fascinating, thrilling stuff, I thoroughly enjoyed the course and so did the horses. Louka was extremely good, calm all the time except when it puddled down I put him in an enclosed stall & he was having none of that- he was either going to come over the top of the door or barg his way through it...ironic that I was there to observe the environment as well as all those other things and I didn't consider that by putting him into an environment that was very foreign to him - where was unable to see over the door or see the way out he still had the instinctual survival- I'm getting outta here one way or another....I took him out straight away and he just dropped his head and started eating...a timely reminder really - he was not familiar with these surroundings and may have felt safe in the stall at home but he could always see and get out if he wanted toat home....I should never asume.

Saturday- Great day with Friends

2011-09-18T01:50:00.000-07:00

Today was awsome- I started back into PNH lessons with Gypsy....Debbie started PNH lessons with Louka and Gaylene came along for PNH lessons with Mon's....we all had a ball and our tutor was brilliant- thankyou Jane.
Louka and Debbie were on first- and both beginners did so well...you would think Louka was much older than his 3-4 years- he arrived from the 2009 muster as a wee tyke with a gash to his front leg- he was the "wildest" one of them all...but now I would say he is the wisest, calmest, has heaps of charisma and is so like an exmoor pony in his markings....but he is also very quick to learn...and as it's Debbies first time to PNH he was just brilliant for her to work with- there is no dancing, prancing etc- his manners are impeccable and it made it so much easier to pick up the moves...he knows that we like to be safe while we work with him, and I have used them in his training since he arrived....It will be lovely to see him progress through the levels.
Gypsy and I learnt so much- many of the gaps of why we do things were filled in and this should lead to a better relationship as we progress through the riding as well. The rain did hold off fpr most of the session(s) and we have a bit of homework as well to keep us on track- sooooo looking forward to dry ground for a change...roll on summer!!!!!

Getting Back into it

2011-09-08T03:59:00.000-07:00

Finally the weather looks as though it's improving to the point where we can get the horses in and start work again....Yay Spring...then SUMMER!!! Megan started Sarg again the other day and he was brilliant....no issues - He was impeccably behaved as he went through his paces. He's feeling pretty good and he looks great- chocolate brown with a good sheen to his coat.
Maxwell is coming along really well too now, he's settled down well and is still a little character...Oscar is also growing up a bit now and has that lovely soft eye that is so apparent with the Kai's- He is getting used to other people besides just me handling him now, and he had a bath by Megan- & loved it....Louka is being started now - we are doing the 7 games with him and a lot of online exercises now. Today I sat on him bareback, no hassles here..He is such a kind horse, I feel he'll really look after his rider.

DRY weather- covers are off.

2011-08-24T02:46:00.000-07:00

It is so good to have the covers off the horses- the mud has dried up and we are going to get dry weather until sunday- Wooohooo...You can tell the horses are feeling really good- Maxwell and Oscar are playing their games- running and nipping and rearing- jumping then scooting off in the other direction...it's great to watch them playing like that..means spring is almost here. Maxwell must be about 18months old now and Oscar 3 years old...They are looking good -came through the winter in great condition...Sarg is very relaxed these days just loves standing and dozing in the sun. Louka loves to play with everything and it's all done so calmly that teaching him anything is such a breeze.
Gypsy is looking great too and prancing around the paddock with her tail in the air...RD the teeny weeny has fitted into the herd really well...So nice that they are all in the paddocks together instead of having to split them up. I have been really busy with the Therapy sessions. We LOVE IT!!!!!
http://www.arobridge.co.nz/

Feet are finally ok

2011-08-02T02:42:00.000-07:00

For the past week I have had to watch Sarg Louka and Gypsy looking really quite sore...No abcess present but there had been plenty of MUD- I now think they must've either had their hooves half sucked off by the MUD or they have hooned and pulled muscles...We even had to miss our lesson with Tori... I put them all on freemover and they have now come right again.....they were definitely ok today while they were hooning like their lives depended on it..But the difference is they are on the river silt which had dried out from this wonderful sunshine and they aren't slipping everywhere now, so with a bit of luck they'll still be ok tomorrow...They have had all the mud brushed out of their manes and tails- feet all checked again- Gypsy was the only one that needed soaking in warm water & hypericum lotion- she looked a picture standing with one hoof in the icecream container...she thought it was lovely...looked like a bit of thrush....The farrier is coming on thursday to trim all their feet so I want them feeling good by then too. LONG LIVE THE SUN...I know we are meant to hibernate and reflect in the winter so I have decided that's what I'll do next winter- it'll be by the fire with a lovely mulled wine catching up with friends and watching Parelli DVD's- thanks for the tip Jane. That's a good one!!!!

RD & Shanae- Gracie & Sarg

2011-07-20T02:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was really good until RD started to Rear and buck- with Shanae on her- Just as well I had taught Shanae how to do an emergency dismount-she lept off well clear of her. She did the same thing to Gracie- we thought we'd start from scratch and do Parelli- the 7 games to show Shanae how to work with her before she got on again...so Gracie did the 7 games with Sarg and Shanae did the 7 games with RD...It showed the girls that the best way to stop bad behaviour was to show the horse you care but won't allow bad behaviour...In no time at all they were doing a whole obstacle course on the ground which included everything in the 7 games..There was a maze- figure of 8 squeeze between barrells, circles around the mounting block etc- they mastered this in no time at all..Then they learnt how to saddle up Parelli style, ride in a halter and go through the course again but riding them this time....Fantastic it all flowed so beautifully...then once they felt confident enough we went down the driveway- RD & Shanae went over the bridge because the stream was too deep for RD- and Gracie and Sarg rode through the stream...wow so well done Gracie & Shanae- then we went up the hill to the house - a bit of a rest here then back downhill- the girls learnt how to lean back slightly to slow them down when going downhill and in no time at all we were back over the bridge and stream and they were able to dismount - take the saddles off, have something to eat- horses and children, put the covers back on etc....This is fantastic as I don't have to do any of the covers, feeding, haltering, saddling- I think the girls and horses have learnt heaps in just 2 days....and they are ALL loving it- Horses and Children- & ME!!!!!!

Gracie & Sarg

Shanae & RD

RD & Shanae

Newcomer- for 2 months

2011-07-15T21:09:00.000-07:00

We have a new arrival- Rural Delivery or "RD" for short is her name- she is 10hh and just right for the littlies that will be here over the holidays...we are just looking after her while her owner is in the USA.
Now wouldn't it be lovely if it stopped raining - the mud dried up and the sun shone for more than a minute!!!!.
I have just been out moving the horses to new pasture- I ran them all through the creek to get the mud off their legs- so much easier and they love it...Unfortunately it was a bit too deep for RD, so her legs and tail got a good scrub with the shampoo and hose. I haven't put her in with the others yet- I want them to all talk over the fence for a while. I think Gypsy has her eye on her..she just loves looking after small horses, must be her nurturing nature. Hope Maxwell doesn't get his nose out of joint- Gypsy normally looks out for him- when he arrived she took him under her wing and now he behaves very much like her....little character, he's turning out to be a fabulous little chap.

Riding freestyle- Gypsy

2011-07-08T00:28:00.000-07:00

Today Megan & went with Gypsy & Sarg to Gaylene's arena...Thanks Gaylene...Megan is doing online level 1 with Sarg'y and I am doing level 2 freestyle riding...Thank goodness for good friends...I was having a bit of difficulty getting into a trot while riding the rail and doing the direct and indirect rein. I asked if they could see why I wasn't getting a good response from Gypsy...Remember that saying "exaggerate to start and then refine as you go"- I wasn't looking high enough or far enough ahead- once I did I obviously lifted my energy and straightened up- Gypsy recognised what I was asking straight away then and we were able to train to the plan...Great I am feeling so much better about it now- feels so much easier...we had a great day...Sarg was full of the joys of wanting to be right with & beside you, so we had to keep backing him up and then once Megan and him began to play he loved it....we all had a lovely day.

Look'n forward to the school holidays.

2011-07-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

The Kaimanawa's and Gypsy are all look'n forward to the school holidays- ps hope it stops raining for them. There are going to be a lot of hands and caring little hearts to care for the horses, and I have been offered a couple more smaller horses that the littlies can ride as well....so it should be great fun. I know Sarg, Louka, Maxwell and Gypsy loved having all that attention last school holidays, and now that Oscar can be groomed so easily he will be able to join in with the children instead of me brushing him each time...I don't need to micromanage him as much now....I know they will all be safe around all the horses now that he is used to different people handling him. So there has been some progress.
I am waiting for a lull in the pouring rain- groan- Have to feed out the beefy's and horses.

Spending time in the sun

2011-06-16T02:31:00.000-07:00

Today was an absolutely gorgeous sunny day- Great for grooming and getting all that mud off. Megan and I did all 5 today, and they look lovely...we all just soaked up the sun while the grooming was done- MMMmmm it gives us all a glow- there's nothing like sunshine in winter- crystal clear skies and warmth like no other...Hmmm lovely.

Louka sporting the D'yon bridle I won.

We just all hung out together for the whole day- glorious!!!!

Maxwell looking pretty dapper- loves the attention

Oscar - soaking up the sun- look at that kaimanawa mane

Sargeant says "Oh what bliss fed, groomed and sunshine"

Little bit of R & R for Gypsy too

Another wet gloomy day

2011-06-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

On wednesday I had a brilliant day..Lessons with Tori PNH for me & Gypsy, and first lessons for Megan and Louka. I am now learning and practising what I need to do for the freestyle to finish my level 2....It was quite amazing really- I was pretty pathetic most of the time BUT when I felt that I was in the right place...it was like when I was riding her on the Lake Tekapo trek..so in tune and the feeling is like nothing else, but I kept over focusing again and when I do that I lose the plot...so it's back to practise practise practise- I don't need to be perfect but I do need that practise.....the best part was that I LOVED IT and can't wait to do it all again....I have Freddie until Monday night so don't think I'll get the chance with the rain being ensconcsed here again as well...BUT I will be as soon as I'm able to....such fun....Louka and Megan are starting from Level one basics, and I know they will do well- Louka just loves to play so that makes it much more fun too...We have decided every thursday to start with Oscar, then Maxwell then Louka then Sarg and the Gypsy- doesn't have to be long just 1/2 hour each to start.
Today when I went to feed them all they had broken through the tape and were way down the other end of the paddock..groan I thought - Heavy rain warning- I have Freddie (3years old) and here they are on the paddock that floods..BUT to our delight I called them and they all hooned back into the yards- we were thrilled what a great feeling when they really want to be with you.

Parelli audition

2011-05-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

Wowwwwweeeeeeeeee We passed Level 2 - online....I am sooo pleased ...thought we'd pass level 1 online with maybe a + but when I got this result I am floating on cloud 9- this has been such a long time coming...I am soo pleased with myself...of course I did have a very good teacher in Gypsy.hahahaha. Can't wait to do the freestyle now.

Back into it

2011-05-18T00:44:00.000-07:00

I haven't been on here for a while..so much has been going on and I haven't had a lot of spare time...BUT today it is fine again...Cold after all that beautiful warm weather we've had...so I suppose it MUST be WINTER now...When I look out the window I know it is because the mud is back....It is usually about this time of the year I am gearing up for another 2 Kai colts to arrive...feels a bit empty without them arriving this year... So I decided to go and spend some quiet time with my little herd....I discovered the hunt going over the top of the hills and the hounds coming precariously close to where I had my horses behind a tape....Sarg was snorting back and forth and all the others were just watching with great intent...When it got too much for them the 5 of them would go to the end yard- I had this all open in case it rained- the stall and all the yards- and when it's wet they go in and out at their leisure...Today they were ripping up & down the small paddock and this turned to mud in no time...Not to worry I put them all out on fresh grass once the hunt had finished....Megan and I took all their covers off and gave them all a good grooming. They were all hyped up so it took a while to settle them down even Louka was fidgety today- then we decided to do Maxwell and Oscar as they haven't really been handled for a while...Maxwell was great stood beautifully quite settled while he was groomed and had his feet picked out etc...He is such a funny wee chap- has a character like none of the others...he is filling out nicely now and even his funny little mouth is widening- such a charismatic chap, he really is learning good manners now and just loves the attention...Oscar was good too, he was the muddiest of all and it took quite some time to get all the mud off him- he hasn't been in a cover yet- that's the next step...He will let us pick up all of his feet without any fuss now and we are able to groom him from tip to toe. Thankfully all the things we had taught him he hasn't forgotten, so played some friendly games with him and then they went out into the big paddock as well. Interesting _ Just lately Sarg & Louka seem to have paired off and Gyspy and the 2 younsters (Maxwell & Oscar) seem to spend more time together. I think Gypsy has taken on the role of being in charge of these 2...Maybe she thinks Sarg and Louka are big enough to be out on their own now.....So I think I'll put Sarg & Louka into a paddock of their own and give Gypsy some time with these 2 youngsters and see what happens...Maxwell has learnt heaps from her already.

Gracie, Nakita & Shanae

2011-04-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

Nakita and Louka

Louka and Shanae- Shanae is
getting readyto back him up-
well done Shanae & Louka!!!

Shanae getting Louka over the
pole- I had to use a bit of lead
rein here

Gracie stayed to ride Sarg and Nakita rode Louka for a couple of days- then Shanae came and she helped to ride Louka
as well.

Nakita taking Louka over
the poles

Louka has only been ridden for about 3 weeks ( 6-8 times) so I think Nakita and Shanae did a fantastic job- he was in a pnh hackamore too so he was going by the feel of the rein and the seat rather than pulled by the mouth...he was a very happy chappy- thankyou Nakita!!!!

Gracie rode Sarg mainly- in the torsion...then the Wintec and Bareback....mostly it was the wintec saddle. I think Sarg really enjoyed his time with Gracie...he was very relaxed and was waiting for her to arrive each morning to groom and feed him....thanks Gracie I appreciated this too.

Gracie and Sarg going over
the pole

Gracie and Sarg steppin out

Gracie / Sarg - Nicky / Louka

2011-04-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

Gracie is getting used to Sarg and building a great relationship with him now- she has been riding him for the last 5 days- mainly in the roundpen, even trotting today in the rope hackamore - then she ventured out and rode him down the driveway towards the stream- he put his feet in and had a drink then some grass from the side of the stream then back to the stall.
Nicky was here 2 days and struck up a bit of a relationship with Louka and did really well riding him in the roundpen- then bareback to the stall...all of this in the rope hackamore- really great.
The girls learnt a lot of safety rules on the ground first then progressing to being on their backs.

Gracie, Gypsy and Nicky

Both horses were great, took great care of their riders- just shows what a little bit of building the bond with your horse does. Thanks Girls Me, Sarg & Louka all appreciate it. XX

Nicky & Louka

Gracie & Sarg

Mr Calm was such a hit

2011-04-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Lily and Zoe (5) were staying- Rory had gone home so it was a bit easier to do the horses without a 3 year old.... First of all Lily and Zoe groomed Louka ready for the saddle. They had to really get stuck into all the mud he'd managed to stick to his coat...but they brushed and brushed until he was spotless...such a good way of bonding and learning to move him around properly...then we saddled him up and walked him down to the roundpen....We put the string around his neck for the girls to hold..funny though they preferred to hold his mane, and then we walked them around the arena- they had 5 circles either way just at the walk and Louka was brilliant, he took great care of them. He was so gentle and calm- I'm sure he knew he had children on his back- he didn't put a foot wrong. Lily gave him some willow as a treat and Zoe gave him a great big cuddle....This was the highlight of their holiday so far, they haven't stopped talking about Louka and they are the first of the grandchildren to ride him.
Sarg is a little bit goey for the tinies, but Gracie is coming today and she has plenty of get up and go so I'm hoping that her and Sarg will love having fun together...I'm not sure how much riding Gracie has done so I don't want to just let her get on and go with Sarg....we'll see..Nakita and Shanae are coming after easter too so hopefully they will be riding as well.
I am going to do parelli with all of them before they get on, and then they will only know that way of handling the horses.
Gypsy was standing looking at me- waiting for her turn so I groomed her and then did a little ground work with her...we just love being together now...relationship is improving all the time. Not sure if I mentioned it but finally I sent my level 1 off - I couldn't get it onto utube so I sent the disc with the forms and assessment...how I hope I do alright.-wish me luck.

Starting back in ernest again

2011-04-13T00:17:00.000-07:00

Next week will be school holidays and lots of comings and goings with grandchildren & great nieces...It'll hopefully still be fine and we can get in plenty of horsey time. Yesterday grooming was the order of the day..Gypsy and Louka mainly- there manes were Reeeaally long, so I have pulled the manes and given all of them a general tidy up...My gosh Louka is a beautiful horse...so showy...Gypsy now looks a picture again, and Sarg, Oscar and Maxwell look great....we trimmed ears tails and under the chin- Hmmmm they don't look half bad now!!!! Today we put the saddle on Louka and Megan rode him through the stream- the bit is in his mouth but we are only leading him with the halter, not pulling his mouth at all with the bit in it yet... He had no apparent issues but we do this for quite a while before we ride him with the bit in his mouth..we like to know that he has really got the feel first and then gently introduce the feel to the bit....then it was Sarg's turn- he hasn't been ridden for aquite a few weeks now- but he really likes the torsion saddle and he loved it..Megan rode him right up under the verander and around the corner to the dining room window- and he poked his head in for a look...he didn't mind this one bit and then it was off again down the driveway for the rest of the ride...Maxwell walked out like an energetic little livewire, but he is learning that he doesn't have to do everything at breakneck speed...he's a real little character...I thinm the kids are gonna have a ball this holidays. I have just finished the EGALA stage one course so I am really looking forward to practising with the kids...I'll keep you posted

Some things don't always go as planned

2011-03-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

I haven't had a lot of time to blog lately- busy busy- BUT I have done the DVD for the online level 1- and yes it's on utube- BUT the quality of the picture is terrible- I have tried and tried to improve it but to no avail- when I play the video on my computer the picture is fantasticly clear- but on utube it's shocking...so it's back to the drawing board- I'll get another copy of the dvd and send it all in by post. All these trials and tribulations MUST be character building (hahaha). Hopefully by the time I do the level 2 it'll be all sorted...Apart from that we're having a lot of fun. I want to fit in as much as I can before going off to my EGALA course. The one thing I have learnt from all of this trial and errors aren't to be brushed off- I have learnt so much more than I bargained for here...not only with my horses ( in particular Gypsy) but also the technology -namely the computer - and all it's time comsuming trappings....even though this has caused quite a delay I really want to get this right as well , because it's part and parcel to making it easy to send in my auditions...So look out U tube- I WILL sort you out.

Gypsy- audition practise

2011-03-08T13:29:00.000-08:00

Today was great- Hana came over with Buzz and Hana practised some of the games for the Northland Games competition...Lots of fun and I practised and was filmed by Hana for the audition level 1... It's great to see the video and work out all the fumbles etc before doing the real thing. I did a lot better than I thought I would though- thankYOU hana I really appreciate your help... Having a plan certainly does shunt you in the right direction and it actually works for me...set a deadline and then work towards getting the goal ON TIME - sometime that works and other times I realise that I need to put a lot more work into that particular thing....One thing I do know is that the 7 games most definitely lead into everything else you do and making the playday course and changing the games often helps me and the horse.
We even got to do a lot more than I usually do simply because I learnt to leave it alone when we got it right..Other thing Which was a BFO (not FBO hee hee) was that on the circle I was NOT really going in to neutral when Gypsy went behind me- my life was still up- so I became Mrs saggy NO LIFE when she went behind me and everything went like a dream...Love it!!!!!! I am learning more about ME all the time.

Colds are improving.

2011-02-27T14:52:00.000-08:00

I don't know why Gyspy didn't get the cold too but all 4 Kai's did....I am sure it had something to do with the floods leaving silt on the pasture...I have given them an immune booster and echinacea every day to help them recover..and Sarg has been eating tangelo's- no one else would though, but he loves them. Today Maxwell and Oscar aren't coughing & Sarg and Louka are almost right just every now and again a cough, but not the Long Loud harking that they were doing.thank goodness. There has been no sign of this with Gypsy- funny that she didn't get it too....All hay has been soaked and all feed given very wet. The immunity drops 4 times a day..They don't look any worse for wear now, but I didn't risk taking them to the show- which was a big dissappoinment, but that's Murphy's law for you. That came as a bit of a shock - it's very rare that the kai's get anything like that.
Dawn emailed me to tell me that Noa has gone off to his new home in Taihape with a lovely family down there- I wish them well and know that he will be a great asset to their family..hope they keep in touch.

A full Day with Gypsy

2011-02-24T15:09:00.000-08:00

Ahh it's so satisfying when you feel you have made progress...All of my Kai's have a cold and Sarg & Louka have a cough as well. Have treated them with echinacea but have now got them on antibiotics as well....Think it could be due to dust on their pasture- from the flood...it wasn't until I went out onto the grass that I noticed a fine coating of dust covering all the grass..then of course there is psapalum on other pasture and I'm not about to put them on that...so I have now fenced off the new grass from the area that was cut for hay 2 weeks ago- it's quite long now and no dust...Hopefully they will be a lot better..It means I can't take them to the show though..I don't want to risk it.
Yesterday Gypsy and I spent ALL DAY together playing and generally chilling out- she was just lovely, had a bit of an issue with jumping the barrel, but after watching the pnh dvd last night at the focus group I can see why...still need to circle more and then once over stand and wait- I aren't giving her enough time to think it through...as usual impatience is the bain in my side- BUT I am working on it and many of the other things that got in the way have now been sorted. We would do some of the games and then practise out float loading- then go back and do the sideways along the fence- then go down to the stream for a swim and munch a little bit of grass- it was such a brilliant day.Gaylene came for a while and did the same with Sparky then in the evening it was the focus group wher we finished the Liberty series od dvd's- wish I could do that every day.

When the best laid plans go amuck

2011-02-23T02:15:00.000-08:00

I had fully intended to have a whole day horsin around yesterday- but first I had to do accounts- then the printer decided to suck a kumara- godamn thing it took me absolute hours to unjam it..Then I had to go get very necessary groceries- bank etc etc,,,and everyTHING seemed to get in my way..Took the car to the Panelbeaters to get it assessed..Dennis had a slight mishap. I kept bumping into people I know...then to the post office blah blah blah....Mae & I moved the calves...By the time I had done everything I had to cook dinner and on it went..I even found that my float needs repairing- the sheets of ply have cracked right through to the outside - so they are going to have to be replaced...
BUT TODAY I WAS BACK on que- Bathed Gypsy & Sarg..then did some training with Maxwell and Oscar..Sarg, Louka and Maxwell all have a cough- so out came the echinacea- hope it clears up quickly...Then did some training with Oscar- He was lovely- no trouble putting halter on- he is just sooo soft...then I picked up his front feet after playing with him for a while...Just pressed the chestnut and up it came...Then Megan picked it up as well after getting him used to her..I stayed with him as he felt more confident when I'm there, but he did lift both front feet up for her too...so he's getting better all the time....What with the coughs- the car prang and my float I won't be going to the Kai show on Saturday. I'll just have to be happy with the playday tomorrow.

Playday again today- at LAST!!!!

2011-02-17T11:55:00.000-08:00

Lynn, Aileen and I decided to do the playday again today. I went and picked up Lynn and Bella (2nd time out for Bella).When I got to Lynn's I realised that the internal artiotions hadn't been put back in the float- dang blast!!! Oh well we decided that it was human assumption that we couldn't float her without the bars so Lynn put her on- no problems at all and off we went- she backed out as straight as an arrow and was a real gem when she went home as well.
I set up the paddock in the flats AGAIN with all the games and we had a heap of fun today..Lynn and Bella, me and Gypsy and Aileen and Louka did all sorts o thing- over the tarp, squeezing through the barrels, weave around a circle-although this wasn't alway successfull we did make progress...in and out of the stream, walking circles all over the paddock,sidestepping over the low bins then graduating to barrells, the highlight of the day was when Louka and I played soccer online with the big green ball to music (I'm gonna have to video this & put this on u tube) Louka loves this- he was really going for it this time- trotting and rolling the ball around- then he discovered he could turn it- I was running around like a young thing- but puffing and blowing by the time he finished. We have done this in the round pen before but never out on the 5 acre paddock- It was great fun. I kid you NOT he was moving in time to the music...WOW!!!!! Lynn & Aileen and myself could not believe this..Louka just melts into music- he loves the meditation sessions. Can't wait to do it again.

At last some more horse time

2011-02-16T02:10:00.000-08:00

This morning- I was up early and Megan took Maxwell for his jaunt around the farm. My gosh he's a speedy little character...no mucking around with this guy. His halter and string came off today...He loves the stream, balked at the water troug, came over the bridge beautifully until the last few steps and then he just took off with Mae (dog). She was running through the stream and generally being hyper active as usual and Maxwell thought he'd like to try it too, so off he went....Megan just ran beside him at the end of the 12ft leadrope...bit out of breath and a "hey this boy can move" they were up the driveway in nano seconds. By this time I was putting the western saddle on Louka- we want to walk him around with it on to make sure he feels comfortable with it on his back...for Louka this was no problem at all and man does he look just the "Dude" in that western...Long and Low...calm as....When I was putting it on him Sarg and Gypsy came into the stall and Gypsy decided she was gonna kick Sarg out of there- even if it meant he'd have to go over the gate...of course Sarg didn't he "knows" when to move, but there was a bit of a rucus and the saddle fell off Louka when he spun around as I hadn't dome it up at this stage...Louka just looked at it had a sniff of it and we put it back on him....did the 3 stages of tightening the girth and he was off on his walk...through the stream etc....He doesn't seem to mind anything...When we arrived back Oscar was waiting and whinneying to me- he's becoming quite vocal now- he has the biggest softest eyes of them all now.....Not sure that Maxwell will be ready for the show...may have to take Louka & Sarg- I don't want to put him through too much too soon.....we'll see

Sarg & Gypsy today

2011-02-09T00:54:00.000-08:00

Megan came to day- we put the torsion saddle on Sarg- he was much free er in his movements..there was no resistance at all...Thanks Jackie... What a good boy- I even had a little ride on him today, not bad at all!!!!
I put the barefoot saddle on Gypsy- haven't ridden her properly in ages and she was an absolute gem, didn't put a hoof wrong....I's forgotten just how wonderful she can be.
What a good day- I really enjoyed it.

Hot humid weather -remedy = cooling hose

2011-02-08T02:11:00.000-08:00

Today was just soooo very hot and humid....I decided to groom all the horses - so they all were brushed until they shone but it was so hot that I decided to hose them down...Gypsy was first, then Sarg, then Louka, and now what- Oscar and Maxwell would most likely freak out if I sprayed the hose over them- me thinks. As always they proved me wrong...I put each of them in a yard and sprayed the hose from side to side across the pen....within no time at all Maxwell decided it was pretty good and revelled in cooling himself off...Then it was Oscar's turn- we played a lot of approach & retreat until he was happy that it wouldn't bite him and then he settled into cooling off like a pro. It's started raining tonight so they'll all be muddy tomorrow - I bet they have a really good roll tonight. Oh well it's all good for them and I can hose them off again anyhoooo.
I have started my PNH Connect programme that keeps me progressing with small steps daily and it's brilliant.

Shanae riding Blue & Jodie

2011-01-25T14:49:00.000-08:00

Shanae & Jodie

Shanae & Blue

Today I took Shanae to Lynn's to ride Blue & Jodie there...She had a lot of fun as you can see. It's good to learn to ride on ponies that are used to children....
Thankyou Lynn we really appreciate it.

Getting on with Training

2011-01-25T00:43:00.000-08:00

It was another really hot day today- But great because Shanae was still here and we decided we would do some more training with Maxwell and Oscar.

Oscar being groomed

All the horses have had a really GOOD roll in the mud after the rain, so it was a good excuse to groom them....I really want to work on getting Oscar ready for his first trim...He really needs it...So I have booked the farrier in for Thursday and if it doesn't go well we won't push him...He's fine with me touching and lifting his fronts, and Megan is coming tomorrow to see how we get on with her lifting them...I thibk he'll be ok as long as I'm beside him, but we'll see. I groomed him and Shanae sang and danced for him while the music played...I think he was quite amused- It's been brilliant having the kids around to get them used to other people.
Maxwell is just as cute as a button, He loves being groomed (went to take some photos of Shanae grooming him and the battery went flat so we'll have to take some more). He is also leading on the 12 foot line and following the feel much better now. I am giving it a few more days with the webbing halter on and the short leash attached and then I am going to take it off altogether- He runs to geet us every day now and doesn't have an issue with us putting the halter on & off. I want his feet done- or at least touched and lifted again by the farrier on thursday too...just to keep it going- his feet look pretty good but I want his legs handled again.

Maxwell peeping at Oscar

Shanae blowing Oscar's nose

Shanae decided that things went so well she would like to spend some time grooming Louka as well.We turned on the music again and Louka just loves this - he totally relaxed and Shanae went to work on him,,,Oh how he loves the attention.

Grooming Oscar & Maxwell

2011-01-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Finally I can groom Oscar all over- tail, legs and all. I pulled his mane and forlock today as it hadn't been straightened since I cut the dreadlocks out months ago..He was just so lovely- he has the softest eye now, and he was sleeping while I pulled his mane. I did the all over spray with the vinegar & Rose geranium mix to keep ticks and sandflies at bay. Oscar is such a lovely boy you wouldn't think he only arrived last June. He is about 14hh now and getting bigger by the day- He is more palamino than chestnut now with his summer coat...He's just beautiful- inside and out....Maxwell is such a playful cheeky little chap...he darts around here and there and Gypsy, Louka,Oscar & even Sarg adore him...I think Gypsy keeps her eye on him to male sure he's not pushed around too much by the others and Maxwell just darts out of the way if he needs to anyhow. Today was the first time i could confidently walk straight up to Maxwell, put the leadrope on and start brushing him. He even let me trim his ears and around his jawline...We pulled his mane and forlock and brushed out his tail....He thinks everything is a game- when I went into the barn to get the thinning scissors I came back to find him with a brush in his mouth and a couple of other things on the ground...He'd been investigating. Good BOY!!!!!
Gypsy didn't come in with all the others when I called her tonight, so I went out and she just strolled on in beside me- when I walked she walked when I ran she trotted beside me...Is this Liberty or what???? Sarg has NO ticks now thank goodness...I don't know why but they seem to like to devour him if they can so I have to be pretty diligent in keeping them under control...Louka is gorgeous...so Laid back and relaxed....I am sure he is the reason Oscar is so calm- Uncle Oscar's influence. I love my little herd of 5, they all get on so well....Hope this bad weather heading our way doesn't amount to much.

Hot Days in January 2011

2011-01-13T20:08:00.000-08:00

Nakita and Sarg in the creek

Nakita and Sarg

Today Nakita & I decided to play for a while when it was cooler than 27 Degrees so we waited until after 5.30pm...it was still pretty hot but we got Gypsy into the stall and gave her a good grooming and put Zinc all over her nose (she hates this) but in the end she was well covered and we went out to play....Nakita did all the friendly games with her- and used the carrott stick for some of the games as well...did the bend with one rein brilliantly ( Nakita swears she was giving her a cuddle).Gypsy is sooo good with children- she just melts when they are around.....Not long after we had done this Megan arrived and Nakita helped her saddle Sarg up- when I looked in they had a cap and sunglasses on his head and were just going through the friendly games before he went out to do some serious work....He was great soon settled down and loved the cones on the ground and ridden...went over the jumps- you can see he loves to have fun...Megan and Nakita promised him a swim if he was good...so off they went with Nakita on his back across the paddock then through the stream and back a few times- then up the driveway back to the stall....He was great and Nakita loved BUT was NOT IMPRESSED when he stood on her foot when she took him back to the paddock...No harm done though. Next Maxwell- He is soo good at moving his butt away from us now...he is learning to back up quite well too now and after a lot of Nakita hugs and cuddles, a bit of a brush and Megan lead him back into the paddock. He was lovely didn't realise he was off the lead for ages and followed her back to the gate...Hahaha what a character he is...he's sooooo nosey.

School Holidays

2011-01-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Nakita is here with Zoe for a few days. Maxwell and Oscar are benefiting from the attention. Nakita is helping with Maxwell so that the little ones can be safe around him...So far she was the first one to brush him, and he now turns his butt away from us instead of threatening to kick....He just loves to have him face stroked now as well....We can put the halter on easily and we are hoping to walk him out down the driveway tomorrow.....Zoe has been able to feed him and Oscar, and has learnt how to make up the feed buckets too. Maxwell will come when Zoe and Nakita call him now.

OOOO that tickles Maxwell

Maxwell loves his face being rubbed.

Playday on the hay paddock

2011-01-05T13:55:00.000-08:00

At Last I could set up the hay paddock. Shanae helped me to put the barrells out- road cones...hoola hoops, tarpoulin, & some feed bins that we could use to start the sidepass practise (they are nice & low to the ground) -the large green ball which kept being blown into the fence by the wind...the float was in there as well for floating practise.
I took Gypsy in and we ARE improving with the weaving and circling now. Shanae joined in too and was absolutely in LOVE with Buzz. Thankyou Hana for letting Shanae share in the lessons...It was great to see her out there with these 2 horses and learning the PNH way.
The carrot stick throwing exercises are grteat for co ordination- Shanae has mastered it now- she practised up until she went to bed...and also taught Mae (dog) to jump through the hula hoop. It was a bit exhausting in this heat but it was fantastic to be out there doing it again.

Louka & Nakita & Shanae

2010-12-27T15:48:00.000-08:00

DO you like the hat

Well today I had a BFO moment... It's all about micromanaging...Here I was doing all the things I have to do- like shift the electrics etc while they were feeding the horses...All I asked them to do was to put the horses into separate yards to feed them- I like to feed them and then do a little learning/teaching with them all individually. I came back from the chores I had set myself and here was Nakita & Shanae with Louka in the stall...they had groomed him- his mane & tail were brushed out beautifully and he was wearing one of their cowboy hats- they were climbing all over him while he revelled in the attention. I felt at that moment I hadf actually learnt yet another lesson- Not only do I need to stop micromanaging the horses - but also with the children.Once they know the basic rules and can set things up for being safe - they are so impulsive and instinctual themselves the horses seem to tune in to that and are as gentle and caring as the children are...it was watching love in action.

Ahhh finished- Louka says thankyou Shanae(left) & Nakita (Right) Louka

Maxwell Marx has arrived

2010-12-15T22:58:00.000-08:00

Late last night- 15th December 2010- finally 8.30pm the truck arrived with our new bundle of joy...MAXWELL.

Hi my name is Maxwell

He travelled down from Bulls- rather a long way for one little chap in one day, but in true kai fashion he handled it brilliantly.....He had Louka waiting in the next pen, and lots of hay and water to tide him over for the night. So we left him to settle in. Louka (bless him) was right beside him on the other side of the fence, and that's where he stayed all night. He'll be a great support uncle to him.
This morning I was down there early to check on him and he had eaten ALL the hay and he looked as though he was ready to check out the small paddock and stall with Louka so after I fed them I let him out into the paddock with Louka. They were instant pals...Louka is just soooo laid back that he said Hiya lets explore and off they went....soooo cute.

Out in the Paddock with my little herd.

2010-12-13T12:11:00.000-08:00

I put Gypsy and Sarg out with Louka and Oscar to see how things were once they were all together- they all just started eating......But the next morning Sarg was the other side of the tape....wanting to get back to the others...I think Gypsy must have pushed him over there , as when I put him back into the paddock with them Sarg was relentless in chasing Oscar around the paddock....Boy he is bossy- but I decided to leave it for a while until they worked out their pecking order....Louka doesn't have an issue but Sarg continued to chase Oscar...Gypsy would come and stand beside me and when enough was enough she would go over and tekk Sarg in no uncertain terms TO BEHAVE HIMSELF or she would make sure that he was the other side of the fence again, so I decieded to leave them out again last night.....I am about to go down again to see how they fared....wish me - or them luck.

Arani has gone to his new home at Lynn's

2010-12-13T12:06:00.000-08:00

Wow what a star...David came 3 times and on the 3rd lesson Arani just went onto the float as if he didn't have a care in the world. Just shows what happens when an expert handles the training when it's crucial in making sure no trauma happens in the transition from our place to Lynn's....Lynn had faithfully every day come and walked him up and down the driveway, backing him and bringing him forward. Circling him moving him sideways, taking him past things & through gaps that we thought may be an issue. Lynn's calm assurance was enough for Arani- and Danny (Arani's paddock mate and pal from Lynn's place) has always been on hand too...He has come in the float and been yarded with Arani while Lynn went through a few exercises and they hit it off straight away, so he has a friend there already....When they drove off on the float- there was no excitement and when he arrived at Lynn's he just put his head down and started eating....no trauma at all- Thanks David- this horse was the most traumatised of the whole muster originally and all the love and attention he has had since has been fantastic for him.....He couldn't have gone to a better home. To top it off Lynn's grandaughter is there for this week and she is the girl that has been working with him in the weekends etc and she will be working with him everyday for this week and off and on over the holidays...What a lucky horse....Well done Arani you beautiful boy.

Playday with Hana & Gaylene

2010-12-09T01:36:00.000-08:00

David came today to prepare Arani for floating to Lynn's house...He was very happy to stand in the float today- then David backs him off and takes him for a walk around as a reward and to take his mind off the float- It not about the float.....He walked him on again - right inside -and then backed him off- Arani was a calm as a cucumber - then he took him for a lovely stroll again..and left it there...He'll come back again soon & if Arani is ready take him to Lynn's - if he's not - he'll keep it up until he is ready....Then Hana, Buzz, Dottie & Eddie came over- also Gaylene and Sparky- we all went down to Ethel...Buzz was at Liberty and the rest of us Me & Gypsy & Mae all just did what we needed to do to progress with our horses....I finally got a good circle (Slowly) both ways- and I remembered to stop there while it was good. Usually I want to keep doing that- just because we've got it right...But now I know I must stop the minute it is correct -so we did some figure 8's -gr8 going left but not to the right- my drive still not that gr8 with that right arm- but getting better...then once we had it right I stopped...then on to sidestepping along a log- Brilliant...Played the hide the hiney- excellent- then really just chilled....Sparky put his nose on Ethel today- gr8 he didn't want to last time- and Hana and Buzz were doing amazing liberty- I wish I could do this all day every day- we let them spend a bit of time in the stream- and I'm sure they all loved it- I did

Making some Progress now

2010-12-03T00:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning I played with Oscar and Louka and decided this was the perfect life...then went and did some gardening- although you can hardl;y see where I've been...then in the afternoon I thought I'd put some of the things Jackie taught us at the clinic into action....Gypsy and I were good today- really in tune...I kept my energy down and facing away from her until I needed to use it, and what a brilliant performance we had - I put the 22foot line on her and we were doing CORRECT figure 8's and weaving between the cone...slowly then at the trot- I've got the hang of it at last...Her circles are good and she can maintain gait- we were circling around the barrells and squeezing & sidestepping in and out between the fence and the barrels- then the best part for me was when Gypsy sidestepped over the barrells with her front & back legs either side...WOW what a star...I kept everything very slow and we both enjoyed ourselves and it was interesting play for Gypsy- you could tell she was sooo much happier.....Sarg was in with us and wanting to be in on everything as well....so we did some of the games with Sarg as well, and much to my surprise he wasn't quite as sure on the 22foot line..but he soon got the hang of it, and then all of a sudden he took off with the rope following him and he galloped around the paddock 2 or 3 times before he came over to me and stopped to rest on my shoulder....I have never seen him frightened before- but he kept his head and once he could manage it he stopped and came over to me for reassurance and relaxation....that was nice - we did some more friendly & yoyoing and circles and then left it there. What an amazing day...Love it!!!! Went to study group that night- a whole day horsing- BRILLIANT!!!!

What an eventful few days

2010-12-01T21:25:00.000-08:00

Phew am I glad this weeks over and done with. We had quite an exciting time with Arani, Oscar and Louka this week....we decided to put the float a teensie weencie bit inside the larger pen so that Arani could get used to it and hopefully trot on and off the ramp etc...Good plan NOT!!!! He is an LB introvert and he went into his little own space place and then all of a sudden lept up and over the fence...Oscar was right behind him and then Louka- Arani tumbled and rolled Oscar went over the top of him and Louka had no where to go and he got both back feet caught in the wire on the fence- BUT I don't know how he did it he sort of hauled both back feet up at once and the came clear immediately- Hallelujah and thankyou God- they were all fine- Louka had 2 scratches and that was all- Oscar had a nick and Arani was fine not a scratch on him.Phew BUT he was a bit sore the next day....While Louka and Oscar were back to their normal selves in a matter of minutes- it took Arani quite a while to get over it...and I presume in his memory somewhere there is a thought still from the muster and coming in a float...We put just a little too much pressure on him and rather than be rew active about it he goes lalalala and pretends nothings affecting him until he can't handle it anymore so he blows...Megan went straight in and sat beside him until he settled- while Oscar and Louka just ate grass..They are both LBE- they were over it in a jiffy...Just goes to show how they react so differently. We got David to come today and do a lesson with him...It's not about the float!!! We watched as he walked him around the farm with a bum rope on took him on a lovely jaunt- did some yoyoing, circles etc and then showed him the ramp- Much to everyone's surprise Arani looked at it for a while and then stuck his nose on the ramp,, and after a little while he put both his front feet on it...all of his own accord....David praised him and let him relax there and is coming back on Monday...Lynn;s job is to take him on lovely walks around the farm until then. I'll keep you posted.

PNH Clinic @ Waerenga

2010-11-22T22:41:00.000-08:00

Wow what an inspirational & motivational 3+ days. I was sooo tired from not being fit enough physically and mentally...Didn't realise that I had lost so much of all that in 2 years...But not to worry I will be back to peak after some serious exercise and practise....The girls at 3 & 4 were awsome and it helps to know where I am headed. I had a bit of an issue with too much energy directed at Gypsy but I can work on that and my co ordination..It will take a lot of committment and practise but I know I can do it and get a really great partnership going with Gypsy. She is a LB extrovert which I love- so tolerant, but very cheeky and at times very naughty when I don't get it right...BUT when I DO she is amazing...must remember to point that BB away from her when I am not making contact or bringing my energy down....I tend to over focus things and therefore it can get very intense...so glad she isn't a RB or we would be in trouble...But we learnt heaps and I did finally get my patterns going in the end and I can make it a lot more fun for her as well....When Jackie showed me how to do circling to make it more interesting for her- she looked BEEEautiful- she held her tail high like an arab, name flowing and she piaffed around the circle- amazing what can happen when the person directing them knows what they are doing...and Gypsy LOVED it she showed off as she has never done before. Love it love it love it....when I put her on the float to go to the clinic she went on beautifully and stood while I went and put the bar then the back up- then I went to the front and tied her- she travelled very well and came off the other end fantastically...BUT when I went to float her home to my horror she was a slug and didn't want to go on- I just didn't have any energy left so Jane thankfully put her on for me. Thankyou Jane & Wendy for organising the clinic, Jackie for being the most amazing instructor, Janette for sharing your fabulous tent with me & everyone else for motivation, inspiration and support- this all made for a great 3 days- thankyou

Jackie and Gypsy

The Clevedon A & P Show 14 Nov 2010

2010-11-14T15:58:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sure how Sarg and Louka would perform at the show as Sarg hasn't been to one for over a year and this was Louka's first time. We had done all the grooming etc the day before and I put them into the stall with their show rugs on overnight. The next morning I was up early and Michelle and Hannah met me down at the barn at 7 o'clock.
The boys looked great still- just a little bit of mucking out and we were off by 7.45am to get a good parking site by the show ring. Megan text us to let us know that the ring had been moved and she had saved us a great spot....we thought we were going to be on at 9am...but NO we were on at 1pm- Lonnnnnnnnnng wait...

But these 2 boys were wonderful- they were very interested in all the goings on around the show-especially Sarg..Louka's eyes said it all when he saw little tiny JACK the mini mini horse..what a character. Hannah, Michelle and Megan and Margo Megan's Mum were fantastic keeping the boys interested In the goings on...and finally at 2pm we were on. Louka won a 1st (only one in his age class), and 2x 3rd's...I felt he did so well in the other classes as he is only 3 years old and he just took it all in his stride...Just coming to the show- travelling beautifully-going on and off the float so easily, being here with all the noises and tents etc would have won him a red ribbon in my eyes anyway, so to think that he'd won 2 x 3rds ( best paced and Mannered and Best Handler)- well done Hannah- as well (there were 8 horses in all) was so fantastic to me. Sarg as always is just soo nosey- interested in everything going on around him - but calm all the same- He won 2nd in his age class (4 in this class) didn't do as well as he could have in the ridden classes - but that is all good experience for him too- He is a lot more excitable than Louka- and all the things in ridden classes he can do at home standing on his head- cheeky monkey- but he had good fun and that's all that matters- Thankyou Megan and thankyou Michelle- I just appreciated you all being there and doin it. Love you all (horses included) to bits. It's Gypsy's turn this week- we are off to the PNH clinic non thursday- woo hoo

Looks like we are off

He's look'n at me-

Keep it all together Louka

Louka -1st- I won I won _oooh I was the only
ONE hee hee

Louka -3rd for Best Paced and Mannered (from 8 )
and I also got a 3rd for best handler
- thankyou Hannah

Sarg & Megan's turn- nice and casual now

I got a 2nd - 4 horses in this class

We all had a brilliant day

Float training is complete

2010-11-10T00:21:00.000-08:00

Wahooo what a brilliant day we had today. I firstly scrubbed and washed Gypsy and Sarg- Gypsy absolutely gleams after a good bath...She has that beautiful black shiny coat and looka a million dollars, you can almost see yourself in her coat...a picture of health...Sarg isn't as glossy - a totally different type of coat- bit more fluffy- chocolate brown...He looks so adorable with his white socks shining out with no mud attached.
Louka was a dream through the 7games- not all perfected properly yet but we are making huge inroads into it all- got 3 steps both ways to the sideways game today- then we practised on "It's not about the float"...We went down over the stream and practised walk and trot for showing on Sunday..Hope he goes this well at the actual show!!! He was a star...Sarg and Louka both together look'n good....then we got the float and put Sarg on- He loves the float (Hasn't been on for about 8 months and he just went on and stood there while we yoyo'd Louka 2 steps forward and then back- He would've gone straight on I think- but I decided to just ease him on anyway...back and forth with lots of rest in the float- He was sooo relaxed - then we put the back bar up- wiggled everything that could be wiggled -then undid it all again (about 3 times back & forth with yoyo ing allowing him to rest in a comfortable place) then put him on again and did the bar and the back of the float up (repeated this 3 - 4 times ) and then we drove down the drive. They were great. Took them off- no hassle here either (did it 3-4 times again) and then it was into the roundpen for Louka to play with the ball and barrell...while Sarg stood groundtied- put their covers on to keep their coats as clean as possible- then back to the paddock and a feed....they were just amazing- long may it last

Louka's preening

2010-11-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

We washed and scrubbed and played with the hose again today. Louka just loves to squirt the hose into his mouth...He is gleaming now- we have straightened his mane and tail...trimmed his hairy ears, brushed and combed all the while doing the PNH games- I am using them wherever possible now. Right from when I go to get him from the paddock- he is always waiting for me now and comes straight up to get his halter on. Although I always make a big thing of playing a little before putting the halter on AND TODAY I didn't have to put the halter on I just mirrored his steps for a while around the paddock- using my arms to mirror his front legs and my legs to mirror the back legs. When he stops I stop when he goes (front legs) I move my arms to match- my legs to match his back legs- he even backs up doing this....Thought I'd try sideways next time and see what happens then...When we trot I must look ridiculous to the neighbours..I start using my arms like a steam train- chug along and then he comes along side me trotting to the same beat...it's great. I knew I could do this in the roundpen- but to get him to do it in the paddock is fantastic.....I am off to have a sleep now- better get rid of this cold before the A & P show and the PNH the following week.

Louka's progress

2010-11-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

I just love working with Louka- he is such a calm dude. He is backing up beautifully and coming forward so easily with just the lightest touch. His porcupine F end is coming on but needs more work to get it to be lighter- in a graph of 1 - 4 he is about a 3. Moving his hindquarters is wonderful- just a look is enough- circling is getting better but we could go up a cog with more effort now. Driving is great- swinging the rope or carrot stick & string- great- putting the rope over the rump and stepping away takinbg him with me- great. Squeeze me is wonderful. Sideways is getting there one step at a time.
I reluctantly put his light cover back on today to help rub the old winter coat off- it's nearly there but not all has gone yet...hairy little beast- although he's not as hairy as Sarg and Oscar. Oscar is still hangin onto his foal winter coat and Sarg as always takes a lot longer to lose his-so his cover is back on too....I wouldn't bother except for the show- otherwise they look fantastic. Arani has that fine glossy copper coat that always looks as though it has a beautiful sheen to it...bit like Gypsy except she's black....Love it love it love it.

pic's of Oscar and Arani

2010-11-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

Lynn and Arani are coming on so well now- I thought I'd better get that camera down there and take a good photo of them together for my records.

Arani in front Oscar at the back. Look how much Oscar has grown- he is actually taller than Arani now- very much in the gangly stage and almost a Palamino coulour- although I am not sure if that's because Arani is such a rich coppery colour.

Louka's training has started in ernest now

2010-11-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

I don't usually like the competitive thing of showing - but it does give people a look at what a Kaimanawa can do, and how amazing they look when they have a little TLC. Maybe more people will take them on if they see for themselves.
I have entered Louka into the A & P Show (in Hand only) so it's a step up from what he has been doing....I have pulled his mane so that it's still long but straighter- I hope the judge doesn't mark us down this year because we haven't platted. I must check the rules ( I am sure the kai's are meant to have no plattingI have been daily now going through all the friendly games in preparation for the big day. I don't mean just boringly going through them- we have been using them whenever and wherever we can....the only thing we seem to have an issue with is the sideways..and yesterday we got 2 steps either way so that was great. I have been yoyoing him back and forth into the new barn- this is good because it's made from coloursteel and that creaks and groans in the sun- (relate that to being a bit like a float with all the noises they make). Anyway we have got off to a very good start- have done lots of smaller ateps up until this point and he is very calm about everything.
Megan has been getting Sarg ready- he will go into the riding classes as well as the in hand classes- and it will be interesting to see if that goes well..he's a LBE more on the play pranks on you side- but if we keep his interest going and he is very well behaved.
I hadn't entered him in the Pony club classes or trot canter jump class- but I am going to if possible now- he is brilliant here....so no reason why he shouldn't be on the day. Here's hoping.

Louka Arani and Oscar are in the new pen now.

2010-11-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

It was a bit of a mission for these 3 to go down the new race and into the yards, but they eventually realised what we wanted and in they went...The approach and retreat method again...they went into the race- came out -went in came out- about 3 or 4 times, then once they were satisfied..interestingly enough it was Arani that went first...I think the grass in the race was just too much for greedy old Louka, but non the less they went in. I have taped off grass behind the barn so that they can easily be brought in and out for training....Lynn is seriously training Arani now- we need to float him down to her place, so he is doind a lot of the yoyo game- squeeze me and circling game in readiness for floating....Today I started on Louka as well - as he will need to be floated to the A & P Show in a couple of weeks with Sarg- he has been on the float before but not much so he will need a lot of exposure to it too. I shampoo'd him (my Gosh he's a good look'n chap)- and went through all 7 games with him...He was great- especially as we haven't done an awful lot with him recently. He sure loves the hose...investigates everything brushes, buckets even the nozzle while the hose is on- even when it squirts up his nose he doesn't really mind......He will go into the roundpen tomorrow and I'll do a lot more with him. Can't wait to get that far with Oscar as well.

Wash Days

2010-11-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

I have been soooo busy with all sorts of non horsey things that I was really starting to get quite panicky...But yesterday finally the day came where no other catastrophe eventuated and I could finally get to do some things with all the horses (well 3 of them actually)!!! I took one look at Gypsy and Sarg and thought "Oh well I can do most of the tasks while doing the shampooing etc" so off we went to the wash down bay....I decided that Sarg could walk or whatever he liked down the driveway when I lead Gypsy at liberty, so I shut the gates and off we went....I lead Gypsy and opened the gate to the small paddock in front of the barn, and NO Sarg had decided that the grass was far too yummy to come straight down, so we wandered on in to the yards, and I settled Gypsy in with a bit of hay. He still hadn't arrived so I went into the middle of the paddock and called- Sarg was merrily eating long grass down by the bridge, but when I called he trotted on down the drive and into the yards..We then commenced to wash all the diret and grime from their coats....I always dp PNH when I move the horses whether it is washing them or any other thing I do with them...anything they aren't happy about it's approach and retreat until they are ok with it. Both felt so much better once they'd had their bath...I left them there to dry off in the lovely sunshine...they looked quite a picture - gleaming in the sun.

A bucketful of winter/ foal coat

2010-10-25T23:51:00.000-07:00

Today was the best day ever...I played with Gypsy just generally being with her and doing figure 8's - put my saddle on her- thought I'd better get her used to it before mid NOVEMBER!!! Groomed Louka- what a handsome boy he is now...Sarg was his usual character self..LBE...always have to think of new things for him, he's so inquisitive and wanting to play..He really is good fun. Then I went on and put the halter onto Oscar...still takes a while but he doesn't mind in the slightest once I touch him...but I still take a lot of time to do anything with him. I just love to be with him. I put Louka and Arani into the yardsand then went out into the paddock and mirrored his movement, my arms being the front feet and my legs the backs (and yes I am still standing- I don't go down on all 4's hahahaha) We move together right arm to his right front- in no time at all we were trotting in the paddock and we trotted all the way into the yards like that...Such fun...then I put the halter on and brushed him all overeven his legs and under his belly. I got a whole bucketful of hair- my gosh what a lovely looking boy he will be- bit gangly now but he'll grow into his body- he's only 2years old. I must take my camera next time- keep forgetting it. It's so nice to spend some time outside in that beautiful sunshine- can't wait till tomorrow.

Being in he wrong frame of mind

2010-10-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

Well horses can really teach us a thing or 2....I was wanting to put the halter & leadrope on Oscar today and he didn't want a bar of it today....We had to go right back to basics again..My Lesson PATIENCE as always!!! Once I had gone right through the whole procedure again and done all the steps from when he first came ( albeit that it was quicker than months of teaching/learning by both of us) only then did we get to put the halter on....and then it was without a hiccup.....the reason for the time it took- was I didn't take the time this time as I wanted to get on to the next stage. Oscar was teaching me that I must have the patience and take the time it takes to get it right.....It took me twice as long as it would have if I had just done that in the first place...Reinforced learning curve.

Another option

2010-10-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

Dennis has put electrics onto the fence behind the new barn- Yay I can now put another fence up and the horses can go in and out as they please. Sarg and Gypsy are first in -they just love this spot- it's so central to everything coming and going. Even the calves stayed right beside the digger while he was digging the trench for the cable...seems everyone here is desensitised to all the heavy machinery....Think Louka Oscar and Arani can go in there for a while- then it will be easy to do the float training with Arani...we can back the float right into the yard and feed him in there for a while- but he needs to perfect the yoyo game first....that won't take him long as he's very quick to learn anything new.

The worm count results are back

2010-10-16T01:12:00.000-07:00

Woooohoo I have had the worm count results back and Louka, Oscar and Arani are clear....Sarg & Gypsy hadn't been drenched when I did these boys the last time, and they had a reading-it was low but I have drenched them again today to ensure they don't suffer unnecessarily. I feel it is pretty important to know that we are on top of things....Our vets had a special on the worm count test this month- so that was really convenient, and half the price. Lynn is back and this morning come to see Arani and he was just lovely, he hadn't forgotten anything and he was pretty relaxed, so that was great. Other than that I haven't done too much. Sarg and Gypsy are back in the new yards- The calves have finished with it now and are out on grass, so Dennis cleaned it all out and we put Sarg & Gypsy in...they love it in there...can come & go as they please. They stand in the barn to keep either sun or rain off them when they want to- it's great. Dennis & I planted 18 BIG trees today- Oh how glad am I that he has a digger & Bobcat- they are all in- Yay.

Oscar going naked

2010-10-14T02:04:00.000-07:00

Woooohooo Oscar is now au naturale- yay he has his halter off and we have graduated to being able to put the string halter and leadrope on and off, so he doesn't need to wear one in the paddock anymore. "It's not about the halter".We spent a lot of time over the past few days just making sure he doesn't mind being rubbed all over with the string halter- then me being able to reach up and over his neck and dangle the halter tie on the other side of his neck, gently and soothingly stroking him with it....then I graduated to tying it loosley then off again on again off again off again until he was completely settled with me putting it over his nose etc...he loves his head being rubbed and stroked...and we must've done this 20 times or more, and he is completely fine with it now..here's hoping he still will be tomorrow. He is following the feel with the leadrope really well and backing up beautifully and coming forward much better ...playing the yoyo game was quite unbalanced before he would back up well but coming forward could be an issue sometimes, but now he comes right up to me and blow on my hair.
I haven't quite got Arani's halter off yet...I think Lynn should do that when she's back from holidays, I don't want to do too much, as she wants to learn the steps too. Gaylene came and used the roundpen today with Sparky- he went really well- he's only 2, so days out are great-especially on his own. Had the WOF done on my float today...getting ready for November with my 3 days at a PNH Clinic. Can't wait...me and Gypsy will really enjoy 3 whole days to ourselves.
Megan took Sarg out over the farm and next door tonight..When he started out he was a bit fresh, but settled down and they enjoyed it...Michelle met up with them which was lovely- Sugar is such a calming influence, and both are good company. Louka has had a good brush down today...He is such a pretty boy -gleams in the sun. Must get some photos now that it's sunny.

Over the rail we go

2010-10-11T00:46:00.000-07:00

Well I know Arani can jump!!!! It was extremely windy today- gust were blowing across the flats at a great rate of speed....Arani, Oscar and Louka were all in the paddock in front of the barn when the wind picked up the very large green ball and swept it along the driveway and towards the 3 of them...Quite interesting really.. Louka and Oscar took off back to the yards and stall but Arani flew across the paddock and over the rail- clipping and knocking it off as he went....Thankfully he didn't hurt himself....BUT HE CAN JUMP!!!!...I put a bit of tape acroos the missing board (unitl Dennis could fix it) and then brought him back to the others again....He looks amazing at the moment....and he wasn't a problem to bring back in- so that was good.....It's funny how they don't dwell on things like us humans- he just went back into the paddock to join his mates without looking back- the problem was over and that was that.

Look'n Good

2010-10-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Both Oscar and Arani are looking really good today..Arani is now walking normally and Oscar has from when he first woke up...Yay can't believe they are both gelded now...that'll just make things so much easier once the hormone levels have vanished. I opened the bigger paddock today so that they were able to move quite a bit - when I walked out there I stayed with them for a while and Oscar just stayed quite close to me - Arani just kept on munching grass.I will be able to put them altogether again soon. Louka is still getting bossed about by Sarg, but he is just so calm- he just walks off and is not confrontational at all....and if Sarg gets too bossy Gypsy just glares at him and he stops straight away....She is always the BOSS at the end of the day and she isn't nasty about it, just glares and if they don't move or stop the rucus she moves in between them....I love to watch the dynamics in the paddock....very interesting!!!!!

Arani and Oscar were gelded today

2010-10-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

Woooo hooo at last- we now have geldings....The Vet aged Arani at about 4 years old-took out a wolf tooth that was annoying him as well. I feel we and especially Lynn and Nikita have done extremely well to get them to the stage they are at....I am really glad we didn't know how old he was when we started working and learning with them...I suspected he was at least a year older than Oscar - but not 2 years older....He is quite a lovely chap and when the vet came to inject them Megan helped to keep him calm and then walked him out to the paddock. Lynn is on her holidays, so it was a great time to get him done...She'll be pleased to return to a gelding, and then just another 2 weeks float training and he can go off to her place and join her happy herd....
Oscar - my baby was great too- he popped up after the drugs had worn off as if he'd just been asleep for a while..Vet aged him at 2 years old. They both did brilliantly- so they will have a well deserved rest for the next few days. I put Louka back with Gypsy and Sarg so that Arani & Oscar can just convalesce on their own for a while...Sarg chased Louka around for a while making sure he knew who was in charge...actually it's not him- he wants to be but Gypsy just pulls an ugly face at them and they both behave again...Great to see them all playing out in the sunshine. Long may it last.

They broke through the tape today

2010-10-04T01:21:00.000-07:00

I looked out this morning and Louka, Arani and Oscar were all out on beautiful lush green grass...I decided to leave them there for a couple of hours seen as how they went to such lengths to get there in the first place...and besides Arani and Oscar are being gelded tomorrow, so I thought they could enjoy a treat. Tonight I spent about 3/4 of an hour with Oscar- I put his leadrope on and off..and then brushed him down- got a bucketful of hair off him...He just loved it...he is a light chestnut...Arani is a cooper coulour and Louka now looks almost a dark dun colour and almost liver/chocolate coloured on his face and legs...He has those lovely white sox on all four feet and now the chocolate spots on his feet show up as well...Hope it all goes well for them/us tomorrow.

Enjoying the sunshine

2010-09-29T02:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today we have all been absolutey soaking up the sunshine...Unfortunately so has the grass....spring is HERE!!! The horses are all feeling the joys of it....Really need to get the boys gelded very soon....Hopefully after the weekend it will stay fine and we may be able to get it done on tuesday...fingers crossed...I want a few nice days PLEASE GOD. Oscar is really doing well now. Everything is still slow as she goes, but we can now get the rope over his back and swing the carrott stick around him without feeling threatened...I brought them back into the yards tonight- think they'd had enough grass today..you sure can tell when the grass has a punch to it...Sarg and Gypsy are now back in the haybarn paddock....I found Sarg standing with his cover right over his head yesterday morning...somehow he had managed to take most of it off and here he was standing underneath the cover with it attached by the neck straps...Thankfully now damage to Sarg and the cover will now become a summer one as he has taken all the winter courtelle out from the lining - otherwise it's fully intact...I wish he had just mentioned that he was getting a bit warm instead of going to all that trouble.
The calves will go out onto grass within 2 weeks so I can have my new yard and barn back. Louka has been such a great role model for these Kai's I really can't praise him enough for the calm manner in which he has trained them...He looks quite big and solid beside them now.
I am quite keen to start the PNH playdays again - so hopefully everyone will be able to make it on a thursday.

We are really over this wind

2010-09-21T03:39:00.000-07:00

Today Louka Oscar and Arani were loose again. The wind is so strong across the flats (5 acre paddock) that it snapped off some of the electric tape standards- broke clean off where the shaft attaches to the foot or bit you press into the ground....The electric tape then flies up in the air with a twirling pigtail standard attached to it...My Gosh talk about desensitising- this has to be the ultimate.....Here the 3 of them were with the tape billowing in the wind -crackling everytime it hit the ground. Lynn arrived and helped to get them back again...It really isn't too bad...Louka actually walked back into the yards, but when Arani and Oscar took a while to come back as well- he decided he may as well have a bit of a hoon, so he came back out. Thankfully Arani and Oscar went back in with a bit of prompting and then Louka followed me in....it is such a mission in the wind...not easy to deal with at all....can be rather frustrating...BUT that's horses and some of the things that can just CROP UP WHEN YOU REALLY JUST WANT TO BE INSIDE READING A BOOK!! Hahaha not today Hose'. Alisha and I did a lot of gardening today trimming and raking leaves etc...look'n good!!! then we went and groomed Louka...He is a lovely rich soft chocolatey colour with a light underbelly now..He is a very striking chap, and just soooo laid back- I have kept them in the yards tonight- maybe he'll stay clean. Oh how I wish. Sarg and Gypsy are still down by the creek- it hasn't rained much and that silty soil is so good for their feet at this time of the year...Dennis put new sawdust into the calf pens, so we are looking pretty spiffing at the moment...EXCEPT FOR ALL THE MUD but I am ignoring that for the moment- it's too depressing acknowledging it. Hee hee

Take the time to take the time

2010-09-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

Well I am just so thrilled today...Oscar let me take to his mane with the scissors...I didn't want to use them really but there were 9 dreadlocks in his mane and they were getting bigger by the day...so all that work that we went through over many previous days introducing a huge assortment of things including the scissors has paid off...He let me today cut them out- he stood still very calmly- shows huge trust to me now....I have been clipping and unclipping the long leadrope on and off all the time now as well as I want to be able to do a whole lot more with him very soon...we practise some of the 7 games daily now....I drenched them all too today, so here's hoping they are clear now. Haven't really had many worms from this lot...so they must've got a good drench when they were first mustered. Good work everyone!!!! Louka was so good he stood beside Oscar at the beginning almost took over the lesson himself....Hahaha he's such a breeze. I trimmed his forlock just so that he felt important.hee hee. Arani watched with great interest especially when I was doing Louka- you could almost see him thinking what's that human doing she's all over Louka and he's loving it.... He doesn't mind you brushing and grooming either so we are achieving quite a bit now.

Moved Louka, Arani and Oscar to new diggs today

2010-09-14T03:52:00.000-07:00

We had a bit of wind and sun- PErfect for drying out the paddocks...Oh God how I want it to dry up. Gypsy & Sarg were in the small haybarn paddoc and I moved them to across the stream Yay Weather forecast says showers not a deluge) so I can leave them there tonight as well...Boy were they pleased to go there. Louka, Oscar and Arani have had to learn to go out onto the flats through the narrow gateway at the other end of the yards,,,Nice grass there- (Was hoping to get them gelded if the weather was fine) but NO still raining tonight.Bahhhh....I had been saving that paddock for there convalessing- to bad have to get them out of the mud...and give the smaller paddock a good rest- maybe the grass will grow back through the mud- here's hoping. They were really funny when I brought them back into the yards tonight...Louka strolled on in- he knows the routine....then I had to drive Arani and Oscar in - took a little while as they wanted to go the same old way they have been forever- so I had to convince them it was a GREAT IDEA to go in through the narrow gateway at the other end. Arani wasn't going to have a bar of it. So in the end I walked beside Oscar and he just strolled in- then Arani did a few loops of the paddock and decided he just maybe able to as well..He snorted and hissed and carried on, no pressure Arani- then once he felt comfortable with the idea he quietly went on in too.....This was a biggey for me- getting the 3 of them in from a huge paddock into a narrow little gateway without putting too much pressure on them, but all in all I was very pleased with our efforts and all was quiet on the western front. They settled in to the yards again for the night as they usually do. Once they have got used to coming into the yards this end I'll give them the choice - the narrow gateway will be left open for them to come and go as they please....I did that from the other paddock and they came in usually at nighttime through their own choice.

Oscar excelled today

2010-09-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

This morning I went out to bring Oscar into the yards. Usually I drive him in- walking behind him just to the right of him and this morning he was trying to tell me something.Once I twigged it was "you can lead me in if you like- or we can do all the exercises out here in the big paddock if you like". So that's what we did...I walked up to him put the leadrope on stroked his mane and forlock and lightly brought his head around while doing the mother-in-law look at his hindquarters and we turned around and walked into the yards together.I was right- this little chap really talks to you...We got into the yards and he had his feed then walked over to me and put his nose so close to my head then slowly lowered his head to smell my nose. I decided to do what horses do to touch noses and then gently blow into his nostrils...he then yawned right in my face - I could see his tonsils- How amazing!!!! He always yawns and then puts his head down onto my shoulder. His eyes are just so soft when he relaxes- he's just beautiful. I managed to brush some of his mane again and remove sticks and hay, but he's still not too keen on me cutting the dreadlocks out, so I decided to just let that wait. It's quite amazing how he is so willing to let me do things with him now...when we had finished I walked him back out to the paddock on a very loose leadrope..He is as light as a feather- he backs up beautifully, comes forward beautifully- he even stepped sideways for me today- (not sure if that was a fluke or not Hee hee). But huge progress- hopefully I can do it all again tomorrow cause sometimes I come back the next day and it doesn't go as well. Someone's got to take some photos of us as soon as the rain stops.

Lynn brushes Arani

2010-09-09T03:37:00.000-07:00

I don't think my new phone takes the most flattering photo's but yesterday while Lynn was brushing Arani it was such a humungus occassion for us and I didn't have my camera with me- and it WAS WET AGAIN- that I just had to take the pics on my phone.

Arani in heaven- he just Loves grooming

I didn't get any photos of me and Oscar doing the same thing as I'm always on the other end of the camera- but I will soon. Oscar lets me stroke his neck, pull out the dreadlocks-but there is a long way to go with them...I can brush him as far as the forlock to the tail- but not under his belly yet, or I can't go past his back leg flank, other than that he's pretty cool about brushing...so neat to be able to touch him properly. I am sure when this rain subsides (stream went over the top again today)I will be able to get a lot more photos to add. I am sure people think we are the loops of the neighbourhood because we get very excited about the tinyest progress.

Getting better and better

2010-09-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

Haven't done anything with Oscar for a few days again..Have had visitors and then Father's day, so all I had time for was feeding horses, calves and humans.heehee.
Today Oscar didn't walk straight up to me..almost as though he was saying - well if you showed up for our lesson EVERY DAY I'd be a bit more motivated!!!! But after some coaxing he was soon back to his old self.I managed to brush him today- took a while but I was able to do his back- above the tail and along his neck...He loved me scratching around his ears with my hand too- but he wouldn't let me do too much with the dreadlocks...that'll come..He is still pretty light on the halter, Oscar yawns and relaxes right beside me now so I am really pleased- just have to remember it's litle steps make huge inroads. Arani is now letting Lynn stroke him and he LOVED the brushing too- in fact I think he almost went to sleep while that was happening. At the start of the session today he kept turning his bottom in towards her, but once we figured out that it was actually what he was being asked, he stopped immediately once the ask was done properly...He really loves these sessions too. We have learned so much with these two. Can't wait to get on to more sessions now.

Getting up Close and cuddly

2010-09-01T02:43:00.000-07:00

Wahoooo- Yesterday and today I have been able to stroke Oscar's mane and neck and get up close and cuddly. Today he was there waiting to go into the yard for a bit of ME time!!! He revels in the touching - think Del was right he was gagging for it...but I am sooo glad that I waited for it to be his idea, as the bond is well and truely there now...brought a big lump to my throat to see this horse give me so much trust...I bet he's thinking the same thing..I can almost hear him" My God she trusts me at last"...He lets me into that personal bubble willingly now....I feel so priviledged..thanx Oscar!!!
Del did the same thing with Arani- to help him along a bit too....He is a lovely fellow, does things quite differently to Oscar, he was such a gentleman- and not a bad mover either- he loved the touching too. I went and bought those hula hoops (5) today as well...Sarg found them absolutely fascinating...he chewed them, had the whole 5 hanging around his neck and he would stand in them one foot at a time- all four feet in them and then again with just his back feet in there- Don't think I'll have an issue here....He is such a card, he doesn't find much scarey he is just sooo inquisitive when it comes to anything new- think he'll be a great games pony- Megan and I were throwing the coloured poles over his back to one another today, then under his belly -rolled them all over him- he just thought this was something so interestingly new- I wish they were all like this- he makes things look so easy- Louka was watching all of this from the stall- I don't think it will bother him either...Gypsy might be a bit different- We'll see.... I am going to set up a confidence course for me (and anyone else who wants to join it) around the farm as soon as the sun is shining and the mud has dried up,and it won't all get washed away- I think it will make it quite interesting and be a lot of fun as well....Adults and kids alike will benefit from it....Roll on sunshine!!!!

Sunshine today-at Last

2010-08-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

Through all the atrocious weather since I last blogged Dennis managed to finish the new yards..Glen turned half of the greenhouse into a barn. What a star!!!! I can now get Gypsy and Sarg off the mud and under a roof.
It's quite an amazing feeling you can sit on the post and be at head height. The horses love it, and it keeps the hay from being trampled too. Both Gypsy and Sarg love the Barn as well, and there is a little pen off the end of it ....it'll look good once all the silk trees bud... there is another race off to the main yards, and I can put them out to the grass through the gate at the back. This is opposite the roundpen so it's in a very handy place....I think this will get a lot of use...we love it.

New Yards- High & Dry

Oscar and Arani and Louka have faired pretty well really through all of this, they have a very muddy paddock but also have access to the yards and the stall, so have at all times been able to get out of the rain and have been able to have fresh grass every day too.

All the horses don't look to hard done by for winter, except for the fact that they have rolled in the mud A LOT and that doesn't take very good photo's, so I will put some up as soon as we can get them brushed again. They are very happy today enjoying the sun on their backs.

It's only wet, muddy and windy- But that doesn't mean it's a bad day

2010-08-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

Today I was just walking a few feet taller...Little Oscar is nuzzling me now and wanting to be with me....He is waiting for me to take him into the pen- tells me he loves the training as much as I do.While I was standing with him leaning against my shoulder he did 3 enormous yawns- I could almost see what he'd had for breakfast- at first I got a bit of a fright but because he was so close I didn't move a muscle- then I realised he wasn't about to bite my ear off- he was just feeling so good and feeling pretty safe resting there that he was dozing..what an unusual situation, I felt as though he'd given me a hug. I find it very hard not to just bole on up and grab him and cuddle the daylight out of him, but I might just put our learning/ training backwards, so it's ok we'll do this really slowly....especially now he is walking lightly on the leadrope. Not far mind but what he IS doing is going so well. I am absolutely loving doing all the work with him myself....Once it's fine we'll get them gelded and David back to do their feet...I would have loved to have done this sooner but the weather hasn't really been favourable, so once again mother nature takes charge.
Arani now has the small rope attached to his halter...he wasn't that keen to have the longer one switched, but Lynn came back this afternoon and spent about an hour with him until he was accepting of the smaller one...I think he'd had a bit much of the grass- he was a lot more goey than usual- or he is fed up with the weather too hahaha- we bought them into the yards for a while and he has settled back down...the grass is growing so fast now that I think it's got a fair kick to it...I'll put some magnesium into his food tonight, and see how he goes. Little bit of sun here today.MMMmmm welcome vitamin D.

Little Oscar is following me around today

2010-08-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

Today when Lynn came to spend time with Arani, I went into one yard and she went into the other. These chaps are soooo chilled out today. Arani knew what was required of him and he went through all the things he has learnt so far...no challenges today- Lynn was the Alpha in his book today...He was just so gracious in everything that he offered- I think Lynn felt so in tune with him- & it showed....
Oscar was just so relaxed it was so much easier- this is the first day he has really started the learning/ training in a relaxed way...Usually he starts off a bit skittery, but today he knew what I wanted and he just did it for me..I think just to show me he knows what I am asking....He is so much lighter on the halter every time now, and that's from the beginning- we didn't have to work up to it today...everything in his time...good it was all his idea to do it so well today...he backs up now between 4 - 8 steps when asked with the slightest shake of the rope....I call him forward and really accentuate the relaxed pose when I ask him forward, he moves his hind quarters with a look now, and today he voluntarily walked alongside me without me asking him to..That felt sooooo good- he wanted to be there YAY!!!!

Wow isn't it lovely to see that sun

2010-08-10T01:45:00.000-07:00

What a glorious day today...I put the short lead onto Oscar today..He is such a dude- getting softer and softer now....This guy has the uncanny knack of making you wear your heart on your sleeve. He just oozes this soft look when he gets it all right. He's a dream to teach/learn now...backing up and coming forward much better,,,moves his rear end away with just a look..Is so much lighter on the leadrope now- leads in and out of the paddock...It'll be interesting to see how easy it is thursday when I change the short lead to a long one...He will put his nose on me and come up behind me now- in this lovely sunshine it's easy to see what he's doing behind me in his shadow. I've been really scrubbing with the pole so I think the brushing will be a big hit..might try that on thursday if it feels right...Gypsy and Sarg had a really good bath today- trimmed all the hairy bits and tail.MMMMmmmmmm you could see that they loved it and boy don't they look great....Louka has taken to bringing Oscar in for me when I call now- I'll try to get a photo of it..He puts his neck over Oscar and just pushes & guides him back into the yards....Louka had a really good brush down but we ran out of time to bath him, so he'll be next- hope it's fine again on Thursday.
Arani is going ahead in leaps and bounds too, but sometimes he'll try to challenge. He really does still want someone else to be the Alpha- in the paddock he looks to Louka for that..Today when he challenged Lynn she had to make sure he was aware that he had to stay and stand when asked to and not come bouncing over the top of a human..Lynn is just so good with him- there's no fuss just teaching and learning.
He got that and then when he settled and stood quietly she waited for him to lick his lips and waited another little while to make sure he stayed quietly the she lead him back out to the paddock. He lead really well. So good to see them progress like this.

It's Sunday again and yes it's still wet

2010-08-08T00:26:00.000-07:00

I Love Mud I love Mud- I keep telling myself that as I go to get the horses in...They have been on the flats on nice grass, but I still have to bring them back through the muddy paddock to get to the yards.Once in there and I stayed on my feet- that's a bonus it's like plastercine, a wonder I didn't slip. Every day Louka, Arani and Oscar all come in when I call them and open the gate...repetition works wonders....Today Lynn and Nikita came to work Arani, and there was no problem getting them into the yards. Arani in the first yard, and Oscar in the next one. They are coming along so well..we are really proud of them. Nikita did the work with Arani today, he is just soo calm and on to it....He willingly comes forward now- I'll have to watch a bit more so that I can write up exactly what Lynn or Nikita are doing with him. Every day Lynn comes to help clean up, feed out etc and spend time each day teaching and learning with him- There is a great bond there now and then weekends when Nikita there she comes out and Lynn shows her how much he has learnt so that Nikita can do the same....it's just soo lovely to see them all together.
Oscar and I had a lot of fun today....He is now starting to lead quite well...takes a little bit to get started as always then he just gets in the groove and comes forward and back in the yoyo game..moves his hindquarters away with just a look to his back end...He will let me hold the clip on the halter now too- can run the pole down front and back- legs-chest over his rump in between his ears..and we can even both stand with our backs to the rain, as the horses do in the paddock...then when it hailed we both did the same and stood with our heads down as well...I'm sure he thought that was funny- I did. He is willing to come to me so much more every day now...Yay. His eyes are so soft by the end of the sessions -it's such a great feeling to see him grow in confidence.

Wet wet wet

2010-08-04T03:07:00.000-07:00

Well today was another one of those days where you just want to be inside by the fire..There was plenty of rain- the stream was poised to overflow at any second- it has been like that for 3 days now, so I am very aware of where the stock should be and of course our little herd of horses.....I moved the electric tape again today so that they could all get some nice lush grass for at least a couple of hours. I put out plently of hay for them all as well, including the cattle...I swear that when I step outside the heavens just open up- so I've been drenched 3 or 4 times again today...But it's only rain & that doesn't make it a bad day does it.....just a very wet one.....I got Oscar in and did all the usual things with him, just extending the movements a little more each day...He is really so lovely. He did briliantly again, so I lead him back through the gate instead of just letting him go....This afternoon I went to call them in - and they all came but Oscar had the rope caught in his dreadlocks again....It was really wet and windy but I couldn't leave him like that so I brought him back into the yards again and it was really windy and very wet again....it took a little while to go through the whole rigmarole so that I could get right up close to him but once he let me we could swing that rope over him again, and then I did the whole routine again once the rope was where it was meant to be. He is just a dream once he settles, and then he just walked as calm as you like out through the gate with no pressure on that lead rope.....As I can now get my hand right up to unlatch the clip I am going to take it off tomorrow and put the very short rope onto his halter - this one is only about a 12 inches long. I am sure he will be fine with that...we'll see...once he is used to me doing that clip changeover to thhe long lead every day I can then take the halter off altogether....Both of us will feel good about that I think.

Babysitting weekend- not much done

2010-08-02T02:08:00.000-07:00

Well I had 2 very well behaved grandies from Thursday to Sunday...Ages 2 and 4 years old...I had forgotten just how exhausting it can be to be so constantly tuned in to my surroundings. As a treat I took them to the Market for a ride on the little ponies before dropping them back home.Phew I sure did sleep well last night. Today I couldn't wait to get back to the training- Lynn arrived to do Arani in one pen and me in the other with Oscar...I hadn't done anything for 4 days!!!!! Oscar was slow to give me both eyes to start with BUT once we got that going he was a dream....he would still take steps sideways when I put pressure on the lead rope and kept his eyes on me all the time...then we did the yoyo- again that took a bit to get it going but once we did he was just awsome..he would take 2-3 steps back at just the wiggle of the rope and when I gently asked him forward he came. Each time I did this he'd come a bit closer and a bit closer until he touched my hand..THEN I decided I would bring the rope toward me with a little bit of pressure on it- while at the same time swing the other end of the rope (gently) and swoop down a bit to look at his back end- sure enough he moved his back end away from me- done on both sides...WOW...then once we had gone through the procedure a few times and he got lighter on the halter/rope I decided I would lead him out the gate rather than just let him go our of his own accord...he just walked along and did it without any fuss...think that's a good thing to do as it's a natural course of events - he would have to walk out anyway and why not on the end of the leadrope- progression at it's best...then once outside the yard I let him trot off. I felt so elated and I am pretty sure he did too....Lynn was making wonderful progress with Arani too...he is just getting softer and softer and sooo relaxed around her...He still favours one side more than the other but he is willing to come to her now and is so relaxed about it- he circles for her too now and is very happy to stand with her for quite some time...he doesn't mind the pole all over him now- under the belly, around his back legs under the chin etc- we will soon be brushing them both and cuddling them quite easily....I am always amazed at how they learn things so quickly- especially the trust....Smart little boys!!!!!

Practising for L1

2010-07-28T02:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't done anything at all today with Oscar..usually I do something, but I just ran out of time. Lynn had been and done the yards by the time I got down there....Then I fed out a couple of bales of hay to the big cattle and then another bale to the weaners.
I brought Gypsy and Sarg into the yards as I wanted to do my L1 pnh video today. I got drenched 3 times, almost gave up but then decided to go ahead anyway...so i picked up Lynn and Danny in the float and back we came...Lynn did some excellent work with Arani while I groomed Gypsy. Arani will now turn for her on both sides- he is very relaxed with Lynn now, so soft....Then it was off to the roundpen with Gypsy to do our audition.....But it wasn't too good today, so it turned into a practise....I felt a bit guilty as Lynn had to get back by 4pm for an appointment and she didn't get to Danny for his audition, but sometimes it doesn't pan out the way you think. We decided that we have to do at least 20mins every day- we get way laid with one thing and another - so Lynn will do her practise with Danny in the mornings and I will do mine with Gypsy daily as well...I am having 2 of the grandies(Grandchildren) this weekend so may not get too much done till Monday, but if it's fine tomorrow will definitely do Gypsy and then hopefully Oscar....He always starts of skitish, but by the end of the 20-30mins he is always so soft that I don't want to miss the session if I can.
Gypsy and I weren't that crash hot today- I think everything was a bit rushed, but after we settled down and she was listening to me and I was listening to her we made good progress....Hana came and videoed it and it was so good to see where the audition needs to be worked on...thankyou Hana.

Gypsy and Me

Also yesterday Pip sent me some beautiful photos of Hawkeye and Radar O'Reilly so I thought I'd put them on for you- they are with the most caring family and they love them to bits, so I am very pleased- Radar is being started now- and has been an absolute star, and Hawkeye is about to be started under saddle.

Arobridge Radar O'Reilly

Arobridge Hawkeye

Arobridge Radar O'Reilly (left) Arobridge Hawkeye ( Right)

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Didn't get a lot done horsewise today

2010-07-21T01:39:00.000-07:00

But yesterday it was just brilliant....Lynn & I decided we would do some natural horsemanship with Danny and Gypsy...Lynn's friend Lissa (from USA) had come to visit, so she came along to watch, then Hana came and so did Jane...It was a gorgeous day and we could totally focus on what we were doing...Hana was such a treasure, when I couldn't get the sidestep going properly she showed me, and then a BFO happened, and we were sidesteeping properly...Lynn is also ready now too so will film our L1 next week and get it in by the end of July...Wooohooo I feel that I am now at the same stage I was at when I had Max...maybe even a little further on-and maybe much wiser (comes with age you see-hee hee). We had such a good time- next was the cuppa and chat which I also adore- these people are just so supportive and positive it really lifts your spirit incredibly...Thankyou!!!! Then in the afternoon it was time to call the boys in for there nightime hay...Well my little Oscar was first in - he ate again from my hand and then I decided to just lean over the fence beside him, and he was completely relaxed...He faces up to me properly now whenever I approach him...With big soft eyes.- I put Gypsy and Sarg out to grass for the night and then I don't have to worry that Gypsy's making eyes at Arani....Marilyn and Elder sent me a photo of a darling little colt whose Mother died, he's only 6 months old and in need of a loving home...I may take him, once Arani goes to Lynn's it will have a big gap there. We'll see.
Today I didn't have much time at all with the horses except to put out hay and show Jane what we do when we bring them in. Lynn beat me to do the cleanup this morning and she had been to work Arani again this afternoon...He is doing so well and Lynn's gentle and caring ways with them has won his heart already...Won't be long before he's off to her place- but will need to be gelded first...Hope this rain stops again soon.

What a brilliant day today

2010-07-19T01:44:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend Arani worked out how to stay behind the tape...it's now Monday and he hasn't tried to jump out at all...MMMmmmmmmm I just wonder- when the cattle were next to him ( the other side of the tape) whether he felt that herding instinct, because 2 things have happened since he's not tried...1?" I moved the cattle off the flats and over the hill and 2/. I think he must've got a bit of a shock when he came back through the tape the other day...Ever since he has happily grazed without even trying to get to the other side. Louka, Arani and Oscar all come running when I call them back into the yard, so there is never an issue getting him back...I decided that I would only put one tape through the normal pigtails instead of the 2 tape (tiered) version- if he was going to go- they obviously weren't going to stop him...I want him to be happy to be there, and I didn't want him to have to stay in the smaller paddock long, so it was let him out again & see what happens- He has been an absolute Angel...no more hijinx...Good BOY!!!
Today Lynn and I did the usual cleaning up then we decided to start our training- had been a bit slack while the school holidays were on- we just ran out of steam...so we separated them into 2 yards and in we went...Arani is coming ahead leaps and bounds, Lynn is so kind and they just automatically trust her...It didn't take long and Arani was circling and letting Lynn stroke him with the pole. He still has a long leadrope on and Lynn can direct his movement quite well from there.He moves around a lot more than Oscar- he's very willing to please- He touched Lynn's hand and was eating hay from Lynn's hand by the time we finished. He followed Lynn from the yard when she went to open the gate- usually they both stay put until we drive them out...It was fantastic.
We then moved on to the carrott stick..we've started the rhythm in the savvy string - First rhythically swinging around the yard to the outside of the bubble space and gradually bringing it in so that we can rhythmically swing it over their back and soothingly stroke them....We want this to feel good to them and it shows when they like it. Oscar was really great with this- he takes quite a while to get into the groove, but once he does it's just soo worthwhile- his eyes soften and he relaxes, then I am able to step him sideways about 4 steps both ways now..he even came forward with the feel of the rope...he's getting lighter and lighter in the halter each time- He initially takes a bit of a deeeeep breath when I put the pole on him to scratch the mud from his coat but once it's there you can see him physically sigh with relief. I run my hand up and down the leadrope getting closer and closer to the clip on the halter all the time until I can touch him under the clip then the chin- he's getting better with this too. The huge highlight for me is always when he touches my hand- today he nuzzled it as well and ate some hay from my hand....I can now get him to follow me with both eyes when I walk around the pen- and believe me that was such a biggy for Oscar- He now looks at me with his heart in his eyes...He's beautiful.

Sitting in the saddle

2010-07-15T03:06:00.000-07:00

Well what a day- Arani is proving to be a bit of a houdini..he seems to be able to get out over the electric tape without leaving a trace..He always waits until I am out of sight- like 2 minutes and he is over the other side cherpy as you like....hmmmmmmm need to rethink this...He comes back in easy enough and yes I have given him plenty to eat and I move the tape all the time...he just likes the grass on the other side better....I am wondering if I should put him on the other side and see if he comes back in...Reverse psychcology maybe- we'll see....Louka and Oscar just merrily go on munching on the right side of the fence, so I'm not sure what triggers his motive except the fact that he can- and so he does.
Oscar was wonderful- he will take 4 steps each way when he follows the feel of the rope now...he follows me when I walk around the yard with his head but not quite with his feet now and he volunteerily touched my hand with his nose 3 times today, and he is eating hay from my hand again....He loves me to scratch him with the pole now- I try to use it like a brush so that he is used to that motion, and he loves it....When he looks at me now he doesn't have that wide eyed look- he's getting softer and softer by the day...He isn't as keen on the hard feed as Arani, but he does eat it if there's no hay about, so should be able to worm them next week.
BUT exciting news:- Megan sat on Louka tonight..not a flinch, he was sooo relaxed about it all...I lead him only a couple of steps at a time to make sure his balance was ok...and he was incredibly obliging...he just took 3 steps forward - did a bit of licking- then another 3steps- shifted his weight- then another 3 steps....then we just stayed like that for a while- another 2 then 3 steps and sit....wiggled around leant back and forth- sideways all with such an accepting attitude....it was like a natural progression from what we have been doing on the ground...Beeeautiful boy!!! Then it was back for a special feed...think he deserved it.

Louka has had his saddle on today

2010-07-14T02:14:00.000-07:00

LOUKA Wow I can't help but be astounded at how sensible this horse is...he's grown so much just lately- I think he's going to be a HORSE not a pony...he's such a calm sensible fellow..We decided tonight to try him with a saddle on...Into the roundpen and put a nice thick felt blanket on...no problem....then we put the stock saddle on him...No problem...then we did up the girth (loosley of course) ...No problem...then we moved him about...No problem...tightened it to the correct position and then did up the belly strap...No problem....he walked and trotted as though he's always had it on his back....then we let him do whatever he wanted at liberty....He walked , trotted and cantered and at no time did he even look as though it wasn't part of him...he backed up with it on, went in and out the barrels, generally having a bit of fun hunting out his favourite willow to much on etc....Megan Put pressure on the saddle- did lots of jumping up and down beside him and standin on the mounting block either side of him, and he was as calm as you like...we will put the saddle on and off a few times more, move him around and then get on...at no stage has he attempted to buck, pigjump or anything...He's such a special boy....so proud of him. It was too dark to get photo's so will try in the daylight.

Grass was greener on the other side.

2010-07-12T01:16:00.000-07:00

Louka Oscar and Arani were all enjoying these lovely warm days in the sunshine....I took them into the yard one at a time and did the follow the feel - both of them were great today...no issues there...so we did a bit of follow me with your eye- both sides-excellent...Oscar will back up...Arani is good at it sometimes, but not all the time but we finished on a good note with him taking one step back...GREAT!!!! I let them all back out onto grass....I had moved the electric tape out further yesterday....I was down admiring my new shed- where the new yard come small paddock is going when I noticed an all over ORANGE animal standing in with the herefords...Yep it was Arani...now how did he get there- he must've jumped over the 2 tiered tape....there were no hoofmarks anywhere so he must've just popped over...here he was amongst the cows trying to look inconspicuous....I had to plan this right or I could have a runaway full of too much grass - in a ten acre paddock on my hands- I put Louka and Oscar back into the yards and dismantled both ends of the electric tape- gave me a good gate sized opening either end....Well I needn't have worried...I called him and he came...I walked through one of the openings and he followed me...Just goes to show that what I THOUGHT he'd do was nothing like he intended...He was as calm as you like and was quite happy to come back in...THANKYOU GOD!!!! So all's well on the western front Phew!!! The rest of the day went really well.

Beautiful Day- Halters on both boy's now

2010-07-10T02:02:00.000-07:00

What a brilliant day today..just love the frosts...brrrrhhhh but what a corker of a day.Warm and cosy, crystal clear sky- good day to put the halter on Arani, He's feeling so good today...you can tell when they soak up that sunshine - it just absorbs into them.
David arrived and Arani was very calm about the whole thing- he's a pretty clever guy this chap...he would put his head down oh so calmly when he wanted to get the rope off from over his neck, but David was a little bit cleverer and managed to get it on and then to loop 3 knots through a ring in the rope so that it couldn't slide right through, and then he could direct him in either direction...wasn't a lot of fuss and bother and then on went the halter and it was done...Thanks again David....Arani stood looking at us as if he expected a lot more than that....he hasn't been perturbed at all about the rope dangling off him either...he is becoming so soft now..he will be a beautiful pony....lovely nature.

I worked with Oscar today as well..what a little star he is...He follows me from both sides now...he will take steps either side from the feel of the rope too now, he will back up when I ask him to....but it all takes a little while slowly slowly before we get going with all this. I still go through the whole process everyday to make sure he is quite ok with me pressing his buttons...He is so much a baby after being with Arani.

It will be interesting to see what the vet thinks their ages are- I am sure Arani is a lot older than Oscar...but you just never know...Louka and Arani really look after Oscar in the paddock..it's a lovely thing to see...they are all such different horses.

We come leaps and bounds today

2010-07-08T01:09:00.000-07:00

Del and Nikita worked with Arani- he is easy to drive into the yards from the paddock, but Del says he is is quite one-sided...He will always give you his left eye but not the right....BUT he is very calm about every thing now...and when Nikita arrives he is whinnying to her and waiting for his hay...can't wait to get his halter on...I am sure he will be very obliging....he is getting softer and softer now....We then worked Oscar so that we could change his long lead rope to a short one so that he could go out with Arani and Louka for some well earned horsey time....It didn't take long at all - so glad I did all that work yesterday...he still didn't like it too much until he realised what we were doing then he relaxed and on went the black rope and off with the long one....then we put him out with Louka and Arani...they welcomed him back like a long lost friend....then later on I went to check on them again and here was Oscar lying in the middle of the hay with Louka one side and Arani the other- what a picture..he is really happy to be back with his pals....can't wait till tomorrow to do some more....Dennis & Glenn have taken the wind cloth off the shade house and have taken half the framing and made another shelter and paddock for our little herd....then when it rains I now have enough paddocks to keep them all dry...it looks as though it'll be finished tomorrow and then just the fence to go up around it and it's done...we also bought 7 weaners today..Angus cross heifers...we have a heap of grass so it'll be good to get the cattle going better now as well.

Getting somewhere fast now

2010-07-07T02:06:00.000-07:00

Oscar is such a wee star. He has today given me such a buzz he will take 2 steps with the feel of the rope either way, and he will also give me his eye on both sides now....I could scratch him with the flax pole today from his ears all the way to his back legs...he just loved being scratched along his back..great to get some of the dirt off him...I am finding it really hard not going up and stroking him on the head...he has been standing so calmly that it feels quite safe to do that ... BUT I must remember this is about him not me...He needs to come to me and I am sure it won't be long- he has that soft look in his eye now and he is looking like he wants to come with me but hasn't quite got the nerve to completely give himself yet...BUT he will and I want to do it in such a way as to calmly have him walk toward me when he's ready.....He has a sore back leg- think he needs to get onto softer ground for a hile, so hopefully tomorrow I can get the long leadrope off him and put a shorter one on...he is now very good at moving away from pressure...he is so careful, and he looks to work it out...clever boy......and NOW Ararni is getter braver by the minute...he stayed in the small yard today when I wheeled the barrow in to muck out- there wasn't a lot to clean up as he has been out in the paddock and comes running in now when we bring the hay...Nikita (Lynn's grandaughter) has been spending time with him moving him around and getting to know him and he has Louka to depend on for his signal to do things, so he is relaxing a lot more now. He will get his halter on this weekend hopefully....My grandaughter Nakita can get very close to him now too, so hopefully tomorrow when Oscar is back out in the paddock he will relax with Louka too...They are all side by side, but Oscar can't go into the big paddock with a long leadrope on...now that he knows the feel of pressure it won't be an issue after tomorrow and it will be Arani's turn after Saturday.

Getting somewhere with Oscar now

2010-07-05T01:59:00.000-07:00

Yep it's still wet wet wet and it blew a gale last night- BUT little Oscar is still coming along nicely...today I was able to stroke him all over including the tail-after a bit of coaxing of course...but THEN after a lot of friendly friendly I was able to pick up the leadrope and run my hand down the rope then put a bit of pressure on and he would take a step wherever I directed him..OMG I just couldn't believe this- I know it's just a small step BUT IT IS ALSO a huge step for me and Oscar..it was definitely easier on his right side than the left..He still doesn't like to give you his left eye if he can help it...but when he does it's just astounding...He would follow the lead every time..he was facing up to me as well this afternoon...and I really didn't think he would..then all of a sudden he decided it was ok to face me..what a revelation- both for him and me...we were both in that space in time at the same moment.WOW...he is soooo good- no threatening to kick or front foot or even run away from me today...He has spent a lot of time standing on his leadrope and figuring out how to release the pressure..didn't take him long....I can't wait to do some more tomorrow.....Arani hasn't got his halter on yet...so hoping David can come back pretty soon..he came to Lynn when she called him in to the yard by the stall today....Nikita has practised moving him around by driving him..she's loving it...My grandaughter's Nakita and Shanae are here too and I am sure these 2 guys remember them from when they first arrived at Arobridge, because they didn't bat an eye when they came to say hello....oh this is all such fun- we love it!!!!

Oscar has his halter on

2010-07-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

Dear wee Oscar is now wearing his halter...he really took quite a while to be convinced to wear one...BUT here he is.

David is introducing himself and Oscar is a little bit wary, but not too much.

And then the pole with a rope draped over it was touching him...not sure about this!!!! But I won't move for a while and I'll see what happens

It seems ok....BUT when he moved it further up my neck Phew I just had to run. I'l keep going like this till that guy runs out of steam...I've got stamina.

And that's exactly right- Oscar has heaps of stamina for a little chap...we thought he would slow down and rest -

But no Oscar kept on going for a while....then once he stopped and the halter was on, he was fine...I think he was expecting a lot more than that.....so we left him to rest in his halter- he'll be used to it in no time.

Oscar and Arani have been into the stall

2010-07-01T23:10:00.000-07:00

Blow I didn't have my camera with me (it's always the way)..BUT last night I was talking to Megan- leaning on the gate to the stall...Sarg was there with us after his workout in the roundpen and Louka was the other side of the gate...We were just chatting about our day when we saw Oscar put his head into the stall...when he saw us all there he just strolled on in, and then Arani who had previously been very dubious about that gap in the wall stepped through as well...This stall is not that big really takes 2 horses comfortably but they all just hung around in there listening to us talk. Maybe they wanted to see Sarg I don't know but it was a very relaxed and easy time and quite something that they were happy to come through a narrow doorway (squeezeme game)into a dark covered room- very good float training.

Today everyone is very calm and peaceful- I cleaned up quickly so that Lynn could just be with them instead of mucking out and feeding out..Just to spend time with these guys is quite something..they love and we Love it....Then later today Del came again and we called them in and separated them- left them with a little bit of hay and then had a coffee while they settled into the separate yards...Once they were competely calm Del went in and took the flax pole again..Much easier this time Arani was quite calm about it....and Oscar scuttled around a bit again but then relaxed and let the pole scratch him all over..be good if we could attach a brush to it....I think when David comes it will be less of an issue with the poles and he may be able to get the rope and halters onto them easier...but you never know what the Kai's have in store for you on the DAY!!!! I'll keep you informed.

A really exciting day today

2010-06-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

Arani was first to be worked in the pen by Del....we seperated them with no issues...and then we wanted to get Arani to accept the flax pole on his back, ( the flax pole allows you to have the reach without being too flexible or hard ,...at first he kept on moving around the pen and Del was able to keep it on his back- not frantically but I think he thought that was what was required of him.
Then the penny dropped and he stood still in his favourite corner and relaxed then Del was able to do the approach and retreat method with him...Everytime she relaxed and stepped back after he had relaxed..he would turn to look at her as if to say "oh is that all- I can do that". He was such a star....Then it was Oscar's turn...He was a lot more excitable at first all eyeballs!!! He scuttled here and there and then once the pole was on him he stopped to enjoy the scratches and easy stroking.... licked his lips and relaxed into the strokes....I think he is going to like the grooming once we get to there.
I feel they have come ahead in leaps and bounds just the last 2 weeks.

We can now put them out to grass behind electric tape.
They love the hard feed.
They will come when I call them - mainly for the feed- but they are coming in every time.
We can seperate them now without them getting scared.
They know the yards are their safe place.
I can now drive them back from the paddock.

We are doing things at their pace and in their way as well...They are 2 very different types and personalities.

ARANI

2010-06-28T02:43:00.000-07:00

"Arobridge Arani" is the name for Big Boy
Nikita emailed me the name she chose for Big Boy....ARANI which means orange. What a lovely name for such a handsome boy. The rain is still falling and Arani, Oscar and Louka have been out on the fresh grass again today. Tonight I have opened the stall and pen for them as well- let's see if they can handle being under a roof...I figured I could let them work that out for themselves. It is Louka's favourite place so I think by morning they will have found it to be a nice warm dry spot to shelter without me manoeuvering them in there. Arani was hot on my heels when I went to feed out the hay before dark tonight- not quite touching me but almost...Wow he's come a long way....he watches everything with intense interest and whinnies out to everyone that is a regular at my place...I think he loves the attention....Oscar is quietly getting on with things..he sort of keeps a low profile at the moment..If he's not beside Arani he's right beside Louka...He seems so much younger now, but they were playing today and seem much happier and settled...every day there's improvement. I am trying to give the yards a bit of a rest so am shutting the gate while they are out on the grass, but they do go back to the yards if they are unsure about things..bit like a safehouse really so I don't like to keep it shut for long. Let's see what tomorrow brings

Behind electric tape

2010-06-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

Today it has cleared somewhat..but the paddock is really muddy now...so I decided they could go behind the electric tape and eat some REAL grass. There is a bit of length on this grass. They all deserve a treat so I set it up - another paddock off the yards and small paddock....great- hoped they would come in when I called Louka- and yes the three of them come in without a hitch...so I let them out into the extra paddock again. I stayed in the barn with a much needed cuppa and settled down to watch the inter action between them...I just can't seem to get enough of this..it's so interesting.
Every so often Big Boy tries Louka out- ears back and a bit of pushing and shoving...But in true Louka fashion he just moves slightly and then will tell him very firmly, but without much fuss, that he's in charge around here, "so take your place in this herd!!!" The relief on Big Boy;'s face is quite comical- it's almost as though he's saying " Phew I hope so but just testing". Oscar is alternating between Louka and Big Boy..he just quietl;y sets about his daily routine of eating and when he's with Louka he acts exactly the same way as him and when he's with Big Boy he acts the same way he does, so he is showing me that he is still a baby really- although both of them have grown a lot since they arrived...Oscar has good long legs and is quite similar to Louka only far more chestnutty...and Big Boy looks a lot like Cinnabar and of similar build.
I decided they were fine so I went back on up to the house to get lunch- but when I came back down someone had touched the tape because part of it was down...although no one was letting on who it was....they were all the right side of it thank God!!! and they followed me back into the yards as though nothing had happened....I have to remember here that these guys would get into all sorts of situations up on the central plateau, and they have to work it out for themselves, so I decided there was no reason to make an issue out of it...I just put it all back up and popped them back out there...they just stayed away from it after that, and have been fine eating the yummy fresh grass, and generally feeling good having a bit more room to their area.

Wet again today

2010-06-25T04:07:00.000-07:00

Well if I thought it was wet yesterday- today took the cake....the rain just kept on coming- everything and everyone got a good drenching...I let Oscar, Big Boy and Louka back into the paddock this morning -fed them all and Gypsy and Sarg....they were all waiting for me - as though they already know the routine....sometimes I think they know what I'm going to do long before I have thought it...I will swear that Big Boy is just so relieved that Louka has taken charge..his eye is much softer and he will now look at you calmly...I think he is much more relaxed...don't get me wrong he still has the survival instinct so I can't pressure him too much, but there is an acceptance with him now, and I think it's
1/. because he is getting used to the routine and
2/. He is looking to Louka for guidance.
Louka loves humans, and is quite happy to greet us and nuzzle us etc and Oscar and big boy watch with a lot of interest.
Oscar is sceptical at times still but is also very very inquisitive, so that helps. Big Boy has stopped doing the head lowering/ hiding thing and is walking into the yards right behind us now...I felt so sorry for them today with the relentless rain, then when the creek started to flood I decided to put a heap of hay out for all the horses to help keep them warm. They don't always go for cover, but I needn't have worried the 3 of them were standing between the little calf shed and under a tree, and they seemed quite happy. I put Gypsy and Sarg with a heap of hay into the little paddock across the driveway which has another open front shed for them to get out of the rain...I'm sure they were grateful for that. The rain just kept on and on and sure enough the flats flooded - it was a pretty good one this time, I went down to watch it subside later - then back again to check on the horses and yes they were just dandy munching their hay...Hope it's a better day tomorrow...I think winter has arrived after all

The rain is back today- but the boys can go into the paddock

2010-06-24T02:20:00.000-07:00

I am just so glad Oscar and Big Boy can go out each morning into the paddock with Louka....I will bring them into the yards at night just to make sure I can, and so that they understand that I will feed them in there and when I take them out to the paddock they aren't necessarily going to stay out there...I need to be able to move them around quietly and the best way to train them and me to do this is by moving them from one place to another with the ease. All is very peaceful - Louka has been an absolute gem- he welcomed them this morning and they hung out and ate hay together..then moved on into the paddock for some grass....not a lot but just enough for them to be happy....Funny I'm not sure if they know the rules yet BUT when I went to bring them into the yards late this afternoon they just followed me in and Louka waited just outside the gate to the yards...I think they already knew what I wanted....A lovely thing is they whinney out to me when they see me coming down to the yards- when I'm walking and when I'm in the car....they know food is on it's way.

Beautiful sunny day & they are out in the paddock

2010-06-23T00:14:00.000-07:00

Wow what an amazing day- these sunny days are just so clear and it certainly does your soul good to have such warmth in winter. Well we decided that today would be a great day to try our boys out on grass. Louka seemed the obvious choice so we put Louka into the smaller paddock and Sarg and Gypsy in another one a bit out of the way- Think Gypsy fancies the new boys a bit too much. As you can see in the photo it was a very easy atmosphere. Louka is such a kind natured horse- there was no chasing or bucking- he just sniffed them all over and then they all put there heads down and ate grass...Big Boy kicked (more a warning) at Louka when he came up behind him to check out his tail...but Louka so gently said don't do that or I'll boot you back and he did...not hard just enough to say "I'm in charge here" and that was that...They are all best buddies now....I have an electric tape across one corner - about 1.5 meters across and Louka took them over there to eat and I think tell them that it would bite if they touched it...and no one did....they walked past the cover on the gate, past washing on the line, a road cone...no reaction at all...Mae (my boisterous huntaway) ran straight through the middle of their paddock and they just watched her....Dennis drove the truck up the drive right beside them..no reaction- just watched....they are so calm....when I called them back into the yards Louka came running and then they followed...so it all went pretty easily today...Lynn was absolutely amazed at how far they have come in such a short time....when they inspected the concrete trough (they have only had a black plastic one up till now) they were such a hoot...they tried chewing it, then we though they would step into it, but no they decided to drink well at least Big Boy did, and then Oscar put his whole nose in and just let it run like a tap from his mouth..he did this about 5 times in all almost using his mouth like a scoop...he looked as though he was playing with it...I'm sure he would have laughed if he could.

Starting training for the halter

2010-06-21T01:25:00.000-07:00

OSCAR

Well today we decided it's time to start the training for putting the halters on. We can muck out and move them both around the pens better now...they are still a bit unsure of being seperated, but handled it pretty well again...We decided it was time for Del to do some work with them, so she arrived at about 9.45am....Oscar was first to go through his paces....He is still alittle baby really..he's much

bigger than Sarg, Cinney, and Louka were when they arrived...so I think he will grow into a lovely sized pony..about 14hh with a bit of luck..He's still very fluffy and a bit bedraggled looking- Oh how I wish the rain would stop...but Oscar doesn't seem to mind he lays down in the mud sometimes as you can see in the photo's...it sure will be nice to be able to put them into the paddock- that's not far away now. Oscar was a little star- he smelled the carrott stick and was stroked twice, then we left it at that to let him relax.... Think there's a bit of Arab in there somewhere

BIG BOY

Big Boy was a completely different horse altogether. His ears were whirling around listening to absolutely everything. Not just anything in the local vacinity- even noises that were way off in the hills....He's very like Cinnabar- even drops if he gets a fright. But he is very very clever too...once he worked out exactly what was being asked of him he was fine, and he learnt quick/smart....Del didn't push him too much- needs to earn this guys trust....so slow and sure is the order here...he looks like there could be a bit of Quarterhorse in him..he's quite a good looking boy. He loves to snort, go up or tunnel his way out if you pressure him too much, so we keep him as calm as we can. He would try as many options as he could...so the focus is quite different with him. We'll do some more tomorrow.

Sunday 2 weeks now

2010-06-20T02:44:00.000-07:00

It's been 2 weeks now since our boys arrived and finally Zoe has come and chosen which horse we are to bring on..."Arobridge Oscar" is his name...he's the littiler of the 2....Lynn's grandaughter Nikita is to have the Big Boy so we'll wait to see what his name is too...they are doing a lot better now...I have taken the flax flower poles and placed them all over the place so that they have to brush past them when they move around ,,,I've put a small road cone with hay sticking out the top..put hay into the tie up so that they are familiar with that as well...they wasted no time at all in getting the hays out of these items.
I have also been doing a lot of rhythmic circles etc with the carrot stick and the flax poles- moving them back and forth into separate pens and when they stand nicely have moved back as their reward....I have managed to lay the flax pole on Oscar twice now and he stood still, but moved off when I stroked him with it...so I had to get him to stand still again while I laid the pole across his wither...he really doesn't seem to mind....hopefully this will all help when David comes....Big Boy has been quite a star today he will turn and face quite relaxed which is exciting...Nikita was moving him and Oscar around yesterday and found that he improved quite a bit...I think he will be great for her as she is a lot taller than me and I think he would better suit her for riding and it won't take quite so long for her to be able to ride him as he would be at the very least 2 to 2 1/2 years old whereas Oscar is only about 18months so will need to do a lot more growing before he can be ridden.....Del is coming tomorrow morning to do a bit more training on the "steady stand"..think it will be of great benefit before David gets here.

Last Tuesday- Playday

2010-06-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

We had the most chaotic start to tuesday, but I won't bore you with all the details except to say we lived through it all to have a very enjoyable time with our horses. Kay, Gaylene, Lynn and I practised the first part of level one..perfecting all the things we couldn't get right....Aileen was kind enough to come and video us and take these photo's....After we had gone through the part of the programme that we were doing we played a bit more before having a very scrumtious lunch- thankyou one and all my hips really appreciate it...just as well we work it off when we are taking the horses through their paces..hehehehe...as you can see here all horses were quite relaxed by this time and the tyre was not an issue with any of them...it was nose then feet every time.

Well done US!!!!!

Thursday- Beautiful Sunny Day today

2010-06-16T22:51:00.000-07:00

This was when the sun was setting- it was just lovely- it was shining through the fence and onto these two little chaps and they were just soo relaxed.

This morning after mucking out and getting the hay ready....I thought I'd just keep a bit of hay in the pen and see how obliging they were when it came to taking it from my hand....I was away yesterday at the Fieldays...so wondered if they would still be nice to me....Yes Little chap was eating from my hand and the Big Boy came almost- within inches this time....they don't move away at all when I let them eat from the bins with me beside them...so all's going well....I can now move them around and sort them into their pens seperately...Just need to get them to stand steady when I want to move them around seperately...David will most likely come next week to halter them, so I want them to stand still if possible....At least I can now touch the little chap..and it was his idea not mine..which is how I want him to be.....The big Boy isn't quite ready yet...not quite as brave as the little chap, but he is improving every day...and as always it has to be at their pace not mine.....I think they liked their new buckets.

Tuesday- playdays

2010-06-15T03:26:00.000-07:00

Well what a day- We were all meant to meet at Blundell's but if anything was gonna go wrong - it did it today!! after doing a mad dash to town to change Dennis's present- the shop had just opened but they couldn't find the key to unlock the cabinet to get the correct item out- I had to wait and finally they managed to unlock the cabinet...that was the start of it...then rushed home to hook up the float...COULDN'T the U bolt screw was missing...I hunted high & low- nothing..still hadn't got Gypsy out of the paddock...finally found another 4 U Bolts in amongst Dennis's bits & bobs- thankfully one of them fitted...by this time I'd sent texts to everyone and told them I'd be late..then called Lynn she had a catasrophe with the computer and the man was there fixing it...by this time Kay had arrived at my place so we decided we would do it all here...BUT I couldn't get hold of Gaylene or Aileen to let them know where we all were - time was really ticking by but God was finally on my side and the 2 of them turned up here thinking they'd got the venue wrong...after that we did what we intended to do- tied the halter knots properly..did the first stages of level one...and then had a bite to eat...I looked out the barn window and one of our beefy's had jumped the fence- had to attend to that then..I dropped the float door on my finger Yooouch!!! But apart from all the chaos around us..we finally started to relax and everything settled down again....it was absolutely chaotic for a while- nothing was going right...After everyone had gone Aileen & I had a cuppa and then I went back down to the barn to muck out the yards...I have been moving our little kai's around the yards getting them used to being moved to where we want them- shutting gates- putting one in each yard then shutting the gate in between then opening it again and moving them back together...Megan came over and I was very interested to see if they would react the same way for her....Big Boy was very calm- head not way up in the air now...the little chap was snorting and a bit jumpy when she separated him from Big Boy but he soon settled down again when he realised she wasn't going to do anything other than move them around...so good to have someone else do it too...getting them ready for haltering day...both of them walk towards us not away now..eat hay right beside us...they love it when we run the hose into the trough..and they really LOVE the hard feed...Both of them were whinnying when all the horses were here but Sarg and Louka stayed by them and they were relaxed but just saying Hi...all in all the day improved as it went on..Thank goodness

Monday- 2nd week

2010-06-14T02:57:00.000-07:00

We have thought of some names- but the names in the past have actually come a little later after purchasing the kai's- opnce we know what their natures are like it's a bit easier to name them...I do have a few names in mind- but we'll see once we know which horse is going to who. Today it was fantastic...I've been going in and moving these two around- shutting the gates and pputting one in one yard while the other is in the 2nd yard....this gets them ready for the big day when we start working them on their own...they didn't mind a bit- I put Sarg Gypsy and Louka in the paddock outside the yards so that they felt as though they had company-and thankfully they all came to the fence to watch...hopefully encouraging them, and telling them that they had all been through this and survived.... Louka was particularly interested. After a while of moving them around the yard I let them back in together...Later in the afternoon Lynn and I were standing talking and both of them -Big Boy was first- walked right up to us. That is a HUGE step. That's the foirst time Big Boy has voluntarily come to us without any prompting. YES!!! excellent- then little chap was right there too....that's what we want to see.. Yahoo all on their own accord. We fed them their hay and their hard feed- they really do lick the bowl clean now... These guys- as with all the others think nothing of lying down flat on the ground if it's windy...I know the first time I saw this was when we had Sarg & Cinney- they look like they are lifeless but they are just letting the wind roll over them- then up they pop- they do have protection from the wind here so I think it's more an instinct and they must do that up on the mountains to bob down out of the weather...funny very clever. I am just loving watching their progress- they are all just a little bit different to the last ones- and I must be careful not to push them - I like to keep them learning but give them the time to work things out for themselves to a certain degree...I can't have it all one way- so a little bit a lot is better - it's the subtle things that matter...and just watching for those tiny little steps leads to bigger and better things. Besides they teach us as much as we teach them.

Sunday

2010-06-14T02:41:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to believe that these guys only arrived such a short time ago-- It is an awful day today- AGAIN very wet and cold...but both of them aren't bothered at all by this climate- albeit that there are puddles and mud around...thankfully we can keep the yards clean....and they are quite tidy little kiwis- they really don't make much of a mess with the hay. They have had sooo many visitors now that humans are quickly becoming a non issue...there were a few snorts by the bigger boy and the little chap just likes to check everything out so we have been able to take people into the pens and generally just chill out with them and hang around leaning on posts and yawning a lot...It quickly desensitises them to anyone coming and going. We've been feeding a little bit of hard feed daily and boy do they love it...so once we are able to move them a bit more accirately they will go out into the paddock...but we do have to make sure that they can be directed or driven in the right direction by us or they could just pop over the fence and gone....can't have that. I feel Louka will be the one to share their paddock- he is just such a loveable and very calm character...He is the one that hangs around their gate more than Sarg and Gypsy...we'll see