tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52949305021947626472024-03-21T17:43:41.547-07:00SangriaWestern States Extreme Mustang MakeoverSangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-66897121278004199172009-07-15T10:33:00.000-07:002009-07-15T10:48:16.046-07:00The Finale!Hi everyone! Sorry it's taken me so long to get this last post up! It seems like life has gotten carried away since I got home from the finals. However, I wrote this update a long time ago - just never had a chance to post it. So, here ya go!<br /><br />-------------------------------<br /><br />Holy cow! Sangria and I scored 8th in the Riding Course earlier in the day, which qualified us for the Top 10 Finals competition that evening in front of 5,000 people! We were most definitely not prepared for this! I didn't have music picked out, I didn't have any idea of what to do once in the arena, other than our required maneuvers. But I had to think of something and quick! The evening show was starting in just a couple hours! <br /><br />In the end, I decided to play it safe, and I'm glad I did! By the time Sangria and I got in the arena, it was dusk out and the bright arena lights made the arena a forbidding place, not to mention all the people in the stands! I can only imagine what she felt, as I had stage fright myself! <br /><br />The required maneuvers for this competition freestyle were: walk, trot, canter or lope, lead change, halt, back up and spin in both directions. We were allowed to use props and artistic style but since I hadn't prepared for this, I only had the Cowgirl Spirit team flag and the ball. I also took advantage of the offered cow to use, knowing that it could end in disaster since Sangria had never chased cows before. Maybe that isn't playing it safe! LOL <br /><br />All in all, we did ok. Our ride could have been cleaner as we were both tired and nervous, but given everything she had been through in the past three days, I thought she was a superstar! We entered the arena at a walk carrying the flag. Halfway down the rail, we attempted to sidepass to the right and the set the flag down. This wasn't particularly pretty or graceful as we were riding one handed, but we got it accomplished. We then went through our required maneuvers. She spooked at our ball that was in the center of the arena, so our 'lead change' was sloppy. <br /><br />Once we had completed our required maneuvers, we chased the ball around for a minute or two which seemed like a crowd pleaser. Then it was time for our cow! Oh boy! As soon as Sangria saw it, she perked up but hesitated. <br /><br />As soon as I pushed her towards the cow, it started moving away from us. This is when Sangria transformed! She immediately dove after the cow, ears pinned! I was actually worried she might hurt the cow and had to keep her back a bit! I was having so much fun, I actually forgot about the crowd! I just wanted to chase cows all night! Why hadn't I done that with her before!? :) <br /><br />All in all, I was thrilled with her performance, even though we didn't get great scores. In the Finals competition, we ended up placing 8th out of the Top 11 (yes, there were 11 in the finals since only a half point separated the 10th and 11th place contestants). <br /><br />When it came time for the auction, Sangria was one of the highest purchased horses, I think. She went to a lovely family who I am sure loves her as much as I do! Congratulations to Sangria and her new family! <br /><br />This has been a wonderful experience and I'd love to participate again. I am very pleased with the BLM and the Mustang Heritage Foundation for all that they are doing for the wild mustangs. Special thanks goes to my wonderful boyfriend for his amazing support during this hectic weekend!<br /><br />Here's a few photos of the final's competition from professional photographer, © Charles E. Brooks/BROOKS/ Photography/2009.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKXqhNneZCqfALmSd0RMLX0lnDedbdzolc0GaGbHMnBzTCREFQVLMRjQ55dYG1HRyQmxwKvDj_r7ERC5gT-fgpF9vVsibZCdV5Rn8opmHZw-KyIrBxeHEknyy1a70iFh678veJDRH9ZM/s1600-h/SangriaFinals.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKXqhNneZCqfALmSd0RMLX0lnDedbdzolc0GaGbHMnBzTCREFQVLMRjQ55dYG1HRyQmxwKvDj_r7ERC5gT-fgpF9vVsibZCdV5Rn8opmHZw-KyIrBxeHEknyy1a70iFh678veJDRH9ZM/s320/SangriaFinals.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358744447352842562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQ9lv4NushydWenBOw6wyDuQXzdeVzTqHfIV6Nl3XICrMzDO00540cw66-Som4jG-xNAvIlUZKNCAYd6qwIK8kz2LWW_maqZUZRylj2drYNj0M2Vz__CRNlMiYsMf5n36s3d_xx5gMt4/s1600-h/SangriaFinals2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkd4CZW6GddactoSwc0Xaa3-JhwXwnGmgUrlI1iI3wiL7GTAb3e_iNzeYl_ZGKwlsnKlKUD8HUdwPiDXFcOgMO4Q4-jz5HcAevmpJx9tgqbzF2G226i4fdXnjYbMbp00o9aOZiH6UGJcw/s320/SangriaFinals10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358743780708203426" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wt6a6JXPUcuLyzrmPhKvN6ZDAMu3pijRzOQcfnS2DW2hY_ElSWpoPMXgMwhjMYylPJYK3GtfifYCXJsqcA_9Rh_1mjkFDJ6c_UmxTs24X0C9SEuxa87wt5pOEA86_bp5cdLwJUnDQ-I/s1600-h/SangriaFinals6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wt6a6JXPUcuLyzrmPhKvN6ZDAMu3pijRzOQcfnS2DW2hY_ElSWpoPMXgMwhjMYylPJYK3GtfifYCXJsqcA_9Rh_1mjkFDJ6c_UmxTs24X0C9SEuxa87wt5pOEA86_bp5cdLwJUnDQ-I/s320/SangriaFinals6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358743773349190882" /></a>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-43764461162596258022009-06-16T21:57:00.001-07:002009-06-16T22:03:16.977-07:00Riding Course CompetitionOn Saturday morning, all of the EMM trainers participated in the Riding Course portion of the competition. This consisted of leading your horse into the arena, mounting, walking over a bridge, trotting a serpentine, trotting into a box, executing a 360 degree turn in both directions, backing through an "L", then cantering in both directions including a simple lead change. This sounded challenging and I was worried about how we'd do! I was pleased when Sangria performed well to my requests - it actually felt like she was competitive!<br /><br />After our ride, there was a news crew waiting to interview us as soon as we exited the arena. My boyfriend, JC and I were included in that evening's news report about the Extreme Mustang Makeover. Here's the link to the news video: <a href="http://www.kcra.com/news/19750449/detail.html">http://www.kcra.com/news/19750449/detail.html</a><br /><br />Here are some pictures from our Riding Course competition. Doesn't Sangria look great? Stay tuned for the conclusion of the competition to see if we made it to the Top 10 Finals! :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHE6XO4IQ2q4rnaBnz4mICXrpXfnap1CzjVJWNT2Ql3AfTWw-CMpzUmd5I_c19RdKAuoMUlk_OkZYm7PNtT68uCfUWxTfgZ0U5fAeqGDVuGdSjH6VDMWPejBsEnZguiXEJ6qvr1pQ3iQ4/s1600-h/Sangria6-13-09.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348156725878871570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHE6XO4IQ2q4rnaBnz4mICXrpXfnap1CzjVJWNT2Ql3AfTWw-CMpzUmd5I_c19RdKAuoMUlk_OkZYm7PNtT68uCfUWxTfgZ0U5fAeqGDVuGdSjH6VDMWPejBsEnZguiXEJ6qvr1pQ3iQ4/s320/Sangria6-13-09.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlMHFrZhgYuCF3VEpOEjyZYcB-JQb3EWQLMzSiDO1nEDlzYImCw6eohj6eq8aF5Ddz1L32gVMl7iAtk9xnbB5yt03Q_EvSAgvwJS-6TDx2yX-6XONq6YcBChLwRNVgSIYi18iDT8q8IU/s1600-h/Sangria6-13-09b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348156720379326738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlMHFrZhgYuCF3VEpOEjyZYcB-JQb3EWQLMzSiDO1nEDlzYImCw6eohj6eq8aF5Ddz1L32gVMl7iAtk9xnbB5yt03Q_EvSAgvwJS-6TDx2yX-6XONq6YcBChLwRNVgSIYi18iDT8q8IU/s320/Sangria6-13-09b.jpg" /></a> <div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmW3NBnEDD5DUuev5plPciu7m33sO0EGlhBL-v1fSN8r4-eHbQHQzabMZveFjFHVSp4mLo5q_Fp7NdOLe2f8VLQfKd-v-30PlY9EUVQpzbnekTV_aTGZNJShHUuHnljDauPnfnSfOR3Yc/s1600-h/Sangria6-13-09d.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348156559392626226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmW3NBnEDD5DUuev5plPciu7m33sO0EGlhBL-v1fSN8r4-eHbQHQzabMZveFjFHVSp4mLo5q_Fp7NdOLe2f8VLQfKd-v-30PlY9EUVQpzbnekTV_aTGZNJShHUuHnljDauPnfnSfOR3Yc/s320/Sangria6-13-09d.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMaOYAvwci_cTrq0qFH8uz1cRgRe7gbgVu0AENahMegO0clv1rc0zmTp6CMbE-gWe0GcSMaVaF_vbMEH-SQVzbmOOmyfXA-ug4-vcets06uTaQTe_S8pST8qJDD0rEqAyBOxF1KfP1kM/s1600-h/Sangria6-13-09e.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348156557583244578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMaOYAvwci_cTrq0qFH8uz1cRgRe7gbgVu0AENahMegO0clv1rc0zmTp6CMbE-gWe0GcSMaVaF_vbMEH-SQVzbmOOmyfXA-ug4-vcets06uTaQTe_S8pST8qJDD0rEqAyBOxF1KfP1kM/s320/Sangria6-13-09e.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Eu4ZrYPzUg_zhFhRI2LgbU9sI086HaCzle9_0KQRj5TILoHLzzwqoqbYQqrLMN_YMy3uLfICPoJoWtBRG6x2seUWjJbEjQl50p9jySogZ1eGTR6WG3Kv-UsFTvmQFU6C7y44LbXhfWo/s1600-h/Sangria6-13-09f.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348156552012489298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Eu4ZrYPzUg_zhFhRI2LgbU9sI086HaCzle9_0KQRj5TILoHLzzwqoqbYQqrLMN_YMy3uLfICPoJoWtBRG6x2seUWjJbEjQl50p9jySogZ1eGTR6WG3Kv-UsFTvmQFU6C7y44LbXhfWo/s320/Sangria6-13-09f.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Un8V1RkIqS3zoZo88xW_dOVwA-a3w5kc7I3zGN4cj8_0ooDA0rxwAwehz-RGzrYQ4C72BKcwkuULCqH_5DwryJtxuDo6UpNr1EpHqeeHBQEFs08Dk_E5Y0Pqm2GZ4MnxmlsNtB7oKRw/s1600-h/Sangria6-13-09g.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348156546233887746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Un8V1RkIqS3zoZo88xW_dOVwA-a3w5kc7I3zGN4cj8_0ooDA0rxwAwehz-RGzrYQ4C72BKcwkuULCqH_5DwryJtxuDo6UpNr1EpHqeeHBQEFs08Dk_E5Y0Pqm2GZ4MnxmlsNtB7oKRw/s320/Sangria6-13-09g.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-32545960368203774442009-06-15T21:02:00.000-07:002009-06-15T21:10:00.348-07:00Sangria's In Hand & Body Conditioning CourseOn Friday morning, Sangria and I participated in our In Hand and Body Conditioning event. I was nervous that we might not perform our tasks well, such as backing through an "L", trotting around a serpentine and picking up her feet. Surprisingly, Sangria did very well. I believe she did step out of the "L", and she broke to a walk when we were supposed to trot the entire path. But she was perfect at trailer loading (and unloading), picking up an object and carrying it a short distance and standing quietly as I picked up all four feet.<br /><br />I was also nervous about how she would score in the Body Conditioning event. I've had other people familiar with how they score tell me that Sangria was too round. Yikes!<br /><br />However, when the scoresheets came out later that day, I saw that Sangria and I had placed 8th in the In Hand course and 2nd in the Body Conditioning event!! I was so proud of her and also very surprised as the competition was pretty steep against the other horses. These scores put us in 6th place overall! I quickly realized that if we had a decent ride in the Riding Course the next morning, then there was a chance we might make the Top 10 Finals! Uh oh! I definitley wasn't prepared for that situation!<br /><br />I went out and rode Sangria that evening - she was really great, though I had a pretty bad headache so I didn't push her very hard. I figured there wasn't any last minute schooling that I could do to make her any better. In fact, I figured riding her hard would only fry her and make her less willing to do well the next morning. So, our ride was short and sweet before putting her away for the night. Here's a few pics from Friday morning's In Hand & Body Conditioning event.<br /><p align="left"></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vfpNZWgSzAKZuWLund_mBwxxOGiKadhpwUfwKyFZltMb9zrzSSkXHdKBQ_xwe1FPVgJLnPt8sdvIZyflRRgNR4tVLdPC9ZQ5ySJXQ99AE2lc9M4-TORGbaEkKJNylNTIhQ-vP6Lbxl8/s1600-h/Sangria6-12-09.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347771503788788098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vfpNZWgSzAKZuWLund_mBwxxOGiKadhpwUfwKyFZltMb9zrzSSkXHdKBQ_xwe1FPVgJLnPt8sdvIZyflRRgNR4tVLdPC9ZQ5ySJXQ99AE2lc9M4-TORGbaEkKJNylNTIhQ-vP6Lbxl8/s320/Sangria6-12-09.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkGQBpqphXaa8TYrb0cCfaZjMzh3zaTDOAo0D9nlFA4h5ZI8TMUzdDC5W-alrp9qKBRhVGq431fkgZBHvwrjjoiCOf2bGxo0lyyYaYabXkD7FvVo6tAghKpTwm5wgcUhjVbl_OASfKVo/s1600-h/Sangria6-12-09b.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347771349092868818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkGQBpqphXaa8TYrb0cCfaZjMzh3zaTDOAo0D9nlFA4h5ZI8TMUzdDC5W-alrp9qKBRhVGq431fkgZBHvwrjjoiCOf2bGxo0lyyYaYabXkD7FvVo6tAghKpTwm5wgcUhjVbl_OASfKVo/s320/Sangria6-12-09b.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3BR8yYUgsZS5oScBMCmNBVl-OXqB7I2Zl5nanvCA25CStsVoNuv8ZHeQ3crWCwCqt6oTtPgUWw4WlJ47wKegQRJ-8Nojh7c2LmBrLTPLdCWjMcBTzjmMJzbG15-u-zda-60NC8UbWD4/s1600-h/Sangria6-12-09c.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347771343950707218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3BR8yYUgsZS5oScBMCmNBVl-OXqB7I2Zl5nanvCA25CStsVoNuv8ZHeQ3crWCwCqt6oTtPgUWw4WlJ47wKegQRJ-8Nojh7c2LmBrLTPLdCWjMcBTzjmMJzbG15-u-zda-60NC8UbWD4/s320/Sangria6-12-09c.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe66MuuZ3t4YIF0Nij22akO_PsqSAo-HjDTD37DuTz2BVYgKRYJueOC54BfFyMIPr8YhCKnGElERkgNU9VBA7CotbeC1d5NM3mURCeTvLtJuTSMEgCrLQ0Amaf7K3xXMHM3rF40SnIEs/s1600-h/Sangria6-12-09d.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347771345206405474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe66MuuZ3t4YIF0Nij22akO_PsqSAo-HjDTD37DuTz2BVYgKRYJueOC54BfFyMIPr8YhCKnGElERkgNU9VBA7CotbeC1d5NM3mURCeTvLtJuTSMEgCrLQ0Amaf7K3xXMHM3rF40SnIEs/s320/Sangria6-12-09d.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLfm3rHv7CsaRnbBtIcjCSKuVkKz1llbcQ5hNJonlVXLmAbishipQ6CZ11AzZpXLAHCFBTYSV2YeVVKv77V8wNRswCcRbIuZMsuwzHaMHHQqtDZ48qZD4ysmnU09roUfNt4uqUumlOWQ/s1600-h/Sangria6-12-09e.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347771340978773442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLfm3rHv7CsaRnbBtIcjCSKuVkKz1llbcQ5hNJonlVXLmAbishipQ6CZ11AzZpXLAHCFBTYSV2YeVVKv77V8wNRswCcRbIuZMsuwzHaMHHQqtDZ48qZD4ysmnU09roUfNt4uqUumlOWQ/s320/Sangria6-12-09e.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoND25NFa42yLu9T9yFRQyx6bZwFLpEneUPQvGgRp8tla17nHBNduAm2UQBi9mQdXgJSlFJ1o39aLR2SGvafVb8pro_YqRGYn9UI-1RGj3r-sBvXQv6G_bNU7qJ2UrQo_rA2T3SaCBsw/s1600-h/Sangria6-12-09f.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347771337141760898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoND25NFa42yLu9T9yFRQyx6bZwFLpEneUPQvGgRp8tla17nHBNduAm2UQBi9mQdXgJSlFJ1o39aLR2SGvafVb8pro_YqRGYn9UI-1RGj3r-sBvXQv6G_bNU7qJ2UrQo_rA2T3SaCBsw/s320/Sangria6-12-09f.jpg" /></a></p>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-40615407311561662382009-06-12T06:29:00.000-07:002009-06-12T06:56:31.103-07:00The Extreme Mustang Makeover has started!We are finally here and settled in! It was a long drive, and poor Jenny had to drive it all on her own. I was feeling particularly ill and kept falling asleep as soon as we started driving. Sorry Jenny! We got to the expo fairgrounds yesterday afternoon and unloaded horses, tack and feed. Then we bathed and clipped the horses. After that, we had an opportunity to play in the In-Hand course arena with some of the obstacles. Sangria was great, and after going over the bridge multiple times, I went ahead and saddled her up. She was just as great under saddle as she was on the ground. There is a ton of commotion going on at the fairgrounds; other horses, people setting up booths, etc. It's going to be a long weekend!<br /><br />This morning is the first competition - the 'In-Hand' and 'Conditioning' courses. After the trainer meeting last night, I am hopeful that my 'fat' mare won't score too badly in the conditioning course! :) I have been surprised at some of the horses' conditions. It seems like there are alot of them that have ribs showing and their topline showing. It will be interesting to see how these horses place. I know mine is definitely pudgy, but I'd rather she look like that than skinny!<br /><br />Here are a few pictures from yesterday - will try to post again tonight or tomorrow with updated results :) Thanks for all of the support everyone!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGmBERLaKFXdNP0Nwt-NifY-7-dCgJ8yiNtINlUb-r76TR1FManlHMpVXdoNH3AhSGdjb4ONabXENjQiSBmMI0FRSTHANvu5OmqEH5gw4QZYugqQUrq0xZbSMW9mAuLq3e_cX7pH5rGk/s1600-h/Sangria6-11-09D.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346438223176927426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGmBERLaKFXdNP0Nwt-NifY-7-dCgJ8yiNtINlUb-r76TR1FManlHMpVXdoNH3AhSGdjb4ONabXENjQiSBmMI0FRSTHANvu5OmqEH5gw4QZYugqQUrq0xZbSMW9mAuLq3e_cX7pH5rGk/s320/Sangria6-11-09D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEXkkMIuPrhFkure1kQTBUGfxMXI-h9ETn2Ntam4VnwAK4RdmoWs11B60OalcWsEErvPv2_Lpd0PLahlr_IXvQRWRsUCZVlVGq8KPH847GhRLjxgT1GR0VX3JQsO5n4L-JvAdtO6XtC8/s1600-h/Sangria6-11-09.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346437726001889730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEXkkMIuPrhFkure1kQTBUGfxMXI-h9ETn2Ntam4VnwAK4RdmoWs11B60OalcWsEErvPv2_Lpd0PLahlr_IXvQRWRsUCZVlVGq8KPH847GhRLjxgT1GR0VX3JQsO5n4L-JvAdtO6XtC8/s320/Sangria6-11-09.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfqGJ5e7lyunZZe00A_v93WRv7t0ldCJMg-Cc-c6QRkp2aPEMY06TtKLX_cMJDWrHzdtYGoExkJzkEQg2-bIdAkOgZ0mtku3SKjD5h3-P3T2iyX7dqUlEOFCw7W0OgQ4913WJuiY5wiQ/s1600-h/Sangria6-11-09b.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346437731521377058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfqGJ5e7lyunZZe00A_v93WRv7t0ldCJMg-Cc-c6QRkp2aPEMY06TtKLX_cMJDWrHzdtYGoExkJzkEQg2-bIdAkOgZ0mtku3SKjD5h3-P3T2iyX7dqUlEOFCw7W0OgQ4913WJuiY5wiQ/s320/Sangria6-11-09b.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIq7I0KsXrBfNQOdleyI0Cqj01AbnMVM1BkeTBd7p6OFqIhz3lzmVPy6mWdp24l0ew7TIFwecTXs0d9-Y1XUyliQYimgWA_bVo8qI8Yeot5NYuGO4jfrRtOnN9AEtz32Dudl7gO9aFW0/s1600-h/Sangria6-11-09c.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346437735342538738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIq7I0KsXrBfNQOdleyI0Cqj01AbnMVM1BkeTBd7p6OFqIhz3lzmVPy6mWdp24l0ew7TIFwecTXs0d9-Y1XUyliQYimgWA_bVo8qI8Yeot5NYuGO4jfrRtOnN9AEtz32Dudl7gO9aFW0/s320/Sangria6-11-09c.jpg" /></a>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-61220261137842833602009-06-02T21:33:00.000-07:002009-06-03T09:27:08.394-07:00Almost time!Wow, has it really been more than two weeks since my last post? I'm sorry for the lack of updates! I'm still working with Sangria daily (if possible). I am feeling really good with where she is at in her training - she's not as far along as I had hoped she would be for the competition, but with the obstacles we've faced, she's farther along than I expected the both of us to be. To be honest, our biggest block has been my fear of her since our accident. Every single time I step into the saddle, I am hit with a pretty major anxiety attack - what if she bucks, rears, bolts or worse? She hasn't acted the way she did back in April since that fateful day, but the images sure float through my mind when I get on. I wonder if that will ever go away? Luckily, it doesn't happen when I ride other horses! :)<br /><br />Over the past two weeks, I've worked on continuing to build her solid foundation. We walk, trot and canter with ease now. I've been riding her with Cowgirl Spirit Rescue Drill Team a couple times a week. We've been to a competition where we faced a very dark arena, loud music and lots of people. We've been on lots of trail rides, been swimming in the river and have even gone back to the scene of the crime - the beach. I was able to walk, trot and canter along the waves. That was a huge milestone for us!<br /><br />I've also had three other people ride Sangria, after a BLM inspector (who came out to verify Sangria was being properly cared for) asked if I felt Sangria was safe for other people to ride. I quickly realized that I needed to have others ride her. If anything, Sangria does better with a rider who doesn't have the baggage I have with her. While Sangria is solid and safe, she's also very dull and unresponsive. I don't know if this is just who she is (dead sided, not soft in the bit, etc), or if it's a result of my timidness with her, or a combination of both. Either way, I have started to ride her with more energy - demanding responsiveness right away.<br /><br />Things that I am going to work on in the next week before we leave for Sacramento: quicker response times, correct leads and picking up a canter from a halt. We are able to side pass, haunch turn and fore turn, though they are slow and sluggish. She has an amazing stop on her, but I think that's primarily because she loves to stop working! LOL<br /><br />Either way, I am proud of Sangria's and my progress. I don't think we will be competitive in Sacramento, but I have done my best with the situation we were dealt and couldn't be happier. She is going to make someone a very, very fine horse! Here are a few pictures over the last couple weeks!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n21shyCUthYvB5NeXp3pPPI2tJ6l4MulFGVrR45TFuunfPKmptHpCizpNNJK53Ed0lwpOebCvPr9_JVlcQAZFVgQqx0mWYNSASmJ3TdHbQ3X4iwnvNgXljaTxwVOMhFb1_yvnwLxq7k/s1600-h/Sangria6-2-09l.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343137103101327202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n21shyCUthYvB5NeXp3pPPI2tJ6l4MulFGVrR45TFuunfPKmptHpCizpNNJK53Ed0lwpOebCvPr9_JVlcQAZFVgQqx0mWYNSASmJ3TdHbQ3X4iwnvNgXljaTxwVOMhFb1_yvnwLxq7k/s320/Sangria6-2-09l.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8t8SGS1Fw60tL7NIycAp2EwV7XcedV_BCloDaMFD9XH81dTF3-eZYA_D44AN44XCCdQZFLA_zrVx0Tj9513xzLxeenZislHLsIGIXZPdxcv1KDUYnNH6IxyEor8xHQ5hH4VRQkRJfB4g/s1600-h/Sangria6-2-09k.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343137098424498658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8t8SGS1Fw60tL7NIycAp2EwV7XcedV_BCloDaMFD9XH81dTF3-eZYA_D44AN44XCCdQZFLA_zrVx0Tj9513xzLxeenZislHLsIGIXZPdxcv1KDUYnNH6IxyEor8xHQ5hH4VRQkRJfB4g/s320/Sangria6-2-09k.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_166ILa2O4n-iWABvXxF7Hmf_Pxva3aL12qNKnrRno7Z2umAXwtZNpLDZ-EuTIxr9yzE2l_izbr4Qf2Djn6b8mfRHO0yibsnMPsnc46Wl3346BmV5AZnCMardCv2QWZYbkhL5PJXEKDw/s1600-h/Sangria6-2-09j.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343137097922858786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_166ILa2O4n-iWABvXxF7Hmf_Pxva3aL12qNKnrRno7Z2umAXwtZNpLDZ-EuTIxr9yzE2l_izbr4Qf2Djn6b8mfRHO0yibsnMPsnc46Wl3346BmV5AZnCMardCv2QWZYbkhL5PJXEKDw/s320/Sangria6-2-09j.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMDiXpiOxazq9aYbh3o5hid005UbD6jspwyAK7jsOrzTeYqYV1ojjIQLxfb3eI512VoEdQVU7E18oMoJI8sTcQHI19BLDs8zZXflmpxtaygjSgucf-gKkZB8NFB94ktNz7sA5-kYzPn0/s1600-h/Sangria6-2-09i.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343137093256673922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMDiXpiOxazq9aYbh3o5hid005UbD6jspwyAK7jsOrzTeYqYV1ojjIQLxfb3eI512VoEdQVU7E18oMoJI8sTcQHI19BLDs8zZXflmpxtaygjSgucf-gKkZB8NFB94ktNz7sA5-kYzPn0/s320/Sangria6-2-09i.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5csQxElxcAl2QIDBdf1bzfzfKN7EPtHkPku3bqBS78sk-O1xBwTzfoQr-vs1cXRqgJ1BpwaGpl4Eai0iADfYeLCYysRRXqNe_L-ACDosvvK8wsTe3F2UBSwgrUK2ocZ85Eg-hVuoNZE/s1600-h/Sangria6-2-09h.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343137090501616674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5csQxElxcAl2QIDBdf1bzfzfKN7EPtHkPku3bqBS78sk-O1xBwTzfoQr-vs1cXRqgJ1BpwaGpl4Eai0iADfYeLCYysRRXqNe_L-ACDosvvK8wsTe3F2UBSwgrUK2ocZ85Eg-hVuoNZE/s320/Sangria6-2-09h.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIS9NU_gm3Qje7j7u0fCkLYpRrnt7pKkCO608JiXEHibJ16iJkN9-FD2Utc24tSFSAQlpkvvKgqICjlcWBjlSwuw_88UIJdeRzo9TIt5GP0dcQCbeCeBqkfMbt3TVmfnGH7IwMeCaQYfM/s1600-h/Sangria6-2-09g.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343137458492005010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIS9NU_gm3Qje7j7u0fCkLYpRrnt7pKkCO608JiXEHibJ16iJkN9-FD2Utc24tSFSAQlpkvvKgqICjlcWBjlSwuw_88UIJdeRzo9TIt5GP0dcQCbeCeBqkfMbt3TVmfnGH7IwMeCaQYfM/s320/Sangria6-2-09g.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagm3geK4bmYedt84DS9IYqVmtx4MTInthMX1db1aLD4VR39vRJ5cZn5x926agUWf-uyn3dwuUGv1R9PtOdSy_XQB2hjU7_Ytwjr_ZxNK0FEa4J1CrlwVBoynR3JEWhhDchj610WuXxoQ/s1600-h/Sangria6-2-09f.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343137454837955282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagm3geK4bmYedt84DS9IYqVmtx4MTInthMX1db1aLD4VR39vRJ5cZn5x926agUWf-uyn3dwuUGv1R9PtOdSy_XQB2hjU7_Ytwjr_ZxNK0FEa4J1CrlwVBoynR3JEWhhDchj610WuXxoQ/s320/Sangria6-2-09f.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXPVvJ-jS8l4zFUozw0-bqQamhKekCW7G8PK0zIEpNeiEJLhMZltON7HImeJbMMp_TnnuwygxV6MV8u5mXKHMJYNgmwcHZZG3_QYTf_zQ_UoWp5B7fxcupcWDO61cdwY_OjqWgaz3Tgg/s1600-h/Sangria6-2-09e.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343137454799826898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXPVvJ-jS8l4zFUozw0-bqQamhKekCW7G8PK0zIEpNeiEJLhMZltON7HImeJbMMp_TnnuwygxV6MV8u5mXKHMJYNgmwcHZZG3_QYTf_zQ_UoWp5B7fxcupcWDO61cdwY_OjqWgaz3Tgg/s320/Sangria6-2-09e.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxy1v2AZmnqaouPeB5EhGbrV3cagcc7SImG6X-Y-zxpXRvuCJQGm5gvDzcN62IykuBMgf0Uqq1jTeayhM2-_g8f-W9tRjAYweFoZxqnSTKOO5r2asTu08czfTz6CPphFNGegLC6LJQ2A/s1600-h/Sangria6-2-09d.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343137453163172450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxy1v2AZmnqaouPeB5EhGbrV3cagcc7SImG6X-Y-zxpXRvuCJQGm5gvDzcN62IykuBMgf0Uqq1jTeayhM2-_g8f-W9tRjAYweFoZxqnSTKOO5r2asTu08czfTz6CPphFNGegLC6LJQ2A/s320/Sangria6-2-09d.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNLzo0DcuaXKwSFLH-xLWlPAkz_Ds2vMwrv1tSMFeMs6aeB2HfwMxk5ESuaQiQ5UO94j4Yt1wyigsKyBv5kg_BvYTm-J5Nwb39A9u4y2PsJx7caUTBLd_c1xMUkyPOG7qoRne1VvFMDg/s1600-h/Sangria6-2-09b.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343137852331911298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNLzo0DcuaXKwSFLH-xLWlPAkz_Ds2vMwrv1tSMFeMs6aeB2HfwMxk5ESuaQiQ5UO94j4Yt1wyigsKyBv5kg_BvYTm-J5Nwb39A9u4y2PsJx7caUTBLd_c1xMUkyPOG7qoRne1VvFMDg/s320/Sangria6-2-09b.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk0rhwZd6NNV8x1P-b527d6BCvbjz-UAAB9ApkzTX9QAvtLdIDk7GWI0KAbLg3kuhEjv4KevmnijYsBTltBNFhjGyimkY8aTJfylrFGDG1LBmY5GhfK3wCFisi4AGbzyOMBURfngrq44/s1600-h/Sangria6-2-09c.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343137449397277490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk0rhwZd6NNV8x1P-b527d6BCvbjz-UAAB9ApkzTX9QAvtLdIDk7GWI0KAbLg3kuhEjv4KevmnijYsBTltBNFhjGyimkY8aTJfylrFGDG1LBmY5GhfK3wCFisi4AGbzyOMBURfngrq44/s320/Sangria6-2-09c.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYpV61TMq8Qqh0-pfI-rIYM-2D61ud6Zt1HiCJ3UlRtuN8mxCTabhYjw09Z1E680VwcgCAPZLyEKRj8JMTZzVZxiIsHUj_rC99zoGeHqR-0cSvnylHzOtgnIL0t2e-m0xXy6nfHD0uX8/s1600-h/Sangria6-2-09.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343137846936565346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYpV61TMq8Qqh0-pfI-rIYM-2D61ud6Zt1HiCJ3UlRtuN8mxCTabhYjw09Z1E680VwcgCAPZLyEKRj8JMTZzVZxiIsHUj_rC99zoGeHqR-0cSvnylHzOtgnIL0t2e-m0xXy6nfHD0uX8/s320/Sangria6-2-09.jpg" /></a></p>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-48015633144007830572009-05-14T21:40:00.000-07:002009-05-14T23:47:34.462-07:00Less than a month!!!Oh my, how time flies. When I first brought Sangria home from the BLM corrals, I was bold, confident and sure of my ability to win this competition. So confident was I, that I skipped many basic steps, leading to my being severely injured a month ago due to my ignorance. Since then, I have been extremely timid about moving forward and making any progress. While she has not given me any reason since that fateful day to fear her, I am terrified of her. Every time I mount up, I have an anxiety attack. My heart beats a million miles an hour, I break out in a cold sweat and I feel weak. Ugh! Each time I work with her, I get better - but it still takes me a good 5-10 minutes to finally feel comfortable riding and training her. <div><div><br /><div>One of the techniques that often helps me distract myself from my fear is focusing on chasing the ball. I hope this doesn't hinder our skills, but it keeps my attention on something other than my fear of her reactions to my cues. So far, it's helped tremendously. Tonight, I asked a friend to give me instructions - just tell me what to do to keep us busy and schooling. This helped almost as well as following the ball. From walk/trot/halt transitions, to small circles at a trot to working over trot poles. Sangria was a superstar and I am incredibly grateful for my girlfriend's help! </div><br /><div>Cowgirl Spirit Rescue Drill Team is attending our next competition on May 23rd. My goal is to be able to ride Sangria in a low-key quad drill at that competition. We would trot and be extremely laid back. Just entering the arena with loud music and other horses is enough of a goal, but to actually perform quad manuevers will be amazing! Our first real 'drill practice' is going to be on Saturday. Wish me luck!<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>I am still excited, but also very worried about the competition. Our riding skills are behind schedule, our ground work is coming along ok, but we also probably won't place well in the body conditioning score - my mare is FAT! She is an extremely easy keeper and only gets two flakes of timothy hay per day. Yikes! Oh well - she's healthy and beautiful, so if I can help her find a wonderful home then I will have accomplished my mission! </div><br /><div>In the video below, you will notice that Sangria starts out kind of busy, fidgety and distracted. After riding for approximately 30 minutes, she really started to focus. I am thinking she is the kind of horse that will need plenty of warm up time in order to be ready to work. Some of the issues I am working on with her are responsiveness to my legs and focusing on my requests. However, I am very proud of her - I had my first canter on her the other night, but it took all of my strength in leg pressure and kicks as well as Jenny flagging her from behind just to get a few strides at a lope. Sangria tends to become very dead-sided the more she works.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>In reading Mugwump's blog, I have read a tip on 'over/under' when trying to get a green colt to respond to forward requests. I am not sure if this is the right solution for Sangria and I. One, I'm terrified she will buck me off again, and two - I've only done the over/under thing once or twice. Is there another way to get her to canter when I request it? I've thought about putting bumper spurs on when she becomes dull, or perhaps carrying a crop. Thoughts? </div><div></div><div><br />Here's some pics and a video - sorry the video is so long, about 10 minutes - I didn't want to cut anything out, good or bad:<br /><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjq25mDhr_3-lMBAtkwe33W5-HSh41S7ErdxXEHlrxt4YfeS2hv2yWEzXdPj2rxgFfnUclFfQHcJM7wd6i0r0lM__DibEPQat4U6U0wCqOd2Bi6AH7qV4Pbiufi81tKk6yxTSmEHKDePE/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335911070816842114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjq25mDhr_3-lMBAtkwe33W5-HSh41S7ErdxXEHlrxt4YfeS2hv2yWEzXdPj2rxgFfnUclFfQHcJM7wd6i0r0lM__DibEPQat4U6U0wCqOd2Bi6AH7qV4Pbiufi81tKk6yxTSmEHKDePE/s320/Sangria5-14-09.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Wy1Cks6ac7BnX9jptp9p_C5Z5jUa9Qqi489GfdWIIY3l9UM-0PYtU2eOuzG5nmM9crUR27ODgySOc5r2yjgVva1WXaI-2pMLaXrXL0LQbC225RIFgfCZQbcJqDH2S_F4Gg23PNXl8mQ/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335911070922083698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Wy1Cks6ac7BnX9jptp9p_C5Z5jUa9Qqi489GfdWIIY3l9UM-0PYtU2eOuzG5nmM9crUR27ODgySOc5r2yjgVva1WXaI-2pMLaXrXL0LQbC225RIFgfCZQbcJqDH2S_F4Gg23PNXl8mQ/s320/Sangria5-14-09b.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_9xE2CEBwhqa0a7oayiz0qf0IAY35yspKQShcnWzu1OcNewoB7ieiBYGWvyiGzTk0zgwunnFfepHQXbNNsq0YVfU7InzpUr7QJ5MSTll0CCdjbk1i6dxJL50fR4yD4fcC-SI270Gob8/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335911073724946498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_9xE2CEBwhqa0a7oayiz0qf0IAY35yspKQShcnWzu1OcNewoB7ieiBYGWvyiGzTk0zgwunnFfepHQXbNNsq0YVfU7InzpUr7QJ5MSTll0CCdjbk1i6dxJL50fR4yD4fcC-SI270Gob8/s320/Sangria5-14-09c.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vItP-RTnYNsfYmcD1eGrK5mbf6lFlpzD-b8Okp3bVYbLQC1rm23DAegbVUuZTnUxfgHhkIo5qDF2F6bxSJ54USD5SRQljACqXKSVsrq95b8xcSvyb5esndMaRVKebVpXZGDNEYHHT_0/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335911078774257874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vItP-RTnYNsfYmcD1eGrK5mbf6lFlpzD-b8Okp3bVYbLQC1rm23DAegbVUuZTnUxfgHhkIo5qDF2F6bxSJ54USD5SRQljACqXKSVsrq95b8xcSvyb5esndMaRVKebVpXZGDNEYHHT_0/s320/Sangria5-14-09d.jpg" /></a><br /><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2FD8zfUKZLE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2FD8zfUKZLE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p></div></div></div>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-36079146676822236832009-05-06T07:39:00.000-07:002009-05-06T07:59:50.679-07:00Building our confidence with baby steps<div><div><div>Sangria and I are slowly but surely continuing our saddle training. She hasn't exhibited her bucking and bolting behavior since the beach ride 3 weeks ago, though I am still extremely nervous working with her under saddle. When I feel comfortable in my surroundings and with her mentality during a certain session, I will ride her in the saddle. However, when I am not so sure of her on a certain day, I will ride her bareback. </div><br /><div>She has completely succeeded at all of her groundwork exercises, but seems to need them each session as a prelude to riding. Last night, I hauled her to the Tacoma Unit and rode her bareback. She had been jumpy and snorty during our typical groundwork, and I was not in my usual kind, quiet mood. Instead, I pushed her harder than before, demanding responses immediately. I think this had her on edge.<br /></div><div>With a few other riders in the arena, I climbed on Sangria bareback and again headed towards our ball. While the ball is still something that I feel like I need, it doesn't seem to be as much of a crutch as before. It keeps us focused on something, but after pushing it around the arena once or twice, I was comfortable riding her away from it. </div><br /><div>I suppose at this point, baby steps for both of us is the best I can ask for - to keep us safe and moving forward :)</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqYsYJigvCxVp2z-z4cjPwqS37q2VC9-1v73XeghWVOlIS0FI7RL9LnsDTKXlTgQXhh7fvMnuvObsKuxn6VUq2y0QQ-37M-046n-UgA7iOCXtGNTZuqW_eWORcpM03OeOI-FFd6Fa3yA/s1600-h/Sangria5-5-09.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332725043821762898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqYsYJigvCxVp2z-z4cjPwqS37q2VC9-1v73XeghWVOlIS0FI7RL9LnsDTKXlTgQXhh7fvMnuvObsKuxn6VUq2y0QQ-37M-046n-UgA7iOCXtGNTZuqW_eWORcpM03OeOI-FFd6Fa3yA/s320/Sangria5-5-09.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bV9RKlLe-8wiKe6PJjLc-v4o8hFBxhA0P0nk7gIR4oqgSMypDoIpcoRYeTxqSc_J7aEawEj_42PQWu4Nev743O5kUijzl7YKZ8G2kipDqk_qidoVmVSo8mDpNmvuqTA30yG5ayJV8wA/s1600-h/Sangria5-5-09b.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332725048966567106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bV9RKlLe-8wiKe6PJjLc-v4o8hFBxhA0P0nk7gIR4oqgSMypDoIpcoRYeTxqSc_J7aEawEj_42PQWu4Nev743O5kUijzl7YKZ8G2kipDqk_qidoVmVSo8mDpNmvuqTA30yG5ayJV8wA/s320/Sangria5-5-09b.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81Z9tuLAwDCx-nwWGqg_EyKMqcIF09Q876g8C-3mGJJXU9Hw80IJqg_JxMlW2D_gYrRg0Jqz0WErXJaK6AwmEDCbFSQGWkm5g-b73NnVldu2blJJj-YtLv2g9WmsuwFkKFVCzLEvVyOw/s1600-h/Sangria5-5-09c.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332725053746176226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81Z9tuLAwDCx-nwWGqg_EyKMqcIF09Q876g8C-3mGJJXU9Hw80IJqg_JxMlW2D_gYrRg0Jqz0WErXJaK6AwmEDCbFSQGWkm5g-b73NnVldu2blJJj-YtLv2g9WmsuwFkKFVCzLEvVyOw/s320/Sangria5-5-09c.jpg" /></a></p></div></div>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-76261948930331116782009-05-01T06:16:00.000-07:002009-05-01T09:30:33.983-07:00Our progress!<div>This past week has been good for Sangria and I. I have only ridden her one other time but have continued to enforce our groundwork efforts. Sangria still tends to be reactive to things coming up behind her, perceived or real. I have tried everything I can think of to resolve her fears of this. Yesterday, she stood in the round pen (untied), while I spent quite a bit of time running up behind her (in her blind spot), just to pet and love on her and then leave. The first few times she wanted to skitter away, but soon she was standing quietly.<br /><br />We spent quite a bit more time with desensitizing techniques while on the ground, from the rail and while on her back. I also worked on hindquarter yielding and softening of her neck and mouth when I ask her to give her head. While all of the signs point to her being calm, cool and collected, I cannot help but have doubts in the back of my mind since I truly do not know why she reacted the way that she did at the beach. Was it because I didn't warm her up? Was it because I saddled her while she was wet and cold? Was it a combination of things?<br /><br />How can I be confident that if faced with that type of situation again, I won't come off? I know there has got to be more than I can do - I just don't know what it is!<br /><br />After doing some of my desensitizing work, I rode Sangria (in a saddle!) while chasing the ball. For some reason, I feel the most safe riding her when I have something to concentrate on - like chasing the ball. If I just get on and try to get her to move, my mind goes crazy with worries and insecurities with each of her movements. Each tension of her neck or back, each brace against the reins just sends me into a minor panic. However, if I'm concentrating on that ball, I'm able to push her forward with leg and rein cues and not pay attention or put too much focus on her reactions. It's working really well for us both. Last night we were trotting around, pushing the ball here and there. She was very good for me, though by the end, she was pinning her ears and attempting to bite the ball. I'm not sure what that was all about!<br /><br />Physically, I am feeling better each and every day. I am loving my temporary teeth and am eager for May 12th to come around, which is when I will get my final veneers and crowns. I do still have quite a bit of sensitivity in my teeth at times... sometimes it feels as though my teeth are throbbing?! My facial fractures are not bothering me at all, other than my nose when I occaisionally forget it's broken and go to rub it. Ouch! My lip is healing well, and ironically, is the most painfull part of my personal rehabilitation. But I'm almost back to normal and am thankful to be alive each and every day! Thank you again for all of your love and support! </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKV71VolW9m8qlGg6xOQLhZmWY8UgFr1qGYCNu4Nj7DOC8fwT-vw1frdZ8Mdx6R6Pxoi7SRgh2AN8shtCRDNWDO-wScS3Io3flBOwbNyq40a2_rCgoPcdmGaCwlQsfsPF3BGXqy7Q1wLA/s1600-h/Sangria4-30-09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330893096049619106" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKV71VolW9m8qlGg6xOQLhZmWY8UgFr1qGYCNu4Nj7DOC8fwT-vw1frdZ8Mdx6R6Pxoi7SRgh2AN8shtCRDNWDO-wScS3Io3flBOwbNyq40a2_rCgoPcdmGaCwlQsfsPF3BGXqy7Q1wLA/s320/Sangria4-30-09.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7Qow-4ATVD8XYbT43vV5sHaxOQHW4YpEIDkEzQAkKgsC0eciN0olwlcRQbjASS8GTEM25AXK8md1c466WjPXIjJ1OKubjAkJ0BQaITIhxgCmApQSc4NScRaqYvyah8SwRPsOkpk2jbQ/s1600-h/Sangria4-30-09b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330893097249243666" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7Qow-4ATVD8XYbT43vV5sHaxOQHW4YpEIDkEzQAkKgsC0eciN0olwlcRQbjASS8GTEM25AXK8md1c466WjPXIjJ1OKubjAkJ0BQaITIhxgCmApQSc4NScRaqYvyah8SwRPsOkpk2jbQ/s320/Sangria4-30-09b.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZbX8HkavaaVK4MER1TNLitoLyD40JSS-ipkkquqDJTs4Jnx4Yr0AzGAV0ej0cKuAcCGZHaz5jSkrLbz3NLTNv9M91aRgAi8P4GM_u11isJeQzzna4CiHEOQgwCb93xjnGIcLviaCxao/s1600-h/Sangria4-30-09c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330893097375529890" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZbX8HkavaaVK4MER1TNLitoLyD40JSS-ipkkquqDJTs4Jnx4Yr0AzGAV0ej0cKuAcCGZHaz5jSkrLbz3NLTNv9M91aRgAi8P4GM_u11isJeQzzna4CiHEOQgwCb93xjnGIcLviaCxao/s320/Sangria4-30-09c.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C4VH5pn2BUFGHZbOm00YIJJ6rd6PiPtC7s9ovohT-wCMQMljVDfPITSQIR8B89sBFLQ_UuLAoVmNX82UEDvifyJ8O3CHmjRASf9cF5mmWOw3joLWyBFcbHZRV_QJnwaQiSc96tyAW-o/s1600-h/Sangria4-30-09d.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330893102761332402" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C4VH5pn2BUFGHZbOm00YIJJ6rd6PiPtC7s9ovohT-wCMQMljVDfPITSQIR8B89sBFLQ_UuLAoVmNX82UEDvifyJ8O3CHmjRASf9cF5mmWOw3joLWyBFcbHZRV_QJnwaQiSc96tyAW-o/s320/Sangria4-30-09d.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyL6h8VJ1NJ2N-qBVWd83IVubyt0AGanZrnQ0n4WNXxasmnIhouIgkcZQsNWv-JZHzEzf18F2fsTaVYBSI6jtA863r2pCiCrUVfRJQLFxu6TCYVXrsZ4-9S2oXTy7CZkTl3ZhqFZHSZEc/s1600-h/Sangria4-30-09e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330893102107253858" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyL6h8VJ1NJ2N-qBVWd83IVubyt0AGanZrnQ0n4WNXxasmnIhouIgkcZQsNWv-JZHzEzf18F2fsTaVYBSI6jtA863r2pCiCrUVfRJQLFxu6TCYVXrsZ4-9S2oXTy7CZkTl3ZhqFZHSZEc/s320/Sangria4-30-09e.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw0c8SFWTqE1Wyq8DquQGXEBquS0l9t24YndceWcWKN_KVEJczFmdR8unTWabHpsQVIzcnccDmmVRWWqxbBtU7ByKQjRN_foIeFfpRcmfkXYtNy67jtkHAhoIvwl3DQkYPeqnEnh72Cg/s1600-h/Sangria4-30-09f.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330893340673432850" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw0c8SFWTqE1Wyq8DquQGXEBquS0l9t24YndceWcWKN_KVEJczFmdR8unTWabHpsQVIzcnccDmmVRWWqxbBtU7ByKQjRN_foIeFfpRcmfkXYtNy67jtkHAhoIvwl3DQkYPeqnEnh72Cg/s320/Sangria4-30-09f.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-8348472761102103432009-04-27T07:43:00.000-07:002009-04-27T13:34:52.026-07:00A big THANK YOU!As many of you may have heard, I had a serious accident with Sangria a couple weeks ago. I had taken her along to the beach for my birthday weekend celebration. Even though we had only had a dozen or so rides, I felt that Sangria's progress was so rapid and solid that she was more than ready for a beach ride. She'd not given me any issues with the saddling or riding part of our training. We had ridden in arenas, round pens, trail rides and even on roads past barking dogs and across rural highways. She was steady and calm - I was sure I didn't have anything to worry about.<br /><br />Unfortunately, her calm demeanor fooled me into believing she was so ready for something like a beach ride that I treated her like a seasoned horse. When we got to the beach on Saturday morning, it was misty and wet. All of the horses were put in small outdoor paddocks until the rest of our guests arrived. By the time we were ready to ride a few hours later, all of the horses were completely soaked (they didn't have blankets on) and a few were shivering.<br /><br />We saddled everyone up and got ready to go. There were 10 of us riding, including two small children, which is no small feat to get ready. We had to make sure all of the horses were saddled up and ready to go, children were bundled in their waterproof coats and that fresh, green horses were put through their exercies.<br /><br />By the time I got to Sangria, she was her normal calm self. I did not take advantage of the round pen on site, I did not lunge her and I did not even do our usual groundwork exercises before gettng on. I just tightened the girth and got on. As I always do, I asked for her head to my left, which she gave quickly and softly. Then, I asked or her head to the right. This is when she exploded - and it wasn't a small blow up - it was a huge bronc bucking fit. I went flying, but being at the beach, the ground was sandy and I landed on my rump. No big deal.<br /><br />Sangria had run to her herd mate a few feet away. I was easily able to catch her. She was nervous from what had happened, but quickly calmed down with my reassurances. I pet her, checked her saddle for pinching and then did some groundwork exercises. When I felt like she was no longer nervous and was tuned into me, I got back on. This time, she was excellent with our giving exercises on each side. I still don't know what happened, or why she blew up - other than perhaps the saddle was pinching her wet hair or something out of the ordinary.<br /><br />Once I was back on, I walked her around trying to keep her busy until the last few riders were ready to go. She seemed fine and relaxed. We finally got on the trail to head down to the beach. About 5 minutes into our ride, one of our guests who was new to horses but on a seasoned horse, came trotting up behind Sangria and I. The horse he was riding was swishing his tail and pinning his ears. Sangria bolted, which caused me to tense up. I immediately went for the one-rein stop, and we almost stopped, but then she went the other direction and off I came.... again.<br /><br />I gathered her up again, somewhat frustrated at this point, but reassuring her. I did the giving exercises on each side until she seemed in tune to me. I mounted up and rode her around as the group of riders stood there waiting for me. When I felt like we were ok (though Sangria was still a bit jumpy), we moved on. As we got to the end of the trail, before heading out to the dunes, there was a gate that needed to be opened. We all stood there as one of the riders got off to open the gate. This time, I don't know what caused Sangria to blow, but again she took off bucking. When I came off this time, I was determined not to let her get away from me. As I came off, I kept a hold of my 1-piece roping reins. I flew over her head and she immediately started backing away from me. I still had the reins in my hands and was drug along as she tried to get away from me. As soon as she realized she couldn't get away from me, I stood up, approached her and reassured her.<br /><br />This time I was angry and frustrated to the point that I wasn't looking clearly at the situation. Looking back, I should have worked with her at the round pen before getting back on after she bucked me off the first time. However, hindsight is always 20/20, right? So, as I approached her for the 4th time, I was frustrated and embaressed. I did no groundwork, I just got on. And a bit more forcefully than usual. Once on, I abruptly asked for hindquarter yielding and brought her nose around to each side. She immediately complied, though was a bit startled at my abruptness.<br /><br />The group moved on, but this time, I held her back as the group moved forward, as I wanted her to see the gate being closed behind her and the person approach her from behind. She was antsy and kept pawing the ground as I asked her to wait until our last rider caught up to the group and his horse. She had displayed fear issues of anything coming up behind her in the past, and this seemed to be a huge part of her issue on this day.<br /><br />Once we were all gathered up, we headed out. We were at the back of the group - I figured this would help as no one or nothing would come behind her. Unfortunately, both Sangria and I were pretty worked and and tense at this point. Within a few moments of our ride on the dunes, she bolted and bucked again. I again came off, but again had the bad idea of not letting go of the reins. Only this time she bolted forwards, and I was drug along beside her hind feet. This is the last that I remember, but she apparently either kicked me in the face in her panic to get away, or my face just happened to be in the path of her hooves.<br /><br />A long story short, I was knocked unconscious with many, many facial fractures, broken teeth and a gaping injury to my top lip. I came to in the arms of my wonderful boyfriend who kept me calm until the ambulance arrived. I was taken to the Aberdeen hospital, where they did x-rays and a CT scan. It was quickly apparent that I had orbital fractures, maxillary fractures, my nose was broken and there was a large break in my palette. They removed a large rock from my lip and sewed it up. Approximately 10 teeth had been broken or affected in this accident, including my front top four teeth. However, upon further examination of my CT scan, the doctors were immediately concerned that I had fractured the bone around my carotid artery and that it was in danger of being ruptured - which is life threatening.<br /><br />The doctors wanted to air-lift me to Seattle's Harborview hospital, which hosts an excellent trauma center. Unfortunately, the weather was too poor to allow that, so they put me in a solid neck brace and drove me by ambulance to Harborview. Once at Harborview, they did more x-rays and CT scans and were able to determine that my carotid artery was not at risk of rupturing after all. They discharged me that night, with plenty of pain killer narcotics and instructions to come back to the Ear, Nose & Throat clinic within a few days once the swelling had gone down to determine if I would need surgery for any of my fractures.<br /><br />Once at home, the reality of the accident hit me and I was terrified. By morning, my left eye was completely swollen, almost shut! And my lip that was lacerated open was also extremely swollen. I couldn't eat anything and drinking was painful as well due to my broken teeth and exposed nerves. I was on a liquid diet and the only way I could drink anything was through a straw to the back of my throat, bypassing my painful teeth. I was a mess.<br /><br />I spent the next week at many appointments - the dentists, the plastic surgeon, the ENT clinic and even UW Dental Urgent Care where they put temporary filling material over my broken front teeth so that breathing wouldn't be so painful on my exposed nerves. I stopped taking the narcotic pain killers as quickly as possible and soon, I was making small milestones every day. Going out in public was embarressing, as I had a lot of bruising & swelling and two very prominent black eyes. I tried to take it all in stride, but it started to get me down after a while.<br /><br />My teeth were also one of my biggest issues. I could deal with the ugly black eyes - and I could deal with the obnoxious scar I will now have on my face/lip forever. But when I smiled, my teeth were crooked and broken off. And very painful. I was having a hard time with this. One of my first appointments after the accident were to the dentist. Being unemployed, I wasn't sure how I could afford to pay for getting my teeth fixed, but I at least wanted a plan in place. The dentist I visited, Dr. Ron Sherman of First Impressions in Issaquah, was sympathetic and willing to help. His $2800 quote was marginally less for the amount of veneers, crowns and fillings he would have to do to return my teeth to normal. Yet, there was no way I had $2800 in my budget without a job. I was heartbroken.<br /><br />A close friend of mine, Susan Bunch, took it upon herself to ask the horse community for help on my behalf. I felt uncomfortable asking for help but at the same time, I was desperate to get my teeth fixed. Unbelievably, within 24 hours of Susan's email, the funds had been raised to cover my dental expenses. Dr. Ron Sherman was also generous enough to match any and all donations!!! When the dental office called me and asked me to come in for my first appointment, I couldn't help but start crying. I couldn't believe everyone's generosity! I am still overwhelmed!<br />I have spent a lot of time at the dentists over the last week. I now have temporary teeth over my broken ones and am awaiting my final veneers and crowns. I am almost able to eat solid food (I even ate pork chops for dinner the other night, though I had to take extremely small bites and chew slowly - but it was a huge milestone!). And best of all - I can smile - and proudly! There is nothing like being able to smile and really feel it rather than wanting to hide behind your hand so people don't notice your broken teeth. I am so utterly grateful for everyone's love and support! I will be getting in touch with each and every one of you that offered your support!<br /><br /><strong>Back to Sangria:</strong> I was extremely concerned about Sangria and our progress. Should I drop out of the Extreme Mustang Makeover competition? Should I return her to the Litchfield corrals? Or should I try to continue her training, in hopes of making her a suitable mount for someone one day? I have to admit, I was terrified of getting back on her. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body, and the blow to my face was a freak accident caused by me - by my not letting go of the reins. I wasn't hung up in the saddle or anything. But who knows what would happen if and when I started working with her again! Plus, I had promised those closest to me that I would not start working with her (under saddle) until at least the two week mark.<br /><br />So - I spent as much time as I could trying to fill in the gaps on the ground. Sangria is nervous about anything behind her, from a horse and rider coming up behind her to somethin dragging behind her. We have spent alot of time on this and I think we have made great progress. She now drags a tarp or tire quietly and easily. I can bounce a large ball up behind her without her flinching. I have attached a tarp to the top of her saddle so that it flaps in the wind as she moves - she has become quiet and willing with this exercise as well. I can also mount up an wave that tarp around as she stands quietly. Following another EMM trainer's blog, I also chose to introduce her to ground driving. I typically don't feel that ground driving is a great training device, except that for Sangria, I wanted her to be able to take guidance from me while I walked behind her. She was excellent and I can now ground drive her while waving a tarp or kicking the ball towards her rump as we walk in serpentines and figure 8's. I may ground drive her down the road at some point.<br /><br />A couple days ago I had my first ride on her since the accident. I am still somewhat fragile myself, as well as extremely nervous. So we took it very slow and easy. I rode her in the round pen. I also chose to ride her bareback. For some reason, I feel much more comfortable riding her bareback than with a saddle. She did very well and responded to my cues nicely. At this point, I am no longer concerned about the competition and am now just going to do my best to get Sangria as far along as I can for her new owners. I am already quite a bit farther behind the other trainers due to my time off after the accident, but I think this was a reality check that I needed!<br /><br />Here are some pictures and a video of some of the exercises that I have done with Sangria since the accident. Any thoughts or input on moving forward with her is greatly appreciated!<br /><br /><p align="center"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/G-c2Mlk1-mA&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/G-c2Mlk1-mA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeUtzwxYzfvc2Vt58dFxZ40u1OukoZi4uMUszkWZEd9aaSNOecsi0jsLHVruvmimLHF7LowUDFgq9SFaY1UFjWVcLf92ZW6Ddc3kBYPz2Monk_A4UdR3UKY_I2xfoSAGLW9gevrTEu-s/s1600-h/Sangria4-24-09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329464263645273842" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeUtzwxYzfvc2Vt58dFxZ40u1OukoZi4uMUszkWZEd9aaSNOecsi0jsLHVruvmimLHF7LowUDFgq9SFaY1UFjWVcLf92ZW6Ddc3kBYPz2Monk_A4UdR3UKY_I2xfoSAGLW9gevrTEu-s/s320/Sangria4-24-09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7JZmoYuM31kiQQZp5DyyyxaHeZFkPBNOQhaX72RFtmZdei5bNKBJhP8SQay01xjnUntR3I85nh1jTK_kikXcWNmR8VLBoKwtrQBJh22vHYCdW0mezkMB_K5E4MdpZKx_N-iRy_euIbY/s1600-h/Sangria4-24-09b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329464265729478370" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7JZmoYuM31kiQQZp5DyyyxaHeZFkPBNOQhaX72RFtmZdei5bNKBJhP8SQay01xjnUntR3I85nh1jTK_kikXcWNmR8VLBoKwtrQBJh22vHYCdW0mezkMB_K5E4MdpZKx_N-iRy_euIbY/s320/Sangria4-24-09b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSp3cHVaFHMr3cSbGOzjG9Gl3nRUmRAau8obSwWpaWfTBd4GWTDMTEpG7HN6OFe81oQMBgJL3YmfDU16jm6qMzywjFlEtLmf_YYGjNiJSOVExKGneaKkhQpwVGCOn7etkttyAWDD_yh8/s1600-h/Sangria4-24-09c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329464264589231858" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSp3cHVaFHMr3cSbGOzjG9Gl3nRUmRAau8obSwWpaWfTBd4GWTDMTEpG7HN6OFe81oQMBgJL3YmfDU16jm6qMzywjFlEtLmf_YYGjNiJSOVExKGneaKkhQpwVGCOn7etkttyAWDD_yh8/s320/Sangria4-24-09c.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHfCRlcVP046wvZq9B4nJxcCzTF4Qv3Cvx8yLPu3zDsovj9ufhDqnkfuFzwL0mY6XBeQph2ZAtClsczrpnxudkF8NpsDcWlWSa9yg0mYPhppce_s63hrXsc0Q5RhPyw6KMPAz8N4Nm1Q/s1600-h/Sangria4-24-09d.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329464271729882594" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHfCRlcVP046wvZq9B4nJxcCzTF4Qv3Cvx8yLPu3zDsovj9ufhDqnkfuFzwL0mY6XBeQph2ZAtClsczrpnxudkF8NpsDcWlWSa9yg0mYPhppce_s63hrXsc0Q5RhPyw6KMPAz8N4Nm1Q/s320/Sangria4-24-09d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxixqJ4TBnBHSZQ5l28haRT152F5HKR5mVyMvfJDRn-m9_oJv7NqTj5q9_WM6BC35064RBwKvwcI7zKlzE25sI3BNy-YO5fpGRJqF7KNnbvSiO-seGagUSnkWXjfg8I9SssG1Lu7W8lMw/s1600-h/Sangria4-24-09e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329464269165870066" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxixqJ4TBnBHSZQ5l28haRT152F5HKR5mVyMvfJDRn-m9_oJv7NqTj5q9_WM6BC35064RBwKvwcI7zKlzE25sI3BNy-YO5fpGRJqF7KNnbvSiO-seGagUSnkWXjfg8I9SssG1Lu7W8lMw/s320/Sangria4-24-09e.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdZzDvhVPH1WhEG4O4REp7Bu09cGRoegh94PSzClyC-I7P74nOXDTGaGOvWRqb1JTUCqxF17giA-l7sazkIbZV7okyqP6ZcrPmajT0z0qGQXG1Y2WYhw-yq9qFRnIW4j4J9WO7_O5AiI/s1600-h/Sangria4-24-09f.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329466516778070306" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdZzDvhVPH1WhEG4O4REp7Bu09cGRoegh94PSzClyC-I7P74nOXDTGaGOvWRqb1JTUCqxF17giA-l7sazkIbZV7okyqP6ZcrPmajT0z0qGQXG1Y2WYhw-yq9qFRnIW4j4J9WO7_O5AiI/s320/Sangria4-24-09f.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVUvQsAYySTF5HG8SA4bPc1q2PbUzOZz-tr3t4d67cEiYUaCeZb9VgKZXxR2brEqmb0Sl5oVKCI3Olx2PPGx2_vgsN0KUqeQsJFak5A6gKwNNPwLcFgMBUZVINC4n0p-RiD5fvrgyZM4/s1600-h/Sangria4-24-09g.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329466520432584818" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVUvQsAYySTF5HG8SA4bPc1q2PbUzOZz-tr3t4d67cEiYUaCeZb9VgKZXxR2brEqmb0Sl5oVKCI3Olx2PPGx2_vgsN0KUqeQsJFak5A6gKwNNPwLcFgMBUZVINC4n0p-RiD5fvrgyZM4/s320/Sangria4-24-09g.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoS8YKBsMGDgAWdlDGzatQ0feIXoLvb0GmJUJ9emkkLEFGdLM2sVuOxaYxiwwFHZYy4S-ZJAnlfQEplAzlF_BUei9CJDDc33e7rtCKAcldja7dq5JWhVX7fbwWT7TFsC9uLg8n6nC7QeE/s1600-h/Sangria4-24-09h.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329466523228808162" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoS8YKBsMGDgAWdlDGzatQ0feIXoLvb0GmJUJ9emkkLEFGdLM2sVuOxaYxiwwFHZYy4S-ZJAnlfQEplAzlF_BUei9CJDDc33e7rtCKAcldja7dq5JWhVX7fbwWT7TFsC9uLg8n6nC7QeE/s320/Sangria4-24-09h.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXogdaOOOfvkMGZw05ge4pXb-fPcXHhpHTbH0V7-JvI4gdv7W_nCk5j-4CT7aea1i5lKZ4BVfXonrvAZd5IA8-Y7p3zWZUHPqg3eBx20aeGjtAb5Z1gnOaEnjwzNBzXf8fLesrh424m60/s1600-h/Sangria4-24-09i.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329466525203186402" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXogdaOOOfvkMGZw05ge4pXb-fPcXHhpHTbH0V7-JvI4gdv7W_nCk5j-4CT7aea1i5lKZ4BVfXonrvAZd5IA8-Y7p3zWZUHPqg3eBx20aeGjtAb5Z1gnOaEnjwzNBzXf8fLesrh424m60/s320/Sangria4-24-09i.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYg0kQ3cClHZW3yE8ewvRx70dRMsoDtfPzuBNw4tChyphenhyphen2gXK6Sp-XK_UgGJh_Fibkpqwfs6PNSPC-NnECKkJzS2ZHHGfdQVbe7REkcCRTp7DJK3L_NjJmLWLs3e7qgEHuONOdEiUk5lkvg/s1600-h/Sangria4-24-09j.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329466526104240066" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYg0kQ3cClHZW3yE8ewvRx70dRMsoDtfPzuBNw4tChyphenhyphen2gXK6Sp-XK_UgGJh_Fibkpqwfs6PNSPC-NnECKkJzS2ZHHGfdQVbe7REkcCRTp7DJK3L_NjJmLWLs3e7qgEHuONOdEiUk5lkvg/s320/Sangria4-24-09j.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAudBlyqIrVycfVG1s7mQykNXK2_tF5YGflLtlBQNh1g0f1y6u7gQrrgPL1Lp4EV4_ny_1-HfbTpRFpSNpRqoPU1HQPNKQpy_pzyOBw1H-RHi3RHqX6nLEVoYHq-f40h9EP_0A2L8iZl0/s1600-h/Sangria4-24-09k.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329468394417807490" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAudBlyqIrVycfVG1s7mQykNXK2_tF5YGflLtlBQNh1g0f1y6u7gQrrgPL1Lp4EV4_ny_1-HfbTpRFpSNpRqoPU1HQPNKQpy_pzyOBw1H-RHi3RHqX6nLEVoYHq-f40h9EP_0A2L8iZl0/s320/Sangria4-24-09k.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsIy7ofBIBLYbLZRuw_zkWNNmXQLNV7u-VSXR_0PdQ4_AbbGkdEBEzAGMwFeoVu-AuoybFPS1jaDnQV_wkkin01N_2ZwINSRzvqkc5LdC6g1pCirzezKDmGGrH43ieInK7Hr97IRtbJQ/s1600-h/Sangria4-24-09m.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329468396779374338" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsIy7ofBIBLYbLZRuw_zkWNNmXQLNV7u-VSXR_0PdQ4_AbbGkdEBEzAGMwFeoVu-AuoybFPS1jaDnQV_wkkin01N_2ZwINSRzvqkc5LdC6g1pCirzezKDmGGrH43ieInK7Hr97IRtbJQ/s320/Sangria4-24-09m.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbdA7DLqo93zSLbc2HRnjnifhBsv7V7g6I0mn1Z7omWjcVavycSFIZcKWqLElfYx8NUGzGjKM-_AiQMjh0F5vh8i6w0Qe5B3o1z5BpaWko9LTcnSGPcK3rew6p77WdUSfOqivHroxi3w/s1600-h/Sangria4-24-09l.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329468400322210290" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbdA7DLqo93zSLbc2HRnjnifhBsv7V7g6I0mn1Z7omWjcVavycSFIZcKWqLElfYx8NUGzGjKM-_AiQMjh0F5vh8i6w0Qe5B3o1z5BpaWko9LTcnSGPcK3rew6p77WdUSfOqivHroxi3w/s320/Sangria4-24-09l.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-21453925840912402072009-04-10T08:45:00.000-07:002009-04-10T09:21:40.337-07:00First Drill Practice!<div>One of the things that sets Cowgirl Spirit Rescue Drill Team apart from other rescues, is that we use the sport of drill to train our horses to be valuable equine athletes. In the sport of drill, horses learn to ride close to other horses at all gates (walk, trot, canter and even gallop). They get used to loud music, many different arenas and most will even learn to carry a flag. In our experience, the rescues that we have worked with and introduced to drill, have quickly become well rounded equines. </div><div><br />So, I wondered if our tactic for the rescues would have the same affect on a <em>wild mustang</em>. Sangria has quickly become stable enough in her training to start riding with the team. On Wednesday, I took her on a two hour trail ride, where she had to carry me up steep terrain, over logs, through creeks and puddles and downhill. On the way back to the trailer, we rode down a quiet side street with little traffic. However, as we passed a house, a little Jack Russell terrier came racing out, barking at our horses. Sangria bolted forward, but only got about two strides before I asked for a one-rein stop. She quickly stopped and stood there watching the dog. I'm so glad her training is sticking with her in those kinds of moments. </div><div><br />Last night, we had drill practice. We were missing a few of our riders, so we mostly just worked one on one and a bit with eachother. Sangria and I did lots of walking and trotting. She gets grumpy when I ask her to trot, and is fairly lazy - but she doesn't do anything about it other than pin her ears. I'm pretty sure this is a greenie thing and will go away fairly quickly. </div><div><br />Towards the end of the practice, I started doing manuevers with the rest of the group. Sangria was easily maneuverable into her spot - but she had issues with herd dynamics. She's still so green that she doesn't quite understand that pinning her ears and threatening to bite other horses isn't acceptable. Being the boss mare in the pasture is still her mentality when riding. I am working hard to curb that behavior immediately and am fairly confident it is also a greenie thing and will not be an issue. </div><div><br />Here's a couple pics of her out with the rest of the group last night. I'm so proud of her! The one thing that I think she also needs work on is dealing with other people. One of our team members went to pet her and she repeatedly pinned her ears, wanting nothing to do with her. We need to make sure this doesn't become a habit either. Treating people that way is not acceptable. Luckily she's not that way with all people! </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4ccJDlO9ZWQI2Di_L0iLdiYr5Bs76F-osZNNC2zpqde1JLIrp0ZJPj05sKEIzG4y5saiQR5qhF7uZs3zS2VZ2Ebfue9OZj5EOr8hmQB1-Rord-LhaLn15jnChUNXl_R3o2XDNrlOUzU/s1600-h/Sangria4-9-09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323095552897768786" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4ccJDlO9ZWQI2Di_L0iLdiYr5Bs76F-osZNNC2zpqde1JLIrp0ZJPj05sKEIzG4y5saiQR5qhF7uZs3zS2VZ2Ebfue9OZj5EOr8hmQB1-Rord-LhaLn15jnChUNXl_R3o2XDNrlOUzU/s320/Sangria4-9-09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDjkIntN2hcpGn7ou1NCPGO69W6U_5vM1tCSArlI8Xb24LZSOkWh4mj9DXFsDyMdT1plR50K3NOmb9XzRJQx7PxTMkwtiuJJiVNAOqtZADNDzinpVaFv5hzJtsbUrGMF5F2jKnEISLLo/s1600-h/Sangria4-9-09b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323097903687438418" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDjkIntN2hcpGn7ou1NCPGO69W6U_5vM1tCSArlI8Xb24LZSOkWh4mj9DXFsDyMdT1plR50K3NOmb9XzRJQx7PxTMkwtiuJJiVNAOqtZADNDzinpVaFv5hzJtsbUrGMF5F2jKnEISLLo/s320/Sangria4-9-09b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRaOxv70JrGLr1lir8V9UYXcxKTY8JL81ecUiuskvC-EyS5M2xrmYEtxjtycXFxYqCEK__DvhKwm_GyXi1-0I4QYN-I0CytHU0f-26SdiztQCxMdVLt3etX_aGTvg1XrQc2QsR3-auZA/s1600-h/Sangria4-9-09c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323098034039436754" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRaOxv70JrGLr1lir8V9UYXcxKTY8JL81ecUiuskvC-EyS5M2xrmYEtxjtycXFxYqCEK__DvhKwm_GyXi1-0I4QYN-I0CytHU0f-26SdiztQCxMdVLt3etX_aGTvg1XrQc2QsR3-auZA/s320/Sangria4-9-09c.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left">Early tomorrow morning we are taking almost all of the horses to the beach for the holiday weekend. I am excited to ride Sangria on the beach and am confident that she is more than ready for it! I'll be sure to get lots of pictures - though I think it's supposed to be rainy weather! Oh well! </p>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-179036359727266862009-04-07T11:47:00.000-07:002009-04-07T14:56:20.903-07:00Leaps & BoundsSangria is doing great - I am extremely thrilled with her progress, her mindset, her attitude and her ability to learn new things. We have now had quite a few rides under saddle, including a trail ride and riding at the arena where the drill team practices. Last night we had our first trot steps and our first attitude blow up since she was hot and tired and didn't want to go anymore. I cant say enough good things about this girl!<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Last Friday, Jenny and I spent the evening together working with our mustangs. While we have both been working with our mares individually, we were looking forward to working them together. I had ridden Sangria a few times bareback but I hadn't been ready to ride her with a saddle on yet prior to our session. This was the perfect opportunity so I as eager to see how she'd do! Amazingly, she was perfect! </div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322057605716867970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim24jWkGDYKIHGrwRzi03wkt5ON2N734F4Fej9x__n9HfD0E7h6LP2Jwau8v8f9nkAYx3fW3zn2IVYJgihqY0gwIZ74dicReGgR0Q-gQH_KK_Ehk2_Q_Ex8em0_BcmbAtfTcNohkdYqCA/s320/Sangria4-3-09.jpg" border="0" />The very next day, Cowgirl Spirit held our twice-weekly practice at the local arena. I have brought Sangria there many times, but haven't felt that she was ready to ride there yet. This time, I felt like we had progressed enough to ride with the other horses. She was good though distracted with all the activity going on. I only rode for a few short moments, but was extremely pleased with her! At the end of the day, we rode down the short trail to the river to let the horses play. I decided to pony Sangria down since I didn't know if she would be ready to ride solo. She loved the water!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322062838471217346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarBFhhhXVzWPR9DO8wgenMqzzLjYl_lcG_TBin_CsYIKeQLzQEzU1TP0eFEtflMLqLGxFxdVfyl28F7VI1lu8o8fSF7JW6aP9-ez02RC2z1sfYflA3YVVvvCWSy4-hf20GxpzRg_tWzg/s320/Sangria4-4-09.jpg" border="0" /></p><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322062937657494514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n1QZ-drg_5Oookzeq0xogA6BXtAIV2Ssl8eSUyUtPhGMSs3fOEddoyZCU53vA3Ni-1xJuoEitMDW-ig2AGaEPz5kTigIDHRcWhFGNnpQJvDCJfu79zA91c1rNGmIXQDjk6Mlxwlv0Fc/s320/Sangria4-4-09b.jpg" border="0" />On Sunday, we went out on a trail ride. I had intended to ride Sangria, but it was extremely windy at the rescue headquarters and for the first time since bringing Sangria home, she was nervous and anxious. She almost didn't let me catch her either! This is very out-of-sorts for her, so I decided not to ride her on the trails and instead pony her along.</div></div></div><br /><p>Once we got out on the trail, however, she pretty quickly returned to her easy-going self. We were all enjoying the perfect weather and trail ride. Half way through, I decided to try and get on Sangria and ride her for a bit. She was great and had no problem on the wide logging roads. However, I became nervous on the skinnier deer-type trails as Sangria and I didn't have our one-rein stop implemented well enough yet. So, when she trotted down an incline to catch up with the horse in front of her, I panicked and decided it was best to go back to ponying her! </p><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322069042921678002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsm-x8zgBER1qBoMmKQDht51AWJhwbIbj1TteMsi0exhW9qE4Rfy3j5d4xM3lEgeOJfJh5os-oFbVH3CHq8VdiC0gfIpspEsGbvpxO3a_HNrTjZK4j3F3_Xbwl9kvL6cF5u_J6B_3vzo/s320/Sangria4-5-09.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322069157241260450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5rDFuHEpdoMZH0-0RsWLjM_l1b2-fBjBwjRCuSZhzVmS-oCvlil20Wc-GJqTsVxFEvIiDDJ1nvdJae_huW5DvZf4rle1jj86IeqwWEgccfRwJoMQdL2AopiGHj7Jt_0TT8tXiOalurg/s320/Sangria4-5-09b.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322071333824756770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOELk229LhRIc77WK-f8RFbXwMAAVwLWgWsmoHZXD06MpKC2RysBj_GG2HENzw9kD-brMaczzTAA4vOokJL9b3SMbb9qlXabt5XOKqyTh6ZUrSochcHWb9TGybWfmLoFNRvKu83cfrdzg/s320/Sangria4-5-09c.jpg" border="0" />Yesterday I took Sangria back to the round pen to re-install our one-rein stop and move forward in our training. We also rode strictly in the bit for the first time - she was great! It took about 20 minutes before we reliably had a good halt in either direction, but I was extremely happy with how quickly she caught on. I also feel like I can now ride her on the trail and not worry about being unable to stop!<br /><p>We also trotted for the first time under saddle - which she got, but is a bit lazy and after repetitive request to trot, she bucked in annoyance. I automatically growled at her, which scared her and caused her to bolt a bit. I was able to pull her around and stop immdiately! Awesome! I asked her to trot again, to which she moved out easily and didn't offer anymore attitude. What a good girl! </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322070927311139266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLtwBoCSAOAB4l59Wbq0XMupOH4ERrL3BXNIDQ_bdWsh0jMyWa_rkwUFMFl6SyIAwajc5HZ0xc0RJLk5klEDTj6rRIRyW3bNx-BVpwa0tVia1DiqBXuPP3EsZcm-TQbCz4pAFPbeWOOo/s320/Sangria4-6-09.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-39774131346695724612009-04-03T10:32:00.000-07:002009-04-03T11:48:23.566-07:00A Week Of ProgressSangria and I are continually moving forward in her gentling and training process. I work with her as often as I can, introducing new tasks, tools and requests. This past week, our major accomplishments were getting her feet trimmed by the farrier, playing with the scary blue tarp, more hindquarter yielding, lots of trailer hauling and ultimately her first couple rides, albeit bareback! <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>Sangria has progressed to the point of being ok with many daily tasks, such as tying, putting her blanket on and off, grooming or touching everywhere, tacking up, leading, loading and even clipping. She has gentled dramatically though has almost gone too far in that direction and can be pushy at times, so we are now working on personal space issues. </div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxfPrhhNRzhO3GXmG_v1liSx78e6PouIQEesFSCGB21VXEzDm3UizTJd3MaAh0Qol1s1JCbBfM6D3WQuJlwNFmFiJl8gjHWtEQ4xL0l4zuoALRr81q2P4uFpMy1AZO_zIUHIjpWY9NHM/s1600-h/Sangria3-26-09e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320531704348277314" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxfPrhhNRzhO3GXmG_v1liSx78e6PouIQEesFSCGB21VXEzDm3UizTJd3MaAh0Qol1s1JCbBfM6D3WQuJlwNFmFiJl8gjHWtEQ4xL0l4zuoALRr81q2P4uFpMy1AZO_zIUHIjpWY9NHM/s320/Sangria3-26-09e.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div>Cowgirl Spirit's amazing farrier, Greer Hei, came out twice this week to help work with Sangria - getting her used to other people handling her. Greer has a confident yet calm manner about her and was quickly able to trim Sangria's feet.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mjTWskTmM1oFgg5YI_wiHDYU8QutyQzB2D85KN60IHR50bClY21BIzfyMwWtAw0syzTHqWs9tYi4bU0JmMJoa_d-bJwC53Kb80qvDbBmrL9neki1R7RfOWTIcO5wYMETkQkcbDJXumo/s1600-h/Sangria3-26-09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320531373347311314" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mjTWskTmM1oFgg5YI_wiHDYU8QutyQzB2D85KN60IHR50bClY21BIzfyMwWtAw0syzTHqWs9tYi4bU0JmMJoa_d-bJwC53Kb80qvDbBmrL9neki1R7RfOWTIcO5wYMETkQkcbDJXumo/s320/Sangria3-26-09.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320531376206737090" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgnQ6t11zFfGSP0D_9YulSe_AqZf5xv_TA_MjBDP1dnOZk352kPthFAJY7sT38hAPkonZdYoeEuXDzKKgwgbPezKcMqq_CT6UPmDjOORY5yd_ZK8K-xYU7iXg_ynOQ7N3gxX1KkDFd50/s320/Sangria3-26-09b.jpg" border="0" /></p></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmn63FUhCMR-gMAvhS_jqpmYjc-WBJC7qTl9MKCJRQC_PFtdXsM3SRVSH89SBKoGYhYIMpbp0N9BiJ6vwCtN716UmYP3XGGvgfY5dMpZdcZsZtWx_OOoC7jbWnnXhPuLP2evJ8N1f6HWU/s1600-h/Sangria3-26-09c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320531380193722738" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmn63FUhCMR-gMAvhS_jqpmYjc-WBJC7qTl9MKCJRQC_PFtdXsM3SRVSH89SBKoGYhYIMpbp0N9BiJ6vwCtN716UmYP3XGGvgfY5dMpZdcZsZtWx_OOoC7jbWnnXhPuLP2evJ8N1f6HWU/s320/Sangria3-26-09c.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhg1FbhVASdPzzuPFChVT_skgkenzwt1KbEDVatM3AlkmPPswRri4BD26fKoIfARltp1Fy6kKHD6KLJurLotZQNiG_EssvLxXBk6glX6aKDK48uFJYZ0wErWnVfq6fcWuNQenjNP32Ik/s1600-h/Sangria3-26-09d.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320531381560057762" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhg1FbhVASdPzzuPFChVT_skgkenzwt1KbEDVatM3AlkmPPswRri4BD26fKoIfARltp1Fy6kKHD6KLJurLotZQNiG_EssvLxXBk6glX6aKDK48uFJYZ0wErWnVfq6fcWuNQenjNP32Ik/s320/Sangria3-26-09d.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left">Almost all of my first rides on an unboke colt have been in a saddle, but something told me that it would be better to introduce Sangria to a rider bareback the first few times. I think the repetition of getting on and off and being able to bail should she no longer be ok with me being on her is why I made that decision. While Sangria is very smart, and figures out what you want her to do right away, she's also somewhat ADD! Capturing and holding her attention can be difficult at times. So, while she might be fine with me jumping on her, sitting on her, asking her to walk around, she can quickly get distracted, then re-realize I am on her and get scared! </p><p align="left">So, I am working hard to build her confidence so that being on her is not scary. I've been on her a couple times and she's done great. I am hopeful to ride in the saddle today - once I've met that goal, we will graduate to the large arena, and then trail rides, and the biggest goal of all - a beach ride next weekend. Boy, we've got a busy week ahead of us - I hope Sangria is ready for this! :)</p><p align="left">Pics from our first ride: </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuorAQMgvciHkJjuwrk6o-VU-96pYuPvWrgXWzi1GWYsCqUFiYgvMlbzt9g_afNdWK5MG0JoGJq8pqMkZMZG9xfY9ugYjma0iAn3hpmLKAuslpFsWo5fBcDAYc0zvKtY3UZQm2VVAeB4s/s1600-h/Sangria3-25-09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320537035675377922" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuorAQMgvciHkJjuwrk6o-VU-96pYuPvWrgXWzi1GWYsCqUFiYgvMlbzt9g_afNdWK5MG0JoGJq8pqMkZMZG9xfY9ugYjma0iAn3hpmLKAuslpFsWo5fBcDAYc0zvKtY3UZQm2VVAeB4s/s320/Sangria3-25-09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320537161004688450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgel6XJhiOjNS0t0U6K4BUTbtrf72pyVDmZ4Da2B6RvXqIUUScVTASLEghI032YfTmkSB3pU8VT-sVD4g-ByQFLQir8uT27wDqaxO8JP5D_deqyVRhyPWJZ4TZcBMBgRX66txW33nsWeU8/s320/Sangria3-25-09b.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320537395941688274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_88-GRnOra0q7Pq0n6gPl-1TYKt3J34RyNl2-RJA6b2SnTA_eeESu82uHNBXJPS6XMoV5ZKUUx3HeMOWreCu6Zitenk3wCAvJDQb9pNBEIZ6fe6sj4HKFVjt3Brqw8CYFTHJDhtfxCoU/s320/Sangria3-25-09c.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320537502471801330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbVfU4r-Vke2U_k9Ff1Sn2M4XaA6Wbdl4ieA5lhwBlMbcDRfSL9HhOLuWYiD54z8mVUAPzsi4jeBRhVGGQCT6HvIPvvX2921BuGjvC0Kj4HuQRtDEakg9_EDFWjY5BoflUdRLh5QvArE/s320/Sangria3-25-09d.jpg" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320537641079944626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEcTSNymj-ZHqTRwx4Gqaszsmo3DvawfEThmqxQQR-6rBAA-OjsLJtcIxak33VQzLCirwwJ0Zjmlu_EPKTpKQhX0_yx68zwGvnIInq_w3fdodfCcKYQQazvSiL4e11HzmaFPJ3Sq9i6Q/s320/Sangria3-25-09e.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320537852041178818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N5Tn08qsWBRS-CEOa7C45S4jDCZDkG25F7EvodKsBVsa83iMLDyM5EyBDUc_N0YSL5_x_wxHmVPIoxmDZOcTN9l9R_rjrks36biPchXRJL7KbWRuexIbS_tOwvYHDoxw-XMUbleFoSc/s320/Sangria3-25-09f.jpg" border="0" />Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-42160156296440313272009-03-25T10:23:00.000-07:002009-03-25T11:15:05.497-07:00Sangria's 1st Trail Ride & Indoor ArenaI ponied Sangria out on a 3-hour trail ride on Sunday. It was the first time I had been to this particular location - the trailhead was next to the Enumclaw transfer station, which backs up to Weyerhauser forest property. The parking was on the shoulder next to the busy dump facility, so Sangria was exposed to all types of noises & movements. She started out pretty nervous and fidgety but quickly realized there was nothing to be worried about.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I saddled her up, then mounted up on my mare, Dandy. Dandy was feeling a bit fresh and I needed to warm her up before attempting to pony Sangria. It probably wasn't the smartest idea to introduce ponying in this environment, but luckily Sangria was level headed and willing. It only took a few steps for her to realize that I was leading her and then she settled in with her nose at my knee. Good girl! </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qqYvU60Iy92inFCTN9R4L_lvsrnYAVK6EzFPjK7gra_qOoCL6zPhUcaGmf0gJZPAeDpobosYAh_75-7b-n5jDbbki9Qu0RUB6M08wtygfeV7i01Aqol8FqJsTY2z-i3bJlE7cDoJS5c/s1600-h/Sangria3-22-09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317182442162085938" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qqYvU60Iy92inFCTN9R4L_lvsrnYAVK6EzFPjK7gra_qOoCL6zPhUcaGmf0gJZPAeDpobosYAh_75-7b-n5jDbbki9Qu0RUB6M08wtygfeV7i01Aqol8FqJsTY2z-i3bJlE7cDoJS5c/s320/Sangria3-22-09.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div>The trails were narrow and rocky in places, with plenty of steep inclines and switch backs. I think we climbed over a 1,000 feet in elevation, which for poor Sangria, had her huffing and puffing in no time. She is very sure footed and pays attention to where she's going, though didn't quite realize that the saddle sticks out a bit more than her body. She ended up rubbing it against the trees quite a bit, causing me to wince. My poor saddle! </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwKeZXWEqssFxDFrJUyQc1MmrYcb71Zy4j1YRpegRVhLXWpvO-3DVTH1SRw5DWRITe6EPh0QPBEr-6a9HS7rIAx1cEWfxsjZn7vVM0Ze3zZFF4G_24t5FKLoYjxa5I2piwx3yte8j0h8/s1600-h/Sangria3-22-09b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317184261672063458" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwKeZXWEqssFxDFrJUyQc1MmrYcb71Zy4j1YRpegRVhLXWpvO-3DVTH1SRw5DWRITe6EPh0QPBEr-6a9HS7rIAx1cEWfxsjZn7vVM0Ze3zZFF4G_24t5FKLoYjxa5I2piwx3yte8j0h8/s320/Sangria3-22-09b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzKDQt69of5nuTf-FNk7hdsSMv4IO90PAHKB34so6uU9DdPgkH5MN-UvIoeByG7TJI5OIs5X9uqcmF4f_IUhZ9YuQBh3sghFEUlFRZ_B8RUC9mqnvNkGYlk2dbB2vKpzSyBVwIYBvUOA/s1600-h/Sangria3-22-09c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317184446058233138" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzKDQt69of5nuTf-FNk7hdsSMv4IO90PAHKB34so6uU9DdPgkH5MN-UvIoeByG7TJI5OIs5X9uqcmF4f_IUhZ9YuQBh3sghFEUlFRZ_B8RUC9mqnvNkGYlk2dbB2vKpzSyBVwIYBvUOA/s320/Sangria3-22-09c.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div>Jenny had also brought her EMM mustang, MissFire, and ponied her from her gelding, Skippy. It was a great experience! We rode up to a huge waterfall before turning back. MissFire seemed to do a bit better out on the trails than Sangria did. Sangria was continually worried about anyone who was behind her, doing anything she had to to turn around and see who was there, including running over or through my mare and I. We had a few stern discussions about it before she realized that I was scarier than what was behind her and to maintain a proper distance between us as we picked our way down the steep mountain trail. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also had Jenny's husband, Cody, pony her a bit, since he was riding the 'scary horse'. While he ponied her, I rode up next to Sangria and played with her saddle, putting weight in the stirrup, rubbing her hindquarters and anything I could do that I might have done if I were riding her. She was really good! </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvMqPueMvB8vEY50G3EgDYgW2vl-NuVQ2b57IBB7yNx7zso2UPhnQyjJbHkzYQjOMmH_oXO_DEK2g5arXql_fD2sCt3DAQuSsKEIDeUmmmCQqa1lhog5jz4IXuVUt8d0JlRdQvkvJ4Do/s1600-h/Sangria3-22-09d.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317186903834817714" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvMqPueMvB8vEY50G3EgDYgW2vl-NuVQ2b57IBB7yNx7zso2UPhnQyjJbHkzYQjOMmH_oXO_DEK2g5arXql_fD2sCt3DAQuSsKEIDeUmmmCQqa1lhog5jz4IXuVUt8d0JlRdQvkvJ4Do/s320/Sangria3-22-09d.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left">When we were done with the trail ride, I took a quick break before heading to drill team practice. I was more than half way to the arena, so it made sense to just keep Sangria with me rather than drive extra miles and take her home. Once I got to the arena, I decided to saddle Sangria up again and pony her inside the busy indoor arena. There were probably 10 or so other riders in there, making for a hectic atmosphere. </p><p align="left">Sangria did well, even though I was on a different horse who doesn't pony well. We simply walked around or stood in the center of the arena watching horse and riders move around us. After about a half hour of this, I asked Jenny to do some mounting exercises. So far, I have been the only one to step into the stirrup with Sangria and figured she'd be fine with Jenny doing it. </p><p align="left">Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. I held Sangria from atop my horse, while Jenny reassured her and stepped up. Sangria immediately lurched forward and threw Jenny. We did this a few times until Sangria tolerated it. However, she was never ok with it, which had me completely confused. She was really, really good when I had done these exercises. </p><p align="left">Was she now having an issue because we were in the busy arena? Was it a claustraphobic thing, with me holding her from another horse? Was it Jenny? What could it be? So, Jenny and I switched, she took my gelding and started warming him up, leaving Sangria and I to work together. I went ahead and did the same mounting exercises as before and she was fine. She stood perfectly still with no nervousness as the horses moved around her. I must have sat on her for a few minutes each time. </p><p align="left">So, I still don't really get it - why she reacted the way that she did. Maybe it was all just too much, the combination of new events. I will be working with her to make sure she can accept other people working with her as well! I think this is certainly important for her successful future!</p><p align="left">On a good note, yesterday was Sangria's second day in the pasture - only this time without a halter! She let one of our members halter her and bring her in, just like a normal horse! What a good girl! Tomorrow, the farrier is coming and we are going to attempt to trim her feet! Wish us luck! </p>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-25295583198286862042009-03-23T08:32:00.000-07:002009-03-23T09:01:55.364-07:00Report: Northwest Extreme Mustang MakeoverJenny and I drove down to Albany, Oregon on Friday to watch the Northwest Extreme Mustang Makeover competition. We were interested in seeing what the judges were looking for, how well the mustangs were trained and just what we had gotten ourselves into. We'd also been following some of the trainers' blogs and were excited to see them and their mustangs compete.<br /><br />The competition was excellent, the horses were amazing and both Jenny and I left feeling excited about our own mustangs. We can't wait to get them further along in their training! Here's a few pictures of the horses and trainers. Both of us teared up when Jasmine adopted her mustang, Weston. Their bond was easy to see!! The winner of this Extreme Mustang Makeover was a gentleman named Laird McCabe and his mustang named Mustang Sally.<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8fW2U0NUMAZbB7QUYY1TgJBpmBI7SDZ-hckDdbCtg2oClH66hbEOpjoLJ8V-VS_cRsLkdnUL61uJeYR2KCrspRf11M7N5a5OJtH553Q8ivPf_7KaRRkY5Divdo_MI3oJdpr40ipcccE/s1600-h/EMMCompetition3-20-09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316410538519202466" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8fW2U0NUMAZbB7QUYY1TgJBpmBI7SDZ-hckDdbCtg2oClH66hbEOpjoLJ8V-VS_cRsLkdnUL61uJeYR2KCrspRf11M7N5a5OJtH553Q8ivPf_7KaRRkY5Divdo_MI3oJdpr40ipcccE/s320/EMMCompetition3-20-09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://mustanggentling.blogspot.com/">Kevin & Princess</a></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316410649737331330" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnh61XuVmq6GjWU1fgp98yjN1JgSNeifwA65NFnZhQmwqJN2oRFiyKE8bg_0YVchlbZx38q-2e5IKemC6QifjgzuLCROj6mIh4MrLYLDrddhAe1JJn7KmmzYu5jx73_pSCeTuUxXzGdU/s320/EMMCompetition3-20-09b.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://kylechurchill.blogspot.com/">Kyle & Bella</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-IUPutpOGaIjx5iY3-2dOGhXzTC0u7SZqhDX6bCCQJA5NAv97SM_MZgiuwUy3tcF98kwPIAyiCmGBZhm62VGZGqf2CkKUz3USbatw32Aiq_Bs2Aq00H4-a3TDSGWvdnybQV8gY4Anj4/s1600-h/EMMCompetition3-20-09c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316410779846254594" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-IUPutpOGaIjx5iY3-2dOGhXzTC0u7SZqhDX6bCCQJA5NAv97SM_MZgiuwUy3tcF98kwPIAyiCmGBZhm62VGZGqf2CkKUz3USbatw32Aiq_Bs2Aq00H4-a3TDSGWvdnybQV8gY4Anj4/s320/EMMCompetition3-20-09c.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://mustangdiaries.blogspot.com/">Tracey & Steve Holt!</a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6mU4wTHpYThed6QbNIadOcQRdKojG9I9rotQZdOJ2et6WWFgJ7Se0Avs1BDDSTqm81E8dTbdoliJV6D9vIo2ZzsJNbmRRY3_hqx3-x06rk05789UqwebYUbSCvfQ6noyHyquD0RKDPg/s1600-h/EMMCompetition3-20-09d.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316411061620853842" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6mU4wTHpYThed6QbNIadOcQRdKojG9I9rotQZdOJ2et6WWFgJ7Se0Avs1BDDSTqm81E8dTbdoliJV6D9vIo2ZzsJNbmRRY3_hqx3-x06rk05789UqwebYUbSCvfQ6noyHyquD0RKDPg/s320/EMMCompetition3-20-09d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://sealrockstables.tripod.com/blog/">Jasmine & Weston</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZabBDQAGBEjfXtpCGPRv7E2odsNVRh3blXcsI3L7ULyb4WguL8GgyfaMBXDGvutzdU70AbLJnWjpCvdzCn8TFw5EMqoX8OQJ2ZmI0EXMp0vKzL6b9SRQZ0THR5oIPnj2Y8OYkTl3g_4/s1600-h/EMMCompetition3-20-09e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316411193948922290" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZabBDQAGBEjfXtpCGPRv7E2odsNVRh3blXcsI3L7ULyb4WguL8GgyfaMBXDGvutzdU70AbLJnWjpCvdzCn8TFw5EMqoX8OQJ2ZmI0EXMp0vKzL6b9SRQZ0THR5oIPnj2Y8OYkTl3g_4/s320/EMMCompetition3-20-09e.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Champions, Laird & Mustang Sally<br /></p>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-55434477978382914362009-03-23T05:25:00.000-07:002009-03-23T06:59:04.395-07:00Thursday's Training ReviewOn Thursday afternoon, I took Sangria out and did a quick review of the exercises that we did the day before. I went into her paddock, haltered her, pulled her out and groomed her. She's easy to halter now and doesn't evade me at all. As I tied her up to the trailer, she was excellent, albeit a tad nervous going through the processes without a horse next to her for confidence.<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ldGu01ok8l9yT7Nl12ODqa9w15x0PBkjHDDfoFVqZ1sjfC4PszdH9hGdTh_ugSan5OBBZySxcrfaAbi-nTSCAjcq-osv-Bx7kEqEP9Z1NnLm2CuRN-2W9MFhvvFi-1yVx12omQKSWEk/s1600-h/Sangria3-19-09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316360963524886898" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ldGu01ok8l9yT7Nl12ODqa9w15x0PBkjHDDfoFVqZ1sjfC4PszdH9hGdTh_ugSan5OBBZySxcrfaAbi-nTSCAjcq-osv-Bx7kEqEP9Z1NnLm2CuRN-2W9MFhvvFi-1yVx12omQKSWEk/s320/Sangria3-19-09.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div>Sangria loves to be groomed - she is not protective of her space or body at all. Whenever I scratch or curry her itchy spots, she really starts to get into it. Her lip and head start wiggling and in some cases, she has started to reciprocate with mutual grooming - which I'm not sure I want to encourage! But it's adorable that she's so interactive! </div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqBpcypzcQKw9MDcakWXfvPLlDrT7Hx-7rAksNsFAF1VJrTrVecNmAe_rmLJzOG0Hniry5I_syljrXjbsztM4rRsGeDsXbZZ12LLyixRW-DYnQIzP3XFqHNJZHlwL8u0faqpraqXPGhE/s1600-h/Sangria3-19-09b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316362138072766594" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqBpcypzcQKw9MDcakWXfvPLlDrT7Hx-7rAksNsFAF1VJrTrVecNmAe_rmLJzOG0Hniry5I_syljrXjbsztM4rRsGeDsXbZZ12LLyixRW-DYnQIzP3XFqHNJZHlwL8u0faqpraqXPGhE/s320/Sangria3-19-09b.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div>After I had brushed her down, I decided to saddle her up before walking her down the road to the local round pen. She doesn't have any fear of the saddle (or anything new I introduce her to!), but she is extremely inquisitive and curious. This quality makes it very easy to work with her! </div><div><br />She gave me no issues or resistance as I saddled her for the second time. She has never bucked, humped her back or had a problem with the girth! She almost acts as though she's been saddled many times in the past!</div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZ3D0zBydHgM95P3YyJTb3WOHufuJEMJgKUIzbAdGxW8UJDZPDWVfe6q2tgvOH28Fg5JzWA28pVye-q61ytYPsj_Qv-4-B7Q4yVMaqUuXkDaSG8diArtiH35blbrssNIOHY1eNezEbpI/s1600-h/Sangria3-19-09c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316363285121273250" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZ3D0zBydHgM95P3YyJTb3WOHufuJEMJgKUIzbAdGxW8UJDZPDWVfe6q2tgvOH28Fg5JzWA28pVye-q61ytYPsj_Qv-4-B7Q4yVMaqUuXkDaSG8diArtiH35blbrssNIOHY1eNezEbpI/s320/Sangria3-19-09c.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bDB9dt2G6oPUg57cm4Sn02tytU0_XZhLiBYbyWGuSG0V0HsxSxmNIg5wRAnE3zquS50xfE0VimyU0-Ir7iz4DAK13RBOyMgNqVqqP3IItVvyPeTJp0fYIXo9SRXELHPTk2aRVZ4drdw/s1600-h/Sangria3-19-09d.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316364444308556242" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bDB9dt2G6oPUg57cm4Sn02tytU0_XZhLiBYbyWGuSG0V0HsxSxmNIg5wRAnE3zquS50xfE0VimyU0-Ir7iz4DAK13RBOyMgNqVqqP3IItVvyPeTJp0fYIXo9SRXELHPTk2aRVZ4drdw/s320/Sangria3-19-09d.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div>Once she was saddled, we headed to the round pen where we revisited the same things we had done the day before. She was much better than the first day and seemed to have retained everything she'd learned previously. I've worked with horses in the past that you have to start from scratch each day in order to move forward with them. However, Sangria always seems to be right at the same place we ended the time before. I love that about her! </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTLTki2UPirL5bPTTj_0463JauAuPlPwKHyZeJder4imTN6sofQQoCpJPYn6qd8ZkOgu3n9zfSLsf7jobkmmfsMcWNcp81PhZ6nbSg79HZsR3ZlYeye18O7SXHWWwrmFmTpryuJwRwkE/s1600-h/Sangria3-19-09e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316366457827693698" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTLTki2UPirL5bPTTj_0463JauAuPlPwKHyZeJder4imTN6sofQQoCpJPYn6qd8ZkOgu3n9zfSLsf7jobkmmfsMcWNcp81PhZ6nbSg79HZsR3ZlYeye18O7SXHWWwrmFmTpryuJwRwkE/s320/Sangria3-19-09e.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left">Before we went into the round pen, I decided to take Sangria into the arena and check out the new environment. She hadn't been in the arena yet, which had many new curious items - like jump standards, a mounting block and lots of poles. We worked on some ground work exercises, including trotting in hand, halting and even lunging. I got warm with our exercises and ended up removing my jacket, which I proceeded to flag her with. </p><p align="left">As I tossed it up on her neck, she walked around with me, exploring the arena. A couple times, she put her nose down to sniff something, when the jacket slid down her neck, over her head and fell to the ground. The first time this happened, she lurched backwards and snorted, but then quickly came forward to smell my jacket. We did this a few times until she became bored with it. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtdVDn1rJMc67c-feLRO_4ns_jdxbiAhHebWiK_Ajy3OgI6g2IUyc4GD1RrqqGCb26V9Siu2aEUegzIqoGFJYfyThMwQxMtX8aBK4hsI1rqPsz3i7acdp-jJFgQO4rg9qtF1QgUOzShA/s1600-h/Sangria3-19-09f.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316370836324156018" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtdVDn1rJMc67c-feLRO_4ns_jdxbiAhHebWiK_Ajy3OgI6g2IUyc4GD1RrqqGCb26V9Siu2aEUegzIqoGFJYfyThMwQxMtX8aBK4hsI1rqPsz3i7acdp-jJFgQO4rg9qtF1QgUOzShA/s320/Sangria3-19-09f.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZHG0WpL56XQY0Bzg76cEcz0SC-UrFNn5hXk8yvEjFhgzh0KzWBfTe2_QOC-SlUI7tq15MxBRHw3qsAJE0F0u9FAMw7Tcy5Ux2FCg7UICwHURP6exlwuBlOsiAYhchqm1lOQwC8QVzWg/s1600-h/Sangria3-19-09g.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316370955969467490" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZHG0WpL56XQY0Bzg76cEcz0SC-UrFNn5hXk8yvEjFhgzh0KzWBfTe2_QOC-SlUI7tq15MxBRHw3qsAJE0F0u9FAMw7Tcy5Ux2FCg7UICwHURP6exlwuBlOsiAYhchqm1lOQwC8QVzWg/s320/Sangria3-19-09g.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F2PSknZsUTMXoHEp_E2ayvHpsWm6lCQJHh3ZQ5pb17pOV9ysiEEYbd2xedD4u_pxb7bqWn705u1fidrB5pLIGm_3qKapstKaVOjN73afJ5pEXPDXVur3KL7zAPdqckONINsTIwJg1nA/s1600-h/Sangria3-19-09h.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316371126090625314" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F2PSknZsUTMXoHEp_E2ayvHpsWm6lCQJHh3ZQ5pb17pOV9ysiEEYbd2xedD4u_pxb7bqWn705u1fidrB5pLIGm_3qKapstKaVOjN73afJ5pEXPDXVur3KL7zAPdqckONINsTIwJg1nA/s320/Sangria3-19-09h.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixWzMlnIQ9gMMwvY5rjl97uKBR4uqCGNjVTwcymZFEvonJmyi2ZhLTqV_vdPz77drRKSeKNem4h8T6OI9VAj-lCdX0h5qkLdGHaNcxuLiWCPjmRRlpkzZmbSw4y9cy4lGH4Jl_gvoQDc/s1600-h/Sangria3-19-09i.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316371272402228562" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixWzMlnIQ9gMMwvY5rjl97uKBR4uqCGNjVTwcymZFEvonJmyi2ZhLTqV_vdPz77drRKSeKNem4h8T6OI9VAj-lCdX0h5qkLdGHaNcxuLiWCPjmRRlpkzZmbSw4y9cy4lGH4Jl_gvoQDc/s320/Sangria3-19-09i.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="left">We then headed to the round pen where I removed her halter and did some free lunging exercises with her before re-introducing the mounting exercises. Sangria was really good and had no problem with me stepping into the stirrup multiple times. At one point, she spooked at a bicycle coming down the road behind her while I was leaning over her back. However, she only scooted around with me on top of her. I still didn't swing my leg over, but I think she's almost ready for that. </p><div>We also did some giving exercises with her rope. She very quickly caught on to following the lead rope's pressure as she swung her hindquarters away from me and spun around. Good girl!</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhMHhIKt5fQgpC6xN427zRLl5tR3exx6iiEp4HtZdPYNRa2qO4jWbWCub4yq6H2hGzgEsWEj8CLlrzFA5B_uwqRu527CNMP31bkjAVcUA7mSb7EFpjK7HzpdI3fZ7ZcxH24LeqAMKy7c/s1600-h/Sangria3-19-09j.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316374682234479954" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhMHhIKt5fQgpC6xN427zRLl5tR3exx6iiEp4HtZdPYNRa2qO4jWbWCub4yq6H2hGzgEsWEj8CLlrzFA5B_uwqRu527CNMP31bkjAVcUA7mSb7EFpjK7HzpdI3fZ7ZcxH24LeqAMKy7c/s320/Sangria3-19-09j.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWN-ylrMgLBs1Q6011TmqPCrJJ7g-uu9aPxFXiPLpaxOQKM_iU4YQGiysSdT7Q4kN7L1g-ppZ0J8_Vk9_G4GgpglldiiT9xc8rxyypKQx-OG13I03cSDjQYga5zvPUT41QIDSpXJpsmE/s1600-h/Sangria3-19-09k.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316374802125473554" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWN-ylrMgLBs1Q6011TmqPCrJJ7g-uu9aPxFXiPLpaxOQKM_iU4YQGiysSdT7Q4kN7L1g-ppZ0J8_Vk9_G4GgpglldiiT9xc8rxyypKQx-OG13I03cSDjQYga5zvPUT41QIDSpXJpsmE/s320/Sangria3-19-09k.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAS3hp0yWpYj_pZnRxiR7jELdglGtLGKb9gMN3kgh7oGcf7982qzYLYYek-6N4i8D5ISPv_8fGzXojLT22Iqp-0Fn0s-kl_FYfF6aUJyAJV60h64dOqmaGnMZSq8MkQqr4Q5e7AzPHJ8/s1600-h/Sangria3-19-09m.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316378275440787762" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAS3hp0yWpYj_pZnRxiR7jELdglGtLGKb9gMN3kgh7oGcf7982qzYLYYek-6N4i8D5ISPv_8fGzXojLT22Iqp-0Fn0s-kl_FYfF6aUJyAJV60h64dOqmaGnMZSq8MkQqr4Q5e7AzPHJ8/s320/Sangria3-19-09m.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Jhu9ND-qS-x1Q400MHT9mfWDoAKurNbK-j3nNLBNAL2x9RUcRtvslopbOehJ3vkqB-wHDX84FW51sDU-VUc2DiEaBy3KtKUQ0YMeKNo3Fu9q4r4F_B_MqRHhMhJrnfK3cx3agdsb7TE/s1600-h/Sangria3-19-09n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316378410017039874" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Jhu9ND-qS-x1Q400MHT9mfWDoAKurNbK-j3nNLBNAL2x9RUcRtvslopbOehJ3vkqB-wHDX84FW51sDU-VUc2DiEaBy3KtKUQ0YMeKNo3Fu9q4r4F_B_MqRHhMhJrnfK3cx3agdsb7TE/s320/Sangria3-19-09n.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div>Sangria and I headed home after we were done with our exercises. Once we got home, I worked on asking her to pick up her feet. She was really good with her front feet. I'm hopeful that in another week or two, I will be able to have our farrier out to trim her. Her feet are pretty long currently!</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46JKNElqPdkCLGiuPoHglb2wEiFYslZNwH-jBT9iFSBBuvWMyV0Unn92Z8gVqkgV1kVLrqmqnu0aZIhENDgxz7dyAJPPtGNjh3EooyuOnxjVsVrzcqWi9_FuiZFc_n14H7-zSHIaD2sQ/s1600-h/Sangria3-19-09o.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316381316516916834" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46JKNElqPdkCLGiuPoHglb2wEiFYslZNwH-jBT9iFSBBuvWMyV0Unn92Z8gVqkgV1kVLrqmqnu0aZIhENDgxz7dyAJPPtGNjh3EooyuOnxjVsVrzcqWi9_FuiZFc_n14H7-zSHIaD2sQ/s320/Sangria3-19-09o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tOq3sf2EkD5Y8jAg1PsV04kVW99kEj1WGKLcOgz3tSHYUYFxz7kMKIFyGwIzu0FHicIES8RL62Pe2LZDQsnqNAkuxrcVjP3aZcS-iiFuZrd0iJ7WtJGXg6dpaqIFfEnLhnzGjH7ZHws/s1600-h/Sangria3-19-09p.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316381443436082178" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tOq3sf2EkD5Y8jAg1PsV04kVW99kEj1WGKLcOgz3tSHYUYFxz7kMKIFyGwIzu0FHicIES8RL62Pe2LZDQsnqNAkuxrcVjP3aZcS-iiFuZrd0iJ7WtJGXg6dpaqIFfEnLhnzGjH7ZHws/s320/Sangria3-19-09p.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div>Sangria has done very well with all of the work we've done so far. I hope to get her first ride on her in the next couple days.<br /></div><p align="left"></p>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-31345648920722714712009-03-19T18:41:00.000-07:002009-03-19T19:15:15.703-07:00Haltering, Round Penning & 1st Saddling!Yesterday morning, I arrived to the barn to feed the horses. I had removed Sangria's halter the night before and was curious on how she would be when I went to put it back on. Luckily, she didn't give me a lot of trouble. She evaded me a few times, but not so much out of fear... Within a couple of minutes I had her halter on. What a good girl!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiDqGIEelXuwLw76wqXLAh1ARpUqHm8gNkNbbxbXefF5h3q1AuSulKmN1I9geE7YI-S8JhtNknZNMIFjLHcCcaxX817e7kFXte3Rtu-zXDCgTMGZuER3m0hVX7CWZlJ7XdjJF3Ik3aGY/s1600-h/Sangria3-18-09b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315080191345585138" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiDqGIEelXuwLw76wqXLAh1ARpUqHm8gNkNbbxbXefF5h3q1AuSulKmN1I9geE7YI-S8JhtNknZNMIFjLHcCcaxX817e7kFXte3Rtu-zXDCgTMGZuER3m0hVX7CWZlJ7XdjJF3Ik3aGY/s320/Sangria3-18-09b.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left">Sangria got to spend the entire day out in the pasture yesterday. I felt as though she had progressed enough in the gentling process to be able to spend the day in the sun. Of course, I had my heart in my throat as I turned her loose in her small hot wire pasture. Each of our turn out paddocks are approximately 50' wide by 300' long. Plenty big enough to stretch legs and nibble on the early Spring grass. </p><p align="left">After turning Sangria loose, I hung out for a couple hours. I wanted to be sure that she wouldn't run through the hot wire. She touched it three times, the third time accidently touching it with her forehead as she grazed the grass on the other side. She flew backwards and wouldn't go near it again. It was so nice to see her out with the rest of the ponies! </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrBFi0l2KGRTHOz7m7cdHORgpUlOW_6DoDnXPLNkg7Og48J1IUEqQ_CZcYjQw9lVjJdJyAajBzmnc7-UAWPgpNAIa6n7TquJ-ldE4zAPwy1QoqjBGZg1qF_XPaEiQfnmKRWBtVCEmG0c/s1600-h/Sangria3-18-09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315081063150812530" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrBFi0l2KGRTHOz7m7cdHORgpUlOW_6DoDnXPLNkg7Og48J1IUEqQ_CZcYjQw9lVjJdJyAajBzmnc7-UAWPgpNAIa6n7TquJ-ldE4zAPwy1QoqjBGZg1qF_XPaEiQfnmKRWBtVCEmG0c/s320/Sangria3-18-09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br />Later that afternoon, Jenny and her EMM Mustang MissFire came up for a meeting and quick exercise session with our horses. I was curious on how Sangria would be to catch in the pasture. I was surprised when she eagerly walked up to me (with her pasture mate), and allowed me to snap the lead rope to her halter. (I wasn't brave enough to take the halter off while in the pasture for the first time!)<br /><br /><p align="left">I took her over to the horse trailer and tied her up. She's still learning to be patient and stand tied to the trailer, but she's doing better each time! </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2RUzYvlMfCs-KP7UC1RouoxWQNTskzILSX7PGM7El_0pcVZXPh-pssW_2A68vj1yEKRDcC7Znx5cy4Qcy3bKFyc_T3mziVKT5qEiEpqjSTQgNKnUJIv5ylc9oYkSf-iU60mCOdJSxMY/s1600-h/Sangria3-18-09c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315081922708474866" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2RUzYvlMfCs-KP7UC1RouoxWQNTskzILSX7PGM7El_0pcVZXPh-pssW_2A68vj1yEKRDcC7Znx5cy4Qcy3bKFyc_T3mziVKT5qEiEpqjSTQgNKnUJIv5ylc9oYkSf-iU60mCOdJSxMY/s320/Sangria3-18-09c.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="left">Jenny and I took our mustangs down the street to the local boarding facility, <a href="http://www.fourgablesfarm.com/">Four Gables Farm</a>. They have a lovely arena and perfect round pen for starting horses. Getting to this facility required walking down a semi-busy road. To be honest, I was really nervous about taking Sangria down the road. I wasn't sure I could hold on to her if she spooked and bolted. I also didn't know how she would react to scary things like cars, mailboxes, dogs, etc. As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about. She was perfect and walked along quietly with my mare, Dandy and I.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPa8pBQtAFaVbq1wy7BW__SpoNuos1zE7JTuuat_znoc2YjJHgFr2dPAIxmlXEfrGkDuJx0A75IxSHeHJCRX5cUCCcjWo0LgHW6x52EFRmuCIkQ6IXqlbaK3AIucICLFT9WlE9OLoCA4/s1600-h/Sangria3-18-09d.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315083122393849794" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPa8pBQtAFaVbq1wy7BW__SpoNuos1zE7JTuuat_znoc2YjJHgFr2dPAIxmlXEfrGkDuJx0A75IxSHeHJCRX5cUCCcjWo0LgHW6x52EFRmuCIkQ6IXqlbaK3AIucICLFT9WlE9OLoCA4/s320/Sangria3-18-09d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="left">Yesterday was Sangria's first session in the round pen. It took her a few tries to understand what I was asking, but soon she was responding well to my cues. She has this funny way of paying attention to me, but also paying attention to everything else going on around her at the same time. She is very alert! </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunLmfXV7D2UwM4XTqQ04Cx4gZM-azME5jb1iKBTeoDcQwDzHE7kHn_M6SzlpOME_5lyaEqgF7lLkeDgDTor0VM2Re2RhKUqq9FpH8NNufz2ntkxgei8jcieULQ-h8b84VxW9ui_btMec/s1600-h/Sangria3-18-09e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315084359144027506" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunLmfXV7D2UwM4XTqQ04Cx4gZM-azME5jb1iKBTeoDcQwDzHE7kHn_M6SzlpOME_5lyaEqgF7lLkeDgDTor0VM2Re2RhKUqq9FpH8NNufz2ntkxgei8jcieULQ-h8b84VxW9ui_btMec/s320/Sangria3-18-09e.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="left">Since our session was going so well, I decided to go ahead and attempt saddling Sangria for the first time. I didn't know what to expect - she's taken things in stride so far, but who knows if the saddle would invite a rodeo. Amazingly, she was very curious about what I was doing, but also extremely trusting. She let me put it on with little to no issues! There was no bucking or fear. She did pin her ears at the stirrups bumping her sides, but that's it! Good girl! </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC85AbIgihRhWa_yllFnmPS535T3Q0xPd9nR-7F9yQBPe5YQ7Dsa-GJNzAyr20tLyEZHK2fPVFE8J8Mecb_1cTNKu-PkLuBy9c_0v22n6R_5M4C88RsYLAnX3mqrZkF5eXfEdwCFx2IE/s1600-h/Sangria3-18-09f.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315085449976974946" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC85AbIgihRhWa_yllFnmPS535T3Q0xPd9nR-7F9yQBPe5YQ7Dsa-GJNzAyr20tLyEZHK2fPVFE8J8Mecb_1cTNKu-PkLuBy9c_0v22n6R_5M4C88RsYLAnX3mqrZkF5eXfEdwCFx2IE/s320/Sangria3-18-09f.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="left">Since she was so accepting of the saddle, I decided to try some mounting exercises. She was a little bit nervous, but nothing like what I expected! She really was awesome! She let me step into the stirrup and lean over her on each side. I was really not expecting how solid she would be! </p><p align="left">I haven't swung my leg over yet - there are still few exercises I'd like to do with her first, but she's coming along alot more rapidly than I expected. I keep looking for signs that I'm pushing her too fast, but if anything, I'm not going fast enough for her! </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2xTow_3ffcpXZnJQ6gUp5DJju8L3a6z_DjU8ueq-Jk3jMr-ahBFk7ZTSwe_qxRjDeyh3gi_KvUXeBj5-luGOJv13DKAR3iGhSsuaqGHa5RcR6wRUeAdMod-57BmcO155eRbGLeF7X78/s1600-h/Sangria3-18-09g.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315085983862857586" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2xTow_3ffcpXZnJQ6gUp5DJju8L3a6z_DjU8ueq-Jk3jMr-ahBFk7ZTSwe_qxRjDeyh3gi_KvUXeBj5-luGOJv13DKAR3iGhSsuaqGHa5RcR6wRUeAdMod-57BmcO155eRbGLeF7X78/s320/Sangria3-18-09g.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Sangria is an amazing horse and I'm going to have a difficult time letting her go when the time comes! Here's a compiled video of our work yesterday:<br /><br /><p align="center"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hTNkMq1YRAw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hTNkMq1YRAw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-73960834867422301512009-03-18T08:03:00.000-07:002009-03-18T08:14:20.670-07:00Slow & Easy ProgressSangria is progressing with ease. She accepts everything willingly and seems to enjoy each new task. She often gets anxious and has to 'move her feet' - standing still is not something she's comfortable with yet.<br /><br /><div>Yesterday we worked on sending and leading (she leads exceptionally well now, but if she's scared of something, she has no problem plowing right into you to evade what is scary). We brought the mounting block out and then I worked on leaning over her back. She had no problem with me or where I was. What a good girl. </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Time was limited last night, so we ended quickly. However, with the colder than usual weather here, as well as rain and snow, I decided to put a waterproof thin blanket on her. She has quite the winter coat, and probably doesn't need the blanket, but I can't help but wonder if the wetter climate here in Washington is quite a change or her. She was fine with the blanket going on and didn't even care about me putting the hind leg straps on. Good girl. </div><br /><div>I even got brave and took her halter off last night. Hopefully this won't be an issue when I go to catch her today. I don't think it will be.<br /></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LSpcS4CvEJwvp3xD9M_673o9xRhRIpOrGodDxRNc__2Cn06LhSVhH1ns6lxqN3nQqVvzmBnqYxx_n7K3SpYgWV_bJBg4gvrD2iyz5xgFYd6ZVTbugDAqeS0mWsF4rBbn1AfWLhQbqg8/s1600-h/Sangria3-17-09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314546106603291058" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LSpcS4CvEJwvp3xD9M_673o9xRhRIpOrGodDxRNc__2Cn06LhSVhH1ns6lxqN3nQqVvzmBnqYxx_n7K3SpYgWV_bJBg4gvrD2iyz5xgFYd6ZVTbugDAqeS0mWsF4rBbn1AfWLhQbqg8/s320/Sangria3-17-09.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-61853564320666816242009-03-17T10:56:00.000-07:002009-03-17T11:24:13.768-07:00Day 2 & 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNmxZx778eus-9UQEyXbD155w0ufuUDqLW-sMcdpn8Vzw5_uWNuTPnm6TjfCmbiA9Cjr4wZ4EWehKRL__BF9b7y_qkHRN4UiyKeVGJFzjeTBwNDt39aXgjCiqUpeVfoaTd7V14o4lkjA/s1600-h/Sangria3-15-09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314217972399543938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNmxZx778eus-9UQEyXbD155w0ufuUDqLW-sMcdpn8Vzw5_uWNuTPnm6TjfCmbiA9Cjr4wZ4EWehKRL__BF9b7y_qkHRN4UiyKeVGJFzjeTBwNDt39aXgjCiqUpeVfoaTd7V14o4lkjA/s320/Sangria3-15-09.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sunday was day 2, but I was feeling the after effects of the long drive the day before, combined with a stormy, windy, cold and snowy day... that I didn't make it out to the barn until the late afternoon. Sangria had stayed at Jenny's house until I could take her home Sunday afternoon. When I arrived to the barn, I was anticipating that Sangria may have reverted a bit and not remembered our groundwork from the day before. While I was surprised that she had retained a good amount of our exercises, she'd also become very antsy and anxious. She was pawing, whinneying and generally throwing a fit.<br /><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZtAosk2YH1oUgCB1Twm_kpXEMnpDfQ6-8TRA9klsjWVQ86mLn17oQaYKEuW-WsYEET2AaV4gNKKB7_fLGeihZyOM7Y28NJvcurqlEA4RSBcSdApt6ARfIP1I2Kt-WjbkC1QkOVo_URU/s1600-h/Sangria3-15-09b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314218401945519282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZtAosk2YH1oUgCB1Twm_kpXEMnpDfQ6-8TRA9klsjWVQ86mLn17oQaYKEuW-WsYEET2AaV4gNKKB7_fLGeihZyOM7Y28NJvcurqlEA4RSBcSdApt6ARfIP1I2Kt-WjbkC1QkOVo_URU/s320/Sangria3-15-09b.jpg" border="0" /></a>I was easily able to attach the lead rope to her halter and then brought her out to the barn aisle. I grabbed my flag, in case I needed to push from behind as well as guide her front end. However, she was very easy and needed little encouragement from me. I think she was just so happy to be out of the stall. She definitely didn't like being cooped up! </div><div></div><div>Once in the barn aisle, we waked to the trailer that was backed up to the barn doors. I'd already loaded my mare, Dandy, and figured I would attempt to load Sangria like a normal horse - walking her in and then tying her next to Dandy. I planned to close the center divider in my stock trailer, so that Sangria couldn't pull back against the lead rope. She loaded very well, but did get nervous when the center divider was semi-closed and I was tying her. She quieted quickly and trailered home without any issues. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzw3sjcxsE0z6MVa2gWa0PoQLgmE1AH-1vPMYi0XWZf8Qa0_XV-GtqwOVGaC3ueyRfPc3vHDhTPcD51nH02w564ZSezTyog3hewCyLbGJv0nvxqGqW9DezaBgEwEeDjZc8S6DBVfqwmAU/s1600-h/Sangria3-15-09c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314219233316067570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzw3sjcxsE0z6MVa2gWa0PoQLgmE1AH-1vPMYi0XWZf8Qa0_XV-GtqwOVGaC3ueyRfPc3vHDhTPcD51nH02w564ZSezTyog3hewCyLbGJv0nvxqGqW9DezaBgEwEeDjZc8S6DBVfqwmAU/s320/Sangria3-15-09c.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>When we got home, I was able to unload her from the trailer and walk the 20 feet to her paddock. It was dark and she was nervous, but her trailer buddy, Dandy, helped to guide the way. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Sangria has now settled in here at <a href="http://www.csrdt.org/">Cowgirl Spirit's</a> headquarters. She seems fine with the idea of becoming a domesticated, useful equine. Her curiousity is adorable - she's not quite sure what to think of everyday things, such as other horse's blankets. She's continually sniffing, licking and chewing on Dandy's blanket.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Tqq_ORnD9AW1-sSvguCK5HHdPWiNggxIjHc4SnCHzIM5nTemDkeHV1ukfhVcZcW8Ghq7rQH65uiYDzoMey9bnyZLpoD31AkSuQlkmS0OlTDB1-W53-B3cq2ezHsJbN5z8Jw7ji3iI3s/s1600-h/Sangria3-15-09d.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314220235540533538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Tqq_ORnD9AW1-sSvguCK5HHdPWiNggxIjHc4SnCHzIM5nTemDkeHV1ukfhVcZcW8Ghq7rQH65uiYDzoMey9bnyZLpoD31AkSuQlkmS0OlTDB1-W53-B3cq2ezHsJbN5z8Jw7ji3iI3s/s320/Sangria3-15-09d.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div>She's also becoming very personable and friendly. She is wanting attention and starting to seek it out - even following me to the gate and then standing there looking over as I leave. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhFb6fIMEyR4aEKxXxx3Cn5H7wxPbYNt6RlQ6VCGqTvP_fhF9xoDuJr-S0_xLoo26BdSVEP3cAvgGHNyuE1M0Gpz06Z1zZFpddsj4eedh4-dZoA-dtxAC7jOl6XJ-Ymwdbor_GIWK69I/s1600-h/Sangria3-15-09e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314220951716136658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhFb6fIMEyR4aEKxXxx3Cn5H7wxPbYNt6RlQ6VCGqTvP_fhF9xoDuJr-S0_xLoo26BdSVEP3cAvgGHNyuE1M0Gpz06Z1zZFpddsj4eedh4-dZoA-dtxAC7jOl6XJ-Ymwdbor_GIWK69I/s320/Sangria3-15-09e.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>On Monday, I only worked with her for a short bit. We again accomplished some groundwork tasks, from sending, leading, halting, standing to asking her to walk over unfamiliar objects. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>At this point in the game, Sangria does the best if you can keep her mind busy. Asking her to stand quietly at this time is overwhelming for her. She also tends to be pushy, so we need to work on respecting her handler's space right away. She's certainly not mean about it, but has no issues running into you to go where she wants to go. At least she's not scared of me! </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>I was very proud of her adventure outside the paddock, alone. We walked all around the property - the further away from the other horses we got, the more nervous she became. We only spent about 30 minutes playing - but it seemed like a good amount of time for her. Today I intend to work her a bit harder and push her limits a little more. She sure is a good girl! </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314222320889657330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzBe-PrQLCv-PIn2c9g1jGvDN18Z_Lo9XcbdOHjsdCYHOcLbbvAqfsgZBfUV_czFcG5oD3-2XBwmCN88hXVuhtipp0gl1BzkRBKGPebgfTNYMWRNPsP7Ou_LtOumVYyaKwc4MsfiAhiU/s320/Sangria3-16-09b.jpg" border="0" /> <div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314222318188902866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wl5rYaMEgih3hS_UyJbdBkXzzJDICihxBZGcoqzfDRTa9yUJMzze1zk1BV72acrPeaD7c99QhbGtWEGLdTnf2bplXHeCRgWSa_aNHzCTUsHMMlToMawEI69p_11VpZ8wGN1HkG4I-kY/s320/Sangria3-16-09.jpg" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314222319300332818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsei-hRMpVVKs99Sk-KyXId0BPY7Gl6EMjZJsLe5B0O5oB_ImmKArflGly93NVv08xJawmRq5RJfMhK_iOxmWIKDVxMuy4_DPUlacubmmejT7Mdqr4EuOVn70S5VrVMkApX5Xy0ZKSIGs/s320/Sangria3-16-09c.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314222325202639794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4aOX2PUdMF7hTPzjE2S7EpavpROgEjKXJ8sX3T7qXKYQM4ZS4xzoq4QbO9xV1s7D1pwFp-2y72166Fd0R16pUsTiuiGyD4-xZJClWJ4NKwX6tq_BrSxwzriZAU43Ame_PiQU9KFVlFk/s320/Sangria3-16-09d.jpg" border="0" />Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-33685049412113030692009-03-17T08:04:00.000-07:002009-03-17T08:35:05.557-07:00First day of school...<div><div>On Sangria's first day in Washington, I was eager to get my hands on her. And I couldn't get past her ratted, narly mane. I was itching to get started on the long process of detangling it, a well as just spending time with her and get to know her personality! After a short nap from our long drive, Jenny and I were up early playing with our mares. </div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><br /><div>I feel a bit guilty about being assigned Sangria as my <em>wild mustang</em> - she is extremely calm. While she was obviously nervous about being near humans, she wasn't reactive, aggressive or terribly upset. I was able to enter her stall, pick up her lead rope that she was still wearing, and then take a few steps toward her. Within moments, I was petting her neck and shoulders. She wasn't sure she wanted me touching her nose, but pretty much let me pet her everywhere else.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUDfBHy_V5riVC9QZLTG5sEHKHvWf3xJaxCDfw0auJKNMTcdURmc4rjXDw1-MYLLPZZG_3NZL8oPNYMkyMhXzYZa5S3NISo9Ihyphenhyphen4O9r1x76VfHyi7PKetz7VdHL5msZZLcuHIQ6iJiq4/s1600-h/Sangria3-14-09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314176761338243618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUDfBHy_V5riVC9QZLTG5sEHKHvWf3xJaxCDfw0auJKNMTcdURmc4rjXDw1-MYLLPZZG_3NZL8oPNYMkyMhXzYZa5S3NISo9Ihyphenhyphen4O9r1x76VfHyi7PKetz7VdHL5msZZLcuHIQ6iJiq4/s320/Sangria3-14-09.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><div>I got started on her mane, which took half a bottle of Cowboy Magic and about 2 hours to get completely untangled. Once it was untangled, I begged Jenny to braid it for me. One, I'm not much of a braider, two, I wanted Sangria to get used to different people working with her from the beginning, and three, I was dying to get my turn on her feisty mustang mare, MissFire. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWmEAZBFiF4Rc98EwuBaBW8MsWbboTDljm1T7dGxEBkZIQ0ovrrKH9D2YILL5BlidsfoEcz7EDaJj18VARk9o1xz_lzPiHstvYXTxfB7OAXgEufKKz09M6-vBK6Myu9hJquq1x2UalE4/s1600-h/Sangria3-14-09b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314177230568376818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWmEAZBFiF4Rc98EwuBaBW8MsWbboTDljm1T7dGxEBkZIQ0ovrrKH9D2YILL5BlidsfoEcz7EDaJj18VARk9o1xz_lzPiHstvYXTxfB7OAXgEufKKz09M6-vBK6Myu9hJquq1x2UalE4/s320/Sangria3-14-09b.jpg" border="0" /></a>I was extremely pleased at how wonderful Sangria was with Jenny. She was again uncertain, but not bad. For the most part, she stood quietly while her mane was quickly put into multiple loose braids.</div><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Once Jenny was done, we gave the girls a break. I could tell that Sangria was on human overload after our 3+ hour session. So, we gave them both a couple hour break as we took showers ourselves and tried be feel a bit more normal. After a yummy mid-morning brunch, we headed out to play with the girls again. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div>This time, I did leading exercises in her stall. She was great when I was on her left, but nervous to have me on her right. We also did a few hindquarter yielding exercises, which she picked up immediately. I worked on picking up her feet, she easily gave her front feet (I didn't attempt her back yet), though was only comfortable with me holding them for a second. She started getting cranky and did try to nip me, though not aggressively, while I was requesting her feet. She got in trouble for that and didn't try it again. Silly girl!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Before ending my work with her for the day, I took her out of the stall and did the same exercises in the aisle way. She wasn't as responsive in the aiseway, wanting to stop and check things out and definitely not wanting to follow me or give to pressure, but she pretty quickly got it and soon we were able to walk from one end to the other. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvT3Bn6scW5GLWetp4KcPiQ1_pD-sqMfrHxTxQsrZMWbcornlHjSmoMe8sAyB4ydLYss6g_W6-SWr411Ym9RWtAQ9eoNpSFMlz2AOEdCZUFsDDUfbMu_qZLtABa8dQzNeXc5UDVTp0BPs/s1600-h/Sangria3-14-09c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314179758794742434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvT3Bn6scW5GLWetp4KcPiQ1_pD-sqMfrHxTxQsrZMWbcornlHjSmoMe8sAyB4ydLYss6g_W6-SWr411Ym9RWtAQ9eoNpSFMlz2AOEdCZUFsDDUfbMu_qZLtABa8dQzNeXc5UDVTp0BPs/s320/Sangria3-14-09c.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Lastly, I tied her up to a tie blocker ring for her first initial tying episode. She was impatient and kept dancing in place, but didn't test the rope too much. I had to remind her a couple times to stand where she was tied, but she 'got it' pretty quickly. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wpQ_ILBnUq8unCrxX_P-bZVZ9QcZko50yz6iQD86QB5kUg59Gji8Ro0UAimQHIzFhmZU4u-0zqx_eJRjysRNIs0vlQfLpKd-8M42EZPk0iwmLgWPoINjIetJxtObDOG3qEmJ0EFC9AQ/s1600-h/Sangria3-14-09d.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314180277543079074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wpQ_ILBnUq8unCrxX_P-bZVZ9QcZko50yz6iQD86QB5kUg59Gji8Ro0UAimQHIzFhmZU4u-0zqx_eJRjysRNIs0vlQfLpKd-8M42EZPk0iwmLgWPoINjIetJxtObDOG3qEmJ0EFC9AQ/s320/Sangria3-14-09d.jpg" border="0" /></a>I went in to clean her stall and looked out a few minutes later to see her standing quietly and contentedly. What a good girl! That was the end of day 1!</div><br /></div>Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294930502194762647.post-84832993808324260282009-03-16T12:12:00.000-07:002009-03-16T12:38:53.351-07:00Road Trip!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYD7pExY1ZoJ6fTKyKdRSWm29nIyiOPD7Zb4lNI57e1aJNAKoWycbTjCFa-8QROny6gZ9gCDH-4WlKZZ-3tGJAL5FQfirDBkJoSRJj7twNsxlAnR0_MHvR6g_4rJECIzO5KmeraUEH0A/s1600-h/RoadTrip3-13-09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313866789457012914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYD7pExY1ZoJ6fTKyKdRSWm29nIyiOPD7Zb4lNI57e1aJNAKoWycbTjCFa-8QROny6gZ9gCDH-4WlKZZ-3tGJAL5FQfirDBkJoSRJj7twNsxlAnR0_MHvR6g_4rJECIzO5KmeraUEH0A/s320/RoadTrip3-13-09.jpg" border="0" /></a> Jenny and I headed down to the Litchfield Corrals in Northern California to pick up our mustangs on Thursday night. Mapquest approximated the trip to be an 11-12 hour drive. We expected to drive through the night, pick up our girls and then turn around and head home. We pretty much stuck to our plan, but we didn't really realize just how much of a drive that really was! The scenery was beautiful, and the temperature range was dramatic, but all in all, the trip down was uneventful.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk08uMq9-6fF15V6dNzzMeZN5JRQKGTlxPsYbpQxMGnOoyfusoxBDZmgyc-EOZwDTbxntdWA9tAeWkEimWu2scV9ADv9DmfRje8ZCB_Ga00fABWT0oqP2af75cLBv4YMo24GV44JTDrqU/s1600-h/RoadTrip3-13-09b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313868089860929330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk08uMq9-6fF15V6dNzzMeZN5JRQKGTlxPsYbpQxMGnOoyfusoxBDZmgyc-EOZwDTbxntdWA9tAeWkEimWu2scV9ADv9DmfRje8ZCB_Ga00fABWT0oqP2af75cLBv4YMo24GV44JTDrqU/s320/RoadTrip3-13-09b.jpg" border="0" /></a>Once at the corrals, we filled out some paperwork, then went out to find our mustangs. I was pleasantly surprised when I first saw Sangria. She is exactly what I pictured when I imagined my mustang. She is over 15hh, a stocky bay with a white star and right hind sock. Her mane was a complete snarl of tangles, but looked to be full. She has soft, gentle eyes and her face is slightly dished like an Arabian. In the herd in her pen, she was quiet and curious, letting the others mill around her in their discomfort at our presence.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUjzUhxxzXRDHWckZHgexVIQP1pLvPfnBZ3gv1NExMVQtUSTZI6Ri-rklu-Xvts10QAng1gy2ervWNFVH_0zYgxPt4AsB6F68AmaLEeYrp4GzhVhl2ZHer7G4veQ-0rFhigEQ6KWpM5Q/s1600-h/RoadTrip3-13-09c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313869692826022706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUjzUhxxzXRDHWckZHgexVIQP1pLvPfnBZ3gv1NExMVQtUSTZI6Ri-rklu-Xvts10QAng1gy2ervWNFVH_0zYgxPt4AsB6F68AmaLEeYrp4GzhVhl2ZHer7G4veQ-0rFhigEQ6KWpM5Q/s320/RoadTrip3-13-09c.jpg" border="0" /></a>We took our loading tickets to the BLM Wranglers who proceeded to push our assigned mustangs into the chute to remove their neck tags and put their halters on. Sangria was quiet though nervous in the chute. She didn't react alot, but you could see that she was scared. Once her halter was on, they opened the chute and flagged her into the trailer. As soon as Jenny's mare was loaded, we quickly got on the road towards home.<br /><br /><br />Our trip home was slower than the way down. Jenny and I were exhausted and ended up stopping at a rest stop in Vancouver, WA for a quick nap. We got home at 4am Saturday morning and then unloaded the girls and put them each in a stall. It took about an hour to get them unloaded and settled, but they seemed happy to be unloaded and both quickly started eating their hay. Jenny and I went straight to sleep for a few hours before waking up to start playing with our mustangs!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4a1Z3n7mwbLZqlE-w4e56tqjlKUaSp7505kBR8z6DNd1mdYjEzbWkH2kshCdBVT5jbPizlRYUfHbAXlEgrBEBhlXKKqCQZyvwbjvVZ5u7XBDMz_uNUiF68pOyKCVLWOS2LmPP7IRbHeQ/s1600-h/RoadTrip3-13-09d.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313872225370248114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4a1Z3n7mwbLZqlE-w4e56tqjlKUaSp7505kBR8z6DNd1mdYjEzbWkH2kshCdBVT5jbPizlRYUfHbAXlEgrBEBhlXKKqCQZyvwbjvVZ5u7XBDMz_uNUiF68pOyKCVLWOS2LmPP7IRbHeQ/s320/RoadTrip3-13-09d.jpg" border="0" /></a>I love road trips, but I think next time we won't push as hard and will stay overnight rather than drive that long straight through!Sangria & Julianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11976359174425669667noreply@blogger.com1