I'm Not Lost- Just Tied Up In Knots!

 Dear Husband came home not long ago and tossed a small object my way. As it landed in my lap, he grinned at me and said, "Hey Honey, get busy learning how to tie knots!" I had to wonder just what the heck he was talking about. Turns out, a supplier at the shop had been less than reliable in providing survival bracelets.

 Made of sturdy paracord, the bracelets are popular among many sectors. Each one contains anywhere from 6 to 15' of cord for use in an emergency. The ones pictured in this post were created for the local Pink Heals chapter, with proceeds going to breast cancer research.

 Which is all well and good- the bracelets are neat, fairly easy to create, and it helps keep my gotta DO something OCD happy.

Then we started thinking.... what ELSE can we use this for? What ELSE can we create?

 Well, for one, a sweet Celtic Heart knot. These can have hardware attached to hang from your headstall, or the cord can be of a length to make a necklace.

 Well that's pretty cool but what ELSE can we do? There are always things horse people need rope for. Having emergency lengths of cord on hand on a trail ride is crucial. You never know when a rein might break, or part of your headstall might break. A 10' length of seemingly decorative cord attached to your saddle (or in your pack) might be exactly what the doctor ordered.

 Then came time to NAME these guys. The hunter green and purple pictured here are extra grab straps, attaching to the pommel to carry equipment. Instead of using hardware in the form of snaps, these have knot ends and a loop. Each contain 12' of emergency cordage.

 Next up, was the Oh Crap Strap. Ordered by a distance rider to keep her pommel bags from dancing across her thighs her entire ride, the Oh Crap Strap (AKA: Pommel Strap) came about. This one is a 7' length of cordage.

 Next up was a firearms application- a Rifle Sling! I'm still working on what else we can use this particular style for in the equine world.

 It was actually pretty easy to jump from the horse applications to dogs. Collars and leashes were the next step. Here we have Merp modeling her red and white creation for us. Note the refusal to look at the camera- she does NOT approve of the color or the fact that this .. this.. THING.. is around her neck.

Jo the Wonder Nanny Dog wore one too--- and oooooOOOOOOooeeeeeee you should have seen the dirty looks the old girl was shooting at me. Talk about "miffed". Jo was P!ssEd. Poor old fart. I had to give her a puppy cookie to win back her affections.


Next up on my to learn list? (Since there are already requests for them...) Halters, reins and headstalls. I ordered some neon pink today, to use for a headstall and a halter.


If you are interested in ordering something- shoot me an email. Color selection is WIDE including reflective cord. Hardware selections are just as wide, and we will create your ideal item. Prices start at $10.


Shoot me an email if you have questions! (swequine@yahoo.com)


In Other News:
Phat Boy has been getting some fairly regular work and is progressing well with his trail "training". I'm incredibly happy with his mindset and how willing he is to explore and learn new territory. We've been riding a good bit with Big Kahuna and his Mom and having a blast. I'm hoping that Phat Boy is solid enough now that once Kahuna goes home we can continue to hit our little trail with no problems.

Speaking of Big Kahuna- he is also doing well. The boy sure loves to eat and does it well!

OK- time for me to get cracking on some more knots. If you have any questions, give me a yell!

Happy trails!
~MM

So Far 2012 ROCKS!

 On New Year's Day, Phat Boy and I had a wonderful ride. W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L Ride!! We started a new process. See, I *know* Phat Boy has been a show pony. I know he can jump, he can pack people around a ring. I've heard he was out on a couple of trails, but honestly? I don't know how many, if it was solo or with other horses, and most importantly, I don't know how he BEHAVED while on those trails.

 Since I *highly* doubt Phat Boy and I will ever see the inside of a show ring together, I'd like to be able to crawl up on my trusty round steed and hit the trails in relative safety.

We already have done copious amounts of homework with "scary things" and he takes them all in stride. Our communication is getting clearer every day, and he is becoming more and more just pure FUN to ride and play with. Time to hit the road to learning our smokin trail moves.

 And we did. On New Year's Day, we literally hit the road. We ventured out the driveway, and around our very short loop several times. We wandered up and down the scary abyss, snorting a bit at the bushes, the birds in the bushes, the dogs coming racing up behind us.

I'm not one to push a horse through his fear- at least not *this* horse. He seems to take to things much better if I stop and let him snort, look, and think. As soon as he "gets it", he drops his head and he is MORE than willing to solider on and explore new turf.



We had one BIG spook--- Merp came racing as fast as her sturdy little legs would allow up from the big trail behind us, taking poor Phat Boy utterly and completely by surprise. For my part I was just happy to see that I could still sit a spooking pony (bareback, as always. In a halter and lead, as always. And NO- I do NOT suggest anyone else try this type of foolishness.)

A couple days later, Kahuna's Mom came out and we had the chance to ride together. We opted to go WAY out in The Beyond, and ride down a long long lane way back in the woods... Kahuna is an old hand at this particular stretch already, so he was the perfect lead horse and confidence builder to have Phat Boy go out with for our very first mini trail ride.

It. Was. Awesome. Was it perfect? Oh heck no-- but Phat Boy listened and tried his big red heart out for me.

Today, we were able to ride again. Instead of venturing more out onto the trail, we worked on riding AWAY from Kahuna to see how buddy bound he is. Which was umm... bad, but we worked through it. By the end of an hour's worth of calm steady work, Kahuna could get out of sight on the road and there was minimal grumbling from the peanut gallery and a LOT more listening to what I was asking. Works for me.

For a Kahuna update: The big guy is gaining well. Today we weight taped him and he has gained a *significant* amount of weight. (For the heck of it we taped Phat Boy too... oh my... My little chunky cutie weighs in at 945#. Bad bad Mrs Mom... that is one PREGNANT gelding right there!) Kahuna came in at 850#. Today he taped at 918#. He has been here since 29 Dec. I'm looking to see another 50 or so pounds on him before I modify his weight gain regimen.

So far? I'd say I'm pretty dang happy with how 2012 is starting out. This time of rediscovering my inner just RIDE child is wonderful- and I had not realized how much that child was missed. The mix of a solid minded pony (he is only 14 hands so still a pony in size but draft sized in his heart,) a calm steady partner horse to lead the way when things get sticky, and a burning desire to recapture the skills of my "youth" is the perfect chemistry to bring about a huge lift inside.

It was not that long ago that finding the motivation to get out and ride was lacking. They say everything happens for a reason- and it seems once again that has been proven true. Kahuna might have needed Get Fat Camp, but *I* needed the influence of his new Mom to get me  back OUT there, riding along and expanding our horizons. Instead of feeling guilt over not riding, I now feel charged and can't wait to slide back on my trusty willing partner and hit the trails.


Here's hoping 2012 continues to rock on in such a grand manner!

Happy Trails to all y'all!
~MM

New Years Eve

I blink, and when my eyes open there it is- staring me in the face. New Year's Eve. A blog that has sat neglected for almost a month.


Christmas came and went, with the usual wrapping paper induced insanity. Santa was good to all of us- unless you talk with Jo the Wonder Nanny Dog. If you ask her, Santa was stingy because she did not get a special extra comfy old lady dog bed, a side of beef just for her, sausages just for her, OR her bacon that she asked for. Jo is miffed with Santa.

 Lots of folks are taking a look back at 2011, reviewing their goals and planning for 2012. Looking back this year though- well, I'm going to skip that. Instead, I'll be thankful for Phat Boy making a Grand Entrance into our lives on a permanent basis this past March, for Merp the Derp arriving in April, for Fishy (because he is SO dang entertaining), and for the rest of the good things that have happened.

If we look to hard at the bad, or what was left undone it only drags us down. Onward and upward, as they say.


In Other News:

The Horsie Shuffle was once again done this week. I'm tellin y'all--- there IS a sizeable farm in our future SOMEWHERE, SOMEHOW so that this horse re-arranging does NOT have to go on. Back to the reason for the shuffle this time.

Big Kahuna came back to Auntie Mrs. Mom's Get Fat Camp. Due to circumstances beyond his control, he dropped weight. (For those of you who suspect a story here, there is one. However, I am not at liberty to discuss the story, nor do I feel this is the time for such discussion. However, continue to read on for some generalized tips and suggestions.)

Tatertot went to a month long play date with a friend of mine's gelding. I hear he is already being spoiled ROTTEN and now has an affinity for Candy Canes. This lady said, "He is great! I've never, in all my time with horses, EVER had such a calm introduction! Tater is awesome!" Yep. Little Dryer Shire is winning hearts already.

Phat Boy was quite ticked with the change in routine. He was the boss of Tater but in no way shape or form is he the Boss of Kahuna. Not a happy pony. But-- he is adjusting. He'll live for a month.

Now, just for the record....

-If you have to either move your horse to a new facility, OR new management takes over your facility, and you get a not so good gut feeling? Listen to it.

- If you observe condition issues that are not resolved promptly with polite discussion, pay attention. Plan alternative arrangements for horse keeping should a move become necessary.

- Document. Everything.

- Take pictures. Lots. of. pictures. With current dates on them.


On the upside to all of this Kahuna now has HIS Person. A wonderful young lady whom he adores and clicks with wonderfully. Kahuna will be here for roughly a month, to pack on as much weight as we can for him. He has had two full days of Auntie Mrs. Mom's Get Fat Camp diet. Four time a day feedings, with all the hay he can stuff himself with will help hugely. In a month, we'll see a big difference in his condition.

The question is.... will Tatertot have himself a new fan club in a month's time, as well as a new place to hang out? Or will he get to come back to The Asylum to finish his education and entertain my herd of menfolks? I guess we will have to wait and see!!

In the meantime folks, have a WONDERFUL New Year. We sincerely wish each and every one of you an amazing 2012, that is filled with health, wealth and happiness. Live each and EVERY day to the fullest- live each and every minute to the top!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
~ MM

Question?

Hey is anyone else having trouble leaving a comment on here- the comment not showing up?

I'm not kicking anyone to the curb, but I have heard from a couple people that their comments are not showing after they leave them.

Let me know please? I don't know how to fix it, but with so many blog-savvy folks out there, there has to be a solution!


All is well- crazy busy like usual, but all is well. I'll post more probably tomorrow or Sunday. Meantime, stay warm and happy counting down the days till Christmas!!!!

Well I'll Be Darned!

 December 7, 2007. Pretty big day around here. A birthday, Pearl Harbor Day, and an anniversary. The birthday is the Cub's- he is now proud to proclaim his age as SEVEN. (Holy CRAP where did the time go already???)

Pearl Harbor Day speaks for itself- what a monumental day in our history.


And the anniversary? Why, it is the anniversary of when Oh HorseFeathers! was created. Yep. We've been around for a while now. Shocking, isn't it?

The blog came about from a desire to see if I could carry on a conversation on an adult level. At that time, Wrecking Crew was a teeny tiny little feller. Cub wasn't all that big himself, and my exposure to people other than my children and spouse was somewhat limited.

So... I talked on here. Talked what I love and know best- HORSE. And it has been great!

So Happy Birthday Cub, and Happy Anniversary Oh HorseFeathers!! Here's to many more for both!

Day Five In Pictures

 Morning Siesta

 (Huh. Order got messed up... dangit)

Tarp? Really? 

Ok... 

 It smells weird. 

Just sayin'.

 Oh, WALK on the tarp? 

I guess so. What's the big deal anyways?

 Mom, WHY is this in my way?

I mean, really.

 Ear Cam!

First stop, the yard.

 Second stop,

The Beyond.

 Next up,

Lake View

And we ended by walking back and forth over the tarp.

Dear Husband even drove the truck right up to Phat Boy while I was on him.

Yep. All Phat Boy did was say,

"Hey Dad! You got cookies?"

And that is 

THE END 

for today!

Happy Trails!

Day Four and Counting!

Yep. Day Four.

Both horses worked today.

Tater got his Very First Ride at The Asylum, and he did not put a hoof wrong. Dear Husband said he was more worried about "Am I doing this RIGHT?" instead of being worried over who was actually ON his back.

Tell y'all what. I learned 2 things today about Tater.
1- He is narrow as the 2" side of a 2x4
2- Boy does he have a LONG way to go to build up bunches of muscle. Rides on him will be kept short, and not more than one or two per week.

Did I mention how narrow he is? Yikes. Getting on Tater after riding Phat Boy for so long was like going from a tricked out comfy recliner to sitting on a dang ten speed. And a ten speed about 2 sizes to small at that!


Actually, I should say that I learned three things about Tater today. The third is that he is going to be a challenge. He is a thinker. Tater hates to lather rinse repeat endlessly. Ground work today? He kept looking at me like, "Really? Seriously? I stop. I turn. I back. I move shoulders and hips, drop my head, walk and trot and WHOA. Can we do something else now, PLEASE??" Tater is going to keep me on my toes and make ME think too. And you know what? It is most excellent.

And I learned one OTHER thing today that was not just about Tater. And THAT is that getting back into the swing of working horses is either going to continue to whip me into stellar shape (for an old beat to h3ll and back broad,) or it's going to keel me! As I sit in my cozy recliner now, knowing all critters are cleaned, fed, and where they are supposed to be, with the Locust Brothers sprawled on the floor watching Christmas shows, it sure feels like it is time to sit and drool all OVER myself.... HA~


What I'd *like* to do? Get Phat Boy to the point that he and I can pony Tater. We can cover more ground and it will be healthier for Tater to work straight lines. Have to see how that goes though. It'll either be really really good, or it'll be a total disaster.


Now, my Ace Photographer the Cubster was *supposed* to be taking pictures of Tater's ride today but it seems he didn't push the right button. He did get some ground work shots (that I'll load and post later) but no actual shots while I was ON Tater. Oh well. There will be another day!

In the meantime, I am indeed going to sit and drool on myself for a bit and see about plotting out some different things for Tater to learn in the days to come!

Happy Hoofin y'all!
~MM

Day Three Update

Tater got to have yesterday off as it seems somewhere along the way, a stomach bug invaded my system and completely left me unable to do more than drool on myself while sitting on the couch. Yep. It wuz THAT pathetic around here.

Today dawned bright and cold (OK- cold for HERE- temp this morning when we rolled out of the sack was a brisk 32*.) Today Tater went back to school. Tomorrow the goal is for me to get ON him, so today Tater and I messed around with a couple of changes. He moved his front end away from me in both directions on request, backed at a mere light suggestion, and walked like a wonderful gentleman to the mailbox.

We incorporated a snaffle bit today. And I wound up getting bored so to the mounting stump we went... and  I laid over his back. Tater thought I had lost my ever loving mind, but he stood rock still.

Might be a brain growing in there afterall. Have to see how he does tomorrow. Riding will be kept short- as I laid over him today, I could really feel fully how much muscle he needs to build all along his topline. He has been gaining weight and growing while here, but he still has a long, long way to go. I'm not real fond of the idea of riding him while he is downhill, but 5 minuets here and there will do his brain some good.

Phat Boy watched all the action. He was smug while seeing Tater work outside the paddock but when we went in to the mounting stump, Phat Boy had to come and check the situation out. Phat Boy being Phat Boy, he stayed with his rump to the gate, watching me intently. You'd almost think he was jealous or something.

After I slipped down from the stump, Tater got hooked to the Patience Tree and despite being weak as a sick kitten... I had to. I could not resist. Phat Boy beckoned with his big brown eyes and broad back... and I crawled up on him. A ten minute walk around on the back of my favorite red man did wonders for both of us. Perching up on that chunky pony sure feels like "home".

I've been lucky. Most of my life, I've been able to ride and spend time with some really amazing horses. But there are very, very few who feel like "Home" when you're up there. After old Jack died, it seemed like that "home" feeling would be just a memory.

But we got lucky again, and one red fellow fits the bill perfectly.

Right- enough rambling from an overtired still recovering mind. Happy Trails everyone!
~MM

Tater Haz Brain Fry

 And this is how he looked today after Day Two of School.

First, the weather. Yikes. Bit of rain on the way to get hay this morning- but it has mostly held off since. But the winds.. wow. They are WHIPPING around. Which meant that school time for Tater was somewhat interesting to say the least. As I cleaned the paddock, I also wanted to smooch on Phat Boy a bit. The winds however had both boys whipped up into a tizzy and they ran about like their tails were on fire. Eventually, Phat Boy wanted to quit and come get some attention but TATER.... Well, HE had other ideas. Up until recently, Phat Boy has been the boss hoss in the paddock and pretty much took no crap from the upstart kid. There has been a shift in power because as much as Tater has tested me of late, he is also testing Phat Boy.

In order to catch the young upstart kid, we had to move our feet. Lots. For about 20 minutes. Phat Boy's fitness goal is going to be met and surpassed at this rate, with no riding time for me. He was huffing and puffing and SO ready to stop. Honestly I wanted to single Phat Boy out and have Cub hold him outside while I continued the lesson for Tater in the paddock, but one bite from Phat Boy (finally!) and Tater walked to me and shoved his face in the halter.



He danced his way out the gate, and onto a refresher course of yesterday we went. Today, taking the high winds into consideration, we did not try to learn anything new, and I honestly had hoped to keep things short. His brain is young, which if the young brains of The Locust Brothers are any indication, keeping them focused on a task for more than two seconds..... well... SQUIRREL!!! And POOF.. they're all gone...

The Tater 'Tude was still present.
So. He worked. Stop, change direction, trot small, trot big, change direction... anything rapid fire to get in control of his feet, we did it. And then... of ALL the insults, we backed. Oh the HORROR!

Tater did earn himself a new nickname today at one point. I don't think he liked being told he was "Crow Bait". Sucks to be him. Maybe if he decides to oh, I don't know.. BEHAVE?? he might can earn a NEW nickname in time. By the end of probably about 30 mins, Tater 'Tude was put away, so Tater got to cool down and go in for a roll.


In Other News:

 The aforementioned wind? Yeah. We skipped the Patience Tree today because the Patience Tree is a pine tree. When the winds whip, pine cones fall down. Which if you have wimpy little pine cones, it is no big deal. But. We don't have wimpy little pine cones around us. See those two? They fell while we were ground working today. I wear a size 9 1/2 sneaker. Buggers hit the ground with a resounding THUD. Since they weigh in at about 2 pounds, and are falling from close to 40' up... there is a good bit of velocity there to do damage. No Patience Tree for horses while the winds are howling.

 Porch Cat agrees. Windy days suck and pine cones the size of those are no fun.

 Now for a bit of random oddness.... out on the porch are a couple last remaining pepper plants and mater plants. I got nosing around out there last night and about choked when I saw maters. So I looked closer. And there are a few more peppers too. I'll be dagummed. Temps for this week are supposed to be downright chilly- in the 30's. I might group together these last few plants and cover them up at night. I'd bring them in the house, but honestly? There is NO room inside. (Small house. Just trust me on this one.)

So blanket/ cover it may be, and we will see how long we can get them to last. A couple of maters would be kinda fun! That reminds me-- they look like they could use a bit of Mater Food...

Stay tuned. Tomorrow should be Day 3 of School for Tater. We'll continue to document his progress, but I will say if he keeps THIS up, his butt is going to be RIDDEN by the end of the week. Heaven knows he will be sacked out enough and ground worked enough for it! BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHA


Geeeee Tater, it kinda looks like you are going to get an education and a half, as unless the weather interferes and the ground is too slick, I see a whoooooole lotta miles in your future here.

Tater Goes To School

Today, my plan was to stick with several of the suggestions (from Leah, keep it only a few days a week, and from Shirley, keep the sessions shorter.) However..... that did not quite happen as planned.

Tater was great- walked up and stuffed his face out for haltering, (got an A for that,) stood ground tied for hoof check and frog scrubbing (A for that too,) so we decided to go on to the next step with some simple direction changes at the walk. After a couple of explanations, he got a B for that. Once he had a small lightbulb moment, we thought a short walk would be nice and then I'd put him up for the night.

The walk went well. He stayed with me, alert and attentive at all times. Very mannerly- no rushing, no slamming into me. (I'll give him a B+ there).

We got to the yard, and Wrecking Crew and Cub asked permission to approach and pet Tater- which was fine. After Wrecker and Cub had paid their due attention, I asked Tater to back up a couple of steps. Tater however... well, HE decided to "mock" take a bite of my arm. As in, ears went back, eyes got pissy, and his mouth came gaping open in the general direction of my arm. His chest bowed up, and his general body language said, "You Ain't The Boss Of ME! I'll Stand Here If I Want!" (Yep. THAT is an F in my book.)

Yeeeeeaaaahhhhhhhhhh... umm... no. THAT particular 'Tude will fly about as well as a turd in a punch bowl.

What *was* going to be 15 minutes? Turned into an hour.

Current Score:
Auntie Mrs Mom- 1
Tater- 0

Tater got an Attitude Adjustment and we worked. We worked on the long line until he decided that yes, he could change direction promptly and with manners, and yes, we could back nicely and straight when asked, and THEN he got soak time on the Patience Tree. He got a reprieve on the Patience Tree as the freaking Sand Gnats are out in force trying for one last big score before the cooler weather gets here in a couple days. I was kinda tired of being Gnat Bait, so Tater got unhooked and lead with decent manners to the paddock.

Now, I have a bit of an OCD about letting a horse go in the paddock. For one, I don't just schlep through the gate and let them go. Oh no. They walk nicely through the gate, stop, turn and face the gate, and we back. Usually about 5'. Did Tater back? Weeeellllllll......... let's just say his backing was about 25' instead of 5'. Overall grade for Tater today? C-.

And Phat Boy? Stood there, shaking his wise (wide?) red head, sighing. I swear he was looking at Tater saying, "I TOLD you so. I TOLD you don't piss off Da Momma. Don't you listen to ANYTHING, Kid? Don't. Piss. Off. Da. Momma."


To rub it in further as I walked away from Tater towards the gate to exit, Phat Boy nickered at me and came walking up for some Mom time. Yep. He looked over at Tater as I scratched his favorite spot and said, "THIS is MY Mom. And THIS is how you are to TREAT my Mom! ... Dumbass..."

Guess who (weather permitting) is going to school again tomorrow. Yep. Looks like Tater is going to get a lot of one on one attention in the very near future!