All Fox Trotter Natural Horsemanship Clinic

April 28, 2001Posted inVelvet
Those participating in the clinic were as follows: Heidi Pollen, Ava, Mo; Pat Anderson, Estacada, Or; Judy Casper, Cabool, Mo; Kathy Doman, Rogersville, Mo; Liz and Joe James, Greenfield, In; Jennifer West; Diane and Dallas Hudson, Ava, Mo; Ken Kemp, Alta Vista, Ks; Ann Kolaz, Springfield, Il; Anita Rolfe, Mansfield, Mo; Carole Sharp, Taylor, Mo; Sue Steggal, Ava, Mo; Sandy Streweski, Billings, Mo; Karen Thompson, Galena, Mo. Some of the auditors were Marshall and Lee Yates, George Caspar, Elmer and Suzanne Scott, Mona Dollarhide and members of her family, Jo Hubner, Elaine Graham, Ava, Mo; Pete Rolfe, Mansfield, Mo; Cathy & Bill Lansdown, Ava, Mo; and Kim Stewart, Galena, Mo.

Sage Over a Barrel

March 30, 2001Posted inSage
     March 30,  2001 As her reward for being the first Missouri Fox Trotter to pass the Parelli level 2 test, I gave Sage almost a two year break.  She got to be the step mommy to JR and raise him.  I rode Velvet in the meantime.Unfortunately, Sage chose to fill her stomach about three times as large as it should be.  She got terribly fat on the lush Missouri grass.  It's time for me to reclaim Sage back as a great pal and riding horse.  Accordingly, in the…

Velvet – You Can’t Scream Outloud

December 18, 2000Posted inVelvet
Lately, I've been feeling really confident, riding Velvet.  During the last two group lessons, I did not touch the reins.  I steered her with my body and legs.  I also carry two carrot sticks.  These are 3' long extensions of my arms.  They are fiberglass and lightweight.  If Velvet doesn't pay attention to my eyes, belly button, legs, then the carrot sticks are used.  Carrot stick comes to the right side of the head means turn right and vice versa with left.  Crossed carrot sticks in front of the horses…

Velvet – reluctant pony horse

December 14, 2000Posted inVelvet
Pony Horse takes savvy The ponied horse's head is to be right at your knee. We are playing like a foal is running beside his momma...that's where the foal stays. Another thing ponying is good for...if you have the SAVVY (which I don't) is for cross mares. Velvet had started snaking her head and occasionally kicking out at other horses that she hates. At one point, she even attacked a few horses when we were just standing around. So, as part of her reeducation into politeness...Jenny started ponying her. When…

JR’s Journal – Clinic Journey

August 24, 2000Posted inJR
At official yearling status…exactly one year of age, JR attended his first clinic at Pine Dell. It was his first time to ride in a trailer by himself, to be in a barn, and to be in an indoor arena. He was just a LITTLE upset when we arrived at Pine Dell. I heard a lot of yearling whinny during the first part of the day…most of it right in my ear. BUT, he did just great! He had the least problems of any horse in the clinic. Of course…

JR’s Journal – Trailer Loading 101

March 13, 2000Posted inJR
  The goal is to send JR into the trailer and back him out.  JR’s is a normal claustrophobic horse whose goal is to do anything to avoid getting in an enclosed hole.   I opened all the windows so it is as light as it can be inside. JR is small enough right now, that I could put a rope on his rear end and pull him in using the halter rope and the rear rope.  Think about how much fun this would be for me when he attains…