Lucky Star’s AKA Name is Always Adventure

August 26, 2016Posted inCountry Frank's Lucky Star, Missouri Fox Trotter
I let a beginning rider have a beginning rider lesson on Lucky Star.  We went through the required seven games and some required rules before mounting.  That went well.  Our rider mounted.  I did neglect to give the rider the mandatory mounting rule, but it went well.  Now the signal to walk forward was given and Lucky's response was ears back in protest.  We tried the turning on the hindquarters and then walking forward.  That is when Lucky decided to move and place his front feet in front of the…

City Dog Adventures

July 26, 2016Posted inCity Dog
City Dog is a Puggle. He is a very loyal dog and protects his humans. Last night, he protected me against thunder. If he is outside, he runs towards the thunder, barking. During our Fourth of July party, he protected the entire party attendees against all their firecrackers. That was the day that drove him crazy. He had no idea that we were causing the evil dangerous something. But, I digress. City Dog is a loyal protector. We mowed the pasture today. The pasture has long grass with weeds. If…

Earn Cisco’s Heart

July 26, 2016Posted inCISCO, Parelli
If you are a Parelli person, many unParelli people think you are certifiable. If you follow the quest, you are still OK to be with other people. We are not dangerous. The Levels program in Parelli is like the black belt kind of thing in Judo. You don't get the black belt unless you live the black belt. It becomes your life. I need Cisco to worship me and want to do what I ask of him. I want his heart. If I have his heart, I will have everything…

First Cisco Trail Ride

July 24, 2016Posted inCISCO, Missouri Fox Trotter
Cisco had thirty days with Nichole Hack to prepare him for me.  I took my first ride and it was a good one.  Cisco came home and I took him to my favorite summer arena to get better acquainted.  I rode him in a clinic with Jenny Vaught.  We were doing great.  I started trusting him to take care of me. Friend Chas called and wanted me to go on a trail ride with her.  Gulp!  My first trail ride with Cisco.  I said yes and the deal was made.…

Fix the Cisco Love

July 15, 2016Posted inCISCO, Missouri Fox Trotter
it happens. You go to get your horse. Your horse turns away and leaves you. I want my horse to come to me and anticipate our time together. My last post was news that Cisco turned his back to me. I was spurned. Yesterday, I went out to feed the hungry horses. I offered to let Cisco out of the horse pasture. I opened the stall door. He looked at me, turned his tail and left me hanging. Sadly, we had a major lesson coming up. Practice on the gaits…

Cisco the Teacher

July 12, 2016Posted inCISCO, Missouri Fox Trotter
I learned a lot from Cisco today.  The big lesson is how to get really high stacked hay bales down on the ground.  I've got hay stacked in my barn.  Stalls are on one side and hay is on about half of the other side.  The hay is stacked about four bales over my head.  So it takes about four bales to equal my height and then add four bales on top of that and you picture the hay tower.  I've misplaced my gadget to drag a bale off the…