YAY PIXIE!!! and more...

oc_spirit · 10-03-2005, 06:57 PM

The Good News

Pixie is now wearing a halter!!!!!!!! For anybody who doesn't know, I'm a horse trainer and work at a ranch that takes in abused and neglected horses from a sister-stable who does the rescueing. Anyway we got this one lil pony named Pixie from the stockyards and she was TERRIFIED of any ropes/halters/pieces of string/strangers/everything LOL She was a real sweetie though and loved attention but was too scared of people to come get it. After about a year of working with her and not getting anywhere she is now wearing a halter!!!! Woohoo!!!!! She still gets edgy if people grab her halter too fast and she'll jerk back if they're too dominating when leading her. Well this morning she was caught and I took her into the round pen to work with her. We just worked on leading her around and getting her used to being led, not just following like she had been doing. Twice one of the barn dogs started barking up a storm and trying to herd her away from me because she started dancing a bit from something or other and she ended up bolting and running with the dog chasing her (I dunno why Lady wasn't tied up or in the house). So here was this already-edgy mare, galloping around the round pen, an eight foot lead rope dangling from her halter, and a dog at her heels. Lady was called off both times and a friend held her for me but Pixie kept charging around the ring completely frightened and unsure of me becuse the last time I was leading her a dog came after her. Finally I slowed her down with body language (luckily from all the hours spent free lunging her in the round pen we are very in-tune to each other) and I was able to carefully and slowly come up beside her and grab her lead rope (she'd run away from everyone else). This is a HUGE step for Pixie to trust me like this! I'm so proud of her I just want to burst!

The Bad News

After working with Pixie my assistant (that's right since I'm now head-trainer I now have TWO assistants!) requested to take a miniature horse for a walk. I complied since I was more than ready for something a little easier to slow down my adrenaline from Pixie's success with. She decided to take Houston the stallion and I chose Patches, one of his daughters since I knew they'd get along fine together. My assistant, being still a little new to the ranch asked me to lead which upset Houston severely (he's the leader of the mini herd so to have one of his daughters/mares leading is very disturbing to him) and he kept pinning his ears back and trying to nip Patches to get her to go to her proper place (behind him). I'm never one to give in to the demands of a horse, especially a stallion, so I kept the order as was. When we got to the bridge Patches refused to cross (it's an open bridge and some days it just looks like it might collapse to a horse) and my assistant would not budge with Houston cause of his sttitude (even thoug she chose to go for a walk and she chose to take him). Houston sensed her uneasiness (of course) and knew she didn't know whats he was doing anymore so he started correcting HER for not listening to him by nipping. I asked her to take Patches and I was gonna take Houston (after all a stallion's a stallion and no matter who the horse is they need someone who knows what they're doing!). Apparently he didn't respect the switch cause he kept flattening his ears (which basically means "I'm pissed!" in horse lingo) and attempting to nip me. A couple correction later and he stopped but yu could tell he still wasn't happy. I heard a car coming so i turned to see how fast it was going and what did Houston do? He took advantage of me letting my guard down adn he BIT me!!! This wasn't a little correction nip this was a full chomp! Now for those who have never been bitten by a horse, they don't bite like dogs. They grab a chunk of skin, hang on, and snap it! IT HURTS!!!!! I was so ticked off at him! I gave him a sharp "Hey! What do you think you're doing????!!!" And a halter snap which was when he finally realized exactly who was at the end of the lead rope. Funny, he was a perfect angel the rest of the way back...while my arm was dripping blood! Urgh! Stallions! LOL

I also ended up riding Skye which was fun becauseit has been a whle cine I have been up on a walker and I love them so much! After her I worked with Chester (my *heart* horse) and he was such an angel! He's coming along REALLY well with his training!!! Currantly I ride him bareback since he's learning what people riding him is all about so he can pick up on my signals clearly (since there's nothing between me and him) and I can feel his every movement which helps me sense if he's going to do something funny before he actually does it. I always try to start green horses bare back instead of with a saddle. So that was my day at the ranch!

Here's a pic of the bite, doesn't do it justice though. The colouring from the bruise aint showing up cause of bad lighting, you can't see the swellings and it's blurry so it looks pink and kinda healed instead of the bright inflamed red it actually is LOL

oc_spirit · 10-03-2005, 06:59 PM

pic didn't show up....trying again

PhantomsPrinceWillia · 10-03-2005, 07:17 PM

I also train horses and it is so awesome... had a few marks like the ones you have... darn they hurt... i love the first halter day

....

it only gets easier and easier.

goodl uck...

i havent done this for a long time but... i would like to check out the site of the rescue... Im looking to adopt a horse

calgal · 10-03-2005, 07:56 PM

That's exactly the reason I don't and wont ride or even get close to a horse.

Except when I went over to the ranch to see the horse that the movie "Spirit" was made from. He's so pretty, but his caretaker, Neda
DeMayo who owns the Return to Freedom ranch, was holding the rein.When my first two boys were 6 and 4 I got them a pony but the newness of the pony wore off quickly so no one was riding him. After a couple months he didn't want to be rode so he started bucking them off. I gave the pony to a little boy who couldn't afford one but loved ours. He rode that pony every day and took such good care of him.

Sayuri · 10-03-2005, 08:41 PM

Ouch OC! That looks painful! But good for you for working at that ranch - you're a regular horse-guardian angel.

I used to ride in high school and I loved it. Unfortunately I had to give it up due to time constraints (I didn't own my own horse fortunately - that would have made it harder). I still think about riding a lot, and consider perhaps someday purchasing a horse of my own in the distant, distant future. What kind of horses do you get in rescue, OC? Maybe that'll be my avenue when I do look into it years from now.

Pugdawg1 · 10-03-2005, 08:48 PM

Thanks for sharing.. sometimes I miss having horses. I've been bit a few times as well. One time I had a week of bad luck, years ago. Wound up being bit by two different horses in the same week, one bit on each forearm.. and another time I was bit on my chest. Pain Pain Pain. I love horses though, always will, and I do intend on having a couple more again in the near future.

oc_spirit · 10-04-2005, 01:27 PM

Phantom, USUALLY it gets easier after the first halter training session, but not with Pixie

she still has TONS of aggravating (for the trainer) little fears to figure out and help her to overcome.

The ranch i work at doesn't have a website since we aren't the actual rescue, we just take in rescued horses. The actual rescue is http://www.heavencanwaitequinerescue.org/ which is owned and operated by a friend of the owner of the ranch i work at.

Calgal, it aint that bad if you understand them or are working with trained, socialized, experienced horses. That's awesome that you got to meet the "real" Spirit!!! I've seen pics of him, such a beauty!

Sayuri, we get eveything and anything and all that mixed together! LOL Some of the breeds are Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, tennesse walking horses, arabians, thoroughbreds, hanovarians, holsteiners, standardbreds, belgians, clydesdales, paints, newfoundland ponies, minis, classic heinz 57 and many more!

Wow pugdawg! that sounds PAINFUL!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been lucky, this is the worst injury I have ever gotten from horses, including injuries from falls!

Sayuri · 10-04-2005, 07:06 PM

Wow! You guys have got everything! Sounds like my kind of place. I used to ride Appaloosas and paints, and I'm a lifelong fan of Arabs

Oooh Also jealous that you got to meet "Spirit," Calgal. I've seen the pictures too - he's a lovely horse.

oc_spirit · 10-06-2005, 08:18 PM

That's awesome Sayuri!!! I like having a lil of everything too

Lets you get cultured in the world of horses LOL

Sayuri · 10-07-2005, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Lets you get cultured in the world of horses LOL

Ooh let's do, OC! I bow to you, my sensei!

TribalRats · 10-07-2005, 07:16 AM

OUCH!!
That hurts. It's a great life you have though....great life. Much envy coming from me to you!

10-03-2005, 06:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
oc_spirit Snow Girl Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,612 Rep Power: 140	YAY PIXIE!!! and more... The Good News Pixie is now wearing a halter!!!!!!!! For anybody who doesn't know, I'm a horse trainer and work at a ranch that takes in abused and neglected horses from a sister-stable who does the rescueing. Anyway we got this one lil pony named Pixie from the stockyards and she was TERRIFIED of any ropes/halters/pieces of string/strangers/everything LOL She was a real sweetie though and loved attention but was too scared of people to come get it. After about a year of working with her and not getting anywhere she is now wearing a halter!!!! Woohoo!!!!! She still gets edgy if people grab her halter too fast and she'll jerk back if they're too dominating when leading her. Well this morning she was caught and I took her into the round pen to work with her. We just worked on leading her around and getting her used to being led, not just following like she had been doing. Twice one of the barn dogs started barking up a storm and trying to herd her away from me because she started dancing a bit from something or other and she ended up bolting and running with the dog chasing her (I dunno why Lady wasn't tied up or in the house). So here was this already-edgy mare, galloping around the round pen, an eight foot lead rope dangling from her halter, and a dog at her heels. Lady was called off both times and a friend held her for me but Pixie kept charging around the ring completely frightened and unsure of me becuse the last time I was leading her a dog came after her. Finally I slowed her down with body language (luckily from all the hours spent free lunging her in the round pen we are very in-tune to each other) and I was able to carefully and slowly come up beside her and grab her lead rope (she'd run away from everyone else). This is a HUGE step for Pixie to trust me like this! I'm so proud of her I just want to burst! The Bad News After working with Pixie my assistant (that's right since I'm now head-trainer I now have TWO assistants!) requested to take a miniature horse for a walk. I complied since I was more than ready for something a little easier to slow down my adrenaline from Pixie's success with. She decided to take Houston the stallion and I chose Patches, one of his daughters since I knew they'd get along fine together. My assistant, being still a little new to the ranch asked me to lead which upset Houston severely (he's the leader of the mini herd so to have one of his daughters/mares leading is very disturbing to him) and he kept pinning his ears back and trying to nip Patches to get her to go to her proper place (behind him). I'm never one to give in to the demands of a horse, especially a stallion, so I kept the order as was. When we got to the bridge Patches refused to cross (it's an open bridge and some days it just looks like it might collapse to a horse) and my assistant would not budge with Houston cause of his sttitude (even thoug she chose to go for a walk and she chose to take him). Houston sensed her uneasiness (of course) and knew she didn't know whats he was doing anymore so he started correcting HER for not listening to him by nipping. I asked her to take Patches and I was gonna take Houston (after all a stallion's a stallion and no matter who the horse is they need someone who knows what they're doing!). Apparently he didn't respect the switch cause he kept flattening his ears (which basically means "I'm pissed!" in horse lingo) and attempting to nip me. A couple correction later and he stopped but yu could tell he still wasn't happy. I heard a car coming so i turned to see how fast it was going and what did Houston do? He took advantage of me letting my guard down adn he BIT me!!! This wasn't a little correction nip this was a full chomp! Now for those who have never been bitten by a horse, they don't bite like dogs. They grab a chunk of skin, hang on, and snap it! IT HURTS!!!!! I was so ticked off at him! I gave him a sharp "Hey! What do you think you're doing????!!!" And a halter snap which was when he finally realized exactly who was at the end of the lead rope. Funny, he was a perfect angel the rest of the way back...while my arm was dripping blood! Urgh! Stallions! LOL I also ended up riding Skye which was fun becauseit has been a whle cine I have been up on a walker and I love them so much! After her I worked with Chester (my heart horse) and he was such an angel! He's coming along REALLY well with his training!!! Currantly I ride him bareback since he's learning what people riding him is all about so he can pick up on my signals clearly (since there's nothing between me and him) and I can feel his every movement which helps me sense if he's going to do something funny before he actually does it. I always try to start green horses bare back instead of with a saddle. So that was my day at the ranch! Here's a pic of the bite, doesn't do it justice though. The colouring from the bruise aint showing up cause of bad lighting, you can't see the swellings and it's blurry so it looks pink and kinda healed instead of the bright inflamed red it actually is LOL
	__________________ My dogs WORK, what do yours do? Even the quietest whisper can be heard over the loudest gunshot. When? When it speaks the truth! I shall stand by your side and fight! Together we shall prevail through all life's adversities!

10-03-2005, 06:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
oc_spirit Snow Girl Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,612 Rep Power: 140	pic didn't show up....trying again
	__________________ My dogs WORK, what do yours do? Even the quietest whisper can be heard over the loudest gunshot. When? When it speaks the truth! I shall stand by your side and fight! Together we shall prevail through all life's adversities!

10-03-2005, 08:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
Sayuri Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: In the gorgeous NW Posts: 932 Rep Power: 128	Ouch OC! That looks painful! But good for you for working at that ranch - you're a regular horse-guardian angel. I used to ride in high school and I loved it. Unfortunately I had to give it up due to time constraints (I didn't own my own horse fortunately - that would have made it harder). I still think about riding a lot, and consider perhaps someday purchasing a horse of my own in the distant, distant future. What kind of horses do you get in rescue, OC? Maybe that'll be my avenue when I do look into it years from now.
	__________________ As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

10-03-2005, 08:48 PM	#6 (permalink)
Pugdawg1 Pug Mom Join Date: May 2004 Location: Elko, Nevada Posts: 2,418 Rep Power: 131	Thanks for sharing.. sometimes I miss having horses. I've been bit a few times as well. One time I had a week of bad luck, years ago. Wound up being bit by two different horses in the same week, one bit on each forearm.. and another time I was bit on my chest. Pain Pain Pain. I love horses though, always will, and I do intend on having a couple more again in the near future.
	__________________ www.PugSavers.com

10-04-2005, 01:27 PM	#7 (permalink)
oc_spirit Snow Girl Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,612 Rep Power: 140	Phantom, USUALLY it gets easier after the first halter training session, but not with Pixie she still has TONS of aggravating (for the trainer) little fears to figure out and help her to overcome. The ranch i work at doesn't have a website since we aren't the actual rescue, we just take in rescued horses. The actual rescue is http://www.heavencanwaitequinerescue.org/ which is owned and operated by a friend of the owner of the ranch i work at. Calgal, it aint that bad if you understand them or are working with trained, socialized, experienced horses. That's awesome that you got to meet the "real" Spirit!!! I've seen pics of him, such a beauty! Sayuri, we get eveything and anything and all that mixed together! LOL Some of the breeds are Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, tennesse walking horses, arabians, thoroughbreds, hanovarians, holsteiners, standardbreds, belgians, clydesdales, paints, newfoundland ponies, minis, classic heinz 57 and many more! Wow pugdawg! that sounds PAINFUL!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been lucky, this is the worst injury I have ever gotten from horses, including injuries from falls!
	__________________ My dogs WORK, what do yours do? Even the quietest whisper can be heard over the loudest gunshot. When? When it speaks the truth! I shall stand by your side and fight! Together we shall prevail through all life's adversities!

10-03-2005, 07:17 PM	#3 (permalink)
PhantomsPrinceWillia Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 280 Rep Power: 0	I also train horses and it is so awesome... had a few marks like the ones you have... darn they hurt... i love the first halter day .... it only gets easier and easier. goodl uck... i havent done this for a long time but... i would like to check out the site of the rescue... Im looking to adopt a horse

10-03-2005, 07:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
calgal My Yorkster kids! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: central ca. coast Posts: 6,600 Rep Power: 222	That's exactly the reason I don't and wont ride or even get close to a horse. Except when I went over to the ranch to see the horse that the movie "Spirit" was made from. He's so pretty, but his caretaker, Neda DeMayo who owns the Return to Freedom ranch, was holding the rein.When my first two boys were 6 and 4 I got them a pony but the newness of the pony wore off quickly so no one was riding him. After a couple months he didn't want to be rode so he started bucking them off. I gave the pony to a little boy who couldn't afford one but loved ours. He rode that pony every day and took such good care of him.

10-04-2005, 07:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
Sayuri Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: In the gorgeous NW Posts: 932 Rep Power: 128	Wow! You guys have got everything! Sounds like my kind of place. I used to ride Appaloosas and paints, and I'm a lifelong fan of Arabs Oooh Also jealous that you got to meet "Spirit," Calgal. I've seen the pictures too - he's a lovely horse.
	__________________ As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

10-06-2005, 08:18 PM	#9 (permalink)
oc_spirit Snow Girl Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,612 Rep Power: 140	That's awesome Sayuri!!! I like having a lil of everything too Lets you get cultured in the world of horses LOL
	__________________ My dogs WORK, what do yours do? Even the quietest whisper can be heard over the loudest gunshot. When? When it speaks the truth! I shall stand by your side and fight! Together we shall prevail through all life's adversities!

10-07-2005, 07:16 AM	#11 (permalink)
TribalRats Take Responsibility Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Central Valley, CA Posts: 3,327 Rep Power: 141	OUCH!! That hurts. It's a great life you have though....great life. Much envy coming from me to you!
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)