Did I Say Jump? Whoops..

Today something happend that gave me added confidence in Ink’s ability to be a jumper. I did not purposley ask for this, nor did I want him too, but it happend and I suppose it was ment to. For a while now we’ve been working on ground poles. In-hand I take him through patterns that engage his front and rear, and also asks for his concentration and mind. Today he did super well with the poles. Later on I decided to bring in Errika and free lunge them both over some poles. I can’t get Ink to trot over them any other way right now. Plus Errika gets him more engaged. I set up two small jumps rigtht next to eachother (like portable jump standards) and places two poles directly next to the two jumps. I planned on asking them to trot over those and then have Errika jump the verticles I set up. Well the went around a few times trotting, and Errika took the jumps really good, then Ink started to trot to the jumps and not the ground poles. I didn’t think he would even want to, but I thought wrong. At first he trotted up to them, slowed and walked/hopped over. But the next time both Ink and Errika were cantering. Errika took the jump and here comes Ink cantering along no cares in the world. He see’s the jump and not once hesitates. He glides over it in perfect form. My jaw dropped. One thing that I thought about after I saw it happen was how did he know the right take off point? He made it look so easy and simple, as if he had been doing it for years.

As expected seeing Ink jump only added to my hunger to ride him. One other good thing that is happening is how more flexable he is after the ground pole work. He’s still a little “off” but is looking better everyday. I would much rather prefer to develop more muscle on his back before he is ridden. Errika will be getting her hooves trimmed soon so we’ll have the great Stanley take a look at Ink and his progress. Already I feel like we have achieved so much. However one important thing I would like to get Ink established with is lunging on a line and his work in the round pen. I don’t really know how to get him moving off the pressure of the whip and switching directions like a normal horse would. And I want to make sure those are adressed and Ink is consistantly doing them before riding work is asked.

Another new experience was driving work. Ink did great! His first time, a little confused at first, but then we got him trotting and walking on the diagonals and doing various patterns.

I need to get in the habit of taking my camera with me. If I can I will take pictures tomorrow, but most likely Saturday or Sunday.

“Horses Appreciate Hugs”

You know when fall is around the corner, when the cool wind hits you a certain way or for the first time you notice the changes of colors. Wal-Mart starts carrying all things Halloween and then it hits you. Almost October. If you’re a parent with young ones, you’re probably hearing the usual costume-dilemma-report. If you are around horses, you notice the developing winter coats and the changes in the ground as well as the air. For a little bit the transition from hot to cool can make for a frisky horse. You no longer ride in your tanks. The layers become thicker as the time goes on. I find it refreshing. But of course I like change. And then you see the pumpkins and caramel apples. If I owned my own place, my barn would be decorated for the holidays. And the horses would get caramel apples and treats on Halloween. I could just imagine it now..

The first Halloween and fall season Errika and I will spend with Ink and there will be plenty of pictures. I might even dress them up. The fall also brings new questions and opportunities. I will hopefully have my first ride on the big guy, as well as be the first one on his back since the track. For now things are still going easy. Goals small and confidence building. Since working with Errika I have learned new techniques and develop some of a philosophy. One important key was advice from Pippa Funnel. Make goals obtainable, customized style and size, to the horse. And then one other part came from watching other horse people ride, train and most importantly take care of their horses. Not just in the grooming process, I mean in the everyday sense. Each day leads to a new one. Where will you be in a month with your horse? I find working around your horse and working on the ground can be the most important for a successful ride under saddle. Isn’t that of course where you begin the building of a trusting relationship? Of course it could also mean in a physical or mental sense. Is the horse mentally “sound” as well as physically. If it means physically walking a horse everyday until the horse is ready, so be it.



I have seen so many horses sitting in a stall, just asking for a few moments of bonding time with their owner. Yet the only time they are ever out is when they are asked to be a picturesque mount and perform as asked. Horses can be too loyal for their own good. I haven’t really got an answer to the question, “If the person enjoys horses so much, why don’t they do anything else with their lovely horses other than, literally, ride and show them?” Maybe they are so involved with their show friends that’s just how they are. Or maybe they’re just too lazy. I haven’t really asked this straight to someone’s face, because it’s really not my place too. But it really does make me feel bad for the horses. Sure they have nice stalls, cozy blankets, fed great feed, shiny coats, but is that really what a horse wants? Maybe that’s just what we would want as humans, if we were horses. We live in a house, wear clothes, some of us have beautiful expensive shoes, we have the ability to eat whatever kind of food desired (even if it’s not healthy) and our skin can glow with so many available products. But does that mean were really healthy and happy? In my opinion, no. I think a lot of horse owners have to think from a horses perspective. Take away all the human influences and actually break it down to the animal. Once you can see your horse for what it really is and was, you can bring in some good human influences. With a domesticated horse, living in a urban environment, you can’t not do some things. Such as; leave a horse untrimmed, not worm or vaccinate. But next to all the things ALL responsible horse owners do, is one very important one. Dedication. Bonding in any way shape or form may not seem like a big deal if you look at it on an everyday basis, but the bigger picture is.

Pouffy Tails and Ponying

Ink and Errika both had a bath not too long ago, but I didn’t get a chance to really condition their tails and manes. Ink’s tail hadn’t been brushed out since we got him. It took me up until yesterday to get the courage. After seeing him kick, the most powerful I have seen a horse do, at another horse I stayed away from the possibility. But not we are in a good place with trust and I felt comfortable. He has never attempted to kick me, nor turn his hind end with a warning. Ink has kicked at fences because of protecting his food, but not towards humans. So back to the tail. I shampooed his mane first, combed it and then washed it out. I did the same to the tail. Ink kicked out a few times when the water went down bum, but nothing bad. I used that good Cowboy Magic conditioner with detangler. Little piece by little piece I combed out his tail. In the end was this super soft, shiney, fluffy tail. It was stunning if you ask me. I know I was obsessing a little over a horses tail, but horses need to have a beauty day too. Errika got her’s done too and it turned out just as good as his did.

Earlier on, I saddled Errika up and took her out in the arena for a little work. I set up a jump but decided not do take her over it in the end. We did some ground poles and overall collection work. Then I brought in Ink, walked him in hand over some ground poles and then got back on Errika. We took Ink around and then took a break in the middle of the arena. Ink was falling asleep so I had him rest his head on my leg. Which proved to be a little painful. He reminds me of what I’ve heard about Seabiscuit, always sleeping. And being as big strided as he is, Ink is slower than Errika when it comes to walking. I end up leading him like a QH because he’s lazy.

You Know Those Legends..

Ink has, in the time I’ve gotten to know him, introduced me to a whole different dimension when it comes to horses. I see myself growing along with him, as a equestrian and as a person. I have noticed he is more dependent on humans than Errika was when I first brought her home. He is confident and bold, but would much rather prefer to please his handler with whatever is being asked. Everyday everyone who encounters the progress he is making is impressed. Ink has so many surprises up his sleeves. He isn’t a comedic type horse, but Ink knows how to make you laugh. But next to all his talent, beautiful looks and charm is a gentle, sweet horse. Still with all of this, people still make comments on myself and Ink. “A crazy racehorse.” “Why do you need a second horse?” It’s hard to drain these thoughts and comments from other people, and in the beginning I wasn’t pleased to hear them. However, I believe in Ink. It doesn’t matter what others think, as far as effecting us negatively. I love my horse and everyday I learn just what else he is capable of. I have never met a horse that I was so drawn too. And if one day we get somewhere noticeable I hope that those people who didn’t believe in this horse can see otherwise. Because I see it now, and I don’t think ribbons or a good show record should be how a horse is judged for how utterly amazing it is.

Yesterday we made some more great progress. Now on a daily basis Ink is walking to the round pen and being worked. He was better on his right direction, but I think Stanley (the natural horseman) will have to get us on our feet as far as that goes. After the work in the round pen I stood with Ink and rubbed his face and neck while he stood with his nose almost touching the ground. It was very awesome :D. Then I took him out and we brought both Errika and Ink into the arena for ground pole work. I had Matt and Klint switch off leading Errika while I took the big guy. Both of them did great. Then Matt and Klint thought it might be a good idea to do Errika’s fetlock.. They took rubber-bands and made it stand straight up. It was a really funny sight. Then they did Ink’s fetlock. So after that was done the boy’s wanted to free lunge both horses in the arena. I don’t think either of them knew how to properly use a whip. Ink was trying to keep up with Errika. We got Ink working on his right side and did a lot of trotting.

My temptation didn’t get the best of me yesterday. I really wanted to just hop on Ink and ride, but I knew it wouldn’t be a good idea. I’m still trying to find a trainer that can get on him, when he’s ready, and test him out. At this point I don’t know how he would react. I feel safe with this horse, more so than some other horses I’ve worked around and rode. So much for a crazy racehorse..

In Other News..

I will not be adding the 24th’s update on Ink & Errika, I will be doing that later on. But I thought I would post something that our readers might be interested in reading on a fellow WordPress blog. It covers current news on the TWH (Tennessee Walking Horse) industry. I myself am not familiar with TWH’s nor the industry. It’s unfortunate that this is happening. However it is good to see these things covered so horse people can be more informed and step up to weed out some of these irresponsible competitors.

A lot of the details are here (Bridlepath) but there are more links for further details.

Holy Cow!

Yesterday I wasn’t with the horses, at least not for long. We managed to give away the two rescue kittens. What was actually supposed to happen was we (my mom, brother and I) were going to take them to the animal shelter. Which is on the way to the feed store, but they no longer take in strays. We headed up to the feed store, up the road, with the kittens in tow. They came into the feed store and all the nice ladies that work there were equally concerned about them. They took them for us, to find good homes. I miss them :(.

Four bags of Equine Senior and fly spray. Both needed. We dropped them off at the barn and I walked to the back to see the horses. My mom needed to get over to work so I had to make it quick. I visited with them and then took Ink out. I walked him down the alley and all the way to the barn. I stopped at times to re-focus him and all went super well. Calm and relaxed the whole time. I walked up to the barn and had him hang around with my mom and I. Then we walked back and said our goodbyes. I was so proud of him :D.

Today was a new experience day. I had Matt take Errika and I took Ink. We walked them to the round pen, and I tried to get Ink to go in. He was a little confused. There was a lot of noise around. Just next door they were putting on a new roof on a barn. Then the other neighbors were putting in a big fence. There was commotion going on all around. Not once did Ink spook, just watch. We had Errika go in the round pen first, and sure enough he went on in like a pro. Errika went out and Matt took her into the arena for work.

I worked Ink in the round pen for a bit. Got him moving out, but he was confused when it came to going the other direction, right instead of left. I would try to ask him to switch directions on the fence line, but he just turned and looked at me. Everytime I would try to move him off, he would stop and face me. Ink was such a sweet heart though. Then we put him on the hot walker, going right. Confused again. “Hmmm…my last owner only taught me how to go left..” The hot walker and with help from Errika will teach him the other direction is good too.

After that we put him back in the round pen to hang out while I worked with Errika. I had her do more ground pole work. Then I had her stand in the arena while I went to get him back out of the round pen. I brought him into the arena and introduced him to the ground pole. He smelt it and walked right over it. Like it was nothing. I did a little work with him over some patterns and then took the both to the barn. I shared BBQ corn-nuts with Errika. She loved them! Ink watched the workers next door do the fence and the tractor dump more junk into the debree box. Then he dozed off.

Later on I hopped on Errika bareback and Matt walked Ink out to the back while I followed. I then walked into on of the other fields while Matt asked Ink for the crossover to regain his attention. Errika and I were standing in the field waiting for them and then Ink saw the cows. That’s when he spooked and looked at the cows like “Oh my gosh, what are those things!!! Ahh..save me please!” Matt jumped back and I hopped off Errika while she and I both laughed at the silly big guy. I had Ink stand around and watch them for a bit until he was ready to move on. He came in the field with Errika and I, and that way he could watch the cows. I trotted Errika around and then we put them away.

The day was full of new experiences and trust building.

Water Play

Yesterday Matt and I brought Ink and Errika up to the barn for a bath. They were both looking like dust balls, and all week it’s been in the 80’s. The horses are very confused. Last week you could easily see their winter coats coming in, and now they are going backwards. I really didn’t want to bring Ink up to the barn quite yet, but he lived in a stall for a few weeks and knew the surroundings, plus he had been tied and bathed at the barn since we got him. He had been walking the alleyway and path pretty well without problems. And since Errika was going to be walking with him, it seemed like a fine idea. He walked calmy up to the barn. I could tell Matt was a little nervous about it, but Ink took care of him ;).

Once they were up there, I tied Errika to the trailer and Ink to the pole thingy at the wash area. Errika was in close distance. The next door neighbors, paralell to the wash area, were tractoring around junk into a derbree box. Not once did it bug Ink. Even when the man dumped all the stuff from the tractor into the box making a lot of noise. Ink sometimes watched, but generally enjoyed his bath. After we were done we had him stand there for about 5 minutes. Then we decided to put him on the hot walker. Ink hadn’t been done that way before, he was a little nervous but soon relaxed and got right to it once of the hot walker. He could see Errika at the wash area from a few points as he walked around. He yelled for her a bit but she was too into the bath. We gave Errika her bath, which she equally enjoyed. Then put her on the hot walker too. After a few minutes passed Ink was dry and ready to go back to the pasture. Matt walked him back there as I followed on the quad. All went well.

I make one significant notice while I’m in the field with Ink. He seems to get depressed. Many times of which he will try to windsuck. When I do not allow him too and correct his behavior with a firm “No”, jolt on the lead or a firm tap on the nose, he gets mad and pins his ears. Following he won’t let me pet him without being annoyed. I slowly walk to him and slowly continue brushing. I don’t think he likes not being able to do certain things, which he was otherwise allowed to do.

Later on I had some ground poles out in the arena for Errika. I had set many patterns for her to do. Great for older horses. Zig zag patterns and box like ones that demanded her to take cautious yet active steps around bends. That went really well and she seemed happy to do it.

Today we have to buy some more bags of Equine Senior for the two horses and fly spray. Maybe some other things if were lucky.

The Walking Stage

Yesterday was another sucessful day. When we first got there I had the horses standing together and I was going to pick their hooves. I went over to Ink to ask him to pick up his hoof for me, and he did it without and formal request. Both Matt and I were impressed. We put the saddle on Ink for the first time. Matt was nervous as to how Ink would react, but he stood there calm while I put the saddle on and tightend the girth. Then I walked him around on a circle in the pasture. He didn’t mind a bit. To say the least Ink really doesn’t mind much, laid back and go-with-the-flow is his style. After that I hopped on Errika bareback and Matt walked Ink out of the pasture and down the alleyway. I had him walk further then before and Errika and I stood in the pasture next door to their’s, watching. Ink was doing great, but as they tried to make the turn, to continue on the path, Matt was a little uneasy because Ink was trying to cut him off. So I got off Errika and took the lead. We walked for a while. I got him to make the turn without pushing me around and that was enough for one day.

Matt left for work and I was there alone. I did the usual things with them. I took the saddle off and later put the bridle on. Then I put his lead rope on and got on Errika again. I grabbed Ink’s lead from around his neck and Errika and I walked him around. It was fun.

The next step is to get Ink going further down the path outside of the pasture. We have about double the total distance than what he did yesterday, to do. Then hopefully this weekend we will introduce walking down the path to the round pen and in and out in the round pen. By mid next week we should have him working in the round pen.

Everytime I look at him my urge to get on and ride gets greater and greater. I can’t wait

Because of all the bareback riding and work I did on foot my back and the rest of my body is giving me a little trouble. I don’t have the best back. I probably will instruct Matt this next day if I continue to feel like this.

I’m beginning to wonder if Ink is one of those exceptional few… Only time will tell.

Mighty Horse

Yesterday was another usual day. But I was all alone with the horses, which I was feeling mixed about. I was there for a few hours. I put boots on Ink for the first time, to aid with the work. He stood there with his head down the whole time. I brushed them both and then we proceeded to work in the pasture free lunging. Errika was excited and ready to go. The race horse had a tough time keeping up with her ;D. I spent a little more time with Errika towards the end.

Since I was moving along inside the pasture, keeping them going off the lunge whip, I was a bit tired to do that anymore. So instead I hopped on Errika bareback. At first Ink watched us, and then made the low neigh sound that a stallion does.. But then he walked off to eat some grass. I walked and trotted Errika around a little oval shaped track that the boys had made a while ago with the quad. Then I grabbed the whip, still on Errika, and we got Ink moving. Errika did the moving while I controlled the whip. It was fun and interesting.

For a little while Ink broke into a canter. I love watching him move. His stide is so free flowing and big. I can’t wait to get on him. A few more good days and I’ll start him in the round pen.

Daily Dreams

Last night I watched the movie Hidalgo. I’ve seen it before, but not since it came out. I assumed it was based on a true story, as it says it is, but this article states different. True story or not, the movie is good.

Back on about the real horses. I spent a while with Ink and Errika. Ink must be grooming Errika a little too rough. She has a few wounds on her sides that look like they were from a bite. Ink seemed a little grumpy when we first walked out there. But his mood changed in an instant when we started working.

Mr. Stanley (the horseman) came over to look at Ink, and give me a guide of steps to take for training. Both my mom and I were in shock when we saw how laid back Ink was. Since then there has been nothing but positive changes. On of the things we are doing is getting him to move his hind end, crossing over his back legs. He was unsure the first time he was asked, but now he does it like a pro. I now have him working off a lunge whip, free in the pasture. I am getting him used to pressure and the release. When I first introduced him to the lunge whip, he looked at me with a “Huh?” but Errika showed him what it was all about. Now he is responsive. Yesterday was a good day, we made great progress. We got him going great on the lunge line. The first time he’s been asked. It took a little bit, but he got it. Since he is not used to being worked on the right side, we first had to walk him on that side, getting him used to the idea. Sore and stiff. Another great step, was putting on the bridle. It took some time, patience and understanding. Matt (my horse help aka Ink and Errika unofficial groom) held Ink’s lead while we worked on putting the bit in his mouth. Ink would put his head up and shake it up and down (as if to say “yes, yes”) and then he would put his head behind Matt’s back. It was pretty darn cute :D. Finally the bit was in and we let him trot around the field, seeing how he would react. No problems and he seemed ready to work. Since Errika and Ink are pretty well bonded, it has posed a problem to get them separated without stressing them. So little by little we walk Ink up and down the alleyway by their pasture gate. Errika spends that time with her head in the grass at the other end of the ally. The most important thing is to make it stress-free, and relaxing. If he tenses up we go back to working closer the the gate and Errika. The initial goal is to have him walking the alleyway and the path that leads to barn, completely calm in a relaxed form. So far so good. Once that is done, and it’s consistent we will be working our way to the round pen (which is on the way to the barn as well, halfway between the back fields and the barn) and then we’ll go from there.

Everything is doing great and moving along at a steady speed.