Jumping ahead to weeks 3 and 4 Creek is under saddle with two long trail rides under his belt. Sometime between week 2 and 3 we moved under saddle with rider. He was willing earlier but saw no reason to rush as we were making major headway from the ground. His first ride was uneventful as expected with no bolting or bucking. This guy really thinks things out if it's possible. For 4 days we just walked working on softness and balance. Trot and lope came with little encouragement and very little excitement. He gained the concept of moving his hips without the rest of his body rather quickly and now depends on a little leg pressure to make all tight turns. On ride 2 I stood in the saddle for visitors from across the big pond. They really took a shine to these mustangs! Creek was a perfect example of NH training and trust.
On to week 4 and 5. We trail ride about every other day for his benefit in enjoying life and work in the arena other times. Our stop is strong at walk and trot, we can separate those front feet for the rear and have half of our 360 complete. He's super soft in the mouth and is beginning to come up under himself in stops and backing. Patience on the trail is great with no preference to lead or follow. Already have a tarp in hand from the saddle as well as the stick and bag. Bull whip is tomorrow! Chiropractor coming today just for a evaluation. Don't expect much but I am a believer in their services for my equine friends.
'Cool Running Creek'
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
COOL RUNNING CREEK
Let's jump ahead to EMM 2010. This year all three of us here at the Bar T are participating. We drew our horses the 3rd week of July and have been very busy in getting things underway.
I'll give a brief description of each then focus on my main man. Emily drew a red bay from NV. Four years old and full of himself. Lots of curiosity, 14.2 hands and ready for the sky to fall on him. She has had a hand full! Chapin drew a 3 year old from WY, another red bay, 14 hands with a nice disposition. Each gave more of a challenge for them than any in years past but are coming along nicely. Will share more on them later.
We had an event here at the Bar T to celebrate the arrival of the mustangs this year called Wild to Mild Day, only a week late due to an scheduling problem with the BLM. So as things worked out Emily and Chapin both had a week start on me because of vacation to Jamaica! Hence, the first part of his name. This put me meeting my horse the day of the event.
Now, on to the Main Man. I drew a really nice mustang this year. Probably one of the best I've ever worked with. Lots of looks, 14.3 hands, Black bleached dark brown for the summer with great bones, feet, head and mind. From the first hour spent with "Cool Running Creek" he had a certain amount of trust and willingness. Though he was willing to jump out of the roundpen without any applied pressure he had a keen sense of his surroundings and willing to give any suggestion I gave him a try. Due to the extreme heat, (103 degrees) on the Wild to Mild day I only worked with him for 2 hours with 4 breaks of 10 mins each. In that time he would move a given direction, stop, square up and yield to the pressure of a rope. 2 touches by choice and we called it a day.
Day 2 came with the enthusiasm of a new bicycle. I just couldn't wait to move on with Creek. He and I, alone for the first time were going to become friends, weather I liked it or not. With lots of pressure and release, very little running, (another really hot day), we had removed his tag within the hour and brushed down to his shoulders. I saved the haltering for another day so I could film it so we called it a day, a very productive lesson, for he and me.
The remainder of the next 2 weeks were spent with lots of ground work, exposure to the outside world, trailers, 4 wheelers, bikes, dogs, ducks, bags, whips, sticks, bridges, logs, electric fence, other playmates, bath, sheath cleaning, fly spray, feet trimming, tarps, blankets, and saddles. At no time did this fellow ever "Exit, stage right". He, with a barrel of trust digested every thing I could bring forth. His only issue was a simple pat after a good scratch. This took more time to adjust to than anything else. Folks, that is 'Cool Running Creek'.
I'll give a brief description of each then focus on my main man. Emily drew a red bay from NV. Four years old and full of himself. Lots of curiosity, 14.2 hands and ready for the sky to fall on him. She has had a hand full! Chapin drew a 3 year old from WY, another red bay, 14 hands with a nice disposition. Each gave more of a challenge for them than any in years past but are coming along nicely. Will share more on them later.
We had an event here at the Bar T to celebrate the arrival of the mustangs this year called Wild to Mild Day, only a week late due to an scheduling problem with the BLM. So as things worked out Emily and Chapin both had a week start on me because of vacation to Jamaica! Hence, the first part of his name. This put me meeting my horse the day of the event.
Now, on to the Main Man. I drew a really nice mustang this year. Probably one of the best I've ever worked with. Lots of looks, 14.3 hands, Black bleached dark brown for the summer with great bones, feet, head and mind. From the first hour spent with "Cool Running Creek" he had a certain amount of trust and willingness. Though he was willing to jump out of the roundpen without any applied pressure he had a keen sense of his surroundings and willing to give any suggestion I gave him a try. Due to the extreme heat, (103 degrees) on the Wild to Mild day I only worked with him for 2 hours with 4 breaks of 10 mins each. In that time he would move a given direction, stop, square up and yield to the pressure of a rope. 2 touches by choice and we called it a day.
Day 2 came with the enthusiasm of a new bicycle. I just couldn't wait to move on with Creek. He and I, alone for the first time were going to become friends, weather I liked it or not. With lots of pressure and release, very little running, (another really hot day), we had removed his tag within the hour and brushed down to his shoulders. I saved the haltering for another day so I could film it so we called it a day, a very productive lesson, for he and me.
The remainder of the next 2 weeks were spent with lots of ground work, exposure to the outside world, trailers, 4 wheelers, bikes, dogs, ducks, bags, whips, sticks, bridges, logs, electric fence, other playmates, bath, sheath cleaning, fly spray, feet trimming, tarps, blankets, and saddles. At no time did this fellow ever "Exit, stage right". He, with a barrel of trust digested every thing I could bring forth. His only issue was a simple pat after a good scratch. This took more time to adjust to than anything else. Folks, that is 'Cool Running Creek'.
Wrap up of EMM 2009
Ok, so I've not posted one word since Emily and Chapin finished up in TN last October. Well, They each had a fine showing. Chapin finished 4th in the Idols division and Emily finished out around 20th. "No Turn Chapin" as we now call him would have finished much better had he completed the forgotten 360. But, as he said before his turn, Dad, don't worry, I got it!
Chapin bought back Hooah for himself and Emily's horse went to a therapeutic riding school in the area. So, a good finish for 2 more of America's finest.
Chapin bought back Hooah for himself and Emily's horse went to a therapeutic riding school in the area. So, a good finish for 2 more of America's finest.
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