'Cool Running Creek'

'Cool Running Creek'

Monday, September 24, 2007

Ft Worth = WOW

WOW, was that a trip or what? We left out last Tuesday afternoon Texas bound. Our plan was to drive right thru with 2 rest stops for Doc to offload, eat, drink and walk around. Estimated trip time 24 hrs. Well, things went well the entire trip and we rested 3 times and made Dallas-Fort Worth airport in 22 hours to pick up Emily. We then headed for the Stockyards area for some vacation time and boarded Doc at the livery inside the Stockyards District. This was really cool as he stalled beside the longhorns used for the daily cattle drive down Exchange St. He traveled well but did show dehydration from the trip. I picked up 2 tubes of electrolytes to mainline his system and this did pick things up quickly. On Thursday morning, after a good nights rest we had the opportunity to work in the arena located beside the livery for an hour for some relaxed exercise. Afterwards, and this was really cool,Medicine Man and I rode the entire length of Exchange St. For those not familiar with the area this is where for over 100 years cattle were brought in and either slaughtered or shipped out from all points south and west of Ft. Worth. A lot of history lies here.
This is one place where a horse really doesn't look out of place. I highly recommend this stop for anyone traveling with or without a horse. The afternoon was spent shopping and sightseeing and we moved Doc to the Will Rogers Complex later that evening. Folks, this is some complex. We were in the Moncrief Building. It contained 2 arenas, 1 for practice out by the stalls and the other a very large air conditioned arena with seating for 6000. The stall area would hold over 200 horses, each with a 10x10 stall. What a nice place.
After we settled Doc and I had scheduled a practice session for 6pm so off we went. He was very relaxed in the large arena and negotiated all the obstacles set up with no problem. He never got out of hand, (lots did) and moved as requested. I was very impressed with his manners and discipline during this new adventure. Practice sessions lasted only 20 minutes so back to the stall, feed, hay and a good night rest was in order. Friday would consist of 2 scheduled practices,
a conditioning evaluation by the Vets and a trainer meeting at noon. The first practice was a blur as Doc decided he didn't want pay attention. Not unruly just very energetic. I guess the 2 tubes of electrolytes did the trick. I knew his conditioning score was going to suffer due to his illness so we had really been giving him the chow. We took him before the Vets just before lunch for his condition score and made out a little better than expected. With a range of 1-40 with 20 being optimum he scored 16. The top score was 19.5. His only down fall was his weight. Feet and hair coat were great! From looking at the other scores he was in the middle. Just think had he not gotten sick. He was perfect for what they were looking for.
The Trainer's meeting was very informative with a couple guest speakers, first was Cody Christian, a motivational speaker suffering from cancer. His word really gave a lift to the crowd. The second speaker was none other than the 2007 Road to the Horse winner, yes, Chris Cox. This was another great surprise. The meeting finished up with a brief description of the 2 courses laying ahead by the judges . Their emphasis to us at the time was they understood what we were dealing with and for us not to get to caught up in the small stuff. (Boy, was that an overstatement). Back for 1 last practice that evening and then Saturday...
The in hand portion began at 8:00AM on Saturday with me drawing 33rd. I watched several trainers and horses go through and was impressed with the control shown. This really gave me the jitters so I dismissed myself back to Doc's stall. Our time came around about 9:30 and I'm sure he felt my trembles in his lead.
The course led off crossing 6 poles, forward thought an L formation stopping at the end and backing back through the L not touching any pole. A right 270 degree turn, stop, and lead off at a trot for 30 feet, sudden stop at the cone. Drop the lead, pick up all 4 feet. Next a left turn and around and across 2 poles in a right angle from far to near going around a plant sitting in the apex. Then a white stock trailer, in, around, and out finishing with an in-hand trot around 5 cones starting from right to left in a W formation and out the gate. Folks, I had never been so proud of 1 horse as I was of Medicine Man. No hesitation at no time, a perfect back through the L. Yielded all 4 feet without moving and picked up the trot every time I asked. The only fault I knew of was he ticked the first pole starting off. Not enough to move it but I did hear it. Scores were posted at lunch with Doc finishing 15 of 91. A great showing for Doc. (The video should be posted this evening)
Next came under saddle. A bit more complex course so I tried to watch as others took on the task. This confused me some so back to the stall and wait until my turn. My draw was 39th. I hadn't paid much attention to the other scores but I should had. This was going to be my Waterloo. The course started out leading Doc in, then with a left lead lope around the right side of the arena, along the judges setting in chairs inside the arena and stopping at a cone on at the end. Left in place turn, lope off on right lead back by the judges, around the end, back up the other side, figure eight with a lead change and ending up at the far end from the start. Stop at the cone, or so I thought, turn left, trot into an 8x8 box for 2 right in place turns, 2 in place left turns, trot out, turn right through 3 panels set in a W formation and continue to a platform. Walk across and trot through 4 poles with the last making another L formation. Back back through the L without touching, roll right and exit the arena. Well, I again was quite proud of the little man. He did break stride when we passed the judges but picked back up immediately and had a little rough stop at the cone passing it slightly. My fault, not his, I wasn't ready for the cone. His turn was good and he loped off and completed the figure 8 with a lead change. I over reined him in the box causing him to back out of the box slightly half way through, again my fault. After that we had 0 errors completing the course not touching any pole. A good trot through the W Panels, No hesitation on the platform, perfect back thru the L and off we went. My score? A big fat 0. Don't know why I was disqualified but am in search of the answer. When they posted the judges scores the crowd was such as I was going back an look into it. Later they had already taken down the scores. I hope to get the answer after the staff gets back in the office later this week.
All in all the course was good but over 50% of the trainers were disqualified from each event. In conversation with the staff I feel this will be rectified for next year with a better understanding of course requirements. More to come of the Finals and Auction!

Is Ft. Worth Ready for Medicine Man?


Trotting through the cones


Backing through the "L"

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Are we ready yet?

As we work daily to prepare for Ft Worth we're having those last days jitters. Medicine Man has been a champ as each morning and evening are filled with the same old practice, practice, practice. His strength has returned from the sickness but his energy level is somewhat down. I've switched to XTN by Nutrena to bring his weight back up and also have him on an iron supplement daily. This has made a noticeable difference in his weight just in 10 days. Monday I started adding electrolytes to his feed and water to insure hydration for the upcoming trip and new environment. His feet are doing well with just a slight tenderness on driveway rocks but on smooth ground, grass or the arena there's no problem. Roll-backs and spins were going to be the hole card for event but his energy just won't make it happen. His stops are great, turns and backups are perfect for the trail. I guess we'll have to see what awaits us at Ft Worth. Our plans are to leave out on Tuesday, arrive Wednesday and practice Thursday and Friday. The show begins promptly at 8 on Saturday Morning. Will Keep you updated as the week progresses.
I did want to make mention also that several friends, driven by Helena had a send off last Saturday for Medicine Man and myself. This was a real hoe-down with over four hundred dollars raised to assist us in the trip. Thanks Helena and Dean, Vickie, George, Shorty, Diane and all my current and new friends.

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Great News!

Got some spectacular news from the vet this morning. There is little, if any, rotation of the coffin bone in Medicine Man's feet. Vet prognosis- Get ready for Texas! That's right folks...Doc is headin' to Texas! He is, however, slightly anemic due to his bout last week. The vet said this should be temporary and the iron level will pick right back up again with simple mineral supplements. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers!

Friday, September 7, 2007

The strength of the Mustang

The visit from Dr. Kirkman went well this morning. Doc's improvements are just phenomenal for this type of injury. His exam showed no issues or concerns. We did take radiographs of all four feet to 1, show any P3 movement, and 2, to give us a point of reference in the event of later problems. The results should be back by Saturday morning. His gate showed little tenderness unless we walked on the gravel. On request he trotted around the pasture by lead with no lameness. Vet recommendation...Resume training!
George dropped by this evening and placed pads on both front feet and filled the voids with a epoxy jell to help on the tenderness as he mends. This resulted in a noticeable difference as soon as he completed the job! Thanks George for you concern and help in bringing Doc back to 100%.
Again, I can't thank my friends and readers for their support and prayers enough as we "come out of the woods" with this illness.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

The power of natural healing

Just a quick update from last weeks bout with cucklebur's in Medicine Man's feed. After the close attention from the Vet, myself, and many friends Medicine Man started showing improvement on Saturday. Helena's constant concern for Doc is really showing her true feeling about this young horse. His feet were still really sore but he moved around the pasture at will to eat and would follow the feed scoop for a meal. Sunday I moved him into a stall with 6" of sawdust that proved to be welcomed by Doc. George Terrell, a wonderful farrier in the area that works extensively with problem horses came by and put foam pads on his front feet. Another welcomed move. With these 2 steps Doc was showing improvement daily. His system seems to have purged all the toxins from the feed and now the feet are on the mend. I haven't made the call regarding Ft Worth. The vet is coming out Friday Morning for radiographs. This should give us an indication as to his recovery period. Today he is without pads and walked throughout the paddock with no noticeable pain and movement left, right, fwd and backward was on demand with no hesitation. What can we say but he's a MUSTANG. A born survivor!
I'll update the results after lunch on Friday.

Friday, August 31, 2007

The ""Medicine Man" seeking outside help?

There has been a lot of excitement in the past day but you'll have to wait as I bring us up to date.
The past week has been nothing but work for Doc and me as we worked morning and evening most days getting ready for the show. I know I said from the start that I had no intentions in buying back Doc but this is really going to be hard. I've never grown attached to a horse in such a short amount of time but this is really working on me. Though he hates to see me coming with a bridle in hand he now looks for the rub or a few soft words. Our entire this past week has been in the pasture or round pen working on those finer skills. He gives a new meaning to the word softness on the left and improving daily on the right. When I say soft I mean little finger wiggles for direction and very light lift for collection. His backing is a squeeze and small heel bumps for more speed. His gate changes from standing to trot is by shifting in the saddle and either a kiss or squeeze and you got it, Want more, another squeeze and you get that slow lope that almost backs up. Ok, maybe in someone Else's eyes they do't see it that way but from nothing to this with my limited skills, I'm tickled to death. As far as I can tell we've worked on everything they're expecting at Ft Worth plus a few. Doc is having a little trouble with straight backing, he wants to drift to the left after the 4th or 5th step. Anyone have any ideas? Most times a bit of barrel pressure on the left will fix it, maybe just time is the answer. I have noted some stiffness on the right, maybe me or his drive shaft is a little out of line. I don't know, maybe I need a chiropractor! Otherwise I'm, as well as others tickled to death. On Tuesday Helena's daughter, Casady rode Doc out the drive and around the farm bareback and only a halter, Folks this is a 10 year old cowgirl. Go girl! Ropin pen on Wednesday for more cows. Not roping off him but he is pulling logs, fwds and backwards with no problem. OK, now for the scare.
On Thursday afternoon I went out and found Doc lying down and somewhat kinda out of it. I've never been able to just walk up a rub on him with him down without a little coxing but this time was different. I got him up and he was just not himself. I was doing a little housekeeping around the barn so I'd just keep an eye on him. Well, within 30 min's his fever shot thru the roof, 105, respiratory system was just way out of wack and heart rate over 80 BPM, and legs locked up. Whats going on is by me so its time for Dr. Kirkman, a local large animal vet. I also called Helena as she works with lots of sick/rehab horses through recovery. Helena arrives first, muscle relaxer to help him and no change. He's got gastric noises so I'm kinda ruling out the C word. After an exam from the vet the thoughts turned towards toxic poising. But what can it be. He's been in a dry lot the past few days due the the drought and no grass, only feed and hay. We did change feed brands on Tuesday . Chapin did find a few Cockleburs in the feed but I didn't make the connection until later with a conversation from the vet. He spoke of 8 cows dying last week after eating hay with cockleburs in it. Well, on to the computer and what did I find but they are very toxic to horses, cows, and pigs. This feed was really loaded with 'em. In one scoop I found over 15 pods. This was shared with the vet this morning so a toxic search is underway. His improvement this morning was a noticeable change but still very tender on his feet. His appetite was back but that high temp really is giving him founder signs. This afternoon his fever had dropped to 101 and heart rate just above normal. Appetite good and a little better on his feet. He did follow the feed scoop to his stall but with instability in his feet. I will give a report through the weekend to keep those interested posted. If you might have any information that might be beneficial please email.

Monday, August 20, 2007

On The Road Again

Its better than a week since the last update so lets give it a loop! The weather here has been super hot...More days over 100 than under with nighttime only dippin' down to the middle 70's. That has really put a damper on ridin' horses.
Last Saturday we got in another mustang yearling to work with for my niece so that did occupy a couple of days in gentlin' down so we could get our hands on him. This took the most part of Sunday to halter him without a lot of stress on me and him considering the heat. By Wednesday we had made great strides and sent him back home for her to continue to the project. When he left you could walk up and halter with little effort, lead from both sides off the shoulder, pick up his feet, and brush him down. He really was shy with new folks but that will change with time.
Medicine Man had a few days off during this but we did get in a couple of late night(after dark) rides in before the big trip to Mt Rogers, VA. We left out on Friday morning, Chapin and Emily both on their QTR horses, Jeff M. on his mule, Cody on a App/Draft cross and me on the Mustang. A lot of talk going up on who had the mountain horse but time was sure to tell. All traveled well (3 hrs) and we took the first ride early afternoon. We arrived at Rocky Hollow Horse Camp in Troutdale, VA after lunch. The weather was low 80's, starting elevation was 3500 ft. We started out on our first ride around 2 with a goal of a 4-5 hr ride. Medicine Man wasn't really interested in setting the pace up the mountain but held his on in the steep climb up to 4500 ft. We've got to remember all horses on this trip were without shoes and boy, was it rocky. I will say he and the molly were the only 2 that really didn't sweat much in the climb. Our only excitement was a golf cart the camp owner, Wade used to get around in. It had the wind/rain covers on and they really drew Doc's attention. After a couple of minutes of investigation this was old hat. The ride was uneventful other than Cody loosing his GPS and the group having to split up to find it. (They did find it). This trip up and back, 7.5 miles. We high lined the horses that night after a good feeding and made plans for day 2.
Day 2 started for Emily and I around 11:30. (Emily had obligations at school, Her college is only 40 minutess away). The others left out about 10:00 with plans to meet at 2 at the top by the scales. Both quarter horses had on Easy boots for this trip. Emily and I made it on time and met a lot of good folks. One group of 5 was up from the Piedmont Saddle Club out of Greensboro, NC. Nice people with lots of trail ridin' experience. This is kinda a meeting place as its a large grass area of several hundred acres on top of the mountain where in the old days farmers would drive there cattle up in the spring for the good grass. Scales were brought up and the buyers would purchase the cattle right off the mountain. There are also a band of wild ponies here and we did get a chance to see a mare/foal before we left out. This was a short trip up in distance, 3 miles but took 2 hours because of the terrain and hard climb. Medicine Man was showing some tenderness by now so we just relaxed and enjoyed the view. 2 hours later the others arrived with plans to ride on to Grayson Highlands, another 2 hrs and we passed and started back down around 5. Another different route down and this brought us through a large area of Blue Berries. Time to stock up for dressing on our morning pancakes. Pick for an hour and on we went arriving back to camp around 8 with some really tired horses and sore feet on 1 mustang. His feet showed very little wear, no chips just tenderness on the small rocks. I guess the time in captivity gave his feet time to soften up. Our riding here in central NC is mostly grass/dirt with little rocks except for creeks and washouts. The boots on Emily's horse really made the difference. I do have a pair for my Reba but forgot to bring them. Good feed, hay and rest til morning. The others didn't get in until after 10 and road down the entire mountain in the dark. Boy, I'm glad we made the decision to start back early. The stories they told of the trip down in the dark just makes your skin tingle. The only horse in good repair was Chapin's Scooter. (He had on boots).
After checking out the horses on Sunday morning we decided to pass on riding due to sore feet.
Load up, back down the mountain and home by 5:00.
This will most likely be Doc's last long ride til Ft Worth. Now, on to phase 3 of training. Refine those ques in early morning training before work. I'm really getting concerned after reading some of the blogs from other professional trainers. They've even requested cattle for part of their demo's. Well, if nothing else we will have the most trail savvy horse there anyway. Keep your fingers crossed in this last 30 days of training to round out this fine horse to become a strong competitor!
Headin' up the mountain


Chapin, Emily and I on top of the mountain


What a view!