Big Day

I finally did it! Yesterday was gorgeous out, so I saddled up the two boys and David and I went for a ride, with Bailey in tow. She was awesome as a ponied horse, staying exactly where I asked, turning when I asked, stopping, trotting along. I couldn't resist putting the saddle on, so I hopped off Scout and put his saddle on her. I played all the games with her on the ground and got her nice and warmed up. She cantered both directions, picked up both leads, and never offered to do anything silly, not even in the slightest. So, I called David over and had him keep an eye on us while I took her into the round pen and, after a couple of other exercises (flexion to check the brakes and a little additional desensitization) I hopped on her back and swung my leg over, sitting up in the saddle. The first time, I just let her walk around a bit and when she stopped, I dismounted. Second time, she stood still and we practiced lateral flexion both directions. Third time, she moved off nicely again and I bent her to a stop. I thought that was plenty good, so we called it a day. Next time, mounting and dismounting from her off-side and more lateral flexion are the plan. It was an outstanding first, if you ask me.

Wild Thing!

As we prepare to head out for our big cross country trip, I felt the need to buy the horses some lightweight sheets for the cooler weather/drastic temperature changes they would experiencing on the 4 day trip north. I am trying my best to keep the stress on the horses and their bodies to a minimum as this will be the longest trip we have ever taken together. I got a great deal on these sheets and they are really good quality (email if you want details), plus I figure I could pick out my horses from a mile away, if need be. :) I snapped a quick photo of Bailey when we tried her sheet on for size, so you can see what I mean. She is the epitome of a "wild thing".

Playful and Inspired

Wanted to share some cool black and white photos I took on a really cloudy day last week.  The horses had to stay up in the front paddock for 3 days while we worked on planting trees and putting the arena together in the back (pics coming soon), so Bailey was itching to play when I went out to check on everyone.  I love how playful she is and that she wants to play with ME.  One day I hope we have a story like the one of "Mine That Bird" who won the Kentucky Derby yesterday after being given 50-1 odds.  His owners paid a mere $9500 for him....change in the world of Thoroughbred racing, compared to the millions of dollars paid for other horses...and drove him to Louisville in their own truck and trailer from New Mexico!  I couldn't be happier with my little Oklahoma filly who I bought sight unseen.

What's In a Name?!?

I have been checking AQHA.com every day since I discovered they deposited my checks for Bailey's registration and transfer to find out what her registered name is.  I normally just type in my first choice and for the past couple of weeks I keep getting the usual "horse does not exist" statement.  I even went to the post office this morning and...nothing.  Well, as it turns out even though I didn't get any papers in the mail, today WAS my lucky day.  I got home, sat down at the computer, went to AQHA's website and typed in my first name selection.  I almost fell out of my chair when the name popped up followed by "bay, mare, 06/02/2007".  I jumped up and ran outside screaming at David with the good news.  Finally, Miss Bailey is registered and in my name!  Why the big deal about a horse's name, you ask?  Well, of the 5 horses I have Bailey is the only one who I could obtain papers for and have in my name.  So, she is my first registered QH and I am so very proud of her!  This has been such an exciting journey for me and getting to pick her name and have her registered was a monumental occasion in my life.  Well, I guess I should tell you her name!  I wanted something that was truly representative of the great bloodlines she has, whether it was feminine or catchy or not...so, her name is "Colonels Whiskey Doc".  Can't wait to get those papers in the mail!!!

Cha-Ching!

Yep, I can already hear the sound of money in the bank when it comes to Bailey.  Each day she finds some way to impress me with her unbelievable athleticism.  Of course, I never happen to have a video camera on me when she decides to display her amazing feats...but I can tell you on Friday evening while some friends were riding Scout and Festus away from the house through the neighborhood, Bailey and Blackjack became very excited and Bailey did something I wish every one of you could have seen.  She was running around the front pasture like a banchee with her tail up and she decided to head out the gate to the back pasture, but almost as quickly as she decided to go out, she realized she would rather not, so in an area about 2 square feet in diameter she planted her hind legs, came to a stop, and did a 360 degree spin with perfect precision to allow herself right back in the corral gate.  David was there as my witness...I am not making this up!  It was as athletic a move as ANY reining horse I have EVER seen.  Now if I can only harness that and ride it! Ha!  I did do a little video today of me and Bailey playing online.  She decided to display a milder form of her athleticism along with her attitude.  It is about 5 minutes long, but I hope you can see in her a little of what I see.  Only 2 months till that 2nd birthday!  And I FINALLY sent in her registration papers, so I will soon be announcing what her registered name is!  Stay tuned!

Video from last week...

Sorry this is so delayed!  I tried to upload it last week, but it just wasn't cooperating.  Finally managed to be successful with it today!  I love when horses play.  We are expecting more rain next week...hooray!

Last Cold Blast and Praise God for the RAIN!!!!

Yes!!!  We FINALLY got some G-O-O-D rain ahead of the recent cold front.  The last real rain we had was the last week of August 2008.  To say we have been in a drought is truly an overwhelming understatement.  We woke up Tuesday night to wind, thunder, lightning, and torrential downpour.  Luckily, we had some forewarning and the horses had been put up for the night with lots of hay to munch on.  I did wonder what Bailey would think, since she has only been rained on twice since she's been here.  Well, with all the cold air and the rain, the horses were feeling mighty frisky Wednesday morning...actually, all day.  Every time I looked out the front or back of the house I could see them playing with each other, rearing, biting, kicking, chasing...it was quite entertaining.  I could hear them constantly running from the back to the front to the back...again and again and again!  When I went out to feed them they were at the far corner of the back of the neighbor's property and I only had to whistle once for them to come GALLOPING!  They were having a blast!  I managed to capture some photos and a video of them.  The only downside...my front field is now a mud pit.  Though, since it was a dirt pit prior to the rain, the mud was fully expected.  Hope you all have gotten some much needed rain as well and that you are staying warm!   Enjoy the photos and video!