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4/24/08
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Gracie and her
butterfly
Sam and his
"greenish/bluish"
horse
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We spent a lot of time
prepping in the stall.
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My handsome guys!
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Walking through
the course
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Follow-up Article in Saginaw News
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God Bless Family!!!
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4/21/08
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We're home!!!! I'll get pictures and videos uploaded within the next few days. The Midwest Horse
Fair was fantastic!!! What an enormous experience! Addie really handled everything well. There
were an estimated 40,000 people there and I swear that every one of them passed by our stall. We
finished in the middle of the pack respectively - 36th place with 193.5 points. She scored extremely
well in conditioning - was at the top scoring group for muscle build and coat condition. She did look
absolutely gorgeous!!! The ground course went actually pretty well, the only issue we had was
trailer loading. It was a small, dark, 2 horse stock trailer that was really loud. The first night practice
there I was able to get her half way into it but she really didn't like it. They encouraged us to "not
pick a fight" on the course and just show the horse to the best of its ability, so I didn't push it. She
did all of the rest of the course great, just a little quicker than I would have liked.
We had some awesome rides at 5:00 am in the coliseum. She was absolutely wonderful, she
tolerated everyone else's gun shots, firecrackers, bull whips and flaming jumps! But for the actual
Riding Course, when the seats were packed with 8000 people, she was a little overwhelmed (as was
I). I'm proud to say that we finished the course and completed all of the obstacles and even took 9
out of 10 points in the freestyle area. We were not able to do it in the required gaits, but we did it
either way. If the competition had been held at home we certainly would have cleaned up, the
course itself was everything that we had been practicing. The other thing about our ride that was a
challenge - she came into heat again on Saturday morning. I had the very last ride slot and the
coliseum was running behind so all of the following acts were lining up behind us to come in.... The
next act was the Stallion Review. There were 2 big Warmblood stallions standing right behind us
and she certainly new it. She was distracted (to say the least).
The auction went pretty well. I think she should have sold for more than $500. The problem again
was that we were towards the end of the group because it was by hip number. She waited patiently
for over an hour and a half in the sun, it was about 76 degrees. By the time we finally got into the
pen she had "had it" and was finished with the entire experience! She was bought by a very nice
woman who lives in Wisconsin. The great thing is that her new owner is friends with one of the other
trainers who was stalled by me. We had decided that our mares had to have been half sisters, they
were from the same herd, looked a lot alike and had identical personalities! So I'm sure that Lisa
will be a great resource for Addie's new owner. She has promised me that she'll give me updates
and let me know how she does. I think after a few days of settling down from all of this she's going to
be a "new" horse and a fantastic horse for Joyce!
I learned so much and met so many great people. Most of the trainers were very friendly,
encouraging and we all really wanted the best for our horses. Of course I'm disappointed that she
didn't show her true abilities on the course but I'm proud that we completed it. There were 7 that
scratched after the first day and 10 that didn't even show up at all. Addie tolerated so much
excitement, crowds, noises, lack of sleep and everything else that would have freaked out any 3
year old horse, domestic or wild! I guess I underestimated the "atmospheric desensitization" that
she needed. The horse that won - a cute gruello gelding named Jazz, trained regularly at the
University if Pennsylvania where his trainer works. He handled the craziness beautifully and I'm
really happy for Suzanne, she deserved the win! You go girl!
I'd definitely like to try it again someday, when the kids are a little older. I would do a few things
differently - pray harder for a gelding, if I didn't get a gelding I would definitely pursue hormone
treatments to keep her from coming into season. I would also do soooooooooooooo much more
desensitization, even though I wasn't planning on shooting off of her, she still had to deal with the
guns going off. Many cowboys used bull whips, a few had firecrackers going off, chainsaws, and my
personal favorite, the propane fueled fire jump!
I have to give a HUGE THANK YOU to my friends and family that were there supporting. We had a
fantastic time! I couldn't have done it without my parents help - Thanks Mom, Dad and Andy. You
guys are the best family ever! Thanks to my kids, Sam and Grace, they put up with so much
craziness over the past week, they were absolutely wonderful through all of it. And an ENORMOUS
Thank you and I love you to my awesome husband, Scott, he was supportive, encouraging and was
everything I needed whenever I needed it! He may have gotten more nervous than I did, and I love
him even more for that! This has been a Great Adventure and Addie will hold a little place in my
heart forever.... God bless you big girl! I will forever hold tight to the memory of our times together,
especially our walk to and from the colesium each day in the early mornings, the grounds were
quiet, the exhibitor booths were closed and Addie and I walked side by side, relaxed, confident and
together. I will cherish those times forever, she will be missed immensley!
Check back throughout the week I'll be posting the videos, pictures and info that they send us from
the competition. Thanks for watching us throughout this experience.
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4/14/08
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I just found out that we'll be stalled in Barn 1, in case you're looking for us in Wisconsin. I just got
the final schedule, it's going to be pretty busy. I hope I still have time to enjoy the fair itself!
It is supposed to be 72 degrees on Wednesday which means that Addie should be able to get an
entire, true bath!!! Someone's looking out for us. I can't wait to wash that forelock of her's, it's so
thick, a little conditioning and Show Sheen and she'll look like an Andalusian.
I've gotten so many great cards, emails and phone calls of best wishes and encouragement. You
guys are all wonderful. This entire adventure has been a true blessing. I put it in God's hands
when I filled out the application last November and told him to decide if I should participate. Then I
asked him to chose a horse for me that would be the best challenge, yet still be manageable. Then
I asked him to bless our trip down to Illinois to get Addie and watch over us every day. He has
answered all of my prayers, all I ask are for his blessings, guidance, strength and courage to do well
through this next week. I'll do it as a testament of his desire to see all of his children grow in their
talents and his magnificent mustangs will show their awesome abilities. May God bless all of you
and your families and keep all of us safe in our travels!
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4/13/08
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I hauled Addie over to a friend's farm yesterday. She really did well. I got on her and got her
moving right away, she really focused quickly and got to work. I can't find anything that she can't do
for the competition, she's willing to take anything on. I'm a little worried that she's going to want to
go over to every obstacle, smell it and chew it. She loves to explore anything that's new.
I'm really looking forward to this next week. It's going to be very hectic but very exciting. If she can
focus on me through the competition I think we'll do just fine. I don't have expectations to win, I just
want to have nice, quiet, calm rides and as a result she'll be able to find herself a great home. I
guess it's up to her at that point. I don't know where the past 95 days went but they sure did fly by!
There were a few things that I would have liked to get her better with, but I can't complain with where
she is. I rode her bareback and actually just dropped the reins for about 5 laps at the canter, down
to the trot then walk. That's pretty great for any horse at 95 days! I will get one final video of her at
home with all that she can do in the comforts of her own farm. Stay tuned - we're in the final stretch!
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4/8/08
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Thanks to my great friend, Kristi, for these awesome pictures that she took when we were at
MSU.
Addie's ready to go, I can't ask for much more from her. She's been getting quite a few visitors
that want to say their goodbye's before we leave. I think everyone is going to miss her, there will
definitely be a void at our farm when she's gone.
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4/7/08
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Not much new to report. She's doing well, we're getting things finalized and together.
T-SHIRTS CLOSEOUT - Prices slashed to $10 a piece with free shipping. Only a few sizes remain.
Help support our trip, diesel is up to $4.19/gallon - Ouch!
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4/4/08
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I hauled Addie over to Brent and Stacie Huyett's again today. (Thanks guys!) I want to get her off
of the farm as much as possible before we leave. She was fantastic! I had Scott set up a bunch of
obstacles and she took everyone beautifully. I even ran the course bareback a few times. She was
so relaxed and willing. I had the guys stand on the balcony and cheer, clap and scream. She didn't
care either way. I was thrilled with her today.
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4/1/08
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She rode great today, even with the wind gusting to 50 mph! The barn was creaking and groaning.
She was fun today, I even rode her bareback for a while. We covered a few more obstacles, I've
been polling everyone in the barn for strange obstacles to work her through. She's game for
anything.
To anyone that is interested in adopting Addie, I'll tell you a few things about her. I cannot bid on
her to bring her back home with me, I show primarily arabians and already have more than enough
mouths to feed. She is a very special horse, she takes a while to warm up to most people but she
loves to be groomed and pampered. She has extremely smooth gaits, I could sit her strong trot all
day. She rides with a gentle rein contact or none at all. She moves easily off of your legs, but I
usually carry a crop just to touch her if she gets lazy. Most of the time just carrying it is all that it
takes. She's sweet and loves to just hang out, she'll empty your grooming box or carry her own lead
if you let her, everything goes in her mouth. She is a big 14.3 hh and still growing. She'll be a very
large mustang. She's still pretty leggy and when she fills out completely she's going to be even
more striking, (than she already is now). She balances herself easily and maintains any speed that
you put her in. It is going to be very difficult to let her go...she's a special gal! I can only imagine
what she'll accomplish with more time, she has amazing potential in any area.
If you're interested in adopting her, you can get all of the information and requirements from the
BLM (Bureau of Land Management) website. They even have an online adoption application so
that you can be pre-approved before the Midwest Horse Fair.
BLM Mustang Adoption Site
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3/31/08
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"Who are you taping?"
"The girl on the mustang."
"You mean the girl on the thoroughbred?"
"No, the girl in orange on the mustang"
"That's a mustang??!!!"
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Holy Stride Batman!
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Holy Stride Batman!
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The MSU Show went well, but it created a big internal conflict in my head. On one side I was
thrilled with how a 3-yr-old mustang mare (who was in heat again), who has only been handled for
about 75 days, behaved amid all of the stresses, noises, strange horses, dogs, wild kids, traffic,
and general craziness of a horse show. On the other side I just kept saying, "I only have 3 weeks
left!!!!" Addie did great walking up and down the crowded aisles, around strange horses, she
stood patiently in her stall. We rode late on Saturday night in the main Pavilion, (that's the first
video). She started off a little hot, rode really well for a while, but when she got tired, she became
very stressed and mentally shut-down. She tried to cling to whichever horse she thought she
recognized and became very upset when I turned her the other way. On Sunday morning she
seemed overwhelmed. I walked her around the grounds quite a bit, she got distracted easily. I
could regain her focus, but then another horse would whinny and she snapped back into a
"mustang looking for her herd". So I opted not to show her in a class on Sunday. I spent quite a
bit of time just handling her on the ground, walking her, lunging her and grooming her. Finally
around Sunday afternoon she seemed to be settling down and thinking more than reacting so I
took her up to the South Barn for a ride (that's the 2nd video). She did great. She tolerated the
horses all around her, she was responsive and attentive to me. It was a good decision overall.
We are still building a relationship and I needed to pay attention to her mental capacity, she was
maxed-out and overloaded, she had that "glazed over" look in her eye and needed my guidance
and patience, not my selfish pride, to get back into a thinking mind. She looked absolutely
beautiful, she was mistaken for a thoroughbred quite a few times, most people couldn't believe
she was a mustang! When it was time to head home, I couldn't get her into the trailer fast
enough! She jumped in and practically trotted to the front. She gave me the "Let's go home
Mom!" look. I'm very proud of her overall. At this point, time is our enemy.
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   "Who are you taping?"
"The girl on the mustang."
"You mean the girl on the thoroughbred?"
"No, the girl in orange on the mustang."
"That's a mustang!!!"
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3/28/08
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Fantastic rides all week, not a thing to complain about. We worked on a few more new obstacles
just in case. She has been relaxed, forward and willing through everything. She has been a total
joy this week.
I did have a profound moment with her last night, she reminded me of how intelligent horses truly
are and how clearly they can analyze people and even help them. Yesterday was a difficult day,
just one that was really hectic and stressful. I would say that I spent a good portion of it being angry
at a delivery man for the mess he made of my yard when he got his truck stuck on the side of my
driveway and the very unprofessional way that he handled the situation. A few more random things
bothered me, the kids were rowdy, my husband didn't do something right. I was uptight, stressed
and bothered. I thought that I left it at the door when I went into the barn, because we all know that
horses feel our emotions, but obviously Addie could feel it. She was jumpy, quick to move away, I
tried to keep talking to her and petting her, but she wouldn't even relax into my brushing, which she
usually can't get enough of. I figured she was going to "be in one of those moods" today too. Why
not? Everyone else was. (see my pitty-party going on). She was saddled and bridled and I figured I
better lunge her since she was so jumpy. I started to walk with her to the other end of the arena
and she wouldn't go. That was a first. She actually turned away from me and went the other
direction and the more I pulled the faster she walked the other way, eventually I ran out of rope, I
really didn't even fight it (I was still feeling sorry for myself)... She trotted over, stood in the corner
and turned and faced me. Then I felt my jaw, my shoulders and my "blood pressure". Everything
about me was tense. You just can't fool a horse. One of my all time favorite books is "The Tao of
Equus" by Linda Kohanov. I love her quote "Even the most secure horse knows that any
two-legged creature conveying the gestures of one emotion in order to hide another is either up to
no good or delusional enough to be a danger to herself or others." I couldn't fool Addie. I took a few
big deep breaths, relaxed my shoulders, unclenched my jaw and stood there staring at her. I
apologized to her. I offered her my hand and she walked back to me. We "talked" for a few
minutes, I told her all about my day, released my anger and her mood completely changed. Her
head lowered, her eyes weren't wide any more, she even snorted a few times. We walked around, I
knew at that point she didn't need to be lunged like I thought, so I hopped on and we had one of the
best rides ever. It's just another way that this experience has truly been a gift.
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3/25/08
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Wow! What a difference. She is so much more quiet and consistent since the teeth were pulled.
She rode beautifully, even with the time off. I rode her while I gave a lesson on Monday night, I really
want her to get more comfortable about riding close to other horses. She was soft, on the bit and
really collected nicely. I'm looking forward to this weekend! It's going to be great to see her in
action!
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3/22/08
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This week had some nice progress but a little set-back. I switched her over into a metal snaffle
early in the week, she was doing well with it, but still tossed her head fiercely at times. The vet and
dentist were already scheduled to do spring shots and floatings on Thursday. I had the dentist,
Steve Shaver (HIGHLY recommended!) check her mouth and confirmed my concern - she had both
wolf teeth. Isn't that just my luck! We tried to sedate her for the pullings but were only able to get a
small amount into her. We decided that it would be less stressful for her to actually pull them
without trying to get more sedative in her, since she is fine with having her mouth handled. She did
remarkably well! The dentist just took his time and let her get comfortable with him, he was able to
float all of her teeth and pull the wolf teeth. They had huge roots! So she's had 3 days off of bitted
riding. We still did some ground work but I could tell her mouth was sore. She has never eaten her
grain that slow in her life. I hope to ride her in her halter today, we'll see how she's feeling.
Also the article ran today in the Saginaw News. It's really nice! Here's the link.
Saginaw News Article - Great Addie
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3/16/08
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Decent rides this weekend. Here's a video of Sunday afternoon. I just did it with my digital
camera so it's not too long. I'd like her to have a quieter head, and not blow through her
shoulder quite so much but she's getting better each time at softening and staying on the bit.
Scott and I narrowed down our music selection to 3 songs, I just have to choose now. I've got an
idea for my program, a lot will just depend on how much she'll pick up in the next month. I'll give
them the info tomorrow, you'll just have to wait and see... ;-)
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3/14/08
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Fantastic ride tonight. We picked up the canter from the walk quite a few times. Plus she only
missed her left lead once the entire ride... WOO HOOO!!! I'm definitely going to try to get some new
videos this weekend. We trail rode out back with another horse for the first time too. She was
great, they took turns leading but the other horse had to lead going back, Addie followed slowly,
very slowly. I also revisited some ground work (pivoting and backing through poles, ground tying).
She hasn't forgotten any of that either.
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3/13/08
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She's riding beautifully right now. She's happy again and all is well. I've been able to get her left
lead more regularly and she'll pick up the canter from the walk every now and then (as long as I ask
near the beginning of the ride). The Saginaw News came out today and did a story on us. They
didn't know for sure when it would run but I'll try to post it when it comes out.
So I had a major wake-up call in my email tonight - I have to provide my Freestyle Final music, props
and basic program to the MHF on Monday. HOLY COW! I can't believe that we only have 5 weeks
to go. All of a sudden I'm nervous! I put Scott in charge of my music - he's got it "narrowed" down
to about 15 songs. My mom was full of ideas tonight for my tack and clothing ensembles. I've got
some props in mind, just have to BUILD them!
I'm going to have a practice run at Michigan State University at the end of the month. They are
hosting a "Hairy Horse Show" and Judging Clinic. I'm taking Addie to make sure that she'll be OK
with the stadium setting and all of the stresses. I'm hoping to promote her and the competition there
a little more too, maybe even be able to run my final as a "dry-run". We'll see.
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3/11/08
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We had a fun ride tonight. She cantered really well, we worked on leads and simple lead changes.
She still picks up her right lead a lot easier than her left. She was soft on the bit and really rode well
between my hands and legs. I've decided that I'll compete with her in English tack and attire. She's
got a fantastic, smooth, long stride, I really don't want to shorten it. I think she's got great potential
for dressage and maybe even jumping. She measures 14.3 hh at the withers and her rump is still
about an inch higher. She should easily clear 15 hh. Oh, I also banded her mane down, her neck
isn't nearly as "cresty" as I thought it was. She looks really pretty all done up.
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3/10/08
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Not much new to report, she's definitely back on track.
I received this email below from my friend, Stacie Huyett. I thought that it was very well written and
puts all that Addie's been through into perspective. BTW, Stacie was the one that got me into this
competition, she was the one that told me about it and got my gears going. - Thanks Stace!
Hi Michelle,
I was just catching up on your blog about Addie when I had a profound moment of reflection. You talked about the
whirlwind month and a half you have been working with her and it made me think of how she must perceive her
move from the open range of Gerlach, Nevada to a BLM holding facility in Nevada, the truck ride to the Ewing, IL BLM
facility, a pen full of new mares to get acquainted with, then to be plucked from the security of her new friends and
trucked to Freeland, MI… all in a very short time. What an adjustment. It made me wonder what her home range in
Gerlach looked like, where she would have roamed in her younger years with her mom and the other herd mares.
So I googled it. I have attached the satellite image of the area she would have been captured in. (See link below) It
is rugged terrain and snow covered this time of year. I wonder if trail riding here, in Michigan , reminds her of the
place she was born and if her reluctance to return to the barn is due to her looking for her herd in the woods around
your farm.
She is a lucky filly… the drought conditions, raging wild fires and influx of people on herd range is taking a toll on the
Nevada herds. If it weren’t for the BLM Herd Management Programs and events promoting Mustang Adoption, like
the Mustang Heritage Foundation’s Mustang Challenge, she might be starving right now.
When you consider the magnitude of stimulus that has been thrown at her since she departed her free-roaming
territory and began her journey, it is a testament to her mental fortitude, stamina and will to adapt and survive. It
puts into perspective why the Mustang is a lasting symbol of our American heritage. She has heart.
I am so happy that you took a chance by entering the Mustang Challenge. Addie is fortunate to have you as her
mentor in her new environment. I hope she is adopted by a home that will continue to help her grow and learn, one
that will continue to promote the BLM program by “showing off” her talent.
Kudos Michelle!
Stace
Aerial photo of Gerlach, Nevada
Very well written Stacie - Thank you! I have been blessed by so many supportive friends and
family. This entire experience, no matter how it all turns out, has been such an amazing testament
of all of the goodness in life!
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3/9/08
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We finished up this week with a nice, solid ride. She cantered well, she trail rode well and we even
made it back to the barn after the trail ride, even though it was at a turtle's pace. While this week
was a struggle, I think it was very beneficial and necessary. It was important for our relationship
because everything had been so easy to this point, our communication had never been challenged.
It was reassuring that we could work through the issues, and we both seemed to have a new-found
respect for each other. She's been through a lot this past month and a half, I just have to remind
myself of all that we have accomplished in such a short amount of time, and breath a sigh of relief
and satisfaction. We've both grown from it!
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3/6/08
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I started my ride today without any major goals but she quickly decided that the "boys" (thanks
Dobbs and Gemini) watching us at the gate were much more interesting than I was (even though I
was on her back!). So we had a "Battle of the Estrogen"...I won. I just kept driving her forward, she
whined, complained and threw a complete temper-tantrum. Finally she decided that it was just
easier to keep moving than to deal with me. And as a result I finally got her canter back!!! We had
quite a few nice canter departs and rounds. She's got such an easy canter, it amazes me. I've
spent so much time helping so many horses "learn" to canter and she does it so balanced naturally.
I've decided that I've got to take her off of her pedestal and treat her like all the other horses I've
trained, she is very confident now and deserves my respect as much at my love, affection and
guidance.
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3/5/08
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I think the trouble that I had with Addie this last week is easily explainable - she's definitely in heat
today. She was teasing all the geldings today when we finished working. She's just not into her
work at all right now, so I think I'm going to just back-off for a few days, just do a few trail rides and
not drill her on anything. I know why I own 5 geldings!
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3/3/08
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Yesterday went great. I worked Addie around before the competition started. She was very
calm and relaxed. She loved watching the horses work around her. I put her in a pen out front
when the classes started up. She was great just hanging out. She wasn't sure that she wanted
to load to come home, but I think it was because she has to load first and really didn't want to
leave our geldings, it's amazing how attached they can be to each other when they're away from
home. But we got her in and she hauled great. I've got her blanketed now to try to get her
shedding. Her coat is coming in very slick and dark, she should look great by April! Everyone
that saw her thought that she has some thoroughbred in her, she's so leggy and tall right now!
HUGE THANK YOU to Brent and Stacie Huyett!
You guys are awesome!
The silent auction was a great success!
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3/1/08
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We've had a few struggles lately. She's quit cantering in the arena, she moves easily off of my legs
into a walk and trot but right now when I ask for a canter in the arena all four legs stop moving and
she stops dead. I've tried getting on her case about it but that isn't going to work, I want her to want
to canter. So we're going to back up a few steps, get her moving off of my legs easier and I'm going
to try to stay off of her face completely and just ride it where-ever it may go.
Also, on the trail ride this afternoon she decided that she DIDN'T want to go back to the barn. We
would get to the edge of the geldings pasture and she would stop, turn around and head back to
the woods...guess you can't call her herd bound! She is going to make someone an awesome trail
horse, there were bunnies running everywhere, branches brushing against us the entire time and
she never took a wrong step. She loves riding outside, I really wish the weather would clear up so
that I could work her outside more, she loves to canter on the trails, just not in the arena. We all
just need a break from this winter! Hope all goes well tomorrow!
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2/28/08
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The practice run to Huyett Arena went better than I could have expected. She loaded and hauled
beautifully. I was able to enclose her in the front divider of the trailer also, I wasn't sure that she'd
be OK with that, but she did great. She unloaded well, walked right into their arena and was fine.
She was alert but still very mindful of me. I walked her around for a while, lunged her a little. She
stood nicely while I talked to a few people, so I decided that she should be fine to ride. We saddled
up back outside by the trailer and went back in and rode. There were 2 lessons going on at the
time and I didn't want to interfere with them so we just did some walking and trotting, standing,
turning and backing. At one point a horse in the arena banged into the fence, both lesson horses
spooked but Addie never moved. I was really proud of her. She loaded great to head home,
trailered just fine and was happy to be home when I unloaded her. I couldn't have asked for
anything more from her.
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2/26/08
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I had a really nice ride tonight, not for any particular reason, just a pleasant ride. She was easy
tonight. It was fun and relaxing. I brought the bridge out just for her (I put it away for a while
because I was tired of trying to keep her off of it). She was so excited to have it out, that was the
first things she went for when I took her out of her stall. She got right on top of it will all four feet and
stood up there like a proud peacock...what a goof! I really need to get some updated video and
pictures, we'll definitely get some this weekend!
BTW...the 3-yr-old Quarter Horse went over the bridge tonight too, he's really progressing nicely
also and has accepted a rider with ease. It was a good night!
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2/25/08
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I spent some more time working on trailering today. I'd like her to go in without me leading her,
she's not yet willing to jump in on her own without some "pushing" from the rear. In riding she's
pivoting nicely and turning well, I can get about 3/4 of a solid pivot. We're working on more
consistent collecting and quicker transitions.
Here's a link to photos of all the mustangs competing in the Midwest Mustang Challenge (before
they were picked up by the trainers). Addie's is a nice "butt-shot"!
*** Fan Club T-shirts are available. See the diagram on the lower left.***
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2/24/08
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The weather was nice this weekend so we went on a few more trail rides out back. I've been trying to
mix things up a little bit, she has more energy on the trails. It's easier to work on other things when
she's more willing to keep moving forward. She's got a dead-stop "whoa" so it's easy to encourage
her to go when the brakes work great. I spent some time getting her in and out of the trailer. She's
still not convinced that she should back out and not just turn around and walk out. I haven't fully
enclosed her with a divider yet either. She's going to need to haul with our 2 geldings next weekend
to the Cowboy Olympics, so she'll have to be contained. I'll feel better once our practice run on
Thursday is done, that will give me a great idea of how she's going to handle all of the extra
distractions and stresses. I'm definitely an "expect the worst, hope for the best" kind of person, I
think all experienced horse-people are. We've survived through it long enough to see the worst
(and best) of all of it!
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2/22/08
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Things have been going well this week. We're working on building up some endurance. She still
gets tired pretty easily. She's picking up the right lead really well, struggles a little on the left. It
doesn't help matters that she's in the middle of a growth spurt and her butt is about 3 inches
higher than her withers right now. She's going to be a very tall mustang! She's getting a nice
extension at her trot. We've spent more time this week on pivots and backing up, she's got a
great "back-up" off of my legs.
We're getting some plans in the works to get her some exposure off of the farm. Thanks to
Brent and Stacie Huyett for hosting a silent auction and t-shirt fund raiser at the Cowboy
Olympics on March 2nd. Addie will be there, we'll see how she is on cows. We're planning a
"practice run" next Thursday to give her a chance to check things out on her own schedule. If
you're interested in buying a "Kostrzewa and Great Addie" a t-shirt just contact me, I'll have
pictures of them shortly.
Here's the link to Huyett's website. -Thanks so much guys!
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www.horsemechanic.com
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2/17/08
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We're cantering. She's got a nice rolling stride, it's really controlled and comfy for being so
"green". We had great rides this weekend, the weather was nice on Saturday so we took a long
trail ride, she loves to drag her nose through the snow. Never jigged once, even when we
headed back to the barn. I'm starting to get some nice collection from her, she's getting softer to
the bit and moving well off my legs. She's catching up to my 3 yr old arab that I first got on in
December, they are almost at the same spot, although I haven't been able to work him every day
the way that she has been. I've got 2 other horses in for training right now too, one is another 3
yr old QH to break, so we'll see who the "star pupil" ends up being. Life's always a
competition...BTW the arab and mustang love going over the bridge, the QH won't get within 6
feet of it...yet ;-)
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2/15/08
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Not a lot to update this week. Still working on the basics, although I have started to get her "on the
bit" a little more. We've been trotting over ground poles, tarps, the bridge and anything else I can
think of. She's great with obstacles. I've been riding her with a crop, she's a laid-back horse so I
want to make sure that I don't wear-out my leg cue, just carrying the crop keeps her going.
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2/10/08
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Today we had a high temp of 7 with a wind chill of -25. I've lost my sense of humor with winter! But,
nonetheless I was excited to work Addie today. Each day is an adventure, her name fits her
perfectly!
I was able to get some nice bending and softening through her jaw, poll and neck. We worked on
some hip-over and shoulder-over moves. And for the first time she really kept her tempo in-time
with my seat, it was so COOL! I have a tendency to get selfish, I love her trot and I want to do it the
entire time. She has such an awesome natural drive from behind, there's so much power with each
stride. I know that most horses carry 60-70% of their weight on their forehand but she's gotta be
around 59%. ;-) She reminds me of a classical styled Morgan. She's got that nice short back,
round and driving butt and her neck comes so nicely out of her chest and ties in so deep on her
withers. She's like riding a Roadster!
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2/9/08
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Addie seemed bored and sluggish in the arena today, she just really didn't want to go. Her favorite
thing was to stop on top of the bridge and just stand there like a statue on a base (as if she had a
better view up there or something). So...I took her out on her first trail ride. She thought that was
pretty cool. She was alert but calm through all if it. She moved forward easily on the trails, we
trotted most of them. When it came time to head back to the barn she thought about taking off, but
stopped easily off of my seat and the bit. She "jigged" a little but then relaxed after a few minutes
and did a nice long walk back.
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2/8/08
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I've uploaded some video from today's ride. I have lost count, I think it's ride #6 or 7, it doesn't
really matter, it's a solid ride at this point! I've been able to do some nice trotting with her, she
gets lighter off of my leg each time we ride. I've been able to do some consistent neck reining as
well. I'm not going to try a canter until she's light enough to take it from my legs. She's pretty
smooth and slow at the trot. A nice comfortable ride overall! As you can see, she loves the
bridge, I have to work to avoid it each time around. She's a smart one!
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2/6/08
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We've done some trotting and bridge work. Addie's moving forward easily now and steering really
well, even neck reining at times. She had her feet trimmed yesterday and did great. She was also
wormed and she handled that just fine also. Looks like we'll have another snow day tomorrow, that
will give me a chance to get some additional training done.
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2/4/08
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We've got forward. She moved around the arena nicely tonight. There was a storm outside so I
spent quite a bit of time on the ground just getting her to relax and focus. She actually, for the first
time, looked like a "wild" mustang when the wind would pick up and the rain blew against the side of
the barn. But she was nice and calm for the ride. I was able to get her moving forward with my legs
and voice. We only got "stuck" once. I spent some time shifting the saddle and moving all around
while I was on.
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2/3/08
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Ride 3 was nice, I was able to mount her from the ground, without the mounting block. She was
great through out all of it. We worked on some steering, she's still hesitant to go forward without
someone walking next to her. She actually seemed a little bored and even reached around with
her hind leg to scratch her forehead while I was on. Thank God she's got good balance!!!
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2/2/08
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Ride #2 went even better. I think she actually got bored at one point. We only had one moment
where she tensed but she settled herself down immediately. I started working on steering her and
getting her used to my weight shifting and leg pressure. She doesn't know what it means but she's
trying to figure it all out. Can't ask for more than that! Hopefully we'll get some videos this weekend
again. BTW - I have blown my personal training schedule by about 300%. I never dreamed I would
be here already, she is incredible.
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2/1/08
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I'm on!!!! I got on Addie today. She did great. Only a few tense moments where she'd lift her head
and tighten her back but all I had to do was bend her just a little and she's relaxed right down. I was
able to walk her around the arena quite a few times with Scott on the lunge line just in case. She
did fantastic.
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1/30/08
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Ground driving is going well. She's taking more and more weight in the saddle each time. I had my
mom and brother handle her last night too. She gave me that "Mom, what are they doing?" look but
was very cooperative and responsive.
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1/28/08
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Week 2 video has been posted. She did great. I think being able to turn her outside every day
is helping, she's really able to burn off the extra energy and can focus better when I ask her to. I
broke the video in to 6 segments to cut down on the size. It was a balmy 38 degrees, the first
time I've been outside without a hat on in a month... ('You know it's been a long winter when 38
degrees feels nice!')
I'm planning on starting the ground driving tonight. Her mouth is like butter and she gives so
easily to pressure, she's going to be a blast to ride! .
By the way, anyone need any cats, they're the really "helpful" sort.
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1/27/08
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Today I put the mounting block in the pen with us. I was able to stand next to her after she was
saddled and put weight into the stirrups and the saddle. I wiggled it around and shifted it all over. I
did it on both sides and she accepted it beautifully. Being above her also let me really work on her
ears since she couldn't just lift her head away from me. She did terrific, after that I bridled her, she
accepted the bit really well. While she stood and chewed on the bit for a while I gave her a "spa
treatment". Worked on conditioning her mane (the little that she has) and her tail (which isn't any
better). She seemed to love the pampering. I thoroughly cleaned out all 4 feet. I got her accustom
to the clippers running, but I was running out of time and didn't want to rush the clip job, pizza was
waiting for us at the Pub. I'm hoping to get another video done for our week 2 progress, maybe
tomorrow.
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1/26/08
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Yesterday I set up a small obstacle course to work with her on the ground. She did fine with the
tarp, "pivot" in the box and back through. We'll get working on the bridge next. Today I finally
turned her outside, she's already a little diva show horse, she didn't care much for being in the snow
at all - been hanging around too many Arabians. (shhh, I didn't say that ;-)
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1/24/08
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Worked on much of the same the past two days. She's great about the saddle and has been
working out of her round pen a lot more. She's giving easily to pressure and is leading really
well. I need to work on getting her more accepting of her ears and mouth being handled so that
I can bridle her. Here's some pics from tonight's session.
- Kisses anyone?
Thanks for taking the pics Jill!
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1/22/08
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Nice milestone tonight - Addie was saddled. She accepted it beautifully, was fine with the cinch and
lunged with it on like a pro. After we were finished I left the saddle on the ground for her to examine,
she tried to eat it, obviously not afraid of it. We also walked out of the pen and she lead beautifully,
even did a few lunging circles.
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1/21/08
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Today she really felt like "any other horse". She was calm and confident, we worked over a tarp,
she wore a blanket and I cleaned all four feet. We worked while other horses were being ridden in
the arena and she kept her focus on me the entire time. She really seems to look for interaction
from anyone and loves to have people in her pen with her. "What a doll"
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1/19/08
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We had a few short sessions today. I still have to remember that she's a 3 year old horse and
does better when I do a few shorter sessions as opposed to one long one. We did a video,
please excuse the Eskimo clothing, we had a high of 13 degrees today, it's really cold out!!!!
Overall I'm really happy with her progress, she's calm and accepting of everything that I ask of
her. We're getting a good start on leading and she seems very happy and interested. I like the
start of her solid foundation.
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1/18/08
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We've started to work on haltering and leading. I was able to secure her rope halter on the second
try. She's learning to give to pressure, but her need to "flee from captivity" is still there. She'll still
panic if she feels a lot of pressure. I was actually able to take her for a walk out of her round pen in
the indoor. She just kind of followed but still locked up at times. She also let me touch and lift all
four feet with my hands, I couldn't hold them for very long but she was polite about it. Scott
promises to tape my session tomorrow.
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1/17/08
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Nice sessions today. I worked with her around 4:00 pm when the local newspaper came out to take
some photos (Should be in Saturday, 1/19, Bay City Times). She was more interested in the
photographer than me half the time, we just repeated some of yesterday's stuff. I went out later
after the kids went to bed to make some more progress. I used the rope and was able to lift all 4
legs with it. I also was finally able to give her head some "good ol' rubbin". Once she decided that it
felt so good, she was in my "pocket" the entire time. She also let me take off the nylon halter that
the wrangler had put on before she was loaded. Looking back it was useless and probably would
have been better just left off of her head. I was also finally able to put a little medicine on her face
where she had banged it in the trailer on the haul up. Overall it was a great way to end the day, I'll
sleep well tonight. ;-) (like that's ever a problem)
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1/16/08
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We've made amazing progress today. Only a few minutes into the session Addie let's me rub her all
over on both sides and down all of her legs. She's loving the contact, as soon as I stop she nuzzles
me or follows me if I try to walk away. She prefers a tougher rub than a gentle one. She's getting a
lot better about touching her face also, I can now rub her forehead and around her eyes. I've
started working with her using the rope and she's accepting it around her legs. She's really starting
to understand what we're doing and she loves the interaction. Her timid-ness is becoming over
shadowed by her curiosity. I hope to get a video posted of tomorrow's session. Check back soon!
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1/15/08
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OK, so after trying to wade through the muck and mud without much success we decided that the
only way that I'd be able to do this was to move her into the indoor arena. Our temperature is just
above freezing and we've gotten about 4 inches of snow in the past 2 days, which makes for some
sticky muck to move through. Scott and I pieced down the round pen, made a chute and moved her
back into trailer. Then we pulled down the remaining panels and quickly set it all back up in the
indoor. What a difference dry ground makes!!! I was able to rub her entire left side by the end of
the session tonight. She even let me untie her number from her neck, I think she was pretty
relieved to get that thing off, she seemed to hold her head a little higher after that. She's a little
more timid than curious but we did some great bonding tonight!
Oh, and her name - we're going to call her Great Addie (short for my Great Adventure.)
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1/13/08
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We're back!!! What a drive, 9 1/2 hours down and about 10 hours back. My mom (Sue Doyen) was
an awesome co-pilot. We had a great time! I know I'm involved in something that is great!
The mare was amazingly calm the entire time! She loaded and traveled like a pro. She seems to
be very intelligent and laid back. When we finally arrived home last night and backed the trailer to
the paddock, we opened the trailer door and she just took her time deciding if she even wanted to
leave the trailer. About 3 minutes later she walked out of it and wandered around a few minutes
then stopped to eat her hay. She's seems to be really settled in this morning and happy to have the
company of the other horses around her.
Thanks so much to all of the supportive phone calls I received over the past few days (I love you
guys!). I have been so blessed with such wonderful family and friends! Thanks to my brother for
helping with the kids and a big THANKS to my great husband for working so hard to have everything
prepared for her arrival, I couldn't do it without your love and support!
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12/21/0
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What an honor to be chosen! Only 1 of 3 in Michigan! I will pick up the mustang Jan 12th. Check
back after that for more info.
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