My journey of breeding and raising my own horse to eventually ride. He is by the stallion Escapade and out of my appendix QH mare Created by Photon (Lily). His "real" name is Espionage but he goes by "Sammy" to his friends.
Today was one of those beautiful Florida winter days. Sammy had enjoyed most of the holidays off and now it was time to get back to work. We had the entire place to ourselves and we took full advantage of it. Not much of a post but do have pictures to share.
They really enjoy walking around the new pastures. It was such a nice day to be out and about.
So many choices in where to ride.
But it was much too pretty of a day to stay indoors. They really enjoyed working outside of either ring.
But they did go into the outdoor ring for a bit so Allison could do some of her stretches.
Then they called it a day.
I'm sure this picture fits into the story somewhere but, it's mainly because his face is cute.
This picture would have been perfect if only Sammy had been yawning too.
He got a nice scrubby bath and went right back out to enjoy the sunshine.
It's been a tradition to get our barn Christmas pictures done early. Coordinating schedules is always tricky so we are proud to say, we've gotten 2/3 of our shots done. Noah is still left to do but that's a whole other story. I haven't quite figured out how I'll dress up Kate this year but I knew I wanted some pretty sleigh bells for the boys. I actually planned ahead and found a place that sent me the most perfect ones. This is so not like me but...old age and everything I guess. Sleigh bells were purchased and I do believe Sammy likes the jingle jangle. He likes that noise a whole lot better than the sound of workers pressure washing the roof of the barn...but that is also another story.
We scouted out the trails and pastures and found a tree that would work for our planned decorations. Sarah just knew we needed popcorn and cranberry strands in hope that the deer could then enjoy them. We use carrots and apples for the ornaments and gave up on any kind of edible tinsel.
Then end result:
Sammy was just not in the mood. I think he would rather of dressed up for Halloween and gone trick or treating. Or maybe he feels like the rest of us....every year, the Christmas stuff just gets pulled out earlier and earlier. Or maybe he is just at that age where playing dress up is embarrassing. He is pretty good about letting you know how he feels about something.
But he came around once he figured out that the decorations were edible this year.
So of course he had to try to eat everything. Or maybe he was just trying to straighten the bow.
Yep, I'm sure that was it. He was just trying to straighten it. I'll keep his final picture a surprise.
Six months ago Anne Kenan was down for a long weekend. Allison had somehow managed to break her little toe and actually needed surgery to pin it back together. Evidently little toes are not supposed to be at a right angle to the rest of your foot. Who does that? And of course, she did this the very week Anne was coming and had booked her flight. We were very lucky Keith was open to the idea of coming and riding Sammy with Anne. It was great seeing them work together to further Sammy's education. On the last day she was here, they did this:
And then they did this:
He hasn't been jumped a lot since then but we do think he likes it, especially if I happen to be standing at the end of the line.
And now Anne will be back down on Friday for another wonderful weekend. We are so thankful we will not have the weather we had last weekend with non-stop rain and high winds. Allison and Keith will share some Sammy time. I can't wait to see what they learn.. I'll be there with cameras in hand.
Wow - Time has flown by and I have no idea how that happened. I will try to keep this updated more regularly. Sammy has really started to grow up with thanks to Team Sammy (Allison, Anne and Keith). Anne will be back down in a little over a week and it's been fun to see how far we have come.
This is Sammy now.
I can't believe he's 4 & 1/2 (do I really have to call him a rising 5 year old?). Someone needs to come pick me up off the floor please.
When we first started this backing process, this is what he looked like:
And does everyone remember this?
I look back at our first videos and see such progress. It is so hard to see it on a daily basis so I'm glad I have so many photos and videos to refer back to. He has developed both in mind and muscle. Keith has done such a great job in both respects and Anne has been so instrumental in providing guidance and encouragement all along the way. We are very fortunate to have such caring professionals in Sammy's life. I love the connection that Allison and Sammy are developing. They are really beginning to form a lasting partnership.
Here is what Sammy and Allison looked like last weekend.
And they do know how to canter:
Last weekend was such a nice weekend. The weather is beginning to feel like there is a hope that fall is coming. Allison took the opportunity to ride Sammy out in a field. He has been turned out there but never actually been asked to work out there before. It sure made for a great photo opportunity.
And of course there is video for that also.
I feel like he is really getting a solid foundation and now I can't wait to see what the next year brings.
The stars all aligned and Sammy had the chance to attend a local dressage show. I thought it would be a perfect situation for his first adventure under saddle in a horse show environment. A dressage show is so civilized with not so many people and they actually have ride times so the confusion in the warm up arena is kept to a minimum. Keith was game, we were able to share a ride with Sarah, so off we went for a overnight sleep-over. I like the whole horse show scene when we go as a non-competing entry.
He loaded with only a little hesitation which was very nice since he hadn't been in a trailer in over a year and a half and we were off to the Clay County Ag Center. We got the boys off the trailer, unpacked and boom, tacked up for Keith's big adventure. He was a bit fresh but nothing Keith couldn't handle....right Keith? Considering that this was the first time he had been ridden away from home and one of the few times he has actually been ridden in a ring with any company, he was a bit nervous. He did settle in and ended up with some powerful trot and canter work of which I have no evidence of. I was too busy watching and biting my nails to handle the camera.
Then he was introduced to the hissing, spitting hose at the wash rack. What had we done to him? He did get a bath without killing me in spite of the terrifying water hose but was glad to be back in his stall next to his Uncle Spenser. Sarah and I went and grabbed a quick dinner then were back to check on them and tuck them in for the night. We went for a long walk around the rings and then out to the big grass field where they both enjoyed the clover growing there. We said good night after making sure they had full water buckets and plenty of hay.
It was nice to see them both upright and alert this morning. Off we went for another walk a a bit of a longe and then back to wait on Keith. Now we're getting to the part where I actually have some photographic proof. Keith made is way to walk around the covered arena first. That was just like being at home but bigger. And I had the wrong lens for pictures in there so, no evidence of that either. But then they went outside to the warm up ring. It had rained quite a bit over night and the footing was quite wet and sloppy. Squishy and gross actually. Sammy was horrified he was being asked to walk in such deplorable conditions.
And then....Keith expected him to trot in that slop. Really? He had been paying attention to the dressage people and tried to trot without actually touching the wet stuff.
But he did get over it and had some nice hunter style trots. Sorry for the picture quality but you get the idea.
To complicate matters, there was also a BLM adoption taking place in the larger covered arena. Sammy wanted to get them to come play with him. Goofy boy. Or maybe he was just encouraging them that being adopted could be a good thing.
By this time, one of the rings was empty so they finished up by walking in the ring, calmly.
Sammy still doesn't understand why they had to mess with the alphabet but, he's learning to deal with it.
And then they were done.
He got a nice scrubby bath, the hose was not as frightening today, and back in his stall in front of his fan with plenty of hay and water. It was a very positive experience for him and really fun day for all of us. Thanks Keith for being there for us and for being exactly what Sammy needs. You do good work. :-)
I don't know how it happened that it has been so long since I posted on this blog. I will go back and give details of our last year of progress however I first wanted to say something about the people I have met along the way. There are a few people that I never would have met if it hadn't been for Sammy, and for this reason above all others, I am so very thankful I took a leap of blind faith and bred Lily to Escapade. A week ago, we lost one of those special people and it has left a huge hole in my life. I don't know how someone that I saw just a handful of times but "talked" to much more frequently electronically could come to be so special to both Allison and I, but Jinx Springer sure did. We first met her when Sammy was in Ocala because of the fracture he had to his sesamoid bone. She came to meet Sammy (and us too I'm sure) and there began a fast friendship. She was so encouraging and somehow managed to make us feel special, even though she was the special one. She could tell a great story and loved to laugh and cut up and as my mom would say, she was good people. We visited her several times and enjoyed meeting her horses and the babies as they came. I have taken some of my favorite pictures there visiting her. She had a beloved mare who was also named Lily. She was no bigger than my Lily and maybe a little rounder, but she was a beautiful Connemara/TB cross.
I think her Lily enjoyed a joke as much as Jinx did.
Lily had a beautiful colt by Rio Grande. He was not to be with her long but he was loved.
And probably one of my favorite pictures I have ever taken was of her Escudo II filly resting her head on the Rio Grande colt. It was just a lucky shot of a lovely moment.
Jinx also had a Pablo gelding that was the same age as Sammy. She loved him dearly.
Jinx and her family (both 2 and 4 legged) moved away and we didn't see her except for last year we met in Charleston. She had gone through a battle with breast cancer but had come out on the other side. The three of us talked and laughed through 2 days and got caught up on each others lives. What a great visit we had. Later that year, she found out the cancer had returned in unexpected ways. She fought hard and bravely but lost that fight last week. She will be missed by both Allison and I for a long time to come. We are thankful we had her in our lives and we are much better for having known her. We will miss her and think of her often and raise a toast in her honor. I choose to picture her galloping through fields riding again and jumping those fences off her eye with those horses she has loved and who have gone before her. I have no doubt they were there to meet her at the bridge. Godspeed Jinx, until we meet again. Would you give my Lily some extra kisses for me please? Thank you Sammy for introducing us.
We are progressing slowly but surely. Allison and I are doing this together so Sammy's ride times are limited to the times we can both be there. As a result, yesterday was her 6th ride on him in 2 weeks. He seems to be getting stronger and straighter and they both are still getting used to each other. Allison says he feels bigger, maybe all our walking is building muscle. Yesterday was our first full day to be there together and it was a perfect day. We played with Remy first while the horses were being brought in and were eating. He has stolen the jolly ball as his own and will chase it and bring it back.
He loves the pond and being in the water
And if he can chase something you've thrown in the water, even better
He is a happy barn dog. He turned 1 year old on Friday. Hard to believe. Happy Birthday Remy!
Then it was Sammy's turn. I ground drove him a little going from the covered arena out to the outdoor ring and Allison took a turn to see what he felt like. Then it was time to get on. He still doesn't want to stand still mounting but we worked on that a little and hopefully he gets it now. It was the day Allison was going to ride him from the covered arena to the outdoor ring if she felt comfortable doing it. She knows by now how far she can push herself and still be productive and you never know until you feel the horse beneath you if the time is right. She was nervous about it but felt it was time so out they went. I have spared you the video of the entire ride but here is the important part. I'm still working on my video skills. It's very hard to watch and record at the same time and be steady about it. Sorry.
But they did it. And it was a good thing. And now we'll see what today brings. Happy Easter to all.
And Happy Birthday to Sammy who will be 3 tomorrow. How did that happen?
We were a bit anxious on Tuesday night, our first attempt without Anne present. But her voice is still audible in our heads and we plowed ahead. I worked him some on the lunge to be sure he was listening and then Allison ground drove him. That helped to clarify things for her and to understand why we were doing it. Then she got on. He's not perfect, he doesn't stand perfectly still, it took us 3 or 4 attempts but then he did stand perfectly still, didn't move off and waited for her to tell him to walk. I kept them attached to the lunge for safety's sake and to get her to relax. And then she said she was ready and I detached him. At first I walked with him but he was better when I stepped away and let them carry on. He had a beautiful free walk, little to no swishy tail and a long neck. They did their serpentines and he kept moving his feet. She was able to change up his pace at the walk and he was perfect so we called it a night, tears running down my face.We actually did it.
Last night was the same thing although we got a later start than had planned. We gave him every chance to come apart but he didn't. I worked with him on the lunge while Allison rode Noah and that was a distraction. Then she rode him after Noah got put back in his stall. Thinking about it, not such a good plan and we won't do it that way again. He could have used that as a reason to let the evil out but didn't so that alone gives us more confidence. Luckily Sarah was there and captured the ride on video. Thank goodness we have our own documentary crew, it's our own version of reality TV, think we could sell ourselves and become famous? Things we realize, she almost forgot and let him pull his head down (we can't trust him enough for that yet) but caught herself and him and just carried on. Sammy gravitates toward the mirror and she needs to initiate that turn sooner. (Although the mirror is a good thing when you need to capture a loose horse. Don't ask me how I know.)
Sammy, Allison and I had the most perfect weekend we could have imagined. Well, maybe Sammy didn't but Allison and I did. We picked Anne Kenan up from the airport on Friday and headed to the barn. Sammy's life has been changed. He proved to us Sunday before she left that he was definitely none the worse for the wear but his life has been set on a new pathway. (And by the way, sometime over the last few months when I last measured him, he's grown a couple of inches. He's just shy of 16H. How did THAT happen?)
Sammy's world was rocked when he found out that my boundaries were not quite the same as Anne's. What's a mother to do. Now my line has been reset and all will be well. But Sammy could not believe that Anne was really serious about this stuff and he showed her everything he had. He can buck, he can rear and he can do the buck and kick thing very well. Anne says his crown as King of the barn has been removed and he didn't appreciate that much. He never gave in completely but certainly gave himself enough of a workout that it was time that he was sat on. Anne got on first, walked a few steps, got off and got back on. (And look, I actually found the reins to his bridle)
And then it was Allison's turn. She was a little nervous but Sammy just said come on up.
What a thrill to see her sitting on him and how casual he was about the whole thing.
And then he was done for the day.
We left him to think about things and we all wondered what horse we would have on Saturday.
Saturday was one of those perfect Florida spring days. It got up to 77 and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. The barn was a hub of activity because everyone wanted to enjoy the beautiful day. Allison rode her boy Noah and Kendra's horse Venice that she adores and I even climbed on Kendra's Sebastian - no small feat since I think he's over 17H but I figured I'd better get back in the saddle and get in some sort of shape and Kendra very graciously persuaded me that Sebastian should be the tool. And then it was Sammy's turn. Anne started out ground driving him a bit and Sammy was a different horse with her than he had been on Friday. He tested a little but gave it up quickly so we tacked him up. A quick check on the lunge to make sure he was listening and then it was time. Anne went riding.!
He was a good boy and was done for the day. I think we all felt much better about our ability to be successful after this. I think Anne was thinking she needed to stay a while longer and I was wondering how I could kidnap her and not let her leave. But Sammy showed us he wants to be a good boy and wants to be quiet and perhaps Allison and I together could do this.
Then we had to face Sunday and the fact that Anne would be leaving us that day. Allison and I took full advantage of having her to ourselves and tried to harvest any knowledge and experience she could give us. We were selfish but knew we needed it. We did his groundwork first and we will continue to follow this pattern for now. Then Anne climbed on. Sammy was a tired camper probably more mentally than physically and his preferred gait was stand. Anne says this actually made him harder to ride but Allison then took her turn.You'll see in the beginning, Sammy realized Anne had let go but I don't think Allison had.
This is the second part of the ride, I split it in 2 parts because it took so very long to upload. It's more of the same and you won't miss anything by not watching but feel free.
And then we had to let Anne go back home. I don't know who was more nervous about that, her or us! But we are confident we have the tools to carry on...and we know where to find her if we need her! Many, many thanks to you Anne, I could not have imagined this happening in a more perfect way and place. Also many thanks to Greg, Laurel and Kendra for giving us such a wonderful home and sharing your 4 legged kids with us. Tonight, Allison and I go it alone. Anne is on standby.
It was another beautiful day here. As I drove away from the barn, it occurred to me that I won't see Sammy again until Friday and it will be showtime. But I think he's ready, I know Allison and I are. I had somehow neglected to spend much time with Sammy in the outdoor ring because I wanted to get him acclimated to the covered arena. (Does everyone know we have one of those at Bridlewood?) So a week or so ago I thought I'd better get him in the outdoor ring some....and he decided to show me he has skills....not the ones I was asking for but he can sure levitate if he is so inclined. We ended on a good note that day but I was having my doubts that he was really ready for our next adventure. Due to the weather, today was the first day I got him back in the outdoor ring and he could not have been better. He cantered a few strides but that was the extent of the fireworks today. The grown up version was back and I feel so much better. I know we will have good grown up days and silly brat days, but now I think I can deal with the silliness, knowing the grownup is lurking inside.
Sammy has made good friends in his new home. Greg and Joey pay close attention and they take such good care of all the horses. Joey is more comfortable around Sammy now that he knows he just wants his butt scratched when he turns his butt to you. I warned everyone on move in day but Joey didn't get the memo. Ooops. But now, Sammy has him trained just like the rest of us.
Some of you will remember that Sarah introduced Sammy to toes when he was just a few months old. Remember? This was Memorial Day 2007.
And this has lead to some unexpected results. Sammy still has a thing for feet. He is always looking for the toes that are hiding.
What we didn't realize was that somehow, Noah would be using this to his advantage. He was going through bell boots at an alarming rate. They were ripped in very odd places and very much destroyed. Then Greg caught them in the act. Noah was sticking is foot under the lowest board on the fence and Sammy was ripping off his bell boots. No picture of that but Greg said there was Sammy, looking at him with Noah's bell boot in his mouth. Somehow, I think this is Sarah's fault. Don't you all think she needs to contribute to Noah's bell boot fund?
They look so sweet and innocent but that Noah, the mature one, is a bad influence I tell you.
Every once in a while I get a glimpse of Lily in Sammy. He is so much like her in attitude and personality but sometimes, he gives me a look that is channeling Lily. Here she is.
So that's where we are today. Sammy and I are as ready as we can get.
There are no pictures for this post, no one is ever around when I need them but I had to share. Sammy was a superstar today. Thanks to our friend and mentor, we have been working a bit on the lunge getting Sammy to have slow feet and using his hind end to free up his shoulder. As we know, I am his handicap and I am working on some coordination issues (I'm sure you all have trouble believing that!) We don't lunge every time I visit him but try to mix it up a bit. The 2 times before today have been, oh, rather exuberant on Sammy's part. This is understandable, new home, cold weather, covered arena. I get it. But all I could think of was, uhoh, we could be dead soon. Because....drum roll please.....he will be started under saddle in less than 3 weeks. (more on that later) But today....ah, today. How can I tell you what a good day today was. I have been working for 9 straight days but got off early today and ran to the barn with Remy. It was warm, 70 degrees, and sunny and blue skies. Sammy was the perfect gentleman in the crossties and tacking up. And what a good little man he was on the lunge line today. There was no playing, he walked politely, trotted when asked, slowly and with his back round and free. It was a beautiful thing. Several walk trots in both directions and then we were done. He was a grown up today and somehow he knew exactly what I needed. I don't care anymore that I'm exhausted from all the extra hours at work I've been putting in....it doesn't really matter. It doesn't matter that I have 3 more 12 hour days to go before I get 2 complete days off. Today was a good day. Thanks Sammy.
Anne Kenan will be down for 3 days starting March 19 to help us get Sammy started under saddle. She has long been an influence for us both directly and indirectly through Kacee and I could think of no one I would rather have help us get him started. Her philosophies on horsemanship mirror our own and truthfully ours were probably greatly shaped by hers. This was my hope when Sammy was first born but didn't really think it would be possible. But here we are, less than 3 weeks away so I am now a believer. (She has her flight reservations so I don't think there is any turning back now) I expect there will be more pictures and video than you will ever care to see then. So start your engines, Sammy will be carrying someone around soon.
I can't post without at least 1 picture. Here is Remy and Bella enjoying the sunshine.
It's been almost a week since we moved all the boys and they seem to be settling into their new home just fine. Allison loves the lights in both the indoor and the outdoor arenas because she gets off work late but can still ride during the week. Sarah has been able to use the covered arena and lights for a lesson which she might not have gotten in because of the rain. But Saturday and Sunday were beautiful days and we took full advantage.
Noah's rehab is progressing and he felt better on Sunday than he did on Saturday. This is a positive step in the right direction. And he looks happy and well adjusted.
Spenser is looking good and hasn't missed a beat in the transition. I am loving the beautiful backgrounds available at Bridlewood.
Even Remy has found a new playmate Bella. Is it odd for him to be the same size as a Great Dane???
I was busy taking pictures and looked over to see what Sammy was up to. I think he was feeling a little left out of the action
But I put him to work for the first time since our move. He was a superstar. He could not let the big boys show him up.I'm really there but Allison has taken the perfect picture of us together! She's such a good child.
We started out in the covered arena then just walked right on out into the outdoor. This was as bad as he got, not bad at all.
He had to be sure Allison was paying attention and getting pictures of his good side.
I was very pleased with our first work day. He was calm and happy and we called it a day.
