The Devil Is In The Details

The importance of checking your gear every ride every time. One tiny thing out of place can make a lot go wrong very quickly.  These were loaned out last clinic and must have gotten caught on something. Nothing a pair of pliers won't fix, but a nasty surprise for Pie if I hadn't checked them.

Mother's Day Reflections

I had my first foal and first human child 1 month and 1 day apart, and this is my first mother's day with both babies on the ground.

The gracious and lovely Pie had her first born son in less than three minutes, while I spent 25 hours in labor (all natural) on my own little one.

Reflections of the past year.

Foals are really fun.  Mozzie has just gotten everything so quickly.  He behaves better than many grown horses.  Not because he has been handled daily but because he has been handled consistently.

Human babies are really fun but are way more time consuming and much dirtier.  When she smiles the whole world stops.  She already has a huge interest in horses and animals, I think we may have a future vet on our hands.  But my god can this child make a mess.

The total takeaway-  Motherhood is hard but beyond rewarding on every level in every species.

1 year later I feel that Pie and I are true women because we are both now mothers.

Hugs and good tidings to every mother human and furkid alike.

The Right Person For The Job

You wouldn't go to your primary care physician for a toothache.

You would go to a dentist because he would have the training, equipment, and daily practice to do the best job possible.

While you should a have good working relationship a primary Veterinarian there is nothing wrong with seeking out the best care possible when it comes to your horse's health.

I trust several different people to help me treat my animals.

There is a equine hospital near by I go to for colic and severe wounds (one of 3 major hospitals in Texas with reasonable prices with vets who deal with extreme cases on a daily basis).  I see different Vet for osteopathy/ body work and holistic care.  And yet another Vet who focuses exclusively on equine dentistry.

All are the best at what I use them for.

Because they do what they are known for all the time.

They don't float teeth once a week, they float 15+ horses a day.

You would choose a specialist for yourself.  Why should your horse be any different?

Learning is a Two Way Street

I can honestly say that I learn something new about horses every single day.

I read books and magazines, follow several blogs, follow facebook, and keep an ear out for interesting conversations. 

I try to study the whole horse.  From training techniques to prehistoric findings, if it has anything to do with horses I'm interested.  

Everyday I actively seek out information to help make my horse life better.   

It is really only fair. 

How can I expect 100% and willingness to learn from my horses if I am unwilling to do the same.    

We must always remember that learning is a two way street.  

Happy Birthday Mozzie!- First Year Stats

Mozzie had a birthday last week.  He officially turned 1 year old on the 16th.

Just arrived.

11 days old

It's funny how you can remember your life through horses.

I was born in the Jet Era of my Mother's life.  She was a big bright sorrel with a star.  My mother bought her as a 2 year old and trained her from the beginning.  She was about 8 when I arrived and had my first ride on her at 3 months of age.

Well Mozzie marks the beginning of my "Having Horses with Children" Era because just 1 month and 1 day after his birth his human little sister was also born.  He joins in the Pie Era (since 2003) and barely over lapped the Charlie Era (2009-2013 (sold)).

Dec 2013

His first year has been quite an adventure to say the least.

Dec 2013

His first year stats as of 4/16/14 are:

Stands: 13.2 1/2
Weights: 750lb
Color: Chestnut
Status: Gelding (as of Feb 11)
Hauled: Over 10 times
Traveled: Over 1300 miles
Has been easily haltered: too many times to count
Has been tied up: too many times to count
Has been bathed with soap: 4 times
Has stabled away from home overnight: 8 nights
Hooves trimmed: 8 times
Has been to the vet: 3 times (for scheduled care)
Lived in: 2 different locations
Lived with: 5 different herds (horse combinations)
Clinics attended/participated in: 5
Wounds/injuries requiring care: 3
Trail rides attended: 1

And with that I must say.  Happy happy birthday to the most wonderful and handsome 4-legged son I could have ever asked for. I'm so happy that you're in my life and I so look forward to our future adventures. 

Love you Mozzie Man!

The Colic Surgery- Something Every Horse Owner Needs to Read

The Horse Side Vet Guide just posted this awesome in depth and clinical look at colic surgery.

Check it out!

Colic Surgery- What Horse Owners Should Know

QRR- The Sum of Proper Horse Training in Just Three Words

After nearly 8 years teaching and a few dozen clinics I am starting to believe the sum of proper horse training can be expressed in just three simple words.

Quit.  Relax.  Reward.

Horse training is about the rider knowing/learning how and when to quit, relax, and reward.