Jackie you are so kind and comforting, I wonder if I met you in a past life?

Oh my god, I just thought I was leaving you a comment on your page. And I accidentally posted a picture of myself right in the discussion!

I wanted to congratulate you on such a succesful discussion, and also show you a picture of Cassidy's foal, I got a few older pictures from a friends files.

I got a cheap digital camera but I cant import the pictures, and it does'nt have a removable disk. soon I'll send current ones, Lacys "Dun" appears to be shedding out Grulla also.

Hmm, this is the one that I accidentally posted right to your Am I old fashioned group. I eventually was gonna show you my face any way.
Do you think I should make this my profile picture, It's kind of generic looking.

This one is really fast to upload for some reason, I was waiting and waiting for the one Of Cassie and her foal but it was taking too long,

Let me see if I can find a different one with the baby in it

Yeah, I think the current profile pic, is more descriptive of My user name, my preffered discipline, and of course my love of Buckskins.

I'll leave it until I can post current shots of Cassidy "Over Fences", Lacy is going really well, one of these days Im gonna give her a bath and braid her up for a Dressage Shoot.(photo)
She's not going that well yet, but I like to dress them up sometimes

Dear Jackie. It's me, Oliver..... my mom wanted to let you know that she bought me and Uncle Toby the Omega stuff that you recommended at the feed store. Actually, it was the new hot item... they just started carrying it...
the following is interesting to my mom and she wanted you to know this..... Since I had my first light treatment I had another one.... my ears are more forward, I am interested in working, playing, whathaveyou with a happier attitude.. but most interesting is my mane is growing back out because I guess I'm not rubbing my head on stuff as much.... thank you for referring her to the Omega to help my hoofs grow out.... oops hooves. I am just learning how to spell.. thanks, Oliver

He does have great natural extensions does'nt he? I ask for those but really through just a little push from my seat and a little see saw at the bit.

His disposition is kinder than any horse I ever had, I think this is in part because I've raised him from a baby, but I just feel it's my responsibility to keep him (and fellow riders) out of trouble.

When he was younger ( 2yo - 3) I rode him on trail with starnge mares and geldings with no problem. But I had never bred him. He understood that it was off limits to approach mares period.

But I dont know now that hes been bred my only concern is that If I were in a group he might get away from me and go after a mare.

At home the mares run the whole 20 acres and the next 20, so I dont want any "accidental" breedings shpould he get away from me when I'm riding. My arena is just a 300' x 200' leveled off area with no fencing

Hi, I agree It's a shame not to ride him more, but I just cant get over the stallion thing, But he's not in any way studdy, he acts like an old gelding. He's a perfect gentleman even in the pasture, he gets along with geldings, and mares.

I plan on having him his whole life so I'm not in any hurry to get his training further, but I do think he should be doing more for his age.

Trail riding may just be out of the question until he's gelded, since there's no undesirable stallion behavior I dont think it matters what age I end up gelding him. (Though it will be a bit more costly and complicated a surgery than a normal gelding procedure)

I'm not ready to geld him yet. I have my two foals to keep me busy for the next 2 years, but when they're 2 and going under saddle I'm going to want atleast one more baby in the barn.

He will most likely be out of LACY, CASSIDY has alot of color to contribute but she's only 16 hh. that's a good height for me, but I want to breed great big sturdy Warmbloods that I can then refine over generations through the use of TB or AWS.

I have the most perfect colt out of Cassie, She's 3 mos pregnant again, but the next one is already sold. (to her old owner) I dont have a need to breed her again for myself. I coul'nt have asked for a better foal, he may very well be my next Stallion but this will take atleast 3 years to decide.

So definately Lacy is the one I'm gonna breed acouple more times over the years, but I'm up in the air about breeding her to a Cremello TB or Ferdinand again.

Because her Filly turned out to be a Grulla (Blk Dun) and not a BAY Dun. I fear that LACY only throws the black part of her BAY gene.

In other words she's possibly homozygous for Black, this is very valuable in the production of Grullos, But to get a Buckskin foal I need a Bay base diluted by Creme.

But If I bred her to a Cremello in two years theres a possibility she will have a "Smoky Black". I'll have to send in a hair sample to UC Davis to confirm my via progeny assumption.

If she comes back Homozygous for black, then I'll never breed her to a creme Stallion, I'll breed her to F again.in two years. and in a few more I'll have to look for another bay mare that can make me a Buckskin.

There is one more possibility, but this will take atleast 3 years to decide. Cassidy's perfedt 5 month old Colt "Silver", this would be an Ideal pairing and would produce a foal carrying all three of my foundation horses genes (remember I have a 30+ year plan to breed AWS horses, all my own homebreds).

Do I think too far in advance?

Exactly my point about Lacy's possible zygosity for black. Homozygous blacks are extremely reliable grullo producers.

But now my whole program has to be re thought because I still want a Buckskin and Lacy may never throw one

I need a Bay base free of Dun Factor, so even though Cassie is the "color" Buckskin, the fact that she carries dun factor means she will ONLY throw Dun Factor horses with creme possibly also present. Red Dun, Dunalino, Silver Grullo, Grullo Dunskin, and possibly if bred to a bay a simple Bay dun.

But never a simple Buckskin

As long as you are in the saddle Jackie that is al that counts,, there are lots of adys I just walk , and this is good to it give you time to smell he roses. Take care of yourself , I am glad to have you as a friend

The Dam is most important to me also, because I feel the foal learns most of his human/equine relationship from her. also I think in general he probably inherits more from his mom than his dad in terms of conformation and athletic ability. In Spain and many other cultures the breeding programs are based on the mares.

Thank you for your nice note, YOUR understanding is theONLY thing that kept me from de activating my Barnmice acct. 2 or 3 weeks into it after I realised how un appreciated my opinions were by the people I wanted to havediscussions with.

If not for the deeply stimulating discussions that You and I had starting t
he day I joined. I would have just moved on to a different site.
I value your online friendship, and feel Barnmice is a truly great place, I'm learning how to enjoy it and not invite confrontations, and be more open minded... Like You!

How long have you been using barnmice?

Well, a malfunction of my computer spared you reading the long-short story that I'd typed explaining who Fred was. So now for a short answer, Fred was a very large Tennessee Walker about 4-5 years old. I knew him for about four months. Fred was an abused horse that came into my life to give me a Fairy Tale of my own but it did end up very badly. We were both very scared beings that came together and helped each other in many ways. We both received love and respect from each other in a most unlikely match-up. I never owned him except in heart. He came to have a trustworty friend in me and I came to be a much braver person for him. He is my main reason for becoming more active on the horse slaughter issues and saving the mustang herds. He has been gone now for abut 2.5 years but the wounds of his disappearance are very sore to this day. His final outcome seems to have been a ride to Canada via the horrible meat market system in place at this time. I tried and tried to find him but people would not tell me the truth until it was too late to rescue him. No one can hurt or scare him any more and that is my only peace. He could have had a forever kind home but for some reason that was not his outcome.
He represents so much for me ...I treasure our experience.

HI Jackie! I fell first part of Aug. There was no time to do anything, Cash was nervous when we were riding outside so I went inside. He was still being testy but I thought it would pass. I had my feet out of the stirrups to practice for better balance. LOL!!! My first memory was sort of a swooshing as his speed increased and then a sensation that I was in mid air at Cashes side. That's cause I was! It was so fast!! I hit the dirt on my side hard. Cash stayed with me till somone led him away from me. We had a long visit at the hospital for the short term with nothing broke but I had blood in my urine and soon a huge bruise on my fanny. It covered one whole side and across my lower back. My ribs hurt alot but were not broken. The next day when I went to visit Cash he whinneyed/nickered and came running up to the gate. He usually meets me at the gate but the whinneying/nickering was new. He continued for about 10 days to whinney/nicker when he spotted me & now he is back to just coming without the whinney/nicker. I thought that was very interesting. I ended up with a emergency clinic bill and a hospital bill and then had a couple accupuncture treatments and am still seeing a chiropracter to get my hip back in place. Fortunately my insurance paid some of the hospital portion.
It took about 5 weeks before my body felt like it was safe to ride. We've grown since then and am almost back to where we were at our best. As long as we stay focused on toys in the arena and doing patterns around them we do pretty well outside. Inside is going very well. We made it about 1/2 way down the lane this week with someone walking with us and that went well but that was where my comfort level stopped me. So this is about where we were before the fall so I'm okay with that. I'm hoping for some nice fall weather to work on the lane thing before the snow and ice.

How great that you have a compatible instructor that understands. riding can be alot of fun for me when inthe company of a seasoned pro, but I have'nt had lessons in years, around my neck of the woods theres just not that many trainers doing huntseat. (or dressage)

Maybe you and I both should hold off on jumping four to six weeks. Since I think Cass not only needs some physical conditioning, but also mental, her baby is six months now and I'm ready to let her milk dry up so we can get back to some serious work, but I dont feel this is going to be a short process.

She just doesnt have the jump she had before the foal. I think she's a little sour too. she never refuses, but her ears are down alot more, just in general she seems to be happier hacking out in the mountains.


Thinking of changing my screen name to "on the flat" LOL

thanks for the welcome Jackie. Riding is the best thing I've found too. I love the way I can breathe better and feel "looser" after my time at the stables.

Hi Jackie, just stopping in to see whats new. I love your latest blog post on forwrd seat riding. I shared it with sme friends on FB

See ya 'round

Hey Jackie! I added a video from 2 years ago with my Cash if you want to take a look at videos posted this morning. I couldn't see how to link it to my page.
Apparently Cash needed our riding break. After not riding for two weeks while I was on vacation, he is refreshed and relaxed. I was also reminded at the Parelli Celebration to 'do something" when I'm lead rope grazing him. So, I'm getting some exercise and getting used to the whole barnyard as I keep walking from place to place near new things and he just stays cool, calm and collected. Yesterday we walked up to the full size fake deer (a target) & he sniffed it and then tried to push it over with his nose. Soon we will do it under saddle...on a good day when we are both having a good day.
Keep sharing all your good advice!
Shirley

Hi from Buffalo Hill!

Just got back from a neghborhood trail ride. Cassie was great!
She's jumping 3' again but there are some stocking up issues, oh well it looks like I'm probably not going to be bringing her back to serious jumping till' late 2010 (cause she's gonna have another foal next spring/summer)

Lacy's going well but only skipping over logs & things (under 1')
I have a feeling I'm going to be riding her alot more in the coming months, especially because Cassie is perfect for Keith on trail right now that she just needs to be kept in shape through her pregnancy.

The babies arent going to show this fall because I got behind on manners. Next spring I guess I'll show them in time to get AWS inspection.

Thanks for the compliment on my Cash! I LIKE him too! LOL. I bet you already had that figured out. I imagine as youi viewed this my mind immediately noticed some things...some good (hopefully) some bad.
I thought of asking you to critique it but it was done two years ago so I'll forget that idea. Now that I have him moving again.( not stopping on me alot) I'm anxious to get another short clip like this and then compare for myself and see what changes I can see....good and bad. The main things to me are that he's comfortable, that he goes where I direct and that I stay on. Okay that's maybe not the right order. First I'd like to stay on, second I'd like him to comfortable and 3rd that he'll go where I direct.

Hi! I loved your comment on the "No Respect" thread... it was a great explanation of the importance of being a good leader. My boyfriend is currently learning how to earn my horse's respect, and watching the process is a good reminder of what a horse needs (and wants). My horse is a cutie and one could easily fall into letting him get away with things, but I have to remind my boyfriend (and myself) that a horse needs a good leader first and foremost. I did find that once I got more firm with my horse then he bonded with me quite quickly... now he comes to me for reassurance when something scares him. That faith in me is the best gift that my horse could ever give me... and it makes our work together so much easier! He very clearly showed me that being a strong leader was what he wanted from his partner... now that he feels that I am looking out for him (my job), he can relax and concentrate on learning to respond to my requests (his job).

Hi Jackie! Cash is doing better but not 100%. The vet said abscess- the ferrier said he'd done something to his lower leg running around in the pasture. So I was treating for both. I didn't think it was an abscess either but just in case I kept it wrapped a few days. Now, I've gone to hosing or ice packs and sometimes a massage with rubbing alcohol. He's been kept in alot but I go out and spend time with him either in the lawn grazing or letting him graze in the outdoor arena. So he's getting out and moving but not with his horse herd to re-injure. He's putting his full weight on it now and only slightly off so it's improving each day.
Thanks for thinking of us.
Shirley

Oh yes, I did do use some Epsom Salt too.
It's hard to be a rookie at this kind of stuff.
Everyone tells you something different and what one person will say another will be oppose strongly....like useing lintiment on the sore leg.
One thing that did help alot with the swelling was something called DMSO or DEMS, I don't remember the exact letters. I will likely do a treatment with that again for the night. ...unless I see no swelling.
Take care and keep riding!
We should nickname you "Encyclopedia"...you are so full of knowledge!
Shirley

Cool! Well, cool that I'm getting/hearing his language~~not cool that he's still uncomfortable. There was another vet at the barn today and I was still wanting to know better what was going on cause Cash's leg is still swollen. Rookie me, I thought she'd just charge for part of the barn call but then there was a fee for the 'leg exam' so for $49 total I do feel a little better and more confident I'm doing all I can to help him along to a sound leg. This vet said it was a sore ligament and to wrap it with Ferezone (?) give him Bute until it hasn't been swollen for a couple of days. She also wanted him kept in the small pasture so he can't run around (like he loves to) and re-injure himself. I don't like doing the bute unless they are in pain but with how he's been acting, he's not comfortable. She also said that short light rides would be good for him.

Hi Jackie, just got my shot today. Everyone says it's really one nasty flu.

Jackie THANKYOU...you are a catalyst for us all...William

No, I am not disabled, but at the same time, I do not even to ride competitively, I just like those sites, as well as I have a beautiful girl here, whom I would like to train for eventing, although it would have to be under a much younger rider than myself. I do not have disabled riders, but I would like to start a program where we are for disabled riders. I have been asked by my physiotherapist, and according to him, there are few and far between for such programs at our neck of the woods, which got me thinking about providing such service. I would like to know what is involved in getting all this started, as well as the courses I would have to take, as I don't want to embark on any venture without finding out the facts first. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Jackie,
I didn't know that about the seasonal changes in attitude, thanks! IWhile I am not going to give up, I am starting to wonder "What did I do wrong to get here?" I'm new to him and new to natural horsemanship, so I am learning everything as I go along. I am learning, though, that it's not always me and it's not always him, and sometimes it's neither or both! I will definitely remember that for the spring, and it helps a great deal to be prepared for it! :)

You made my day again Jackie...THANK YOU...William

Hi Jackie just stopping in to look wats new

awwwww your horse is soooo pretty!! how long have u had him. oh and thanks for the comment on my pony, we had a really bad lesson yesterday he wasnt willing to slow himslf down. we were trying to go over 2'6 but it wasnt working im about to upload the pics!

yes arabs are very pretty i used to know one his name was magic but he dies i only rode him like once or twice he was so grumpy but yet sweet and funny. then i have a saddlebred mare angel who is now retired with no job, we dont want to give her to the humane center we just want her to have a happy home!

Hi Jackie... Merry Christmass... how was your Christmass? My sons (two oldst ones) came home for the big day and we had alot of fun just talking and playing games...it was a good Christmass only ones missing were my youngest son's family and my new Grand Daughter...but next year they'll try to make it...the baby will be not so new. The colt's doing real good,he has accepted me as the one not to push around. He gives when I push on him instead of like before were he would go ridget and ready to fight. much more cumb now not so rammy and agressive.( like an elderly lady said to me one day..."I feel sorry for those who can spell only on way")....please excuse my spelling. :) when I go out to clean the barn I turn him loose in the correll but I can't keep him out long enuff to finish cleaning his stall. He's in and out half a dozen times, I have to push him out of my way. with this cold weather I have'nt been doing to much with him except handle him but even that has made him alot nicer to work around. Have a Happy New Year. :)

yeah she can sometimes be a little crazy but what can you expect she is doing really awesome. at the moment i am haveing back spazims so my sister peyton (barnmice name pey) is working her for me and they are doingvery very well

Hi Jackie, I am real excited about everything you said..... My first lesson lead to in hand work and Oliver and I were a little bumpy in our road, so Steve made me go back to disengaging and flying straight again and not letting the youngin get too out of hand.... then, right when you asked me, I discovered the tummy out thread.... I read yours first, but I am going to go and read that next, when me and Steve and Oliver are ready for backing.... my trainer goes nice and slow with us and I didn't climb on yet, but I'm not scared anymore so that is a big plus and if i wanted to just sit and breathe and do tummy in and out, Steve would help me with that.... ") Thanks for helping me!!

Your welcome Jackie, I do think you will like the book, lots of good old fashioned advice. Very much the Fort Riley school witch I know you will appreciate

i ride in shows. only one is mine.

I'm not sure I understand. I would say your butt muscles (gluteus maximux) should not be engaged--your back should be wide and your torso muscles should be engaged--as if you were coughing--or say huh loudly on the exhale--or someone were about to slug you in the lower belly. If you tighten your butt you'll pop up. The periformus group of muscles (attach from tailbone area to top of femur) are also loose or else your thigh and knees will turn out.
This is silly, I'm answering but cannot see your comment to respond. Does that clarify? your horse should feel freer in his movement. Usually this lower ab breathing , bracing the back not hollowing makes people less tense and gives them support. I think it helps you be ride with offense not defense. ok Now I'm going to reread your post.

Hi Jackie, I re read your post and realized I'd misunderstood--that the butt muscle is another way you have of sitting the trot. You wrote:
"She also lost impulse. I did not notice much difference in her way of going with the tummy-out, though both the tummy-out and butt muscles had a little less impulse than in the Forward Seat sitting trot."
It's true that it's easier on a horses back to ride in a light seat (I assume this isyour FS) or posting. Sitting is the hardest for the horse but the easiest to get the horse to move from it's hind end. If you are shutting down your horse it may be you are trying too hard or locking your hip joints. The psoas or hip flexors should not engage as that would lock your pelvis. Also the whole ring of muscles around your lower torso will engage when you use yourself correctly for powerful, supple, balanced movement. This is true on or off the horse. Does that help?

HEllo Jackie,

Just thought I would share some of the things that have changed my life, the next book I write will be more detailed stories of the magical horses I have owned in my life that taught me so many great lessons, about myself, riding, life, and equine body work, cheers, Ann.

Yes, i like this be my friend part. Reminds me of Mr Rogers and his handsome and comforting sweaters. please, please ask me anything and all things. I have lots and lots of experience in training horses of all types...and I keep them sound. And i do know something of MS, but beloved brother in law has ms. I admire you so much without the benefit of having met you. And your willingness to explore makes you more fantastic.

Yes I know, they can be opinionated, and old Albert, who died at 31 from congenital heart failure, was a testament to that. He could be such a pistol, but good natured and loving right to the end, he and I had such a bond, and he remains an inspiration to me to this day, cheers, Ann.

Thanks Jackie.... :) He is so much calmer since I am..... this poor horse, we used to be so scared of each other he'd crash into me..... :) He is trying so hard.....

Hey Jackie,

Thanks for the comment on ":the good old days". I watched that Parelli video and I was actually quite horrified at what I saw. I have never liked this training, it is bullying the horse. Notice how they always disassociate from the person at the end of the rope? They don't want to engage and when they do it;s because they have now had their mind numbed and they give up. This is not training, this is mental bullying - a wolf in a sheep's clothing! Too bad so many people have fallen for this not knowing any better methods exist. I can't watch any more of the stuff as it's upsets me too much.

Hi Jackie, thank-you, good advice, very much so. Thank you for taking the time for the kind thoughts.

I love your photos Jackie!! Hope you are well and enjoying the weather.... Toby and Oliver say Hello...

thank you Jackie...yes! as I was saying "attitude adjustments", sooo rewarding when done with correctness and timing". I find in my expeirence most animal owners do not understand this concept and are affended when I explain what, how, when and why; I do what I do the way I do it. I know there are alot of animal owners who understand and know this concept I just do'nt always get to the chance to commun ideas and those little inside tricks to the trade that makes or breaks you and your companion for seccess. It's a beautifull day to day,sun shinning,blue clear skies,gentle breeze (still a bit chilly yet) snow's going fast. we just finished up the trim shoot and tried it out on one of our horses....Wahoo...it works like a charm, maybe I'll get to learn to do feet I've always wanted to.I'd be learning from the best. I'm excited. But I still like my pretty nails!! ;)

lol. I never did have much for nails....they always broke off. I'm glad we got our trimming shoot without it I could never do any hooves as I have a bad back that does'nt allow me to bend in that percission let a lone hold a hoof and my live-in is'nt as springy a chicken as he use to be(nether am I,lol) so we're both putting our health first so we can keep doing what we love to do...work with the horses....he's the ferrier,has made a pretty good living at it for years before I showed up. so now I nag at him to teach me a little so I can look after my own horse and know what he's talking about.

I'm counting down the days till I'm there. Still stuck in the midwest until late December probably. Looking to go to Cape Fear before transferring to UNC. Really excited to just be by the beach.

Hi Jackie,
Thanks so much! It's always great to hear that people enjoy the blog. Your horse is absolutely beautiful - I've always had a soft spot for bays!