new-ness

I got a few new things I wanted to share. Thanks to the creativity of others and the awesomeness of the internet, blogging, and Facebook, I have received some very cool tings recently.

The first is from Josie's Curiosities, who makes custom, hand stamped jewelry and other stuff. I discovered her on the American Haflinger Registry group page through Facebook. I ordered Shyloh a cute bridle tag. 

I also got some for Jaime and Kyle's big guys, and Kathy's horse. I think they are real cute! I just need to get a bigger circle thing to attach it to Shy's bridle or halter. 

The next thing is my prize watercolor of Shy from Kate over at The Adventures of Lucy. We won the horse shaming contest as the random winner. I could have chosen an amazing English saddle pad with a hand painted design on it, but we don't ride English. So, this is what we got instead:

I love it! I just need to find a really nice frame for it.

Another thing that Jaime and I got for a friend whose filly had to be put down was a sketch by Emily of The Art of Emily Dieleman. She is another person I met through the Haflinger group on Facebook. She did a beautiful sketch of the Gypsy Vanner,  Eibhleann. 

I love how Emily was able to capture all her fuzziness! 

Up next is my new tack. Shy got her farm harness. We had to make a bunch of adjustments for my off shaped horse, but we got it to fit. I got a great deal on this harness. I might need to get a new saddle piece, but what she has works for now. She is looking good!

And we got a saddle! 

I need to punch some holes to shorten the stirrups, but aside from that this saddle will do the job. Jaime's aunt found this saddle for a steal. 

I also got myself a new helmet that fits my head. My other helmet was a tad big. And I think that is it for new things going on in my world. Anyone else get anything new?

monday musings by shyloh #87

What a weekend!  I was one busy horsey and I was happy when I finally got home. So happy that I gave one of my super rare nickers and wanted to trot Allie back to my grass pasture. Once I got my roll and a drink of water, I was off like a rocket to my herd. I had to make sure they were all okay without my protection for the day.

While I was away, I had to do lots of work. And when I wasn't doing work, I was tied to a trailer with my lead rope not quite long enough to eat the grass. So after I finished my hay, I threw a little fit by knocking my water bucket over and dumping my grooming bag. That will show them. . .

To go away this time, I was in a strange trailer I have never been in before. At first, I didn't really want to go in because I really didn't think I would fit. . .it was a squeeze! But I went in and I had some hay waiting for me! In the trailer I am used to, I have tons of space. I don't even have to back out of it, I can just turn around and walk off. Not so in this trailer, so it was a little bit new to me. But I did good!

Me and Clutch touching butts, almost

I got to be the Haflinger model extraordinaire for the tail and mane braiding session. First, my tail was chopped off so it doesn't drag on the ground anymore. I worked so hard growing that tail this winter. I put all my effort in tail growing and no effort in forelock growing. Allie took my tail and tried to add it to my forelock to give it some length, but I shook it right out. I tried to use some evasive tactics during the tail part. I clamped my tail and squeezed my butt so tight in hopes that I would get left alone. I was surrounded by a group of two leggers and someone was playing with my rear end. . .what would you do? When that didn't work, I released some noxious gas. That too was unsuccessful and I ended up with bows in my tail.

Who loves me?

Next, we had to line up in the sand and sun. I took this as a perfect sleeping opportunity. What better time to nap than with the sun on your back, surrounded by horses to protect you, and your two legger acting as another lookout? None I say and I snoozed away.

Only I was waken too soon and forced into cart work. I was being good for a bit as I was trying to get a good read on my driver, then I threw in some of my own obstacles for her to overcome. You want me to back? No, I'll scoot forward. Go gee? No, I think I'll go haw. Walk on? What?? I can't hear you. . . But my driver was too good and my antics did not mess with her as they do with Allie. 

I actually stood still for a while here

After cart work, I actually got ridden! It has been quite some time since I had a rider on me so I was a little quick in the trot. Gotta work on that. . .maybe. Allie rode me and we walked around and I was good for her. She deserves for me to be good for ever every once in a while. When I had the little boy on me, I was super good, cause kids are precious cargo and must be taken care of.

But by the end of the day, I was tired and ready to go. And even though I had to do some work and I sweated, I had a good time. 

Big guys staring at my booty

~Shyloh

big clinic day

Holy farmer's tan! Whew are my arms red. But it was well worth it. I think a lot got accomplished today. Jaime's aunt let me borrow her trailer and I got up super early to pick up Shyloh and head to the clinic with Terry, Jaime, and Kyle.

Peeking out the window

First up was braiding manes and tails. For draft manes, a special ribbon is used to make a type of braid called a mane roll. The draft tail gets a braid and a bun. Shy got a tail cut because her tail was as long as it has ever been and was hanging on the ground. I knew I would have to cut it at some point, so no better day than today. Becky used Shy as the demonstration pony, which was good for me since I have been incapable of doing it on my own. Lesson one: It really does require two people. Lesson two: my attempts at the mane roll had me using sections of hair that was too thick. Lesson three: Shyloh can really clamp those butt muscles! Wow. She showed some of her best clamping during the tail bun demonstration. Lesson four: Becky can do some tight braids! But when all was done, the results were very pretty. Becky did a fantastic job.

Pretty tail!

After that, we had showmanship and halter practice. What I learned in this part of the clinic is that you are not supposed to let your horse fall asleep while waiting for your turn. Shy always falls asleep.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

She must find it boring. . .I also learned a little bit more about showing showmanship and halter, so I will be able to put that to use come showtime. . .if I can keep my horse awake in the line up.

Our lunch break included a discussion on Scotch bottom shoes. While I will never put those shoes on Shy, it was interesting to learn about them. I did not stay for the whole discussion, about halfway through I went to check on Shy. As I was petting her neck I found a tick! I am not looking forward to starting this whole tick thing again. Yuck.

Up next was safe harnessing and hooking to the cart. Beth was awesome and helped me fit the new harness to Shy, which included many confusing buckles and punching new holes. I may have to get a new saddle piece, but this one will work for now. Good thing for Beth, because she knew all these tips and tricks to get the harness to fit Shy just right. 

New harness!

Next she hooked Shy up to her cart and took her driving. This horse messes with me so bad because she was damn near perfect for Beth. They had a great start and Shy was doing very well. Then I got in the cart. I don't know why I am such a bundle of nerves with her. It is frustrating to me, but there is not much I can do about it, except keep on practicing. There was a point today where I was questioning myself and Shy because I have no confidence when it comes to riding or driving her. While I still don't, I think now that maybe me and Shy can make it work,

Cruisin'

When Beth was driving her, we discovered that the ball bearings on my wheels are shot. My new wheels. The wheels I have never used until today. What the hell? So I got out of the cart and Beth drove her back to unhook her. When Shy saw she was near her trailer spot, she started acting up. She would not back up for Beth and was giving her a hard time. I would have had a meltdown myself, but Beth handled it like it was no big deal. After Beth got Shy to do what she wanted, we unhooked her and  Beth went to hook Art.

I think Skylar liked it!

Beth also took her new puppy, Skylar for his first cart ride on Art. How cute are all of them?  Art took a couple kids around for some cart rides and I watched Curly. . .or Moe. He has two names. I have mane envy when looking at him.

Look at all that on Moe/Curly!

Art!

By now, most people had left and it was just a bunch of us Northwest Ohio Driving Circuit people still at the clinic. Jaime's aunt had found a saddle and she brought it for me to try on Shy. So I did and it seemed to fit pretty well. Haley was volunteered to get up on Shy and try it out. Shy was actually very good for Haley, quick, but good. Haley had Shy super trotting and turning and said she would be good at barrels, haha!

Then, I got on Shy! I haven't really been on this horse since October. . .well no one has aside from me sitting on her bareback a few times. As usual, I was a bit nervous (just because I know what she can be capable of), so I asked Haley to walk next to me. Shy was actually very good for me. We walked a bit, then I just sat on her and chatted for a while. It felt good to sit on my horse!

When I got off of her, this little boy asked to ride Shy. I said yes, but that I would walk with him. Shy was perfect for him. Absolutely perfect. *Proud pony moment*

Shy and her new buddy. She really liked him!

By now, we all were sunburned and tired, so we packed up and headed home. Shy seemed so happy to be home, she nickered when she stepped off the trailer and wanted to trot to her pasture. Once in there with the halter off, she took off towards the back where the rest of her herd was. 

On the way home after dropping Shy off, I drove the truck with the trailer. . .first time ever towing anything! And I did awesome. Now I am about to fall asleep dreaming happy pony dreams. Shy was a good pony today!

new harness!

A friend who knew I was tentatively searching for a work harness sent me over a Craiglist ad last week. It showed a never used work harness that looked really cute. And had an unbelievable price. After emailing back and forth all week, I headed out to this place to pick up my new harness and collar. 

Hurrr. . . new stuff!!

Turns out that this was Pretty Pony Pastures, a therapeutic riding barn that uses all Haflingers! And a place that I had volunteered at once, way back when I first got Shyloh. 

But before I headed out there, I had to run to the barn for a farrier appointment for Shy. Of course, since I was rushing the clock, Shy was way out back and had no intention of taking one step in my direction to give me a break. I was so rushed, I forgot her halter and lead rope and I had to borrow one on the fly from someone who had their horse in a grass pasture on my way out there. Once I got Shy, I ran us both back just in time for the farrier to have just pulled up. 

Shy got her trim and I asked my million questions, as usual. Her feet look real good, as usual. He assures me of this every time, but I am still a worry wart about her feet. 

Jaime went with me to this far away location to pick up the harness, a collar for Shy, and a collar for my friend. Driving through rush hour traffic in a particular densely populated area does not make me a happy person. But when we got off the freeway, we went through some really cool small towns and country area. And finally, we made it.

I picked up my harness and the collars when Jaime asked about the stand the harness was on. After measuring the stand and my car, then totally emptying out my car and rearranging it to fit the stand, we got everything crammed in. Jaime kept hitting her head on the collar rack that was practically in the front seat. And I couldn't see out the back of my car. Leave it to Jaime to get an awesome deal on something. She is the best at that. When we repacked the car, I almost left out the harness I came all the way out to  get. . .oops! I was also offered a free practice cart, which I might actually go back and pick up. We did contemplate somehow attaching it to the roof of my car, but that never happened. 

Fully packed Mariner

The reason I needed (wanted) a new harness was that the different harness show in different classes. Shy's first harness was a breastcollar harness, which means that she would have to show in the pleasure classes. I don't know much about pleasure driving, but I do know it involved a variety of gaits that I have no idea how to get Shy to do. I am sure that there are other rules that I have no idea about, too. With the work or farm harness, which is the collar type, Shy can show in the draft class. There is only walk and trot in that class. No passing is allowed. It is so much simpler. 

Bridle and hames (not my pic)

Harness and harness rack that Jaime bought (not my pic)

Collars (not my pic)

I am going to take it down on Sunday to our clinic because I really do not know how to put on or fit this type of harness. That's why all I have are these Craigslist photos of the new harness. Have I mentioned that I am super excited for the clinic? On the way home, we stopped at Bass Pro Shops to look around. Can't pass that place without stopping!

we got a bath!

Yup, we. Because I got just as wet as Shyloh. But no matter, it was 80*!

So Shy got her first bath of the year and at this barn. The set up is completely different from the old barn. . .we have to bathe outside and there are no cross ties, posts, or anything to attach to a horse to prevent them from running away. Which means I have to hold Shy and do all things that make up giving a horse a bath. 

I was prepared for this to be quite a difficult task. First off, since Shy willingly stands out in rain with no problem and since she willingly goes in giant puddles and splashes around with no problem, I was expecting a problem giving the involuntary bath.

Once again, I was pleasantly surprised by the pony. She really didn't care. I started spraying at her feet to get her used to the water, then worked my way all over. Aside from Shy wanting to eat grass, I could spray, lather, rinse, and repeat without even holding the lead rope! 

Wet pony!

Shy even let me get her head, which was an issue last year. As long as the water doesn't spray in her ears, she was very cooperative. Shy even took some drinks from the hose!

Thirsty pony

As our usual post bath ritual, I took her to graze a bit and dry in the sun. 

Then I braided her tail up. It is getting so long!

By the time I was done, it was dinner time. I took Shy back in her pasture. Of course, she was not completely dry so she rolled. 

She has to get every last inch of her covered in sand

I knew it was coming, so I couldn't be mad. 

Ka-Pow!!!

There is a new horse out there and Shy has wasted no time letting him know who is boss. She won't let him come past this log. . .

Traveller. . .staying to his Shyloh designated area.

If he tries, she runs him away. I mean runs. . .I have never seen her move so fast! Bossy mare! I watched the horses work out their eating situation and get settled before I left.

No soup for you!!

I never thought I would hear myself say that I can't wait for Sunday and I can't wait to be in Ohio! Clinic day!!