practice and getting comfortable

The Good Old Days show is just over a week away and we have a lot to get ready for in order to show! I have the bearings for the cart, but having some trouble putting them in so Shyloh has not been hooked to a cart since the last show . . .eek!

On top of that, my tail bun and mane roll skills are less than stellar. Since Jaime's sister is showing the new Shire mare, Reba, and she doesn't know how to do any of that, it gave me a chance to show her and practice myself. And since Reba has a long tail and the rest of Jaime's horses have short tails, I was the only one who knew how to do it. I think Shy's tail came out pretty good. . .my best try yet!

Tomorrow, we work on the mane roll and lead line kids are coming out to practice.

Jill (Jaime's sister) took Reba line driving around the property. Reba is a good horse, especially for being a pasture puff for the past six years and not being worked at all. 

I worked Shy in the round pen for a little bit, with her harness on. I was Richard Simmons-ing her. . .doing leg lifts myself while Shy trotted around. We are going to get Shy in a shape that is not round!

Then I took Shy for a short line drive. Ooh, she started out so bad. She wanted to go go go and was jumpy and was trying to really pull through the bit. Not really like Shy at all, so I re-assessed what was going on. Ahha! I had my lines run different. I fixed them, then Shy was perfect. Lesson learned: when a horse is acting different than normal during work, they are not always being bad, they are trying to tell you something is wrong. 

I went to put Shy back in the pasture and she gave her cute little nicker again. Isaac nickered back and they met up. . .then the X rated stuff happened. Shy threw her rear end at Isaac and he wanted it. . .bad. He thought she was a sexy beast even in her fly mask. I just hope he had a thorough gelding or we might end up with Haferons or Perchlingers and we don't want that. 

After I separated the love struck horses, I saw a sure sign that Shy is comfortable at the new barn. The first time I saw her roll there, she made she was off away from all the other horses. Well, this time, she practically rolled on Shady! Then her and Isaac had a quick nuzzle before Shy got up and they went to graze. 

And Jaime has a name for the barn! It is Hidden Creek Draft Horses and it's on Facebook. Give it a like, along with Adventures With Shyloh's page!

monday musings by shyloh #92

Allie said she was tired of me being so dirty. Allie said she was tired of her hands being brown when she got done grooming or petting me. Allie said she was tired of finding sand everywhere.

So Allie gave me a bath.

Soapy!

I really am good for a bath. It was hot out and the cool water was nice. Allie got my tail and mane so clean. But the one thing I hate about a bath is getting my face wet. I like drinking water out of the hose, but water getting any higher and I am not a happy pony. I back away and raise my head real high. I just don't like it. Which really causes a problem for Allie when she wants to wash my forelock. 

Stay away!

While Allie was busy giving me a bath, I was trying to make sure she was getting clean too and I think she got just about as wet as I did. Hey. . .what's fair is fair, right?

After my bath, Allie tried to let me dry off because she knew what my master plan was. But the sun wasn't out and the drying was slow. And it looked like rain (which doesn't bother me when rain falls on my head at all).  So Allie put me back. 

First I had to say hi to Traveller. I miss him. And I wanted him to see me all clean and pretty.

We miss each other

But then. . . 

Ah. . . a roll! Yeah, see how I get the sand all up in my mane? I have to make sure that the sand gets in all the right places. And that's how you undo a bath!

~Shyloh

a glorious day

After an incredibly long work week with late days that interfered with going to the barn, I got out of work early today to some much needed and overdue pony time.

I am pleased to say that Shyloh did not disappoint. She was amazing today and we had so much fun. I walked out to the pasture to get her and for a second, I thought she was actually happy to see me. She stopped, turned towards me, and had a cute look on her face.

Concentrating on the task at hand. . .

Turns out she was just pooping. You can actually see the poop in mid-drop in the photo. . .nice.

Something needs to be done about that Flock of Seagulls forelock.

But she did let me come right up to her and followed me back out of the pasture without a problem. 

Since it had been what seems like forever since I have been out to the barn, I did not just want to throw her in some work, so we took a walk through the woods. But the woods were not completely dry from the mass amounts of rain we have been having. We came across some large puddles in the path.

Can we cross?

Hecks yeah!!

Water is no biggie!!

Puddles are no issue. They hide potential food items and are fun to play in!

Then we ran back to the barn. We ran until I could not run anymore. It was fun because Shy actually wanted to run and I didn't have to keep her in a trot. I thought I was going to keel over when we got done running, but I survived. 

After resting a while, I put the harness on to get to work. I am determined to get this stop down completely. I did realized something today though. After I put the harness on and get everything ready to go, Shy is ready to go. So when I ask to to stay put right at the beginning, it is worthless. . .because she wants to go go go. I think that is where all the dancing is coming from. After we start moving forward, I can ask her to stop and stand and she does much better. I'll have to remember that.

We went through the other set of woods for the line driving. We did not come across any turkeys this time, but Shy heard some deer and I saw them running away in the woods. Shy was totally fine with them and we continued working our way through the woods. 

Deer hunting today

The weather was so nice that when I took Shy's harness off, she had a teeny tiny bit of sweat in her girth area. I knew she would like a good roll in the sand and I was right!

Best. . .

. . .feeling. . .

. . .ever!!

I opened the gate so she could go out to her pasture and Shy cantered off! I walked out there and she let me love on her a bit longer before I left. She was actually being quite sweet, which is not the norm. Shy must have really known that I needed some pony love. I felt so much better! Horses are good for the soul!

This little bit of grass has expanded Shy's waistline. . .

through the woods. . .

. . . a-line driving we will go! But first. . .

Shyloh had a visit from the farrier. Same farrier, but the first visit at the new barn. Funny how the new barn doesn't seem new anymore. Anyway, Shy's hooves are doing great. Being outside all the time has been good for her. I asked about the changes in her hooves and he patiently answered me. He said it would not be a normal visit if I didn't have questions, ha! Basically, when she was at the other barn, her heels contracted a bit, but now that have gone back to normal. And that is from being out 24/7. It makes me happy and lets me know that I am doing the right thing by her.

Before the farrier came, I had not been out to see Shy in a few days. Wild pony! Not only is she super shaggy, but her mane was a mess, her tail braid was coming all out, and she just looked wild. With her being out, I can't seem to contain her mane. It flips over on both sides, then all flips on one side, then flips back over to the other side. Crazy.

Fuzz

After a few freezing cold, windy days we are having a sunshine-y break. It is wonderful. I can handle the cold if its sunny and not windy. Or at least not windy.

I've said before, I feel like sometimes I am the MacGyver of the barn. I do not have a ton of resources available to me, so I have top make do with what is around me. I have been working on homework assignment #1, #2, and #3. 

Front view

Rear view

We practiced our line driving and when I felt I had nice contact and we were doing good, I took us to "nature's cones."

I used the tress and weaved in, out, and around them. We could switch up the pattern as often as I wanted. We did tight turns and wide turns. Shy would duck under low hanging branches and was not bothered when the branches brushed up on her back or sides. 

Shy did great, even though we did have a short argument about whoa/stand. We even got more foamy mouth, but green this time because she had eaten green stuff before we started. 

She was chewing a lot, too

After our line driving session, I put Shy in a paddock to hang out with her. Shy's first order of business. . .roll off all signs of having been worked.

Then we messed around with this old truck tire. I got Shy to trust me and she put her front feet in the tire. Yay! I feel like I am making some really big strides with Shy. The weekend is supposed to be nice, so I will be spending it at the barn! I hope I can get a header so we can do some tire dragging.

the little pony that could. . .

. . .do anything and leave me utterly amazed!

A girl at the barn (she used to board where I leased Mia) offered to try some of her saddles on Shyloh. I said sure, why not? The first saddle was an eventing saddle. It fit Shy great. So I asked if she wanted to ride Shy. Chelsea said yes. 

Chelsea has a Mustang Arab cross that she trained herself named Treasure. She did a great job with him. I told Chelsea all about Shy's little quirks - the scooting, rough transitions, hates the mounting block, how she can be a little uneasy at first, everything I could think of. Chelsea was still game to ride Shy, but she did want to lunge her first. I don't blame her. . .this was her first interaction with my horse. 

Shy was great on the lunge. Chelsea commented how Shy was real keen on verbal commands and listened really well. 

Then Chelsea hopped on Shy. At first Shy put her head high, eyes wide, ears on Chelsea. I thought I hope this goes well . . .

Shy was a dream! She walked off good, set her head and completely listened to everything Chelsea asked. Chelsea remarked that Shy was incredibly in tune to her seat and leg aids, she didn't even have to use the reins. When Chelsea asked for a trot, Shy made a smooth transition. I was jaw dropping amazed. Shy has not been ridden in months! Shy did spook once that resulted in a scoot, but it was minor and Chelsea rode it out without a problem. Chelsea also did some dressage moves with Shy. I was so proud of my girl!

Next it was my turn. . .now remember, this was an eventing saddle. I have never been in an eventing saddle. It was different. I did not feel secure and the stirrups were so short. I asked Chelsea to walk next to me, just in case. We did a walk around the outdoor arena. It felt to good to be on my horse even in the strange saddle. 

After Shy's "hard" work, I put her back with the herd. She rolled her day away.

Oh, and I have to include this photo of the barn manager's grandson riding Tony! Too cute!

monday musings by shyloh #44

The "Catch Me If You Can" game is so much fun! Especially since I know Allie can't catch me by speed. We played the game the other day when she wanted to put my fly mask on me. 

Allie: Shyloh, come here!

I'm rollin' over here. Leave me alone!

Allie: You need this mask so the flies stay out of your eyes. And spray, too!

Nooooooo! I don't want it!

Allie: Get over here now!

Never! I must run! You will never catch me!

Allie: Look, I have the mask on, it's not bad at all. . .

Crazy lady! You look like an alien. I hope I don't look like that in my mask!

Allie: Dammit Shy, it is too hot to be chasing you!

If you run, there is a nice cool breeze. Keep running Allie, moo hahaha!

Allie: Want a clover?

Nope. Got all the clover I want right here. Try something I can't get in this field.

Allie: Stop running from me! Why won't you behave? 

The mask is just a guise! You probably really want to give me another bath or make me work or something equally as evil!

Allie (panting heavily): Pleeeease!

Wheeeeee! Running is fun! Watching you try to catch me is more fun!

Allie (dripping sweat and waving hands wildly): Why? It has been almost a year and you still won't let me catch you without food! You are one frustrating pony!

So, did I let her catch me? I'll never tell. . .

proof!

While I was off with family celebrating the Memorial Holiday doing this. . .

Ahh. . .kayaking. So peaceful!

and this. . .

Bonfires on the beach, with S'mores!

Shyloh was having herself a good old time doing this. . .

Goofy looking forelock, from the humidity maybe? Shy likes hose water!

 and this. . .

Rollin', rollin', rollin' in the di-irt

Anyway, on my drive to the barn from work, I was contemplating the show and in particular the trail class. Bear with me, my thoughts are sporadic! 

Why would Shy not back up through the obstacle? Was it a trust issue? I have worked so hard to gain trust with her, what else can I do? Is it because I don't trust her, but only when riding (a whole other issue in itself)? Anyway, I went on and on about trust or the lack thereof. . .hey, I hit construction on the way to the barn, I had a lot of time! I was really bumming myself out with all my doubts. Then I was getting mad. Mad at me for not being able to provide Shy with what she needs and mad at her for what I have to offer not being enough. Ha. . . yes, I am a little bit crazy and quite possibly over analyze everything.

I walked into the barn irritated at both of us. But as soon as I saw Shy's silly face, it all went away. My perfect little Haflinger was just waiting for me. I groomed her, set up a trail obstacle, grabbed my clicker training stuff, and began to tackle the trust.

Turns out, I give Shy much more credit than she deserves. . .Yes, she is smart, perhaps smarter than me, but she is simple. As in, she simply did not want to back up. Going forward was easier. Shy was not understanding why she had to back through it when she could walk forward through it.

After a few frustrating attempts, mostly of her backing the first leg of the obstacle, then powering forward to avoid the turn, success! This mare has amazing lateral movements when she is trying to get out of going backwards. It really is amazing. . .if I wanted her to go sideways. 

So, for the trail judge on Sunday and anyone that does not believe me, here is the proof that Shy will back through an obstacle!

And here is the sidepass that we worked on, too. Pretty good! She can do it without me touching her now. But, is it me, or is Shy actually hitting me on purpose when she swishes her tail?

my sanctuary

The barn is my sanctuary. It is the place I like to go to unwind and relax from my job and life in general. I like that I can be the only person there, surrounded by horses and nothing else. I actually missed the smell of hay, manure, and horse on my work trip! Who would have thought?

Miss this? Never. . .

I may have become selfish with my time at the barn. I choose when I want to talk to people and sometimes it is nothing more than a mere hello or good bye. If I feel like engaging in conversation, I do. Otherwise, I do my thing with Shyloh and leave. Sometimes, after a particularly challenging day at work, the barn is just what I need to recharge myself for the next day. The last thing that I want is the barn to be a place that is stressful. I need my barn and my Shy time. 

Which is why I find it fun to just goof off with Shy on a regular basis. I teach her how to honk, to wave, to kiss. I just hang out with her in her stall. I watch her in the pasture. I take her for little trail walks on the property and play ball with her in the arena. I don't have her take a lesson for 3 (!!) weeks. . .oops. Oh well, we are in no hurry.

From past vacation experiences, I was not under any impression that Shy would be excited at my return. When I went to get her from her pasture, she was near the gate and let me walk up to her and put her lead rope on her muzzle. Maybe not jumping for joy, but at least she wasn't running from me! Improvement. 

We have a show coming up next weekend and I wanted to practice the mane roll. I have a better idea how it is done, but we are not quite there. . .yet.  This attempt was better than previous attempts, but still we are missing some step in the process. I'm going to keep trying. I also ordered a show halter. We are going pro, haha!

This weather is insanely hot! It was 90 degrees today, and it is not even June! I hosed Shy down to cool her off. Silly girl was drinking water from the hose. During her bath, I discovered that she is rubbing her lips on her muzzle and they are getting raw. 

On another note, her whiskers grow fast!!

Poor girl. I made arrangements with Beth to keep Shy in the short, short grass pasture so she can heal from her muzzle rubs until I can figure something out. . .any ideas? This way she will be wit her herd when they go to that pasture and she will still get outside when the rest of them go to the pond pasture.

I took wet Shy in the arena to apply her "fly deterrent". Rolly pony time!

Adding just the right amount of sand. . .

Apply to both sides, and done!

Then we went outside to dry off. And Shy got a chance to perform all of her tricks for another boarder! Happy me. . .I mean us. . .

Wish her mane would grow like her tail

No one wanted to hug her today after she applied her fly deterrent. . .

Now I am going away again for the Memorial Holiday. Everyone have a great weekend! When I get back . . . show boot camp. We will be square and hold our heads up. We will back up through an obstacle. And we will do the best we can!