Monday, March 16, 2009

Rolling, Rolling, Rolling

Spring is here! We went from subzero temps to 76 degrees. Welcome to South Dakota. Don't like the weather? Wait a day and it will change. Although, it sounds like everyone has been dealing with unusually cool temperatures for this time of year. Just think in another couple of months, we will all be complaining of the heat.

Well, with nice weather, comes the workload. And it's time to take inventory of what should be at the top of the project horse list.

Without a doubt at the very pinnacle is VooDoo...
AKA...The Giraffe, VooDoo is a solid 16H and is finally filling out his frame. He was way too gawky and gangly to start his 2y/o year, although he was saddled a few times. I suppose I should have started him last year, but since he was still very gangly and mentally immature, it didn't seem overly important. This year, though, I need to get rolling on him before he gets too stout. He has the sweetest personality and is as light as a feather on the end of a leadrope. The slightest pressure gets an immediate response. I don't have a feel for what direction he might be good at, except Hunter/Jumper keeps coming to mind because of his size and frame. He's running blood through and through though. The goal is to get him riding well and looking fabulous. After that, we'll see.

Right there at the top is the sorrel gelding I did all the ground work on last summer. I don't know what my funk was that I didn't just get on and ride him then, but I'm over it. He is pictured in my header photo, between the black, blazed face horse and the buckskin. He may end up being started on barrels, but I am leaning toward making him a pole bending, breakaway roping and heeling horse.

Below are the two sisters, Electra...

And Watch(I hate that name, note to self...rename this horse)...
These two girls were sort of started years ago, but then melted into the herd. Electra has some speed to her. Watch has none. Everything Electra does is quick and decisive. Watch prefers to stand in one spot and let the world pass her by.

And then there is my big pet, Roan Dog...
I was putting out hay one day and got out of the tractor to take the twine off the bale, as I came around the bale, I spooked RD and I had an epiphany moment. I stood there watching this horse pull his whole body back, every inch of him wanted to leave, but he was stuck in one spot because he couldn't seem to move his front feet. No kidding, I could see the panic rising in him and it hit me...I know why this horse bucks!! He gets startled or scared or unsure and he cannot seem to figure out how to move his whole body. He's stuck and that panics him. There is no way for him to release that energy, so he blows up. I'm not quite sure how I am going to fix this problem, but I know that there is not a mean bone in this horse's body, so we are going to keep working at it until we get him fixed. He luuuvvvsss me! He'll wander over to check other people out, but I am the only one who can touch him or catch him in the pasture. I guess we have a bond now-hopefully that will help.

Everything looks so crappy right now. Big hay bellies, starting to shed, muddy and they all need their manes and tails washed and their feet trimmed. Gahhhh! Well, ya gotta start somewhere.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Awww really in the 70s? I am so freakin jealous!

It snowed most all weekend here but at least we are finally done with the subzero temperatures.

Mikey said...

Oh yeah, it's time to get to work! You've got your work cut out for you :)
I'm off to ride this morning, temps about the same here. Finally!!!

Trailboss said...

I can relate to your comments about everything looking so crappy now. It feels like we have had 2 years of straight winter this year. I have had so much snow and ice this year I never ever want it again! But alas, it will happen, but not before we enjoy some nice temps....at least I hope not!

Leah Fry said...

After rain and cold this weekend, it's in the 70s today and supposed to be near 80 tomorrow. Of course it is, now that it's not the weekend anymore!

Both my horses are big mudballs.

Laura said...

Wow - 70 degrees??? That is great. It was up to the mid-40s here and sunny - which is rare for March. Everyone was outside in t-shirts...!

Sounds like you have a busy spring - getting all of those horses going. Must be rewarding when you figure out each one's personality and what works and what doesn't...

cdncowgirl said...

This time last week it was -30 to -40 (celsius that is) One day I got up to drive my niece and nephew to school and the weather came on just as I started my little Chev... with the windchill it was -53! :O
This evening it is -8, what a difference a week makes.

Ah yes, the shedding has begun, dogs and cats and horses. I can't escape the hair! lol

You'll have to keep us updated on a few of those ponies, especially RD know that you have an inkling as to what causes him to explode.

Andrea said...

What a great warm spirt!! I love it when it gets all warm and spring like!! I think I need to take Watch and Blue horse off your hands!! Yes, those two would fit perfect into my herd. I love the slow ones!! The let the world go by, type of horse. Not a care in the world.

You certainly have some work cut out for you, even if it's just shedidng all those horses out!! LOL!! It's a hairy job, but someone's got to do it.

I also love how huge and big boned all your horses are. Sigh.......

Callie said...

I hear ya and I only have two, I get to start with mucking the once frozen poo straw and pitchin' it in the neighbors farm field! Weeee!!!!!!!!!

C-ingspots said...

Wow, drastic change in temps there! We use that same saying here in Oregon, but I don't think we ever have that big of temp changes. It must feel downright hot to you!! But yeah anyhow!! Must be great to feel warm again huh? We are back to 40's and rain, rain, rain...aack!! Have I ever mentioned how much I hate rain - and the mud...no? Okay, I won't say it then...but come on warm and dry weather...I NEED to ride and get outside and have it feel good to be outside. Sorry...I'm just feeling a little claustrophobic right about now.
Your horses look good - all fat and fuzzy and healthy. Little blessings to be thankful for!
Enjoy your sunshine!!! I like your little Shooter colt - there's something about him that seems special somehow. Something in his look, I don't know...just something different. Sounds dumb huh? I like that one. I also like that big mare of yours with the scimpy little tail - she's a nice girl.
You're gonna be a busy, busy gal.
:)