mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749 
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Post by mistersmom on Dec 19, 2014 13:44:34 GMT
Aw hug.s I sure hope you are feeling better today. We all have those days where it just seems everything makes us feel unworthy and depressed and sad.
If you need some more help from Andrea, ask for it. Yes, Peachie is your horse but we all need help from time to time. Was she the one giving that lesson to the youngster? I'm not overly impressed with that. If the poor child was so scared she was crying, it sounds like things need to be dialed back for her and perhaps put her on a better horse and/or a lunge line.
But it's Friday! With a nice holiday from the work and its stress next week. Keep looking forward.
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Post by lorddaxter on Dec 19, 2014 13:57:27 GMT
How's her wound looking, is it not ready to have the bandage off and left to air heal, you could use vetericyn on it to ward off infection:)
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Post by carshon on Dec 19, 2014 15:15:30 GMT
You need a hug ! This time of year is so emotionally overwhelming - the weather the holidays - it is always a one two punch and then add a sick horse, a bad day at work. I am sending you the biggest Cyber hug I can muster! It includes (but is not limited too) 10-15 soft and gentle pats on the back , an occasional there there, and countless tight squeezes. I am sorry that you are feeling down - and want you to know that I am on your side - you are doing such a good job with Peaches - there will be ups and downs but you are having more ups than downs. Focus on the good -
it is tough to be away from home. Call home - listen to their voices -
We are your friends and here for you. One more tight squeeze just because they always feel so good in a hug.
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hugs
Junior Member
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Post by hugs on Dec 19, 2014 20:07:25 GMT
I'm at work, had to check on nhg which is going really well I just love it.
I best get back to it but I have tears in my eyes for your sweetness. Will thank you more later.
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Dec 20, 2014 1:43:01 GMT
IT'S FRIDAAAAAY! Uff-dah! Day started out pretty tough. I got to sleep about 1030 and woke up at 2 and that's all she wrote. Then I tried to make a spirulina fruit smoothie for breakfast and used too much green ISH. So by the time I got to work I was light headed and dizzy from lack of sleep and low blood sugar. Oy, but we're good now.
Anyway, went to see Peaches and Andrea said she just turned her out. I went to get the Peach and she was still sweaty wet. Plus Andrea didn't pay attention when I told her where Peaches cooler was. So that was definitely NOT good but I didn't say anything because it wouldn't have made any difference. Andrea said something like Peaches was dry when she went out side and musta gotten sweaty after... um, don't think so, not how it works but then again, if you don't cool off long enough you will continue to sweat so that's what musta happened.
Andrea is a nurse so she'll take the stitches out on Sunday which will be cheaper than having the vet come out. When she changed Peaches bandage and gave her the antibiotic and bute when I couldn't she charged me $15 each time, which is kinda steep but again, not going to argue.
Today is the 19th and Peaches last day is the 30th. I just don't see Peaches getting calm, cool (no pun intended) collected by then. Peaches just isn't a stand still in the cross ties kinda guy. Today I was lucky enough a girl helped hold Peaches after she went ape-poopy when I just had one cross tie on. I got rather excited which is a no-no but I was so worried... I'll get there too... some day.
The thing is, even when Peaches is acting up, she'll do what I ask. She doesn't lose her mind even though her emotions are on high. So maybe we'll be okay after all?!
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Post by Shelly on Dec 20, 2014 2:01:39 GMT
I think as long as your consistent with her you should be ok! and wow, 15$ is a bit steep. My mom charges 5$ for medicating unless its pre-prepared for grain time (which is once a day)
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Dec 20, 2014 17:14:31 GMT
Yeah I think its over the top but like I said, nothing to do about it now I got up this morning totally woozy, stupid congestion, moving around slowly and getting a little better. I'm all alone here so its a bit worrisome to be under the weather like that and not know why exactly. Will do a bit of shopping and then go be with Peaches earlier and get the bandage changed and her last dose of antibiotic. Peaches will miss that the most, no treats. Maybe just a bit after our "play time". She sure doesn't need to gain weight but its nice to have a little something, we all like that. Peaches hates cross ties but she'll stand still when tied with the lead or even if I drape the lead over my arm. I figure, why fight it, we can get to it again in small steps over time. If she were to be lunged before it would go much better. Don't know how busy the place is on Saturdays and Sundays, hope folks stay home  |
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Post by diamondgirl on Dec 20, 2014 18:06:28 GMT
Aaarg, I just hit create post and the computer ate it what I had typed. I hope I remember what I said.
I am sorry you aren't feeling well. I will go ahead and jump right on my soap box and say Airborne, Airborne, Airborne. I don't know if it really works, or if it is all in my head, but I believe it works for me.
I hope your visit with Peaches is wonderful, and that the barn is quiet, so you can do what you want to do when you want to.  |
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hugs
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Post by hugs on Dec 21, 2014 0:31:00 GMT
Your wishes to God's ear Diamond, I was the only one there! So Peaches and I had the place to ourselves, it was heavenly! We did a little bit of lunging and walking around obstacles and what not. Like I said, tieing up with the lead went really well, she had her treat and back out again. Its in the 30s so pretty darn nice. The other wonderful thing is I got to drive there in the day light and got back home before dark. Soooo much easier on one's nerves, especially winter driving in a little car - peeyou! Hey! I finally figure out where to find the pictures on my camera! This is when Peachie got her teefies floated.  I took a selfie of her following me without a lead, not my best angle but what the hey, we're all friends here, right?! Besides if I look bad you'll appreciate how much prettier you are, right?!  See if this little movie works, I tried to show you that I wasn't holding the lead and then I turned around to get her to back up. Although Peaches is only 14h, I got "under" her so its kind of chaotic but you get the idea  Its just so cool when she follows me around, changes leads to turn when she needs to. I'm beginning to realize that even though she snorts like she's in danger and her eyes bug out and she gets all high headed and doesn't blink and all of that, she still minds her manners, she still does what I ask. So I guess its all okay, she's okay and I'm okay and she doesn't go ape poopy like I'm afraid she'd do. I'm just getting okay with her quirks and that I'll be safe... all takes time. |
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Post by horselady on Dec 21, 2014 1:12:27 GMT
How wonderful for you to have the peaches following you around like that without being led. and how you posted the video of that is so encouraging so now we all know what you look like and what peaches looks like and how she moves her ear towards you when she hears you talking. i think 15.00 is a little steep also but what do i know. i do all that medication and holding for vet for nothing. no wonder my boards love to have their horses at the spa.  |
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Post by diamondgirl on Dec 21, 2014 1:59:55 GMT
I was able to see your video just fine, and see Miss Peach being a good girl. She does look a little nervous, but she was minding you. I can't help but think, that part of her looking somewhat on edge, is from the fact that she has had a lot of changes happen in her life, in a very short time. I think it is a testament to your work with her that she is able to look to you as lead mare. She may be nervous, but she is following your lead.
It must be so hard to be a horse. You are in a place where you know your place in the herd, then suddenly you are taken to another place, where you need to learn an entirely different set of rules. All the while you must keep a close watch out for predators, and find your place in an entirely new herd. (People included.)
Just keep working with her. The love and respect of a horse is one of the best feelings there is. |
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Post by horselover4life on Dec 21, 2014 11:39:10 GMT
Will make one comment then shutting up.........
First off, not every horse cross-ties with 2 ties attached to their halter. Many only use 1 so you are doing fine! 
Secondly, her following you as such staying where she does is part of western horsemanship classes I have seen...so SCORE another for the both of you!!
OK, so I gave 2 comments.... 
Returning to corner and being quiet!
 ...feel better too!!
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hugs
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Post by hugs on Dec 21, 2014 14:57:49 GMT
I didn't notice Peachie's ears, I'll have to look at that video again.
Yeah, poor Peachie and the moves. To a new barn for a few weeks and then to another new barn and SO many horses in SUCH a small area. She lives in a fair sized paddock with a pony who runs that show I tell you. So when I go in there, I shoosh that pony away to the far end of the paddock just because I can and Peaches can't. Maybe that's how Peaches got cut in the first place because the food is placed so close to the shed where that metal edge used to be (they fixed it within hours of Peaches getting hurt, so I gotta give 'em that!).
HL4L, I've been thinking a lot about what you said about me thinking/responding too much to Peaches' behavior. I've been trying to get her to where she isn't so nervous so much of the time but maybe with all of these changes it just isn't possible now. Also to me, when she acts like that I think, how can I ever be safe on a horse that looks like she's gonna blow any minute?!
But between what you said, what Andrea said and an Avila article I read about horses with idiosyncrasies a well as Peaches DOES do what I ask; I realize that I can and should ignore that part of her. I didn't realize how much I look at her when I lead her, etc. I didn't realize that in Peaches' eyes it means that SHE is the leader. So I do my best NOT to look at her so much and simply expect her to do her part, i.e., follow at a safe distance.
Yesterday I adopted a "follow me and do as I say or die!" approach LOL And little by little I'm feeling better, don't know about Peaches, but I did notice one small thing or maybe its a small beginning really - when I run while leading her, she lags, but if I continue to run and don't look back she'll begin to catch up. After all, if she lags, she'll die, right?!
This place is expensive beyond belief BUT we're doing our best to get our money's worth for now and for the rest of our time together.
And yeah, these folks are all cross tiers, dont' have that any where else, if Andrea wants to cross tie her, let her, I don't have to if it doesn't work for me. I can see advantages but Peaches is better on one lead than some of those horses are in the cross ties but then in those close quarters they really need to limit the space the horse takes up so they "have" to.
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Post by diamondgirl on Dec 22, 2014 2:54:01 GMT
The other day I was watching Monty Roberts on RFD. He was working with a horse that was very afraid of being in that round pen, in front of a crowd. The horse had a high head, was stiff, had wild eyes, and was snorting loudly. He would also kick at anything near his back legs. Monty was going to get him to lead over tarps, which he wanted to have nothing to do with. At the end of his training secession, the horse was following him, over the tarps, without a lead rope, but he still had a high head, wild eyes, and was snorting loudly. That behavior didn't seem to bother Monty, as long as the horse stayed at his side, at a respectable distance, and went where he went. He wasn't kicking anymore either. I wasn't sure what to think of that demonstration. I did know that, that horse needed a lot more consistent work.
Maybe when Peaches is still showing that she is uncomfortable, but she is doing what you ask of her, it is ok. She just needs time, more work, and a very patient owner.
I am so happy that Peaches has you. She doesn't know what a lucky girl she is. |
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hugs
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Post by hugs on Dec 22, 2014 13:44:16 GMT
First of all, thanks Diamond, Peaches didn't have a good future without Gerald and I that's for sure.
And Andrea says what you say, more miles. She doesn't ride Peach until she lunges Peaches pretty hard, even ties the lead rope like a surcingle, which informs me for what a surcingle is for! And even so Peaches tosses her head but I'm thinking that maybe its from the tooth problem because Peaches never tossed her head before when I've bitted her before. The vet said those points probably started forming two years ago so it isn't a really long standing problem but a new one to deal with now.
Anyway, my issue has always been that I don't know if Peaches lack of confidence is going to explode and out of control. And what skills do I have to deal with it other than taking all of this in baby steps. And what is Andrea's assessment of where Peaches is at with the idea of riding her out on the trails in uncontrolled environment.
I had hoped Andrea would ride Peaches outside and on the trails on the property. That would be the real test but winter in MN isn't the best time for this but I just didn't want to wait.
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Dec 22, 2014 13:56:32 GMT
Well maybe in the spring/summer you can take Peaches back to Andrea to ride out on the trails. I agree with all the rest that it's a great thing that she is listening to you and doing what you ask even if she is nervous. Keep up the good, slow, steady work with her. It will pay off in time.
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Dec 22, 2014 14:02:16 GMT
If Peaches and I didn't share so many traits in common this would be easier
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Post by carshon on Dec 22, 2014 14:26:41 GMT
On the cross ties. I went to a college for a short time that had an equestrian program. I made a deal with the instructor to take my morgan/paint mare down there. Talk a about a thorn among roses! But - my mare had never been stalled or cross tied. I tried the cross ties and my mare hated it. So we did not cross tie. I saw an awful lot of wrecks down there with horses and corss ties and have never been a fan since. Realize that many of the horses were young and the students were young and the assumption was that "all horses" cross tied. Not SO!
So if Peaches is not a horse that likes cross ties. Who Cares? Don't put her in the cross ties.
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Dec 24, 2014 15:03:14 GMT
Rather than me going to a psychologist to help me develop confidence I'm hoping that practicing horsemsnship and being supported by you guys will accomplish the same thing.
So on that note I was hoping Peaches' experience at this busy barn and the experience of bring boarded and me seeing her every day will help both of us be calmer, happier thru greater confidence through these various learning experiences.
Maybe a little bit but not nearly enough yet. I guess I'm disappointed because I've wanted this for so very many years it just come soon enough. Plus my job isn't going well because of miscommunication of management's expectations and my willingness to plunge ahead. So that is so incredibly stressful I nearly can't stand it but of course carry on.
I'm wishing Peaches was better than she is and I'm sure she's wishing the same.
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Post by carshon on Dec 24, 2014 16:17:58 GMT
Nope  - not going to accept your post. Taking the blame for everything. First you need to realize that Peaches one and only expectation is that someone be a leader. You have made great strides in that. You don't build confidence in an hour, a day, a month or a year. Confidence is like legos - each individual experience (or lego) does not a strong tower make, you click many experiences (legos) together and you can build a fortress. For those of us lucky enough to have grow up with horses our Towers started early when our self preservation instincts were low. For those getting into horses later in life those instincts can mean that your legos are smaller - You can build the same tower but it will take more legos. You can do this - and you have made great strides. Quit comparing your experiences to Andreas or any other person's. Your experiences are yours alone - and each and every one of them good or bad creates a lego. Jobs are stressful and your horse should not add to the stress - if you do not feel like doing anything but going to the barn and smelling Peaches breath - then that is all that you should do. If you just want to stare at her while she is grazing in the field - that is all that you should do. Your interaction with her should not start feeling like a job - it should feel like a happy place. Don't be disappointed - we, your friends here, are not at all disappointed, we are excited at the strides you have made in this past month. We celebrate changing bandages, giving medications, successful leading. Your story is all of our story and we appreciate you sharing and want to let you know we are PROUD of what you have done. Smell your horse and enjoy her -- let her calm beauty wash over you - and be OK that you are taking baby steps. Merry Christmas - I will be thinking of you. |
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...feel better too!!
- not going to accept your post. Taking the blame for everything. First you need to realize that Peaches one and only expectation is that someone be a leader. You have made great strides in that. You don't build confidence in an hour, a day, a month or a year. Confidence is like legos - each individual experience (or lego) does not a strong tower make, you click many experiences (legos) together and you can build a fortress. For those of us lucky enough to have grow up with horses our Towers started early when our self preservation instincts were low. For those getting into horses later in life those instincts can mean that your legos are smaller - You can build the same tower but it will take more legos. You can do this - and you have made great strides. Quit comparing your experiences to Andreas or any other person's. Your experiences are yours alone - and each and every one of them good or bad creates a lego.