Skinny Minny

We brought Abby home from training this past weekend.  In 6 weeks, she dropped a lot of weight, became ribby and seemed "down."  Mark, the trainer, called me multiple times, telling me what a nice filly she was, but that he felt she just wasn't "right."  She had lost weight, seemed sluggish, and TOO mellow for a 2 year old.  He thought perhaps it was just too much for her too soon.  She went from being with her buddies, Iney and Anna, to a strange horse pal.  From lush, green pastures to a dirt lot fed hay.  He supplemented with grain, but she still lost weight.  He didn't over-ride her, only about half an hour a day, 6 days a week, but apparently, that was too much for HER.  I suggested we bring her home, let her chill out and resume training in cooler weather if  needed.  I love this sweet girl.  I don't want to do anything to jeopardize her sweet ways.  I just appreciate a trainer that pays attention to the horse and its well being, and not so much on his pocket.  How refreshing.

 I'm happy to report, she is happy and has started gaining weight!

Iney getting some sniffs in to make sure Abby's the same as when she left.  Check!

Abby's First Ride

I got this picture last night from Mark, the trainer.  He stated he rode Abby for the first time in the big, outdoor arena.  She walked, jogged and loped.  She did great.  I wish I could have been there!  BUT, I'm hoping to make it out tonight if my case load here at work lightens up.  *sigh*  For now, I dream of riding my black beauty through the woods and in the meadows.  

Saddle Time

 As promised...Mark got on Abby Wednesday.

 She did great.  I'm more and more impressed with this little filly everyday!

She is learning so much!  She's learning to appreciate a nice cold bath after a hard workout.  I am ITCHING to ride her myself!!!



Buckin' Bronco

First and foremost, I am not a photographer. I don't even TRY to pretend to be one. So, I will apologize for the quality of these pictures now. Even in "Sport" mode, Abby's quick movements are blurry. I swear I need a PhD to figure this camera out...Without further ado...

Wednesday was day 3 for Abby in training.  Already, I see an enormous difference in my girl.  She has gone from being a pasture pony to a gleaming black beauty.  Mark Noel has already worked wonders with her.  She is standing tied...

Trotting out...

Showing great confidence already...

Stands patiently, if not a bit curious as to what will be asked next.

Mark gets her used to having her girth area cinched with a rope.
She wasn't phased at all.

He tightened it up...

Got her ready for the saddle...

Put the saddle on.

And YEE-HAW! 

She calmed down soon enough once she got it out of her system and realized the saddle wasn't the boogie man.

He lunged her out..

Gave her some reassurance and love...

Mark did get in the saddle, but I'll save that post for tomorrow. 

 
Hunter and Pyper tagged along as I wore Raegan on my back.  As they were playing in the hay, a little dog jumped up in Pyper's lap.  She was THRILLED!

 
On a side note, I bought this horse trailer yesterday!  I've been saving for it for some time.  I'm so excited to go trail riding this summer!  I've missed it!!!

Abby Goes To School!

 The trainer, Mark Noel, came over yesterday to get Abby.  I called her and she came running.  Every little girl is excited for the first day of school!

 Anna, her momma had to say goodbye and walked her to the bus stop.  Mark quickly haltered her and led her down. 

Of course, Iney had to say farewell, too.

 

 Abby has never seen or been on a trailer before.  I was VERY nervous as to how she would fare, but I should have known better.

 Mark walked up in the trailer and gently asked to approach.

 Abby wasn't too sure, but curious.

 Mark never got impatient, just watched her sniffing and processing the event...

He put a lariat around her bottom to encourage forward propulsion, and very gently applied pressure.

That did the trick!  She tentatively stepped up...

and hopped on the trailer.

He had her get on and off several times to make sure she was comfortable with it.  She was.  This all took a total of 10 minutes!

At the barn.  They have a wonderful indoor round pen.  She is in a lot with a little Hackney horse, and seems to be excited about her new adventure!

Open Up and Say, "AHHH!"

In preparation of Abby, our 2 year old filly, going off to training this week, we had shots, Coggins and wolf teeth excised.  You may be wondering what all this stuff means, but the shots are to protect her from a range of diseases.  Especially since she will be going to a barn off the property with a bunch of unknown horses.    A Coggins test is a test required for all horses when they go to a show, cross state lines or sometimes when sold.  Coggins is not a disease, but instead a test performed for equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV). It's recommended to have a  Coggins test and shots annually.  Typically done in the spring.  Wolf teeth a little teeth that the horse doesn't really use or need.  Instead, they can cause mouth pain when the horse is introduced to the bit, and why it is recommended to remove them to rule out any bit problems in the future. 

This is not Abby, but it does illustrate where Wolf Teeth are in the horse's mouth.

See how little they are?

 

The picture above shows how the bit can hit on the wolf teeth and cause mouth pain.  The top arrow is pointing to the wolf teeth. 

Frances Grubb, our trusty vet and wonderful friend, came over yesterday evening to give everyone their shots, pull Abby's Coggins and wolf teeth.  She looks and feels in Abby's mouth and feels a little something...

She gives Abby a sedative and pain killer to relax her and prevent any discomfort.

 

Then Frances brings out this mid-evil looking halter and Abby starts dancing.  She's probably thinking, "You've got to be kidding me lady!  You're not putting that contraption in my mouth and expect me to stand still for it!!!???"

But, she does.  Abby didn't object too much.  It just fits like a halter with a mechanical mouth opener thing-y.  I'm sure there is a technical term for it, but whatever.

Abby knows she looks silly and is hanging her head in shame.  Not really.  She's drugged out of her gourd.  :)

"Momma, whath thith thing doing to my mouwf?  And why ith Iney laughing at meh???

Frances gets a good look in her mouth and tries to get a hold on the little tiny teeth...

Frances says they have barely broken through and are positioned to the inside of the jaw.  She tries several times, but can't get a good grip on them.  She doesn't think they will cause any trouble with training as they are so little.  She'll try to get them out in another 6 months or so.  I have learned to trust Frances' opinion and will wait.

Poor Abby is drunk and wobbly.

Frances mentions taking advantage of her state and clips her bridle path.  She did great.  She's now ready to go to training!!!  Thanks, Frances, and thanks, Jenn for taking pictures.