Less Than One Month to Go!

Well folks, we've got less than 30 days to go, now!  I'm very happy with where Rooster and I are, although it's impossible not to look back and think about things I could have done differently or should have done differently.  But - this is my first EMM and even still, every horse is different.  We will never have all the answers.

From here on out, my goal will be lots of miles under saddle with Rooster and trying to perfect those refinement skills like getting more framed up, side-passing and lead changes.  Rooster seems pretty darn comfortable in the trailer now and has had several baths without any real opposition.  I think he's finally gotten used to my dog unexpectedly jumping out from the bushes or from under the trailer, too.

Tomorrow, we head west to Deer Park, Wash. for our first big road trip.  The plan is to depart around Noon, hit the vet's office on the way out for a CVI (required for horses to travel across state lines) and arrive in Deer Park around 7 or 8pm.  I've got a lesson tentatively set up on Saturday with Gerry Cox of Mountain House Stables in Colville, Wash.  Gerry is a well-known horse trainer in the area and has participated in past EMMs.  I'm really looking forward to his input and advice.  Then, Rooster and I will head back home on Monday, July 4th.

First Trim

Rooster had his first visit from the farrier today and he handled it like a champ.  The farrier was really impressed.  The only thing that really worried Rooster at first the was the sound and feeling of the rasp.  After a couple hooves, he didn't mind it at all.  Nice to have a good trim on those feet, finally - they were getting a bit long!

Week Eleven

Update on Rooster:

Rooster was quite fearful with a rider at the lope, so we've been doing a lot more round pen work asking for just a few strides at a time and he seems to be getting it, now.  He's doing extremely well at the walk and trot and we've been practicing on the obstacles I have around our yard.  Rooster practically ignores my two mares while we are at work.  I was worried with his "studly" beginnings that he'd be a handful around them, but he seems to understand who is more important.  :)

Sorry again for the lack of photos.  When I am the only cameraman, I feel like they start to get repetitive, much like training I suppose.  Repetition and consistency!

Rooster did get a bath this weekend and he seemed to enjoy it after our little workout - even played with the water a little.  It helps when the weather cooperates.  In some ways he is already more well-behaved than my domestics.

We are planning our first over-night haul to my folks' place in Deer Park, Wash. on July 1st - 4th.  It is a 7-8 hour drive.  Will keep you posted!

Bath Time

Rooster got a bath, today!

More Rides

Still just putting more rides on the Rooster each night.  We went back to the round pen to amp up the pressure a little.  He's getting more and more used to me bouncing around on his back every day.  He's giving nicely to the bit and we've started working on our shoulder control, hip control and side-passing.  Slow and steady wins the race!

Week Ten

"What is on me?"

"Are we done, yet?"

A good friend of mine had a really cool Freestyle idea.  So... if we make it into the Top Ten, I think we'll be ready!

Farm Auction Treasures

Didn't quite get home with enough time to do much Rooster work last night, but Rooster is overdue for a trim and I think it would do him a lot of good.  Unfortunately, I don't have the knowledge and skill to trim myself.  The good news is: Rooster basically falls asleep when I'm messing with his feet because he's so used to it, now.

We picked up a couple treasures at the farm auction, including this fully-functioning John Deere manure spreader.  It's a bit of an antique, but I've wanted a manure spreader for some time and I think this will be just the ticket!

John Deere Model L, Series 51

Week Nine - Evening Rides

Just realized today marks Month #2!  Wow, the time flies!

We've spent the last couple of nights riding outside the round pen in our yard area.  Still trying to get Rooster more relaxed under saddle, but he improves consistently every day.  My personal challenge for the EMM will be refinement skills like side-passing, spins and lead changes (things I never learned as a kid riding around in the field!).  Will I be able to get on and ride out at the competition?  Of course.  Will we be competitive against some of the professionals in our "fancy" footwork?  Only time will tell - but we're certainly going to give it our best shot!

This weekend, my husband and I are headed to a farm equipment auction in Livingston, MT.  Hopefully we'll be back late Saturday night or Sunday afternoon.  Rooster will get a couple days off - no partying while we're away, buddy!

Trying to get some good photos when Rooster decided the green grass (what few strands are there!) was just too tempting!

Week Nine

Rooster has become much more comfortable in the trailer and is hopping in with little hesitation.  This evening, we hauled again to the KW Arena in Sunburst for a little work out.  He's still a little fussy when unloading in a new place, however I'm confident we'll overcome that in the next few hauls.  Hard to believe we've passed the half-way point.  Only about 50 days to go, now!

Not too shabby for a 'stang!

Super Smooth

We visited the neighbor's arena again this weekend and made some excellent headway.  As always, Rooster was on his best behavior and continues to impress me every step of the way.

Sweet Grass Hills

Rooster, Mesa (my other mustang) and I spent Saturday up in the Sweet Grass Hills with our good friend Ciara and her trusty Appaloosa mare, Cleo.  Ciara was kind enough to document the ride with lots of great photos!

"The Hills" reach an elevation of 6,983' and encompass both private and public land.

This was Rooster's first ride in the trailer with other horses and with dividers closed.  He traveled with no problems and although he's still hesitant to load and even unload, I would rather he proceed with caution than fire in and out of the trailer.  He's coming along nicely in that regard.

A new environment with dogs barking and 4-wheelers zipping around was definitely a little worrying for Rooster, but he settled right down with the other two horses and after some time preparing at the trailhead, we headed out on our way.

Rooster crossed every stream, muddy bog and rock outcropping with confidence and ease.  I couldn't be happier with his performance and I'm looking forward to more trail hours with him, both in The Hills and hopefully the Bob Marshall Wilderness this summer.

Uneventful Rides

Nothing exciting to report on the training front.  I've gotten a few more rides on Rooster this week, very slow and easy-going.  Trying to build up his confidence with me on his back as I can tell he's still a little worried about it.  Looks like the weather is supposed to stay nice for a while, so we will have the opportunity to be a lot more consistent.

Each day we load in and out of the trailer, so he's getting more and more used to that.  Still hesitant, but he always goes in and out calmly.

Another thing we've been fine-tuning are Rooster's leading skills.  He usually follows behind me at one speed.  He's now learning to rate with me and also lead at my side.  I'd like to get him backing with me a lot easier, too.

All in due time!