She’s a Sparkler

Good news - I rode Sparkler! Who’s Sparkler, you ask? Well, everyone knows a horse named Sugar. It’s like having a dog named Fido. It’s a nice name, but so, ... well, generic. I’ve been thinking about this for some time. Since Sugar’s registered name is Sparkles Queen Delight, I've decided to nickname her Sparkler instead of Sugar Baby. She has a sister nicknamed Sparkette or I’d use that.

Vicki, dear friend, came again today. We decided this was the day. Sparkler saddled easily. The bridle was a bit more of a challenge, but not much. In the confines of the enclosed, cement floor loafing shed, Vicki had me step into the stirrup and step down three times before I swung my leg over and got on. Then she led me for maybe 5 minutes just to get her used to this. I need to find a safe place to ride outside. Maybe I'm just paranoid, but all I have is wide open spaces out there. Maybe she won't get away from me, but I can’t help but seeing myself thrown off into barbed wire. It wasn't much, but it's a first step.

The cinch strap we used tonight was too long and we had to tie it. Red's bridle is too big. They're both made of nylon. After Vicki left, I decided to create some extra holes. You'd think this would be easy. I tried a hand-held cigarette lighter to heat a good-sized nail, then pounded the nail into the spot where I needed the extra hole. I couldn't get the nail hot enough - you need a really hot nail to melt the nylon cleanly. Next I tried a candle, but that didn't work either. I couldn't get a big enough flame and it kept blowing out. Finally, I found a pair of plyers so my fingers wouldn't burn and kept the nail in the flame of the lighter until it was really hot and it worked!

Vicki on Tuesday

Vicki, my friend who transported my horses from Kentucky to Wisconsin, came out tonight. Our husbands golf together on Tuesdays, so what better way to idle away the time than to play with the babies? I think Vicki feels responsible in some ways for ensuring I make progress, since she brought them here. What she doesn’t realize is that I’m forever in her debt.

I’m learning more grooming and disciplinary techniques. When Vicki talks, Red listens. But she uses a BIG, DEEP voice and there is no mistaking what she wants him to do. Why can’t I do that?

Together again

I couldn’t stand it any more. The flies are so terrible this time of the year they bother Red mercilessly. The temps are in the 90s with high humidity and he has no escape from either. Red has scratches all over his chest from rubbing along the tape fencing. So despite his vastly more humble attitude since his separation from Sugar, I had to open the gate and let him be with his buddy and get away from the horrible conditions outside.

Separation anxiety

I’m so surprised. I got a call today from Larry; a friend of a friend who heard about my horse bite. He offered to work with Red in his round pen, if I can get him to him. With no trailer and no practice loading him (it took 1 ½ hours to get him loaded in KY), there’s no chance of this happening. But I can’t believe the offer. I shouldn’t be. I’m learning that the horse community is a very caring one.

I decided to separate Red and Sugar. Red is in the east pasture without access to the loafing shed. But he has plenty of shade and water. Sugar, being the good horse she is, gets the west side where she can get inside the loafing shed away from the flies. It is a relief to easily get to each horse without fear of them trampling you. Red is definitely P.O.d and races up and down the fence that separates them.

I don’t feel sorry for him. Almost a week after the bite, my arm is still black and blue but the wound is scabbing over nicely.

Fooled Red

Tonight, Red got the worming paste in his applesauce and Sugar got the plain stuff. He is such a pig, he noticed something odd, I could tell, but that didn’t stop him from cleaning his plate. That takes care of both of them for now.

Fooled Sugar

Tonight I mixed Sugar’s worm dose in with a little extra sugar to cover the taste. I didn't want to try it on Red until I saw how it worked. She knew there was something odd about the taste but we had success!

Continuing the setup

I gave the horses more applesauce in pie tins. They really look forward getting it. The pie tins are working really well--a little sloppy but they lick their plates clean. They shouldn't hesitate when I slip in the worm paste ... I hope.

Pie tins do the trick

I realize the bite I got yesterday was probably my fault for bringing food into the pasture where I usually feed the horses. So I won’t do that again. I found that putting the applesauce in disposable pie tins made it easier for them to eat the applesauce. But I give it to them inside the confines of the loafing shed on the other side of the panels where I’m safe. I held one in each hand as far apart from each of the two horses as possible.

I've also decided that I absolutely won't give the horse treats any longer. The biting may be from expecting to get a treat, and they are looking for pockets or other places where I may be carrying them. Dawna told me this and I’ve seen it mentioned on the Internet.

Damn you, Red

This was to be my big day. Armed with my new experience with Dawna’s horse, Monty, I was going to make big progress today. I started by bringing two bowls of applesauce out in the pasture -- this was to get them accustomed to getting the treat until the time comes to add worm paste (the sneak technique).

I didn’t see it coming. Red came charging up to me and before I knew it, he had bitten me in the arm and I was on the ground with no way to retaliate. The bite went through the fabric of my shirt and I was bleeding! Not to be intimidated, I dusted myself off and got the halter inside the loafing shed where he had retreated. We had a shouting match until I realized that wasn’t doing any good. So I put the halter on him and took him outside to try some lead work. This did not go well. He leans into me and I can’t make him respect my space. After 5 minutes, I quit. I was too rattled to do anything with poor Sugar. I retreated to the house to bandage my arm.

Monty magic

I picked up my daughter, Lisa, from town and headed to Dawna’s for our 8:30 a.m. date. Dawna showed us some ground handling techniques with her horse, a black and white Tennessee Walker named Monty. These techniques are so rudimentary, but starting from scratch as I am, so helpful for me to build up my confidence.

Dawna’s ranch is fantastic -- a beautiful new facility. We met her granddaughter who has her own horse, Brittany, that her grandmother gave her.

It seemed so easy with her well-trained horse, Monty. We did some leading, turning and backing up. Tomorrow I’ll try this at home – I can’t wait.

I've switched to Sweet 12 pellet food. Sally says there’s less molasses in it and it could be that’s what Red doesn’t like. He really likes the new stuff!