Day 75: nasty weather, awesome day.

Too wet & cold to play today, but have a couple of prospects lined up for the new year as far as a horse career goes so I'm anxious to see if the near future holds an awesome hand for me. :)


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Day 74: :) last break day!

Bought a spiral notebook to keep up with how much time I'm investing (well worth it!) 2013 so this is the longest break my little man will have I hope since he'll be 3 this upcoming year. :) my little baby is growing up. Hahaha. Night!


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Day 73: YESTERDAY

No play - cramping.


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Day 72: ew.

Cramping horribly. No playing today. :(


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Day 71: played with Ike in snow & ice

It was chilly, but I could breathe and I hated days going by without spending any real time with Ike. Went through everything he knows while using my new 6 ft pink stick. :) (thank you Ron) Ike is doing progressively better with "through" without me beside him. (Sending him forward) doing really well with his feet even at liberty.


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Day 70: winter wonderland

Still snow on the ground, though the sun was shining. I've been a mess of sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose,& congestion. Didn't play with ponies again today, & thankfully Colin moved our hoof trimming appointment tentatively to Monday. Hope it doesn't rain. Bah.
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Day 69: White Christmas

It's snowing outside. Started with sleet. Not pretty at all for ponies. :(


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Day 68: sickly

Didn't play with ponies today. Have a low grade temp which I'm hoping doesn't get me down for the next few days. :/ Ron is just getting over it. Yuck.


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Day 67: typical day

Normal play. :) suuuper sleepy! Gn.


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Day 66: just fed

Christmas is right around the corner, so my day was spent in Frisco & McKinney. No sessions today.


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Day 65: gorgeous weather

Ike is fantastic. :) picked up several cones again today. Doing well with kiss, hug, using his lips to move the cone (wow) hahahaha I wanted him pushing it but if he wants to make it complicated-awesome. He'll only get better at manipulating those powerful little lippies and make teaching other things that require that precision easier. :) going to teach him taking something in his mouth soon, so excited that he wants to be mouthy. Don't want to discourage that, just don't want it directed at me/people. Mounted him from a fence for the first time today. Was kind of scared of how he'd respond since its coming from above him. Showed him I was there, touched him, put one leg over, removed it, repeated and shifted from the fence to his back. He just continued eating like that was totally normal. :) love my pony so much.


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Day 64: passed the 2 month mark.

Never in a million years would I have expected to be so far along by now. Ike successfully lifted cones more than once today. Not 100 percent understanding what he should do if it isn't faced where he can nudge the base, but he's trying, and I'm happy with trying :) doing awesome at step ( up down or over) sidestepping, walk trot transitions, smiling, hugs and kisses, handing each foot, tucking his head into a halter or bb. Comes when called, makes the choice to be with me at liberty. More receptive to new dogs near by on the ground. Come warmer weather I think I'll do quite a bit of ponying him with Amocean. We'll make an awesome little riding pony of him yet! :) love my boys.


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Day 63: YESTERDAY learning push with nose

Did perfectly this am.. Still really trying to have him gain the understanding to pick up downed cones. This will be really awesome in my mind for picking up fallen cones on horseback and giving him the foundation for pushing with his head. Doing great with hug and kiss.


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Day 62: ummm..

A day of getting 2 saddles, grooming a cat, and dropping and picking up Polly for a teeth cleaning and vaccines along with cards Rob's final night here left no time to play with the boys. :(

I did however find an incredible person whom I'm discussing custom saddle pads with! Oo-la-la!!!

Crazy long strenuous day. So so happy Polly's mouth has been cleaned. She needed that. Gn.


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Day 61: YESTERDAY

Ike's doing awesome at new stuff including kiss, hug, cross (feet) and folding his leg. (Front left.)

Also working on pushing with his muzzle (that will be huge in so many ways!)


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Day 60: so exciting!

Wow. Did so much with Ike today, its crazy.

Played with him this morning and wanted at least a couple of new easy behaviors
1. "kiss" which is just touch which he already knows but on my cheek. I guess polishing it would be him raising just his lip to my cheek
2." Hug " which is just flexing with me in the space that flexing creates.

Yesterday, I worked on him with cross (crossing his front feet) and he already knows that from side stepping, so its just capturing the moment one leg is over the other and having him hold that. So much of training is capturing a single movement within a motion or series of motions. Or, breaking something up into all the little motions that create it, so he understands more.

Also working on 3 different leg movements in addition to the cross.

1. Fold your leg under and hold
2. Stretch your leg out and hold it on ground for parking
3. Step high

He's being called forward on the pedestal so getting more confident about back legs up there. Not all 4, just walking his front down and his back up.

Other than that, George suggested I let the horses on the grass today which I've not been doing as its newer planted sod ad the roots are easily pulled so the single time I'd done that in the past wasn't looking like I'd be doing the grass a favor which is a favor to the horses in the long run. Anyhow, I let them out and wanted to see if Ike would listen on new territory with grass all over the ground as a distraction.

He even had to cross a real ditch and his practice with the word "step" up, down, over, made teaching that a breeze.

Also, walked him by and up to a bench swing and a punching bag with a flapping plastic black trash bag on it, by a squeaky windmill, and over an old burn pile. All of these were new to him but bc of past exposure to other things and a calm demeanor in his human:p... He was able to follow with only minimal hesitation.

He's outside eating lunch now. He's sooo awesome. I think he's going to have an awesome vocabulary come his fourth birthday. I don't know what I'll have left to teach him at that point! :p



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Day 59: side step beside me & lift your leg

Played with Ike as usual. Introduced him to stepping sideways as I do with us facing he same direction and lifting his leg up (left then right)


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Day 58: YESTERDAY

Played with Ike. All normal stuff. Nothing new was introduced. He did well. He's been a little distracted these last 2 days. The weather isn't pleasant. We actually got rain today. Thankfully I got my lesson in before it was heavy. Love my pony.


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Day 57: VIDEO

http://youtu.be/Gl0lxuWeRx8


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Day 56: turn with me

My pony is so much fun. Shot an awesome video of an afternoon session but accidentally didn't hit "use" so it would be saved. He's learned to turn with me when I spin the opposite direction. Still improving with "stand" and "smile" he is so so so SO much fun! Ron helped build a little enclosure in the paddock so I can seperate whomever Im not working with. (Much easier)


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Day 55: the sun is shining.

Today, we played with everything he knows. He's stepping in the hole that held water nicely. The water has drained now, so I'm hoping if a little water gets added at a time, he'll be more comfortable stepping into water. He was doing beautifully with everything INCLUDING pace today. (Only walk/trot) since he's younger. Working on backing straight and backing with a pull on his mane asking him to reverse. Also introduced him to tipping cones up. Not pretty at all! He actually did it, but not pretty. I did just introduce it, so it should be expected that its not gorgeous yet. :). I'm proud of all his effort.


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Day 54: Brrrrr.

It was 31 degrees today. My hands were FrEEzING as I tried to cue and treat Ike. Only played with him about 10-15 minutes before I had to surrender. We actually had snow flurries sticking to the grass outside the horse paddock. Didn't do anything new. Night.


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Day 53: water training -yuck

Yesterday Ron made a natural step in earth and dug a little baby pond to get Ike used to crossing water. I introduced the water to him today and I'm covered in dry mud ( all from handling the stick and line) it took about an hour to get him calmer about approaching/crossing (not stepping in yet) that's all I did with him before breakfast.


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Day 52: stepping sideways facing me both ways

Lowering head nicely. Moving sideways nicely. Doing soooo much better at standing. Sending him past me to do various obstacles "over", "through", "around ". Still improving with Holding feet up when asked for them. Improving all around.

Especially working on pace, traveling on my left side as well as the right, and new... Pressure on base of neck means turn head opposite direction.
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Day 51: learning sideways facing me

Ike was doing everything he's been shown and I decided to introduce sideways to him while e is facing me so he doesn't feel his only options are to back or feel confined since I don't want him moving forward and crowding my space. He's so smart. Within 3 minutes, he was moving sideways facing me. Only asked for single steps since its new and I wanted to release the pressure for his efforts. My very bright pony is totally awesome.


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Day 50: lower your head.

Along with everything he's doing, I have him dipping his head when I do that with mine. It's quite funny to have him mimic. Still improving most with pace and standing. He's actually doing better so I'm going to keep polishing it. Repetition is key but its also how you bore a horse so I have to look at ways I can ask him to do those things without being boring. Challenge? :p


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Day 49: YESTERDAY

Just played with Ike, included Amocean so he doesn't feel left out, but communicating with 2 horses proves much more difficult


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Day 48: I have a genius pony. :)

Introduced Ike to all the new stuff today.(with the exeption of the steer head and the lariat)
He crossed the PVC pipe (done something similar)
He wove the cones and circled them as asked (done something similar)
He walked between 2 vertical posts (never done before)
BEST standing he's done was today. I actually walked all the way around while he was asked to "STAND"
(this word actually lets me ask him to keep his feet planted on the pedestal when he steps up and I can walk under him)
He's planting his feet on a strip of mat about 5 inches wide (AWESOME!)
He's backing by his tail (have attempted this in the past, but got my first positive direction today)
He's lowering his head (newly introduced, not a great understanding yet) He'll get there!
He let me mount with a swing up first time today and flexes either direction at liberty.
He's just grasping everything I introduce him to so beautifully! Its awesome!
Standing is what I struggle the most with because when I move he wants to as well. However, he's finally starting to gain an understanding that I want him to park his feet. Also, as previously mentioned, working on him traveling MY pace. Often he does, but he wants to pass me up and enabling him to do that positions him as the leader or doesn't put him in a position to see what I'm doing easily.  Work in progress. I can't constantly nag him or he won't see being with me fun, but at the same time, consistency enables him to better see what the desired behavior is.  If ever he doesn't grasp what I'm asking, I have to look at how I'm asking and how I can be more clear. I have to keep a clear head and thats beautiful training for me. 
He's also letting me grab a foot with a lead rope and reposition it to park him out. I can tap his back feet with my feet and he backs them up to lower his stance. 
I'm doing lots of feet handling and getting him to understand what I want with his feet before I put hobbles on him.  I won't have him wear them long at all, I just want him to trust that anything I do isn't going to harm him even if its unnatural.  He's just absolutely awesome. 
I'm in awe of how readily he takes everything in.  Absolutely LOVE that pony.
I do need to tie him or pen him and play with Amocean though.  Poor guy is being left out! Amocean doesnt do everything as readily or willingly as Ike, but man has he wanted to be part of the action lately. Its cute.

Day 47: my pony got presents!

Ron bought me a western pad as a birthday present this year smx air ride pad which I returned for store credit today and spent if on new stuff. I sold my saddle, so Im riding bareback for the time being. Hopefully I can FIND a 15" australian saddle before too long.
I got a set of hobbles. I got a pair of plastic holders and a 4" diameter PVC pipe for going over (jumping for Amocean but not for Ike yet) I got 3 cones, a syringe, 2 picket line ties, and a steer head. (Already had a rope at home) cramps were killing me today, so I only fed the babies. I didn't do any training today.


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Day 46: I love my pony.

He's so so smart. Introduced him to a bitless bridle today. Actually asked him to flex and move forward and whoa. Did superb. I won't do this daily by any stretch of the imagination, but man is he gonna be awesome! Everything I do on the ground ties in with communicating to him from his back. It's absolutely awesome to experience that transition first-hand.

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Day 45: he cantered!!!!

Lol. I routinely walk or jog to have Ike walk or trot by me, today I wanted more speed so I ran and suggested he pick up the pace too.. So thrilled that he actually did. That was awesome. Side stepped both directions today. Over my little pipe obstacle too. :)


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Day 44: Did a wither tracing today.

Ron helped me bend a wire over Amocean and Ike for a saddle to be fitted. (Australian) Amocean is 14.3 71" heart girth and Ike is 13.1 and 62.5" I'll see what options I have in a saddle I can ultimately use on either mount. Also put a pipe (elevated about a foot from the ground ) in paddock today for Ike to step over/ step sideways over. I only had him step over it today. I'll try doing more with it tomorrow.


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Day 43: I have the smartest pony in the world!

Played with Ike outside (haha) and at first he got excited when I went out like "my food!", so I just stood in one spot and didnt give him anything until he settled down and just stood. He side passed away from me and towards me, (no lines) soooo awesome! Also worked on him keeping my pace and slowing him before he passed me up. Pushed his hind quarters over on the side opposite of where I was standing to put him in the stance I want him where he's ready to walk with me. Also introduced him to 3 new things today!
1. Move your head away while feet don't move
2. Move your head towards me while your feet don't move
And 3. Turn all the way around away from me and turn to face me.

Had no idea that would be on our day today, so stoked that he's picking things up so well. Absolutely amazed at how well he grasps things and retains them. I love that pony. :)


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Day 42: learning sideways towards me

Man, the days are flying by now. Today, I was so happy the sun was out. I decided I would try again to teach Ike, sideways to me. (Really I'm just asking his hind end to step to me right now) then, I'll ask for his front, and then work on him moving them together. He's much better when I'm asking him step towards me and I'm standing on his right side. On his left side..he's more hesitant to step my direction. (This is laterally/sideways) I tied a rope around his belly and after tapping him to ask him step towards me, I pulled the rope, when he took a step, I released the pressure. I ended it on a good note as I recently read something that said to avoid asking for "just one more time" when your horse has done something well. End on a good note. Proud to say, I heeded that advice. In walking, he wants to pass me up so I'm stopping and making sure he comes back to my side before continuing. I don't want his mind ahead of what I'm asking him. He's really a brilliant little pony. As much as I'd love to ride him, the ground stuff is really fun. I'm glad there are people (myself included) who believe building the bond comes from the ground. I hope he's an amazing partner. I need to work on him recognizing gait, maintaining it, and STANDING!


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Day 41: introducing step sideways to me

He's not yet grasping it. Phooey. :) everything else he's doing nicely with.

Pictures are of my baby as a younger baby.:p

Day 40: My pony rocks. :)

Played with Ike before mucking today. He did incredibly well. I even had him step sideways for the first time without using a fence. The coolest thing happened. In asking for him to move over he started to walk forward so I blocked him with an arm in front of him (not touching him) and one asking his shoulder over ...he actually stopped as moved just his front end. It sounds like a ridiculously small thing, but I was sooo stoked I laughed out loud. It was just awesome that he understood. :) super beautiful day.


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Day 39: VIDEO!!!

http://youtu.be/-DSEE8TyGxc


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Day 38: lots of good things

Played with Ike as usual. Best side stepping he's done at liberty. Did a little more asking for just his fore quarters to move. Great at backing and disengaging, being sent really well. Great draw. Has a lot of positive things going for him. I emailed Echo asking for advice in my problem areas which Ive disclosed in previous posts. I shall see what she says. She's extremely gifted in her responses. This will be the first email I've gotten back about addressing anything with Ike. I've spoken with her about Amocean in striving for bridleless riding with him. He rides bitless/bareback no problem. :)


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Day 37: tricks with no treats

Went out to play with Ike this morning and got a call from the groom I was doing and headed out a little early. Fed the ponies and left. Ended up getting ticketed.:( when I got back, I went to play with Ike rewards being release of pressure.


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Day 36: Thanksgiving

Played with Ike this morning and he did really well. Recorded a lot, but on Ron's phone not on my video editing app, so deleted it. I'll record a video soon of what all he's doing. :) did ball, weaving, standing by hung tarp, going around trees, bowing, tying for feet, liberty work squeeze and drive. :p night.


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Day 35: YESTERDAY Grrrr.

This blog gets typed in and doesn't post what I write! Did the normal stuff with Ike. Poop on it not being saved!
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Day 34: Colin came back out.

Mucked, tied Ike and cleaned both horses feet. Watched both horses get trimmed. So amazed at what a great job is done with them by Colin. Ike was SO MUCH better than last time but still really tried taking that back right foot. Colin didn't let him have it, and Ike settled about it so Colin put it down on his terms. Back to working with him more as of tomorrow. Maybe, I should clean them twice a day. Def need to tie to get him not pawing. OH, and his stomping/pawing when asked to bow. The solution came to me last night. (Or a solution/reason) I need a loop on his leg to apply pressure if he paws and remove it when he stops. Duh!! I had a few people recommend hobbles and those would essentially give him a release when he stood. Anyhow, I'll pick up on his training again tomorrow. He's still incredibly fun and def. humbling. :) I think we're accomplishing a lot in the little time we've spent together. :)
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Day 33: my meanie baby.

Ike is doing beautifully with everything he's asked. He can weave poles, be sent around trees, will walk either direction in a very sloppy circle around me at liberty. Stepping sideways both directions. Just really trying everything. He's pawing and not standing so I'm going to be working on him standing more than anything else without treating him. The hardest part about this is wanting him as a partner and trying to be soft with him while needing him to be respectful and accepting human leadership so being firm enough not to let him get away with things that he shouldn't be allowed to do. It's a balance I struggle with. I try not to be frustrated as I know horses are extremely keen to read our emotions and I want him making effort to progress. I look for rewarding the little things and trying to stay positive and keep sessions short and end on good notes and not micro manage him. I try to remember I can learn from him and I have to listen to carry a conversation instead of do all the talking. If I want him to see me as a friend, I have to be one. His feet get done tomorrow. Hoping he does really well. I mean REALLY hoping every day of handling his feet this past month means there's a noticeable difference in how he is. (In a good way)


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Day 32: 2 day countdown!

Went outside and said hello to everyone.  This is Zach's (9 years old) second day of staying with us as he's on Thanksgiving Vacation and he went out in the cold with me to muck.  He claims to love "training" horses. (super cute)  After cleaning the ground up, I haltered Ike and led him a bit, tied him and walked away to clean Amocean's feet. I let Zach spray his feet after I pick them with apple cider vinegar.  Then I walked to Ike and asked for each foot to clean them. He's doing so much better at attempting to lift the foot and hold it for a hand to catch it in air.  If he doesn't offer it to me when I say "foot", I tap the heel of the foot I want and he shifts weight off of it.  I lift it from there and reward him making it easy to get the foot I want.  Any effort is good in my book for now.  After that, I asked him to weave poles (actually t posts which need fencing on them) and bow.  He's stepping out when I ask this, so I'm going to start asking him to move laterally away if he steps out instead of tucking his foot under himself.  Asked him to back, smile, bow, play with the ball.  Lots of what he was asked is without halter and leadrope so its essential I cue him with my body language as I have nothing physically tying him to me that restricts his movement.  He's super fun to work with.  I so hope when I can ride him, he's as solid if not more so than Amocean.  Tuesday Colin comes back out to trim feet, so I'm REALLY hoping he sees/feels the difference in Ike's acceptance of feet handling.

On another note... An individual who had me find a horse for her is asking for my assistance finding another mount for her.  I think her asking for my help again is the best compliment she could give me.  I have a couple I offered to go look at for her, so I'll see what she says.  

Day 31: :)

Spent all day with the ponies. Played guitar outside. Colin comes on Tuesday, so I'm super proud of Ike giving his feet so nicely. Also, really working on communicating without any head/body restraint. If he's free, I have the best communication since he's free to do as he wises. Weaving beautifully. Backing nicely. Giving feet so nicely. Doing a lot really great. Tying much more quietly. Still very pushy with the little guys. Sooooo sleepy. Night.


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Day 30: awwww. :/

Such a long Long day. I only fed everyone and picked up more hay with Ron. Left earlier than normal for grooms and stayed gone the whole work day. When I got home, Ron took me to see the new twilight movie. (Super pretty) I'll play with the ponies tomorrow no doubt! I hope they missed me. :p


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Day 29: Ike had the day off

Other than being fed and petted, I didn't play with ponies today. Ron and I took some things we aren't using and swapped them out for some things we wanted including the king size bed we had in storage. Just now finished and have a super early start in the morning. Re-organized the room. Set up is much more open. Anyhow, not horse related, so..good night!


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Day 28:YESTERDAY no work

Today I mucked as usual, fed everyone and sat on the laptop while everyone chowed down. I played ball with Ike briefly by rolling it to him and he kicked it back. That was a first. Also hopped the fence to lay with him when I saw him laying down mid-day. Straddled him while he laid so he's not fearful of me in a sitting position on his back. (Not putting all my weight on him) He's Sooooo adorable. I can't wait till I can do more with him. For the time being, I'm glad I have lots I can strengthen in preparation for riding. :)
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Day 27: Ike ate under the tarp

To further desensitize Ike to hung tarp, I put part of their breakfast beneath the tarp as it blew in the wind. We did everything without any restraints today. Obviously, I can't ask for as much as I can when I have him in a halter bc he can walk off at any given time. One really cool thing I learned though is if you set a horse free and you're around him enough for him to understand your part of his world, he'll make the choice by himself to come back to you. I think that's the most amazing thing. In the past when a horse walked away, I would have him move more so that he'd want to be with me, because sharing my space meant less work and more comfort. Now though, I can let him walk off and even laugh at it, because sure enough, he turns around on his terms and its his decision that I'm where he wants to be. I love that.




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Day 26: Fixing Ike's idea that the cue for smile means rear.

Today was chilly outside, but the sun was shining and I'm grateful for that.  I said hello to everyone before haltering Ike and asking him to stand.  I took a few steps away and backed him up if he took any steps from his place.  When he stood still with me a couple of steps away, I led him, stopped, backed, and then put two long lines attached to either side of his halter (yacht rope leads) behind him and clucked asking him to  walk on.  I steered him to the left and the right, and asked him to whoa. ( I back him up if he moves out past where I ask him to whoa)  He's not super clean in his movement yet, but for being brand new, he's doing great.  After doing that about 7-10 minutes, I faced him and asked him to smile.  He responded by lifting his head in the air and I held my finger up because I wanted him to lift his lip.  This is the second day he actually raised both front feet up in the air in a little rear.  I quickly backed him up and asked again and if he didn't lift his lip but held his head in the air.. I knew what could easily follow so I backed him before he came off his front feet.  By the end of our session, I could back up or have him back up and ask for him to expose teeth without coming off his front feet or moving closer.  I did use a pocket full of grain JUST for rewarding the smile. I didn't use grain for anything else.  He gave all four feet when tied again today.  I much prefer warmer weather to be outside in.  Anyhow, I'll play with him again later.  :)
In looking for natural training steps, I came across this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQUMAJCh1fA&feature=related
I found it inspiring even though I'm already for natural horsemanship and bitless riding.  After nearly completing it, I decided I wanted to do even more work at liberty. Much of my time is already spent with them being asked to do things without halter and lead rope.  I will spend more time not asking for anything and simply enjoying the amazing animals that they are. At the same time, I recognize that I have to repeat things for them to gain a better understanding of whats being asked and to make progress.  I went out and danced in the paddock, really I just swirled around and replicated the dancing in the video because it felt good to watch and good to do.  It was funny how weirded out Ike was, but the movement never scared him and he was in my space fairly quickly doing the dance I happily led.  Amocean came over too, curious what was going on.  They're both incredible horses. I spent some time asking Ike to bow, stretch, offer his feet, touch the ball we got (we use an exercise ball in place of the large parelli ball), smile, step up, squeeze, and step sideways away on both sides.   Ron helped me hang 2 pieces of tarp in a tree for me to desensitize him to walking through that too. :)  awesome! The more he's comfortable with, the better off I'll be when I have the privilege of riding him.

Ike's 1st pass through hung tarp:



Quiet down little man. :)


That's better.

Short Video Ron made for me

Ike and Joni

Day 25: Ike is intended to be a life-long bitless partner.

It was a nasty wet morning outside today. Everyone came and said hi when I walked out. I said hello to Ike first as he was the first one to approach even though Amocean verbally greeted me first. I put a halter on him, asked for each foot and cleaned it out. Walked him, asked him to "STAND" and petted him for doing so. Asked him "over" a rolled fence section, "step up" on the pedestal, "stretch" to park out (only get that manually) and then released him to feed. He wasn't pushy, and that was our morning. I've made a decision I know isn't typical, but I'm going to train him bitless. He doesn't need to wear a bit. I'd rather him listen to what I'm saying without metal in his mouth doing the talking. So, hopefully he does beautifully with that because I know its not common-place at all. Keeping the relationship first. :) Anyway, he's doing really great and I'm excited that he knows so much so early on. :) In 4 months he'll be 3. So.... September he'll be 3.5 and I'll have had him a whopping 11 months! Ooooo-baby!!! Wonder what he'll know then! :)


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Day 24: Ike's baby rear. Ooops!

Today I climbed up on the pedestal to ask Ike to smile and when I lifted a single finger as his cue to smile....he took it as a request for him to pick his front end up. He only came up like 3-4 inches, even so... I won't be asking that way any more! Also, I've decided not to use food rewards for the time being as he gets too excited. He isn't pushy with me, but he runs the other horses off. I like him being calm about what's being asked. Did some ground driving today. (Not very well, but we'll get there) he was calm about it all. Anyhow, tied, lifted feet, cleaned them out, introduced a ball to him today. Bounced it, rolled it by him, bounced it off him, rolled it under him, had him touch it. Oh!!!! Also, when I took the surcingle off him. I had it on the floor with the long reins and we walked away. Several minutes later, he walked back and it was on the ground in his path to the water, he side stepped and refused approaching as he snorted and eyed the horrendous intrusion in his usually peaceful paddock. I watched him from behind for less than 15 seconds before walking right past him and stepping on/through the leather pile. He decided if it didn't hurt me, it was safe for him, and did exactly what I did. That was really cute. Anyhow, it was a really windy morning, and not a fun one to play in. Tomorrow will be nice as well, but after that, colder days will follow.


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Day 23: Got a full on park out! Kind of! :P

Went out and began mucking with my new (not really new, just recently emptied and available for me to use) gorilla wagon. It makes mucking SO much easier. Anyhow, glad that Ike was still following me with the strange thing I had in tow. Sent him places, picked up all his feet, cleaned out the water bucket and he drank while the loud auto filling was being done. Sent him both directions on line and had him disengage and back up. I'm now saying foot for the foot I'm standing at and he shifts the weight off of it and offers it. Sooo cool! Today he had his feet in a casual relaxed position and I asked for his front left one and stretched it out. I petted him, walked around, petted him again and then asked for his front right foot. So, he did a manual park out! He didn't place his feet that way, but he let me, and then held that position. :) If my phone hasn't been dead, I would have gotten a picture. YAY Ike! :)


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Day 22: Ike did a one sided baby parked out!

Hahaha. Today I went out and began playing with Ike. Amocean gets interested and a couple of times now including today if Ike gets pushy or wants to crowd out everyone else-I simply halter and tie him. One-it teaches him he won't be rewarded for that. 2, it takes him away from what he thinks is fun(yay!-doing awesome there) and 3-it lets him work on standing patiently. (Big work and very necessary for any horse to know and do) anyhow, thanks to Ron's perfect timing I got Amocean to stand with all 4 feet up on the pedestal today! Twice! First day I had both his back feet on it while his front was grounded as well. Ike was untied, led, backed, asked to step up, asked to move over and out and disengage from both sides. Cleaned his feet out while he was tied in preparation for his next hoof trim. Want him well behaved for people handling his feet. He's giving them so readily now. Most awesome part of the day was pulling his back feet backwards and petting the leg in that stretched position. Then I did the front one on his left side and for a brief 3-5 seconds he held that stretch on his left side. Hahahaha. I was thrilled with that! Super, super awesome. :) I'm so in love with that little pony.


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Day 21: YESTERDAY-nothing new

Went through a lot of our material and didn't do anything new. Tied Ike and let him settle before playing with him. Did a lot of liberty move this way and that. (Around trees, weaving poles, stepping up on the pedestal, smiling) he's doing wonderfully approaching and staying interested.


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Day 20: Using treats to reward marked behaviours!

So, I finally got a form of treats that will last a little longer. (And the horses will stay interested in) welcome using feed. :) I won't over-do anything on a daily basis. Ike was beyond excited to the point I had to make sure he was quiet about getting treated. He came and interrupted Amocean being asked to get on the pedestal. He kept stepping on like "I'll do it", and reaching his head for a reward (which he didn't get) I'm not giving him treats for tricks I'm not asking him for. (Though I do find it funny, and cute) Anyway, I tied him while I dropped hay and waited for him to stop being fidgety. Once he did, I untied him, walked him around and did some pedestal as I'm trying to ask for all 4 feet since he has the front down so well. He's trying. He just wants to move those front ones when he moves the back ones forward. Ron watched Ike and Amocean both do tricks. (Ike is soooo food motivated) he tries to give you the world for a pinch of grain. Lol. He's doing so great at disengaging his rear end. He still does not like circles. I don't push him to do them fast (just walking for the most part. no loping and very little trotting if any when circles are done-which isn't daily) we did quite a bit today, and he still would have done more but I really like leaving when he's still interested so its on a good note. Super smart pony.


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Day 19: YESTERDAY-long day & no play.

I got up at 6:45, left my house to be in Farmersville by 9 (hour and 7 minute drive) this was the second time I was seeing the same horse being hauled for a pre-purchase exam. Other than slightly developed arthritis in the hocks, the exam went really well. Horse was incredibly patient. We ended up heading out late and getting back to her house around 4. That means I drove another hour to get to one of 2 grooms as the other rescheduled to tomorrow morning. Groomed a long hair chihuahua and got home after 8 pm. It was cold. I was cramping. I hadn't had a single meal all day. Poor Ike had nothing more than a hello and his meals today. I'm sure he didn't mind not having to work too much. :)


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Day 18: My pony is steppin' :)

Still haven't got any edible rewards, so I just asked him to tie, pick up his feet, walk with me, step in the pool, over a log, over rolled fencing, up on the pedestal. Move his front and back end away from pressure. He's so incredibly awesome. :)

Hahaha. I found a bag of baby carrots! :) we stepped up on the pedestal at liberty! (Just front feet) he's dragging the back ones.. So I'll work on all 4 soon. Giving front left foot beautifully. I've worked on that one the most. Giving all 4 feet for cleaning. Not pulling nearly as much. Back right foot has been the most difficult. He went and put his front feet on the pedestal by himself. (No encouragement) :D I'm doing something right for him to think its a good thing to do. Lol.
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Day 17: YESTERDAY -nothing new

Didn't do anything out of the ordinary. Typical day. More movement requests than anything and not a lot as I didn't have any treats to reward tricks. I don't rely on them, but I like making the training as fun/enjoyable as I can.


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Day 16: 1st time ground driving!

First I just put him in a surcingle and halter and let him walk at liberty(no lead rope) he went everywhere I did doing tricks for carrot bits. Then I ran the long reins to his halter , clucked, and tapped his butt to walk on. Didn't try to steer at all, just clucked and tapped till he went. When I said whoa, I pulled back. He stopped and I dropped the reins, went and un-tacked him and set him free. Job well done! :)

Also, when Ron got home, we finished building the pedestal, so he was introduced to that. Awesome!!!!!!!!!! Since I've been asking him to step in the kiddie pool, this took all of 3 minutes to get. Love my smart baby!


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Day 15: Ron is helping me build a pedestal!

Sooo cool. Today we did the usual things. Ike did SO good approaching several times while I cleaned up. Picked all his feet, brushed him, brushed his mane and tail, had him smile from Amocean's back. Ron is helping me build a pedestal to ask him to get on, front/back, move hindquarters with his front end elevated, get him used to stepping up, give him a place to plant his feet to work on tricks where I don't want his feet moving. Its gonna be awesome! :D.

Anyway, nothing new introduced outside of the fact I hadn't brushed his tail out prior to today.


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Day 15: The list...

Ike is now capable of
*being approached any time of day with or without halter/lead rope/ carrot stick
* being haltered (came with an understanding)
* being led (came with an understanding)
* being tied (only doing this brief periods as he didn't exhibit a great understanding of this concept initially, will progressively increase the time span)
* being ponied or walked from a vehicle.
* standing (asking for a patient halt, so he doesn't get fidgety when he's asked to stop on a ride later on down the road)
* not grass diving, which he was doing initially!
* moves forequarters or hindquarters away from pressure or rhythmic pressure
* can be sent to the left or right
* can disengage his hind end from either left or right side
* can back
* can "smile"
* can pick up any foot he's asked with the tap of a carrot stick
* can pick up the pace of his gait with a forward send and tapping of the withers
* can touch him with unfamiliar objects all over
* can ask him to laterally flex both directions equally well.
* can make odd noises or movements beside him without him being fearful
* can ask him to lower his head
* beginning sideways game
* can walk him in traffic with him being calm

I think he's going to transition to riding really well when the time comes. For now, its just repetition and refinement. Looking to lay a solid foundation, so we can have a ton of fun safely together. :)
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Day 14: Stepped in a baby pool

We hung out, did some porcupine, drive, started sideways, got some smiles, brushed him, asked him to walk on a wooden gate on the floor and step in a baby pool which he's reluctant to do. Want him calmly entrusting me to put his feet anywhere and know he'll be safe.


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Day 13: Eating/ resting

Today I sat with Ike, Ross & Phoebe while they ate hay. (Amocean is in the original holding pen along with goats Marvin and Ivan who can walk to either area.) No pressure. Leaned/rested on Ike while he stood with a cocked rear leg. Just enjoyed some sun in the cooler morning that unfortunately come with winter territory.

Afternoon walk of about 3 miles. Ike was Introduced to a Car honk today. (Twice actually) responded perfectly. Didn't misstep in the slightest. Walked him from the passenger side while Ron drove for a little way. He did perfect. :) cleaned all 4 feet today... Took down the center section of fence dividing the two areas, so they have a much larger temporary holding pen. (We're awaiting grass to take better root)


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Day 12: YESTERDAY- didn't post- laid down

He laid down and I approached to see if he'd let me. He stayed down when I pet him, used him as a pillow for my head and straddled him while he was on the ground. I squatted down to get in a riding position but let my feet support my weight. He did perfect. Obviously comfortable with my presence. :D. Also, I had to leave to look at a horse for someone and in that time...he either cleared a 4 ft fence or walked under a Hotwire and crossed a lower one while it was off. I'm gonna check his back/ legs out to see if he has any tell-tale signs if what was done. It was too dark last night. Thankfully he just put himself in another holding pen. The rest of the property has 5' fencing. He was perfect with me coming in a new area at night and approaching him. It's funny how fearful he was the first night that was done. Glad I've done it several times since. :)


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Day 11: 1st time being ponied

Well, we've officially done it. I rode Amocean with Ike being ponied just over 3 miles. We went past Ron's work, stepped over the low rails that guard a car lot, did circles either direction, walked by fenced barking dogs, over a bridge, by a loose barking/charging dog, by highway traffic, through 2 intersections, AND he's moving his feet with a tap for the beginning of "park-out" and moving those lips for "smile". Such a clever boy. :)


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Day 10: bowing without lifting foot

Yesterday a cold front came in that had me go from a tank top and jeans to a sweater and jacket in the same day. Unfortunately today the weather was still chilly. I had grooms in McKinney, so only fed everyone and had a very short session with Ike today. On the bright side, with the last bit of carrots I had... We got a few bows without even touching a foot. He isn't folding a leg and coming down on the knee, but he's bringing his head down and back in a calm fashion. (And looking for what to do with those feet.) :). He's got the target down pretty well. (Still improving)

Going to teach him;

* give me a kiss
* give me a hug
* smile
* lay down
* stand



Those are the goals for now. The more I have him learning/ understanding... The more willing he'll be to look for what's being asked in the future. :). I won't overwhelm him with everything at once.


Picture is an online image of a trick horse (not mine) just to show what Ike is doing.


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Day 9: 4way walk

Ron with Amocean, and Ike and myself took a walk today to show Ike with Amocean as an incredibly awesome example of how a horse should handle "monsters". Ike wasn't perfect (not do I expect him to be) but he did much better with the fenced dogs and the bush lined fence today. Walked past several barking dogs at a distance and Ike received them well. Good with dumpsters even when their lids are open and dropped. Ron threw a rock at one to make a sudden sound and Ike walked right on like a seasoned little man. :). We crossed a second bridge today and walked between two lattice walls on either side of us. (No problem)


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Day 8: YESTERDAY- officially one week

We played some games , worked on strengthening our disengaging HQs. Walked on halter in the pen working on keeping his head with me not behind nor too far forward. Asked him to back up, walked to him in the dark. He's velvety soft and sooooo awesome. :) ran down his feet (didn't lift any) touched ears and hair in ears that sticks out. Brushed him all over with no tie. Playing with the concept of ground tying. Just dropping rope and if he moves putting him back in the spot he was originally standing. Did some baby runs towards his side and stopped just to get him confident about that sort of action. In the future, I'll use it as a mounting method. :) he's doing really well.
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Day 7:YESTERDAY didn't post.

Went on an almost 3 mile walk and were confronted by 3 scary monsters.

1. A bush lined fence housing several sizes loud dogs jumping and barking making the bushes shake

2. A giant flag flapping in the wind

3.2 stir crazy horses running at the fence when we passed.

Ike got put in a harness for the first time today. (Didn't do anything other than walk around in it)

Did fine with being approached in the dark again.



Ponies are calling! :)


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Day 6: Ike's first day bowing

We also took our 7th trip out today... Walked further down past a road we normally turn at. He walked calmly when a mail truck came by us from both directions. Doing excellent with fast vehicles coming from behind. He tries to turn his head to look at them but anxiety doesn't show in his feet. Doing really well in grass. I purposely walk him in it so he realizes being in grass doesn't mean park and graze. He is approaching when I walk in and always comes to the gate when I walk out. I really hope he keeps his little charm. I'm really happy with him and his progress. :)




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Day 6: Making the halter a good thing

I'm putting the halter on Ike and walking away to muck. The reason is two fold. One its making it routine when he approaches me and 2... It's letting him associate it with good things not just training. :) Today is the first morning I asked him to stand tied while I put hay in. The reason being he runs the minis around an I don't want that habit, so I'm showing him the more quickly he drops his head and lowers his energy level, the faster he gets to eat food. I worked with him on approaching the fence first and dropping his head as he wanted to back and paw the ground. I lowered my head and he lowered his in turn. After 3 times of asking for that and him delivering...I walked him to a pile of hay. If he even thought of upping the pace..we circled instead of walking in a straight line. Also, if that rope falls from his back..it's nothing scary to him and should he step on it...he learns how to get the release without being fearful and without it hurting his mouth. (He's not left unsupervised with it)




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Day 5: Night visit...

This is the second time I've walked out in the horse pen (they're in a temporary holding pen as we're waiting for roughly 60 pallets of sod to take better root) Ike didn't even softly snort at my figure in the dark. I even did jumping jacks less than 3 feet from him. I want him UbEr confident. :) I was really glad he wasn't afraid. It makes me feel I'm doing something right with him. :)
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Day 5: 1st bridge and dumpster

Today we took a walk in the opposite direction than we have in the past. That meant a higher head, some soft snorting, and a lot of head swiveling to look at everything. I had him approach a dumpster and opened and dropped the lid for him to become accustomed to the sound without being frightened. He calmed down about the sound as we did it both walking out and on our return. We walked all the way down to his first high bridge which we walked back and forth on several times and I had him sniff the guard rail in several places it wore graffiti. (So painted surfaces aren't scary)Today was the first day I asked him to walk out both left and right and circled him when he dropped his head if we were standing asking him to wait before walking out again. I want him to be patient so if he has to work when he moves then he'll learn standing is the easier option for him. He gets to choose. I just help him make the better choice the easier choice. :).
We also said hi to the cowies again so they aren't any reason for him to get nervous. He's gonna become one confident little guy! :) Ron jogged past us both directions which he didn't like at all, so we'll just do it more so its not something he's uncomfortable with. Gotta love desensitization!








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Day 4: 1st mile walk complete

After 3 mini test walks each one slightly longer than the last yesterday.. The first one began with front yard exploration and was about .2 miles in length . The second one we doubled that and the third was probably about half a mile. Today, Ike and I officially completed our first mile walk out together. He's doing much better at not diving for grass as I'm getting after his withers with the end of the lead rope when he does. It's cute in that his facial expression says mmm.. And his attention goes towards whatever clutch of grass is tempting him and then he pops his head up... Like "wait! That's not worth it" super awesome for such a young and new to me guy. :). Also, much MUCH calmer about faster louder cars/trucks. Walked by fenced barking dogs today which he wanted to run past with fear, so we turned around and did it again. Even in the second pass, he just walked by, but we still turned and did it a few times so it wasn't a big deal. Crossing EVERYTHING he's asked. (Logs, rock piles, ditches, up and down hills, cracks on the road, pavement changes, had him walk between a fence and a tarped car with only enough room for me to lead and him to follow single file. Walked by lots of bushes ad dense tree lines which he's not yet comfortable with (will be!) and visited the laying cows again today to make them a casual aspect in a walk. Had him carry my sweater on his back as I got hot. Did perfect. I can ask him to touch/smell big metal boxes, trailers, tarped cars, mailboxes, signs, fire hydrants, barrels, trash bins, vines plants on fence lines. (Everything he snorts at or looks at with a cocked head and body language that suggests he's unsure) He's gonna be super exposed by the time he's ready to actually ride. :)
(Photos taken on the 5th walk out in the afternoon with my awesome boyfriend as the photographer. ) :)












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Day 3: 3 games down. :)

Obviously, they aren't really strongly ingrained, but there's definitely some understanding. He's been introduced to the friendly game, porcupine game, and yoyo game. I think I'll just play these for a week or so and let him get them down more solidly, then introduce more. I have a bag tied on the fence to desensitize him to the random movement/sound. Played friendly game touching ears, nostrils, under tail, between back legs, sheath, and lips today. ( started lightly swinging carrot stick and slapping ground softly) just walking through paddock and then with him on line. He's the most active of everyone. I'm trying to spend a lot of undemanding time with him so he feels comfort in my presence, since I'm also asking more of him than anyone in his past has. He's already comfortable with me mucking anywhere I want while he calmly goes about his business.
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Day 3: 3 walks today...

Ron walked with Ike and I the last time. He's accepting bags on the end of a carrot stick, calming about being walked out even with Amocean calling. He's crossing ditches and being corrected for grass diving. Maybe tomorrow, I'll take him for a ride being ponied by Amocean. MAYBE (if its warm)




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Day 3: Iklean meets cattle

We went for our first 2 walks today... By yard art, statues, logs, stacked pallets, drains, ditches, on the road, by cars, over rocks, and by cattle. The cattle did spook him initially.
We did friendly game, picked up feet today and set them down. (He pulled one hind one away) I picked it back up and set it down myself. Touched him all over with a plastic bag, a rake, and a flat stone. Am asking for porcupine and yoyo, though I need a different halter and to use my yacht rope instead of the one I was using.




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Day 2: First training session. :)

Yesterday, I walked Ike on a lead just to have him calmly accepting me leading him. Several times I carried the halter without putting it on him so he didn't run simply for me carrying a halter/lead/carrot-stick. Today I asked him to walk (stay beside me), stop, back, stand, accept all of his body being touched and all 4 feet having me run hands down them. I'm not asking him to lift any feet as I want him comfortable with my hands on all of him before asking for that. I did ask him to move his hind quarters away from pressure after playing the friendly game with him. He was calm about the rope everywhere on him and hasn't acted up for any training thus far even though its super easy stuff right now. He moved on phase 2 with contact on both sides after a couple of times going through to phase 4. Ate dinner with both minis and Amocean without running anyone off while I was out there this evening. I'm so sad it's wintertime! I wish the upcoming days were all warm and beautiful so I can enjoy "playing" with him. Come next spring time/fall -we're really gonna have fun if he gets all this stuff down! :) can't wait!!!
Attached are Iklean's newly trimmed feet. :) pay no mind to that white one! I still want to dye that little dude! :)




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Day 2: Intro to natural hoof care :)

I'm very happy to announce Colin Chilson (a natural hoof care practitioner) came and saw to both my horses. He does such amazing work and is so incredibly good with horses and people alike. He pointed out what issues needed correction as he worked and is extremely proficient in natural trims. This was my first time seeing Iklean done and he wasn't cooperative initially. Colin asked for the right answer to be the easy one by making him move his feet when he wouldn't just stand and willingly allow his feet being handled. With Colin's confident handling while being firm and fair... it didn't take long at all for Ike to settle. I'm beyond happy to have such a great horse-person working on my horses' hooves. Ike is charging the minis at feeding times. He and Ross still haven't decided who's boss. Although, Ross is a really confident little guy. He seems as though he's reluctantly giving leadership to Ike when he stays off the hay. Ike keeps pushing him back when he gets too close. (Which is anywhere within 15 feet of the hay he's eating) Colin complimented the name's origin. :) I think I'll keep it. :) So nice to work with great horse people!




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Day 1: Where am I?

He was afraid of some new sounds, he called out 3 times to see if anyone called back or came. He pushed Ross ( the mini stud) around. They're trying to decide who amongst themselves is head honcho. He calmed about hay being dropped. (One of the times he charged Ross) I led him around, pet him, sat with everyone... Just watched him settle in. He did really well for it being his first day off the property he's known his whole life so far. He chose to follow me twice. :) he approached several times with no invitation. He drank from the auto waterer. Oh... And he's discovering what an electric fence is. Poor guy! It's for the safety of the fence. He wasn't sure at first, but he's figuring the place out.




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Day 1: Home, sweet home.

Karen hauled for me this morning and gave me an invoice and current coggins. He's settling beautifully, and is quite contently chewing hay beside me as I type this. I can't believe today marks the beginning of a partnership I'm actually enabled to create the foundation of. I'm so excited to see how he comes along. I really hope I do everyone I know proud in what I'm able to accomplish with him. Most especially, I hope he feels and sees what's desired and quickly finds the "right answers" and is calm and cooperative so we can be a phenomenal team. :)




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Less than 48 hours until I get him! (Drafted oct 15th)

One more day! I have horse mortality insurance being worked on by an underwriter. It should be in effect as of tomorrow. I have 10 days to get a check in the mail as they won't take a card. I have Karen hauling for me Wednesday morning before 11 am. I need a pony halter! Lol. I'm looking at getting a parelli colt starting set on eBay, but worst case scenario... I do without. No big deal. :) I have a ton of stuff I can work on with him. Super stoked to be getting my own little pony. :p
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Insurance obtained!

Tomorrow morning, he goes to the vet and comes home!!! :)



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The day I met my pony...

This is going a bit backwards to tell the story of how my pony was picked. I'm extremely fond of bonding with horses and using natural horsemanship to get the best partnership I can with the horses Im privileged to spend time with. I was introduced to the world of Parelli just over 2 years ago. I've since gained the confidence and desire to help mold a horse into the partner he is to become. I wanted to experience what its like to build a partnership from the foundation through to the finish. (even though I know I will always have something new to learn and aspects of horsemanship I can be bettered in.) I know it will be challenging, but anything worthwhile is. I posted an ad seeking a connemara pony as they are known to form a lasting strong bond with their handler. Karen of Stonecreek Farm contacted me in response to my ad to see if I held interest in a different breed (the fell pony) she represented whom had some common traits. We arranged to meet when she informed me there were a few options she had available. Unbeknownst to her, I actually really liked the breed she worked with even though I'd never been around them in person. Strangely enough, even though the fell pony is a rare breed with fewer than 7500 world-wide (from what I can tell. Accurate current information seems difficult to come by) the second largest fell pony farm in North America was 20 minutes from my house. Apon my arrival, the owner approached, introduced herself and first gave me a tour of the property including a hands on introduction to her favorite stud (whom happened to be the sire of the gelding I selected) The next pen we walked in held the young-stock I was looking at potentially making a selection from. The first guy I met was mellow and seemingly very content in life. He approached with curiosity and a low head. I couldn't help but smile at him doing exactly what I consider desirable. He was beautiful even with his single white hind foot. My selection would be based on the mind whereas color was an afterthought. Still, I found myself thinking "darn,...I could dye that". :) ( Lol... the irony of loving "natural") He had some rusty patches all over his face but he never walked away from us and actually followed as we walked. The pasture included a mare who wasn't for sale along with her adopted foal (his mom had rejected him) and 2 young fillies who were a couple of months apart. I was particularly enamored with a 5 year old gelding in the adjoining pasture. He had the calmest temperament you could ask for, the traditional stocky body, and no white. He was also (unfortunately for me ) a couple thousand dollars more. :( He did have 3 years of maturity on the little guy I ended up selecting,but it was doubtful my guy would ever be that stout. The reason I like the stoutness so much is fell ponies are short! That width will take more of my leg so I don't look like a giant on them! I'm only 5'1", but their average height is 13.2 hh. They aren't supposed to exceed 14 hands. Too, I didn't want to ride a pony that looked like a pony. I wanted a "little horse". So, after much deliberation, I decided I would take the 2 year old and hopefully build a better bond in taking him being younger. I truly do hope that he fills out nicely though. He was very watchful of me and what I was doing in my visits and I like that attentiveness. I'm all about calm and willing. A healthy, cooperative, and loving partner is the partner I want,& the partner I hope to find in my fell pony. Attached is a picture of Magic. (The much pricier 5 year old gelding)




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A little background...

I'm a a life-long horse fanatic but being one of 3 children with a single mom meant horse ownership was only a dream growing up. That changed roughly 5 years ago when I came across an online ad listing an inexpensive horse for sale. Along with reading everything I could, I spoke with a local horse boarding facility owner (Bryan Collins) about the associated expense and ended up boarding at his location the first 2 years I was involved with horses. I have never seen a more close knit, inviting barn. I learned a lot being there and I'm forever grateful. The owner of that facility was and is an incredible horse person whom I have a lot of respect for. He has a traditional style while being firm and fair. I have since apprenticed with a natural horse trainer who I felt privileged to know and who is an extremely gifted teacher.(Mrs. Debbie Lewis) & have taken care of a herd on a daily basis for the majority of a year (also thanks to Debbie) :) I put miles on green-broke horses and have gotten unhandled horses or horses with behavioral issues accepting human interaction and or responding in a positive way to human request. I decided as the saying goes " there will never be a day I'm any younger than I am today" and so, I decided to take on my first full fledged horse to start/finish & do all the training with. I wanted something very people oriented, smart, small in stature with a stout build, and versatile. I was pointed in the direction of a breed called none other than the fell pony. I was instantaneously smitten. I loved the build, the temperament over-all, and the feather! Fell Ponies to me looked like a draft horse in miniature. Small enough to enable me to get on easily bareback, while stout enough to look more like a horse than a pony. September 17th arrangements were made for me to meet up with a breeder. September 25th I signed a contract to take the first fell pony gelding I laid eyes on the day I'd initially visited. I'd met her studs, saw her mares, and was primarily interested and most attentive to the young-stock she had available. October 14th the deposit was put together along with the delivery fee, the boarding fee for the breeder holding him on her property, insurance, and lastly a natural trim which was scheduled the 18th. He was to be delivered before 11am Wed. October 17th. His name was an uncertainty but as he was diamond in the rough... The name Iklean (I-Klee-un) was thought of. It stemmed from the diamond industry term eye-clean which is a diamond whose flaws are invisible to the naked eye. I traded a western saddle (one of 2 that I had) for a harness that I was going to work with him with after much more basic ground-work was complete. He is a 2 year old (coming 3) born March 3,2010. For now, it's pretty surreal. In all the horse books I've read and experiences I've had leading up to this point... I never knew I'd one day be confident enough to take on such a wonderous journey and challenge. I hope he proves to be a very special guy. :)
I own one other gelding whom I got when he was a 6 year old. He's now 8 and the best horse I know in the world to this point. :)




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