Rebecca Bishop and Signature

New Challenge; New Blog

2009-01-06T10:27:00.002-06:00

I have created a new blog to track the progress of the second Midwest Mustang Challenge. It is titled: 2009 Midwest Mustang Challenge. You can find it at:

http://rebecca-bishop.blogspot.com/

See you there!

Bella-1997 Hungarian Warmblood Mare For Sale

2008-08-18T16:40:00.007-05:00

Bella is very quiet, easy mare. She is willing to work and please. She has a soft, trot which is easy to sit with plenty of suspension. Her canter is ground covering. She is easy to make round and goes on the bit very consitently. A good home is very important. She will make a great amateur dressage and/or broodmare.

You Tube links

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9oFIwxCFvw&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwJbG62lCPo

Copper- 2000 AQHA Gelding For Sale

2008-08-18T16:19:00.011-05:00

Copper has extensive trail riding experience. He goes through all obstaces on the trail without hesitation. He has also been used on overnight camping trips. He has no vices. He is awesome for vet, farrier, clipping, trailering, bathing, etc. He is a horse that you will want to own for many years. He has great gaits with lots of reach in all three gaits. He will make a great dressage/event mount with more foucsed training. For sale because we are boarding too many horses.

You Tube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CisCaYFepU8

2008-04-22T10:34:00.002-05:00

I finally have a few minutes to give you all the much anticipated updates on the Weekend.

Sign was awesome. She was nervous at times like all of the horses and riders, but she tried to do what I asked of her every minute of the weekend. She did get grouchy in her stall. She has the personality of a cat (aloof) not a puppy dog and that really showed when she was in her stall. By Friday afternoon, she had her fill of attention. Now she is back at Signature Arabians and getting some well deserved rest. Sign is going to stay with me for at least another 60 days to continue her training. I will also work very closely with the new owners to ensure that they have the proper information and everyone is safe and happy. The new owners come from an extensive family of horse owners, so they will have lots of experience and support over the years. Robin Secrist’s horse, Jed, went to an Aunt of the Family that bought Sign.

She sold to a family in Hortonville, WI. Her new owner is a little girl named Brooklyn. She rode Sign from the Coliseum back to the barn after the auction and did not want to get off. They are planning to come to Signature Arabians in two weekends to start with lessons.

Lalo’s horse, Elvis, sold to a husband and wife who live in Kenosha, so Lalo will also be giving the new owners lessons. Nadia Heffner’s horse, Westie, was also bought by another local horseperson, so we will be seeing lots of her too.

I was a great weekend, and was the perfect ending with taking the same two horses back in the trailer that we came with. We were expecting to go home with an empty trailer, instead I could have hauled four horses back with us, next year we will need to bring a bigger trailer or at least more trailers.

I have a few pictures to post now and will post more over the next few weeks.

In the News

2008-04-12T07:37:00.001-05:00

Read the mustang article on the front page of the Racine Journal Times, Today, Sat. April 12, 2008.

http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2008/04/12/local_news/doc48003d057091e251535431.txt

Schedule for Midwest Mustang Challenge

2008-04-11T10:45:00.005-05:00

Thursday, April 17; 8AM - Mustangs start to arrive. I think we are all in barn #1

Friday, April 18; 11-2:30 - In hand competition (30%) - Nutrena Arena

Saturday, April 19; 12-3 - Under Saddle competition (50%) - Coliseum

Saturday, April 19: 5-6:30 - Top then finalist freestyle - Coliseum

Sunday, April 20; 1PM - Adoption/Auction - get preapproved and bring your checkbook :)

Getting Ready

2008-04-09T10:40:00.002-05:00

I have not posted in a while because I have been busy working and training. Sign is doing great. I took her to a show a few weeks ago and she handled all the chaos well. I planned on taking her again this past weekend, but the weather was too nice to pass up a trail riding opportunity. She has been on a few trail rides now and did great. This past weekend one of the other riders forgot his bridle, so I loaned him mine and rode in the halter. People that don't know her well are amazed at her sensibility, we who do know her have come to expect everything to be no big deal with her. I also took her to a roping competition with Lalo Govea. She got to spend lots of time tied up with the other horses and being patient. She did everything asked with no issues.

I have also been putting lots of effort into getting her condition ready for the competition. She is now clipped and bathed and looking more like a show pony and less like a mustang.

There is also going to be an article on us in the Racine Journal Times probably this Saturday.

Trip to Madison

2008-03-15T19:02:00.003-05:00

Big Brother and Little Sis Loaded Up and ready to go back home, all clean from the rinse.

I took Sign and my gelding to Madison for the day. I went to Bristol Equestrian Estates in Sun Prairie, WI. I really appreciate them allowing us to come to the facility and get Sign more exposure. This was the third trip off the farm for Sign and she was awesome. I left her in the round pen while I rode Spyder. She stood in the same spot the whole time. Then I tacked her up and rode for a little while and then Christy rode her. Before I loaded her back up for the trip home I hosed her off. I wouldn't say she loved it, but she stood very still and let me rinse lots of dirt and sweat off. So I guess it was her first bath and she was awesome.

Visit to the Racine County Pony Club

2008-03-14T12:33:00.003-05:00

Last night (Thursday) we took two of the Challenge mustangs to the monthly local pony club meeting. We talked about the mustangs, their training, and the upcoming competition. We also answered lots of questions from members and parents. After a short demo, we let anyone ride both horses who wanted to. I think each horse gave 10+ rides to the members and even one parent got on. It was a great experience and the pony clubbers were very interested in everything about the mustangs. If you are in our area and know of any one that would like to schedule us to do a demo please contact me to set on up before Midwest Horse Fair.

On the Move

2008-03-13T10:33:00.006-05:00

The dust has not made it very easy to get pictures as you can see.

This weekend is going to be a busy one for Sign and I. We are going to the Racine County Pony Club tonight for a demo and Q&A session. Lalo is also bringing his challenge mustang, Elvis. Saturday I am taking her and Spyder to Bristol Equestrian Estates so she can meet everyone there. It will also be her first time in the two horse trailer. Hopefully the snow melts enough before Sat AM so I can get it out. It has not been moved since last December and was buried in 4 feet of snow. Sunday is a horse show at West 20 which I am planning to take Sign to. I am trying to convince Lalo to bring Elvis and then we may both go to one other barn after the show. The show starts at 10AM and is typically done by 1 or 2 PM.

I will bring my camera along all weekend and hopefully get some good pictures to post on Monday.

Busy Weekend

2008-03-10T15:00:00.002-05:00

I spent lots of time with Sign this weekend. It was nice to have the extra time to build on our relationship. On Saturday I took her on a trail ride out back, just the two of us. It is pretty icy in spots, but she was great about regulating her pace according to the footing. The snow is still pretty deep in places, so she did have to work hard at times.

On Sunday, I went shopping in search of "despooking" objects. I found few flashy things at ShopKo. She really was not fazed by any of them, but they will come in use on the other horses. I also went on a scavenger hunt of my garage and the workshop at the barn and found a few items there. She accepted everything I presented to her. The leaf blower was the only thing that she was cautious of (so was my gelding). I will work on that more this week. Sunday night, she had three new riders. Tammy got on first, then Jim and Laurie who loaned us the stock trailer to pick her up also got a ride. They all had a great ride and had lots of fun. I took pictures this weekend, but the dust (at both barns) created a problem for the camera. I don't know how to get a pictures without the dust, so all the pictures are vey bad. I can't even get them to upload? I work on it some more this week, so stay tuned.

First Off Farm Trip

2008-03-07T22:11:00.002-06:00

I took Sign to her first trip off the farm tonight. I went to the barn where Lalo Govea trains out of. Sign was great. She was a little cautious for the first five minutes, but once I got on her she got more confident and did everything I asked. I rode her over tarps, through tarps, around barrels and poles and in lots of traffic. Lalo had everyone participate in "races". There were about 10 horses in the indoor at a time. We had pole bending and barrel races all at the trot. Sign was the "champion" with her pony trot. I really think she is a natural at the barrels. Every time I would canter her past one she wanted to turn around it. She gets pretty low when she turns the barrels. I will have to keep her away from them from now on or she will be dropping her shoulder at every turn. I did get the first "buck" from her tonight. After the last barrel I opened her up and she gave the most non-existent buck possible. It was there, but she is always in control of her "emotions" (just like a cat....I swear she used to be one in some other life).

I did feel more of a bond with her tonight then I have so far. I was a good feeling to know she has gained lots of trust in me over the last 6 weeks and did what I asked in a new environment and was always "asking" me the next question. I think that is a strong mare trait, if you take the time to develop a bond with them they will try their heart out for you. It may take more time and patience in the beginning, but the result is worth the investment.

This weekend I am going to try to get a trail ride or another off farm trip in. It is going to be cold, especially on Saturday, so we will see how it turns out.

Pictures from this past weekend

2008-03-05T14:17:00.003-06:00

I guess we will have to plan anohter "mustang play day" soon because none of my pictures from Saturday came out.

Here are a few from Sunday with Lalo Govea on his challenge mustang, Elvis; Johnny Buser on Jill's gelding, Psych; and me on Sign.

....And for memories of last summer and this summer to come, here is a picture from my last trail ride this past November, it seems like it was many, many months ago because of the winter we have been through.

What a great weekend!

2008-03-03T12:42:00.002-06:00

It was a great weekend in many ways. The weather was great. It was in the 40’s all weekend with lots of sunshine. Sunday night, the temp was still 52 degrees. Today….it’s snowing L

The dentist came and did most of the horses in the barn on Saturday. Sign had one wolf tooth removed. Tracy also had him look at her mare and remove four caps. Three trainers (Jessie, Jessi, and Tracy) in the challenge came to the first “mustang play day”. It was awesome to meet the three trainers. I am truly looking forward to more “mustang play days”. To me, the best part of the challenge, (of which there are many) is meeting people I may never have had the opportunity to know.

On Sunday Johnny Buser came to work with some of the horses in the barn. I had him work with Sign. She is still very apprehensive of people. I have gained lots of trust from her, but she still have very little for other people. So it was good to have other people work with her this weekend including Jessie’s friend Audrey who rode her on Saturday and Johnny on Sunday. I plan to continue exposing her to humans as much as possible. I have no intentions of bidding on her after the competition. I already own one horse and he is all I can fit into my budget. So, Sign will go to a new home and I want her to be as well prepared for that as possible in the next few weeks.

I also got in touch with Lalo Govea who is in the challenge. His keeps his horse less than 10 miles from Signature Arabians. He brought his gelding, Elvis, over on Sunday. We took both horses out on a great trail ride. It was so nice to be out in the sunshine. Both horses were perfect. It was the first outside ride for both. The snow was pretty deep in some places but the horses didn’t mind. My corgi, Yogi, followed us all the way out, but got pretty tired from going through the deep snow (his legs are very short). So I got off and handed him to Lalo, and he carried him halfway back to give him a little rest. Elvis didn’t mind the extra passenger at all.

This coming Friday evening (3/7/08), Lalo is having a clinic at the facility where he boards. I am going to take Sign for her first “off farm” trip. He has also invited any other challenge trainers who would like to join in. He will have lots of obstacles set up and other horses from his barn will be participating. Just get in touch with me or him if you would like to come, so he may plan ahead. Signature Arabians will also host any trainers and their horses that may want to stay overnight, since it will probably last until 10PM on Friday. They have an apartment in the barn available with two bunk beds.

I promise to get pictures of the weekend posted in the next few days.

Mustang Play Day - Sat. 3/1/08 ALL INVITED!!

2008-02-27T15:18:00.001-06:00

Sign is doing great. She had 5 consecutive days off because of my Texas vacation. She enjoyed her days of no work and daily turnout with the mares, running hard and fast in the snow. Jill said she would lay her ears back and run around the pasture about 3 times when she first went out every morning. It is also reported that she is in no hurry to come in at night. I presume she likes the feeling of being "free" again. I rode her last night and she was great. She almost rides like an old broke horse.....almost.....

This weekend, a few other challenge trainers are coming to Signature Arabians with their mustangs for a "mustang play day". So far, I think Jessie and Remington, Jessi and Nash, and Tracy and her "Wild mustang mare" are coming. We are planning for 11AM arrival. We will have an obstacle course set up. Equine dentist, Lee Minks, will also be at the barn that day so there will be plenty of action.

Anyone who wants to come and participate or watch is welcome. You can show up anytime around the noon hour. We will also be taking as many pictures as possible. Let me know if you are planning on bringing your mustang. If you are coming without horse just show up. We are a very casual, easy going barn. You can get directions at Signature Arabians website or call me at 608-364-1018, or email.

Cowboy Fair in Madison - April 2008

2008-02-24T21:00:00.002-06:00

Johnny Buser is part of a great event in the Madion Area the beginning of April. He is has lots of experience training young and problem horses. He is also an experienced farrier. You can find out more information at the following website:

http://web.mac.com/busers1/iWeb/Site%202/Cowboy%20Fair.html

I am hoping to bring Sign there for as many of the events I can around my full time work schedule. If you have any questions you can contact him through the website. If that does not work, let me know and I will help you get in touch with him.

56 Days Remaining

2008-02-21T08:55:00.002-06:00

Sorry I haven't posted much lately. I have been basically doing more of the same every day with definite forward progress. Sign is getting more cadence/consistent rhythm to her gaits. The canter is still quick, but she is getting more consistent and relaxed in that gait also. She does relax the most during the canter letting out large "snorts" while dropping her head and stretching over her back. She has a great stop, sometimes too good. I get the brakes more often then I ask for them, or at least mean to. When I slightly pick up the reins, she sits down, stops, and steps back. I think it is her favorite transition and she offers it as much as she can justify.

She does constantly "work" the bit. I will get the vet/dentist out very soon to get her teeth done and hopefully that will quiet her mouth. I also need to take the time to switch out the "squeaky" bit which is getting annoying. It does however provide some "music and rhythm" while we ride, if you want to look for any benefits of a squeaky bit. I never knew I had such a squeaky bit in my collection....thanks Sign for bringing it to my attention.

I did clip her on Tuesday night. It was a good alternative to riding in the single digits. Sign is most protective of her head/face. She would also rather her ears not be touched. I put the "Karla twitch" on her lip. I call it that because Karla showed it to me last summer. Actually another fellow boarder of mine when I lived in Madison, Maria had shown it to Karla. Maria was clipping her 2 yr old colt and couldn't get the clamp/twitch on his upper lip, which I'm sure most of us have experienced or at least seen. So, to get the clamp on him she just put it on his bottom lip, and she discovered it worked much better at calming him. It works very well with most horses I have used it on. It is a cheap plastic clamp, bought in bag of of many sizes at Wal-Mart for a few bucks. I think it is called a wood clamp? I grasp the lower lip and add clamp. It works great on horses that are a little fussy; I don't know that it will calm a horse with more deep issues like fear or aggression. That requires more time, patience and the correct approach.

I had clipped Sign 2x previously with nothing other that a halter. That is when I clipped her freeze brand, which she was perfect for. I also did her bridle path which she "tolerated" but she really does not like the feel of the clippers under her chin (I got some done) and really hates it on her muzzle. I wanted to give her as much opportunity to get it done without any "restraint". She is not afraid of the clippers at all; I can rub them all over her entire body. She only becomes resistant when I start the actual cutting of the hair anywhere on her head. The clamp helped her stay calm while I did her entire jowl and most of her muzzle. There is still some to do, but I have plenty of time. I also did her front fetlocks before my clippers started to "drag". She has almost as much feather as a Clydesdale. I will get it her all pretty before MWHF.

I did reveal two old scars under her left jowl. It looks like she has a big injury there at one time. Her legs are very clean and tight and show no blemishes at all.

This weekend will be some R&R for both of us. Sign has been going out with the mare group in the pasture/snow field every day. At first she was a total outcast. The herd would all stay together and Sign would go to the other end and stand alone by the gelding pasture. Now it is turning and Sign is becoming the “leader” of the mares and the “keeper of the gate”. She does love to go outside and have some freedom. This weekend will be good for her to have a break and be ready for a new week on Monday. I will also feel better to get out of the cold for a few days and enjoy some warmer temps.

No Show, Again

2008-02-18T09:22:00.002-06:00

I was planning on going to the second day of a two day show this past Sunday. We have been expecting bad weather on Sunday, so I was waiting until the last minute to make the decision to go or not. The organizers ran the entire show in one day, on Saturday because of the expected rain, snow and ice. That was a good decision, because Sunday AM the freezing rain had arrived. There was 2-3 inches of ice in everyone’s drive way and the parking area at the barn. The roads were better, but I did see quite a few cars in the ditch. This coming weekend I am going to Corpus Christi, TX to get some R&R and relief from the winter. So, there will be no showing next weekend. Maybe March will be our month to get some traveling done?

I gave Sign Friday and Saturday off. No one was at the barn Friday night, so I didn't think it would be wise to ride alone and no one was expected until the stall cleaners were to arrive Saturday AM. Saturday I went to Madison to audit a reining seminar at the UW Stock Pavilion. That was the first time Sign had two days in a row off. Sunday she was a little more reactive, but I did get a much better canter from her.

This week will be more of the same ground work and under saddle work I have been doing. Sign will get Friday - Sunday off, unless someone wants to come ride while I am out of town :)

Freeze Brand

2008-02-15T10:19:00.006-06:00

Since I got Sign, lots of people have wondered about her freeze brand and how to read it. I found this great diagram which explains what the symbols mean. By reading Sign's "signs", her freeze brand tell us she is registered by the US Government, born in 2004 and her number is 597069.

The registration numbers for mustang brands fall into these number ranges depending on the state where the horse was gathered. Sign is from the Twin Peaks Horse Management Area (HMA) in Nevada, which the 59 of her registration number tells us.

Arizona 80,001 - 160,000 (08-16)

California 160,001 - 240,000 (16-24)

Colorado 240,001 - 320,000 (24-32)

Idaho 320,001 - 400,000 (32-40)

Montana 400,000 - 480,000 (40-48)

Nevada 480,001 - 640,000 (48-64)

New Mexico 640,001 - 720,000 (64-72)

Oregon 0 - 80,000 (00-08)

Utah 720,001 - 800,000 (72-80)

Wyoming 800,001 - 880,000 (80-88)

Eastern States 880,001 - 880,100

How does freeze branding work?

Freeze branding kills the pigment-producing cells in the hair follicle. Therefore, when the hair regrows where the brand was applied, it is white. Freeze branding is done with special copper or bronze irons cooled to -100° to -300° F. The area must be prepared so the iron touches the skin, freezing it during the branding process. The first day after branding, the skin swells producing a welt in an outline of the brand. In two to three weeks, the brand will form a scab and peel. Six to eight weeks after branding, healthy unpigmented hair (white in color) will replace the scab.
Freeze brands work best on black, dark red, or red animals. However, satisfactory results on lighter colored animals can be achieved by leaving the irons in place for a longer period of time which will completely kill the hair follicle. This results in a brand similar to a hot brand with more hide damage than normal freeze branding.

More information here: http://www.lhbrandingirons.com/freeze_instructions.pdf

Start of Week 5

2008-02-13T13:59:00.005-06:00

This Monday I hit my cold tolerance limit, so I pet the horses and went home to warm up.

Tuesday the temps were in the low 20's which felt like spring time to me. I clipped Sign a little. There is still more clipping to be done, but she did OK and I ended it on a positive note. I will work more on it tonight after the cordless clipper batteries are charged.

I also turned her out in the indoor with my gelding. He was very entertained by her and followed her like a puppy dog. She tolerated him, but was aloof as usual.

Sign is doing great under saddle. I incorporate lots of obstacles and body control into every ride. She is now being ridden at all three gaits. She does feel like a pocket rocket at the canter. Fortunately that is my strongest (favorite) gait so I can help her to find a rhythm and become balanced.

I am planning to take her to a show this coming weekend, and the weather is supposed to be more normal than last weekend. We will be at Bounds Showtime Arena in Deerfield for the Sunday AM classes. Come say "Hi" if you are there also.

End of Week 4

2008-02-10T13:50:00.000-06:00

Today was to be our first horse show with Sign. However, we are having another extreme drop in temperatures. This AM, the air temp was -7 with a wind chill of -30. So, the show was cancelled, which was OK wih me. Next weekend I may try to haul her somewhere. If so, I will get some pictures to post.

Her training and progress is going very well. We had visitors yesterday. Denise, Cathy, and another fellow boarder came to see her for the first time. They all think she looks just like you would imagine a mustang to look. I think once I get her clipped, she may look more domestic. Maybe I should let her keep her "mustang" look?

I will try to get more pictures this next week to post.

An Invitation to all Traveling Trainers

2008-02-05T13:52:00.000-06:00

Well we are about a quarter of the way through the 100 day training time frame. Hopefully everyone is happy with their progress and getting excited about the competition and the end of winter. I know those of us in Wisconsin are ready for spring and the end of the endless inches of snow. We are expecting approximately another foot or more over the next 24 hrs here in SE WI. So as the time to all convene in Madison approaches, I sure you all are making travel arrangements.

Signature Arabians, the facility where my Mustang is, has graciously offered to put up any trainers and their horses who want to arrive a few days early. The facility is in Union Grove, WI, 20 miles south of Milwaukee, 60 miles North of Chicago, 80 miles east of Madison. The drive to Madison is 1.5-2 hrs from the facility. The facility is also within 20 miles of many trails which offer lots of training opportunities. You can expose your horse to bikes (100’s of them), strollers, hikers, bridges (high and long), lakes (hopefully no longer frozen in April), trains, etc., all within a 30 minute drive of the facility.

The facility has a small apartment and also a large RV available for overnight stay. There are plenty of available stalls, indoor arena, ½ mile track, and turnout. If any trainers would like to take Signature Arabians up on the offer of lodging, you can contact them or myself:

David & Jill Mann
1117 N Britton Road
Union Grove WI
262-878-9204
www.signaturearabians.com

Rebecca Bishop
horsespyder@yahoo.com
608-354-1018
http://rebeccabishop.blogspot.com/

Hooded Jackets with logo

2008-02-05T12:55:00.000-06:00

WG Tough
Repels water. Resists wind. Guaranteed.
-->
stay cool, comfortable
Mesh lining. 80% polyester/20% nylon brushed microfiber shell. WearTex™ finish. 100% nylon taffeta sleeve lining. 100% polyester mesh body lining.
-->
added protection
Our sporty BreezeMaster™ goes step further. Now with a hood. No draft zones. Elastic drawcords on waist and hood. Easy on/off with 1/4-zip front. Taffeta-lined sleeves. Two side-entry pockets. Imported. Machine wash, dry.

We are placing orders for Jackets within the next week. They will be Embroidered with Signature Arabians logo and Midwest Mustang Challenge on the left chest. The color is Dark Khaki like the one in the picture. Most of you have let Jill know if you want one ordered for yourself. The approximate cost is $40. If you do want one and have not let Jill know, you can send her an email @ Jill@signaturearabians.com . Let her know what size you want (S-3XL). Payment can be made to Jill upon delivery.

...and more snow pictures by Cherish

2008-02-03T20:44:00.001-06:00

You can see we sometimes can make good use of the snow.

3 weeks down

2008-02-03T20:08:00.000-06:00

Yesterday marked the three week mark from pick up date. Sign got three rides on her this weekend. She is walking, trotting, backing and steering better and better with each ride.

Saturday I had a farrier/cowboy come out who has lots of experince with mustangs and "problem" horses. He was great with the horses he worked on. Sign didn't need much farrier work as she does not have lots of hoof. He did work with her and balance her hoofs. He also worked with another horse in the barn who haves confidence issues, mostly with farriers. He got him trimmed all around in addition to helping the horse gain lots of confidence and trust. If you are looking for a good farrier or someone to help you with horses that have trust issues, he is the guy to help you. I told him he should be in the Mustang Challenge, he would be one of the top contenders for sure.

Day 18

2008-01-31T09:38:00.000-06:00

Last night, I wasn't excited to spend anytime in the indoor since the temps dropped to near zero again. I found plenty to do in the aisles. It was a good time to work on ground driving and more desensitizing. I laid across her from both sides. While I was working on her accepting me laying all over her, the dogs decided it would be fun to have races up and down the aisle right beside us. It was "hair on end, run as fast as you can, slam on the brakes, spind and go back" multiple times. Sign really likes the dogs and cats, so anything they do never bothers her. She did get her first ride earlier this week, if being ridden by a cat counts? I also cross tied her for the first time. She stood there like she had been doing it for years. I put my gelding in the cross ties beside her for a while and he taught her to paw, not a good thing.

I also have different people going in and out of her stall throughout the day to continue to gentle her. Every day she becomes more accepting of us, it really helps that she loves grain and treats, but she is still reluctant to take anything directly from a person.

Day 17

2008-01-30T14:46:00.000-06:00

Sign is getting more accepting of us approaching her and handling her. She is getting much more confident with each day. On Day 17 I ponied her from my tall (non-handy) gelding. She was awesome with us on her left and need more repetition with us on her right. I am also continuing work on steering and remaining soft.

Snow Pictures by Cherish

2008-01-27T19:50:00.000-06:00

End of Week Two

2008-01-27T19:17:00.000-06:00

This weekend the weather finally warmed up some. Today, Sunday, it was in the 30's, sunny and little wind, almost warm enough for a trail ride.

This weekend was the first time Sign has gone outside since her arrival two weeks ago. She didn't do much other than stand on one side of the round pen. We have about 12 inches of snow on the ground, so it is easy to tell where she goes in the round pen. Since our round pen is outside, I have not used it for her training. All training has been done in the indoor and stall.

Cherish took so very great pictures of all the horses, including Sign in the snow. I'll post some as soon as possible. Sign was a great photography subject, she just stood like a statue and observed her environment.

I did more standing in the stirrups and establishing contact with the bit. I will get on her when I feel like there are "no holes". My goal for the first (and every) ride is to be very "uneventful". I have a plan to "fill the holes" this week and may be ready to get on by next weekend.

Sunday concluded with trailer loading. I think Sign liked the extra height she gained standing in the trailer.

Stay tuned for some very cool "snow pictures",

Day 11

2008-01-24T11:29:00.000-06:00

It is amazing how far Sign has progressed since Day 1. I am working on desensitizing and controlling her feet. Last night I also spent some time on grooming and getting the last amounts of mud off her. She is looking pretty cute!

I showed off some of her tricks which are a true indicator of how good minded she is. I brought out the tarp for the first time and the only problem I had was getting it layed down quick enough for her to stomp on. Jill lunged her some while I played with the camera. I need to figure out the best setting for inside without getting the blur. With all the "smoke" it looks like we are on fire....it is our breath in the single digit temps. We are getting a mini-heat wave on Friday....it will be in the 30's. Here are some pictures from Day 11.

Start of Week Two Pictures

2008-01-23T16:32:00.000-06:00

Start of Week Two

2008-01-22T11:28:00.000-06:00

Last night was lots of fun just playing with Sign. I worked her more off her right side because she is much less trusting of anything on that side. I also tied her in the indoor again and approached and retreated a few times with much less reaction than the previous day. I sent her up the wheelchair ramp and backed her off a few times. I had to block her a few times from trying to go back up, she wanted to go all the way to the top. There was no fear, only curiosity. That will come with time, however I'm sure she could handle it now. These horses are more aware of where their feet are then our domestic horses.

I did some lunging from the top of the mounting block, she was a Pro to the left, sticky to the right. I also leaned on her and bumped her with my legs. When I started, Alisha and Sara were riding so I had Alisha touch her from Sabrina's back, she was great and stood quiet and still. I tried one of my saddles on her for fit. She only looked at and tasted the saddle. I tightened to girth 3/4 of the way. No Reaction. Trotted her both directions...no reaction. I think she may not be the easiest horse to fit a saddle. Tonight I will put some others on her and hopefully find one that fits. Otherwise I may need to invest in a crupper to keep it from moving over her shoulders.

I brought my camera today, so tonight I will take more pictures, almost all of the mud is gone.

End of Week One

2008-01-20T19:18:00.000-06:00

I did not spend as much time with Sign this weekend as I had hoped to. The extreme cold caused me to retreat to the indoors. However I did accomplish lots in the little time I spent with Sign.

Friday night I spent about 15 minutes getting her out of the stall and a little work on the lead with lunging and yielding and basically moving her feet in all directions.

Sat AM I worked more on leading in the barn aisles. I delayed going into the indoor, since it is much colder in there than in the barn. It is ~35 degrees in the barn, I guess the indoor to be in the teens? I worked more on the mud, superficially it appears to be mostly gone until you feel her "undercarriage". I took out the cowboy magic green spot remover, closed my hand on the lead, made sure I was not blocking her escape and sprayed 2x away from her body and then turned the spray to her barrel in rhythm. No reaction...just a slight indication that she noticed, so I soaked as much of the remaining mud as I could. If you have a light colored horse, this stuff is awesome. You can almost see the green (manure and urine) dissolve. I don't know what is in it, but I imagine it has enzymes which breakdown manure, mud and urine to remove "green spots". I am hoping by the non-reaction I got with the spray bottle, that bathing will go as smoothly. I spent lots of time on her tail and have most of the mud-dreadlocks out. I also picked up all her feet a few times...no issues.....she was more responsive and respectful then lots of domestic horses. So...since I was doing good, and of course it was nice to be in the warm barn, I got the new blanket a boarder (thanks Donna S. :) had given me to try on her.

At first, Sign snorted a little and didn't look like she was going to allow it within 10 feet of her. So we all went to the indoor, Sign, I, and "the blanket". I lunged her around it for a few minutes from all directions. I let her stop at it if she showed interest and then rubbed it all over her body. I then put it on her without any buckles and continued to lunge her until it slid off her butt. At that point it was "dead" and she showed little interest in it. So I put it on, hooked the belly and leg straps and chest and now she is warm and looking more like a domestic horse.

Sunday was a little more lunging and then a lesson in being tied. She had the typical reaction once a horse learns it is tied for the first time. She figured it out pretty quick and did some pawing as she thought it through. Cherish came in with her horse Kodi and Sign stood quietly the whole time. Her feral intuitions did present when I approached her to untie her, she tried a few more time to pull away when I approached, but once I could put the stick on her wither and settle her, I was able to untie her and lead her back to her stall. As expected, after the tying lesson, leading was a little easier.

Looking back to last Sunday, when I could not touch her directly, she has made tremendous progress. I truly believe she is smart and will make a great horse for whoever takes her home in April.

Pictures from week one

2008-01-18T20:09:00.000-06:00

Day 5 - Officially 13.2 hands

2008-01-18T11:18:00.000-06:00

I am now able to approach and rub Sign within a few seconds of being in her stall. Last night I introduced a new object (flag) and she accepted it touching her all over within seconds. I lead her from her stall to the indoor with her following another horse a good distance back. She is very soft and yields very quickly off the left, the right is a little more sticky. I did a little lunging/leading/lunging/leading/.... from both sides last night. She is super soft and light to the left, and getting more comfortable and responsive to the right. I introduced many items from my grooming box as well as the measuring stick. Officially she is 13.2 hands, I could probably stretch it to 13.3 hh, maybe she will be there by April if she grows some hoof and wears shoes :)

When I applied for the challenge, I thought I would not have any problems outfitting the horse I would get. Well, I don't have much in the pony department. I will have to find her a blanket on ebay and include it with her in the Auction in April. Good thing her head is a little larger, I guess it to be cob size, so tack should not be an issue.

I also added lots of Cowboy Magic to her mane, tail and belly last night. I have gotten most of the mud off, but what is left is very hard, like cement. She has lots of mud balls on her belly, especially under her flank that I don't want to pull out and regress with her developing trust. Maybe by tonight some of it will be more loosened and falling off.

After working with her for ~1 hour and decided I could probably take the lead off and let her loose in the indoor while the vet worked on Gia. She mostly stayed at one end of the indoor and explored everything she could. She only came over to see what we were doing when the vet was emptying Gia's stomach and making lots of mud....did I mention she seems to have a strong affinity for mud? She also found the "therapy corner" taking a few steps up the wheel chair ramp, and putting her nose on all the toys and tools.

Once the vet was done with Gia, she was referred to Wisconsin Equine, I decided to see if I could catch Sign and lead her back to her stall. It didn't work out that way. After a little while I decided to use old, trusty, Sabrina as the bait. Sign happily followed her out of the indoor to her stall. I get the feeling that Sign has a high opinion of herself and likes to do things her way. I could almost see her smiling as she exited the indoor and walked confidently down the aisle to her stall. This will work to my advantage in the future.

So as you read this, you are all probably wondering about Gia, 1990 Grey Arabian Mare. Here is a letter that Jill sent out Friday AM after returning from WI Equine Clinic.

I am writing to let you all know that we lost a very dear friend last night. Geynalika was put to rest approximately 12:30 last night. Gia's owner, Judy Hazard and I are very grateful for the kind and compassionate care given by Dr. Steve Graham of Bristol Vet Clinic, and Dr. Austin of Wisconsin Equine Clinic. She had a ruptured intestine and there was absolutely no option except to take away her pain as quickly as possible. We are extremely grateful for the wonderful memories, blue ribbons, and the great times we all had with her. She was a kind, beautiful horse and we are thankful she was a part of our lives. We also would like to give great credit to Ken Remer for using his farrier skill and talent to give her many good years after a major laminitic episode. Again Bristol Vet was there to give great advice and vet care, to help pull her thru that crisis. Thank you all for helping me to care for this incredible mare.

Day 4

2008-01-17T09:20:00.001-06:00

Last night was more great progress. I spent lots of time desensitizing Sign all over her body. At first she was not willing to allow me to touch her from the right side, but within minutes we worked through it. I can also touch her entire body without any reaction. I had lots of other people approach and retreat from both sides. She is still on guard but is getting more accepting of human contact. She is very respectful of her handlers space and yields her quarters to very slight pressure. She is progressing quickly with learning to be led (following Sabrina really helps). Almost all of the mud is gone, I know lots of you are interested to see what she looks like sans mud. We took lots of pictures last night, I will get some up by this weekend.

Rebecca and Spyder "taking" the "IN and Out" :)

2008-01-16T16:22:00.000-06:00

These pictures were taken late Fall 2007 at South Kettle Moraine Trails in Ottawa, WI. I was curious to see if Spyder would jump the gate, he did....no problem.

Day 3

2008-01-16T09:20:00.000-06:00

More forward progress was made last night with Sign. She is now yielding her hindquarters very willingly and giving to pressure on the halter. I can approach and retreat and rub her. She can also be approached and rubbed by other people. She is guarded by remains still and quiet when approached. From what I have read of the other mustangs in the challenge she is not as quick to "let down her guard". She is very smart and protective. I will get more pictures up this weekend.

First Day of Training

2008-01-14T09:24:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone for the concern regarding the deer. I am not sure if I am more upset about hitting it, or the fact that the Sheriff scared it away on the two good legs it had. It was a good sized buck and would have provided lots of meat to offset the damage to my car.

On a positive note....Of course I have to point this out after the "trash talk" I was getting from these guys on Saturday at the pick up. Mark B and Scott P, guess we won't have to worry about your Colts or Cowboys. Better luck next year. Now I have the dilemma of supporting my hometown team, The Patriots. I grew up in Fall River, MA and we ran our horses in Foxboro right beside Foxboro Stadium, in the early ninety’s. Now I live with a diehard Packer Fan.....I think I will be "Switzerland" to keep the home happy.

Sign is making slow but forward progress. I can rub her all over with a curry comb on the end of a 4 foot pole. I have gotten about half of the mud off her. Some of it is like cement and taking more rubbing to loosen it. I have only touched her a few times before she moves away, but she is liking the rubbing that I do from two feet away, any closer than that and she loses her confidence. She whinnied at me when I walked out of the stall after a 30 minutes rubbing session. As much as she would rather I don't get too close, she does appreciate being rubbed. She is also learning to give to the pressure of the halter. I will provide an update in a few more days.

Pick Up Day

2008-01-12T19:36:00.000-06:00

Today was a great and long day. I got to the barn at 3AM and Jill was in the truck with the trailer hitched and ready to go. We got to the pick up facility at 9:30 AM as planned. While there we met two other trainers and Patty Colbert. Dena Plendl and her family were loaded and ready to return to Iowa. We took some pics and had a little time to visit. After loading we met Mark Burnett from IN who was there to pick up his horse, and was the next in line to load. It was great to meet some trainers and put smiles and personalities to names. We took plenty of pictures. It was lots of fun, even thought I was repeatedly informed about the impending Packer loss throughout it, FYI Packers 42 Seahawks 20. We be coming for your Colts and Cowboys next :) OK....back to the subject of the day....I got a 4 yr old bay mare who was loaded within two minutes. Thank You to the hands who were there to do the haltering and loading. Everything was very quick and smooth, it actually went so fast that we missed the loading with the video camera. We get a video of the recreation at home in the next week.My first impression of my horse was only "how did she manage to cover her entire body from the tip of her nostrils to the tip of her tail with what must be at least 20 lbs of mud". We learned in the truck on the way home that she has white of three of her feet. I told Jill we must have received the wrong horse, because I didn't see a white hair anywhere on her entire body. Actually her coggins says she has two white feet, I wonder how they missed one?Overall the trip was smooth, except for one missed turn which routed us through the center of Chicago. We arrived home at 4:15PM and unloaded in the indoor. Fellow boarders Tammy and Cherish and Jill's husband David were all awaiting our arrival with cameras and a plan. Jill brought her reliable Arabian Mare, Sabrina, into the indoor to give some comfort to the new arrival. We let the mare check out her new home for a few minutes before letting Sabrina and Jill lead the way out of the indoor to her new extra large stall where she will spend the next few days while she settles in. We have decided to name her Signature and will call her Sign. We actually picked out the name a few weeks earlier and it fits her well. There will be more to follow on that later.....When I left the barn, Sign was quietly standing in her stall and looking very relaxed. Tomorrow will bring a new adventure.Unfortunately on my way home from the barn, a large buck attempted to cross the road in front of me. He didn't make it as I'm sure we both hoped for. He landed on my hood, leaving lots of dents, and then bounced off my roof to the road. Instantly it looked to me like he had two broken front legs as he tried to run off the road down toward the creek. I called Jill and David and Cherish and her husband Jeff. The buck was lying down by the creek when everyone arrived. However he managed to move enough to keep his distance from the Sheriff. So, now I have a damaged car and no buck. But I was lucky to be unharmed and safe. I guess I should have at least pulled my camera out to continue the documentation of the day.Look for pictures soon.

The Day Before Pick Up

2008-01-11T08:38:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is the much anticipated day to pick up my horse for the Midwest Mustang Challenge. The Mustang Heritage Foundation notified all selected trainers on December 21, 2007. It was like getting a Christmas present a little early. My friend Jill Mann, who is also the owner of the barn where I board is going with me on Jan. 12, 2008 to Ewing, IL to pick up the horse. The facility where the horse will be stabled and trained is Signature Arabians, in Union Grove, WI. Signature Arabians is owned and managed by Jill and her husband David Mann. We plan to return early evening on Sat and take some pictures and video of the pick up day. Look for more updates soon.....