Cat

I just recently got a new horse! She's a quarter horse bay paint, with one blue eye and one brown. She's about 15 hands and has already been shown in pleasure and showmanship. Her name is Cat.

The brown eyes is her right one.

A picture I took with my cell phone while riding.

Christine's Bridleless Ride

My youngest sister Christine was competing in our riding club's Queen's pageant. One of the sections was a horsemanship pattern which she performed bridleless on her horse Max. She did an excellent job! And she taught Max to ride bridleless herself. Not bad at all for a 12 yr old! :]


Although she often rides him around at home tackless she only decided to do the pattern brideless once she got there, literally waiting to go on in the warm-up arena. She won the horsemanship and the pageant! Congratulations Christine!

Here's the link to the youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwVSjbx0Rqc

Chistine with her crown and sash!

Peralli Horsenality™

Horsenality™ is something that Pat and Linda Parelli developed to help you better understand your horse’s individual behavior and temperament characteristics. Usually I don't say I train this certain style or that certain style. I generally borrow from whatever seems to work the best for the particular situation. I did find this chart neat to look at and fun though.

To identify your horse's "horsenality," consider every trait listed on the chart and make a dot on the specific ring that best corresponds to your horse. For example, if your horse is extremely playful, you would put a dot on the outer "extreme" ring under this trait. If he is non-responsive, but only some of the time, you would put a dot on the middle "moderate" ring by this trait. Some of the traits may not apply to your horse at all. You can have dots in different quadrants, but the vast majority of horses will end up with most of their dots in one quadrant, which reveals that horse's Horsenality.  Basically there is four categories.

The Right Brain Extrovert needs safety. Never push him past the threshold until he's calm. You will need to retreat and to interrupt the pattern. You must have a strong focus and must match the horse's high energy level. Give him a job to accomplish to replace his fear with something positive. He must think of you as his "safe place."

The Right Brain Introvert needs comfort. The worst thing you can do is push this horse before he's confident. You'll ruin his trust in you if you push him before he's ready. Taking your time is important because you'll need to wait on this horse to process things. He needs to believe in you.

The Left Brain Extrovert needs play. He craves creative, imaginative tasks and can't stand to be forced into anything. Because he hates to be bored, you'll need to speed things up, be enthusiastic and come up with variety in your lessons. Allegro falls into the Left Brain Extrovert category.



The Left Brain Introvert needs incentive. There are plenty of ways to offer incentive without "bribing" him. (Think rest, grazing, treats, scratches.) This horse needs to have a purpose and wants to go somewhere. Riding circles in an area with this horse will lead to resistance and defiance. Use reverse psychology for best results.


For more information about Horsenalities, visit www.parelli.com

Rachel Ward 2010 Extreme Mustang Makeover

Rachel did pretty well in this makeover even with an exceedingly difficult horse. She placed 1st in the obstacle course, 2nd in showmanship (where she had a lovely pull turn), and 3rd overall. In the freestyles she placed 4th. She also won the stall decorating contest. XD!


Rachel's freestyle video:


Here's the youtube link to the video as well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe4batYLDDw&feature=mfu_in_order&playnext=1&videos=jPym2tU_o_A


Honestly though I think I would have been happier if she had won the EMM yearling freestyle and I had placed fourth in longe line. -_- But you know if she had Allegro and I had Big Mak that very likely would have been the case. The horse you draw nearly determines 50% of how you do in these competitions. Not all horses are equally talented, athletic, and willing.

Mustang Furturity long line: Diane Ward and Doc's Golden Allegro

The first futurity for 2 yr old mustangs was held Friday, 22 for the yearlings who competed in the 2009 yearling Extreme Mustang Makeover. I believe there were 7 entries who signed for the class out of the 30 who were eligible. The mustangs really filled out as 2 yr olds, although it was obvious, for most, that unlike many domestic horses they would likely continuing to significantly grow until they are about 6 yrs old.



Allegro and I had a blast at the show! It was great to see all the horses and trainers again! I always feel really inspired after these events and seeing the amazing things that everyone else is doing. It really gives me something to look forward to keep working towards. I also met a lot of new people who were utterly wonderful.

Video of me competing in the class:

There's a saying in performing that say " you'll have half of what you have in practice in the usual performance". So far this has not really been true for me until the lunge line event. Allegro was off the wall crazy going in to this because I didn't have the time I needed to burn off the crazy energy before hand. He goes a lot slower in practice, and the lope to walk transition was supposed to have a small sliding stop in between. But oh well! It still went great! I'll have to post a video of us practicing some time so you can see what I mean. (also I know nutcase tried to poop. -_-)

Some pictures of practicing the day before at the arena:

Allegro lunging in the warm up arena outside.

I just got done rinsing him off so he's wet here. You can see why he's called Golden Allegro.

Pictures from the actual show:

I think I forgot to mention we won. It seems to me the horse should wear the ribbon. After all it is a horse show.

 I am still extremely lucky to have a horse like Allegro. It kills me I got him for free! Not to mention he's now registered as a palomino. I think he was the only registered mustang up there. I keep hearing that some horses teach you things and not the other way around. He's definitely one of these horses. Because of his athleticism, intelligence, and willingness it allows me to train easily without complications so that I get the end result so much quicker than I do with most horses. It lets me know if what I'm doing is effective or flawed before I try it with a subject that I may have more difficulty with.

The entire longe line class.

Hopefully the other contestants won't feel the need to kill me if I put all of them up... -_O

I have to say the horse closest was pretty good looking. Very well developed muscles, good movement. Honestly I didn't get to see the others... I only saw slap jack and his owner Helena because they happened to be in the warm up pen with me.


I really hope they continue doing the Futurities. They allow a preparation to teach the two year old how to move correctly so that when they're under saddle they already are "good movers" also it's a chance for the adopters to get involved, and allow the people who weren't able to haul up for the actual yearling challenge a second chance to show their horse. Also I fear that sometimes the horse's don't continue their training after the challenges because their is no incentive. This is incentive! I know they're planning on for 2011!


Thank you to everyone tht helped me get to this point most literally the Livingstons who did the literal getting there since they hauled Allegro! (I am so funny-_-). My parents my, mom for pulling the car into he horse pasture because I wanted to work Allegro when it was dark and there was no other lights. Christine nd Rachel (my sisters) for being very supportive and helping me figue out what was wrong with my own technque.

The Livinstons again for letting me use their show halter! XD


And everyone else who gave me advice or helped in some way!

Mustang adoption!

At the end of each Extreme Mustang makeover the horses in the competition are normally auctioned off making on of the main goals of this event to raise awareness for mustang adoption. Naturally I adopted the horse I competed with and I can vouch first hand for their sheer awesomeness of the breed. I look forward to seeing what everyone drew this year and the adoptions that take place! Here is some information on adopting:

October 22-24: Extreme Mustang Makeover, Murfreesboro, TN The second annual Extreme Mustang Makeover returns to Murfreesboro, TN. Over 100 gentled mustangs available for adoption. 100 trainers (18 and over) and 25 youth trainers (8-18). $25,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded.
Tennessee Miller Coliseum: 304 West Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN (615) 494-8961.

For more information: http://www.extrememustangmakeover.com/emmtennessee.php




Upcoming In-Person Adoptions:


Lorton, VA: Oct 22-23
Murfreesboro, TN: Oct 22-24
Archdale, NC: Nov 12-13
Oneonta, AL: Nov 19-20
Martin, TN: Dec 3-4
Lake Charles, LA: Dec 10-11




Here are some examples of mustangs up for adoption and their information:

Sex: Gelding Age: 1 Years Height (in hands): 14.1

Necktag #: 9560 Date Captured: 11/22/09
Color: Palomino Captured: South Steens (OR)
Notes:

#9560 - 1 yr old palomino gelding, captured Nov 2009 in the South Steens Herd, OR.
This horse is currently located at the Corral Facility in Hines, Oregon. For more information, contact Patti Wilson at 541/573-4424 or email Patti_Wilson@blm.gov.
Pick up options (by appt): Burns, OR; Elm Creek, NE; Pauls Valley, OK; Piney Woods, MS.
Other pick up options: Martin, TN (12/3); Lake Charles, LA (12/10).

Bidding has not yet begun.

Sex: Gelding Age: 1 Years Height (in hands): 14.0

Necktag #: 9493 Date Captured: 11/18/09
Color: Pinto Captured: South Steens (OR)


Notes:

#9493 - 1 yr old pinto gelding, captured Nov 2009 in the South Steens Herd, OR.
Calm personality.
This horse is currently located at the Corral Facility in Hines, Oregon. For more information, contact Patti Wilson at 541/573-4424 or email Patti_Wilson@blm.gov.
Pick up options (by appt): Burns, OR; Elm Creek, NE; Pauls Valley, OK; Piney Woods, MS.
Other pick up options: Martin, TN (12/3); Lake Charles, LA (12/10).


Bidding has not yet begun.



 

Sex: Gelding Age: 1 Years Height (in hands): 14.1

Necktag #: 0010 Date Captured: 07/13/10
Color: Bay Captured: Cold Springs (OR)
Notes:

#0010 - 1 yr old bay gelding, captured July 2010 in the Cold Springs Herd, OR.
This horse is currently located at the Corral Facility in Hines, Oregon. For more information, contact Patti Wilson at 541/573-4424 or email Patti_Wilson@blm.gov.
Pick up options (by appt): Burns, OR; Elm Creek, NE; Pauls Valley, OK; Piney Woods, MS.
Other pick up options: Martin, TN (12/3); Lake Charles, LA (12/10).
Bidding has not yet begun.
 

Sex: Mare Age: 4 Years Height (in hands): 14.3

Necktag #: 9614 Date Captured: 12/15/09
Color: Pinto Captured: Paisley Desert (OR)
Notes:

#9614 - 4 yr old pinto mare, captured Dec 2009 in the Paisley Desert Herd, OR.
This horse is currently located at the Corral Facility in Hines, Oregon. For more information, contact Patti Wilson at 541/573-4424 or email Patti_Wilson@blm.gov.
Pick up options (by appt): Burns, OR; Elm Creek, NE; Pauls Valley, OK; Piney Woods, MS.
Other pick up options: Martin, TN (12/3); Lake Charles, LA (12/10).
Bidding has not yet begun.

thoughts on the Mustang Longe Line Futurity

That is one long title!

As I've posted before, the lunge line futurity is going to be held alongside the normal EMM event in Murfreesboro TN for the 2009 yearlings adopted out last year from the previous youth competition.

Allegro and I have been working pretty hard! I won't deny it's been frustrating. The first few months he kept getting sullied up, because he was not at all used to being asked to lung at a circle for any length of time. This was not what I had trained him to do before. Whenever we did lunge before it was with mostly half circles and turnbacks and the idea of walking in a longe line was the least used word of his vocabulary. He's made a lot of progress even though this isn't his foremost talent. Some horses have a natural inclination to move the way that longe line asks for (not that this will be judged exactly on tradition rules) but Allegro's mustangs roots seemed to have a different idea of how to move.

Just recently we had Allegro shod because he had bruised his front foot. It's very frustrating that it was the front foot on his good side because now his former good side had become his weaker side and his former weaker side his stronger side now. He's not much a fan of the shoes. He's been picking his knees up more because of the new feeling (we also have booties on to protect the shoes). I know I'm may be being a bit picky. Just because he's picking his knees up is not a reason to obsess; it'll will probably fix itself once he gets used to them.

I think I learned most of what I know about lungeline from watching YouTube videos. :] It makes good sense

I feel I've really learned a lot from this. For one thing it's good that I was able to work with Allegro entirely on my own for this especially since longe line was something a genuinely had no knowledge on; it was like taking a crash course on how to train and perform lungeline. I doubt I know half the things a profession would tell me about lungeline but no doubt I've learned a lot since working on it. If you work over a 100 days on something every day you are going to have to work not to learn something.


Here's my check list for things I look for in longe line:

1. Consistent and acurate gaits
2. An even circle
3. The handler not "traveling" (having to chase the horse, or having to walk a large circle)
4. Smooth transitions
5. Ease of movement
6. Attentiveness to handler
7. Style, and overall presentation (longe line isn't riveting exactly so it pays to make it look like more than it is; give it some stage presence!)
8. Ease of moving into the circle, changing directions, and coming out of the circle.
9. headset and technically correct gaits (correct lead, not cross firing)

The real Wild Horses I

I think I've made it fairly clear that American Mustangs aren’t actually wild horses and are actually feral horses descended from domesticated animals that escaped and adapted to life in the wild. There is a few known surviving wild hoses species today one of which is Przewalski's Horse. Unlike the American Mustangs, Przewalski's Horse has never been successfully domesticated and remains a truly wild animal to this day. Other wild equines, include three species of zebra and various subspecies of the African wild ass, onager and kiang.

Przewalski's Horse occupied the eastern Eurasian steppes, perhaps from the Urals to Mongolia, although the ancient border between Tarpan and Przewalski distributions has not been clearly defined. Przewalski's Horse was limited to Dzungaria and western Mongolia in the same period, became extinct in the wild during the 1960s, but was re-introduced in the late 1980s to two preserves in Mongolia. Although researchers such as Marija Gimbutas theorized that the horses of the Chalcolithic period were Przewalski's, more recent genetic studies indicate that Przewalski's Horse is not an ancestor to modern domesticated horses.Przewalski's Horse is still found today, though it is an endangered species and for a time was considered extinct in the wild. Roughly 1500 Przewalski's Horses are protected in zoos around the world.

A small breeding population has been reintroduced in Mongolia.As of 2005, a cooperative venture between the Zoological Society of London and Mongolian Scientists has resulted in a free-ranging population of 248 animals in the wild.Przewalski's Horse has some biological differences from the domestic horse; unlike domesticated horses and the Tarpan, which both have 64 chromosomes, Przewalski's Horse has 66 chromosomes due to a Robertsonian translocation. However, the offspring of Przewalski and domestic horses are fertile, possessing 65 chromosomes.

Conservation Staus:

Critically Endangered (IUCN 3.1)

Przewalski's Horse is stockily built in comparison to domesticated horses, with shorter legs. Typical height is about 13 hands (52 inches, 132 cm), length is about 2.1 m (6 ft 11 in). They weigh around 300 kilograms (660 lb). The coat is generally dun in color with pangare features, varying from dark brown around the mane (which stands erect) to pale brown on the flanks and yellowish-white on the belly and around the muzzle. The legs of Przewalski's Horse are often faintly striped, also typical of primitive markings. The tail is about 90 cm (35.43 in) long, with a longer dock and shorter hair than seen in domesticated horses.

Where are they? The world population of these horses are all descended from 9 of the 31 horses in captivity in 1945.These nine horses were mostly descended from approximately 15 captured around 1900. A cooperative venture between the Zoological Society of London and Mongolian scientists has resulted in successful reintroduction of these horses from zoos into their natural habitat in Mongolia; and as of 2005 there is a free-ranging population of 248 animals in the wild. The total number of these horses according to a 2005 census was about 1,500.

Other names for Przewalski's Horse:

Equus ferus przewalskii

Mongolian: Тахь

Takhi

simplified Chinese: 野马

traditional Chinese: 野馬

 Yěmǎ

Dzungarian Horse

Titan

The Livingstons recently adopted a rescue pony for their daughter. His name is Titan and he's ridiculously small! So far their daughter Riley Grace adores him and has been leading him around all over the place. It's pretty much like walking a dog for her.

Taught Titan to stand on the pedestal. Riley Grace is holding the end of the leadrope.

She's giving him a kiss in this picture.

To get the full impact of how small he is, compare to a full sized quarter horse. This horse is about 16 hands.

Final week of my summer job

This is my last week as a representative for the Mustang Heritage foundation (it was only a summer job). In fact this blog was set up as a requirement for that position. But I don't think I'm going to abandon it just yet... I've really enjoyed blogging and it has really motivated me to take pictures and document my experiences with Allegro and other mustangs. I've also met some wonderful people on this site with similar interests! So, in short, this will be my last official blog post as a Representative but the blog will live on!

Working Allegro on the lunge line. For him it's more of a challenge to hold back that energy and walk at a steady pace rather than building and keeping that speed. I suppose the name "Allegro" is kind of a tip off to that though...

Speaking of which I think I'll share where I got the name from!

al·le·gro (Music Definition) ADVERB & ADJECTIVE: Abbr. allo

In a quick, lively tempo, usually considered to be faster than allegretto but slower than presto. Used chiefly as a direction.

Allegro (Ballet Definition)

Meaning brisk, lively. A term applied to all bright, fast, or brisk movements. All steps of elevation such as the entrechat, cabriole, assemblé, jeté and so on, come under this classification. The majority of dances, both solo and group, are built on allegro. The most important qualities to aim at in allegro are lightness, smoothness and ballon (ballon means to bounce).

I had just taken him out of the pasture so he looks rather ungroomed of at least he would if the sun wasn't gleaming off him so brightly!

Highlights from past EMM!

October 22-24, 2010 is when the Extreme Mustang Makeover, Murfreesboro, TN will be!

It's sure to be an exciting weekend full of entertainment and adoption opportunities. There will be over 80 gentled mustangs available for adoption with 55 Adult and 25 Youth Trainers Selected for the makeover.

Here's a link to more information on where to go and how to buy tickets as well as rules and regulations:

http://www.extrememustangmakeover.com/emmtennessee.php

Here are some highlights from past Makeovers:

I'm definitely looking forward to going again!

I just recently had to start blanketing Allegro on the colder nights now it's fall. I have to say the Slinky/blanket combo is pretty much atrocious. The slinky has bright flames on it. The first time the neighbors saw it I'm pretty sure they thought it was some sort of ridiculous horse costume. I'll have to put up some pictures later...

Horse Show

We took my sister's show horse, Allegro, and the three yearlings to a MS Congress Open Horse Show.

Normally these shows are only for registered AQHA, or registered paints, pintos, appaloosas, or palominos, but this open show allowed the three yearlings to show just for practice in being in an arena. So they were not competing for points. Allegro however is a registered palomino so he was competing for points.

Rachel did very well! She got a 1st and a 5th! I got a 1st, and 2nd with Allegro.

Pictures of me and Allegro:

Pictures of Rachel and Big Mak:

I have to say the mustangs did pretty well compared to all the seasoned show horses!

Showmanship, noun

1. a person who presents or produces a theatrical show, etc

2. a person skilled at presenting anything in an effective manner


Showmanship is an event found at many horse shows which involves a person on the ground leading a horse, wearing a halter, through a series of maneuvers called a pattern. Patterns generally include, walking, trotting, backing, stopping, pivot turns, pull turns, setting up (this is where the horse stands squarely under himself, symmetrically) and is inspected by the judge (this is where the horse is setup and the exhibitor moves around the horse in two places so not to block the judges view of the horse).

The horse itself is not judged on its conformation. Rather, the exhibitor is judged on how well he or she exhibits the animal to its best advantage, with additional scoring for the grooming and presentation of both horse and handler.

Beginning Trick riding

I've always wanted to learn how to trick ride and when Allegro matures and grows some more (I'm think when he's around 5 years old) I'll see if I can get a trick riding deal going with him. I just started practicing with other horses. I have not yet tried with Allegro because I don't think he would be able to handle the weight distribution. He only barely old enough to ride as it is.

Here are some photos of me practicing on my sisters horse!

I don't have an actual trick saddle (they're expensive!) but this pleasure saddle seems to be working well for the moment. These pictures are only done on a standing horse although I did try to do some of them and other moves on a horse with some speed.

I found with a different saddle with a lower pommel I could leverage my leg so that my left leg didn't have to be in the stirrup but I couldn't close my knee enough around this one to do that.

This is my favorite move so far. For a dismount I let my leg continue over my head and flip upright letting go of the saddle.

Again I don't really know anything about trick riding I was just going with what seemed to come easy and balance well. Hope you like the pictures!

Day 2 with Allegro (Flashback 2009)

These pictures were taken right after Allegro's escape (which I wrote about in an earlier post). After that we were forced to get a halter on him.

The fence behind us in the picture is the one he jumped.

Also I should mention this is after all the fighting about the halter. He didn't just stand quiet immediately. I'm standing off to the side to avoid getting hit if he decided to strike with his front feet.

Picking up the front feet. I only tried to pick up the front feet.

These pictures only show his calm side. I wish I had pictures of all the the fighting and escape before hand.

The Mustang Quarter

The Nevada state quarter features mustangs.

More than half of all Mustangs in North America are found in Nevada with other significant populations in Montana, Wyoming and Oregon and another 30,000 horses are in holding facilities. In fact, Allegro was originally from an Nevada herd.

Here is an illustration from the BLM site that details population distribution:

Mustangs from a herd in Oregon.

Photos are from the Bureau of Land Management site.

For more information please visit the BLM site on wild horses and burros here:

http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wild_horse_and_burro.html