Lady's Escape

Lady will usually go from stall to paddock or from paddock to stall without being led, so I give her a lot of freedom. She recently made it quite clear, however, that she still has a mind of her own. Her stall door was open and her hay snack was inside and I expected her to follow the usual routine. It was a complete surprise when she walked past her stall and headed for the back door of the barn, which was still frozen only partly open. I was sure she couldn’t get through, but she proved me wrong. She stopped just outside the door to munch on hay droppings, and I tried to grab her halter. She resisted and took off across the road toward the farmer’s gate. As I walked after her, she seemed to be looking for some tasty grass, and perhaps decided it wasn’t there after all. Before I could get close to her, she came back to the barn in her fast gait and a bit of canter, back for more of that hay dropped outside the barn door—where I was able to capture her. You see, when horses are not under human influence, they do whatever comes naturally, which could be dangerous to themselves and others. Although Lady is about the most reliable horse I know about some things, she does have a mind of her own. I'd love to hear about other mares and their special ways!

Back in the saddle again!

Yes, it's been a long time since I added any comments. Christmas was a busy time; drove 1876 miles round trip to enjoy it with my kids and their families. But yesterday, I knew it was time. After 2 months without riding, I brushed off Lady's coat of crud as much as possible, and rode in the indoor arena. She was perfect. Stretched out so I could mount, did everything I asked, including stop, back, slow gait, faster gait, sidepass over a pole both directions, turn in place, and then she stretched out so I could dismount. And she was quiet and attentive all the way. What a girl! After I trimmed off about 4 inches of bridle path and cleaned out her hooves (which looked better than I thought they would after all my neglect!), I had to reward her. Four cookies this time; she deserved every one. I'll bet my young gelding won't be that good after a two month layoff! We'll soon see. This warmer weather is a welcome incentive.

Mares vs Geldings discussion you have to read!

Carol Upton has posted her review of MARES! (ya gotta love em) on a really great blog: http://ponygirlridesagain.blogspot.com/. In one day's time, there are already 36 comments about mares vs geldings and it's a discussion with a lot of interesting viewpoints and insight! Check it out and come back and let me know what YOU think about your mares!

Posting on this site!

I've become very frustrated at hearing from at least 4 people who have tried to post comments on my blog and couldn't. If anyone wants to post a comment, please try this: when the site tells you it can't post your comment, push the "post comment" button again and again, until the page opens up where you can sign in with a password. You do have to choose a profile, and I chose a Google account, which is free and quite easy to do. One person who tried to post already had a Google account and still couldn't post a comment. And I have no idea what to do about this situation! Can't even find a PERSON, or an email contact or a phone number to call! I'm considering putting my blog elsewhere...and I'd appreciate any suggestions. My email is goduseshorses@aol.com.

Lady is a jealous mare!

I rode Rocky not long ago, and then put him in the crossties to clean his hooves. He's my 9 year old TWH/SSH gelding. And I was loving on him and we were sort of nosing each other, when my husband warned me that Lady was having a jealous fit! Here I was, loving on Rocky right in front of Lady's stall and she was watching. Poor girl! Lady is very loving but also very demanding and very possessive, so my loving on Rocky just didn't set right. Yes, she was visibly upset, so I had to go and pet on her and give her a mint to make things better. Next day, I rode Lady, and she was a perfect angel in every way. At least she usually doesn't hold grudges.

This situation needs a solution!

I've decided that Lady's fear of machinery and big trucks needs to be dealt with rather than ignored. Previously, Cynthia Medina worked with her fears of a four wheeler, and it was a small miracle in my estimation, as I watched Cindy ride her down the driveway beside the four wheeler within 15 minutes! A few days ago, my dear husband took Lady out to eat some grass, while I was talking to a couple friends on the other side of the barn. I saw the big combine go by, and I told my friends I was glad I hadn't gotten her out yet for grass, because it could have been a disaster! I didn't realize that he had already taken her out and they were near the road when it came by, and she spooked and ran! He tried to hold on (big mistake) and got rope burns and a blistered finger. He did let go then, and she ran out to her paddock, dragging her lead rope. Lady is so good in many ways...she is very intelligent and loving, but her alpha nature and her fears can take over in a split second! HOW do you get a strong alpha mare to get over her fears? It's only when some big tractor, or combine or dump truck comes toward her...and I know that would scare almost any horse...but is there some way to get her to not react so suddenly and violently? Once before, when she spooked at a big tractor on the road, I was standing beside her and I held her halter and looked her directly in the eye, talking to her, and she stood still. So I think she might trust me if I could keep her attention on me, but that just doesn't always happen that way! So...people out there...anyone with any ideas...PLEASE SHARE!

Mare wins Breeders' Cup Classic!

Well, I just have to call attention to the winner of this big race on Saturday, November 7, 2009. It was a MARE...the only female in the race! Just another proof for the belief that mares will try harder and give you everything they've got! Her name is Zenyatta, but I heard they are calling her "She-biscuit."