Scout learns some manners!

I admit it. Scout is the horse that I haven't worked with. There. I said it. Yes, I worked her a bit in the big corral, but every time I took her out to the round pen, she would barge out of the gate and barge in front of me and I just didn't have the strength or energy to deal with her, so my solution was to let her sit and do nothing! I realize my mistake now that I am getting back to normal after my riding accident two years ago. She has horrible manners! She doesn't respect my space, she tries to lead me, she is very forceful. And STRONG! She's got powerful rear legs and is built like a tank. So, yesterday, Meia, a local trainer who comes to the ranch on Tuesdays, worked with Scout for a first lesson on manners. And, yes, she noticed immediately how awful Scout's manners were and in two seconds, she had her walking and leading nicely! Phew! She also opened up the corral gate and made Scout stay! My problem is...I'm just not quick enough in my old age to catch this misbehavior, but I'm going to work with Scout on Friday just in the corral and go in and out of the gate and ANTICIPATE that she will try to barge past me! Little steps...So, yesterday Scout learned how to lead properly, how to back up, and how to lunge. Now, I can work with the other horses, but Scout....oye vei! She is quite strong willed! And, I admit that working with her, I get nervous and she probably feeds off that. I don't want another accident that could further aggravate my back, so I think it is best that a trainer works with Scout on her manners. I did notice that Meia kept an eye on Scout and the very second that Scout even THOUGHT about barging ahead, she headed her off! I'm going to have to practice that! ...sigh...I have SO MUCH to learn!

Temecula ~That's My World 081010

My friend and fellow blogger, Barb D, and I drove up to the horse ranch Saturday morning, the swap meet, and then to Temecula. I wanted to stop by the feed store there (Tack West) to buy some wood chips for hubby. He enjoys grilling with different flavored wood chips and since he bought me two bags of feed for the horses last week, I bought him two bags of apple and oak chips. YUM!!!! So, Barb and I drove to Temecula. We ate lunch at a hamburger place with open seating (see pic). After that, we walked around the town and took some photos. It was a pleasant day...not too hot...and there was a gentle breeze. PERFECT! Barb and I are both avid photographers and we both love to find new places to take pictures.

Scout starts extra training!

Ms. Manners will start some training tomorrow! Phew! I really need help with Scout and a trainer comes up to the ranch every Tuesday to work with the Pasos. She will help me to make sure that Scout leads properly without barging ahead. I know, I know..I should have worked with her on this before now. But, with a back injury, I just didn't have the strength to work with her! Even now, just taking her up to the round pen puts a lot of strain on my back and it is exhausting! So, I need some extra hands to work with her! I am so looking forward to this and I'm sure Scout isn't! Ha!

A tale of two horses

Gigondas is now moved into the big corral where we used to have Cali and Scout and she is adjusting to her new neighbors. And, they are adjusting to her. So, yesterday, when my friend Barb and I stopped by to see the horses, I was interested in seeing how Gigondas and the big black gelding were getting along...er...or not! Yes, they are figuring out WHO is BOSS!

Hello, I love you, won't you tell me your name?

My friend and fellow blogger, Barb, took this photo (I did not...sigh...) of Cali and her neighbor. As I posted it this morning, I thought of the Door's song, 'Hello, I love you, won't you tell me your name"! Cali is no longer in that corral, but Gigondas is! HA! I wonder what Mr. Wonderful thinks of her? I guess we'll find out this morning when Barb and I drive up to the ranch! If you want to see more of Barb's beautiful photos, please visit her blog at:

http://worldlensphotography.blogspot.com/

The joy of just being alive!

I guess this says it all...It's so good to see him enjoying life. I spent one day this week down at my school and I worked in my class room for 3 hours! Yesterday I had to drive to San Diego. Today and this weekend and next week are devoted to the horses. I stopped and checked them yesterday. Cali's eyes look clear and much better! (She got an infestation of fly larvae in her eyes and the vet had to come and scoop out the larvae and give her an antibiotic shot and he gave me eyedrops for her.) I now have her in her own corral, away from Scout, and she has a fly mask (which Scout can't rip off!) Scout, of course, got her mask off, but the others (except Sunni) still have theirs on. It was a busy week! Phew! And, our weather is cooperating here. Right now, it is 68 degrees on our front porch. The usual "low" in August is in the 80's, but this next week, at least, morning temps will be in the 70's. That's good because it gives our air conditioners a rest!

"C" is for Cali~ABC Wednesday 080410

My friend and fellow blogger, Barb D., took this photo of Cali as I was giving her a shower last week. She absolutely LOVES water and sometimes puts her feet in the big water trough! If I turn on the hose, she will walk right over to it and enjoy a spray! "C" is for Cali...ABC Wednesday for August 4, 2010.