06.11.08
Herd visits HorseGal Days 4-9
[continuing report from Connie's friend, Guest Writer HorseGal... see previous post Herd of three visits HorseGal for background...]
HERD VISIT DAY 4 – Today Glendale had a slight accident when he had a 2 1/2 year old moment! He was in the indoor ring (the first time he’s ever been in one), and when the wind came up and shook one of the closed sliding doors, it spooked him. He took off and bolted for the outside going full tilt toward the gate. In the process he took the door off its hinges and injured his right hind leg when he attempted to jump over it (he didn’t realize he’s not a jumper).
He sustained a cut right on his leg (hock area) that swelled up. Emmie took care of him with Epsom salts and water and hopes that this will take care of the problem. Meanwhile, the Herd does seem to be settling into their surroundings.
HERD VISIT DAY 6 – Glen is healing quite well from his cut to his hock. The swelling is pretty much gone and you can see that the cut is healing. Glendale is showing no pain from his injury. He doesn’t seem to have any trouble walking or trotting. Em treated it with Epsom salts again.
Em trims Glendale’s muzzle whiskers with grooming clippers.
Emmie rode big brother Gilford around the indoor ring, working him and getting him into shape for driving this season. Gil likes to slack off when he thinks he can get away with it, however Emmie doesn’t let him get away with it! Emmie and Gilford make a stunning looking pair!! Today I took some pix of Em and Gil, helped her with Glendale and cleaned out the horse trailer so it would be ready for their trip home.
HERD VISIT DAY 7 – I am amazed at how these horses have relaxed!!! Emmie has taken Gilford and led him away from the enclosed area that they are in and not a sound out of Momma mare or baby brother!!! What a difference from Day 2 when Momma mare worked herself up into such a frantic and panicked state.
Today, it appeared that there was absolutely NO separation anxiety!! They were so relaxed that Glendale was lying down sunning himself and Momma had her eyes closed (she was standing) when we were coming back with Gilford after his workout!!! When Gil was returned to the pen and Glendale taken away, once again, there was not a whinny from either of the two remaining horses.
HERD VISIT DAY 9 – Em brought Momma mare into the barn to tack her up for a ride and, Momma was none too happy at being separated from her boys. The carrying on that horse did! She was crowding Emmie, pawing, tossing her head, whinnying, lifting her front legs off the floor (she was on the cross ties). Emmie, as usual, was SO calm about all this! Emmie would remind Momma that she was boss and that momma mare was not to be in her space, that she was not to paw, toss her head, etc.
At this point I’m thinking maybe Emmie shouldn’t ride her because she was so worked up, but Em did ride her and had no problems at all. Once Momma was out of the barn and working, I think that helped to distract her and keep her focused on what Emmie wanted her to do. She got Momma to use the thinking side of her brain, so it kept her focused on the business at hand.
On Willy momma, Emmie demonstrates sidepassing for HorseGal
I’ve read this countless times, that if you have a horse that has spooked or is all worked up about something, make them work and get that thinking side of their brain working by giving them a task to do. Emmie knowing what to do with Momma mare when she’s agitated all comes down to Emmie and Momma’s history together. Emmie knows that mare better than anyone and doesn’t get nervous or flustered when she gets worked up like that. I am learning so much about my beloved herd and horsemanship in general by watching Emmie!
Em cantering Wil
