Owner: MidWestHorse URL:www.midwesthorse.blogspot.com Join Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2007 10:33:09 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: A blog written by two women who own and love horses for others who own and love their horses reguardless of discipline. Site statistics:Click here
More Auction Pics 2007-04-29 00:35:00 Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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Jess's New Baby 2007-04-28 23:56:00 Sweet Stacy Oak and Coako. Coako is just a week or two old. He is adorable. I was over there at Twisted Oaks to visit and take pics of the new babies. And to check out the horse auction down the road.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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Breyer Collecting 2007-05-02 20:28:00 I've been collecting Breyer Horse models since I was a little kid. Which would be the early 70's. Some of the horses I inherited from my older sister and those would be models from the 60's. The first one I ever got was Man O' War, famous thoroughbred. And then they just kept coming. The latest ones were a pair of paint minis. One of my favorite one's gifted to me as a kid was Yellow Mount, a well known Paint stallion. They're all packed on the shelf like sardines in a can. I'm now trying to talk my family into letting me start collecting Painted Ponies. Now those are cool, but I'm sure I'll never turn down a Breyer.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources. Read more:Collecting
Pining for Pasture 2007-05-02 09:03:00 They're pining fo pasture. My husband had just locked them in the paddock and they are not happy with us. I let them out into the pasture yesturday evening and let them stay out nearly twenty-four hours. When I called their names, they refused to make eye contact. I think it's funny. Of course they changed their tune when I marched out there with a flake of hay before I left for work. We're not spoiled at all.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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Old Mares 2007-05-01 20:25:00 Here are Jess's convelescant old mares she has come to care for. She'll close the gate to her property and let the old things have run of it. They love their fresh grass treat and to lay down and sun themselves. I pulled in the driveway and closed the gate behind me. Both old girls were laying down across from each other, one on each side of the driveway in the warm sun on the soft grass. This is Jess's solution to lawn mowing. Bless their sweet old hearts. As I slowly drove past, they just lifted their heads and watched me go by.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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Protecting One's Head, Do You? 2007-05-04 16:55:00 Recently this past weekend, in an area just a bit northwest of Milwaukee, there was a fatal horse accident. Apparently, a woman went riding along with her 13 year old daughter and I don't know the total details, but the woman's horse spooked and she lost balance and went off the horse,only her foot was caught in the stirrup and she was dragged for how far I'm not sure, while the 13 year old daughter frantically tried to stop her Mother's horse. It resulted in the woman's death due to head injury. This poor kid's Father had only died a month or so prior to cancer. She wasn't wearing a helmet. Well, it got me to thinkin'. I've never ridden with a helmet and I trail ride, which is most likely where an accident is going to happen or at least a painful one. I've had my share of close calls and been pretty lucky. The older I get the harder I heal and my Doc knows that well. I was talking to my Doc, who raises and shows American Saddlebreds, and she dragged me out to her car and sho Read more:Protecting
S.M.I.L.E.S. 2007-05-04 11:19:00 SMILES is an acronym for Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills. This is a non-profit organization that exists in my local area, which was founded in 1985. It offers recreational and therapeutic horsemanship lessons to children and adults with disabilities whether they are physical, cognitive, or emotional. I think this is great. There are many benefits to this for people with disabilities. Some of these include : Improved Posture and Balance, Increased Strength, Increased Flexibility, and Improved Eye-Hand Coordination. Not to mention, Independence, Increased Self-Esteem and Awareness, along with many more. Apparently there is a difference between Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy. Therapeutic Riding is equine - based activities used to help the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of the person with the disability. Hippotherapy is a prescribed medical treatment performed by a licensed therapist using the horse as the tool for treatment. They have both, volunteer
Grazing 2007-05-04 10:22:00 A few Quarter Horses at Jess's place enjoying what they can of the green grass. Pretty grazed down. Just like my place.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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Woo Hoo !!!! Pasture !!! 2007-05-08 05:44:00 Had the girls locked in the paddock for a few days while I was working and to give the grass in the pasture a chance to grow. This is them, excited to get to the grass. It's always a short sprint and then an immediate stop and chew.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources. Read more:Pasture
, Woo Hoo
Family Photo ? What Is That ? 2007-05-08 02:46:00 Does anyone know just exactly what type of steer these are? I've always admired them and finally stopped to take their picture. Now before I got up close to them, I always thought they were a Longhorn, however their horns are not quite that of a Longhorn. I thought that Longhorns weren't quite so straight up like these and more out to the side. They're cool anyway and they were quite curious of me. The whole group of them came up to me as I was snapping away. My husband was in the car just laughing. I was giggling too. They cracked me up. Almost more interested in me than I in them.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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, Photo
Horse Apple Buffet 2007-05-07 23:29:00 Recently, I read a post on Our First Horse
about the dogs coveting the hoof trimmings from the horses. Now, not only do my dogs eat the hoof trimmings, but they like to hit the all you can eat horse apple buffet. Now that's a fine mess to clean off the carpet when they're through at the buffet and promptly come into the house and "blow chow" on the oriental rug in the entry way of the house. Fido is the worst culprit. He never misses a chance to clean up the paddock. Today was certainly no different. Talk about gross, but dogs love poop for some reason. Eating it, rolling in it, and sharing it with the rest of us. What's worse though, is when the pigs at the pig farm across the street break out at two in the morning and come over to our place and poop and I don't know about it until I have three very stinky dogs trying to love up on me after they've spent the morning rolling in it. That reeks!Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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, Buffet
Cool Quarters 2007-05-06 12:03:00 Pardon the poor picture quality. It's not easy trying to take a picture of a coin. Anyway, the three quarters on the left are what I dub as cool quarters. The states chose their quarters well. Nevada with wild horses, North Dakota.....buffalo, and Montana with a steer head. Awesome! My state, good ole' Wisconsin, which I love, a Dairy cow and a wheel of cheese. I suppose that goes along with "cheese-heads". At one point there was a bill on the table to call us cheese-heads on our license plates. Who thought of that?Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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More on Impressive 2007-05-06 00:23:00 In an earlier post, I had mentioned that I was pining for a beautiful sorrel mare I had seen at an auction. The down side was one of many things, but that she was a double Impressive
bred Quarter Horse. And I touched a bit on what that meant. Impressive, born in 1969, went on to become a top champion Halter stallion, turning out even more champion Halter horses. He had an outstanding career and proved himself deserving of his name. Not only did he pass on his greatness in the Halter ring, but he had also managed to pass on a bad gene, HYPP, hyperkalemic periodic paralysis and this defect is a dominant gene. Not too many years into Impressive's ascent to the top of the sire list, horse owners who had bred for halter, started noticing muscle twitching in their horses that often left their horses unable to move. and there were some fatal endings. It was soon noticed that these horses had something in common and this was their pedigree. We now know this as HYPP or Impressive Syndrome. In
Kola Cracks Me Up 2007-05-11 03:10:00 "What ? We're eating. You had your dinner." And, "Hey, Is that all we're gettin'?. Where ya goin'?" This afternoon, I attempted a little lunge work with the girls. Misty, who I've never lunged before did quite well considering I've manged to lose my lunge whip and made this attempt with a riding crop. It worked with her. Kola just stood and looked at me like, "You think that little thing will get me going? Ha!" So instead we did a little lead work in the pen. Had to do something and first thing in the morning I'll be heading to TSC for a new whip and we will try this again. At least she isn't crazy wild and a bit on the lazy side which suits me just fine as I like to trail ride at a nice comfy pace. Will get everyone saddled and ridden in the training pen by Sunday. That's my goal. I know Misty will be fine. This will be the first ride at home with Kola, so I'm looking forward to it.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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A Childhood Horse Memory 2007-05-10 20:43:00 My previous post got me to thinkin'....again. And I remember a store in McHenry, Illinois that I often went to with my Mom. Now the weird thing is that it was a women's underwear store, back when you used to get fitted for everything, kind of like an old fashioned version of Victoria Secret only much more discrete. Anyway, in this store were two life size resin horses with real horse hair manes and tails and all tacked up. They stood in the window of this store. While my Mom was getting fitted and shopping, I was sat up on one of those two horses the entire time. I loved it and I remember the sad day that the old things were too decrepit to let me sit on anymore. I was devastated. I wish they still existed. I would find a way to purchase one and have it restored because I think it would be cool to have it in the house.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources. Read more:Childhood
, Horse
, Memory
Wanting That First Horse 2007-05-09 11:02:00 I remember when I was about 11 or 12 years old and really wanting my own horse. I was always able to trail ride at the local stables every weekend and in those days, they would let two twelve year old girls take out a couple of horses for two hours on their own and never worry about it and Jess and I were fine, never in trouble. Crossed busy roads, rode down by the Fox River, ran the horses on the old railroad track path and never had a problem. Back to wanting that horse. I remember that I used the argument on my Dad that he and Roxie, my older sister, had their horses when I was just three years old and that it wasn't fair. I had found a pregnant mare, named Flicka, funny enough. She was sorrel with a white star and white socks. I drug my Dad there to see her. Sat on her. Fell in love and desperately tried to talk my Dad into letting me have her. In the end, I did not get the horse, nor did I get any horse. Often as children we only see what we want and not the big picture like what Read more:Horse
, First
Signs 2007-05-09 06:59:00 This sign I found a few years back at our local TSC store and couldn't resist. It describes our dogs perfectly. I've hung on the back of the lean-to which butts up against our driveway. Says it all, doesn't it.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources.
Why Me? 2007-05-12 07:39:00 This is Lady Olena's colt, she had it last Saturday. I felt guilty breeding her because she just turned 24. I was going to send her to the vet to deliver, since she was doing so well I kept her home. She loves him dearly and he is a little more patient when it comes to dinner now. He figured out that it is just as easy to nurse when she is lying down. Thanks to Callie and Steve I can take these pictures. Callie has been waiting for this picture, thanks to Steve for the information to retrieve it! My boyfriends mare foaled on Wednesday. She is the last one. I will get some pictures of her this weekend. Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources.
Barn Swallows 2007-05-12 07:01:00 To Barn Swallow or not to Barn Swallow. I enjoy my barn swallows. Yes, they dive bomb me and the cats and they often poop in the the water troughs but they also eat mosquitoes. And they really are pretty. I know allot of people hate them and do all that they can to keep them out, but appreciate them and the horses aren't bothered by them, so why not. What's your opinion?Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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Silly Dog 2007-05-11 16:36:00 Border Collies are so smart. This is Spot who will steal a bottle of water out of the case we keep on the floor in the kitchen. He will work on the cap until he opens it and then drink the water out of the bottle.Spot will then use the empty bottle as a toy bringing it to us to throw for him. He also will wait patiently until Steve has nearly finished his cup of coffee and then drink the rest. As if a Border Collie needs a cup of coffee.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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Last But Not Least 2007-05-15 03:25:00 Mary was the last to foal this year. She gave us a little bay filly. When she was born it was still dark and she was wet, so I thought she was a sorrel. My boyfriend is fond of color so he was a little disappointed since she was bred to his dun stallion. "At least she is bred well", I told him. He sent his son and he said she was the same color as her Mama. I get home from work and find a filly with a black mane and tail. I called him up and told him we had a color change. Needless to say that made his day. I think I'm one of the few people that like "Red" horses. Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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Lilliput And Spot, BFF 2007-05-14 20:45:00 Best friends forever. Lilliput loves her puppy and Spot loves his kitty. They play together often and they will sleep together. Last night they were curled up on one of the couches together and of course I didn't have the camera ready and handy. When I tried to quietly sneak the camera, they both woke up and followed me. Darn, it would have been such a cute picture. Lilliput was curled between Spot's legs, face to face and both were sound out. Lilliput is our little blind 24 toed adopted kitten and she adores Spot and he plays quite gentle with her as if he knows her disability. Too Cute.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources.
Hittin' The Trails? 2007-05-18 12:24:00 Here's some tips to follow before you hit the trails.1.) Check your tack. Make sure that all tack is in proper working condition. All leather is not frayed or broken or about to break ; bridles, reins, girth strap. It is also good to use a breast collar, especially if the trail you'll be on is rugged and hilly. It will help to keep your saddle from slipping back.2.) If the trail you'll be going on is unfamiliar, take a practice run without your horse and obtain maps and brochures about the trail. Check out the trail thoroughly so that there are no unexpected surprises you and your horse may not be familiar with.3.) Don't go it alone. It's best that you plan ahead and bring a trustworthy friend and provide that person with a map as well. Don't rely on only one person carrying the map in case something was to happen to the person carrying the map. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.4.) Bring a cell phone, only carry it on your person not in a saddle bag. If you and your horse h
Picking The Right Trailer For You: Part I 2007-05-20 09:03:00 How do you choose the right trailer for you. I know when I chose my trailer, I received allot of advice Jess. First you must decide how you'll be using your trailer.1.)Are you showing ?2.)Do you need a dressing room or a place to sleep ?3.) How many horses will you need to carry ?4.) Will you be camping or traveling long distances ? 5.)What is the towing capacity of your car/ suv/ truck ?6.) Do you need a gooseneck or bumper pull ?7.) Is your vehicle's tow package equiped for what you're looking at ?8.) How tall of a trailer will you need ?Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources. Read more:Picking
, Right
, Trailer
Where To Start? 2007-05-24 20:35:00 I believe that with the help of the Blogs we can come together to work out a plan to insure the humane treatment of horses that are crippled or need to be put down. My vet will be coming out to do ultrasounds next week and I'm going to run an idea or two past her. If they would agree to help with a fund to be set up for the use of a horse owner that cannot afford proper care, it would be a great help. Here are some steps I think can be made to help with funding and rescues. The more ideas that we can come up with, the better chance we have to make a difference.1. Try to write one letter to a congress person, sympathetic public person (Bo Derek) for example, high profile clinician etc. Since this has become such a common problem the humane society may need to become more involved to start this fund.2. Have a fund raiser. How many trail rides and speed/pleasure shows have raised money for children's programs? Maybe someone like John Lyons could contribute a small portion of his fees to Read more:Start
Purchasing That Trailer You Chose: Part II 2007-05-24 16:07:00 Now that you've chosen the trailer that will best suit your needs. You've taken all those points into consideration, it's time to shop. Here is a list of things to check when purchasing your trailer whether you are going through a dealer or a private sale.1.) If you are going through a dealer, make sure it's a reputable dealer. Better business reports and reputation.2.) Check that tires are new and not worn and that you have the proper size spare tire.3.) Check that there is a break away battery and that it's new or recently replaced.4.) Make sure that electric brakes of the trailer are in proper working order and don't buy a trailer to haul horses in without trailer brakes.5.) The trailer should have running lights and all lights, brake and turn signals are in fine working order.6.) Check the floor of the trailer. Some trailers have wood, others aluminum or steel. You don't want rotting wood floors or rusting metal ones. Also check that planking of wood floors is supported well Read more:Trailer
, Purchasing
Questions of Slaughter 2007-05-23 01:12:00 With the constant battle to close the slaughter houses, I feel the need to bring this controversial subject up again. Equus has a well written article in their June addition under the EQ Perspective column written by Tracy Flahardy. As much as people like to think that every sick and crippled horse ends up living happily ever after, it trully is not so. Instead of trying to close them down, why not start fund raising projects to help the ones that have a chance?Sometimes people have no other choice because of financial or physical limitations. I stay away from auctions because I do realize that I cannot save all of them. I have 7 crippled horses here, one is a gelding that was crippled at birth. He is 4 years old now he can be ridden, but limps because of a leg that didn't grow straight. He is really fast when he runs across the pasture, some days are better then others. I have 2 foundered mares, one is 24, they eat feed that is twice the cost of my other horses. I am close to broke
How Do You Feed Hay? 2007-05-27 08:42:00 I was in the market for a hay feeder and was really looking for the "turned inside out" tractor tire. I had great difficulty finding one and actually didn't, although I had seen them in many a paddock including Jess's. I came upon this one which I bought at the Co-op for about 100 bucks, give or take. It looks like a giant spit-tune, but it works real well. It has drainage holes and most of the hay stays inside rather than wasted. It comes in two pieces that you have to assemble, but I've had this for a few years and it has worn well. It's also easy to move. I'd rather them eat from a feeder than from the ground. I always worry about sand and dirt collick. So how do you feed your horses their hay? I'm curious as to what you all use.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources.
Spring Rain 2007-06-01 20:34:00 We just had a storm go through and it was still raining. The sun was starting to come out and sure enough a rainbow. I shot this pic from our deck overlooking the horses, of course. Misty was in the lean-to. She melts in the rain, you know. Kola will just stand next to the building but not quite in it.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources. Read more:Spring
2007-06-01 20:30:00 Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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