More progress

I have been drilling lunging into Upendi and he finally has it he canters nicely around, stops, walks, trots, and switches directions. We have also started to practice our routine for finals with the music. It is getting right along we need to cut the routine it a little shorter and we need to get our costumes together.

So there is a week and a half until the Mustang Makeover. Here is the schedule:

Friday September 24, 2010- 1pm In hand competion
                                           - 3pm Showmanship

Saturday September 25, 2010- 1pm Top ten finals

YOU DON'T NEED TICKETS TO SEE THE YOUTH COMPETE.

Upendi's Progess

Only 27 days left in the journey of the extreme Mustang Makeover Nebraska. I have been working hard on the costumes, shirts, and props that I am going to be using. I have been working with Upendi on lunging, turning and trotting. We also attempted to go on the trail but it was a wee bit "jungly". But I know that he is alright with the trees.

After the horse show.

After the show we went back to the barn and grabbed Upendi and put him in the trailer with Honey Bunny. We drove up to the Army reserve unloaded him and walked him around.I tied him up to the trailer while I was getting it ready for him to get back in. He was excellent. I needed Bunny to be in the trailer with him because on sept. 18 we will go to linclon with the both of them for Arsarben. Looks like they are good to go with that.

Day 78

Over the last week I have been busy, busy, busy. School has started, I had a horse show and the days are numbered before the Mustang Makeover. On sunday I had  the Wolf brothers horse show at Skyline Ranches. I competed in every class for a chance to win high point. My sister also competed. First was showmanship 13 and under, my sister did this class. She didn't place but she did very good and it was her first time doing showmanship. The next class was showmanship 14 to 18 Honey Bunny and I placed 6th out of 9 people.

The nest class I did was english equitation and I placed 7 out of 7. We need to practice that. After that was English pleasure and I placed 6th again out of 7. After all of the english classed was Western horsemanship. We didn't place beacause I decided to trot instead of canter in the pattern. After horsemanship was western pleasure. We didn't place in western pleasure. After pleasure was Poles my sister competed in the speed events too.  I got forth in both poles and barrels. This was my first time getting in the teens. I got 19.85. My sister did good also she canter the whole thing for the first time and got 36 seconds. I didn't end up getting the high point but it was a good day any way.

Day 70 out of 105

Upendi has been good so far. We have been working on lunging and Thanks to Mark Lyon, I think Upendi finally gets it. Besides lunging we have been working on basics and stuff for finals. We even started on a outfit for us. 

This weekend I have a show, Wolf Brothers. This show is my favorite because it is free and you can win stuff from the Wolf Brothers store. It is at Skyline Ranches on Sunday and it starts at 9.

Day 60 out of 105

Today I worked on some basics then I put him in the round pen. I practiced what I would have to do with him for handling. As far as I am concerned he is good with that. Then I had to set up obstacles and other things that we were doing for finals. Every obstacle that I set up we accomplished including a simple cute on the first try. We also worked on our lunging and I was able to get him to go to all 3 gaits, no problem. I also stopped him and had him reverse directions. He was very good.

Day 59

Today was fun. I let him go in the round pen while I set up the Ultimate obstacle course to go through and it included stuff for finals. The course had a bridge, a gate, ground poles, and a square. Every time we went through it was different and he got better. We did stuff for finals today. Then after that we practiced one of the things that we are the worst at... lunging. I haven't gotten him to canter before on a lunge line so today it was a first. He now has two verbal cues he has to know. 

Day 58

Today we reviewed what we did yesterday. I did basic stuff with him and I practice for finals. I ground tied him today a he stayed. That was a big accomplishment.

Day 57

Today I worked on stuff for finals but I also worked on some new stuff. I tied him up in the arena to brush him, pick up his feet and stuff. Today I also ran Bunny around barrels so I had to spray her off.

Today is also the non horse part of the Sarpy County fair. The first thing we did when we got their was animal scramble, kids under 12 get to try to catch chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, and rabbits. If you check an animal you can keep it or sell it to the petting zoo. My brother didn't catch anything, my sister, Leslie, caught a gray bunny, and my sister, Jenna, caught a big, black Bunny. The black bunny went back to the petting zoo and the gray bunny came back with us to the barn. So now we have a Bunny named Claws. The next thing I did was the soaped pig. There is a soaped up pig and whoever can get it to the ground first wins. I really liked this and I want to do it nest year.

Day 52-56

I have lost track of time the Extreme Mustang Makeover is creeping up on me. I have not been very good with keeping my blog updated, sorry everyone. Well, the last couple of days we have worked mostly on stuff for finals. We have also been working on the basics like turning and backing. I gave Upendi and Bunny a day off on Tuesday because I went on a tour of my new school. 

Upendi Pictures

clipping him

Picture

Reserve Champion in Barrels.

Day 51

Today is Speed Day at the Sarpy county Fair. Last night I wrote on the car windows for Speed Day! The first thing we did was the grand entry. That is when every one in the show on speed day rides in a line around the arena and the stops in line. All of this is happening while they play the national anthem. The first event was poles. I got a purple in it and my time was 34.223. The next event was Barrels. I got reserve champion in barrels with a time of 21.201. YAY! My next event was flag race. Bunny was scared of the flag blowing in the wind so our time was 46.931. My next event was keyhole. We probably would have done a lot better if bunny hadn't had tried to go around the cones. Our time was 16.374 and we got a blue ribbon.

Getting Bunny ready.

Standing in line in the grand entry.

Waiting for the grand entry.

Waiting for the results.

My Reserve Champion Plaque and ribbon.

When I got home to the barn I worked with Upendi on jumping, lunging and showmanship. Also I loaded him up in the trailer and gave him a quick ride he was good.

Day 50 out of 105

Today was the show part of the Sarpy county fair. I was in Showmanship, Western Pleasure and English Pleasure. Since it was a 4-h Show I got a purple ribbon in Showmanship and blue

ribbons in English Pleasure and Western Pleasure. When We got home from the show I loaded Upendi Up in the trailer and then we gave him a ride around the barn. He was all good in the trailer and then When I unloaded him, he was great. When I unloaded him

I worked with him on basics. Then I got Bunny ready for SPEED DAY!!

Getting ready to go into the show ring for showmanship.

Purple ribbon in showmanship.

Before Western Pleasure.

Waiting for the judge to announce the scores.

Day 49

I am going to the Sarpy County Fair on Saturday and Sunday. So I rode Bunny and gave her a bath. I banded her and put a sleezy on her. I put her in a stall overnight so she wouldn't get muddy. After I was done with Bunny I worked on basics with Upendi.  

Day 48

Today I rode Bunny in English first. Then I tied Upendi up at the tacking area while I brushed him and cleaned out his feet. Then I took Upendi to the trailer and loaded him up. next We tried on a  Sleezy to see how big it was on him. Then we took a trip to the bull. At first he was nervous but then he wanted to go check them out. After spending a few minutes by the bulls we  headed back to Upendi's stall.

Day 47

Today I brought Upendi into the arena and ran him over a set up jump. Then I proceeded to send him over the jump in both directions. I am so happy I got a little jumping horse I have always wanted to jump. After jumping I set up a showmanship pattern. My sister had bunny and I had Upendi. I went thriugh the pattern first then my sister. The pattern included trotting, stopping, backing, turning, setting up for the judges insepection and standing quietly with other horses. Then I brought him to the tacking up area and brushed him. I also picked up his feet. Then I put him away while I rode Bunny outside. There is a new addition to our barn, 3 bulls. They are around the outdoor arena. I didn't know how Bunny was going to react the them but I rode in the arena by the cows anyway. And Bunny, she wasn't a least bit nervous.

Day 46

Today I tied Upendi up while I was riding Bunny. I was roping on Bunny so I did that around Upendi he was interested but he wasn't scared. I am guessing hat he wasn't scared because  I was tossing the hula hoop around a few days earlier. I am starting to put together some ideas for a finals routine in hopes I will make it to the final 10. I still haven't taken Upendi in a ride in the trailer. Although, he loads and stands in their nicely. Today was very hot so I took both horses to the wash bay again, Upendi was first today. He was hesitant about getting in the wash bay but as soon as he was in he was good. After being sprayed down I lead him out and then back in again.To see how he reacted to noise we brought a few balloons out and blew them up. I popped all three and he didn't mind.

Day 45

Today I took Upendi and Bunny out the arena and let them run around. I caught Upendi and did some basic stuff. Then I sent him over the cavaletti while I was lunging him and trotting. Then I worked on some backing and going over ground poles. Then we loaded into the trailer. I gave him a bath in the was bay then we left.

Day 44

Today we reviewed stuff from yesterday. Worked on the basics and did some new stuff. Then a lady came and did some trail lessons for me and Bunny and some other girls at the barn.

Day 43

Today I tied Upendi up in the arena in a new place that was new and he was alright. I brushed him and picked his feet out. Then I mostly did review, with the hula hoop, from yesterday. One new thing I did was send Upendi between cones. Today Bunny got her feet done and I was able to ride her again. Which felt very good.

Day 42

Today when we arrived at the barn I took Upendi to the arena and tied him up. I brushed him and picked up his feet. Today I brought a Hula Hoop to train Upendi with. I swong it around and hula hooped. and he was okay with it. we stepped over it then I put it around his neck. I rubbed the Hula hoop all over his body and then I managed to pull it up around his belly. I walked him around like this and he was fine. I took the hula hoop off and did the same things to Bunny because she was terrified of it. Then when Bunny could face the Hula hoop I I got out a railroad tie and got Upendi to put 3 feet on it. I also sent him over ground poles. The last thing we did today was drag a tire behind him. He was okay with the tire behind him but he didn't like the rope touching his butt. 

Day 41

Today was a pretty good day. The first thing we did was lead the horses to the outdoor arena and let them go. But once they were inside they weren't doing much so I caught Upendi and my sister, Jenna caught Bunny. Then I decided we were going to have a showmanship class. This was a good idea because in the competition Upendi has to stand quietly for inspection and in a line with other horses. It was also good practice for Bunny. My mom was the judge. The pattern wasn't to hard. It was walk about halfway to the judge, stop and back. Trot to the judge, without running her over, turning 360 degrees and stopping for inspection. Then you would turn and trot to the rail. Upendi and I were first I don't know how straight we were but we did great. Only thing was the turn we took a little slow and it took awhile to set him up. But while Bunny was going he stood still and quiet. And when Bunny came over he leaned over to look at her. After a minute he started stomping at flies. The next thing we did was take turns going over the cavaletti. He had no problem walking and trotting over it. By that time it was getting late and we had to take the horses back to their runs and leave.

Day 40 of 105

Today channel 7 news came out to our barn to interview mustang people again. I guess they are doing a series about the mustangs, in Five Star, journey to the Extreme Mustang Makeover. I wasn't interviewed today but Upendi and I did watch other people. When I first got to the barn I lead him to the arena and walked in. Inside there was cones, barrels and cavaletti. I sent Upendi over the cavaletti a few times in both directions then we weaved in and out of the cones. I tried to get him to jump a barrel but the barrel was to wiggly. Then I tied him up in the arena while the interviews were going on and there was a lot of horses. I brushed him and picked up his feet. Today he didn't do very well with his hooves. After awhile I opened the gate and sent him through it. Then we went to the trailer and tied him up and shut the divider. I also stepped out of the trailers when he was tied up. Then the other people with the mustangs were shooting off guns so me and Upendi went over to check it out he doesn't care about the sound. After leading Upendi around in the outdoor arena while the other mustangs were in it I lead him to his stall and we were done for the day.

Day 39

Today the first thing we did was put Upendi in the round pen and we ended up putting Bunny in the round pen with him. We took Upendi out of the round pen and took him to the tacking up area. I figured that we should brush him there because that is a new spot. After I picked up his feet and brushed him I took him to the arena. There was a few people riding and there was an obstacle course set up. We walked all over then we went over a cavaletti. Then I sent him over it and we lunged over it. We also checked out the ball and barrels. I was very surprised that Upendi didn't freak about all of the horses being ridden. The next thing we did was go to the trailer. I put him in once and backed him out then I sent him in again tied him up and shut the divider. He did great. When we were done with the trailer we went to the other tacking area to brush him and pick out his feet. When we were done we walked to the walk way and stepped into the wash bay. Upendi wasn't to sure about this. But he stepped in and stayed for awhile. After I took Upendi to his stall it was time to leave.

Day 38

Today we didn't get much done. First we took both horses out to the arena again and got them to run around. Then I caught Upendi and lead him around. It was getting hot so we brought them back inside and went over an obstacle course. Including jumps, a bridge and noodles. Then we tied him up and picked up his feet and brushed him.

Day 37

We threw both of the horses out in the out door arena again today. They both had fun romping around. They were bucking, kicking and rolling. After a few minutes I tried to grab Upendi, but he dashed away before I could. I think it might have been because of my shiny glasses, but in a few seconds he came back to check me out and I grabbed him. Next we worked with distractions like Bunny being loose in the arena while we were in it and umbrellas opening and closing. I hooked up Bunny to her halter and walked both of them around. Then I got on Bunny bareback and ponied Upendi. I couldn't get him to come closer to me he was hanging around Bunny's butt. But he didn't care about me being in top of Bunny. After that we brought them back to their stalls and I clipped Upendi. I got around his eyes, his muzzle, bridle path, his legs and part of his ears. Next we took him out side to give him a bath. We tied him up this time and I sprayed him with water. I put stuff in his mane and tail and then I rinsed it off. We had on freak out moment and it was because the lead rope went over his head not because of the bath. I took him back to his stall when we were done and brushed his hair.

Day 36

Today was great. The first thing that we did was lead Bunny and Upendi out to the outdoor arena and let them go. I was surprised that Bunny didn't throw a fit when he was in her space. I was funny to watch, Bunny would follow Upendi and then Upendi would follow  Bunny. There were barrels set up in the arena so we took one and started to roll and kick it. The first few times Upendi ran from it. Then he would stand there and watch. To get Upendi to get close to it I lead Bunny over to the barrel. Sure enough Upendi is right behind her. He checks out the barrel. But when he nudged it with his noise it moved and Bunny took off and Upendi took off after her. Next I tied Bunny up and set up the barrels so they would be a jump. at first Upendi didn't know what to think and eventually I pulled him over the top of them. Next I tried to send him over the barrels without me pulling him from the other side. Finally he did it once. I will have to practice sending him through stuff. Next I tied Upendi up next to Bunny and rolled the barrels to set them  up. This didn't bother him at all. Then I untied both of them and lead them around together because I eventually want to pony him. Next we took both of the horses out to the trailer. We loaded Bunny up first then Upendi. This was a test because we didn't know how either of them was going to act. They were both fine. In fact, they were both tied up inside the trailer and the door was shut. We will have to take the for a ride next time. We backed both of them out and took them to Upendi's run. We put both of them in the same run and feed them to see if their were any problems. The reason why I did this was because I want to eventually put them together. I put both of them back in their proper runs and cleaned out there feet.

Day 35

Today I groomed Upendi without him being tied up. He did pretty good when I picked up his feet but he moved a little bit. Then I put his halter on and walked outside his stall to see if he still respected me. The first time we stopped he got and front of me and on his own he got back pretty fast. After that he kept his distance and was sure to stop behind me. I set up and obstacle course that involved trotting, turning and backing. We backed over noodles. He now knows no contact backing. 

Picking out Upendi's feet without him being tied up.

Next we walked out to the trailer and loaded him up and backed him out, no problem. Then we shut the divider before we loaded him in. I shut the divider because that is where he would probably be. Instead of leading him in I sent him in and he walked in like a pro. I walked in behind him and backed him out. 

Upendi in the trailer with the divider shut. Backing out of the trailer.

Then we went back to his run and tied him up I rebraided his mane. Then I went to get the saddle. I let him see it and smell it. Then I put it on his back and cinched up. I walked him to the round pen and lead him around. I lunged him in the saddle so he would know what it feels like on him while he was trotting. Then I trotted him next to me. I took the saddle off when he was ground tied. After he was allowed to run around the round pen I put him away. 

Pictures

Upendi Bay checking out the bag in the round pen. After that he would bite it and pick it up with his mouth. Since then he will lunge but not very well. He will try to kick at the bag.

Day 34

Today was a day of many firsts. I took him to around to the rest of the barn when I got there and led him around. Then I finally tied him up at the tacking up area witch was a first. But before I did that I picked up all four of his feet in a new area while my mom was holding him. While Upendi was tied up he was a little nervous that is until I went over there and brushed him. He relaxed a ton when I was brushing him. When it was time Mark went with us when we went to the trailer. I was in the trailer pulling when I was supposed to and Mark would give him a suggestion to get in the trailer. Sooner than later Upendi figured out that the trailer was a better place that outside and he jumped right on in there. The first couple of times I lead him out. Mark backed him out once then I backed him out. So another first he got on the trailer! We will have to take him on a ride soon. Mark noticed that Upendi was up in my space when I was leading him and when I would stop him he would stop in front of me. That means that he thinks that he is in charge and he doesn't respect me. So I would lead him and each time he got in my space I would bump his nose. And every time he stopped in front of me I bumped his nose to back him up. Pretty soon he understood to stay behind me and stop behind me. So today he learned R E S P E C T! Vola! Another first. Then I took him into the arena to practice the stopping behind me thing. Then mark came back in and helped me put a girth on and do some other cool stuff. Upendi handled the girth awesomely. He was a little when Mark put it on him but when he started walking I was surprised. I was expecting him to pitch a fit. Nope he walked around like an old pro. 

Day 33

Today I didn't tie Upendi up when I was grooming him. But he stood completely still. I even was able to pick up 3 of his feet without him moving. He moved on the fourth foot when he heard the treat bucket. the next thing that I did was out his halter on and lead him to the round pen. I tried lunging him again. It didn't go as planned I couldn't get him to do what I wanted so I worked his but off by doing something else. We were both worn out after that so that was the end of the day.

Gist Ready to Win

Gist Ready to Win

Day 32

When I got to the barn today Mr. Upendi Bay came right up to me to greet me. I checked Bunny's hoof to see if it had gotten done yet. Nope. So I tied Upendi up and cleaned out his feet he did so good that he deserved a treat after that. While he was tied up I brushed him. Then I set up and obstacle course that included poles, a tarp and a bridge. He did very well with all of this. I was actually the one that was kicking the poles today. I found out today that my bridge is big enough that Upendi can turn a full 360 on his hindquarters. Then we went over jumps a few times. The next thing I did was take him out to the arena. We mostly walked, trotted, backed and turned. Next we took Upendi out to the trailer out for a second go. I don't know why but he will not go in there and I am clueless in how to get him to go in there. It started to rain so we had to go back inside. We went over the bridge a couple more times then I put him away.

Day 31

Today I didn't have much time. The first thing that did was pick up his feet while he was ground tied. He still doesn't get the idea of the ground tie. He tries to walk around. The next thing we did was walk across the chart in a different area. Then I set up a jump with the tarp underneath it. He jumped but we nicked the noodles most of the time. Then we had to leave.

Day 30 of 105

Man, time is flying I have had Upendi for about a month. I need to step up my game a little bit and do more each day. Today we brought the bridge that we made to the barn. Here is a picture of it for laughs.

We used noodles to keep the bridge off the car.

And here is the bridge at the barn all done.

Today when I got to the barn I tied Upendi up and groomed him. I cleaned out all of his feet. We set up obstacle courses that I lead Upendi through. Then I used buckets and noodles to make a jump. After numerous times we could actually jump over the noodles without nicking them or making them fall off the buckets. Then we got out the bridge. He was very curious. He pawed at it then I got him to put both of his front feet on. He was a little more reluctant to put

 his back feet on the bridge. But pretty soon I was able to get him to stand quietly on the bridge with all four feet on it. Then before we left the barn I braided him mane. And had some fun with the rest of his hair.

Day 29

Today wasn't one of the best days. The first part he did great and the second part he just didn't want to listen to me. When I got to the barn today Upendi came right up to me. I set up the tarp in his stall and then I put his halter on. We walked across it a couple of times without any problems. Then I took him out of his stall to groom him like I did yesterday. I wanted to see if he would pay attention a little more. I groomed him and then I picked up all of his feet perfectly. Then I took him bak into his stall when Matt had this big water hose and was messing with the waterer. He was fine through all this in fact we trotted and turned. When Matt was done I took Upendi to the round pen and hooked him up to the lunge line. Here is where the problem started. I used a bag to move him out. But instead of him moving he wanted to turn and fight it. I couldn't get him to get out of his corner.

Today me and my dad made a bridge to practice on for the competition. It looks great. However, I don't know how we are going to get it out to the barn. I'm sure whatever we do will be interesting.

Day 28

Today I brought bigger noodles and a tarp to mess with Upendi with today. The first thing that we did today was tie him up in a different place so I could groom him. I cleaned out his feet today it wasn't very good. He would kick out on his back feet and he did a lot of moving around. I think this was because we were in a newer place and he wasn't as relaxed and concentrated. The next thing we did was go over the bigger noodles. Then I arranged the smaller noodles on the ground so we could practice turning and backing in them. Next I tied Upendi up and brought in a folded up tarp. I rubbed it all over him and made a lot of noise with it the most he did was raise his head. Then I folded the tarp so it was about a forth of the size and put it on the ground. I lead Upendi over to the tarp and then he smelled it. After pawing at it with his hooves for a few seconds I was able to convince him to put two feet on it. Then after waiting a few seconds we walked across it. After he was used to walking across it I spread it out so it was half the size. I wanted to see if he would walk the full length of the tarp. He did! Then we took a little break from the tarp and took a walk around the barn. We walked through the tacking area, up and down were the stalls are, and then we took a different door outside. The mystery door lead to the out door arena and from there we walked back to the main entry. I was so surprised with Upendi's behavior. Besides being a little antsy because of the flies, he was outstanding. When we got back to his run I spread the tarp out so it was its full size and a different color. We walked across it a few times each time with out him getting nervous. I think I maybe able to walk him around with the tarp on his back tomorrow. I have already put a blanket on him and he was fine with that. So he he just has to accept the noise. 

Day 27

Today I feel like Upendi and I accomplished a lot. The first thing that I did when I got to the barn was tie him up and fly spray him. My goodness the flies are bad this year. Then I brushed him all over. Next I pick up all four of his feet with out hesitation and him kicking out. YAY! I brushed his mane and his tail and then I brought out the long, floaty things. Pool noodles seem to be a favorite desensitiser for the Extreme Mustang Makeover Nebraska. Previously, Upendi only went over one noodle. But today he was forced to cross 3 noodles spaced 3 feet apart. This was no big deal to him, except he kept kicking them out of place and stepping on them. Next I picked up the noodles and rubbed him with them. He didn't care for them touching his belly or his back legs. I put them on the ground again in other fashions that made Upendi back through them and turn while in them. The next thing I did was bring out a tarp sounding flag and rub it all over him. Then I brought Upendi to the round pen. I hooked up a lunge line to his halter and grabbed a flag. We started working on stopping, changing directions and trotting. Tomorrow we will work on crossing the dreaded tarp!

Day 26

The first thing I did today is braid his mane. Then I brought Upendi outside to the trailer. He walked right up to it but he wouldn't put a foot in it. We will try again tomorrow and maybe get some help with that. Then I brought Upendi into the arena and tied him up. He was much calmer today. While he was in the arena a horse was born. So I left him there and saw the baby. Next I brought him to the round pen and ran him around. Then I got his read rope and lunged him. Then I brought him back to his run and did the steps to get into a trailer.

Day 25

Today I brought a big yellow pool noodle with me when I saw Upendi to see if that phased him at all. And of course it didn't in a minute I was rubbing the scary thing all over him. Then I put it on the ground to see if he would walk over it. The first time he walked slowly over it. Then he got better and better. That means he stopped kicking it when he walked and he didn't step on it any  more. The next thing we tried t0 do was pot the noodle on top of two buckets to see if he would jump over it. That failed he walked right through the noodle and knocked it off. So I got a hay thing and tried to get him to go over it. Success! He went over it  beautifully. I think Upendi really enjoys jumping. We would just trot over to the hay, jump over it and trot or canter off. I have always wanted a jumper. The next thing I did with Upendi was clean put his feet. Then we brought him out to the tacking up area. He was nervous, we are going to have to go over there more.

Day 24

Today I tied Upendi up and pick up his feet. I was able to pick out all of his hooves. Then I took him out of his stall and outside to the second row of runs. There was a hose out there and we gave him his first real bath. When we turned on the water he wanted to nibble on it like everything else I have introduced to him. When we got back to his stall I went through the steps I would go to if I would load him into a trailer. My other horse, Bunny, lost one of her shoes today :(. Hopefully she will get her feet done soon.

Day 23

I gave Upendi the day off because I was in Missouri.

Day 22

Today the bobcat was going back and forth in front of the stalls and making horses spook. I decided that this was a great distraction for Upendi. When I first got there he was running back in forth through his run. When I got inside his run he stayed in the front half when the bobcat went by. Then when I put his halter on he didn't go any where but I could tell he was nervous. By the end of the day I could tie him up at the front of his stall with the bobcat going back and forth. He wasn't nervous at all. While the bobcat was going I did the normal stuff like trotting, leading Upendi around and turning. I also picked up his feet and picked them out that still needs a little work. I also did lunging on his lead rope.

Day 21

Today was the deciding day for my saddle, and I decided on keeping it. The first thing that I did with Upendi today was bring him out into the main barn again where the tacking up area is. Then I brought him into the arena and tied him up where he could see stuff going on outside and inside of the arena. Then I brought Honey Bunny into the arena and tied her up in a different place in the arena. Upendi calmed down a bit when Bunny came in. When I rode Bunny he was moving all over to get a good look at us. When I was done riding her I tried leading my two horses next to each other. It worked great Upendi listened to every command and he didn't mind the saddle that was still on Bunny's back. And Bunny was awesome because she has never like small horses (including babies and ponies), and it just seemed like when Upendi was in here face it bugged her. I let Bunny go in the arena while I worked with Upendi in there also. She didn't do much she just stood at the gate. I worked on trotting, stopping, turning, and backing with Upendi. We also journeyed down to the end of the arena and we found cones and a big ball. He was very interested in the ball and he wanted to sniff it. Before we put it away Upendi was nudging it around with his nose and I could kick the ball around him. I also took a cone and put it on his back. 

Day 20 out of 105

Still not feeling the best today, so I didn't stay to long at the barn again today. We did more of the stopping from the trot, and then from there we backed up. I picked up all four of his feet today with out him putting up a fight. The last thing I did with Upendi was take him outside with all the cars and trailers. He was good with all of the new things and he listened to me the next thing we will work on is trailer loading.

Day 19

I am feeling a little bit under the weather, so I didn't spend very much time today out at the barn. We mostly worked on the same things as yesterday. However, I did get to pick three hooves out today. We also worked on stopping from the trot.

Day 18

To see videos of my speed events from yesterdays 4-H show go to http://www.facebook.com/kalynmarisa. 

I got a new saddle today and I tried it on Bunny. It fits her nicely. The only problem right now is that it creeks when I ride. 

Upendi was kind of naughty today and that was a little frustrating. When he was in the shade he didn't want to go in the sun and when he was in the sun he wouldn't walk into the shade. I can defiantly tell that Upendi is testing me because everything I ask him to do he would try to not do it. We worked on trotting today and Mark said that that looked pretty good. I think the next thing to do is to get him in the trailer.   

Day 17

Today Bunny and I went to a horse show for 20 bucks. But at the end of the day when I added up all my paybacks I only payed 7 dollars for the show. After the show I brought Bunny back to the barn and I worked with Upendi. First off I had him trot. Then I tied him up so I could brush him. After I brushed him I picked up all 4 feet. I was able to clean out his front feet. Then I braided his hair so his neck would be cooler. The rubber bands I used we multi colored and they looked pretty darn good on him. 

Day 16

Today I was getting ready for a show that is tomorrow. I washed Bunny and while she was drying I grabbed my rope to work with Upendi. After going over all the basic stuff we practiced backing. Then I made a big loop with my rope and put it on Upendi's back. Soon enough he had a rope around his belly. I led him around. When I wanted him to trot I would pull on the lead rope, cluck then pull the rope on his belly. By the end of today I had him trotting on lead with no rope around him belly. YIPPEE!

Day 15

Today I tied Upendi up outside his stall while I brushed him and picked up his feet. Then We walked him into the arena. Mark helped me with starting to lead him at the the trot and back him up. I can back him up now. Mark got Upendi to trot but I couldn't get him to. I will have to work on that tomorrow. When I rode Bunny I left Upendi in the arena tied up. It was funny to see him watch all the horses while they were being ridden.

Day 14

Today I brought Upendi out to the arena again. We walked down to the end and turned around and walked back. People were riding in the arena and it scared him a little bit when a horse cantered toward him. Then we walked him out toward the tacking up area. He did great.

Day 13

When I got to the barn today I tied Upendi up and then tied  Bunny up facing him.  While he was tied up i picked up his feet, we still need to work on that.I also braided his hair,brushed out his tail. Then I brought him to the round pen again to kick up his heels. This time I left him in there While I rode my other horse, Bunny. While I was riding somebody needed the round pen so my mom lead him to his run. She said that he was good for her. Then I put his fly wraps.

Day 12

Today Upendi and I worked on lead on his right side. He likes everything more on his left, so I need to work more on his right. When I lead Upendi I stop him a lot. He stops on a dime. We also worked on our turns. Then I brought Upendi out to the round pen to run around. It was funny to see him bucking and kicking. When he was done running around I brought him back to his stall. Then we worked on fly wraps on all four feet. When I left Upendi had all four fly wraps on.

Day 11

Today was a great day Upendi accomplished many things. There was a new pile of dirt that was in his pen. I used a big rake type thing to spread it out. I could move the rake around right next to his feet. The next thing we did was venture out of his stall to be tied up. I tied him on to his stall so it wasn't that drastic but it was a change. While he was tied up Sarah walked by with a wheel barrow full of hay. He didn't care about it. It might have helped that Sarah walked by with it before we went out and got tied up. When he was tied up I braided his mane. After being tied up we took another little journey and walked into the arena. It was Upendi's first time seeing this part of the barn and he acted great. He was very interested when another person in the arena started to lunge their horse. The last thing I introduced Upendi to today was the fly boots. I played around with the vel-crow then put them on. And that was the end of day 11.

To see the two videos from today go to http://www.facebook.com/kalynmarisa.

Day 10

Today wasn't very eventful, we just reviewed everything. The first thing that we did was turns. Upendi understands my body language, that tells him to turn, a little more. The next thing I did was tie him up. Upendi has this terrible habit of chewing on his rope and I was working to correct that. I fly sprayed him again, no big deal, but I would like to put fly wraps on him tomorrow. Next I picked up his feet, that still needs some work. Then I walked him around the walkway outside his run. When we walked all the way down I would stop him and work on his turns. And that is all Upendi Bay and I did on day 1o.

Day 9

The first thing that I did with Upendi today was lead him on his right side and tie him up. He really understands the whole tying up because through out the whole grooming process he didn't move an inch. I picked up Upendi's feet today we are getting a little better with that. I am thinking that he might be more cooperative if I am picking up his feet for a reason like cleaning them out. We fly sprayed Upendi again today and he doesn't care about fly spray one bit. Next we reviewed his turns. He understands turns on his hindquarters more than turns on his forequarters. Next I tied Upendi up again in a new spot in his stall and brushed out his mane. Then I brushed out the dreadlocks in his tail. I tried braiding his tail bit it looked pretty pathetic because his tail is so thick and short. The last thing that I did with Upendi is take him out of his stall and walk him around in the walk way. We would stop and work on both our forequarter and hindquarter turns on one side. Then I would switch sides and walk him back down and do the same thing. He did so good out there, we were out there for about 10 minutes.

Day 8

Today we played around with raincoats, ponchos, umbrellas and different noises. Then I took Upendi to the round pen. Mark helped me get him to run around and then to stop and face me. He also showed me how to make him pay attention to me. Upendi also learned how to do  turns on his hindquarters and forequarters today. When we were done in the round pen I walked him over a little to see the the arena. He seemed interested.  

Day 7

I brought Upendi out of his stall today and into the round pen. I was nervous about how he was going to act because of the last time I took him in there. So I let him go and inspect the pen before we started to work. I got a flag to get him to go forward. Once I got him to go around a few times I cut across to get him to switch directions. I kept doing that until he stopped to switch directions. Once he did I wanted him to face me and pay attention. After that I let him mosey around a little bit and he got to check out the flag. It was funny to watch him he was curious about the dog and he bit and pawed at the flag. Then Upendi and Bunny switched stalls because we thought Upendi was getting too attached to another horse. 

I got him a new halter that is like a teal blue color that looks really sharp on him. Plus it is much easier to control him with it. Today I also sprayed him with a different color fly spray bottle and he didn't care at all. I was thinking tomorrow maybe bring a rain slicker to play around with.

Day 6

We have an official name for my little mustang, Upendi Bay. Upendi means love and I got it from one of the Lion King movies. And Bay because he is bay.

Today channel 7 news came to our barn and interviewed everyone that had a mustang. Mark Lyon was interviewed first, then Sarah, then me, then Carissa, and the other ladies that have mustangs. When I was interviewed Upendi didn't care about the huge camera. He was a total star. But I was shy and didn't talk a whole lot. Even though I was shy I thought being interviewed was a really cool experience.

Day 5

The first thing we  worked on today was picking up feet. He was a little better than yesterday. Next we worked on stopping and backing up, I think we might need some help with that. Then I led him on the left, which was pretty good. The next thing we did was work on tying. I haven't actually tied  the lead rope onto the post, I have just wrapped it around. But he looks like he is getting the idea. Te last thing I did was lead him around his pen while I am on his right side. We defiantly need to keep working on that. Looking forward to working with him tomorrow.

Day 4

Today we didn't do much. When I got to the barn I fed him carrots. Then I picked up all four of his feet. He picked all of them up pretty easily, but he fussed a lot when I was holding them. Next I lead him out of his run, away from other horses and into the round pen. As soon as we got into that other room he wouldn't quit talking to the horses down the walkway. It was really hard to get him to concentrate, and he wanted to run around in little circles to try to find the other horses. After awhile the talking and the running around in circles were frustrating me and my mom had to remind him that it was only day four. But some positive things are that I picked up all four feet and got him to calm down in the round pen.

Day 3

Today we mostly worked on things from yesterday, like leading, brushing, and putting on a blanket. But I also added putting on a saddle blanket and touching all the way down his legs. He can also drink out of a water bottle and after he was done drinking i poured some water on him and he was fine. I have to go out to the barn later tomorrow because of my job but I cant wait. We still don't have an official name for him yet.

I also rode Bunny in English and she was awesome. There was so much going on in the arena I am surprised she wasn't fazed by it.

Day 2

Today we worked on the same things except I brushed him, sprayed him with fly spray, and put a blanket on him. We also worked on tying today.

I am so glad I got this horse he is so calm about everything I cant believe I even touched him let alone fly sprayed and put a blanket on him today. Unfortunately I don't have a name for him yet but I think I have a nick name for him: Bay Bay. I am excited to go out an work with him tomorrow.

Day 1

Well I got my mustang today it is a gelding, he is about 16 months old and he is a bay. Today we loaded him into the trailer after the people there put the halter on him, he just stepped right in to the trailer no problems. On the way home we took a few rest breaks and each time we looked at him and he was just standing there.

When we got back to the barn we pulled up to the round pin and unloaded. He just walked out of the trailer and into the round pin.I worked with him in the round pin and Mark helped me. I got him so that he could turn both directions and lead a little bit. I also got to touch him and rub him all over. When the other mustangs arrived they opened the garage door and he was fine with it. We also had to lead him to his pin when they arrived.

Next I rode Bunny and worked on slowing down her canter and making her strides shorter.

Then I went back to work with the mustang. I got his halter on and off, feed him hay, feed him grain, feed him treats and taught him how to use the automatic water tank. I am so excited to show off my horse to the rest of my family!

Listen to what the guy says at the end of the video: That wasn't even a challenge!!

Tomorrow

I am picking up my mustang TOMORROW! I cant wait to see if it is a boy or a girl, what color it is and how old it is. When we load it up we will head back home so i can start working with my mustang. :) i will post pictures tomorrow of my mustang.

Soo soo excited!

So today I am headed off to work and tomorrow I am headed off to Elm Creek to pick up my mustang. Last night we got the trailer ready for the horsey by taking out the divider and folding the tack room. We are going down to elm creek on thursday so we can get a good nights sleep instead of having to wake up early and drive the three hours. Friday morning we will pick up the mustang and head back to the barn. and from then on i have around 100 days to work with it. 

Underwood Hills Focus School

today we brought Bunny to my sisters school for show and tell. We unloaded here from the trailer and brought her to the black top. The kids came out form the third grade classes and they got to come up in table groups. When the groups came up they got to pet, brush and feed Bunny a treat. Bunny was loving this all of the kids were giving her treats, grain and hay; and she way getting brushed. By the end of the two classes she was full and taking a nap.

I thought this was a really cool experience and even though it took a while to work out the details I am glad we made Bunny the show and tell. Plus, it was an awesome experience for the kids I bet most of them haven't even seen a horse before in person. This also made me realize how much I can now do with my horse, a few years ago I hadn't been to a show or even known what loping or back on the rail meant. 

Underwood Hills Focus School Underwood Hills Lions Bunny getting loved on The kids feeding her treats

Mustang: Okay for the mustangs arrangements they have changed again back to where I first wanted it to be, in the first row of runs in the run next to my horse Bunny. So I am pretty happy about that.

almost here

8 more days until I get my mustang. Now we have a definite place to keep it and now we are just get getting ready for it. 

Tomorrow we are bringing my horse Bunny to my sisters school for show and tell. I dont know how well it will go but it will sure be interesting. Before we take bunny to the school I am going to give her a bath because she is dirty! I will post pictures of the event tomorrow.

not here yet

18 more days until I get my mustang. I have a lot of ideas for my little mustang, some crazy and some interesting. And I haven't even gotten my little guy yet.

more and more anxious

Days are going by like turtles, but i guess that's what i get for wanting the 11th of June(pick up day) to get here so quickly. There is officially 19 days until I get my mustang. School is coming to an end and work will be starting soon after. Which will make the days go by a little longer. Today we might have discovered where we are going to keep the little beasty, it is the second row of covered runs (I keep Bunny in the first row) at Five Star Stables. If we kept it there I think it would be easy to pull up the trailer to it and let the guy loose in the run. 

I went to a 4-h meeting today at Hannah Lee Hills Stables with Bunny, my pretty little horse. We have a buttload of things to work on including sitting back in the saddle, not leaning forward, and turning in showmanship.

Here is a short video of Sheri, the leader of Horse Wizards, talking to me

  

21 days til pickup!!

21 days til pickup. I am getting really excited. So to pick up the mustang we are heading down thursday night, staying in a hotel, friday morning we are going to load the mustang,head back to the barn and I'm going to get to work. 

By june 12th our barn, 5 star stables will be almost over taken by mustang makeover mustangs. Right now their are 2 that are being trained for the Supreme Extreme, then 3 adult ladies from the barn will be getting one each and then I will have one. so there will be 6 mustangs at the barn. :) fun. 

Well anyways I am still counting down the days to get my mustang and get started :)

pictures after the show

Prize shirts My shirts My Beautiful Girl Bunny and Rocky's butt

First Horse Show Yesterday

The first horse show of the season was yesterday. It was the first annual No Boots, No Shirt... No Problem. When you placed in a class you got shirts the color of ribbons you would get in 1st through 5th place. People that won all around got gift cards to buy boots. There was also a raffle for 50 dollars to QC Supply that we won. We competed in almost all the classes for my age division. We did showmanship 4th place, English pleasure 3rd, English Eq. 5th, Western Pleasure no place, Horsemanship no place, Barrels 1st, Poles 3rd, Keyhole 4th, and Flag Race 3rd. We won first in barrels with a time of 22.514 seconds. Over all we did very nicely.

Showmanship English Pleasure Waiting Around for my class

Speed Events

1st place shirt for winning Barrels