Monday, March 5, 2007

Libby update



Libby is almost two years old.  She never ceases to amaze me with her desire to please and her easy-going manner.  Her ears are almost always up and alert like this.

About the time our weather turned bad in late December, I realized I had gone as far as I could go with Libby in her training, not because of any failings of her own, but because of my inexperience with training horses.  Oh, I'm sure I could just get on her and start riding and she'd do OK.  But to be her best, there are other things she needs.  I tried once to lunge-line her, but I didn't know how to show her what I wanted.

The weather is fantastic today, so I ponied Libby awhile with Blue.  Then I turned her out to pasture and set out on a nice, relaxing ride, just me and Blue.  I didn't have a destination in mind when I left, but I turned toward town.

Once there, I decided to go on to the local Walking Horse trainer's place; I figured on a day like this, he'd be outside, and he was.  We visited for awhile; he told me about a new filly he bought over the weekend and about a horse he's ready to sell soon (he didn't sell any horse, last year, for less than $3,500).  So I mentioned my filly; I told him she is agreeable, but I don't really know how to proceed.

His face lit up, and he more or less said, "Have I got a deal for you!"

Seems he's been promising his wife for two years that he'd take her to Branson for a weekend.  He needs somebody to feed his horses while he's gone.

Yes, it sounds simple.  But you don't know this man.  Each horse has a different amount of feed, and everything must be done just so/so.  It isn't easy to chore for him.

But if I do this, says he, he'll come out and show me how to drive Libby, he'll help me fix her up with a bridle of her own with a snaffle bit, and then he'll show me how to lunge her.

So I made a deal with the devil.  Wish me luck.

Don't get me wrong, I am not calling this guy a devil.  He loves horses above anything or anybody else, and he is a storehouse of knowledge.   He just isn't the easiest person to deal with.  But for Libby's sake, I'm going to give it  the old  college try.

I told Cliff, once this guy is around that little filly and sees how sweet-natured she is, he'll probably be trying to buy her; he's tried to buy Blue from me ever since the day I bought him!

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

aww...she just looks like a sweetheart!

~Amy

Anonymous said...

I hope he can help you.  It is scary letting your animal into someone elses care.  I almost did it with Tip, I almost sent her back to the man I bought her from for some real herding training. I am glad I didnt.  He was too impatient and too hard on any dog that wasnt his.  I saw it first hand. HIS dog was a champion, but that dog was not once hit when training I bet.  The dog is his pride and joy.  Libby has the sweetest face.  I love your horses.  :)

Anonymous said...

She is so pretty... I want one so bad....
My SIL has horses and she just got rid of one and bought another one because she teaches riding to young children. This house is SOOOOOOO sweet. she just loves to be loved on. she will follow you around and wait for you to love on her. and when you walk off she just stands there looking at you as if to say please don't leave me.... I love her to death. But my SIL says she has a great disposition but is a uncomfortable horse to ride. I kind of don't understand that. But i haven't rode a bunch of horses either. I know i want one. Nothing fancy just a sweet little horsey...

Take care  :-)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a "good deal" made for and about Mosie....and if the man only knows....he has made a great deal for himself...non better....nor she who will be doing the dealing!!!  good luck.....hugs...Ora

Anonymous said...

Sounds to me you made good deal. This way no money is exchanged. I am sure Libby will benifit from the training. She is so cute........

Sunny

Anonymous said...

Good enough deal. I do remember that he is a bit critical.

Anonymous said...

That is a beautiful picture of Libby. I hope the deal goes well.
Pam

Anonymous said...

Oh, I can tell how sweet she is by the picture. Do NOT sell her, she is a keeper! Anne

Anonymous said...

Libby is beautiful.  The Lord does provide, especially when we are willing to work.  His provision for you gave me goose bumps.

Anonymous said...

From what I hear good, really good, horse trainers are hard to come by these days.  Now, if they all could just look like Robert Redford.   LOL

LORI

Anonymous said...

It will be nice to have a little 'professional' guidance, but mostly for your comfort, not Libby's LOL... but, I'm telling you that you are going to do fine. The best horse training is called common sense! And, since each horse is different there is no right way or wrong way as long as you use a lot of positive re-enforcement. If the horse 'gets it' and does what you want... then you did it right!

Libby is adorable... and she sounds like a wonderful little girl.

Anonymous said...

He sounds like he knows what he is doing - good luck!

xoxo

Anonymous said...

I hope the deal works out and I love, love the pictures!!  Horses are so beautiful.  Have always wanted one.  We are in a good state for going horse back riding.  Horse farms galore here in KY and a farm about a mile down the road offers lessons so I am going to check into it.  Hugs,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

The pics are just lovely!!!!!!!  I really enjoy seeing your little piece of paradise.

Deb

Anonymous said...

us horse people can be complicated!!!!

I learned more from being around other horse people and watching than from any book Ive ever read. My Father gave me a lot of knowledge and then growing up w/ horses and being around them my entire life has helped. I know horses like nothing else but I still have A LOT to learn! I mean A LOT!! so dont underestimate yourself on your knowledge of horses, I think you know more than you give yourself credit for. Some people are just 'naturals'. you know, born horse people, I think your one of them and youve got that going for you.

I think you made a great deal!! The BEST way to start them out is driving in a surcingle (altho Ive done more w/out this method, I prefer it overall for my personal horse).

Do you have a round pen? I use panels that I can move around, they are excellent for lessons. Occassionally the Old Guy even gets a lesson or two in a round pen when hes acting up.

Your filly has nnice eyes, she looks like shes going to turn into a great horse soon.

Anonymous said...

 OH, WELL ... lorinokla  already said some of what I was going to say ... about using a small round pen ... and about reading the dispostition of your filly from her face.  I next thought that she looks very maternal ... she'd be a good mother.
   The round pen ... I put a sturdy post in the middle to wrap the lunge line around to keep it steady.  A single wrap will let the line keep working off the post.  I used a buggy whip; it will impress the horse two things.  You can stand where you are ... yet reach them.  The horse will realize that sticks, noises, etc will not hurt them as long as they put their trust in you & behave.
    This round pen will be useful in getting the horse comfortable in cantering in thee proper lead, too.  It's a good place to then progress to the riding lessons.
LOIS