The Trainers Challenge is over and Willow has moved on, so goes the days of our lives.   

Willow and I did not win the overall trainers challenge, however we did win the Trail Obstacle event, and we took fourth place in both the freestyle and the vet/farrier events.  Overall it was a great day, Willow did her job and I couldn’t be more proud of her. 

The day began with a halter/fitness class.   Willow was decked out in her show halter and had her mane pulled and her face oiled, she was ready!  The only thing she wasn’t ready for was to work hard enough to trot when the judge requested it.  Typical Willow dependable, quiet and oh yeah lazy!  The halter class was not based on confirmation or grooming per se, they were looking for how the horse handled, showmanship and cooperation of the horse.  Willow, bless her heart, wasn’t fazed at all by all the attention as we know she feels everything is about her!  On that day she was definitely right everyone loved her and wanted to see her and pet her.

The next class was Western/English pleasure.  Willow was standing in her stall while Ellen and Michelle put on her English clothes so that I could go change, as I came back I heard “Chris her cinch is a foot to big!”  I had inadvertently grabbed the wrong cinch when loading the trailer and big ol’ Willow had a cinch that was too long, “oh well take her clothes off and change her into Western” I said.  Well, while Ellen and Michelle were doing the quick change I decided to go find a shorter English cinch.  While all this is going on the announcer has already called the class to begin and I’m not ready obviously.  But, we’re not giving up yet, I do find an English cinch and come around the corner to Willow’s stall and say “Take off the Western Clothes and go back to English I have a cinch.”  Off comes one set of clothes and on goes the English again!  After changing her headstall and saddle again Ellen looks at me and says “the cinch is still too big!”  Okay I said I give up change her back into her Western clothes, by then Ellen and Michelle are looking at me like I’m crazy.  I told you all of that to tell you this, Willow stood quietly in her stall with all that shuffling around and never moved.  They had changed her headstall so many times she just kept her head down by the ground and waited for someone to finally get her dressed and out of the stall.  That’s our girl!

The Pleasure class was judged like any pleasure class you typically see, walk, trot and canter, stop and back.  Willow was wonderful she did her job the best she could and that included a whoa that was more suited for a reining pattern.  She stopped so fast and hard that a couple people in the audience said “Chris not a sliding stop this is a pleasure class!”  J  They were laughing and joking and saying “yeah Willow.”  Willow has struggled with collection during her training she does not yet have the muscle condition or strength to canter with collection.  We can hand gallop quite nicely on the correct leads though.  She would pass a couple horses with that look in her eye saying “look at me here we go!”  Gotta love a Willow girl in all her joyous “SELF” opinion.   

The Trail Obstacle class is where Willow really shown.  The combined strengths of Willow and me were obvious when we came in the arena to begin the event.  My comfort with this class really helped Willow be all she could be.  The obstacles were as follows:  Trot over 5 ground poles, walk to a person holding a rope tied to a tire, drag the tire to a barrel and drop the rope, trot a serpentine pattern through 4 cones, walk through two parallel ground poles and back 5 steps, walk over a bridge (plywood with flower pots and trees on either side of it, trot over zig zap placed foam noodles on the ground, walk over a tarp with bubble wrap, milk jugs etc, our version of trash alley, walk up to a barrel with a rain slicker on it and pick up the slicker and brush it all over your horse of course Willow and I had to wave it in the air and give a small “woohoo!”  Then the crowd went wild, well maybe not wild but they did clap.  We then proceeded at a trot to two orange cones stopped in the middle of them and you know Willow stop means, STOP!  Pretty cool looking if I do say so myself.  I then had to dismount and remove her bridle and put on her halter and load her into a trailer where she had to remain for a count of 5 and then off load.  When we got out of the trailer I knew in my heart that Willow had done the best job she could have done and we had won in our minds.  Which eventually proved to be true as Willow did take first place as I said previously.

After lunch break it was the freestyle competition.  Willow and I along with Hunter Rebak, 6 years old, and Gunner Rebak, 4 years old, went into the arena where we put Gunner on Willow to ride and Hunter took her reins and proceeded to lead her around while I shot off a cap gun all around Willow, she didn’t even raise her head she just kept it down by Hunter and walked quietly carrying Gunner around.  After the boys were out of the arena, I took Willow to the crowd and introduced ourselves and briefly explained the 3S Method of Horse and Rider Education.  

I also spoke from my heart regarding the stewardship of troubled horses, although what I had to say was appropriate for any horse, I tried to communicate the importance of making conscious and aware decisions, the first being to put the horses welfare before our own needs and ego.  

When dealing with troubled horses we must refrain from babying them, pitying them and treating them as wounded creatures.  We must take responsibility to look at them for who they really are.  They are horses first and foremost!  They must be treated with respect to that “horseness”.  We cannot allow our human feelings and needs to cloud the choices we make when dealing with these animals.  It is difficult to make our feelings of horror and sorrow for what they have endured to take a back seat.  Without doing so we cannot make the decisions that are best for them.  These horses need boundaries, clear direction and a safe environment.  These are our responsibilities to them when we choose to bring them into our lives.  It is not our place in their life to “make it up to them.”  They live in the now and so should we for their sake and ours.  

Please think long and hard about your reasons for adopting a troubled animal.  It can be the most profound experience of your life or a complete disaster for the animal depending on your motivation.

I feel as if the audience understood and respected what I had to say and I know there are a few who will really work on their understanding of themselves and their relationship with their horses, I know this because I was blessed by those who came to me and thanked me for my opinion.  This in the end is all it is, my opinion.  What more could I have asked for on that day?!

Well on a lighter note let’s finish with the rest of the competition.  After my talk I asked the boys to get into a sled, a winter sliding sled, and Willow pulled them around the arena, as I said before and will say again she did her job and there is nothing else I could have asked of her to prove who she is.  You have to see it in your minds eye to see how cute that was and what a good girl Willow is.  The boys left the arena and then Willow and I rode around walk, trot and canter.  I asked her to run down the arena and stop and of course she did.  We did a little side passing and some backing and called it good.  

The last event was the vet/farrier class.  The horses needed to stand quietly while blood was drawn and then a farrier came and picked up feet and pretended to work on them.  Willow stood and waited quietly as usual and didn’t mind being poked with a needled while two vials of blood were drawn.

That was that, the end of the event.  They encouraged us to walk around the arena and let people meet our horses and ask questions.  Willow loved that part best of all I think.  I had taught Willow to target, which means to place the end of her nose on an object when I tell her to.  I took a picture of a black Friesian and glued it to cardboard and attached it to a stick and I would ask Willow to “Target the Stud Muffin!” she would then touch the picture with her nose and she would get a treat.  It was a crowd pleaser for sure.

After visiting with the crowd the awards were handed out and the day was complete.  The bidding went on for about 15 minutes after the end of the competition for folks to make their decisions.  Willow sold for $1900 dollars, the highest selling horse at the challenge.  I know the money went for a great cause and she did go to a good home.  Joe, Heidi, Aida and Micah purchased Willow for their family horse and for 4-H.  What a wonderful life Willow will have and I know she will do them proud.

As I write this it is hitting home how much I will miss her.  I learned many things from Willow one of the most valuable being although we may be damaged we’re never done.  She may have been down but she was never out.  Go Willow Go!  You were always right Willow it was “All about YOU!”  Bye girl!

 

I’m waiting?  Where’s Chris, where’s my dog, where’s oh never mind come and get me whenever you’re ready I’ll be waiting patiently.

 



 

It’s soooo nice and cool in the river!  I went in first because the other two horses were scared, silly girls.  

 

August 5, 2009

Chris took me and two of my friends Sable and Bella for a trail ride near where we live.  We left the trailer and walked across a cement bridge with no sides I had to lead because Bella and Sable weren’t confident enough to go first, then Chris wanted to go in the river, my two friends weren’t sure if that was such a good idea, prissy mares don’t want to get their feet wet, so of course I showed them there was nothing to worry about.  

I led for quite a while because once again the other two mares weren’t comfortable leading at the beginning.  We went up and down hills, this is one of the things Chris says I’m really good at going down hills on a loose rein and walking slowly and quietly, then  through trees and around huge boulders that made everyone snort and spook, not me though.  Chris says I’m her rock!

We crossed the road between two yellow lines and it didn’t bother me either, seems kind of strange to have lines in the road but I guess I’m supposed to stay in the “horsey cross walk”.  We went through the horse camping area and I got to see smelly fire pits, porta potty’s, picnic tables, tie lines and manure pits.  

After a while one of the other horses took the lead and trotted off without me and I just waited in back with Chris and walked along checking out the scenery.  I’ve gone out with Chris so much alone I don’t care if someone leaves me I know how to get back to the trailer without them.  Chris did let me have a little fun and we long trotted through the trees and up and down hills.  Both Chris and I love to long trot and weave in and out of the trees.

On the way to the trailer we stopped in the river again and I had a nice long drink before we loaded up and went home.  It was just another day of new things and new places but I can’t wait to get back in the pasture and ask that silly Bella what all the drama was about the water.

I guess it won’t be long and Chris and I will be going to St. Paul and visiting with other horses like me.  Chris is so silly there is no one else like me I’m special I know that because Chris tells me a lot.

 I’ll let you all know the next time I do something new.  Take care and keep reading about me because it really is “all about me!”

Willow

Yes Robin, I’m listening!

July 24, 2009

Hello folks, I’m back and I’m NOT bad!!!!

I would like to introduce you to Robin she’s from Ireland and is in the United States as an exchange student.  I don’t know what they exchanged her for or where Ireland is, but they must have horses because Robin seemed to know mostly what she was doing when she asked me for things so I figure they must have exchanged her for someone who couldn’t ride.

Robin really liked the bridge and it didn’t seem to matter to her which way we went over it, of course I could care less either.

As you can see I’m getting somewhat better at carrying myself properly Chris has been very insistent about self carriage.  It’s highly over rated and it’s not that easy to do but I have to keep working at it according to Chris.

Nothing much else going on around here today just a nice easy lesson and a rub down and back to the groceries!  Some things never change I still love eating, sleeping and talking to, no not Ginger, my new friends name is Sable. 

Chris and I are going for a trail ride off the ranch in a few days I’ll let you know how that goes.  Bye for now.  Willow

I like the water and so does Chris.  I enjoy my job and Chris and I never have a dull day.

This was my favorite part of the obstacle course, I love to jump!!  Chris has taught me to be very smoooooth when I jump, or so I've heard her say. 

Look at my beautiful neck and I concentrate on my job just like Chris taught me.

July 11, 2009

Extreme Cowboy Racing (EXCA) Fun Day in Hillsdale, WI

Chris and I competed in an Obstacle Course Fun Day last Saturday at HHH Equestrian Center some of you may know it as 3-Bar Tack.

We had a great time we placed fifth in the Pro Division.  I really like the jumping part best of all.  Chris says I’m a natural, but she’s getting all gushy on me lately thinking I’m so cool!  Of course she’s right!!

Anyway, here an explanation of what I did that day.  We began the timed course by going through two white poles, we then went up a small hill and took a left and jumped up a small step, we the took a right and went down a Texas 3 step, like three giant horsey steps, we then got to jump a tree that was about 2 ½ feet tall wooohooo I loved that part!  We then jumped over a 1 ½ foot tree that had branches over the top of it I’m pretty sure it was a pine tree laid on it’s side, we then went into a dug out pit that had pillows and blankets and foamy stuff in it that was kind of scary but I did it for Chris anyway.  She was really happy too she started petting and rubbing my neck and telling me what a good girl I was.  Then we went to cross about 15 poles laid out on the ground really close together so that I had to really place my feet carefully, of course I did that perfectly!  Then we went up a hill and down down down into a deep pit I couldn’t see out of at all and up the other side and took a right and climbed some more just to be able to see everything again, we walked down into another dug out and then we had to go under a GIANT tarp hung between two trees about 20 feet apart and the tarp was silver and blowing in the wind and very very scary, there were no holes in it and I couldn’t see through it at all!  Chris said it would be okay so I sloooooowly walked up to it and touched it with my nose Chris then reached over my head and helped me push the big tarp up and over us and then I scooted out the other side, WOW that was something else, once we got through we went down a 30 foot cliff thingy kind sliding a little and right into the water just like Chris had taught me too.  We crossed the pond and I didn’t even step on the frogs or the yellow blow up thingy, Chris told me later it was a yellow duck.  After that we went to two poles and backed up as far as the judge wanted us to.  Chris by then was getting very excited because we were almost done and then we got to run to the finish line.  I think that was Chris’s favorite part because she started yelling and patting me and telling me what a good girl I was and the crowd was cheering and everyone said what a great job I had done, well I don’t know what all the fuss was about of course I did a good job! 

Well by the time I went back to the trailer I was ready for a break and Chris gave me some hay and told me once again what a good girl I was, then other people came over and wanted to talk and check me out.  

Chris told me that we didn’t have very much time left together and that she would help me get used to doing a few more things before we go to Minnesota.  I don’t know for sure where that is but if she wants me to go I guess we’ll go.  

I suppose that’s all for today as soon as we get some pictures from the photographer Chris will send them in so you can see how cool I looked on the EXCA Obstacle Challenge Course.  Sounds pretty official doesn’t it?!                                                                              I’ll write more when we do something else interesting as you well know it won’t be long Chris is pretty creative at coming up with “interesting”.  Talk with you all soon.

Willow

I'm so tired I'll just take a nap while Bernie gives me my pedicure.

Now the dogs are tired and they'll take a nap while I have my pedicure.

July 7, 2009

Hello everyone,

I had to write and brag about my behavior during my farrier’s, oh his name is Bernie, visit today

I am a very respectful, quiet and obedient girl, did you know that!! Chris says I look like I’m sleeping but I’m just relaxed.

Chris was very happy with me this morning.  I picked my feet up without any resistance, I held my own body weight without leaning on Bernie, I let the dogs run underneath me and the lawnmower was running and I was perfectly happy to stand and get my pedicure.   It’s only right that I always look my best.  

Chris has started giving me hair cuts too, I think it tickles but it doesn’t really bother me, I just don’t get the point.  Chris said she wouldn’t trim the inside of my ears just the outsides because flies can get in my ears without hair in there.  I’d let her trim in there if she wanted though, just don’t tell her!  

She thinks I’m something special, she told me so the other day, but I don’t want her to get too sure of herself so every now and then I take my head and try to rub on her like she was a tree or something.  She doesn’t like that at all, but I can’t have her thinking I’m perfect it’ll spoil my reputation ya know!? 

The other thing that happened today is I moved to a new pasture.  Ginger was being too mean to me, who can figure her out anyway.  She started kicking at me and stealing my hay and running me around.  She’s kinda funny like that.  I think she’s mad because Chris is working her now and Ginger is not happy.  So now I live with 5 other mares and sometimes the donkeys too.  Sometimes the donkeys because they go under the fence by the creek and come visit us and then go back into the other pasture.  It’s funny to watch but I’m too big to go under there so I guess I’ll just stay put.

Oh, I forgot to tell you about my feet.  Bernie says they are a good size for me duh of course they’re all right!  I’m a good size girl and so are my feet.  He says I’m slightly flat in the sole but I’m not tender footed at all.  He says I have an old injury to my near back coronet band but it doesn’t hurt and it’s only a little bump on the side of my hoof.  I have good solid black feet. 

I have to admit I kind of like all the attention I was getting.  Chris was petting me, the dogs were cleaning up the mess Bernie was leaving on the ground all the while Bernie was doing my feet, it’s all about ME just like it should be!

I guess this weekend Chris and I are going to a Fun Show for the Extreme Cowboy Racing in Hillsdale, WI.  We are going to compete in the Pro division of the Obstacle Course they just built up there.  I’ll let you know how well I do later.

Take care and come back and hear how things are going with Chris and me.

Willow 

Tina and Willow on their first ride together.

July 3, 2009

Hello everyone,

I know it’s been a long time since I written you but Chris and I got really busy with the Extreme Cowboy Course here at the ranch.  We’ve been building bridges, tunnels and all sorts of other obstacles for the Challenge we had here in June.  It’s been really interesting trying all these new things.  Chris says that I do pretty well considering she’s certain I haven’t seen most of the obstacles before.

Chris is pretty happy with me these days. I’ve quit stepping on her toes and pushing her around and I even move around on the ground and under saddle just like Chris wants me to.  Well, mostly anyway.  Chris says I still need to work harder on my self carriage.  

The latest thing we’ve been doing is riding in this funny looking little saddle.  Chris calls it an English saddle, whatever I think it’s kind of nice because it doesn’t weigh anything and Chris’ legs hang closer to my sides so I can feel her even better than before.

Once I was used to wearing different clothes Chris did the strangest thing, she let someone else climb on my back!  I swear just when I think I know what’s going on she does something else different.  It wasn’t so bad though just kind of felt strange.  Chris helped me adjust to the new person by walking around with me and telling them how to direct me so that I would understand what they were asking.  

Now that I’ve done it a few times Chris has had another person ride me too.  I guess that’s okay but when Chris is coaching the other riders I still try and sneak back to stand by her.  I don’t fool Chris though she knows I just want to stop and stand still it has nothing to do with wanting to be by Chris it’s much more about not wanting to work.

I’ve included a picture of how beautiful I look in any clothes I wear!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot Chris and I are going to an obstacle course fun day next weekend.  I wonder what the heck I have to do there!  I’ll let you know how it goes.  I’m sure I’ll do better at everything than any other horse there, at least I know for certain I’ll look the best!!!

Talk with you soon.  Willow

Chris forgot to take my picture while I was in the trailer, can you believe it!?
 

June 4, 2009 

Things ramped up some around the ranch yesterday, Chris decided that I would have to learn how to load into a trailer, no problem what so ever with that, but the unloading wasn’t something I was having any part of!  I don’t think Chris had an idea how much I wasn’t going to cooperate.  Well maybe she did but I still took my sweeeet time doing what she wanted.  She’s all proud of herself for having taught me how to back out of the trailer, I’m not certain if I’ll even do it again for her.  Chris heard me say that and just looked at me with that “look” oh heck I’ll have to do it again for sure now!!!

Here’s how the whole thing went.  We walked up to the trailer and I said NO, which is pretty standard for me I’m told.  Chris had me work some outside the trailer and suddenly I sure did feel like getting in there and relaxing for a bit.  Of course she made me get in all by myself too!  Chris said she expects me to load and unload myself, that I need to be confident and obedient, ha ha ha doesn’t she know me at all!  Okay back to the story, I walked into the trailer within a couple minutes of Chris asking me to.  Then it got scary for me.  When she asked me to back out I started to tremble and refuse to move backwards at all.  There’s no way I was going to step down onto the ground when I couldn’t even see it!  I don’t care how much Chris said I could do it, no way!!!  Chris taught me how to move forward and backwards in the trailer and would repeatedly ask me to offload, no no no!  Chris said that I could stay in the trailer if I wanted and you’re not going to believe what she did, she left me there!!!  I could hear her working around the ranch and every now and then she would come check on me and I just ignored her.  I was soooo mad at her I didn’t even look at her.  I decided I would stand there all day and show her who was boss.  So that’s what I did.  I stood there for a long time Chris later told me it was 3 hours, whatever that means. 

As I stood there I started to look around and feel out my surrounding and move forward and back some.  At first I thought it was great Chris was leaving me alone and I didn’t have to do anything at all.  After a while I started to get tired of being in there all alone and I began to think I wanted out.  Chris came over and asked if I was ready yet and the minute I saw her I called out “Get me out of here!”  She came in and asked me to back out and I still couldn’t bring myself to put my foot down there.  Chris helped me by placing a soft rope around my back foot and holding it away from the trailer so it hung in the air until I got tired of standing on three legs and when I let my weight down and touched the ground I really got scared and jerked my foot back into the trailer, we did that for a while until I finally got the idea I would touch the ground and not fall down.  I then backed out with Chris petting and talking to me and being very happy.  I was so relieved to have gotten out of the trailer I wanted to go eat, sleep and talk with Ginger.  Of course, that’s not how things work around here I had to go back in and out a few more time before Chris would let me walk away from the trailer. I should have known, Chris is like that she expects me to repeat things all the time.
Instead of going back to the pasture Chris spent some time with me eating grass around the trailer and then I got a cool shower with the hose, that was the best part of the whole day, well almost the best, you know what I think is best?  Sure ya do!! 

Anyway, that’s it for the trailer loading training day.  When Chris put me away I ran over to Ginger and kicked up my heels and we ran around the pasture for a few minutes and then I had the best roll and settled down to take a nap.  I’ll be back next week with  more news from 3S-Ranch!!  Willow

June 3, 2009

Hello my name is still Willow and I do believe I have turned over a new hoof!!!

In the past I thought it was a good idea to ignore the outside world and most things in it, I chose that way of thinking because it worked for me.  I would walk over or through anything that got in my way because it had always worked in the past. 

I didn’t understand until recently that there was another way to behave.  Since I’ve lived at 3S-Ranch I have learned that I don’t need to make decisions for myself anymore, I have a new leader!  It is such a relief to have someone to look to for directions.  Some days have been very hard for me, I wanted things to stay the same and it took quite a bit of convincing from my leader, Chris, to begin to change my mind.  Although I’ve learned a lot of new behaviors there are still times when I want to revert to my old ways.  Chris says it takes about 3 to 4 weeks of constant reminders before I’ve learned something sufficiently to be mostly trusted to repeat the skill I’ve learned.  As of now I still revert to old behavior when under stress.  Chris says that’s okay I’ll get better and better all the time.

We are currently working on my self carriage.  Chris would like me to learn how to carry my body in proper balance and with a lightness and fluidness that, she says, “helps me to be comfy to ride.”  I find it difficult because my butt starts to hurt from pushing off my rear end during our rides.  Chris says to hang in there because it’ll make my hinny look great!!  She has some nerve my backside is beautiful just the way it is!!  Oh yeah, there goes one of those reverting to old behavior things Chris was talking about. 

There is one thing that I enjoy, Chris says not to give too much away about my training because she would like to surprise people during the competition, but anyway, I enjoy my obstacle training.  We spend some time each session working obstacles and I’ve gone through water and over bridges and am learning a couple tricks that make Chris happy, whatever, it’s not that big of a deal, but it keeps Chris petting me and they’re not very hard to do so I cooperate.  Remember what Chris said about cooperation?  It’s the most dangerous phase of my training because sometimes I decide NOT to cooperate and unless Chris or anyone else understands the process they may be surprised when I act out.  Chris says she still doesn’t expect me to be 100% because I’m still learning but she has faith in me whatever that is?!

We’ve been practicing another of my favorite things, standing still.  Chris says that standing still and not moving is very important skill to learn, works for me.  I haven’t changed my favorite thing though and you all know what that is to eat, sleep and talk with Ginger, but the other stuff isn’t so bad. 

I’ll be out on the trails alone soon and then I bet things will get interesting I’ve never done that before.  I guess I’m supposed to be one heck of a trail horse at the end of our time together, works for me, well I think anyway, I’m not sure what a trail horse has to do but I’m sure I’ll find out! 

I’ll let you know when something interesting happens, until then I’ll be hanging out in the pasture and working with my leader.  Willow
 

Me and Ginger in our quiet no Icelandic anymore pasture.  I am beautiful and Chris says my weight is getting better but I still need muscle tone, whatever that is!!  She's so picky!!

May 27, 2009

Hi it’s me again Willow.  You will NOT believe what has been going on around 3S-Ranch.  I really think Chris has lost her mind!!  I not only have to wear “clothes” I have to do whatever Chris asks me to.  She doesn’t’ seem to care if I stomp on her foot and try to run her over, she will not run away from me or leave me alone!!!  I have tried ignoring her, refusing to move, stepping on her, pushing her over, running away from her, hiding behind Ginger, I just can’t seem to make her understand that I DON’T DO WORK!!!!  My only job is to eat, sleep and talk to Ginger!! 

Okay here’s an example of the madness Chris has in mind for me, first she wants me to walk a straight line on the rail.  Oh yeah right, first of all I don’t do that and secondly there are horses on the other side of the arena fence who are much more interesting than she is.  She’s like a knat, she won’t go away, she asks and asks and asks and keeps asking and asking and asking until I can’t ignore her anymore.   It’s just easier to do what she wants.  But I don’t have to be happy about it, Chris just sits there and acts smug she thinks she’ll get me to do the same thing over and over again, wait until she finds out how wrong she is!? J  We’ll see who’s smiling then! 

Another thing she wants me to do is walk over a wooden clompity clomp thing.  Like “NO way” oh well maybe I just better do it, she sure gets stubborn when she wants me to do something.  She didn’t even ask me to go over the thing right away she made me do all sorts of moving around and dropping my head and turning in funny ways like a “U” and backing up, I hate to back by the way.  By the time we got over to the clompity thing I was happy to go over it just to get her to leave me alone.  Chris is soooooo weird, although I’ll tell you, but not her, at least I know what she wants me to do.  There’s no confusion she asks very clearly and in the same way over and over again.  She doesn’t seem to ever get tired of being with me.  When she flicks her head at me I am beginning to understand she wants me to do something.  When I misbehave, her words not mine, she doesn’t jump and yell she flicks her head and tells me with her body I better do what she says or she’ll discipline me with sharp sudden movements and an aggressive energy push at me that I just can’t seem to ignore.  At least she doesn’t kick or bite me, not yet anyway. 

When I do what she wants she stands there and lets me relax and chew and lick my lips.  There are so many things I have to do for her that at first I didn’t understand but my days are beginning to make more sense and so are the things she wants me to do.  I’m still pretty much dedicated to eating, sleeping and talking with Ginger, but sometimes I do what Chris wants just to see what else she’ll come up with.  

I’ll go for now and when I write again you can bet your finest curry comb I’ll have something new to tell you because Chris seems to have an endless supply of weird things to do!

Willow

 

May 19, 2009  Well, I  understand what Chris has been talking about when she said I was getting another job, it's to wear "clothes" as she calls this stuff.   I don't mind it because I don't have to do anything but stand here, one of my favorite things to do.

I'm not certain what Chris is doing right now but we seem to be getting ready to go somewhere and do something.  I'll let you know how I feel about it when I know what it is.

I was right there was more to come!  We went to the round pen and Chris had me go through my ground lessons, she said it was to make certain I was paying attention.  Chris knows I would rather just eat, sleep and visit with Ginger.  Once I was paying attention to Chris she showed me how to bend my neck both directions and move my hindquarters around correctly. She said that I'm kind of stubborn because it took some explaining before I agreed to cooperate.  Chris says there are 4 phases of horse learning they are Respect, Cooperation, Obedience and then Partnership (RCOP).  This  model of learning comes from her understanding of the lead mare in the pasture and how her herd interacts with her.  Whatever, I'm thinking about whether I Respect Chris or not and I definately cooperate only when I feel like it.  Which is why Chris says the cooperation phase is the most dangerous phase.  She knows that I have a mind of my own and when I feel like cooperating I will and if I don't I will make my own decisions.  Chris doesn't care for me to run the show, she says that I tend to make poor decisions, heck what does she know!   Anyway, I decided I'd give in for awhile and see what else we were going to do today.  Once I was listening to Chris and moving without resistance she did the strangest thing ever "she got on my back! " Can you believe it?!  I just stood there and wondered what the heck was going on!!!!!  Chris asked me to bend my neck from side to side like I did when she was on the ground and then she wanted me to move my hind end again.  I don't think so!!!  This is nothing like eating, sleeping and visiting with Ginger I did not want any part of this stuff!!!  Chris kept asking and asking and finally I decided to move my hind foot a little.  I remember thinking I could do this for a little while, even though when we walked around I thought it was waaaayyy to much work and wanted to stay on one side of the pen by the other horses.  Chris wasn't having any of that and I ended up having to walk around can you believe it!!?  She wouldn't let me stand and visit or anything!  After a while I guess it wasn't so bad and once I went around without any reistance Chris let me stop and we sat and she petted me, which makes her much more happy then it does me.  The best part of it all was when she took my "clothes" off and rubbed me down and let me go back to Ginger.  She said I'd done a good job and she'd see me tomorrow.  I'll eat, sleep and talk with Ginger about this and see how I feel about it tomorrow.  I'll let you know what I think and keep you posted on the next thing Chris thinks she's going to get me to do.  Talk with you soon  Willow

Monday May 18, 2009

Hi it’s me Willow, things have sure been busy around 3S-Ranch.  Chris has been taking me away from my friend Ginger every day practically, at first I wasn’t too happy about it but I guess I’ve lived through it and can learn to tolerate it.  Ginger cries for me and it’s really hard not to answer her and focus on my lessons. 

I don’t miss the donkeys when I leave the pasture they hang around together and aren’t very friendly to Ginger or me.  Logi, the Icelandic gelding Chris is training, tries to herd me and Ginger around all the time.  He doesn’t seem to understand that WE are the ones that should be doing the herding. We let him tell us what to do because he doesn’t give in very easy and it’s too much work to try to boss him anyway. It’s kind of confusing I’m used to being the boss and I don’t like not having control.  Chris says it’s good for me to have leaders and to learn to take clear, concise directions from other people, even if one of them is Logi!

I’ve been taking lessons in the round pen with Chris she says I have to learn my new job in life.  I don’t know what she’s talking about the only job I have is eating, sleeping and talking with Ginger.   It doesn’t seem to matter to Chris that I don’t agree with my new career.  She doesn’t care that I get sassy and toss my head and glare at her she just keeps having me try to focus and do my job, Oh yeah that’s right I have a job!  It’s to pay attention to Chris no matter what is going on.  She is consistent about wanting me to focus on what she is asking me to do.  She said once I master this part of my job I will learn other skills as well.  Being ridden is the most important I guess, then we’ll be doing obstacle course training, roping, I’ll learn to load into a trailer all by myself and lots more.  I guess it could be interesting but I really just want to eat, sleep and visit with Ginger!

Well there are more surprises coming for me this week.  Chris says she’s going to ride me, we’ll see about that!  I don’t think I’ll mind much as long as I don’t have to work very hard I don’t like that idea at all.

I’ll have more to write later this week after Chris and I have our first ride.  I must admit I’m curious but if this riding stuff involves work well I think I already mentioned how I feel about that!  Talk with you soon.  Willow

Friday May 9, 2009

Hi it's Willow again, I thought I'd let you know how good I did getting into the big box on friday, what I now know is the horse trailer.  When Chris asked me to climb into that thing I was not certain it was a good idea, so I just stood there for a while and then Mitch, my friend in Prior Lake where I was in foster care, put my foot up on the trailer and I decided maybe I would be okay if I followed Chris in.  She petted me and made a big deal out of it, geez it wasn't really that hard!  But Chris is kind of like that, she gets happy for me when I do the littlest thing.  I stayed in the box for quite a while, when it stopped and Chris opened the door boy, what a lot of horses out there.  I had trouble backing out of the trailer so Chris was patient and we kept working on it, but it's not my favorite thing to do!  We walked over to a pen with 4 miniature donkeys, and Icelandic horse and a quarter horse mare that was soon to be my best friend, although I didn't know it then.  When Chris brought me into the pasture with everyone they all wanted to say hello and I was kind of scared but Chris shoo'd everyone away and let me find my own way to say hello.  They donkeys ran away and the Icelandic hollered and kicked the air, but Ginger said "Hi" let's get away from these other guys and we went and stood in the corner and took a nap.  Well, I need to go for now is see Chris coming with my snack, she says I need to eat good and rest so that I put on some weight.  Chris says since I was so skinny that I should take it easy with the food and eat lots of times a day only a little at a time.  She puts a blanket on me at night because I get really cold as a result of not having any muscle or body fat to keep me warm.  She said that until all the weight gain comes from the inside out that I must not have much fat on my insides yet and that once I do I'll start filling in on the outside.  Whatever, I'm just glad to get the chow!!!!!  I'm gonna take a nap now I'll talk with everyone later. Willow

Me and my friend Ginger at suppertime.

OOOOhhhhhh! I got a skinny butt!!  Not for long folks Chris says she has just the thing for my weight and body tone.  I wonder what the heck she's talking about?

Friday May 18, Hi my name is Willow, I just moved in to 3S-Ranch in Wisconsin.  I am a rescue horse from Minnesota Hooved Animal Foundation and Chris and I are going to be working together (according to Chris anyway) Chris says she is going to help me be all I can be!!  Whatever that means!  Chris and I will be at the University of Minnesota in the Leatherdale Equine Center on August 22, 2009 for the 100 Day Unwanted Horse Challenge.  Chris says she's going to show me off and help me find a family of my own.  That's me and my new friend Ginger having a snack.  I'll let you know how things are going for me soon.  Willow

Last weekend April 4 & 5 was the Chippewa Valley Equine Challenge  at the Menomonie Rec Park in their Hockey arena building.  The competitors were Jesse Krier, our local Bullrider and horse trainer from K-2 Ranch in Clayton, Mel Werner currently training out of River Bluff Farm in Elk Mound WI. Brian Jackson training at Meinpferde Farm in Deerfield a performance horse trainer, Zeke Zakarias a Pat Parelli trainer working out of Rockin Z,  Keith Lee horse driving and riding trainer from Elk Mound and myself.

The training began on Saturday the 4th with all the trainers in individual roundpens with our horses.  We had drawn numbers earlier in the day to see which round pen/horse we would be working.  I drew number two which contained a beautiful registered 3 year old grey Arabian mare named Shamira.  Jess drew a 3 year old black Morgan filly, Mel drew Chasa, a mare I donated to the cause, a sorrel coming 4 year old quarter horse mare.  Brian had a coming 4 year old bay Arabian gelding, Zeke a 3 or 4 year old liver chestnut Arabian mare, Keith drew a two year old bay Arabian mare.  And so the games began.....

We spent two days approx 5 hours of training time with the horses, we all showed off our individual styles of training and riding. This was a great way for the crowd to see different ways of training and the results. 

I worked Shamira with a rope halter and 12' line, desensitizing her to the rope over and around her body, developing her respect for me before adding many objects to her body.  Within an hour she was wearing a tarp, an American flag, a 2' x 6' piece of foam and an open umbrella.  Once she had accepted those items I mounted her.  I taught her the go forward cues and began leg pressure right away.  During the second training session I was able to walk, trot, canter and stand on her back, ride her with a flag and have her kick a horse ball.  I continued the following morning right where we left off with riding her almost immediately with an American flag and playing with the horse ball.  Shamira responded very well to dragging a sled and a log also.  She was resistant to cantering due to her inexperience carrying my weight and the footing was very slippery, some horses also struggle with cantering in such a small enclosed space such as a round pen.  Shamira kicked up her heels a few times and I explained to the audience that she was NOT bucking, she was saying NO very loudly but she was not scared or hurt she was saying NO!  I continued to ask her to canter and she did respond and stop kicking out.

After the training of our colts was completed we were asked to show off our personal horses.  I brought Frank Sinatra my 5 year old paint gelding that I ride in the Craig Cameron Extreme Cowboy Races.  I rode him in the arena with two of the other contestants.  I was able to explain Frank's bucking history and his turn around to be my working horse and companion.  I explained my Safety, Sanity & Success method of training and some of the future events at 3S-Ranch and the competitions I will be attending.  It was a good opportunity to show what a good started horse looks like, although Frank is not finished he is definately on his way and I was very proud to show him off.

The competition was on Sunday between 3 and 6pm.  We all had 1/2 hour to showcase our training horses, our training methods and the outcomes.  The arena was set with obstacles that we were able to use such as, a car wash which was two vertical poles with swimming pool noodles tied to them, the horse must walk between the poles with the noodles touching it's body, there was also a pedestal for the horses to stand on, a small jump, a cowboy curtain, a 4 legged pyramid made out of apprx 4" pvc pipe, a wooden bridge and six pvc vertical poles with small rings on the top to be removed at will. 

Shamira and I were both slightly nervous being in front of the judges and crowd, this was what we had worked towards!!!  I schooled her on the ground to help her get used to the different obstacles and being alone.  She did very well keeping on task!  She went through the obstacles I asked her to go through, the crowd appreciated our skills and we did earn some applause!  I asked Shamira to ground tie while I saddled her and she decided to leave.....oh no!!  I chose not to chase her and she walked calmly down to the end of the arena turned the corner and slowly, ever so slowly made her way towards me while the saddle slid onto her side!!  "OMGosh" I thought, then I realised that all of my desensitizing training was paying off right then!!!!  My horse did not freak out, even though the crowd probably did, we quietly walked towards each other and I stroked her face and turned to the audience and said "Now you know how NOT to saddle a horse.....but you have also learned the value of desensitizing your horse!!"  After that I decided to show just how desensitized my girl was, I proceeded to cover her with a tarp, a 3' x5' American Flag, an open umbrella and someone even offered me a rabbit!!!  Shamira stood there calmly accepting all her riders. :)  I then mounted and rode her through the cowboy curtain and we trotted over the bridge the very first time, of course when I turned to go back she refused and proceeded to through a Shamira fit, she would shake her head and go sideways some and we did that for a couple minutes and she never bucked or reared or was dangerous at all.  I explained to the audience that was wonderful because now they know how she would react under alot of pressure.  We then proceeded to canter around the arena of both leads and stop and back.  I was told my time was almost up so I quickly dismounted, on the off side, and showed off the fact that Shamira could target on command.  I took the handle of my whip and asked her to "target" she would touch the end with her nose and receive a treat for her behavior.  Shamira was very calm by nature yet had plenty of forward when ridden, what a great combination.  I couldn't have been more pleased with our experience together.  Shamira was purchased by a local woman for her daughter. 

We all completed our runs and the judges called usinto the arena together and announced the winner.  It was Brian Jackson from Deerfield WI.  Congratulatins Brian!!!

The training horses were all to be auctioned Sunday evening all the horses were sold.  The proceeds going to Eau Claire County 4-H Horse and Pony Project and the Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation in Pittsville, WI.

I had a wonderful time!!! All of the trainers were friendly and outgoing, we spent time together talking and joking and giving each other advice.  I couldn't have been more proud of the mare I worked and I did shed a tear when I had to put her in the stall for the last time.  Then I found out who had purchased her and I've been invited to go visit her.  How great is that!!!!  The equine challenge was a lot of fun and I met wonderful people and shared time with many frineds as well.  I look forward to continuing my training programs, putting on clinics, giving lessons and building our new ranch, life goes on and things couldn't be better.  Come visit me or email and call when you can.  Keep on ridin'.  Chris

Sunday between 3pm and 6pm the judged competition was held.

I will be competing in the Chippewa Valley Equine Challenge in Menomonie this coming weekend April 4 & 5.  This will be an opportunity to see how I start a horse, interact with prospective clients and hear what I have to say about why I handled the project horse they way I did.  I look forward to showcasing my Safety, Sanity & Success method of horse education.  See you all there!!!

We are very excited about our move to N8808 Cty Rd O.  We're still in Boyceville so we won't be hard to find.  Our new ranch has easier access for trucks and horse trailers.  Lots of new ranch designing and pastures are in the future.  Our new location will be the site of a CRAIG CAMERON CERTIFIED EXTREME COWBOY COURSE.    We have the new arena up along with the round pen.  Two new pastures are done and the EXCA course is under construction.