My Parelli Partners Page

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-30T00:21:00.003-06:00

Well well well it's been forever since I posted and so much has happened!!

I've been working at the horse barn, school, friends, and of course hanging with two horses, Cocoa and Dixie. :)

Today I took Cocoa out with Michelle and Ace and we went for a lovely ride on the backroad and the trails. We didn't see a single snowmobile and the trails were groomed. Ace and Cocoa got along great this time and they had a blast cantering through all the snow together. Had a lovely cantering stretch on the way home. :D

Then tonight I took Cocoa out for a moonlit ride. :) It was AMAZING...and amazingly cold. I just hopped on bareback again..but left her blanket on and we just rode all around the neighborhood and on the backroad. Lots of fun! :)

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Horsie Update

2009-10-31T13:31:00.002-05:00

I've been riding Cocoa quite a bit lately! Decided to get my priorities straight this last week..horses before homework. lol :) We've gotten some really great rides in! I've been taking Dixie for bike rides, walks, and for runs with me.

Working on the weekends at a horse barn! Keeping me busy!

Halloween tonight! ;) Trick or Treating for the Food shelf! :)

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Hello!

2009-10-02T23:25:00.002-05:00

Well..my goodness time sure flys when one is busy busy busy. I realized I have been really neglecting my blog lately and finally decided it is dang time I do a post, if not just a quick update.

School has officially begun and is in full swing that is for sure. Bring on the homework. My college classes are definitely keeping me on my toes and up to my head in homework and assignments.

I've been working at Joni's. She has four horses, Sy, Suni, Ben, and Steele. I clean stalls, drive the BIG GREEN TRACTOR (love it!), and get to help feed and bed, etc. I really love it! Joni is the best!

I've been riding Cocoa quite a bit and when it was warm we were making many trips and venturing down to play in the river. Lately, however, the weather has been rainy and cold! Last weekend Michelle got a new horse that she is trying out, Hannah, and Cocoa and I braved the elements and rode in the drizzling sprinkle then rain with her and Hannah. It was fun but chilly! I'm just glad I didn't get sick. Dixie is doing great! I've been riding her a little bit and just taking her for walks. I bought the girls a Jolly ball to play with but they haven't shown much interest towards it.

The girls really miss me. I feel awful. School has kept me so busy and I would much rather spend my time with them. I'm trying to balance everything but it is definitely piling up. I need to trim both the girl's hooves so that is on my list next now that my foot is healed from my fall while taking Cocoa for a walk and tripping in a gopher hole. lol Oh my. But it still hurts sometimes..and I haven't attempted to over stress it much. Ugh..why did I have to trip and hurt it? What a pain.

That is pretty much what has been happening...

I work tomorrow..bright and early...be there at 7:30 am..yep I'd say it's about time to call it a night! :)

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Riding in the Rain

2009-07-21T21:43:00.000-05:00

Decided to take Cocoa out for a nice ride cause I thought the rain was done...lol I was wrong. We got totally soaked..on the way home. I had to put my phone in my boot to prevent it from getting wet and ruined. Nice ride though..other than the getting drenched part..

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

More riding...Dixie highlights!

2009-07-19T21:48:00.001-05:00

Michelle and I went out for a ride today. It was just beautiful out...Cocoa and Ace did so well. We had a lot of fun. I went through a berry tree and got red berry juice all over!! We had a nice gallop on the stretch of the trails.

Later, I rode Dixie to Anna's to pick up Fran's sweatshirt. Justin biked along with. Dixie did AH-mazing!! We stopped and visited a little kid that was so excited to see a 'pony'. Dixie thought my hat was so cool when we stopped and I was standing by her. She kept trying to eat it off my head. On the way home Dixie and I raced Justin at a nice canter ALONG the side of the road!! He insists he won..but I believe Dixie would say differently. I even RODE her across the bridge.

That's my little three year old. She just amazes me more and more each day. ;)

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Riding with Wendy

2009-07-18T21:46:00.000-05:00

Got to go hang out with Wendy, Ginger, and Rusty! We had a fun time hitting up the dirt roads and the trails. The horses were so good!!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

....

2009-07-16T21:40:00.006-05:00

Dixie and Cocoa checking out Storm and Cloud's feeder...

Cocoa and Dixie butts!

Dixie sniffing noses with Ty. She liked him. ;)

Dixie and Tyrone

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Picture's Galore from our Trip!!

2009-07-16T21:35:00.002-05:00

Cocoa jealous that Dixie is paying Ty so much attention.

Gabbers!!

Cloud and Storm

Cocoa and Dixie. SO shiny!!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Trip to Joan's!!

2009-07-16T21:31:00.001-05:00

Dixie and Cocoa snuffling along.

Dixie and Ty. She wasn't sure what to think of him at this point...

Cocoa and Me, Dixie and Joan Just ARRIVED! ;)

Ready to go!!

Cocoa checking out the view from her trailer window.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

...And they're off!

2009-07-02T19:57:00.003-05:00

Woke up a bit late today...Whoops. Stayed up too late working on a wolf woodburning. ;)

I took baby Dixer's out for a walk/ride! We boogied out and I just walked with her for a ways..the bugs were horrid. Then after letting her munch for a while I hopped on her bareback. We cantered a good stretch and then just walked, trotted, and cantered along the highway. She's pretty dang good about traffic! :)

We played with stopping..man is she getting on her toes with this. As soon as I use my seat to stop...she stops! That's my baby! Turning is a little harder for her to grasp..she's a little heavy yet. I need to teach her to neck rein..that should be interesante. Other than that..I haven't been focusing on riding with her that much..so for her to be doing this well..I'm super pleased. No bucks..

On the way back we met up with mom who was biking. So Dixie and I trotted to keep up with her...and then she offered a super slow canter along the road. It was beautiful. ;)

I'm so proud of the baby she's really growing up!

Trimmed both the girls today. That's 8 hooves! I had to wear long sleeves and gloves..the whole works because I didn't want to take the chance of getting posion ivy. Have it already and hate it. That took a while..and it was hot out today..of course..I should have done them yesterday when it was unusually cool out.

Brought the trailer up front again..the horses were whinnying like crazy...not sure where they thought they were going to get to go?!? lol

Packing for tomorrow..for Joans! I'm so excited to get to trailer the horses up there..and then have my girls visit with Ty, Storm, Cloud, and little Gabby! This should make for an interesting week. Cocoa knows them...but Dixie's never met them before. I'm really hoping Dixie and Stormy hit it off and romp around the pasture and PLAY! :)

We're trailering out and leaving bright and early tomorrow morning! :)

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Babysitting little Theo!

2009-07-01T23:06:00.004-05:00

Bounce Theo Bounce!

Happy baby!

He can sit up!

Sleeping!

Babysat Theo for a couple hours today. He's gonna be a little horse guy before we know it. :) Michelle hopes his first word will be "Pony!" :) He's a cutie.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Extremely Long Trail Ride...

2009-07-01T20:05:00.000-05:00

I woke up so early today!! haha 7 am on the dot. Let the girls out and they got to eat in the pasture when it was nice and cool. Then I grabbed Miss Cocoa and we headed out on the trails. The loggers were back there again....taking all our trees..and messing up the trails! Ugh..

We went SO far! All the way to Ann Lake...and had to follow the highway back. I was starved so I ate wild raspberries...hopefully I won't die from that...lol

Later on I rode baby Dixie. Unexpected ride! :) Found a birdie....

Will expand later... :)

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Riding with Michelle!

2009-06-28T00:30:00.001-05:00

Me, Cocoa, ponying Dixers along, and Victory and Michelle. Ace had an abcess and had to stay home. :(

The girls were suddenly fascinated with Vic...the look on their faces just made me crack up. :)

I love my girls!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Mechanical Bull Ride

2009-06-26T23:58:00.002-05:00

Wow..what can I say...I've decided I love mechanical bulls. That was a heck of a ride! So fun yet so short! lol

I rode 'Cletus the Bull.' He was mechanically controlled by some dude. We even got clothes and everything to wear to hang onto the rope. The bull had lit up red eyes and was silly looking..it was in the middle of a huge blow up thing.

I rode it on Friday and got a 29 seconds. And then fell..

They let me do it again tonight...and I got 49 seconds!! :) Very pleased. I was so dizzy when I got off and my legs were shaking. I was gripping that thing pretty hard! lol

I decided I want one..lol haha

Pics. and video eventually!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Hot Hot HOT!

2009-06-25T16:42:00.002-05:00

Super hot and sunny out today! A bunch of friends and I got together and chilled at the beach....and played sand volleyball!

Unforchantly I itch like crazy since I got jiggers from the lake yesterday..but I still went in again today anyways!

Haven't done much with the horses yet today...they are just chilling in the shade.

Spudfest the rest of the week...so Battle of the Bands tonight..and then parades and stuff all this weekend!! YAY!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

River Adventure

2009-06-24T19:09:00.002-05:00

Took Cocoa out for a spin about 3 pm. It was hot out..and the sun was beating down so I thought let's go to the river and play!! Well we get there..and this is just how much luck always works; it gets all overcast. Always..does this. Well we just chilled and Cocoa munched on all the river grass. Barely made a dent in the grass there...it is so lucious.

Ventured down through the mucky bank on my side and into the water. It was so warm! Lovely! Wasn't quite as murky today as it was yesterday with Dixie. I rode Cocoa all around in it. She even had to swim a little bit when we followed it farther down. She was having a lot of fun. So slippery all wet though since I just rode in my jeans and swim suit. Then the bugs got to us so we continued to the road and to the trails. We made it to the warm up trail and heard some construction going on. They had HUGE machines in there to cut the trees and drag them. Cocoa and I kept going and she didn't mind them at all..I was a little worried we'd get stuck in there. We did quite a bit of cantering and I got her to collect. It was a very nice and fun ride!! It didn't even seem that hot out and Cocoa didn't seem to be overheating. We eventually turned back and went by the loggers and headed home through the river. We just beat the rain. A couple minutes after I put her in it just let loose and started POURING!

Fun day with Cocoa! She was happy to get out and about!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Dixie to the River and Cocoa biking!

2009-06-23T19:15:00.002-05:00

Biked with Dixie down to the river. Even got pics..since mom came later and met us down there.

Dixie was being pokey today when I was biking with her. I was wondering if it was just because it was so hot out, she wasn't feeling good, or tired from yesterday? hmm..

We crossed the bridge when a huge semi went by. What impeccable timing I had. Dixie didn't blink an eye. That's my baby! :) I was nervous! It was a SEMI..I mean come on..and the bridge is not very big or gives us very much room on the side.

The bugs were pretty bad down at the river..and the posion ivy. Uh oh....I hate posion ivy.

She got to eat a ton of grass. Even got a little startled when some people walked down to the river and surprised us!

Dixie went right in. And immediately started splashing up a storm again...She loves to splash and soak me! She didn't lay down today like she did yesterday though! She still stuck her head under the water..past her eyes. And she blew bubbles too...I literally saw her thinking.."hmm..if I stick my nose under the water and blow...ooohhh...pretty...BUBBLES!" She did that numerous times! I taught her how to paw on cue...cause she just loves to do it. And she started doing her Spanish Walk..paw paw in the water. :) hehe It was cute.

We went pretty deep up and down. She kept wanting to go farther. When mom was taking pics. I stood still for too long cause something brushed past my ankle and it wasn't Dixie. I screamed...it totally freaked me out. We were down for the day after that...I've gotten leeches from that river..and see fish up upstream all the time! Yikes!

It was a fun river day especially since it was so HOT out! Dixie totally cracked me up with her antics. She's so silly.

We biked home and she got to eat in the yard for a while before I took Cocoa out.

Cocoa was feeling left out..so I took her out for a bike ride on the backroad. We did a lot of trotting and cantering. She is so good about cantering right beside me and I can touch her and pet her while I bike. :) She got to eat a lot of grass. Then since we moved the trailer to the back by the backroad we did some trailer loading too!!

After that I tied her in the ditch while I got the wheel barrow and collected all the grass they cut in the ditches. The horses loved that...but I think I got poison ivy now. And I roasted doing that...it was so hot out!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Appy Pastel

2009-06-19T22:34:00.003-05:00

Finally was able to load this pic up! :)

Appy pastel I entered in contest! I love this one!! It's HUGE too!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Update

2009-06-19T22:27:00.002-05:00

Been busy with the ponies. Fran came to visit the other day! So that was a special treat! Wish she could have stayed longer. We went to Nita Jo's for a clinic.

I've been taking Dixie for bike rides. Cocoa and I have been going down to the river A LOT to eat the green lush grass and to play in the water. The bugs haven't even been that bad down there! We went on a super long trail ride the other day and have just been milling around and riding through all the developments and to friends.

The horses have been getting to eat in the yard just about everyday while I work on my art projects and they've been getting baths to keep them cool!

The other day some roofing people came and parked along the ditch. Dixie walked right up to his truck and stared at herself in the window and then went back to eating. She is such a goof!

Played with Dixie in the roundpen the other day! She's been ah-mazing! We've started doing more liberty. She's doing great with that! Stick to me and change of direction is going really good!

Cocoa's been spunkier! I love it! :)

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Pony Express and River Rat

2009-06-12T20:35:00.004-05:00

Took Cocoa out for a ride a ways! Delivered a b-day present Pony Express style of course. Got there in one piece..but I didn't Guarantee or Insure the package! lol

Cocoa isn't feeling the best still. Having a hard time walking on gravel and pavement and not feeling into going real fast. So we just took it easy. Was an interesting ride. Saw a lot of people we knew... :)

Got home and biked with Dixie to Birch Lake. Made it all the way there and there was too much commotion and dogs running...(what are the chances..nobody is ever there.) so Dixie was a little nervous. Didn't get in the water for too long...thought some lady was calling the cops on us for having a horse in the lake...lol

Stopped at my friends then we headed home. Dixie got a good workout! Lots of trotting and she is definitely traffic safe..we went along the highway the whole way...got some funny stares...Girl Biking Her...HORSE! haha I can see it in the papers now! It's gonna be a new sport..if I have anything to say about. Now I just have to master Unicycling while leading Cocoa...and Dixie. :) Summer project. ...we'll leave it at that!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Oregon Trip

2009-06-08T20:31:00.003-05:00

Me and Ingrid

At the Coast.

Brr..the water was Chilly!

My wonderful cousins!

Me and mommy!

The rest of our Oregon trip consisted of hanging out with cousins and family.

Sat. - Saturday Market...that was cool! Then we went to the OCEAN! Now that was ah-mazing! Cold but sweet!

Sun - Church and Graduation and PAR-TAY!

Mon - Go back home...long flight. :( I didn't want to leave. If I had brought the girls with...I just mighta not came back to MN. Seriously they have NO bugs there...just slugs. Ick!

The horses were happy I was home. They got to get out and eat grass! Finally!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Go West....to Oregon!

2009-06-05T20:29:00.003-05:00

On our way to Oregon...! Flew the 3 hours there, 2 + hours to my cousins. Plus did some sightseeing along the way that included WATERFALLS!! I loved it! :) Took lots of pics.! Will get them posted on here someday soon!

Hung out with cousins and went to church.

I love Oregon..everything is SO green! My fav. color!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Yay! Last day of school!!

2009-06-04T20:28:00.001-05:00

Schools Out! Spent the day with the girls of course! Bummed...I'm missing Madison Celebration this weekend. :(

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Dixie's Bike Ride

2009-05-25T18:40:00.002-05:00

Back from ND! Kelly's Graduation...was a lot of fun!!

Took the girls out and hosed both of them done. Got all the dirt and grime off from the winter. Dixie's white was finally bleach white!! They got to eat in the yard for an hour plus to dry off. Put them back in the pen...and they still rolled! UGH! I cleaned manure...and then took Dixie out.

I've been having the girls come with me on bike rides. I ride the bike and they trot and canter alongside. It's great exercise for them!! So I took Dixie out today and she had a lot of energy sicne I've been gone. We did a lot of trotting at first and of course stops to eat the lush grass in the ditch. Headed farther than we've ever gone...the highway. She was a little wary of the traffic cruising by us but that was fine...till she saw the goats. She put on the brakes and started whinnying at that them. After she got over that we continued on. Then on the way home she would canter...and pull me! That was fun!! We were heading down our road...and a huge pick up went by and gunned it..on purpose of course to scare her. She was a little skittish but she did great handling it. Some people are such idiots. Then we ran into the neighbors dogs who came barreling at us. That unnerved her a bit but I stayed calm and everything was ok. Made it home and I had a well exercised horse!! :)

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Talk about busy..

2009-05-22T22:57:00.002-05:00

I was reading my book today while the horses ate in the yard. It was MUY buggy! Ick!

Then Justin wanted me to go four wheeling with him...I couldn't figure out how to drive that thing for the life of me. It's harder than it looks. Clutches are confusing!!

Went to a bonfire and hung out with friends. Slept over and went to B Dubbs. Went swimming in the lake...BRRRR!!

Worked for Aletha. Built her roundpen and stacked hay! FUN!

Fed my horses and that was about it! I get to spend all day tomorrow with the girls before we leave for ND! :)

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Super Windy

2009-05-20T18:10:00.003-05:00

It was very hot and humid out today...I let the horses out to eat in the pasture. The gnats were bad and the horses were sweaty from the heat. They actually wanted to come back in and were done eating. If I had time I would have hosed them down but I had an ortho. appt.

It was SO windy today. I've never seen anything like it. The wind was blowing up all the dirt and it created this foggy dirty atmosphere. Ick!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Bath Time!

2009-05-19T18:11:00.001-05:00

Did homework while the girls ate in the ditch along the road. So I sat out there and monitored them. Then I put Cocoa away and played with Dixie in the roundpen. It was very dirty, hot, dusty, and buggy down there! We did a bit of online on the 22 ft. line, played with the barrels, jumped, sideways, and yo yo. Then I took her off line and she ran around at Liberty. We did change of direction and trying to get a really good draw at the canter.

She was hot so I hosed her down and gave her the first bath of the year! Nothing like getting all the dirt and grime off from all winter. Finally the white was clean...and I could just see all the dirt wash off! Took her for a bike ride to help dry off and let her eat in the ditches a bit more.

I put Dixie away...and she went and rolled while she was still semi wet. The little bugger! She got so dirty!!! Of course she rolled in the sand.

Took Cocoa out and let her graze in the yard while I jumped on the tramp and then called it a night!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Farrier

2009-05-12T15:06:00.000-05:00

Took my placement test for college. Yay! Glad that's done with.

Groomed the girls. Took Cocoa for a walk and she got to eat in the ditches while I read my book.

Dale came and trimmed Cocoa's feet for a check up to make sure I'm doing them ok. Everything went well..and was pretty uneventful!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Prom Pics.

2009-05-02T23:55:00.000-05:00

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Dixie's 3rd Birthday!!

2009-05-02T22:34:00.000-05:00

Dixie turned 3 years old today! That means I've almost had her for a year now too...Almost! That is coming up soon! Also...today is Prom..the Endurance Ride..and the Kentucky Derby. Go figure everything is on the same day. haha.

Enjoy the pics!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

17 Already!

2009-04-16T22:26:00.000-05:00

Wow..can't believe I'm 17 years old already!! Wow..time flies.

Well..I was sick so that kinda made it a bummer. We went and toured a college and went shopping..that pretty much summed it up. Gave the horses extra treats and each an apple.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Horses are the Cure

2009-04-14T18:40:00.003-05:00

Still sick and hoping to get back to normal ASAP. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I let the munchkins out in the yard to eat while I laid in the grass and took a nap. Gotta monitor the buggers...and rest so I can get over my sickness so I got two things done there! Plus it was beautiful out...66 degrees..can't get much better than that! I was wearing a tanktop!!! :) Finally!

I put Cocoa away and took Dixie's out to play with. We first went to the tree stump. She got all four feet up there pretty much on her own. I was having trouble breathing with my sore throat so I just let her figure it out. My throat was so sore for this session that I didn't say anything. I've never realized how much I actually talk in general...lol and talk to the horses. It was hard not to say anything but it hurt so I couldn't.

We went out into the pasture and did some traveling circling game at the canter and then some falling leaf. She was perky and having fun! We did quite a bit of change of direction and her draw was SO good! Then we did some backing, sideways, and playing with the barrel. The only obstacle out there...and she jumped it, pawed it, sidewaysed it..everything! What I loved about tonight was due to the fact I was tired and didn't have very much energy I was very patient and slow with asking her. She thought I was being so polite and responded amazingly! Did some mirroring and cantering together. Also she got the highest EVER for rearing on cue tonight! It was pretty spectacular she even threw in a playful paw with it! hehe Then we ventured to the roundpen.

I took off the line right away. We haven't done hardly any liberty lately and not that much at all in general. I did the catching game and then we just did some stick to me. Sideways and driving game. She was so calm and attentive. I sent her and she went the right way! :) Had fun cantering around and then I asked her to come in and she spun on a dime and was right there. :) We did some playing with draw, change of direction, cantering to me. Then we played with the barrels. I pointed at them and she went and jumped them and then I stood on one side and she on the other and jumped it while coming to me. I hardly had to ask. Then I set them back up and she did Figure 8 pattern at liberty. She is usually pretty sassy and takes offense when we do this online but she did it perfect at liberty. Then later I sent her to sniff the barrel and then put a little more pressure on her (a way diff. angle I was at) and she offered to do the pattern again and even trotted it a little ways. Yay! I set the barrels up and she lined herself up for me to get on. I didn't but still just gave her a good scratching. We also did some serpentine's towards me too at liberty! Dixie definitely impressed me tonight! I wish I had been feeling better so we could have done more..but she sure made my day!

My 17th birthday is in 2 days!!!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Just Chilling

2009-04-10T23:08:00.000-05:00

clen pasture

amanda ride with us

more later

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Walking

2009-04-09T23:09:00.000-05:00

Took the munchkins for a long walk....

more later

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Saddle 'Em Up!

2009-04-07T23:10:00.000-05:00

Playing...Dixie ah- mazing...

saddle

more later

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Picture Day! Dixie's firsts too!!

2009-04-02T21:36:00.002-05:00

Asking for the beginning of the Spanish Walk.

Dixie rearing on cue. Still playing with getting it more subtle. lol

I just love her attent expression. Me and the baby.

She's got some amazing draw..

Yo-yo back up.

Didn't get a pic. of her actually bowing..just the beginning of it this time.

Dixie mauling me with kisses.

Standing up on the baby.

Weee...jumping off!!

Asking her to move over and line up with the barrel so I can get on. She will usually do it all on her own now..I don't even need to ask. :)

Hahaha...she through in a little crow hop right before this photo!!

VERY FIRST JUMP riding!!! She jumps so different than Cocoa. Just catapulted over it!

Look at that TROT! :)

Cocoa pawing the barrel.

Dixie jumping the barrel while being ponied!

Wee......like I said..she likes to overjump by just a little bit! lol

Telling her what a good girl she is.

Playing the circling game with Dix while riding Cocoa.

Asking Dixie to come sideways towards and line up beside us. She adores doing this.

She loves attention.

And to rest her head on us when she's sleepy... :)

Well I had to go out and take some pics. for my next art project. Didn't get what I was really looking for though....the project is your waist down, so main emphasis on the feet...and what you put in there has to like define who you are. So..Horses for me!

Anyways..I got mom out there and she took some pics. for that and some extra pics. They don't go in order...

I saddled Cocoa up cause I was going to do my leg stepping up into the stirrup with Dixie's head right by us so I could get them both in the pastel I'll be doing. Which is pretty ironic cause I hardly ever ride in a saddle but I couldn't think of what else to do.

So after we took some pics. I rode Cocoa around and ponied Dixie with. Then I played with Dixie riding Cocoa and had her jump over the barrels while we were riding. She's been learning how to do that when we go trail riding in the meadow there is a bunch of trees cut but she jumped the little barrel a bunch of times!

Then I jumped from Cocoa to Dixie. Stood on her back..did some backing up..and a bunch of other things with her. We rode around the pasture she was responsing SUPER well. We haven't done much with riding lately. She was turning the best ever and following my leg. Cantered a little bit and she gave a little crow hop it was fun!! :) Then I got her to jump the barrel while I was riding her!! That is a first!! She jumped huge...I wasn't ready for that! :)

Then I hopped off and played with her just on the ground. Did some rearing, cutting, bowing, and the seven games.

Here's a couple of the pics. I'll upload more later!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Riding

2009-04-01T21:36:00.000-05:00

Took Cocoa and Dixie out on the backroad and trails.

More later.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Thunderstorm

2009-03-23T22:24:00.003-05:00

Just went out and visited with the girls a bit tonight. Of course when I go out it starts pouring..Thunder, Rain, Lightening, Wind, the whole works tonight. Cocoa and Dix were a bit jumpy....and WET! They were sopping wet and crabby towards each other. They got lots of hay and treats..I hope it's sunny tomorrow. I really want to take them out on the trails now that the snow is all gone and the ice went with it!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Attention

2009-03-20T21:47:00.003-05:00

I took just Cocoa out for a quick spin tonight. We actually got farther than I anticipated. She was so happy to have all the attention on her and me not focusing on Dixie and keeping her in line.

We made it onto the trail's and did a lot of cantering there. Then we ventured to the race track and Cocoa and I went through SO many puddles. They were so big they were like mini ponds. It was just so incredibly gorgeous and peaceful out in that meadow. We had a great time cantering back and then took it easy towards home.

I had her collecting, doing spins, going sideways, a lot of backing, she was so willing and happy to do all this since when we have Dixie with we don't do much of it.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Trail Ride

2009-03-16T20:56:00.002-05:00

It was incredibly and unbelievably gorgeous outside!! All I can say is WOW!!

Cocoa and I bustled over the bridge and met Anna and Pip on her side of the forest. We went on the trails. They were a little murky and a lot mucky. Puddles galore. Cocoa and Pip stepped through them all and splashed us.

At one point when we where in the trees a cop car went cruising by and turned the sirens on...the horses didn't mind a bit though.

We weren't able to canter because it was either questionable footing...or quicksand muck.

It was a relaxing ride...and we had a lot of fun. On top of that it was SO warm!!! I love Spring.

Cocoa and I headed home and we did some cantering. I was texting Amanda...and then Cocoa and I cantered....and the cellphone fell out. By that time we had made it all the way to the bridge so we had to turn around and go all the way back...Luckily we found it. That's why I hate bringing the thing along..what if I wouldn't have found it? Uggg..

I walked Cocoa the rest of the way home to give her a break. When we got home I grabbed Dixie and took her for a quick walk even though it was already getting dark it was still gorgeous out. Dixie was hilarious. I got her to get all four feet up on the little tree 'pedestal.' Then she offered the beginning of a Spanish Walk. So we are going to start playing around with that. Then we did some rearing....sideways..backing...and cutting. Fun Fun!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

My Kind of Trail Ride.. PICS!

2009-03-13T10:18:00.001-05:00

..Coming..

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Mini Vacation

2009-03-12T10:09:00.001-05:00

Well we were planning on going to Florida for a couple of days over Spring Break here but that fell through so I was in a bad mood.

I got to go up to Joan's and spend some time with her, Mattie, and the horses, and Gabby for a couple days. I got one little project done...A little tiny turtle relief carving/woodburning. Then I got a lot of wood for projects I'm going to start. This weekend I'm going to go to a show and by some more stuff!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Cocoa's Vet Appt.

2009-03-09T10:14:00.000-05:00

...Coming...

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Food Poisoning

2009-03-08T10:15:00.001-05:00

Got an awful bout of food poisoning....NOT fun. I wasn't able to do anything for a couple days. Barely made it out with the vet for Cocoa.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Pony Rides!!

2009-03-07T21:22:00.000-06:00

Pics. from the last time the girls came out. My camera's batteries were dead so I wasn't able to get any pics. from this time.

Well Heather's girls came out and got to play and ride with the girls today!!

We first took them for a walk down the road then put the bareback pad on Cocoa and (little) Olivia hopped up and rode her while Victoria rode Dixie bareback. We led them down the road. Dixie was walking super fast at first and even gave Victoria a couple teeny tiny crowhops..but she did great staying on!!

Cocoa was cruising on the way home and Dixie was beat. They got to eat in the front yard for a bit and the girls switched horses and rode around a bit more.

Then we went down to the roundpen. I led them around on Dixie and they rode Cocoa around. Victoria could even get her to trot all on her own. They were trying to get Cocoa to back up and Cocoa didn't understand and kept giving them some lovely lateral flexion. It was so fun for me to watch since I never to get see anyone else up on her since I'm always the one riding.

Then I played with Dixers on the ground a bit. They liked watching her jump over the barrel. By this point Dixie was getting tired and sleepy since it was so sunny out. I had Dixie do the jump and stop and straddle the barrel, bowing, back up by tail and all that fun stuff. Then I showed them her new trick REARING!! She did so amazing. I got her to get up pretty high!! And she did it the first time I asked..! YEAH!! Oh..and I stood all the way up on her again...and even dropped the reins.

After the girls were finally done riding Cocoa I let the girls out in the pasture and had them run around a bit. Cocoa was doing some really nice draws and liberty.

Fun day with the girls. Cocoa and Dixie got spoiled with lots of carrots and apples.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Quick Ride

2009-03-06T17:57:00.000-06:00

Mom and I ate at Applebees for breakfast for a fundraiser and then went shopping. I made it home in the knick of time to make the ride with Michelle and Liz. Cocoa and I caught up to them..so we got a little cantering in. The footing was really bad on the backroad so we took it easy for the rest of the ride. Jumped the tree branch. It was very laid back and I was so happy that Cocoa was perky cause the last time we went she seemed a little down. Then I tied Cocoa to the trailer while we went in for a snack. She was SO patient! I was proud of her for just waiting..

Vet Appt. for Cocoa on Monday!!!!!!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Skiing!

2009-03-04T17:55:00.000-06:00

I still went skiiing even though I had my bum finger. Only fell once and that was going off a jump...but luckily I didn't land on it! Just had time to say hi to the horses and feed them. The weather was just gorgeous...I felt bad for going skiing with friends instead of riding with my dear ponies.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Whoops..

2009-03-03T17:52:00.002-06:00

Took the girls out for a ride on the backroad. It was already pretty late and starting to get dark. We went down to the tree grove and had Dixie jump some of the trees that were down. Dixie wasn't really cooperating for this ride....she was super hyper. Had lots of energy which was understandable. So wasn't the best ride but atleast we had time to get out and have a change of scenery. Can't wait till Spring Break....soooooo soon!!

Then...I managed to slam my finger in the barn door. It hurt SO bad...I kept sticking my finger in the snowbank and the horses were looking at me like I was crazy. Ended up swelling up huge and ugly like and turned black and blue. So painful.

So overall today just wasn't going the way I planned..

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Short but Sweet...

2009-03-02T20:13:00.002-06:00

Wow..Could my weekend have gotten any busier? I think not. Volunteered for Business Expo. Rode with Michelle then went the 4-H meeting...all in one day!

So..I just wanted to expand on our ride a bit. I rushed home from volunteering and got Cocoa all tidied up. We just went in the bareback pad this time. Headed over and then we were off. Dixie didn't think it was fair to get left behind...but she got a bit of exercise running around! The backroad was a tad bit slippery so we just walked and trotted. Cocoa was a bit pokey and wasn't feeling on top of her game. Hmm..poor girl. We took a short cut...and Cocoa jumped some of the trees that were cut down. That was a nice treat!! We just had Dixie jump them last time we went down there. So it was fun to do a bit of jumping. Had some snowmobilers pass us...otherwise we were the only ones out there. Just as we were getting to the trails we had to turn around in order for me to make it back in time. Cocoa and Ace got to do a bit of cantering on the way home. It was fun!! Cocoa did a short bunny hopped canter. It was really nice and they cantered side by side for a ways back. Barely made it home in time for 4-H it was close but I did it!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Fun..Fun

2009-02-28T18:04:00.002-06:00

Volunteered at the ice fishing contest and went tubing.... Just visited with the horses today. Did a wee bit of undemanding time.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Snowstorm

2009-02-26T20:14:00.003-06:00

Boy is it ever blowing out there. We had the Blood Drive today that I volunteered for at school..which got a little goofy because we ended up getting out two hours early..due to a big storm that was coming our way! :) EARLY RELEASE!! Yippee.

I went out to see the horses. They had their blankets on..but their heads were white and covered in snow!

We went out in the big pasture to blow off some energy. They ran around with me for a bit and I took some pics. I was covered in snow..and it was blowing so hard..it was hard to see at times. I was scratching Dixie's neck and she just starts to lay down right there..lol What a goof. So her and Cocoa proceeded to roll and enjoy the snow for a while.

Crossing fingers for atleast a late start tomorrow! That would be quite a treat.

I'll post pics. later.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Focusing on Details

2009-02-25T20:24:00.002-06:00

I let the horses out to muzzle around and try and eat a little of the uncovered grass now taht the snow is beginning to disperse. Cocoa was being so adorable and would stop eating and walk right over to me whenever I came back to check on them from the barn. I brought Cocoa over to the stump and she got all fours up without my even asking. So I let her go back to eating.. :)

I grabbed Dixers and Zone 5 drove her over to the tree stump and just waited. She eventually started snuffling it and then licking it and then pawed it and then finally stepped up on it. "Nose, neck, Maybe the Feet!" So she got both two front feet up there and then for the next ten minutes of getting off and on it we focused on getting her front feet in just the right spot so she could attempt to squish all fours up there. She understands the dynamics now we just have to get the physical side and balance to get all four up there for awhile! At first when I was asking for the back feet to move up she would pivot and then she would paw with the front legs and then eventually end up falling off the pedestal. But then it just clicked and she moved the back legs closer and got all 3 up there and tried to get the 4th but....missed the stump. SO CLOSE! We called it quits after that...it will go even faster next time and I have a feeling she'll get all four up soon! I then had her play in the yard and the deep snow in the ditch. I had her do the circling game and then stopped her in the snow. Where she pawed and pawed and pawed then Rolled!! She rolled and rolled....she must have went back and forth atleast 5 times..and it was easy for her because she was in the ditch. At one point she was trying to get over and all four feet were sticking straight up. It was hilarious. She can be so comical.

So..finally my dirty horse was beginning to look clean. After that she was trotting around and attempted to do a sassy jump move and slipped....and down she went on the grass and in the mud. She hopped right back up...but not before her side was all full of dirt. Shucks. She continued being playful and sassy after that. I love my little snot, I love the little attitude she has going on..she just makes me laugh. And isn't that what this is all about? Having fun!

I took the girls for a walk down to Michelle's to visit the horses. They stared but my girls didn't nicker. Apparently they were feeling anti-social. Hmm...

We continued on and ran into the neighbors dogs who followed us then on the way back we had a little fun chasing them. Dixie was intrigued, that's for sure. Cocoa was being such a sweetheart. I let her rub all over me since she insisted she was itchy and she got lots of kisses. She's been so calm and sweet lately. I wish she was all back to normal..something is still up. I'm scheduling an appointment with the vet to get her tested for a urinary tract infection soon.

When we got back there was a wee bit of daylight left so I gave Cocoa a flake of oat hay and put her in the pasture and grabbed my little one and headed to the backyard. Well....Dixie and I go running down to the backyard and a couple seconds later I hear footsteps and lookie there...comes Cocoa running after us. I had went in the barn with Dixie and gave her some treats and had forgotten to close the pasture gate...Cocoa noticed. So she was out..but I really didn't care so I just let her stay out and eat some grass while Dixie and I played. Well a couple mins later after Cocoa taste tested the grass...apparently it wasn't up to standards and she ran back to the pasture to proceed eating her hay. What a goof!

Dixie and I did some circling with transitions. She was very entergetic. Then we did some change of direction which she got a big dominant about. She would come in quick and give me a snotty look when I directed her back out so I gave her a 'wipe that look off your face.' Then we did some traveling circling game. A lot of sideways towards (Man..it's getting ridiculous she is constantly offering this...all the time. She absolutely LOVES this.) Her new trick is to come sideways towards me and then I ask her to swing her butt over to line up with me and then we go into a back up. Did some of that and then worked on going sideways towards me from the other side which she has some troubles with. Her and Cocoa have both have trouble with that side. I need to make a point to focus on that side...and perfect it more..and not so much on the side they are good at. Maybe it's me?

Then we did some backing up. Which is some great exercise and a challenge for her in this deep snow. Then we worked on her rearing! I'm having so much fun with this task. She is starting to really put the two and two together and I want to make sure I stress when she should rear and when she should back up so she doesn't get them confused. She was giving me cute little rears on cue when I asked...little hops. It was great! I'm so proud of her.

We went into the roundpen for a bit. Did some sideways with the barrel, some pawing, and some jumping. Got her to jump it and stop..so she was staddling it again. YAH! I love it. I can't believe she caught onto that so quickly. Then I hopped up on the barrel and she immediately came sideways towards me to line up so I could mount. I just did some friendly and then we practiced doing a backing up circling game around me and the barrel. Slowly but surely its coming along. Finally we did some extreme friendly, cuddling, and some more work on yielding the front end. She's a little sticky with moving her shoulders over but is getting really light! I'm hoping to get her light enough and teach her how to spin pretty soon, then she'll be caught up with Cocoa! Oh and we did some bowing too!

It was a fun jam packed learning night!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

A little Adventure

2009-02-24T20:23:00.000-06:00

Mom and I took the girls out for a stroll...Dixie was being absurbly hilarious....

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Dixie in the Dark

2009-02-23T21:01:00.001-06:00

More later...

Dixie and I played in the roundpen in the dark.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

A lot of 'Firsts' Today!

2009-02-22T21:03:00.001-06:00

Video taped...

Dixie jump barrel..and stop..straddle it.

Cocoa play drive up.

Bowing...standing on back.

More later.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Patience is a Virtue

2009-02-21T21:56:00.002-06:00

I bought the horses another bag of grain today, yikes prices just keep going up around here!

I went out and visited the girls and was in the mood for giving them lots of treat so they were pleased with the handouts. They did have to do some bowing to get them though. Dixie did spectacular with bowing today! She slipped a little bit on the ice under the snow the last time though and almost laid down on accident. Not quite ready for that one! Let's getting bowing down pat first.

I did a little Liberty with her in the corral first and some Friendly. She would come and pay attention then leave but I just waited her moments out. I had her stand on her tractor tire and then we headed out to the field to play. The only obstacle I have out there is a barrel since it isn't really our land. So we played with the barrel, A LOT! She did everything she possibly could of to it! lol Pawed it, scratched on it, lifted it, rolled it, licked it, jumped it, sidewaysed over it....etc.

Dixie had a couple RB moments which I patiently waited out all the while giggling at her silly antics. She's so cute and it's so funny when she gets riled. I helped her use her energy and we ran around for a bit, and tried to advance our rearing on cue a little farther.

Went back to the barrel and had her jump over it at a stand still to me. :) Then we just ambled all over the pasture and did some "I walk sideways and so would she" and then she would walk sideways towards me and then away. She was having fun with that. Finally it was time for church and I had to head it. I had her do one last bow for the treat she had patiently been waiting for.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Cocoa's Playtime

2009-02-19T15:59:00.004-06:00

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Consistency is the Key..with Dixie PICS!

2009-02-16T21:16:00.004-06:00

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

The Great Escape..

2009-02-15T21:15:00.002-06:00

First off..I went out with the naughty munchkins who weren't so naughty in the morning atleast. I did a lot of undemanding time with the girls. And just asked for backing by the tail, leading by the lip and little tasks out of them in their corral at Liberty. Then I put Dixie online and just her play with some of the stuff that was in her little pen. I had her stand up on the pedestal...and she came SO close to getting all four feet up on the little stump. She tried so hard but she wasn't quite able to get it yet. Then we ventured over to the tractor tire which she definitely was able to get all four feet up on... :) It's a lot bigger that's for sure. She was extremely proud of herself none-the-less. Then I had her put her front two feet in the little pickup tire.

We headed out to the pasture. I had her back out of the gate..which she did obediently. We played around. Dixie had oodles of energy so that was fun to play with! We did a lot of the traveling circling game and sideways and playing along side of the fence with change of direction. She loves to do sideways towards... :)

After we got done playing....here was my first mistake..I decided to let her eat the grass that was just starting to peek out from under the melting snow. They get to do this all the time so it was no big deal. Mistake number two, I went to get Cocoa and let both of them eat out there. Which they do all the time. They were eating out there for some time like usual and I went in the barn and came back to check on them but didn't see them anywhere. This was not like them at all...they were just Gone. I was scared to death. I ran all the way to see if they were at Michelle's house with her horses, they weren't, we checked all around and they were nowhere to be found. The backroad was slick ice so I couldn't imagine they would take that. I was so devasted and frusterated. My parents were looking, neighbors, and friends and they still hadn't turned up. I took the whole trail I usually ride the horses on all the way to Jess's house through deep snow. Let me tell you that was a trek. Didn't see them anywhere and their horses didn't look like they had company...Eventually we found fresh poo by the cemetary...but couldn't make out where the tracks were headed. They went in BOTH directions. Darn! Long story short...we were looking around Jess's and heard Cocoa's piercing deep low lion roar whinny. (There is no mistaking Cocoa's whinny..it is definitely one of a kind.) And now went off to search for them in that direction..what a Relief!! Turns out they were a few houses down and they had found them sniffing their horses and put them in the barn. My girls were safe...with hay and comfortable yet Cocoa wouldn't stop talking and Dixie was pawing the stall. Little stinkers. We got them out and over the icey spots...and after a couple pit falls later I finally began to lead them home. After we got off the drive way and the ice I hopped on Cocoa and rode the buggers the rest of the way home. I was not pleased with their behavior today and they won't be eating in the yard for a while. They lost that for some time. I'm just glad they are home and safe and sound. They gave me quite a scare.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

And the Sun is Shining...

2009-02-08T20:16:00.003-06:00

Absolutely gorgeous out today!

I caught the horses dozing in the pasture and got a ton of pictures and some video. They were adorable!

Took them out for a spin. They did great and we hit the trails. Dixie was a little pokey but she still did pretty good.

Trimmed Cocoa's hooves.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Ponying Dixie

2009-02-04T10:33:00.002-06:00

Took the horses out for a ride tonight....and ponied Dixie all the way. The horses and I went a long ways and we got some really great cantering in!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Riding in the Dark

2009-02-02T16:43:00.000-06:00

Well I didn't get home soon enough to get my butt outside in time to go for a ride in the daylight so the horses and I went out at dusk. I argued my point with mom and dad that it was light when we left and then the moon was bright enough I could see the horses shadows when I was riding. lol I love riding in the dark, it's so peaceful well except for the occasional snowmobiler that goes by now that it is winter.

I went out and visited with the munchkins a bit and fed them the apple I brought home from school for them. Then I tried to take an ax and chip away at some of the ice along the barn so they wouldn't slip. It was warm out last weekend so stuff started to melt and then got froze in its tracks with some more below zero temps that were right around the corner. I got the halters out for them and Cocoa was all perked and excited to go! I nearly froze my fingers just taking my gloves off to tie their halters it was super cold. But none the less we braved it out and I had Cocoa sidle up to the side of the trailer and I hopped on and we were off with Dixie in tow. Finally, both my girls with, I hadn't done that in a while. We went through the backyard and man was the snow Deep! They were arguing over which one should get to walk on the snowmobile track even then they sunk in about 1/2 foot. I said Cocoa should get to since she was not only walking through it but I was riding her and Dixie is young so the end of that! :)

We made it to the backroad and Dixie was trotting along side us so after a bit I let Cocoa trot. They trotted beside each other beautifully, I even let the reins go and Cocoa was responding to my seat when I asked for a fast or slow trot and Dixie would mirror Cocoa. I had Cocoa do some sideways serpentine's down the road. We did a bit of stopping, backing, and then of course cantering too!

When we got up past the farm I let them canter the whole stretch. At first I had Cocoa do a slow collected canter but then by the end I let them have fun running with each other. I started to ask Cocoa to slow slightly and she went into a slower canter and I wiggled the rope for Dixie to slow down but she only slowed a little so I wiggled it a little harder and she slammed on her brakes. Cocoa was down to a trot at this point but I decided to hold on to Dixie's 12 ft. line because I didn't quite realize at that point she was at a dead stop, so when it came to the end of the line I didn't let go but she didn't budge and off I went. She pulled me right off Cocoa! lol I hopped back on and we kept going a little ways farther, Cocoa was getting antsy at this point so I had her do some really nice sideways. That is when I got an idea! I decided I wanted Dixie to go sideways with us. I started on the ground making sure she remembered sideways towards me..which she did of course. Then I hopped back on Cocoa and threw the end of the rope over her back and she came sidling right up next to Cocoa and I. I still can't believe how fast she caught on! So we did some more of that...Cocoa all the while not so pleased Dixie was in her bubble and quite close. By the end of the ride Dixie would come sideways towards us with me just lifting my hand up and starting to motion throwing the rope over her back!

We made it back and I put the blankets on the girls since it was supposed to be really cold that night AGAIN. Gave them their supper and headed in. When I looked in the mirror in the garage I looked like an eskimo, I was all bundled up and had frost all around my winter gear on my face, even some of my air that was out was frosted. By that time I realized my toes were freezing...oh boy. It took me a while to warm up the rest of the night..but it was worth it. I can't wait till in a couple of days the moon will be even fuller and then I can take them out for a real moonlit ride!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

More Riding

2009-02-01T17:12:00.003-06:00

Got home from church and saddled ( I know amazing..I actually rode in a saddle!) Cocoa up to go out riding with Michelle and Ace. Amanda stopped by just as Cocoa and I were walking over to Michelle's so Cocoa and I talked with her a bit! That was a fun surprise! :)

Cocoa wasn't feeling it on the ride. She was really pokey and didn't feel energized at all, she didn't even want to race Ace. Hmm...we took the trails and did some trotting and a little cantering. Finally in the end Cocoa got a little more spiced up and wanted to go.

After Michelle and I were done with our ride I had Cocoa cut through the open field by our fence and was going to cut through to get to the backroad. I was having her do some soft feel through the deep snow and then just let her walk. She started nosing the snow as she was walking so I was thinking maybe she's thirsty because surely she wouldn't think of laying down with me on her. In the next second Cocoa and I were on the ground. She laid down! She's never done that before so I was kinda shocked. I quickly hopped off and she got right back up...I hopped back on and we continued on our way..

I took her on the backroad after we got back and cantered on it a bit. She was being kind of tempermental so we did some sideways, serpentines, and spins. Then on the way home she did a nice collected slow trot until we got in the deep snow in the yard then I let her barrel the rest of the way up.

I had a 4-H meeting so I went to that with Jess and then it was Superbowl time.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Cantering Dixie Pics...hopefully Video soon!

2009-01-31T17:13:00.004-06:00

I hopped on Dixie and took her out on the backroad. We were walking along and met our neighbor on the backroad so Dixie wanted to stop and say 'hi'. Well then the little bugger decided she didn't feel like going any farther so I hopped off and walked a ways with her. Hopped back on and just walked along.

Then mom and dad came on the snowmobile with my camera. I wanted them to go alongside and get a video of one of Dixie's first canter. Well Dixie didn't know what to think of the snowmobile going beside us...so she was a little distracted but for the most part just snotty. Where as yesterday..she offered everything today all she offered was to back up. She just didn't feel like going at first and was giving me attitude. She trotted on fine but when I asked for a canter she would do this mini little crowhop it was so cute...it was so tiny. It made me laugh cause she's never tried to buck or anything and it was just so little. Eventually her energy came up and she had some fun. On the way back I had her cantering and mom and dad were going with the snowmobile in the ditch alongside the road and Dixie I could tell was trying to race them. My dad goes faster and Dixie speeds up. We were cruising!! I've never gone that fast on her before so that was a thrill...and I know she is competitive now too! haha She stopped when I asked her too just fine so I was really pleased. I hopped off and ran beside her while she cantered the rest of the way.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Cantering Dixie on the backroad

2009-01-27T17:23:00.001-06:00

I spent the morning hanging out with the horses and running around like a goon in the pasture. Finally we were all pooped and the horses had a good roll and laid down to doze in the afternoon warmth. Dixie is hilarious!! I will be standing there and she will just lay down right beside me and then start rolling. I am the one who has to move so she doesn't roll me over. She is definitely not nervous or cautious laying down by me. She has done this numerous times. She will also follow me around and lay down...I will eventually walk somewhere else and she will follow and lay down again by me. :)

So after they got down with their rest I grabbed Dixie's halter from the barn. When I walked out Cocoa immediately saw the halter and whinnied at me. I felt SO bad...it made me want to change my plans and Pick her, but it was Dixie's turn to go out and I had already taken Cocoa out for a walk. So I chose Dixie. Cocoa was not pleased. Dixie and I roamed around the yard then just walked on the road. Cocoa was running back and forth and our fence has been down lately so I was worried she was going to break something or hurt herself so we turned around and went in the pasture by the fence. I played with Dixie a bit and then decided to take her for a walk on the backroad. We walked till we got to the parking spot in the DNR then I stood on one of the stumps and hopped on Dixie. She immediately did lateral flexion and then we were off. At first she decided she wanted to go back home but I was persistant and wanted to go a little farther. When she broke into a trot I was a little taken aback..but pleased. Then I remembered I was wearing slippery snow pants and riding Dixie with her slippery stable blanket on...wonder how that will mix? But it wasn't that slippery or hard to stay on at all. Not compared to in the summer when I wear my waders and try and ride a sopping wet Cocoa at the canter!

We went down the road and trotted up the big hill to the old farm. I asked her for a bit of sideways just to see if she could figure it out..and sure enough she starts sidepassing. What a smart cookie. Then we continue down the road at a trot....I ask her for a faster trot and she complies.....then breaks into a CANTER! I am sitting there on her back shocked..she offered it and didn't even through in a buck or crow hop. WOW! She continues cantering without a falter for about 15 strides till we reach the end of the straight away and I ask her to slow down into a trot....which she does! We take a side trail and canter up the hill to that and then head back.. On the way home I ask for a canter and she canters. Controlled canter...on the way home and stops right when I ask her. We haven't done much riding and hardly any of it has been in an enclosed area...I can't believe how much she is offering and complying with everything I ask. I love Dixie's canter already! It is SO different than Cocoa's. Where Cocoa usually can't do a collected slow canter because of her back...Dixie's canter is fluid, slow, and has so much up momentum. It's like a powerful bunny hop!

I hopped off after our little canter down the stretch and gave her a treat and then walked with her the rest of the way home. Well we didn't really walk. I ran and she cantered beside me. Man do I have to run fast to keep up with her when she wants to race.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

New Blanket!

2009-01-25T13:10:00.000-06:00

Cocoa's new blanket!! It is working great!! Alittle big for her..but it will work for Cocoa and Dixie both!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Pictures!!

2009-01-22T16:41:00.012-06:00

It all started with Dixie........

I got home from school to find Dixie laying down and sleeping. So I bustled inside to get the camera...and ran out there and hardly got one picture before she got up.

Cocoa and Dixie
In pursuit. Trotting After ME!
Cocoa and I
The girls...

Here she comes!!

And the Attitude comes out...Cocoa trying to tell Dixie off and to stay away from me..

The girls were being SO cute and spunky! I couldn't get rid of them. I wanted them to run out farther so I could get pics. but they stuck right to me...especially Cocoa. She was doing close range circling in the pasture which was great!!!! But doesn't take very good pics. lol It was a fun day....and even with my wader boots I still got snow in my boots and was soaked!

Even more pics. on next post!!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Even More Action Photos!

2009-01-22T15:57:00.000-06:00

Cocoa REARING!! She was having a blast..and I got her all riled up and see even started to cut with me and then gave me a playful rear that I somehow managed to get a pic. of!! Who's a wild pony now? :) Just look at her! I love this pic.

Cocoa's so pretty...

One of my favorites!! Action shot!!

Going somewhere in a hurry?

Trotting! I love Dixie's tail!!

Watch where you are going Cocoa!

Mid Air...Mini rear

Cocoa getting kisses...

Dixie trying to give kisses..

Dixie being naughty....they know the electric fence it broke...little buggers.

Blurry but I thought it was a super cool pic!

The End!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

This I believe...

2009-01-20T18:10:00.003-06:00

Another English paper....Horse and Parelli related of course!! It is about patience especially when teaching horses! Enjoy.

(Again..it formats it really wierd on here..no paragraphts..hmm..)

Count to 10

“Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead,” stated Mac McCleary. Tension is thick in the air and you can just about feel the anger radiating out of the stream of drivers behind you, horns blaring, fingers flying, and tires screeching, and yet the red light still refuses to turn to green. Waiting in traffic and driving resembles one of the many instances where there always seems to be short fuses and a major lack of patience. It seems like so many people today are trying so hard to scramble and rush to their destinations, that they are completely forgetting to enjoy the journey along the way. We want everything handed to us right this minute, now, instantly, immediately! There are many distinct signs that portray how truly an impatient generation we are today. After all, “How can a society that exists on instant mashed potatoes, packaged cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach patience to its young,” questioned Paul Sweeney. Today in our growing and booming society, everything appears to be a race and we take so many and so much for granted in trying to win that race. But for what reason and why are we always in such a hurry? I believe that patience is truly a virtue. It was once stated, “Do not be desirous of having things done quickly. Do not look at the small advantages. Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly. Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished.” By eagerly devoting your time and embracing the quality of patience, I believe you will have the key to unlocking the secrets to success. The longer you have to wait and the more time you invest in something or someone, the more fulfilling, satisfying, and rewarding it is in the end and the more you will learn and walk away with. Along with patience, comes quality. I believe in doing things right the first time, no matter how long it takes. “Take the time it takes so it takes less time,” states Pat Parelli. People have the time and tendency to always look for a short cut or a quick fix. They have the time to fix it over and over again, instead of just taking the time and doing it the right way the first time around. This applies to horse training as well. One of the major things people complain about is that it takes too long to prepare your horse on the ground and see how your horse is feeling that day, and with that kind of mindset you can really begin to see what their horses mean to them. If they can’t devote and put enough time aside to prepare their horse mentally, emotionally, as well as physically on the ground, and just want to merely hop on and ride then frankly they shouldn’t own a horse, they should own a motorcycle instead. When you take the time and allow things to come about instead of pressuring, being impatient, and demanding snappy results, you will begin to notice the finer details you hadn’t before. Horses require an abundance of patience, especially when you are trying to teach them something new. You can’t simply make a horse do something, if you want its dignity, confidence, and respect for you to remain intact. However, you can allow you ideas to become their ideas, this will create a desire for the horse to want to perform the task for and with you. Your horse will not only trust you, but will respect you and not because of fear or force either. Edmund Burke stated, “Our patience will achieve more than our force.” Your horse will know they can depend on you to be the best leader you can be for them and that you are committed and in it long run, not just the short ride. Patience is an important quality to have, illustrate, and exercise everyday. You just have to recognize that even of the littlest things count and mean something to someone. Though it might be hard to sit back and wait, there is a healthy alternative we can try to contain our impatient impulses with. Simply remember to breathe and count to ten because “Patience is the ability to countdown before blastoff.” So next time your are stuck in traffic just sit back, put your feet up, relax, and enjoy the ride because after all “Life is a journey, not a destination.”

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Bareback and Bridleless Ride with Cocoa

2009-01-20T15:31:00.004-06:00

After taking Dixie out and about it was Cocoa's turn. I grabbed my savvy string and carrot stick and Cocoa and I were off - "like a dirty shirt" as my Grandpa would always say. I had Cocoa sidepass too the bed of the truck so I could hop on and then we ambled around the yard for a while plowing through the snow drifts and then headed on the backroad. We cantered up the hill right away but then we had a stretch there on the road where we had to have a conversation and do some serpentines because she was set on trying to take a shortcut trail. After we got that ironed out that we were going straight ahead she responded beautifully and perfectly the rest of the ride. We cantered another long stretch and she was responding just off of my seat! We did some stopping, sideways, and backing up every now and then too. We continued trotting and she was mirroring me at what speed of a trot I wanted...I trot slow and she would then I would bring my energy up and so would she and trot faster. It was just perfect. When we got back to the lakes I asked her to canter again and then we did some canter...trot..canter..trot transitions till I finally asked her for a gallop. We were cruising along the convoluted backroad and I was surprised we hadn't run into any snowmobilers yet....haha Well we came running around the corner and there was a snowmobiler with some little kids parked in one of the parking spaces drinking hot cocoa. Cocoa skids down to a jarring trot for two strides while we both catch our breath from being taken by surprise and then I urged her into a fast canter again and we went on our way! I bet they were just as surprised to see US out there as we were to see THEM! We continued our canter and trotting till we got to the trails. Cocoa cruised down the trail and we got a bunch more trotting and cantering in...and her responding right off my seat...didn't have to use the carrot stick at all...and the savvy string was only of minimal use. We continued along and went to check out the BIG sledding hill..ran into a couple more snowmobilers..with kids mouths gaping wide open and pointing and saying "look it's a pony!" lol That just makes my day....nobody expects horses to be out on the trails in the winter with all the snowmobiling..and Cocoa and I always are. Element of surprise. :)

The rest of the ride went just as well...and we made really good time on the way back too. She wasn't even sweating much at all and we went at a pretty good clip through deep snow at times too. The back road thankfully was beautiful to ride on because it wasn't slippery like earlier and had a nice cushiony layer of snow on top. We were cantering along on the way home when we ran into Michelle walking Bundy so we talked and I hopped off and walked the rest of the way home with them. Overall an ah-mazing ride! Cocoa and I haven't done much bb and b riding lately but she sure didn't show that! She did great.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Dixie's First Canter - Riding!

2009-01-18T19:35:00.006-06:00

First off...Dixie decided she wanted to play around first. It was snowing a bit earlier and Cocoa managed to get her back wet (?) and Dixie was dry...Hmmm. So I let Dixie in the barn to roam and just munch on the hay in the back while I put a cooler on Cocoa so she'd be dry by the time Dixie and I got back. So Cocoa got some hay and I took Dixie out for a stroll. We played in the snowbanks and she walked right into my neighbors snow hill from their driveway that is like up past her chest. Silly girl. She strode in there and then spun around and out. I had her go dashing through the ditches that were up past her knees and then jump some of the other snow banks! haha Her jumps were so priceless, she usually gauged them wrong. Oh..Dixie! Then we continued on our way on the DNR backroad all the while keeping watch out for snowmobilers. Quite a few of them passed us today...luckily Dixie has no problem with that at all. I did some Yo-Yo on the road and Sideways with her. She did really good! Then I was working with her high energy and even got her to wheel around and 'cut' me a bit...and when I ran back on the 12 ft. line come cantering towards me. She was wheeling and dealing..and had so much energy since the cold snap we had..and they couldn't do much more than eat to stay warm!

Then we did some trotting and walking and stopping transitions. She was mirroring me beautifully and would stop on a dime. She was trotting and I was running beside and skidded to a stop and she literally put on the brakes and slid to a stop and stopped right beside me. She was definitely on her toes and paying attention! :)

Farther down the road I had her CANTERING right beside me! We did that for aways till I couldn't do it anymore with all my snow gear and big boots. haha She was so cute and pretty to watch, running beside me. We stopped in the ditches and I let her eat the seeds off the tall grass..only part that was left since the snow is so deep! I asked her to do some circling and she had a snotty LB 'no' for an answer when I asked her to go left. Went cantering around on the 12 ft. and kicked out. A few minutes later she came out of her RB moment and licked and chewed. I presumed to ask her again and she went with no problem. I love it when she's spunky...she's so fun to play with when she's sassy and has attitude. lol Most people don't really like that...but I guess since Cocoa never really gets like that anymore I really enjoy playing with Dixie when she does.

We got to one of the parking spots and I had her come sideways and I hopped on. We did lateral flexion and then walked on down the trail..She really wanted to trot down the hill...but this horse has hardy any withers, big butt, still growing, lots of butt momentum, and not even half as much mane as Cocoa, so I decided I didn't want to slide off the front of her so I asked her to walk. I still can't believe how good my baby is coming along. She hardly resists, and listens to everything I ask her, and we haven't even done much riding because she's young but she acts like she's a natural! :) We did some trotting UP the other hills..that pleased her. Then started heading back home. We trotted for about 300 yards! :) Loose rein, slow trot, Dixie totally at ease, down the road. After that we took the trail by my neighbors that had like 2 ft. of snow that nobody had gone through yet! haha...so...guess what we did?!? I asked Dixie to start trotting and of course she did....and then she CANTERED!!! She cantered while I was riding her bareback through the snow, first time ever! I felt it coming but I was still shocked...then I was expecting her to stop after one stride but she kept going. Dixie must have cantered about 7 strides or so...this is the first time I've ever cantered her...and we did it out in the open and on a loose rein. No bucks, resistance, nothing. I love her! Then she I asked her to slow and she slowed right away and I hopped off to Congratulate her! I walked the rest of the way home. :) We stopped and said hi to Michelle's horses from the road, they even stopped eating from their new road bale to look over the fence and nicker at Dixie.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Another Woodburning

2009-01-16T19:28:00.000-06:00

I did this woodburning up tonight. Enjoy! This one is also for sale. It is a 6 by 6".

Picture I looked off of to woodburn it.

My Wolf Head Woodburning.

Up close shot.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

No School!

2009-01-16T13:16:00.003-06:00

Yay! No school for us again. Last night it was posted 2 hour delay..but then this morning they cancelled it for us! Thank goodness. Now it's like having a 5 day weekend since we get Monday off too! Gonna try and get my crafts done this weekend. And try and keep the ponies warm. I went out to feed the horses this morning and Cocoa was shivering a bit. Dixie had the blanket on so she was fine. I brought Cocoa in her stall with a bunch of shavings down and threw her cooler on, gave her a bunch of hay, and her grain and I have her beet pulp soaking now. Poor girl. I wish I had ordered that blanket sooner..but I just couldn't decide. The thermometer read -17 F in the BARN! It's like -22 F outside today without windchill. BRRR..

UPDATE: Cocoa is feeling much better. Spunky now that I let her out! I had them run around with me a bit in the pasture. They were rolling and having a good ole time. Then I was just scratching them. Dixie apparently had a VERY itchy neck. She loved it...sticking her neck and head way up and trying to lean against me while I scratched. Then, it was so cute she rested her head on top of mine with a little pressure while I scratched her. That would have been a funny picture.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Snow Day!

2009-01-15T13:11:00.004-06:00

School is CANCELLED! Woot Woot! First day this year. It is so cold out like -20 F without windchill. Yikes. I have the blanket on Dixie and the Cinderelly blanket draped around Cocoa but of course it won't stay on. I ordered the Viking blanket..I wish it was here NOW! Cocoa could use it. Horses are getting a LOT of hay and beet pulp mashes. Just trying to keep them warm and comfy.

I woodburned today!! I did something other than horses or of Cocoa and Dixie so I can actually give them up and sell them! lol So I did a wolf. Hopefully am going to do some more tomorrow since it's so cold out.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Horsin' Around

2009-01-14T13:06:00.000-06:00

I got home from school and immediately went out with the horses..still in my school clothes and shoes! lol Couldn't do much! I let them out and they went barreling through the pasture and down into the backyard. I stood by the barn and just watched them run all around! It was so pretty to watch. Cocoa was watching me so I kept smooching and clucking and they took off again and did some more rounds around the whole pasture. Dixie was trotting no Prancing up and down and had her tail sticking straight up..she looked a heck of a lot more than only 1/4 Arab! haha Cocoa was having fun snorting and you could literally SEE the steam...her breath in the cold! Then Dixie took off to come back up to me. Cocoa was just standing there staring at me from the pasture and then realized Dixie was gone and barreled after her. She just spun on a dime and took off at a gallop. :) Then they came up by me and were mock rearing at each other. Cocoa made herself big and was trotting around me not wanting Dixie to come by me. They did some more rears and were having fun then finally calmed down and stopped snorting and strutting their stuff. I gave them some hay and left them to play and eat!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Equine Acupuncture - My English Report

2009-01-13T18:56:00.003-06:00

I wrote this a week or so ago for my English class and though why not post it on here? :)
(It might format it kinda wierd on here..didn't want to indent for a new paragraph. )

Equine Acupuncture: Getting Right to the Point
A light bulb went off for early, modern day Chinese folks when their war horses came back from battle with arrows stuck in them, but instead of harm being done in some cases, there were reports that it had actually brought about therapeutic effects. The practice of equine acupuncture began roughly 3,000 years ago in China, but did not begin being performed in America until 1974. The word acupuncture originates from the Latin word acus, meaning needle, and punctura, meaning to prick (Bradford). By pricking needles into specific trigger points, the effects of acupuncture provide a balance to the system, which allows for reparation. There are 173 acupuncture pressure points on each side of the horse, 36 in the head, 50 in the tail and along the trunk of the horse, 32 in the front limb, and 36 in the hind limb, and an additional random 19 throughout the equine (Bradford). Each of these points are linked to specific organs or areas of the body and can be stimulated by the use of acupuncture. That is where, how, and why acupuncture began. The practice of acupuncture has captured many people’s fascination and is even more mind boggling when it has been seen performed and the positive effects it achieves with the simple prick of a needle.

Acupuncture is the art of using needles to stimulate certain points in the body that correlate to organs and systems. “The effects of acupuncture therapy cannot be explained in terms of a single mechanism, but rather a series of interactions between the nervous system , the endocrine system and the immune system” (Boldt). This is the cause for why many cannot grasp how and why acupuncture truly works. Acupuncture is considered a Traditional Chinese Medicine that deals with the flow of Qi also known as life force, or energy, through paths called meridians. An equine’s body contains twelve paired and two additional non paired meridians. “The meridians are pathways by which Qi and blood circulate in the body” (Bradford). “Meridians link the exterior of the body to the internal organs and are accessible by acupuncture points” (Stewart). The heart, lungs, liver, stomach, small intestine, spleen, and kidney are just some of the meridian tracts that acupuncture points are situated along, that are identified when using acupuncture. Out of these, the bladder meridian is usually the first one vets will analyze because the points along it correlate with many of the other systems and vital organs (Ward). These acupoints, also called pressure or trigger points, are positioned along these meridians that can be accessed through the art of acupuncture. “Acupuncture points are areas on the skin of decreased electrical resistance or increased electrical conductivity” (Schoen). Acupuncture comes into play and is a holistic therapy that can be used when these points, that contain energy become unbalanced. The saying “Balance is everything” goes hand in hand with acupuncture because after all, maintaining and providing a balance is the answer to why acupuncture produces such positive results and why it works.
One may have thought that all there is to acupuncture is just jabbing needles into a random spot, but there is really a lot more to it. The horse with no doubt, is a very large animal and one could be there all day if there weren’t any directions, clues, or an area to start. Acupuncture would the be the art of finding a needle in a haystack if it weren’t for acupoints and meridians to rely on. The acupuncturist will first palpate along the meridians in the horses body and carefully watch for how the horse responds, and all the while feel for any abnormal hot or cold acupoints. “Besides using acupuncture points for treatment purposes, reactivity of acupuncture points can aid in diagnosis,” stated D.V.M. Ed Boldt. If there is any discomfort the acupuncturist will note the point and use a chart that shows what point correlates to what specific meridian and what meridian corresponds to what specific organs or systems . When discomfort occurs at certain points when just palpating this is a signal that there is a block of energy and that is where the needles come in. In the meeting I attended specifically on acupuncture, D.V.M. Amy Bradford clearly exclaimed that “Sensitivity upon palpation indicates an imbalance of Qi.” Pain is a signal of blocked energy or excessive or too minimal amounts of energy in an area. By applying a needle the acupuncturist is able to galvanize the designated acupoints along the meridians to assist the energy in flowing properly, allowing for balance to return to the equine’s body. The needles are usually inserted around 1/10” to 4/10” deep but it really depends on the symptoms and type of acupuncture being administered (Brennan). “A block can cause pain and prevent healing. Sometimes electrical energies must be ‘set straight,’ so that all the cells involved in the healing process can work at full capacity” (DeRock). This not only helps relieve the horses symptoms, but balances the energy of the whole body in order to prevent the underlying problem from reoccurring. By simply inserting a needle the entire physiology of the body can be influenced for the better (Brennan).
Much to one’s surprise when a needle is inserted into an acupoint, it actually has a calming effect on the horse. This can be explained simply by the release of endorphins into the system (Bradford). It wakes up the endorphin receptors and promotes healing throughout the body, but does not cause the horse to feel any pain. It allows the horse’s body to remotely in the end heal itself, and that is what acupuncture symbolizes!
Like with just about anything there is usually more than one way to do something, it is the same with acupuncture. There are numerous ways to go about stimulating an acupoint through acupuncture and here are some of the techniques. The most common way acupuncture is usually carried out in equines is called dry or simple needling. Some of the other methods include moxibustion which helps increase circulation and is very effective for arthritic horses. This also allows one to insert herbal remedies or vitamins in with the needles which makes the treatment more productive (Brennan). Other approaches include point injection, cold laser, hemoacupuncture, aquapuncture, infra-red, electroacupuncture, and hot needling (Hayes, Schoen, Boldt). Acupuncture is considered a holistic alternative therapy along with treatments like chiropractic and acupressure. These treatments are very similar to acupuncture and can be used with it. These different routes offer the acupuncteristic more options and more arrows in their quiver when it comes to proscribing treatment solutions.
Acupuncture is a very safe practice with slim chances of anything going wrong, however, there are still rules to be followed. There are currently 920 veterinarians that are endorsed by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) throughout the world that can administer acupuncture on horses (“Tuesday Talk”). In order to perform acupuncture on a horse the individual must first be a licensed veterinarian. “IVAS certification is not required for a veterinarian to perform acupuncture” (Hayes). The IVAS also provides training in Chinese medicines like acupressure and includes practices like herbal remedies too (Ward). Even though it is not required of vets, it is highly recommended that they take sessions which only requires a minimal amount of additional training to perform acupuncture. It is still always best to check for certification. “Veterinary acupuncture is considered a valid modality, but the potential for abuse exists. These techniques should be regarded as surgical and/or medical procedures under state veterinary practice acts,” said the director and D.V.M. Allen Schoen.
“Acupuncture can be used as a diagnostic tool or therapy, predominantly for horses that fail to respond to treatment by conventional Western medicine” (Kane). There is nearly no limit to what acupuncture can help treat or at least attempt to alleviate the pain for. “It is best known for the treatment of spinal disorders, particularly disc problems, but many other skeletal problems such as arthritis, navicular disease, and joint inflammation,” stated D.V.M., Mary L. Brennan in her book Complete Holistic Care and Healing for Horses. Acupuncture can also be used to help with allergies, kidney failures, joint problems, nerve injuries, reproductive disorders, muscle atrophy, eye problems, back pain, colic, lameness, stomach ulcers respiratory and emotional disorders. Shock, scars, hives, paralysis, diarrhea, hock and stifle injuries, Lyme disease, and behavioral disorders like cribbing are just a few of the many conditions that can also be corrected with the use of acupuncture (Stewart). It is hard to believe but in the horse world there are some instances that acupuncture could also be used, except not for pain relief but yet for cosmetic purposes. There’s been cases where owners have had acupuncture administered to decrease the neck size of their halter horses for better show results and placings. They were able to use acupuncture instead and this result allowed them to not have to put the horse through a traumatic surgery (Brennan). Acupuncture can also be applied if the owner notices his or her horse is coming down with an illness, so it can be used to help treat the complication. This goes entirely against the saying “If it is not broken, don’t fix it” but when you think about it, why not try and prevent it before it becomes a problem? In other words do less sooner than more later. Acupuncture not only provides solutions but can be used as a preventative.
There are many benefits to using acupuncture as a treatment for horses. To start off, there are hardly any negative after effects to using acupuncture and it is considered to be noninvasive (Gregorio). Another benefit to acupuncture is that it can be used in the horse competitions without penalty. “...It usually allows continued performance without having to resort to the use of drugs, which are often banned in competition” (Brennan). Being able to use acupuncture instead of drugs to cure an illness is essential not only in the competitive horse world but for everyday horse owners too. A horse weighing roughly a thousand pounds that does not want to take its dosage of bute or refuses anymore shots is not a fun or safe situation to be in. Yes, acupuncture does involve needles too, but the endorphins released upon the insertion of needles into an acupoint provides a calming effect unlike that of needles when administering drugs into the horses system. Drugs also not only weaken the immune system and usually have a long list of negative side effects that go hand in hand with them. It is also not uncommon to have a horse that is allergic to certain medications, and some drugs like bute can cause even more problems like stomach ulcers over time (DeRock). This is where acupuncture can be used instead or even to supplement these situations. Sometimes horses, like people, need that recommended dose of medicine and the huge benefit of acupuncture is that it still can be used in a situation like this. A positive effect in using acupuncture is the fact that it can also be used to enhance and help speed up recovery, by being able to combine treatments. For example, acupuncture can be used with medications to help lower the dosage, lameness exams to help determine the true problem, chiropractic sessions, and with herbal remedies, just to name a few (Gregorio). Acupuncture also provides immediate results which is irrefutable and not something that can be said for many other treatments! Finally, acupuncture aids in helping the horse feel more spry and pain free, and a pain free horse is a happy horse! Attitude is everything in the horse world and keeping horses pain free is key factor in allowing a horse to have a blissful temperament.
There is, however, with everything some chance that something could go wrong just like with anything in life. Primarily, if everything is done safe and by requirements one of the worst effects that could come about from acupuncture is that the horse does not react to the treatment. That is not a very bad top ranking negative effect when you considering the some side effects of many medications out on the market, not only for horses, but humans too. Acupuncture also should not be used for pregnant mares, unless the acupuncturist is highly skilled in that area, because if by some chance the needle would be inserted in the wrong spot it could induce premature labor (“Tuesday Talk”). Another situation would be if an untrained physician performed acupuncture on a horse, there is a risk that they could cause an infection or even hit a joint in the horse. That should not happen though, because only veterinarians that are certified in acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) should be practicing acupuncture. Acupuncture also should not be administered right after feeding a horse or after a excessive workout (Stewart). Like with anything, cost is always a huge factor and that goes for acupuncture too. Depending on the acupuncturist, location, and diagnosis, cost can vary but a treatment is not usually just pocket change. Also you have to play into effect that your horse might require more than one session when you factor in the cost. Horses generally show improvement between two to four sessions (Stewart). When you compare the costs of acupuncture to the cost of other treatments, they will no doubt be just as expensive, if not more. The only real physical side effects of acupuncture is that it has been stated that in some cases a horse will be somewhat sore after the treatment (Ward). Those are the few negative side effects to acupuncture.
One of the main drawbacks to acupuncture is not the rare negative side effects but rather that there is no scientific data to show and prove to people that acupuncture actually does work. “While acupuncture has been recognized by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA), there is a lot of anecdotal evidence but no scientific studies to validate the benefits or acupuncture on horses (Gregorio). The only proof is in their horse and how their horse improves, that is what gets people to believe that this Eastern medicine might have some truth to it after all. It really follows the lines of “You have to see it to believe it.” People are wary to try something new, unless they have depleted all other options and that is usually where holistic treatments come in. I believe that one of the crucial negative effects of acupuncture is not a side effect but yet a setback. If it could be scientifically proven acupuncture would be used more and it would be more widely known, respected, and applied.
In considering acupuncture as a whole the positive effects clearly outweigh the negative with no competition, but it is hard for many to get over their preconceived beliefs of acupuncture, and that is a huge setback. One of the main negative effects of acupuncture is the fact that horse owners are cautious and biased when it comes to applying this ‘unexplainable’ treatment on their horses. “Misconceptions about the safety, effectiveness, and comfort of acupuncture have some owners reluctant to consider it as treatment for their horses” (Brennan). Another downfall to acupuncture is that acupuncture treatments are still considered to be ‘complementary therapies’ and are to be used with conventional veterinary medicine not as a replacement (Boldt). Still, even with those mountains to climb and misconceptions to overcome, acupuncture as a whole continues to be a very effective holistic remedy and ancient Chinese Eastern Medicine. It provides a holistic and natural way to diagnose a condition and then sets it up so the horses body can heal itself naturally.
Though I have never performed acupuncture myself, I have not only read about its stunning effects but I have seen them. My horse, Cocoa has had some major issues concerning her lower back and digestion problems. It is a very frustrating and Mayer 10helpless feeling not knowing what is wrong and the fact that traditional medicines are not helping. I have practiced acupressure (which is very similar to acupuncture) on her and will soon be having my equine chiropractor begin acupuncture treatments with her. Through holistic treatments a lot like acupuncture I have been able to scope out the situation and am striving to come all the more closer to a solution and the root cause of the problem, and with acupuncture I believe we can overcome it. I have learned a valuable lesson, that the crucial step is not merely treating the problem but preventing it and keeping a balance once you have treated it, to keep it from reoccurring. Balance truly is everything when it comes to living life to the fullest and for treatments like acupuncture.
It is very common for a parent to tell a kid to ‘point to where it hurts.’ Horses, though are not able to readily communicate with there owners by just merely pointing to the discomfort but with acupuncture the horses do not need to point! It is ironic that horses have always had acupoints all along their bodies, that a trained acupuncturist would easily be able to identify, and find the source of discomfort. In an essence horses all along, even way back to when they had arrows thrusted in them in battle, have been pointing to exactly where it hurts, we just have to feel instead of listen!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Going Riding

2009-01-10T12:17:00.002-06:00

Well..I didn't get out to feed the munchkins too early at all since I was so tired and just wanted to sleep in for once. I can't believe I made it through the whole week of school with all the testing and everything after having like 3 weeks off for break. So..last night I left the big gate open for them so they could wander all around the pasture last night since the moon was out, and I thought it would give them something extra to do since I haven't had too much time to play with them this last week.

I went out to feed them and was calling for them. Everything was quiet for a while and then I heard the crunch crunch of them coming. When they came to the gate they both had snow hanging down from their bellies and wet hair matted everywhich way from laying down. They were taking an early morning nap apparently! :)

I'm going riding with Michelle and Karen later on today...so that should be fun since it isn't too incredibly cold out today - AND the sun is shining!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Moonlight

2009-01-09T12:21:00.002-06:00

I fed the horses earlier tonight and then went back out to check on them. I opened the big gate for them and decided to leave it open for the whole night for them tonight. Even though it was like 9:30 it was still light because the moon was out shining brightly. Dixie was so cute she followed me all around the pasture. I would run backwards in the snow and she came running to me and then would wheel around and canter around. Cocoa was running too and rearing up at Dixie. Dixie was bucking and kicking out and having a good ole time. Then Cocoa ran up and laid down, rolled twice, and popped back up and ran around some more. Dixie was prancing all over the place and doing the Arab strut with her tail up high. (I haven't seen her do it before...but Cocoa many a times!) Then she rolled quickly just once side and lept right back up and came running back to me. Their little antics were so cute. They were trying to burn off their excess energy... :) It was fun to watch. I wish they would run around more together...they'll run with me and get started but I always wished they would just run around in the the pasture together just for the sake of running.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Walking

2009-01-07T12:15:00.000-06:00

I got out to the horse's later than usual. It was already semi-dark but I still wanted to do atleast something with them so we just headed out for a walk. My fingers were frozen by the time I got there halters on and my fingers back in my gloves. So we didn't go too far since I was so cold. Had them play in a few snow banks and we did a lot of practice 'stop on a dime' when I stop then backing up together.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Farrier Visit

2009-01-05T17:14:00.003-06:00

Well Michelle called and told me Dale was over trimming her horses. So last minute decision I had him come trim Miss Dixie. She did really good and it was so cute when he grabbed her tail to look at her back feet she started backing up!! lol That's my little smartie! :) I was a little nervous about her feet..since she's young and I trimmed then last time. They weren't long or anything but he made then all pretty and she's all trimmed up now. I think I'll do Cocoa tomorrow. He said for Dixie since she toes out in the front at the walk and then is cow hocked in the back to take more off on the insides in the hind and then take more on the outside of the front hooves. I'll definitely have to keep that in mind next time along with everything else. I really need to get a new hoof rasp though. Even though its not that good Dixie's hooves are a breeze to trim since her little white feet are SO soft and easy to trim while Cocoa's on the other hand are practically as hard as rock. Also he said for Dixie's soft footedness...that I could use bleach or iodine to help harden them. That's a thought...maybe this summer.

Cocoa was a little pest the whole time. She couldn't figure out why it wasn't her turn. She bugged with his little Jack Russel Terrier Tator Tot who is absolutely ah-dorable!!

Then I let them out to eat in the yard for a while.....

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Movie Day

2009-01-04T17:56:00.001-06:00

So I went to go see a movie, Marley and Me with my neighbor, Joan and Mattie too of course. It was a good but yet very sad dog movie.

Didn't do much with the horses..just watched McLeod's Daughters and worked on my English paper on Acupuncture! I'll have to post that! :) Kinda lengthy though.

I need to get working on my paintings and projects!!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Dixie's Playday

2009-01-02T18:50:00.002-06:00

Dixie and I went down to the roundpen today after I had let her and Cocoa eat in the yard for awhile. Cocoa followed us down to the backyard and proceeded to dig for grass there. I first let Dixie offline...I didn't have the string across the gate tied tight..and I went up to the barn to grab some stuff. So I come down and she is back out eating with Cocoa. She came walking right up to me as if to say 'Sorry, but I couldn't resist!' So I brought her back and we did a little playing with the Catching Game. She was having a blast just cantering in circles through the deep snow in the roundpen. She came in right away and we did a little Stick2Me then. Then I kept her at Liberty and practiced getting our Yo-yo at really low phases. All I would have to do is straighten up and she would perk up and slowly start to back..that's how sensitive this girly can be. Then I would send her out...We haven't played much with the Circling Game at Liberty so everytime she asked to come in I pretty much let her. So we got good practice on sends then too! She is definitely a little LB snot. She would toss her head and sass off on the way out for fun so our sends got snappy...she wanted to play Tag Me. It was hilarious. She did great with phases for speeding up, all I have to do is point and she goes to the next gait. As far as stopping and slowing down we are still playing with that online getting her to understand that the carrot stick in front means slow down.

We did some change of direction at Liberty too!! Then sideways towards, back by tail, pick up feet, sideways beside with me, etc.

Then I put her online and had her go sideways over the barrels and jump over them too. She is so cute she way overjumps. Can't wait to try and ride that! She gets to it and pretty much stops and then catapults herself UP and very over! lol

My brother came down and said hi so I hopped on Dixie from the barrels. She did some ah-mazing lateral flexion and then we walked and trotted around the roundpen with just the Savvy String and me flipping it over her head! Then we headed out the gate and trotted super fast to go find Cocoa. Hopped off and she got to eat in the yard, that was our day.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Dozing Off...

2009-01-01T19:56:00.003-06:00

I caught a special moment today of the girls basking in the lukewarm sunshine. (It was colder than it looked!)

I was watching them from the window in the house and was surprised to see Cocoa just standing there dozing off in the pasture instead of digging for snow like usual. Dixie too was standing there sleeping, totally at ease. I look a little later and what do you know Cocoa is zonked out laying down and taking a nap. I come back a little later and Dixie was down too. I creep outside and wanted to get pics. from the barn of them sleeping and hoping not to wake them and have them come to me...well while I was being slow and sneaky I saw something out of the corner of my eye.... Of all things and off all times a deer chooses to prance across the backroad into our yard along the fenceline and all through our trees. The horses were up in a jiffy....surprised by the deer. And the moment was over.

Cocoa spotted the deer

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Pony Express

2009-01-01T17:23:00.001-06:00

I picked Dixie to help me deliver Crystal's gift. She was being awfully pokey. lol We were trying to stay on the side because of snowmobilers and ice! The road was awfully slippery so we stuck to the deep snowdrift filled ditches. We definitely had a walk... :) Dixie did wonderful with all the snowmobilers that went by..didn't even blink and eye. She even managed to dig up some dried grass on the trail...Dropped her gift off and headed back home. About 3/4 of the way home I lined Dixers up to a snow bank and hopped on and off we went. Did some very fast trotting..that was a blast through the deep snow! My little baby is sure coming a long. She stops on a dime!

Cocoa helped me out today too, she was my little Pony Express Pony. We headed out right before dark over to Jess's. Definitely racing daylight going out that late..aww well we made it. Cocoa trompled through the foot or plus snow back in the woods. Had some good canters even though I was trying to balance riding and holding onto Jess's gift without dropping of breaking it! lol Cocoa and I cruised over to say hi to her buds Roxy and Hank and then stayed to chat for a bit. Cocoa was so sweet with her little sister who just adores Cocoa, it was cute. And Cocoa stayed halfway in the snowbank along their sidewalk because it was kinda icy...she wasn't going to chance it. We made some circles out in the DNR and had a couple good gallops through the snow and finally made it home before dark!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Trail Riding!

2008-12-28T15:56:00.003-06:00

Got up early and went to church and then made it home in time to saddle up and head out for a ride. Well...I guess not really saddle up since I just decided to take Cocoa bareback... :)

I played with Cocoa in the pasture for a bit. Just did some of the 7 Games, traveling circling game...etc. I hopped on and we cruised around the pasture and then headed down the backroad to check the footing which wasn't very good. We were contemplating on riding today because it has been SO icy! But I rode Cocoa over to Michelle's anyways and she went literally leaping through the snow on the trail there.

Cocoa patiently waited for them to tack up and we were off. The horses cautiously stepped in the ditch and attempted not to slip and we finally made it to the trail. Michelle was able to ride again so she got to ride Ace and Liz rode Vic! We just hit the trails and even got in a little bit of cantering and trotting despite the bad footing. I had Cocoa stopped and Ace got a little too close so Cocoa tried to kick her (naughty horse) then once we got up the hill Cocoa and Vic were exchanging death glare glances. Vic wheeled around and kicked Cocoa. None of us were expecting this out of Vic...my guess he was mad at Cocoa for trying to kick his Ace. lol Nobody got hurt but I had slid off to get out of the way and had a fun time trying to jump back on Cocoa in my slippery snowpants and many layers of warm clothes! lol

So the horses got out for a good ride and it was a beautiful day...Dixie wasn't so pleased that she had to stay behind yet again.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Out for a Stroll..

2008-12-27T16:23:00.001-06:00

Cocoa and I headed out into the winter wonderland to go for a walk today. We didn't make it too far because the road was one bit sheet of very slippery ice. So we stuck to the ditch and she got to rummage for dried grass...she was pleased. I had her jump so huge snowbanks..Cocoa gets such a kick out of doing that where Dixie just plows straight through them..my little bulldozer!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Happy Holidays straight from the Horses!

2008-12-25T22:11:00.006-06:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!!

Cocoa eating snow while waiting..and Dixie wondering what she's eating.

Cocoa the 'white-nosed' pony!

Dixie busy bugging Cocoa..as usual! :)

THE END!!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Christmas and Presents!

2008-12-25T16:28:00.000-06:00

Finally opened all of the presents and here are some of the things the horses and I got this year!

- Video Camera (and some accesories) Now I just have to figure out how to work it!
- Horse Slippers
- Ariat winter boots (don't fit and didn't seem to warm - have to send them back)
- Sock liners..(to try and keep my toes from freezing)
- Ariat Half Chaps from Dover (haven't come yet)
- Twilight book! (YAY! Already read the whole series...but just wanted to own it!)
- Clothes

And finally...I knew about this already since they told me right after they ordered it due to a umm complication...

-TICKET to the Parelli Madison Celebration

But..my cousin in Oregon's graduation is the same date..and we were supposed to go to that. So I might have to switch which Celebration I go to... :(

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Have a Very Merry Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T12:23:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-24T15:13:00.008-06:00

After Cocoa and I got home we headed to check the mail. Then I let her out eat in the front yard like usual. I headed to get little Dixie and let her out with Cocoa. She was very impatiently waiting at the gate for me to let her out. So...I had to take some pics. of the little stinker. :) She wasn't pleased that I was stalling...but she was still ah-dorable!

Dixie saying.."Let me out, NOW!"

She just spotted Cocoa eating in the yard.

"Alright already"...I let her out, and she's heading to find Cocoa!
And she's off!
Now where is Cocoa?

So they both happily got to eat...and still are eating in the front yard! I put Cocoa's green cooler blankie on and then left them in peace to try and find some roughage!

Cocoa saying hi!

I Spy some grass!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Mission Accomplished

2008-12-24T14:55:00.005-06:00

Hopped on Cocoa bareback and took her out for a spin! Dixie, much to her dismay, had to stay home for this route. Cocoa and I had a mission to accomplish.

This morning I was wrapping presents and I was painting some of my gifts and I realized I didn't know what the other side of Roxy looked like. I didn't have a pic. of her from that side either so I couldn't finish painting the figurine I had got for Jess till I had some footage. So...that is where Cocoa came in!

Cocoa and I headed over for a visit and to get some shots of Roxy's other side! We headed down the road, walked through the knee deep snow in the ditches (just for the fun of it!), and even continued to jump some of the big snowbanks that were made by the snowplow!! Then we finally made it to the trail to Jess's. The trees were all full of snow, I should have taken a pic. it was so pretty but very wet! Even though I tried to duck (did a lot of that) we still managed to bump the branches and then all the snow came tumbling down on us. Luckily I dressed for the occasion this time and had snowpants on...even though they are slippery and a challenge to ride in. I've mastered riding Cocoa in waders while she is wet down at the river so snowpants aren't all that bad! We finally made it out of the trees and then took a little detour to canter around the field and weave through some trees then I had her gallop up the hill to Jess's.

Cocoa was so excited since she hadn't seen Hank and Roxy in awhile. She greeted them and made herself look all big and Araby. :) Then proceeded to be sassy and bellow out little squeals at them. Roxy was thrilled to see her and was trotting all over the pasture! We all said hi, I took some pics. of the very photogenic horses, and then hopped back on Cocoa to head back home.

Roxy girl!
Hank!

We cantered down the trail from their house and then cantered all around the field behind their house! Cocoa wanted to go faster so I let her but then my little Arab got a wee bit RB so we had to tone in down a tish. I had her do some circles which she proceeded to do wonderfully. So we did some from the other direction and when she had simmered down we cantered around the rest of the field at a nice slow paced canter. Then the rest of the way we just walked home to cool her out and stopped for an occasional snipit of dried grass. Fun little outing! It wasn't too incredibly cold but my eyes were tearing up from anything more than a walk because of the cold air!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Dashing Through the Snow...

2008-12-23T15:51:00.000-06:00

..In a one horse open sleigh... lol Now all I need is a sleigh to make that come true! My uncle wanted me to ask for one for Christmas...but I had some other things in mind that came before a sleigh! lol But I do want to teach Cocoa how to pull a sled and pony people around!! :)

I went out and played with the horses for a bit today. I had them out in the pasture with me and Dixie proceeded to lay down beside me again! And then Cocoa saw Dixie rolling so she rolled too...Hmm..hopefully I can take this and use it to teach Dixie how to lay down on cue. We'll see!

We romped around the pasture till I got too tired trying to run in all my snowgear. Then the horses headed down to the big pasture when they figured out the gate was left open. I let them eat out there for a bit and then grabbed their halters and headed down.

First I played with little Miss Dixie. I had her come to me in the pasture and put her halter on and then just let her munch for a bit more. Then we did some traveling circling game in the deep snow! I had her back from Zone 5 with just using my Energy!! And back by her hocks, and tail too. Then we did some circling game and change of direction. She was very spunky and took higher phases with a little snot off attitude. I had her cantering around for a bit and then let her come in. Then we did some serpentines towards me and even some serpentines sideways and towards me. She catches on so quickly. I rested in the snow and she licked my hat and just nuzzled me. She is such a keeper.

I then took her in the roundpen and did a little bit of the Catching Game with her. One lap and she came eagerly trotting right in to me. We played some of the 7 Games at Liberty and I picked up her feet. Then I sat down again and did some playing around with lowering her head. She was so curious, and wanted to paw me then tried to chew on the carrot stick. I wanted to check her teeth so after a little convincing I got a good look at her little chompers. Her adult teeth came in so nicely! But it looks like she's got a few baby ones left. She had so much fun slobbering all over me and grabbing my hat off my head. :) Then she nuzzled my face and tried to give me kisses....wet snowy ones..lol And who taught her that trick!?! lol :)

I let them both out in the yard..and then had them go for a walk with me. We just went down the road aways to say hi to the neighborhood horses, Ace, Vic, and Colby then headed back home.

I wanted to do one last thing with Dixie. I opened up the trailer and practiced some loading. Well..she didn't need much practice. She hopped right in there almost before I asked her too! What a good girl!! It was a little slippery so I was wary...cause it is just wood down in the trailer we don't have mats yet but she was ok.

They got to eat in the yard the rest of the day till we headed into town.

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Life Session with Farrah for Cocoa!

2008-12-21T23:15:00.001-06:00

Today was the day for Cocoa's Life Session with Farrah! I was very thrilled to get to do this and see what doors it would open to figuring out what was wrong with Cocoa! I learned a lot and have a couple options to consider now. I'm not sure exactly what route I will be able to take with her or what I can afford but I'm going to try and help her feel better!

I'll post more specifics on it later!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Playing with the Ponies in the Snow

2008-12-21T22:57:00.002-06:00

I bundled up and went out and spent some quality time with the horses! They were very happy for some company...sometimes they see a little too much of each other I think. They seemed to be at their wits ends today with each other. I first attempted to chip all the frozen ice/snow out of their hooves then proceeded to spray them with PAM to stop the build up. We'll see how long that lasts! Then I asked Cocoa to step all four feet up on the tractor tire which she did...and then I stepped up there with her! After spending some good ole' undemanding time with them I opened the small pasture gait and we ventured out into the freezing cold white winter wonderland. The two munchkins followed me all over the front pasture and I finally laid down and attempted to make a snow angel while they were supposed to be pawing for grass. Well Dixers came over to investigate. That's my curious LB bugger! So she sniffed me and then finally was frusterated when I didn't move so she was going to start to paw me. That got me to to sit up awfully quick. :) Then she just tried to take me hat off and scratch on me. She went back to pawing the snow so I thought she was fed up with me and was going to eat some more grass but boy did she surprise me when she decided to LAY DOWN right beside me!!! Then I had to scoot out of the way cause she had major plans to roll all over that place. She tried to get over a couple times but she just couldn't get all the way with the blankie on...it was pretty funny to watch. So she had to get back up and go down again to get the other side. Haha.
Meanwhile Cocoa decided a roll sounded great too..so she went down too! She didn't have a blanket on and easily cleared both sides! Dixie got up and was going over to bug her so I tried to distract her from irritating Cocoa by giving her a good scratch and boy oh boy did it work. Apparently her neck was very itchy! We ambled around the pasture some more..I sat down again and again to my surprise SO DID Dixie!! Then we all three ran the pasture, fixed the fence, and shook snow off the trees to keep them from leaning their branches on the fence.
I think the running through the trees they've been doing..was the source of the hole in Cocoa's blanket that Dixie was wearing...grrr...
I finally opened the lower pasture gate and they went barreling out there cause their is a much better chance they will find edible stuff out there and they know it! I laid out there with them for a while till my toes froze and then headed back inside.

It wasn't an incredibly productive day but we still had fun. Hopefully it will finally warm up and get us out of this major cold spell....It only got to like 5 degrees tops today. BRRR...

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

A Snowy Ride

2008-12-13T14:35:00.002-06:00

I went and volunteered at Shopping with Santa and then was able to come home and play with the ponies!

Cocoa and Dixie were able to eat in the backyard and try and scrape and get grass all morning so I grabbed Cocoa out of the pasture and took her out for a spin! Just hopped on bareback and we were off....We ended up going on a pretty long ride..we were out for about 2 hours. Luckily it was surprisingly warm and we did a ton of cantering and racing through the trees! We were definitely kicking up some snow! :)

Cocoa did ah-mazing! At first she was a little pokey, but we had to follow the road so that was understandable because the road isn't all that exciting. We did a lot of cantering down the road since it seemed the footing was ok and not too slippery with all the snow. She was offering nice slow canters so that was great! Headed down to the St. Francis Tree Grove and stepped all over the tarps down there and then jumped all the trees they had cut down! Now that was fun! Continued on through the Tree Grove and we jumped a tree branch....Cocoa way overjumped it but I was right with her and it was amazing. When we finally got to the trail we cantered the whole way till we made it to our "Race Track". Cocoa and I galloped around just about the whole thing.....and it's HUGE! We made it all the way around this time and it's even bigger and windery than I originally had thought!

Then we got back on the trail and did lots of vertical flexion and collected trotting up and down all the hills. She got a pretty dang good workout!! We finally made it home after saying "hi" to the neighbors horses and Dixie heard us coming..she wasn't pleased with being left behind but I had wanted to take Cocoa on a long fast ride so Dixie would have gotten too tired.

They got to eat in the front yard for awhile and then I went and brought Dixie down to the round pen for a little playtime right before church. First we did a little bit with the barrel. I had her go sideways over it and then jump it. She didn't want to jump it at first and went a little RB but I calmed her back down and then asked her again and she just LEAPED over it! :) I did the Catching Game with her to start with and after about a half of a circle she wanted to come in and did. Then we just did some Stick to Me...backing by the tail, backing ..from Zone 5 and not using the tail just going by energy!! Sideways towards, picking up all four feet, leading by the lip. Then we had to run back up to the barn so I wouldn't be late!

Savvy Out,
Olivia, Cocoa, and Dixie

Playing in the Snow

2008-12-08T19:41:00.002-06:00

It was snowing even more today..and now we have a nice covering on the ground. The horses actually have to dig/scrape to get to the grass....winter has started!

I let the horses out into the big pasture to graze and they went barreling down there racing each other and having a blast stretching their limbs. I took my carrot stick and ambled out there to just do a little liberty with them. I knew they wanted to eat the grass so I didn't ask for too much. Cocoa was SO into it..everytime I would even glance at her...or ask Dixie to come to me or something she would come running. :) LBE tonight! So I had Cocoa do some close range circling and then cantering beside me. We did some back up by the tail, serpentines towards me, and then just ran around like crazy! I didn't want her to do too much cantering though...since it was Slippery already! ugg..

Then I did some backing by the hocks with Dixie and improving her draw. It's amazing how fast she picked up on that. She loves trotting to me all the time! We did some sideways towards, with a swing your hiney over into a backup! :) That went well...and then I had her run around a bit and called it quits and let them eat in peace!

When I brought them in for summer they were caked with a layer of snow!

Snow and Pictures

2008-12-07T11:32:00.001-06:00

We definitely have a white dusting of snow layering the ground here! I decided to take some pics. of my wet, snowy munchkins after breakfast. They stood on the tractor tire but didn't both want to be up there together and share since they were feeling a bit crabby towards each other. Most likely the cold weather has got to them too! They were following me everywhere... (isn't that how it always goes when you want to take pics??)

UPDATE: Well I had a 4-H Christmas party to go to...so I didn't have too much time but I put Dixie's halter on and the 22 ft. and we headed out for a bit. Cocoa was so jealous. We played a little bit in the front yard and Cocoa ran around the pasture. Cocoa and Dixie are usually little angels when it comes to be seperated but Cocoa was NOT happy to be the one left out tonight. I did some 7 games in the front...then headed to the big field. We attempted to plow through the thick weeds and did some traveling circling game. Then finally made it to my old round pen area...there is a cirlce indent but no longer a fence up. We did some circling game with change of direction and just played around. She had a couple RB moments but for the most part we improved our draw on the changing direction segment. She got really pumped and we even did a tad bit of cutting!! Then did some yielding the hiney and stick to me. She mimicks my every footfall...it's fantastic! We ventured over to the barrel and I stood about 15 feet away from it and sent her too it and she got herself all perfectly lined up beside it and then easily sidepassed over it! What a good girl! She's got that down PAT!....Then I had her jump it..with one barrel it took two circles till she jumped it and when she did she Flew over it.. :) haha Just a little bit of an overjump! Then I stood on the other side of the barrel and almost at a standstill she jumped it to come to me! We stopped with the barrel and ran up the hill...and just cantered all around. She and I got a bunch of energy out..she was having so much fun but I was tired. So we went back to the barrel I had her line up beside it and then tied by 22 ft. into a hackamore and hopped on. She walked off after a bit and did a little crow hop..it was rather cute. I haven't rode her in awhile so maybe that is why? But I was happy...because she's never bucked or anything for me when I've rode her so it's good she got something out! lol Then we just walked and trotted around the track and she did marvelous stops and back ups! I'm so proud of my little 2 1/2 year old she's come so far!! Then we had to bring it in so I could go. Definitely ended on a good note!

Playing in the Round pen

2008-12-06T11:48:00.000-06:00

Snowy and cold out yet again...it warmed up to about 10 degrees. Uggh!
I had the ponies out eating in the back pasture and when I called for them Cocoa bellowed out one of her loud, low whinnys! It was so cute. Then they came walking up to meet me in the other pasture...Cocoa actually put some effort and JUMPED over the log! :)
I attempted to scrape all the excess snow out of the horses hooves but it was stuck in there pretty good. Then I put there halters on and we ventured down to the round pen. I let them both loose and then sent them out. They were having fun together running around. Dixie was in the back first but then decided she should be up front so it didn't work as well as it had when I used the signals to tell them to slow down since Dixie isn't quite that far at liberty yet. We did some change of direction and a lot of trotting and cantering! Cocoa was a little reluctant to come all the way in..when I disengaged Dixie would come running in right away and be right there so Cocoa was Jealous? She seems to be acting a little like that lately whenever Dixie wants to be right by me. I had them do some yo-yo at liberty and Cocoa was pleased to stay with me when Dixie decided to leave...she did about a lap and decided she wanted to come back in! After that we just did some Stick to me...and I had Cocoa cantering beside me and then even did some cutting and got her to rear up! :) Fun Fun!

After that I hopped on Cocoa bareback..in my pj's! lol And then ponied Dixie around beside us in the roundpen and then headed out. We followed the back road a ways then went in the 'old' pasture/clearing and followed the 4-wheeler track at a trot with Dixie sometimes occasionally cantering beside us. Cocoa was even doing some really nice vertical flexion. Then we went back to the yard and cantered up the hill from the back to the front..I let them eat a little grass then put them back in the corral with some hay.

Went to Buca's with some friends for a b-day..so didn't get much else done with the ponies and unforchantly no pics. with them in the round pen.

Trail Riding!

2008-11-23T20:24:00.000-06:00

Finally hunting season has ceased!

Had the horses eat in the front yard then went out and grabbed Dixie! I had her 'help' mom with the Christmas lights...and sniff all that! Then did some sideways towards on her 'off/bad' side! Now...both sides are about equal! YAY! Did some more practice with tying and then groomed her all up! Then we sniffed around the trailer and I had her load. She walked right in the first time I asked..and I backed her out by her tail. She wasn't nervous at all..and found the edge and stepped down fluidly!

Then we went down to the roundpen. Cocoa came cantering from the front yard to the back to be by us! I did the Catching Game with Dixie again...and she figured it out so quickly!! Did some backing by the hocks, leading by the lip, and then standing with all four feet on the tractor tire!

Finally I went and got Cocoa so we could get ready for our ride. Groomed and played with her. I haven't practiced with trailer loading with her in a while and she was a little nervous last time so we did some of that. She stepped up with two feet and then the next time she loaded right up! :)

I went out with Liz and one of Michelle's friends. It was a nice day but pretty chilly out by the time we got back I felt like an icicle! So we all headed out and stuck to the road for a ways then finally went got to the trails. Did a little trotting and cantering. Cocoa wasn't feeling to peppy. I noticed before we went out she had a chip in her hoof so I filed that right aways but I also noticed she seemed to be walking a little funny in front but didn't seem to be bothering her at all. So we took it pretty slow and easy. We stumbled upon a couple new trails they made since they have been logging....and they made a track all around this clearing! So...it's like a private race track! Cocoa is going to be in such good shape..I can't wait to canter around it! Liz and I thought that it has to be atleast a mile in distance. Oh yah...and we saw a whole like flock of TURKEY's out there when we were riding!! Right before Thanksgiving.

Made it back and I had to head straight over to Anna's for Amanda's 17th B-day party!

Just Chilling Out - PICTURES!

2008-11-16T11:19:00.000-06:00

I went out and let the horses right out to eat in the yard...since it was actually SUNNY out! But...still cold. I was going to put their halters on when they were eating in the yard and Cocoa suddenly perks up..and just stares at something in the trees. I look too because her attention was just captured by something..and sure enough it was big buck! Good thing I'm not a hunter because my horse is good at spotting deer! So...we both stood there and watched it just standing staring at us from our neighbors yard..then it hoppity hopped hopped away, across the road and then the field to the river. My dad and brother were not happy to hear that!

I played with Dixie a bit. Brought her in the barn and did some more with pressure towards me...yielding her hindqtrs. towards me...just the hiney not full sideways towards. I want to have her swing her butt and then go right into a back up someday Then we did some sideway towards me while standing on a bucket for prep for mounting. Friendly time...she is so cute! If I just sit there she will start nuzzling me with her little muzzle on my head! :) And she's getting better at kisses too! She's been pretty touchy and sensitive about her muzzle lately but I think that's probably because she might be sore cause of all her loose baby teeth!

I groomed her up a bit...then we headed out and practiced some tying. That is one thing Dixie hasn't been taught yet. I'm a little nervous about it...because she has a tendency to pull back...if something scares her or just in general. But she did great...stood there patiently after she realized she couldn't eat the grass! lol Then we went and sniffed my brothers bright orange huntin gear he had hanging from a tree. She put her muzzle right in the baseball cap! It was picture perfect. Here's a picture of Dixie patiently waiting to be untied!

Then we continued on to the trailer. First I had her back up to it and just keep Zone 5 there..it was tricky for her at first and she got a little confused so we just took it slow. Then I stood up in the trailer and had her swing Zone 5 towards me so she was standing parallel to the back of the trailer. We eventually went to the windows....this is Dixie's favorite part!! She loves looking at herself in the windows! She just stares and stares..! Finally I asked her to load up. She eageraly put her front two feet right up and then we took it slowly..a hoof at a time and she checked everything out. Then finally came in and I still had hay in a hay bag from the other night Cocoa and I went Team Penning so she got to eat that! We just sat in there and chilled...she was totally at ease being in the trailer. I had her back out a couple times and come back in. Dixie is still a little wary about backing out...but our trailer has a pretty big drop so I can see why that is going to take her a while to get used to.

After we went back in their corral I had her put both feet in the little pickup tire! Then we continued on to the tractor tire. She got two front feet up and then she would lift the one back hind leg and just rest it there....as if to tease me! Finally she got all four up and she was so PROUD and TALL! She enjoyed nuzzling Cocoa from up there...she was definitely feeling full of herself.

Later on I saw Michelle and Jerry walk by so I hopped on Cocoa and went to deliver Michelle's belt buckle I borrowed back...Pony Express style! Cocoa was pumped...rounding her back and trotting collected! It felt wonderful. We cantered all along the side of the road...and she was doing a beautiful slow canter. Then I let her gallop down the dirt path...boy was that fun! I had tears streaming down my face because of the cold air blowing by so fast! lol We continued on to Jess's...cantered down their long driveway..but nobody was home so we made a quick detour to say 'hi' to Hank and Roxy..Cocoa's best buds and then headed back home since it was starting to get dark. I had to get off and walk since my legs felt like iceblocks...when we got home I had Cocoa load up in the trailer. Last time on the way to Team Penning she was a little iffy. Well..it was dark out...but she put two feet up right away..and then finally all four. We sat in there and she got to snack.