Tuesday September 1st, 2009

Although fall doesn't officially start until the 22nd, it feels like it has already arrived here in Massachusetts. The stall fans have not been turned on in days and all of my animals, even the pig, have begun to change coats. Wonder is no exception and his woolly hair comes out just as easily with my hand as a curry.Winter here means less training time for those of us without an indoor and I realize I need to step up my training efforts before it arrives.

Unfortunately, today is a very long work day so we opt for something short and simple. I turned Wonder out in the dirt paddock and tossed several grain bags in for him to explore and play with while I mucked the shed. The bags had barely landed on the ground and Wonder was already on his way to check them out. After a thorough investigation, he seemed to determine that they no longer held any grain and beyond that, they would be boring playmates. He then went back to his hay.

Before leaving the paddock, I grabbed a grain bag and began to run it over his back and withers, moving with him when he retreated and stopping to praise and remove it when he stopped. In just a few minutes I could stand on either side and rub him with the noisy bag while he stood calmly, enjoying the attention. Another day, when time permits, I will progress to his legs and head.

Monday August 31st, 2009
Tying

Today while I swept the barn, I tied Wonder to the stall bars.

Just in case he panicked, I removed his buckets and, of course, used a slip knot so I could let him loose in a split second if I had to. Then, I crossed my fingers.

But I should have known there was no need to worry. Wonder simply stood there watching me sweep as though he had learned this months ago. (Maybe someone taught him?) As I swept, I intermittently walked over and gave him a mouthful of grain for being calm and receptive, trying to reinforce this theory: that most good stuff happens when he is with me and that learning is great!

He seems to have caught on to that idea well. When I let him loose, he simply stood there waiting for praise and then walked into the in-and-out as though there had been nothing new in his day.

Sunday August 30th, 2009

Sassie

After clearing it with Jai, I turned Wonder out today with my mare, Sassie. It went perfectly. Nothing happened...there were no fireworks, no gallops, no squeals. It was as if they had already worked out the kinks through their many discussions over the fence. They casually grazed together, shared piles of hay and hung out with the goaties. I watched every moment I could, realizing that was as close as I would get to seeing Sassie with a foal of her own. I am biased, but it was beautiful to see them together. There is a very small stream (if you can even call it that) that runs along the middle of my pasture and when Sassie had enough of Wonder, she simply hopped over it to the other side. Wonder was not quite brave enough to follow, although I suspect it won't take him long to figure it out. He would simply graze across from her until she joined him again. Although excluded from the "meet and greet," Fling (my other mare) received lawn privileges and was content to mow the lawn for me all day long. While Sassie has a difficult time holding weight, Fling seems to attach every blade she eats to her very round belly and has no qualms letting you know she is a girl with an appetite. Her attitude seems to be "who cares about foals when you can have grass?". Everyone, it seems, had a great day.

Saturday August 29th, 2009

LHER Foal Training

Today was an exciting day for Wonder. He took another ride in the trailer and we went over to Century Mill Stables for foal training. Once again, he earned my applause as he loaded and unloaded on the trailer like a pro. This is especially important since I am doing it by myself. I arrived a little early and left him on the trailer for a while before unloading him so he wouldn't associate stopping with an immediate exit. After training, I did the same, loading him up and leaving him for a few minutes before taking off and driving home. Eventually, we would like to know he is comfortable hanging out on the trailer for long periods of time—both when it is and isn't in motion—to prepare him for the horse shows, seminars etc. that may be in his future. I realized, for the sake of desensitizing, it would probably be helpful for me to occasionally feed him in the trailer and go nowhere. I will try to squeeze that into the agenda before next training.

Foal training was unbelievably fun and once I got over my initial nerves, Wonder did great. There were several foals in the ring so it made for an active environment. He made me proud by walking on a loose line on either side of me, not only around the indoor, but over the poles and the flower boxes too! I'd like to think both successes are good signs that he is destined for the hunter ring. He also lifted both front feet well, but Jai (founder and trainer of Lucky Horse Equine Rescue) and I agree, Wonder and I need to buckle down and work more on picking up each hind foot. That is a little tricky at this point. Other homework assignments include trotting on lead and tying in the stall. I have also given myself two additional homework assignments. First, Wonder and I need to fine-tune his halts on line, as we have a little more go than whoa. Second, I need to establish clearer boundaries and help him understand how to respect my personal hula-hoop. I am hoping I can make more progress with each of these before next Saturday.

For those of you who have not been to foal training, I urge you to please come. The more we can develop our own skills, the more we can help the foals and horses in need. Not only is it fun to watch, but it is so beneficial to receive encouragement and pointers that will help each baby establish a solid foundation. I know Wonder and I are thankful for the opportunity and are looking forward to returning again and again.

Today, I am convinced that Wonder truly is, wonderful.

Friday August 28th, 2009

Big Boy Wonder

I bought a hand measure the other day to track Wonder's progress and as of today, he measures in at exactly 13 hands! Can you believe it? He really is a big, big boy and I wonder just how he will turn out a few years from now.

We sat together tonight, he and I in the stall, just being. Me on the floor, back against the wall and he, chewing his hay and pausing occasionally to sniff me or nibble on my hair. There is something nice about knowing your animals are comfortable and taken care of, with fresh hay, water and shavings on nights like this. It is nice to be able to give them something for all they bring to you...in my case, a childhood dream come true. I feel blessed to be able to have these animals in my life and full, for all they bring me. The cool air combined with the rain reminds us winter is just around the corner and I hope Wonder will have found a permanent home by then—a home where he and his owner can make each other's dreams come true. He is such a sweet, sweet boy and deserves someone who will make him the love of their life.

Fostering Wonder is a lesson in selflessness and I applaud those who can regularly let these animals into their hearts and homes and then place them, to make room for the next horse in need on the never-ending list. He has reminded me what I love about my own two horses and inspired me to push harder and give more. I hope with each foster, my skills will improve and each individual horse or foal in my care will benefit more than the last as they await their knight in shining armor. As I kissed Wonder's velvety nose with its perfect diamond and said goodnight I promised him that thanks to Lucky Horse, he or she would be here soon.

Thursday August 27th, 2009

The goaties and other farmyard friends

Well, it took a little time, but Wonder has made fast friends with the goaties: Rastus, Sonyia, Remus and Amelia. As you can see, he is he is happy to share his hay when turned out with them—he even tolerates Traak the German Shepherd sneaking in to see what's on the menu.

When he is outside, Wonder is perfectly content to share. However, in his domain, (the stall and in-and-out), he likes to bully them a little and chase them off the hay before settling in to dine. Splitting it into several piles helps, but he enjoys establishing rank anyway and, to their annoyance, playfully chases them from pile to pile. The goats are a little perturbed at this odd behavior, especially since my two horses tolerate them pretty much anywhere...around them, under them, etc. But they all seem to work it out just a bit more every day.

Grain is always fed alone to eliminate the feeling of competition. Wonder has a great appetite. My only rule, is that he must stay out of my personal hulahoop until the grain is in the bucket and I have given him permission. Pushing me out of the way is a no no and he has caught on very quickly, now waiting like a gentleman.

In addition to the dogs and the goaties, Wonder has been busy getting used to my chickens, geese, turkeys, cats and even a big pig, Petunia. It is rare he gets startled by anyone anymore, even when the barn cats leap off the fence or the the chickens race underneath him. I will soon take more photos of him and all of his friends for you to see.

My own horses, Sassie and Fling. have also been adjusting to the newcomer. While he was an immediate hit with Sassie, Fling (my Hungarian), was not too thrilled with the perceived competition and spent the first few days giving Wonder dirty looks from a distance. Now, they all touch noses and nibble on each other over the fence line when turned out side by side.

Although, I think it is important for Wonder to have friends, he still seems small to me so I am not quite ready to turn him out with anyone but the goaties. When the time comes, Sassie (my Thoroughbred), is ready and eager to babysit. She has always seemed to have a soft spot for babies and is the more tolerant horse of the two with other animals. In the meantime, Wonder's turnout varies so he gets accustomed to different paddocks as well as being closer or further from each of the horses. He gets more and more comfortable by the day without the constant companionship of another baby, both in his stall and when turned out. He really is turning into an adaptable, adjustable foal.

Wednesday August 26th, 2009
The Latest

Today was a big day and started with an e-mail from my mother (Wonder's foster grandmother?) Here's what it said and what came with it.

"I have had this on the top of the bookcase in my bedroom for years.
You painted it for me when you were about ten, by the looks of your handwriting.
See, you were destined to find him!
Love
Your Mother who keeps EVERYTHING!"


Okay, there it is, the truth is out. I have been horse crazy forever! Sure enough the paint by numbers does indeed look a little like Wonder. What is scary though, is my mother does a great job of consistently reminding me about the shortage of time in my life and the abundance of animals. Surely, she was not thinking clearly when she wrote this e-mail; it almost sounds like she is suggesting I keep him, don't you think?

Even worse is the fact that Wonder is settling in comfortably here, almost like it he has decided to make himself at home. Will someone please inquire about him?? Doesn't anyone want nice little chestnuts anymore? What is happening here?

On another note...today, Wonder had visitors from Lucky Horse Rescue. Boy, was he excited to see them! He heard April's voice and came running as he simultaneously let out a long foal whinny in greeting. Not only did he get lots of extra love, April brought homemade (yes, homemade!) horse treats. Yummy, yummy, yummy—well, at least Wonder seems to think so (I haven't tried them personally). I am so amazed at the extra efforts of this rescue and the time each volunteer gives up to help it become a success. I am lucky to be a part of it and so is Wonder.

If that wasn't exciting enough. The videos arrived today. Hurray! I can't wait to get started. I am sure we will have lots to tell you soon.