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.

Tuesday August 25th, 2009
The String

Did I mention Wonder is a genius? I can rub his entire body with the stick and he acts bored! So, go at the speed of the horse right? Today, I attached the string to the stick and began to swing the string gently over his back, hindquarters and hind legs. It didn't even faze him. I can't believe a foal this age can be so relaxed and receptive.

I ordered Clinton Anderson's foal series, Handling Foals, Weanlings and Yearlings, and am desperate for its arrival and a clear cut plan to follow. Although I know I really can't go wrong desensitizing, it will be great to have step-by-step instructions that will help me to become more effective with Wonder and keep us on the right path.

Monday August 24th, 2009

The Carrot or Handy stick

I have been trying to introduce something new to Wonder on a daily basis. Simultaneously, I try to randomly repeat exercises and concepts that I have already introduced hoping that it will help him develop into the type of horse we all want: safe, confident, respectful, reliable and happy in any situation.

Wonder would prefer that I had more time so I could work with him more than once a day. He loves the attention and there is no doubt that two or three short spurts would suit him just fine. I also would love it, of course, if I had more time to work with him, and my own horses, more frequently. A benefactor would be nice, so would winning the lottery, but in the interim, I am determined to do as much as I can as often as I can and hope for the best. So far he continues to exceed my expectations grasping new information easily as though he has done it all before. Whatever the Lucky Horse Volunteers did with him certainly made a lasting impression. All foal owners should be so lucky.

Today, I began massaging Wonder with the stick. An extension of my arm, this tool helps me establish trust and desensitize him to being touched all over his body. Later in his training, it will offer me another way to communicate with him more effectively and help establish the difference between my space and his—a concept that is slightly foreign to him at the moment. Right now, it's great because if he gets "goosey" being touched in any spot, my body is a safe distance away. I can continue to calmly and confidently rub the area until he is comfortable without personally invading his space or putting myself at risk.

In truth, this exercise not only helps Wonder learn to trust me with or without equipment, but it helps me learn to trust him too. By watching his reactions as I rub him all over with the stick, I get to identify the areas where he enjoys being touched as well as those where he doesn't. It affords me the opportunity to notice small gestures I might otherwise miss if I were too close or bending down. Because I train by myself, this is very important since it means fewer surprises when I am handling him and a more successful session for both of us.

Sunday August 23rd, 2009

Clippers

Today, Wonder received a new leather halter to wear while we await for our weanling rope halter to arrive and I continue desensitizing. He has his best friend, Kaylee, to thank for the purchase. She looked so good in her new halter at Saturday foal training—cute, cute, cute—that I just couldn't resist. I will admit, his is a small pony halter and is just a tad bit too big even on the last hole, but I suspect he will grow into it before I know it and he is never wearing it unsupervised. Besides, it looks great—the only thing missing is the brass nameplate with his show name. (Today's thought for a name? "Divine Intervention", call name, "Wonder").

Isn't it amazing how you can justify purchasing halter number three even though halter number two is already on its way and he still has halter number one? Justification comes easy when you know the new arrivals at Century Mill probably need his old halter. If you haven't already checked out the latest foals, you should, http://www.luckyhorse.org/ . They, like Wonder, are in need of homes. Thanks to the dedication of Lucky Horse volunteers, one has already been adopted—great job guys!

The problem with going halter shopping is you never end up coming home with just the halter. Despite having more than enough equipment, I was suddenly convinced that I needed new safety cross ties, another fly mask in gray and fillers for all of the stall toys. Every foal needs a toy in his stall...or two or three, right? I will let you know if Wonder likes them. Right now I think he has his eyes on the goats as potential playthings.

Unfortunately, there was not a lot of time available today for training so we opted for a quick introduction to clippers. I simply took my cordless clippers, placed them on an empty shavings bag and turned them on. Wonder instantly went to check them out from every side and then continued on his own agenda. When I put them in his grain bucket he did the same but not without giving me an, "are you kidding me?" look as though there was no need to put them anywhere else. Genius that he is, he already knew what clippers were.

Wonder is very inquisitive about everything. In less than a week he seems to be settled in at the farm and ready, well, for anything life throws his way. I just hope I am.

Saturday August 22nd, 2009

Leading

Wonder is simply wonderful (what about that for a formal name? "SIMPLY WONDERFUL," call name "Wonder") except for a slightly teary left eye. I have started adding vitamin C to his grain in hopes it will give him a little extra help fighting off whatever is going on but am ready to call the vet if it doesn't improve. Keep your fingers crossed.

Today, we once again dragged the 14-foot line in the riding ring, just to be sure his past performance wasn't a fluke. Once again, perfection and then some. I couldn't have asked for more at this stage of the game. Traak, my senior German Shepherd came in to the ring for a meet and greet and Wonder went right on over to visit. I love his inquisitive nature!

After allowing him to stretch his legs, we had a small leading lesson both in the outdoor ring and up the driveway back to the barn. Although Wonder was receptive to being lead on both sides, he seems much more familiar with being on the right. I was always taught to lead with the horse on my right but have since learned the value of an adaptable, adjustable horse who can be lead from either side and am determined he be equally comfortable on either side.

To switch Wonder from side to side, I randomly yielded his hindquarters as we walked with gentle hand pressure and had him switch sides. He was great and caught on very quickly,once again exceeding my expectations.

Friday August 23rd, 2009

The drag line

Today I led Wonder to the riding ring on a 14-foot line allowing him the freedom and opportunity to act as if there were no line on him. He led remarkably well, eagerly following me down the short path to the riding ring. Once we were inside, safe from anything the line could catch on I dropped it and offered him the opportunity to explore the ring. With almost no hesitation, he went trotting off, ears up, investigating the new space. Allowing Wonder to drag a line not only gives me a chance to see how he responds to pressure without attaching myself to the other end, it gives him the opportunity to get used to something dragging across the ground as well as get used to the rope touching his legs which will help with desensitizing later on. Eventually, I would be reassured to know that if I accidentally drop a lunge line or a lead rope or if he somehow gets caught up, he will stop and wait—not, panic and bolt. Once again, I was impressed with this little foal's where-with-all and the work Lucky Horse Volunteers must have put in to him. The rope didn't faze him at all. Whether at a walk, trot, or canter, he ignored the rope... pausing for just a moment if he stepped on it, then calmly problem solving, taking the pressure off and continuing. Way to go Wonder!

Thursday August 20th, 2009

The halter

I went into work late today unwilling to leave Wonder and venture into the real world. Although it is too soon to begin any real training, I continued making first impressions by taking his halter on and off between chores. My morning was spent mucking a stall then putting his halter on, mucking another stall and taking his halter off and so on, constantly rotating the side I approached. Occasionally, I offered a small handful of grain on my approach, rewarding him for coming toward me and allowing me to halter him. Consistent practice, I am convinced will desensitize/neutralize him to the idea that the halter means action and continue teaching him to look forward to my approach. I would like him to view my entrance with the halter as simply another opportunity to say hello rather than a signal it is time to work.

What I love about this is it reminds me to do the same with my own horses. It is an exercise I stopped doing long ago and it is a great way to change their assumptions and expectations while piquing their interest.

Preface

Wednesday Aug 19th, 2009


It is 11 pm and I have just returned to the house, whiffle ball bat in hand, dogs at my side, my heart is slowly returning to its normal rhythm. I am relieved we did not meet the fisher cat face-to-face this evening. It has been just a few hours since the foster foal arrived and I wonder if his initial distress cries attracted the creature that I am sure was responsible for more than a few of my chicken disappearances as well as the loss of a couple of indoor/outdoor house cats.

It’s amazing how a foal can instantly affect your brain and behavior. Unlike the fowl, he was of course safe from the fisher but upon hearing the second unsettling scream I panicked, ended my phone conversation and went running to the barn to protect him. The foal! The truth is, fresh and feisty as he is, he probably would have protected me! Hadn’t he playfully chased the barn cat from his run earlier that evening and gone nose-to-nose with Nata the Keeshond as well as each of the goats loudly announcing his arrival?

When I got to the barn armed, heart racing and ready, he lifted his head, looked at me curiously, eyes blinking in the sudden light, and proceeded to calmly resume eating his hay as though his earlier whinnies had simply been in my imagination. The fisher cat, thank goodness, was nowhere insight. If I was thinking clearly and there had been any witnesses, I probably would have been embarrassed at my reactive, over protective behavior but all I could do was stare and admire his presence in the barn.

Meet Wonder a five-month old chestnut colt with three white socks and a perfect blaze. Social, flashy and full of himself, he is in need of a home. Warmblood? Thoroughbred? Mixed breed? Who knows? I couldn’t tell you for sure and neither can the rescue organization I am fostering him for, "Lucky Horse Equine Rescue" in Bolton, Massachusetts. But I can tell you, he IS fancy and flashy and demands that you take a second look. In my case it was three, four and five looks as I envisioned him as an adult...a fancy hunter jumping over pretty little flower box fences and floating effortlessly across the ground. Eventually he arrived in my backyard—surprising for me since it's usually bays, not chestnuts that catch my eye. But there is no denying a fancy horse and Wonder has fancy written all over him.

This is Wonder's blog. A chance to take potential adopters through the daily life of this beautiful little colt right from the beginning of his foster experience in the hopes that he will make a more successful transition into the perfect home. But it is also a chance for me to keep track of his and my training as he and I improve our skills together. I welcome everyone's comments, questions and tips as we journey.

Wonder's care is a commitment that I do not take lightly. Despite frequent stops at the barn for a quick peek, I mulled over the decision to foster him for several weeks before taking solid action. There seems to be a chronic shortage of time in my life with a full-time business, a long commute in and out of the city and several animals of my own that need and deserve my time and attention, including my own two horses, Sassie and Fling. That said, the fact that my best friend, Sarah, is currently raising her own foal certainly did nothing to deter me from inquiring. And the warm welcome I received from April as I asked countless questions about the foals and the rescue, did not hurt either.

I had been seeking the right rescue to donate to for over a year and none had seemed quite right. Despite the stigma that surrounds the track, I had a lifelong passion for thoroughbred racehorses, animals that just seemed to tear at my heartstrings. I knew I needed a rescue I could somehow tie into that industry and its "leftovers." Although I have a relatively new but strong interest in natural horsemanship, I had always preferred show barns to hobby barns—admiring those show barns which made it fun for everyone...kids and adults alike. Lucky Horse Equine Rescue fit the bill perfectly with its commitment to rescuing Nurse Mare foals from the thoroughbred industry, Century Mill Stables and the perfect foal. On top of it all, it was local. Perfect!

The final decision to foster Wonder (if he was still available) came Saturday, August 15th, the day he was featured at Lucky Horse Rescue's exhibit at the Bolton fair. Three days later he was in my barn.

The adventure begins.