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Post by caryn on Apr 2, 2007 20:20:06 GMT -5
I had another lesson with Gypsy and Kay today. It was soooo much fun. It just amazes me how quick this little girl is. While, I am able to trim Gypsy's feet now, it still takes a long time (several days) and I've yet to get them the way I would like them. Now that Gypsy's not afraid (when it's me handling her feet), Kay was giving me some strategies to get her to WANT to pick up her own foot and hold it up. It was too much fun. Within about 20 minutes, Gypsy was offering to place her foot on the mounting block. First the right front, then the left. As we played she started to put her foot up and leave it there We also played other games related to getting her safely tieable. More success....she's so dang smart! We even got her to try and put her own foot (front) on the hoof stand We had to guide her a little, but she definitely tried to do it herself. WOOHOO!!!!
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Post by piopico on Apr 2, 2007 21:30:34 GMT -5
Great progress- congrats.
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Post by caryn on May 20, 2007 19:06:55 GMT -5
YYYAAAHOOOO!!!! Miss Gypsy's title has finally arrived. It's official, she's my girl forever now
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Post by agilitygal on May 20, 2007 19:28:52 GMT -5
That one's an easy keeper alright! Always liked her. Happy you have her title.
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Post by caryn on Oct 31, 2007 23:41:22 GMT -5
Miss Gypsy is doing well I moved all my kids to a new ranch recently and Gypsy likes her new digs. LOL, she has become alpha mare, all actions/decisions must be given the royal "okay" before implemented She is cracking me up right now. She is in a huge ( CA standard) pasture with 6 other horses. Alll mares. Gypsy was in a mixed herd before this and ALWAYS had a boyfriend. She didn't skip a beat and is now the supreme Queen of all LOL I am not surprised! I told you she was a slightly shorter version of Symphony. And yes all new things are NOT ok until SHE deems them ok. I'll have to go check up on Dream Ally and Sterling now...
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Post by caryn on Jan 23, 2008 21:11:34 GMT -5
The Gypsy girl is not quite alpha in the pasture anymore. There is an older and wiser mare out there that gets to boss her around, so she is now 2nd in line. She's really sensible and doesn't get into fights, just accepts her place and tests her position every now and then with a "hey, I wonder if I can move the old gal today" moment. She generally gets a "don't even think about it young whippersnapper" look from Madame Alpha and that's enough The ranch I moved to is where my farrier lives and we played together last Sunday. She was able to walk right up and examine all of Miss Gypsy's feet, woohoo!!!! Not quite ready for someone else to trim her, but it's a HUGE step. I'll be glad when I can pay for it again!!! It's nice to know how, but boy is it easier to have Jacquie (farrier) take care of it for me. I've been trimming Gyps right outside her pasture when the weather is good and she's pretty content with it. No fear anymore, but we still only do a little at a time. Takes me a few days of trimming a little bit of all 4 to get the job done. I adopted her Dec, 2005 and she was home with me by Jan. 2006, so we've just had our 2nd anniversary. Time sure flies when you're having fun I'll try and get some new pics soon.
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Post by caryn on Feb 28, 2008 20:56:15 GMT -5
Well, I spent some good bonding time with Miss Gyps today. It is warm and sunny here, so I thought I'd tackle that wild mane of hers. I get all the witches knots out every couple of weeks. She gets dreads in a matter hours in this weather. 40 minutes and a $9.00 bottle of mane and tale later, she has a beautiful flowing mane again ;D Next time, I'll remember my camera and give ya a before and after shot, so that you can understand my pain. Oh well, it's a good lesson for the gypster, she's getting really good at standing still I think this beauty regime will help the next time I need to trim her feet!! Another boarder was watching me and said, " You know I just cut it when it's like that, I haven't got the patience for it ". Cut Gypsy's mane? I mean, can you imagine the snide looks and derision coming from her pasture mates? I can hear it now, "Ohhh, look at the "wild horse" with the Dressage do!!!" I think she'd just lose too much respect, can't do it to her MTA: appropriate smileys
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Post by patrolhorse on Feb 29, 2008 23:51:29 GMT -5
I love reading your updates caryn, Gypsy sounds like such a character and is obviously VERY LOVED ;D! But.............. I had to go back to a post almost a YEAR AGO! to remember what your girl looks like Time for some new pictures Don't keep us in suspense...
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Post by caryn on Mar 2, 2008 19:01:05 GMT -5
Ack, you're right. I'm bad about the picture thing. I went ahead and snapped a couple in the pasture today. Here she is....still round and cute She lives with 4 other horses in her pasture. The black on the left is my girl, Ally.
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Post by kivasgirl on Mar 9, 2008 0:39:19 GMT -5
Caryn - and Gypsy . . . Just found this thread and really enjoyed reading it. Your love for Gypsy is so apparent and I really feel your joy at finding her and working with her. Your stories also give me hope for where my girl, Kiva (CBER Neon) and I might be in a year or two! I am fascinated with what I learn each day from my mare.
Keep up the great stories!
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Post by caryn on Mar 18, 2008 8:44:53 GMT -5
Hi Kiva, You're absolutely right about the love part ;D I don't think it is possible to love Gypsy more than I already do. Unfortunately, she has not progressed into the solid, riding partner that I know she couold be. It is COMPLETELY my fault!!! I've been too busy with work, family, friends and volunteering to give Gypsy my all. Well, I feel renewed and it's past time for making time for the little gypster. She deserves my full attention. We're going to have fun so please check in on us from time to time. I will keep this thread up to date.
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Post by caryn on Mar 31, 2008 11:01:18 GMT -5
My little gypster is going into a month of training I've worked her a lot on the ground, but I've only ridden her at the walk. I've been hesitant to ask for more because she's a bit snotty about moving out when I ask her from the ground. I'm not sure how to motivate her to WANT to go forward at a faster pace and don't want to cause problems, so am opting for professional help. Updates to come....I'm really EXCITED!!!!
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Post by penny/pals on Mar 31, 2008 11:19:51 GMT -5
She does have a drafty look what a pretty girl.
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Post by caryn on Apr 2, 2008 13:48:05 GMT -5
Miss Gyps started her official training yesterday. The day before was just a get to know you, see where you are at deal. Shawn (trainer) really likes her and Gyps took to him pretty quickly. She likes him, but doesn't like him enough to be caught in the pasture by him. I'm going to need to catch her for him for a while. It's cool with me because I like to be there for her training sessions anyway. Gypsy had a hard lesson yesterday. Shawn ground drove her for a bit and then hopped up to ride. Gypsy was not pleased at being asked to trot ( LOL...she actually broke a sweat) AND having to go where her rider wanted her to go. Shawn was patient and persistent, but I could see her getting pissy about it. She started shaking her head in an effort to rid herself of pressure from the bit. It was soft contact, but apparently Gyps didn't like it. She didn't buck or do anything silly, but the head shaking didn't get better, so Shawn hopped off. He said she needed to figure this out on her own. He put the reins through the gullet and tied them to the horn of the saddle and walked away. Again, it was soft contact, all she had to do was relax and bend a little to relieve the pressure. We watched from outside the arena to make sure she didn't get into any trouble. Poor thing, she tried everything. She moved forward, backward, tried speeding up to a trot, shook her head and rubbed the arena fence in an effort to remove the offensive pressure. I thought she was going to lay down at one point, but she didn't. It took a while and she was definitely not a happy camper, but she did get it. The times that I have ridden her, I rode her on a loose rein and only at the walk. She will flex vertically and laterally when asked. She will stop and back up when asked, but doesn't seem to get the whole "steering" part. By steering I mean taking a cue from my body on which direction she should go. I was surprised that she objected to the soft contact. We've done lots of games to get her in the habit of giving to pressure, but apparently we have some more work to do there. It's going to be interesting. I'll bring my camera on Thursday and get a couple pics to share
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Post by caryn on Apr 3, 2008 12:06:16 GMT -5
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Post by atticus on Apr 4, 2008 17:42:34 GMT -5
Gypsy is sooooo beautiful!!! My gosh!
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Post by caryn on Apr 6, 2008 22:18:12 GMT -5
Ashley, I think so too!!! I just love this little horse. She's a bit in shock right now. We're doing 5 days a week and she actually had to sweat a bit Today, Shawn loped her for the first time ( with a rider ). She didn't seem to understand at first and offered up a little buck to show her displeasure at the pressure he was putting on her, but that was it. She is soooo smart. It only took once. The next time he asked, she moved right into the lope when he urged her on. She is settling into the new stuff and progressing very quickly. I am so proud of her. She's a wonderful girl!!!!
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Post by atticus on Apr 8, 2008 4:49:07 GMT -5
Ashley, I think so too!!! I just love this little horse. She's a bit in shock right now. We're doing 5 days a week and she actually had to sweat a bit Today, Shawn loped her for the first time ( with a rider ). She didn't seem to understand at first and offered up a little buck to show her displeasure at the pressure he was putting on her, but that was it. She is soooo smart. It only took once. The next time he asked, she moved right into the lope when he urged her on. She is settling into the new stuff and progressing very quickly. I am so proud of her. She's a wonderful girl!!!! Caryn, that is awesome! She certainly has come a long way. She looks like she is a smart one.
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Post by kivasgirl on Apr 8, 2008 22:41:33 GMT -5
Sounds like the training is going well. Keep the updates coming!
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Post by caryn on Apr 11, 2008 22:30:59 GMT -5
Training is going well. I cannot tell you how happy I am that my girl can be tied!!!!! It sounds like a minor thing, but it is HUGE. At the old ranch, we didn't have a good place to tie her safely. I have a mental block with the tying thing. I've never taught a horse to tie and I've seen horses pull back, so just went about my business without ever tying her. I've saddled her, I've ridden at the walk, I've trimmed her feet....just never tied her. Well, look at my girl today. 6 full training days later, she's doing good What's going on? This is boring, what's going on over there? Hmmm, doesn't look too interesting. So, we gonna do something soon? Unfortunately, I don't have pics of the riding part. I've been riding Ally while Shawn rides the little Gypster. Gypsy's a lot more comfortable with Ally ( my mare and Gypsy's herd mate) hanging out. She's a lot more willing to accept new things and is making great progress. We'll ween her off Ally, but for right now, it's just what she needs. Gypsy's having a lot more asked of her and having Ally around settles her into a learning frame of mind. I'm soooooo excited
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Post by caryn on Apr 16, 2008 14:37:37 GMT -5
Yikes, I need to cut her beard hehehehehe. Just noticed how dang long those hairs under her chin are. This girl needs a beauty treatment. Miss Gypsy is now being ridden around the ranch Shawn's still doing the riding and I ride alongside with Madame Ally. It was ridiculously windy yesterday and Gypsy did great. Actually, she did better than Ally. We had wind, trees, goats, peacocks, tractors, cars and various pastures with stirred up horses to contend with. Gypsy was nervous, but did not spook (Wish I could say the same for Ally). She was pretty forward, but kept to a walk ( Again, wish I could say the same for Ally, LOL). I think it was great experience for both my girls and am looking forward to tonight's training.
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Post by Tockita on Apr 16, 2008 15:24:22 GMT -5
YEA!!!!! for Gypsy!!! Sounds like shes doing GREAT! Can't wait for Symphony to be done being a mom so we can do the same thing ;D
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Post by caryn on Apr 25, 2008 22:24:49 GMT -5
YEA!!!!! for Gypsy!!! Sounds like shes doing GREAT! Can't wait for Symphony to be done being a mom so we can do the same thing ;D Hey Tock, You and Symph are going to be a great riding pair, I can just see it now ;D For now, you get the excited, but a little nervous anticipation of a little one on the way. I can't wait to hear the news of your new addition. I'll have to come down and give baby Symph a big old kiss
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Post by caryn on Apr 25, 2008 22:29:34 GMT -5
Gypsy and I did a little trail ride around the ranch today. It was way cool. So far, I've only ridden her in an enclosed space and Shawn has done the ranch rides. Well, it seems that Miss Gyps is a happy trail girl. She's good in the arena, but is most comfortable when there is a place to go and sights to see. She LIKES trekking around the ranch!!!! I'm so stoked, I cannot even explain it right I'm so proud of my 'lil girl.
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Post by caryn on Apr 29, 2008 16:52:49 GMT -5
Well, the end of the month came a little fast for me and Miss Gyps. We've opted to extend her training for another month She's learning really quickly and I am so proud of her. Shawn's doing a wonderful job. I'll be doing about 50% of the riding from here on out and we are starting to plan trail rides....wooohooo!!!!!!
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Post by caryn on May 31, 2008 0:59:26 GMT -5
Last Sunday, Gypsy and I went to the beach I was so proud of my 'lil girl. She was really great. We had our first lope/run on the ride. She had to stop to pee and the group got a little ahead of us. She trotted and then decided to lope. It was a really natural transition. She wasn't overly anxious and there was no pushing her into it, she just wanted to catch up. Shawn's loped her, but I hadn't gone faster than a VERY fast trot with her before the beach ride. It was an awesome day and a real milestone for me and Gyps
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Post by agilitygal on Jun 1, 2008 13:25:50 GMT -5
Very good report! Sounds like she's doing good.
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Post by patrolhorse on Jun 7, 2008 2:56:53 GMT -5
So happy for you both ;D! I really enjoy hearing your updates. Sounds like she is coming along just wonderfully. Don't forget... we LOVE pictures!
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Post by caryn on Jun 23, 2008 12:34:28 GMT -5
I know that everybody loves pics and I've been remiss....bad Caryn!!! Just been so busy with the horses and never seem to have a camera in hand Gypsy went on her second trail ride yesterday ( 1st was the beach ). We went to Mt. Diablo, it was a beautiful day, lots of sun and shady areas. Nice hills and a few water (puddle) crossings. I realized after the ride that I had jinxed my little Gypsy girl. I was mentioning how it is amazing that I feel much more confident in Gypsy on trail than with my girl Ally. I mean, Ally is my very first horse and we've been partners for 5 years. The reason I'm so comfy with Gyps is because she is a VERY sensible girl. Lots of self preservation in her demeanor and reaction to new situations. Gypsy pays attention to where she's going and where she is stepping, very sure footed little mustang ( I was bragging ). About an 1 1/2 hours into the ride, we had our OOOPPPPPSSSS!!!! We were trotting up ground that was mostly big, smooth rocks with dirt in between and a little on top. This makes for a slippery surface. Gypsy slipped a couple of times and I said to the rider in front, we should walk, this is slippery and Gypsy nearly fell. About 3 seconds after I got the words out, down she went. She slipped and came down on her front left knee and then the rest of her ample body just kinda fell down as well. I sort of rolled off her onto the ground. It was part intentional and part just plain clumsy execution. It happened fast and I didn't want her to try and get up with my weight on her back. Christ, she'd already fallen and is not the most graceful, getter-upper under normal circumstances. Well, after I rolled off, she popped right up and tried to trot the few feet up to the horses waiting in front of us. I had ahold of one rein and was attempting to get up at the time. She helped me get up quickly. She ended up with a scraped knee and I was perfectly fine, just a little shaken. The whole thing was started and finished in a matter of seconds. After looking her over and seeing that she hadn't been really injured, we finished up our ride uneventfully. Except for the slip, it was a fabulous ride. Laying in bed last night, it hit me. What if she had broken a leg!!!! What if she had seriously injured her knee!!! What if...What if...What if....I won't be trotting up surfaces like that again, that's for darn sure!!!! I guess I'll just need to stop the "What iffing" and be proud of how my girl handled herself. She's truly a gem. I'll take some pics today, but cannot promise any action shots because I may be on my own at the ranch
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Post by Tockita on Jun 23, 2008 12:53:26 GMT -5
GREAT NEWS!!! Sorry you slipped but it does sound like she handled it all like a champ! I can't wait for Symphony to be done being prego so I can do the same on my sure footed sensible stang.
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