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Post by swissgrl on Aug 15, 2007 13:44:23 GMT -5
Oh, silly boy, don't you know that when someone tells you to carry protection in your pocket, they aren't talking about THAT kind?! Good luck to the boy on his surgery, and best wishes for mom's wallet! LMAO, I let him get away with it this time, he is young, maybe he didn't read the book about the bees and the flowers |
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Post by webmistress32 on Aug 15, 2007 14:40:58 GMT -5
beautiful horse. your description sounds just like my Lovag. he is a hungarian sport horse I got as an unstarted 6yo. smart and light is awesome. Lovag loves to play games, the more the better.
I hope he likes the game "we jump the jumps with the red flag on the right and the white flag on the left" :-)
we started with Parelli, too. highly recommended. we have moved on to NH / dressage combo under saddle. lots of fun. we haven't schooled XC yet but that's next ...
hope your horse's surgery goes well. he is a beauty.
webmistress32
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Post by swissgrl on Aug 24, 2007 8:55:03 GMT -5
Merlin's surgery got cancelled, lucky guy. Since I'm going on another business trip in a week, it won't happen now until probably October. So my vet thought in the meantime she wanted to do a Stimulant Test on him. Just to be sure. We'll probably do that next week.
My Equine Therapist came up yesterday to work on Arrow (she comes to visit him every 6 weeks or so), and then went out to see the babies. She absolutely fell in love with Merlin. She worked on him just a little bit, he let her give him a big hug, and he was totally leaning into her. She said he has a huge heart, and is very sensitive. She gave me some tips to work on some pressure points on him, to open him up.
When it finally cooled off a little, we did a bit of work, he was a very good boy, and only kicked at the mean plastic bag once. Other than that he let me touch him with the bag (attached to a stick of course) all over. I even went in a half circle in front of him, and all he did is put his head up a bit higher and just watched it. The only thing he didn't like was, when I slapped it on the ground next to him, or when I went under his chin.
Today we are going to work on picking up the legs nicely for the farrier.
mod. for spelling errors......
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Post by swissgrl on Sept 1, 2007 18:32:45 GMT -5
WOW, I finally got my trainer to come up and work with us. We worked for almost 3 hours. Merlin was really tense in the beginning, not knowing what to expect. We worked on all kins of things, but mainly on building his confidence, as he keeps looking for re-assurance.
At the end of the lesson, he had a rope loosely hanging around his hind legs, and we were leading him around the roundpen, he was calm as can be, didn't even faze him. I was able to move the rope up and down his legs, he never kicked at it, or freaked about it.
We also put it around his girth area, and he responded very well to pressure. Moved off it right away.
We could have worked with him ALL DAY, as he was so responsive to EVERYTHING, but the heat got to all of us.
She will be working with him a bit while I'm gone, so he won't forget everything. I have a load of information now, I can work on with him as well. He is so much fun, and so challenging. But sooo willing!
His whole body and face was totally relaxed at the end, I'm sure he is on system overload now!!! Poor guy, had to take in a lot of information!
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Post by swissgrl on Oct 2, 2007 9:16:33 GMT -5
We have been working with picking up the feet. Merlin has some issues on the hind feet. Yesterday when I was cleaning their paddock, he followed me all around, wanting loveys, and scratches, so I played a game with him. I scratch you, you let me pick up a foot, go back to cleaning, and scratch, pick up another foot, go back to cleaning.....
He did really well, and only wondered off when it came to the bad hind right, but he wanted scratches, and soon enough he let me pick that one up too.
Without a halter, I'm so proud of him. He is so smart, and remembers things very well. He likes to walk right on top of you, not sure if it is for re-assurance, but we've been working on that, and now he keeps a nice distance, and when I stop, and he gets to close, all I have to do is look at him, and lift a finger, and he takes a step back.
The vet is coming out tomorrow to do the Stimulant test, to see if we really have to go in for surgery, apparently his testosterone level was a gray area, as some geldings can have a higher, and some stallions a lower testosterone level.....
So if that comes back as a black and white, yes he is still a stud, then we'll probably schedule the surgery for November, as the rest of october is going to be crazy for me travel/work wise.
mod. for spelling.......
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Post by swissgrl on Nov 18, 2007 11:18:28 GMT -5
Well, we did have that Stimulant Test, a while back, and the highest score was still lower than the original test. So the doctor at San Luis Rey, said he would not operate on him based that. So we're leaving him alone for now, if his attitude changes, we'll do another test, but for now he's safe!!!! My friend brought her mare over during the fire, and I had her in with Trevor and Merlin. Merlin was excited for about 10 minutes, and then he was over it. He is an interesting one  Yesterday morning, we had an awesome lesson. He let me trim all 4 of his feet without any problem. Had them on the stand, no worries. My trainer sat on the fence above us, we walked up to her, and he let her pet his head. We worked on lunging as well, and went from a head tossing-wohooooo, to a nice, calm walk on both sides. Was able to drive him along the fence, and turn sides all at a walk. I'm so proud of him. He is constantly looking for assurance that he is doing things right, and is just soaking up the praises and the love, yup, the horse who was head-shy, and kept running behind Trevor every time I came near his head. Lets me hug him, give him kisses on his face, and is actually "smiling" about it. We're still working on getting him more comfortable about aproaching the mouth area, he still has some concerns about that, but he is getting so much better. My trainer thinks he is a Million Dollar horse. She made me promise her yesterday, that if I ever thought of getting rid of him, I have to call her first... |
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Post by jenm on Nov 18, 2007 11:39:33 GMT -5
What a fantastic update! I know how rewarding it is to see progress like this. This Million Dollar horse is so very lucky to be with you. I look forward to more updates. Keep up the good work!  |
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Post by swissgrl on Nov 20, 2007 14:05:47 GMT -5
He is FAST!!!!!
yesterday the 2 arabs were having a hair up their butt, and started running around the arena, they got Merlin and Trevor to run with them, and Merlin was hauling ........ He passed both arabs, and was the leader of the pack.
Little Trevor is so cute, he was prancing around after they ran, and had his tail up like an arab, gosh I wish I knew what his dad is....
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Post by swissgrl on Dec 17, 2007 11:42:11 GMT -5
So we've been working with STUFF, lots of SCARY stuff. Mainly blankets and having things over his head, around his legs, etc.
Saturday, we were able to put the winter blanket on him, close the front, and the belly straps, and put the leg straps on him. Then I walked him around, and he was just calm as can be, no scary look in his eye.
4 lessons ago, he kept moving away from the blanket, lots of sacking out, and now he wears it, and seems to like it. Keeps him comfy.
I dropped the blanked over his butt on the ground. He didn't spook at that at all. When I backed him up on it, he just took a calm step forward, and let me know he did not like to step on that.
He is coming around so nicely, and is a fast learner, just a joy to work with!!!
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Post by paintedlady on Dec 17, 2007 13:12:18 GMT -5
He is a HUNK !! What a beautiful Boy !! I looooovvvvveeee him ;D
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Post by kidznhorses on Dec 17, 2007 13:26:53 GMT -5
Such a smart boy! And so lucky to have you, Corinne! Pics please!!!
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Post by swissgrl on Dec 23, 2007 14:56:11 GMT -5
Just a couple of pictures I took this morning of Trevor and Merlin out playing. Merlin looking very studly  I just liked this one, they were running, and nipping at eachother...  taking a break  |
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Post by emjay on Dec 23, 2007 15:39:38 GMT -5
what's that green stuff??
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Post by swissgrl on Dec 23, 2007 15:58:00 GMT -5
what's that green stuff?? he, he, he.... you wouldn't believe it, but we've had some of that wet stuff (I think they call it rain.....?) and next thing you know, that green stuff came out of the ground. |
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Post by mykingdomforahorse on Dec 23, 2007 17:19:25 GMT -5
Trevor and Merlin are both gorgeous, and those photos are just too sweet!  When I hit "reply" it took me back to Merlin's lot photo -- WOW --you've put so much love into him, it's so obvious -- what a transformation! I love the photo of them playing -- they look like my Peanut and Mr. Bean -- boys will be boys, lol! It's wonderful when they're safe enough and fed enough to just be happy horses! Em |
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Post by swissgrl on Dec 23, 2007 20:36:54 GMT -5
ohhhhhh, I'm so excited..... Merlin let me put on his blanket tonight WITHOUT having to halter him first. He stood still, never even tried to move away. He was such an awesome boy about it!!!!
Yesterday in our lesson, he moved up to the fence while I was sitting on top, I asked him to line up with the fence, left side he did great, I was able to rub my foot all over his back, sides, butt.... I was even able to sit on him bareback. He never flinched.
Right side, he tested us, did not want to lign up close, but eventually he did lign up somewhat. I had to pretty much bring out my past gymnastic moves to be able to put my leg over his back. But he did stand still for that.
I need to get my BF to come out and take pictures next time!!!!
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Post by swissgrl on Dec 30, 2007 11:30:36 GMT -5
Merlin is part of the BIG BOY'S CLUB now!!! He wore the saddle yesterday. Angie had him saddled about a year ago, but since he's come home, we've been working on some of his issues. Yesterday, he took the saddle without any problem! He was so relaxed, ran with the big guys, and never freaked out. Even when they got goofy, he was really smart at standing back, and kept trotting in a nice pace. I was so proud of him. Such a great boy!!! First time with the saddle in over a year. Nothing to worry about, he knows what he's doing...  Look Mom, I'm a big Kid now!!!!  Relaxed as can be, moving around with the boys!  |
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Post by swissgrl on Feb 25, 2008 22:06:53 GMT -5
just a new pic of Merlin, they've been enjoying just a bit of time in the front yard to mow down the grass (means I won't have to ;D ) He is looking so filthy, he loves his mud bath....  |
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Post by swissgrl on Mar 20, 2008 19:07:38 GMT -5
and last but not least, some new pics of Merlin..... showing off his physique...  not sure what he saw, but I like how this came out..  |
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Post by kidznhorses on Mar 21, 2008 15:48:07 GMT -5
Swissy, this guy gets more gorgeous every time I see him. Thank you so much for the new pics! Keep 'em coming. Can't wait to see you riding him!!!!
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Post by swissgrl on Mar 21, 2008 18:32:07 GMT -5
He's becoming quite the manly man, isn't he?
He was all frisky today during his lesson, but a really good boy, and I think I'll be riding him soon.
Just hate that my 2 week trip is getting in the way..... But I'll be sure to take pictures, and I told my trainer that I want to be the first one to ride him (she keeps threatening me that she'll steal him from me someday, she likes him so much), so I had to have her promise me she won't ride while I'm gone!
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Post by bnc2004 on Mar 21, 2008 22:01:17 GMT -5
Beautiful, beautiful horse!
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Post by djrepp on Mar 22, 2008 0:36:22 GMT -5
Nice guy. I remember the first time I saw him. Happy he is with you!
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Post by swissgrl on May 2, 2008 11:46:34 GMT -5
WE'RE GROUND DRIVING!!!!!
I'm so freaking excited!!! Merlin has had the dangest time with ground driving. Everytime the ropes hit his sides, he felt trapped and freaked out. Forget the turning, he turned, and felt the rope on one side, he swung around to the side he came from, and had this "OH S..T" look on his face.
So we have been working on desencetizing (SP?) him. So yesterday I played again with him, sacked him out with the blanket, put the surcyngle on, and lounged him with one reign.
My trainer is very caucious (somebody has to, cuz I just go for it), and she probably would have killed me if she would have seen me put both long reigns on, and start driving him. I swear that was a completely different horse that was walking in front of me. Nice easy walk, head low. So I'm thinking.... mmmmmmhhhhhh wonder what would happen..... and I ask him to turn, HE DID. Absolutely no problem at all, lines touching his side, so what... it was nothing smooth, and he initially stopped, but when I asked him to move out, he did, again, in a nice calm walk.
I was soooo proud of him, had to call Angie right away and brag about him!!!!!!
I will try to take pictures today!!! Boy, I just love this guy, he is so awesome, I really feel like we've gone over that hump, like it clicked, and he got it.
Sorry, had to brag, just so excited!!!!
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Post by kidznhorses on May 2, 2008 15:06:22 GMT -5
hee hee hee! WAY TO GO, SWISSY! Waiting for those pics, now!
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Post by swissgrl on Jun 17, 2008 13:05:53 GMT -5
Well, it's been a while since I posted an update on Mr. Merlin.
We are getting to be Pro's at ground driving. After the initial "OH sh*t, THOSE LINES ARE TOUCHING ME!!!!!" we've done a lot of side driving, until it just clicked one day. Now we're doing snake trails, turns to the inside and towards the fence, stop (somewhat) straight, back up, and trott. We're currently working on trotting, and turning. He really seems to enjoy his lessons!
We're also at the point, where I can put full weight in the stirrup, and lean over his back and touch the stirrup on the other side, without him moving off (we're doing this off Straw bales). We have weight in the stirrups from both sides. However he seems to know that you mount from the left, he gives me this look when I work the right side, as if he's going, "doh, mom, don't you know you're on the wrong side?".
He is really making me a much better horse person. I have to get so much better at my timing, and at finding the perfect way to work with him. You go to fast, he doesn't respond well, you go to slow, he doesn't respond well either. So gotta find that happy medium, but once he clicks, it's a huge step forward.
I can see how he could definitely become a Problem horse in the wrong hands. He does take a lot of patience, re-assurance, and you can't get frustrated with him, he does not respond well to frustrated people. Again, he's making me a much better horse person at the same time as he's learning new things.
Pretty cool!!!
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Post by swissgrl on Jul 5, 2008 19:28:54 GMT -5
Merlin got a bath today, and I thought I better take a picture before he rolls..... Not the best, but he sure looks very clean ;D  |
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NanciK
Super Pooper Scooper
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Post by NanciK on Jul 5, 2008 22:18:00 GMT -5
He's ga-ga-ga-GORGEOUS! And, wow, he's really clean, too!!
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Post by swissgrl on Aug 2, 2008 23:24:43 GMT -5
I've been mounting Merlin from the Straw bale, and just been laying on his back.
Today, he was so calm, just stood there, and kept turning around, looking at me. So we decided to try to mount from the ground (I need to get looser jeans.... ;D )
Anyways, so off I go, hoping on, laying on his back, he cocked a foot, almost as if he was really bored with my fidgeting around him. I was sooooooo tempted to just swing my leg over, but he only had the halter on, and I didn't want to start something.
I felt like a sack of potatoes... poor guy, got out of the stirup, moved around to position myself better, got back in the stirup. ABSOLUTELY NO BIG DEAL!!!!! It was so exciting!
Of course BF was to grumpy this early in the morning to be out there with the camera....
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Post by swissgrl on Aug 9, 2008 15:57:58 GMT -5
Just a picture of Merlin carrying around his favorite sack o'potatoes ;D and taking it for a walk!  |
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