Mouse's Journal - 2005
January 1, 2005
I measured Mouse this morning, and it is even more apparent why she was hit so hard last week with her molars... she has just had a MASSIVE growth spurt at her withers; 2 inches in 2 weeks! She's now 17hh!!!!! Mouse would be 2 years 8 months now, and this coincides EXACTLY with her growth spurt last winter, the one where she hit 16hh.
This just boggles the mind... does this mean that she might not have another spurt until she's 4 or so? Or should I still expect her regular June spurt as well (2 inches last June)?
She's supposed to finish 17.2-18hh... and she's still got another 2.5 years to grow!!!!January 13, 2005
I am happy to say that Mouse is doing well, but darn, it's sure cold out right now!!! One morning, it was -12C!!!! That's insane! Because of the cold, I have been giving Mouse a little more hay than normal, but also because she's still growing too. Of course, she eats up every scrap! :)
January 15, 2005
Mouse was in a good mood this morning, despite the fact that the -14C weather caused her water bucket to freeze solid, and she managed to destroy it as a result of her trying to break the ice. Unfortunately, she did not manage to get any water, so she was very thirsty this morning. My poor girl! I put her on the lead after she was done her breakfast, and did a little ground work with her. She was very spunky, but well behaved. This cold weather seems to suit her just fine, with that thick coat of hers!
January 19, 2005
Bring on the rain!!!! Ahhhh!!! I have one really large, SOAKED horse right now. It's not my fault she stands out in the rain waiting for me in the morning! Well, who am I kidding, she's waiting for her food! All in all, though, Mouse is doing great; she's gained all her lost weight back, is in good spirits, and just seems really happy (aside from the rain). I'm hoping to remeasure her saddle fit and start her back under saddle sometime in the next few weeks. Show season is just around the corner, and 2005 is going to be a blast!
January 28, 2005
For the first time in I don't know how long (over a month) I was able to ride Mouse (as opposed to doing just groundwork and chasing her around).
I spent over an hour this morning grooming her, washing her tail, etc, then I tacked her up for a short ride. Well, we rode up the road, and she was so responsive to my legs; moving over when asked, moving forward on leg cue only (including trotting!) So, I took her up to the gravel pit and did a bit of work going up and down hills... a little spooky at some of the garbage people dumped but pretty good.
Soooo... for the first time ever, I ASKED her to canter. And she did... a beautiful, smooth rockinghorse-type gait. I love it. I noted what lead she took, then, after we stopped, turned around and walked back to the beginning of where we had cantered from, I asked her again, BUT I asked for the other lead. And she got it! Then, I walked back to the start again, and asked for the original lead... and she got it too!!!!
WOW! My baby is a frigging genius! It might have just been a total fluke... but I don't think so! I'm so excited, what a huge step for her!!! Yay Mouse!February 8, 2005
Well, lucky me, I've actually had a few opportunities to work with Mouse lately! Today was beautiful, so we went for a short trail ride. Mouse was slow to start, but about half way through, she started getting quite spunky and very much forward. We cantered a couple times, did lots of trotting... it was really great! Mouse was pretty good about moving off my leg, but it's still something that we're going to have to work on. Oh well, c'est la vive!
February 12, 2005
Yay! Got the great opportunity to have an adventure! Thanks Nikki for trailering us! :)
Mouse and I had a great time on the trailride... it was her first time out with such a large group, so it stands to reason that she would be a little nervous. When we started out, we were about 5th from the front... then Mouse slowed down... and down... and down...
She really wasn't sure where she was, and who all the horses were...
Then she stopped, was about 15 feet behind the last horse, and let out the most pitiful whinny I've ever hear. Poor girl thought she was lost!
Then, once she caught sight of Big Jake again, she wanted to stick to him... and she did, for the most part. At that point, Mouse had a few fits (she was so overwhelmed, poor thing) where she would suddenly kick out... when there were no horses behind her. But after a bit, she settled right down.
By the time we were almost back, Mouse became *very forward*... she was walking with her huge track up, doing some trotting, and just wanting to go go GO... it was very cool. Then when we walked through some very large puddles, she decided to trot and SPLASHED up a storm. I was laughing my butt off.March 6, 2005
Well, got my first chance to ride yesterday since my last journal entry. Contributing factors included me hurting my back, and Mouse's molars were bothering her. So, we headed up the road to the ring. It did not go well...
This is what I wrote on IH yesterday:
Ok, Let me preface this by saying "I love my horse".
Now let me vent... I am so incredibly frusterated with Mouse right now. Talk about 10 giant steps backwards. Right up until the end of fall, I had her going so nice; we was being foward when asked, and not planting her feet at all. We had gotten to the point where I felt confident that I could start training her to canter, as I was able to ride her without a crop, and still know that she would listen to my aids.
Today was the first time that I was able to ride since the Tsolum trail ride, due to the fact that Mouse's teeth were bothering her and that I had hurt my back (torn rhomboids) at work. Ok, it wasn't a great day to ride, given the very high winds and intermittant rain, but I'll take what I can get.
So Logan and I rode Taylor and Mouse up the road to a friend's ring, because I wanted to school Mouse, and Logan wanted to work on Taylor's jumping. We got there no problem (Mouse was pokey, but not unreasonably so), and after we got into the ring and investigated the 3 young horses from next door who were leaning over the fence, we started to work. Mouse was ok to start, she would trot when asked with a little enouragement... wouldn't hold it for very long, but was ok. Then, she got spooky, did a very forward trot, broke into a canter and yanked her head down to start bucking. We're talking Calgary Stampede Saddle Bronc worthy bucks here; the kind where they LEAP into the air and let their heels fly. No worries, I rode through it, and it was ok, no unexpected given the high winds.
Well, it was all downhill from there. Mouse planted. Wouldn't walk, wouldn't trot. Kicked her... nothing. Encouraged her with my crop... nothing. She was being so BAD! And it wasn't as though she was tired, or didn't know what I was asking her... she was just being an utter turd. I spent about 10 minutes fighting with her, then just gave up. Logan and I decided to finish our ride by taking the trails home. Mouse was incredibly pokey along the road, but FINE once we were on the trail, happily trotting away, almost breaking into a canter (which I was NOT going to allow considering how windy it was). Except for one incident where she tried to run down a short hill, she was GREAT on the trail... she really enjoys it.
I am so frusterated with today. Should I just forget about it, and hope that next time is better? Or should I resign myself to the fact that the horse who has had MINIMAL ring work is sour regardless?
I know that greenies are often pluggy in the ring, and happier on the trail; so what should I do if next time Mouse decides to pull a repeat performance?And today...
Well, I remeasured Mouse for her saddle, and moved her into the "medium-wide" gullet. We'll see how that goes. It was really miserable out today, pouring down rain, so we didn't do anything at all, That's ok, though; maybe Mouse really does need a break. Goofy girl. On the bright side, she and Stewie were out in the field together for a couple of hours... no problems! :)
March 25, 2005
So... I managed to get Mouse out three times this week.
On Sunday (I think) I took Mouse for a trail ride, did a fair bit of trotting, and she was really good about going over the "spooky bridge", and was nice and forward for the most part.
Logan and I went for a ride on Tuesday? and Mouse was really good; she and Taylor haven't been out together for a while. We ended up doing more walking that ride, because Mouse was a bit excited; at one point she started bucking in an attempt to pass Taylor. But of course, but Mouse in the lead, and she gets pokey.
Yesterday, Mouse and I headed out on the trail again. We trotted almost the entire trail!! Mouse was so good; we only walked the really narrow parts where the footing isn't good enough for a more forward pace. After that, we rode up to the gravel pit, where I asked Mouse to canter in her "spot". The first time, she pulled her head down and started bucking, so I pulled her up, and took to the start again, and when I asked her to canter, she did but tried to start bucking again (it was dinner time, and she wanted to run home!), but I pulled her head up, drove her forward with my seat and legs and got a WONDERFUL canter out of her. It was great!
I did not ride today, due to the wind and DIRT BIKES. I could hear them from my house this morning. I've already almost been hit once so far this year, and some parts of the trail are no longer rideable due to deep treads from spinning tires. I think it's time for me to do something about this... speeding (40km+!) on narrow windy trails is so DANGEROUS!!! Not to mention the damage they do... I wish they'd stick to the open space of the gravel pit; at least then they would be a little more aware of their surroundings!April 4, 2005
I didn't work today due to having "jury duty" (which was cancelled)... and good thing I didn't, because it was BEAUTIFUL out!!! After having a terribly busy weekend, it was nice to have a day to relax with Mouse. I gave her a good brushing, then we headed out for a trail ride... a LONG trail ride! We left Mystic Woods, headed up Gordon Rd, cut through the gravel pit to the trails... Mouse was so good! She walked PERFECTLY down the really steep hill, and only thought for a second to speed up, then stayed nice and slow. We ran into a jogger, and she was great, even when he ran right up behind her to pass. We rode all the way down to the Blue Tower (which is now kind of grey), and found that the trail has been a little "modified" to discourage dirt bikers. It made getting to the road a little more difficult, but we managed. We then rode down the logging road to the back of the "environmental center", and found THAT trail had also been modified to prevent dirt bikers (the horses do have permission to cut through there to get to the trails)... well, I ended up leading Mouse along the entire perimeter of the fence because the footing there is all clay, and with the recent rains, much too slippery to expect Mouse to balance a rider. It wasn't too bad of a hoof, until we had to walk through a ditch to avoid the rebar at a culvert!!! But we survived. :)
Then, I mounted back up, rode Mouse to the highway, crossed, and visited Sandbar Stables, where Mouse was boarded for a few months. We visited Kitty and Sam, and a tiny mini mare. Apparently, Mouse is in heat. Had no clue until she squatted and peed! Mouse also spent about 10 minutes in a VERY lush field with grass up to her knees... she must have thought that she had died and gone to horsey heaven!!!
On the way back, we took a slightly different route, heading around the other side of the "environmental center" fence perimeter. Once on the logging road, we decided to follow the power line trail to get back to the Blue Tower trail... well, silly me took the wrong trail, and ended up at a dead end. We were surrounded by dead salmon berry bushes... BUT, the power lines were almost directly over head, so I knew there was only about 100 feet until we were on the trail! So, I dismounted, and Mouse and "bushwacked" our way to the trail. I love my horse! She is as adventurous as I am!
Once back on the trail, we walked and trotted until we met up with the Blue Tower trail. Mouse dragged her butt up the steep hill (and I mean dragged... it is a very steep hill!), and at the point, we got lost. Several new trails have been put in by the mountain bikers, and I accidentally took the wrong one. After meeting up with a couple of dog walkers on a very scary trail about 10 feet from the trail we were on (there are a lot of trails in there!!!), Mouse and I bushwacked it again, and quickly found the right trail and were on our way home.
Total trail ride time? Almost 5 hours of pure glory!!
Mouse loved it. I loved it. We both felt great after, and are none the worst for wear! And the timing couldn't have been better; the forecast is for rain for the rest of the week!
April 30, 2005
Mouse and I took part in the Sue Rutherford clinic that was offered at CRTR. It was great; really refreshing to be able to get a new prospective on things. I spoke to Sue about Mouse's pokiness, and rather than try to urge her forward by excessive whipping or spurring, Sue wore herself out by chasing Mouse and I with a lunge whip. We made progress, but nothing huge. That was ok, though; as that was only day 1.
Day 2, we tried something totally different. Poles on the ground. Mouse would see it, focus on it, and move forward to it. She didn't always get a canter when asked, but really got a nice forward trot. I can so tell that this horse is going to be a great (well as great as a full Percheron can be) jumper, as she has that innate drive there. It is so awesome. It's like she locks her sights on the pole (which will someday be a jump) and it becomes her only focus. She then becomes more attentive to my aids. I love it!
I rode Mouse on Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday was just a quick trail ride, but we did get a little canter in! But on Thursday, Mouse "clicked"... she found her groove and took on the canter with a vengeance! It was great! She was still nice and responsive, transitioning down when asked, and for the most part, moving into a canter without too much urging.May 1, 2005
Happy 3rd birthday, Mouse!
May 7, 2005
Today Mouse and I went for a trail ride, just along the Chantral trail. She is getting more and more balanced when I ask her to canter, which is really nice. We cantered a good portion of the trail, and Mouse even threw in a flying lead change at one point, on her own accord. That was kind of cool. :) I've been trying to get Mouse out on the trail a couple times each week, just for exercise and to continue our training. After the ride today, since Mouse did not seem to be tired in the least, I took her into a friend's ring, to see if I could convince her to canter.
Unfortunately, no such luck. :( Mouse can be incredibly obstinate sometimes.
Must run in the family. ;)
May 26, 2005
Oh wow, do I have an update for you!
First, check out the photo gallery! New pics!
Ok, May 14th and 15th was the first show of the year (well, one of possibly three we will be entering this year). I entered walk/trot, with the intention of riding non-competitively, since Mouse and I did that division last year too. We rode up to the ring on the 12th, got Mouse settled in ok, so she had a day just to mellow out. On the evening of the 14th, I took her for a ride in the ring... and she cantered! No crop, no spurs... she was great! We didn't do any long canters, but she was trying, and for the most part, she was getting her correct leads. I was so proud of her. It was then that I decided to ride not in the walk/trot class, but in the GREEN HORSE division.
Well, on the 15th, we quickly got tacked up and entered the ring with the other green horses... in our first class (first of three), Mouse cantered, both directions! I was so proud of her. We placed 3rd in that class. After that, Mouse decided not to canter again, but was otherwise really good; nice and consistent with her gaits (though a little spooky at the rail sometimes).
The only downside was that after the show was over, Mouse spooked in the trailer we were getting a ride home in, and pulled back, scraping her leg as she escaped. Fortunately, it wasn't deep and is healing nicely. Very scary, though, to hear a horse as big as Mouse thrashing in a horse trailer!
This morning was the first time I've ridden since the show. I got up early (5am) and was at the barn just before 6... I gave Mouse a bit of breakfast, then tacked her up. It was a GLORIOUS morning; the birds were chirping, it was warm, and the trail is just so lush right now! I love the peace of riding that early in the morning... nothing beats it; I just have to be motivated to get up at early!!
Mouse is finally completely shedded out... well, have you looked at the photos yet??
October 18, 2005
Oh wow, do I have an update for you! (Doesn't that sound familiar?)
First, my apologies in regards to the lack of updating... once again, many changes abound! In the last month, I have left Vancouver Island and migrated deep into the woods... well, not really, but I am up in the glorious Cariboo now! The seasons have just changed again, the leaves have fallen, and winter is just around the next hill.
Mouse arrived here two days ago, after a 24 hour haul from the island. She was tired upon arrival, but has since rested and seems to be thrilled with her new surroundings. She now has eight glorious acres to romp on... comprised of grassy areas and dense forest. I am hoping to have some of the trees cleared by spring, to make room for addition pastures, and perhaps horses to fill them?
Visit the photo gallery for new images... including many from Mouse's 2005 show season. She's still holding steady at almost 17hh, but has filled out quite a bit over the summer. Her face has gotten increasingly grey, and she's also started to grow a star on her forehead. Who'd have thunk it?
In regards to her training, well, Mouse has done a very good of training me to allow her to be pokey! In our final show, we did work our way out of most of it, but still have not quite mastered the canter. I ended up having a coach hop on her and getting her moving, proving that Mouse CAN move when motivated. So, for 2006, this is something we will definitely be working on.
October 31, 2005
Well...
First, yesterday was a glorious sunny day, and since it was Sunday, and I didn't want to be bothered with a trip to town, as soon as I got as much as I could done outside (finished building gates, stringing electric, but couldn't turn it on because I didn't have my ground rods yet, mucked out Mouse's paddock)... I decided to go for a short ride.
I took her for a short ride down the gravel road today... I haven't ridden her since I moved (about a month), so she was feeling rather fresh... first, after investigating a "scary pumpkin man" (one of those plastic bag dolls you fill with leaves)... she gave it a good long sniff, then spun and bolted, head down, buck buck BUCK!!!
I chastised her, turned her around, then started back down the road. LO AND BEHOLD... COWS!!! She got very snorty, tense, and quivery, so I decided not to push her, and slooooowly turned her around, to walk home. Welllll... head down, GALLOP... buck buck BUCK!!!! What a bugger!!!
And did I mention that all this was with me riding BAREBACK?!??!?! I didn't get any pictures of the ride, but she was still feeling riled up, after we got home... (see gallery)
November 29, 2005
Brrrr... it's frickin' cold right now! -10C... and will likely get colder. Hold on... nope, it's now -12. Lovely, just lovely. And I hear it's going to hit -40 at some point!
Mouse is doing great... she has a new friend (16 year old, 16hh chestnut thoroughbred mare, Brassy [reg Brass Tactics] who is absolutely lovely, and may just turn out to be my jumper for a bit). She is definitely fat and fuzzy; I think the crisp weather suits here.
Ok, so I haven't updated for a bit (and honestly, if you've read all the entries, you will see a pattern here), and I know that I have some bits to share. :) I bought Mouse a lovely western saddle, and have even gotten out for one short ride around my property. I don't really like riding in the snow; the slipperyness of the ice underneath makes me really nervous. And because it's gotten so cold out now, I've had to give up on picking the paddock, as the manure is frozen so hard that I wrecked my boots trying to kick it loose. So, I ran my electric fence around most of my property so the girls can have free run. Mouse is very respectful of electric, as is Brassy, but that didn't stop her from going on a walkabout today! I came home from work to find my gate closed, and Mouse happily munching on the round bales of hay. I don't think she left the property, but I will investigate tomorrow in the daylight. Hopefully she wasn't visiting the stallion across the street! I fixed where she got through (I'm not sure how she did it, but we'll see if she tries it again...silly girl.
Ok, new photos are posted in the gallery! Oh, and by the time I was done typing this... the temperature was -14C.
