Peanut had his second ride undersaddle yesterday. Very successful…..we played with connecting the direct rein to the front foot and the ‘go forward’ cue. He doesn’t really understand the concept of why I would ride him, I don’t think. Perhaps more purpose would be helpful next time. Hmmm….
A few days ago, I was afforded a great photo op at my place. I had been out doing my barn chores and had let Manny out in the aisleway to hang out while I worked which is commonly our routine. I ran into the house to let my freezing Yorkies in and get a second cup o Joe. When I came back out to the mudroom, there was Manny, escaped from the barn, knocking on my door quite literally. He was sampling the ornamental corn on the door! Too funny!
Today was a beautiful, clear day and I was home early from work. I couldn’t resist doing some saddle work with Peanut. He stood quietly in the barn aisle (well, his feet weren’t moving…just his big mouth). He touched, tasted and stomped on both the saddle pad and my beloved Brainard saddle (ouch!). Its a good thing I don’t think this saddle will fit him for long! He accepted saddling on the first try. The cinch meant nothing to him… In all honesty, I did not expect this process to go so smoothly or so quickly…and since there was plenty of daylight, I continued on. First I set him out on our ‘track’ and had Doc take him for a run with his new appendage. He had a few very small bucks in him at the canter, but not much excitement…all in all. So…feeling lucky, I decided to press on. BTW, I love this horse….he makes my butt look small! Its a long way up there! Even with my ungraceful start, he was pretty interested …
With my Mom’s retirement finally here, we moved her into a small apartment here at Resting Heart Farm, so she could enjoy the things she loves…beading, knitting and her dogs. But she felt like she was missing out…in the horse department. So when a pair of minis became available, we couldn’t resist…. We added Miss Molly (formerly ‘Sunny’) and her colt, Magic to our herd in August 2007. Magic and Peanut were of course, instant friends!
Peanut is a Belgian Draft horse and my first baby. He was born in the driving rain on 6/6/6 about a 1/2 mile from my house and I happened to drive by his pasture about 10 minutes after he was born and stopped to watch him struggle to stand and then his first feeble steps. Soon he was running…I was starstruck. In my heart I claimed him for my own and a few weeks later sealed the deal with the dairy farmer who had no use for him. Pictured here at 3 months old. Never haltered or handled. He and I soon came to be ‘buds’. Halter trained and leading lessons behind us….sharing a morning cup of joe…at 4 months. December 2006…six months old and nearly rideable! The neighbors called constantly…’I think there is something wrong with your youngster!’ He loved to sleep…anywhere. Here he is with the crew…winter 2007…8 months old. Look at those legs! Nearly a yearling…hmmm..he’s getting big! After a few days spent with Mark Rashid in the spring of 2007, Peanut …
Life at Resting Heart Farm 