Ok. So I know that it’s not Christmas. But it is springtime in South Dakota. And other than the wind that’s been blowing big the past few days, it’s absolutely gorgeous outside! There’ve been rides into the pasture to check on the mama cows. Rides in the arena to work on speed control,softness, and lead changes on my barrel horses.
Tuesday, yesterday, was an exceptionally good day. Zach’s been trimming feet the past few days (I think he’s done right at 12 head). So I have been riding in the barn out so I can hang out with him, and stay out of the wind. I started the morning playing with Ranger- cleaning him up and taking some more pictures of him, but today I’m pretty sure I’ll saddle him- he’s ready. After Ranger, I brought in this adorable colt we call Wyatt. He’s a half brother to Ranger by Tom, and he’s been haltered about 6 times prior to yesterday. He was saddled within 30 minutes of me getting him in the barn. We walked around a bit while saddled with me leading him. After that was all good, I just let him go and moved him out with the saddle on. He never offered to buck or even think about it actually. Relaxed might be a good way to describe him.
After a great ride on Shuttle, where we worked on getting a pretty, slow collected lope I brought in Dino, the last half-brother to my favorite gelding, Gump. Dino has now been haltered 3 times. We halter broke him last summer, and he was so good he was in and out of the barn in about 30 minutes. I put a halter on him on Sunday and played with him in the outdoor round pen for a bit. Yesterday I worked on getting him ready to saddle and today that’s what I’ll do. On a daily basis, I feel like I’m getting more confident in my ability to start colts and do right by them.
Bina says
Wyatt is so cute!!!!!!! I love him! I’m glad the weather is getting nice so you can finally get out there! And how many horses do you guys have on that farm, total??? The first time I clicke the link for Wyatt, it took me to Zach’s flicker page with a BUNCH of horses on it!!!!!
~The South Dakota Cowgirl~ says
Let’s see- how many horses do we have:
roughly 25 broodmares, 25 geldings, 4 studs, 16 weanlings, about 15 coming 2 and 3yo mares, and past that I’ve lost count. We have about 25 foals hitting the ground this year too. So roughly 100- after the sales.
We are taking about 25 head to the horse sales this month.
Bina says
Holy crap!!!!! That many??? If you guys ever need to hire someone to clean the stalls, feed, brush, ride, etc., give me a call. I’m willing to divorce for that job! LOL
dkatrip says
HOLY COW BATMAN…Dara can be a big help with all that. It’ll be so good for her. I’ll call about this summer.