Beautiful snowy morning today (11/16). Stayed up too late working on TCF work but it is always a sort of rejuvenating therapy to see Arrow. When I arrived she was eating in the loafing shed with the other (big) horses- she almost disappeared between Kit (a quarter horse/TB) and Sienna (a QH)... but I found her and after a quick groom I brought out a big western saddle. She gave it a couple looks and sniffs but then didn't move as I laid it on her back and cinched it up. The belly strap didn't bother Arrow but she did look like a toy horse under all that leather and silver.
She's getting pretty good at being tied too-- still just looping the leadrope around the fence but tight enough that she can't easily pull free and she no longer tests it.
With carrots and camera in pocket I drove her back along the frozen puddle and stopped her next to her tire. I just loosely tied the leadrope attached to the tire around the saddle horn and off we went down the road. At first she steered like a drunk and we made wide curves back and forth over the snowy road but then we improved and even trotted down the lane with the tire. She pulled it off both sides of the saddle and backs up and turns beautifully. I think she could plow my garden this spring if I could get her to my house.
Back in front of the barn I stepped it each stirrup and swung up and sat on her from the left side. Didn't get all the way on from the right because my ankle is still hurt. Gave her carrots from the saddle and flexed her neck.
She took her western experience completely in stride--- can't wait to hit the trails.
(photos coming)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Arrow on a snowy sunday
I've worked with Arrow twice on driving with long reins. The first day my friend Brian led her around while I directed them both from behind. We walked around and trotted too (left Brian, whoa Arrow, whoa Brian... like that- team driving!) Then the day after that I drove her around the roundpen and pasture in wavy lines. It would have appeared to any observers (none present I hope) that at least one of us was very drunk at 8:30am in the morning. But she got the basic idea and learned to stop and back up and we finally drove back into the roundpen without hurting anyone or anything. Everything is so much fun with Arrow- I was late to work but couldn't leave her.
Then came a snowy Saturday when we just went for a trail walk and trotted along the roads in the setting darkness. I tried to teach Arrow to pick up a jolly-ball and she did once but then we ran out of carrots and she failed to see the point of picking it up off a snowy picnic table.
Sunday was snowy and sunny. We played in the arena (Arrow is really getting good at the 'circling game' and goes over the logs and around trees without hesitation. Next, I jerry-rigged the saddle into a surcingle of sorts and used my side-reins and 12' leadrope to make longreins and off we went. Arrow got the "driving" better than I could have expected today and pretty soon we were trotting only slightly drunk clover leaf pattens around the barrels and walking over logs, halting, backing up and doing nice turns on the haunches. Every car that passed saw a little mustang getting big hugs.
Then we "drove" up the neighbor's driveway, turned around and went to the barn where we picked up a tire to pull. I started with pulling the tire (leashed with Arrow's old leadrope) next to her and behind her. Even if it bumped her feet she was steady. Then passed the tire's leadrope through the saddle's girth straps and she helped me pull it down the road. Then I let her pull it alone. She marched along beautifully (leading me to wonder if she'd done this before? in a past life?) and then we turned around and she pulled the tire, and a lot of snow, up the driveway, through a half-frozen puddle and then up a little hill and through the woods.
Eileen and Skip, who own the place where Arrow lives with their herd, popped out to ask me if I'd like to borrow the cart and harness... YES! So hopefully we can be driving for real soon-- this has always been a dream of mine. Because Arrow is only 2 1/2 and not a very large horse, I'd like to wait til she's closer to three before riding her much, so the driving will be wonderful training for riding too.
To get a photo I had Arrow stand and Fiddle (my cattle dog) sit on the tire. If she moved I just went back to her, lifted up the tire and had her back up, 5-10-15 steps, no matter, she's getting good at this! Fiddle was understandably nervous about the situation and when Arrow lifted up her foot (because of the lines, not Fiddle) he looked at me warily. When Arrow started to walk, Fiddle leapt out of the tire. I'll have to rig up a little sleigh for me to stand on and eventually both Fiddle and I can sit in the cart I hope.
At the end of the day I give Arrow a few oats and her vitamins. Today she nickered when I came out of the barn with the pan-- probably one of the best sounds in the world. I'm glad I can give her this small pleasure. She eats off the picnic table with Fiddle and I watching- a nice, quiet time. Fiddle likes to lick the pan while I turn Arrow back out with the other horses.
Then it is time to go home and get back on the computer to try and save her compatriots still in the wild.
Then came a snowy Saturday when we just went for a trail walk and trotted along the roads in the setting darkness. I tried to teach Arrow to pick up a jolly-ball and she did once but then we ran out of carrots and she failed to see the point of picking it up off a snowy picnic table.
Sunday was snowy and sunny. We played in the arena (Arrow is really getting good at the 'circling game' and goes over the logs and around trees without hesitation. Next, I jerry-rigged the saddle into a surcingle of sorts and used my side-reins and 12' leadrope to make longreins and off we went. Arrow got the "driving" better than I could have expected today and pretty soon we were trotting only slightly drunk clover leaf pattens around the barrels and walking over logs, halting, backing up and doing nice turns on the haunches. Every car that passed saw a little mustang getting big hugs.
Then we "drove" up the neighbor's driveway, turned around and went to the barn where we picked up a tire to pull. I started with pulling the tire (leashed with Arrow's old leadrope) next to her and behind her. Even if it bumped her feet she was steady. Then passed the tire's leadrope through the saddle's girth straps and she helped me pull it down the road. Then I let her pull it alone. She marched along beautifully (leading me to wonder if she'd done this before? in a past life?) and then we turned around and she pulled the tire, and a lot of snow, up the driveway, through a half-frozen puddle and then up a little hill and through the woods.
Eileen and Skip, who own the place where Arrow lives with their herd, popped out to ask me if I'd like to borrow the cart and harness... YES! So hopefully we can be driving for real soon-- this has always been a dream of mine. Because Arrow is only 2 1/2 and not a very large horse, I'd like to wait til she's closer to three before riding her much, so the driving will be wonderful training for riding too.
To get a photo I had Arrow stand and Fiddle (my cattle dog) sit on the tire. If she moved I just went back to her, lifted up the tire and had her back up, 5-10-15 steps, no matter, she's getting good at this! Fiddle was understandably nervous about the situation and when Arrow lifted up her foot (because of the lines, not Fiddle) he looked at me warily. When Arrow started to walk, Fiddle leapt out of the tire. I'll have to rig up a little sleigh for me to stand on and eventually both Fiddle and I can sit in the cart I hope.
At the end of the day I give Arrow a few oats and her vitamins. Today she nickered when I came out of the barn with the pan-- probably one of the best sounds in the world. I'm glad I can give her this small pleasure. She eats off the picnic table with Fiddle and I watching- a nice, quiet time. Fiddle likes to lick the pan while I turn Arrow back out with the other horses.
Then it is time to go home and get back on the computer to try and save her compatriots still in the wild.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Susan Visits!
Susan of Chicago adopted Arrow and I just get the pleasure of training her. Susan was at the roundup and the auction and traveled with Arrow to Colorado before going back to Illinois. On Oct. 24th Susan came back to see Arrow and boy did we all have fun.
Photos and details coming soon
Photos and details coming soon
Allisun visits... beautiful training and photographs result!
my dear friend, Allisun, came to visit a chilly Colorado from much more temperate Alameda, California. We grew up riding together-- lots of fun bareback rides around my neighborhood, always stopping to get apples and carrots from my mom who would come out of the house or garden to spoil the horses. Allisun is now a photographer, dancer, artist, teacher etc. and it was a real treat to be with her and Arrow. Allisun's photography website is http://www.luzography.com/. 
A frosty Arrow eats hay from Makendra's hand...
A chilly day- reminds me of when we filmmed Arrow with her band (Cloud's) in the snow in the Hell n' Gone in April of 2008. I'll upload one of those photos soon.
A frosty Arrow eats hay from Makendra's hand...A chilly day- reminds me of when we filmmed Arrow with her band (Cloud's) in the snow in the Hell n' Gone in April of 2008. I'll upload one of those photos soon. 
BLM freeze brand- scabbed but will soon grow in with white hair. A constant reminder of her lost freedom. 
Arrow is always calm-- and she likes to eat. She also loves drinking, that is the one thing I think she really enjoys about this new life-- a very close and always handy (albeit not big enough to play in) water source.
The photographer... caught on film!
Arrow is a dedicated eater as I lean on her back.
Allisun feeds an ever-more-trusting Arrow
The sun came out and blue sky Colorado returned
Arrow and Alli
Day 4, Oct. 4th, 2009
Went out at 9am today, left at noon. Too much time I think, I have to break up the training more.
Arrow wasn't hungry, but eventually she let me lean up against her and then massage her all over- she even dropped her head while I rubbed her poll. She is extremely tight and sore and clearly enjoyed the massage.
I worry a little because she really isn't 'engaging' -- just standing still and glancing at me occasionally. At one point she turned and I thought she was going to kick but she just scooted off and I whacked her rump with the rope halter (to make leaving more unpleasant than staying).
I was able to rub her all over with the halter and move it around on her neck and touch her ace but didn't quite get it over her nose-- that will be tomorrow I'm guessing
For a while I tried pushing her around with a swinging halter until she stood still. I think it will be good to get her into the roundpen too.
Arrow wasn't hungry, but eventually she let me lean up against her and then massage her all over- she even dropped her head while I rubbed her poll. She is extremely tight and sore and clearly enjoyed the massage.
I worry a little because she really isn't 'engaging' -- just standing still and glancing at me occasionally. At one point she turned and I thought she was going to kick but she just scooted off and I whacked her rump with the rope halter (to make leaving more unpleasant than staying).
I was able to rub her all over with the halter and move it around on her neck and touch her ace but didn't quite get it over her nose-- that will be tomorrow I'm guessing
For a while I tried pushing her around with a swinging halter until she stood still. I think it will be good to get her into the roundpen too.
Day 2- Oct. 3rd, 2009
Went to see Arrow in the morning and just walked around and sat wiht her. She ate a little grain and is brave about the rubber pan. Then I left for a couple hours and came back with my friend, Erin. We fed her hay and I walked around with her a lot, she understands my body language perfectly. I do wish I had a carrot stick though (soon to to be remedied).
Others have put their mustangs in a panel-chute, but I feel uncomfortable setting that up here, but also impatient to get going (though I shouldn't be).
We stood with her for over an hour and I just kept walking with her.
After everyone left I put her hay in the corner and just stood next to her while she ate. Then I leaned a little towward her, right behind her shoulder. She flinched a little but stood still. So with pure intentions I leaned against her a little and then a little more. We stayed like that for a while and then I rubbed ad stroked her all over and over her back for a while. Magical to have my fingers in her silver-tinged coat that just moments ago I wondered if I could ever touch.
The other (left) side was touchier (freeze-branding and vaccination side from BLM). At one point I thought she was going to turn and kick me (I may have gone overtime) but eventually I rubbed her all over on that side too. Probablly a good idea ot have a whip in case she spins to kick and I can "kick back". I have to work more on her face, but she did let me give her a hug and I could say I am so sorry.
I hope tomorrow we can get her halter trained soon.
Others have put their mustangs in a panel-chute, but I feel uncomfortable setting that up here, but also impatient to get going (though I shouldn't be).
We stood with her for over an hour and I just kept walking with her.
After everyone left I put her hay in the corner and just stood next to her while she ate. Then I leaned a little towward her, right behind her shoulder. She flinched a little but stood still. So with pure intentions I leaned against her a little and then a little more. We stayed like that for a while and then I rubbed ad stroked her all over and over her back for a while. Magical to have my fingers in her silver-tinged coat that just moments ago I wondered if I could ever touch.
The other (left) side was touchier (freeze-branding and vaccination side from BLM). At one point I thought she was going to turn and kick me (I may have gone overtime) but eventually I rubbed her all over on that side too. Probablly a good idea ot have a whip in case she spins to kick and I can "kick back". I have to work more on her face, but she did let me give her a hug and I could say I am so sorry.
I hope tomorrow we can get her halter trained soon.
Day 2 in Colorado Springs- Oct. 2, 2009
Didn't get off work til late and then Jim and I went over to see Arrow. He fed her hay and it was dark but for the lights. She is samall and I tried to touch her nose more and walk around a bit but she is very clear in her space and comfort zone. We give her the whole pen area at night and I think everyone is enjoyinig watching her settle in.
But where others see a content horse, I see a stolen soul.
But where others see a content horse, I see a stolen soul.
Arrow arrives in Colorado Springs
On October 1, 2009 Ginger & Ann trailered Arrow and Sax (Cloud's little half-brother) from Ft. Collins to Colorado Springs. We unloaded Arrow and managed to close the door before Sax could come out too. This little roan mare was calm and wide-eyed.
My journal entry from that day:
"Arrow came down from Ft. Collins today. Unloading went calmly, Arrow out- Sax stayed in. I had hoped to have hours and hours to sit with her, but between peope adn phone calls I only had a bit of time.
Her eyes are dark and mysterious and I wonder if she still sees her home.
You can sit right by her as she eats hay but I can only barely touch her nose as she eats grass hay.
She gets along fine- all brave two and a half years of her.
I guesstimate she was born on June 16th, 2007.
It is strange to have her here.
My journal entry from that day:
"Arrow came down from Ft. Collins today. Unloading went calmly, Arrow out- Sax stayed in. I had hoped to have hours and hours to sit with her, but between peope adn phone calls I only had a bit of time.
Her eyes are dark and mysterious and I wonder if she still sees her home.
You can sit right by her as she eats hay but I can only barely touch her nose as she eats grass hay.
She gets along fine- all brave two and a half years of her.
I guesstimate she was born on June 16th, 2007.
It is strange to have her here.
Auction
Arrow was adopted for $225. Other horses went high, but for some lucky reason Arrow was not on many people's radar.
--trailer loading on Sept. 27th
--traveling to Ft. Collins
--trailer loading on Sept. 27th
--traveling to Ft. Collins
Roundup- the end of her wild life
On Sept. 7th, the day after my birthday and the fouth day of the unnecessary and poorly conducted BLM roundup in the Pryors, Arrow and her band (led by her grandfather, Cloud) were run the 12-15 miles down off their mountain home in 90+ degree heat. They were penned up and seperated after being run through a shoot to be freeze-branded, vaccinated, wormed, and neck-tagged (if they were to be removed) or given a blue-butt-dot (a brand for freedom). Arrow was tagged #_____.
I was not there that day- spending time in the hotel room blogging and calling on media to stop this maddness.
Photos coming.
I was not there that day- spending time in the hotel room blogging and calling on media to stop this maddness.
Photos coming.
Wild Arrow Slideshow
photos by Deb Little Photography, Pam Nickoles Photography, Ginger Kathrens, Ann Evans, Thomas Homburg and me too.
Arrow in the wild
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