Day ten of training, plus a detour.

When Matt first got Mojito, he had a small crack in his rear, right hoof. It seemed superficial but started to get larger so Matt laid off the training until he could get together with his vet and ferrier to determine what was best for Mojito. So we loaded him up and went north to Bluffdale. It's more than a hop, skip and a jump from Genola to Bluffdale but Matt trusts Dr. Linford's judgement so off we went. The Ferrier, Seth Kunz, was there when we arrived and together they determined that instead of epoxying the hoof it would be best to trim it and apply a shoe--what the heck--get him four new shoes!!! The ferrier was great with Mojito--nice and patient and fast too. Although the "walks on two legs" were great, Mojito was the real star! Have I said this before? "What a dang good horse!"

When we left the vet's place, we took a detour to the BLM to show the folks up there that Matt takes care of his mustangs!!!!! (He'd been there the day before discussing Mojito's dilema.) Then home again and about forty-five minutes of training--not too long. Gotta' break in those new shoes!

Tomorrow is Sunday so we'll all be resting!

If you are looking for a great ferrier, check out Seth of K-3 Outfitters. 801-667-3187 and of course, if you need a vet for your horse, there's no one like Scott Linford- 801-446-8838.

Up and At'em

Matt has practiced loading and unloading Mojito. Matt just walks up in the trailer, doesn't even make eye contact with Mojito, and son-of-a-gun, Mojito hops right up too. He rarely hesitates.

Hold Still, buddy.

What's best for Mojito?

Dr. Scott Linford, Mojito's vet and Seth Kunz, Mojito's ferrier figure out the best way to treat the split in Mojito's hoof. Since Matt plans to take Mojito up on the mountain, the three of them decided it would be best to put shoes on him.

Orthopedic Shoes?

You can go to the equivilant of "Payless for Ponies" and pick up some shoes but they need to be formed to fit the horses hoof.

Getting his hoof rasped

Mojito lookes like he's saying, "Can't a guy get his nails done without making a big deal out of it?"

rear quarter crack

This is what all the concern was about. It was a tiny split when Matt picked him up from the B.L.M. However, like zucchini--it just got bigger!

Water Play

Matt sprinkled the round corral for a little dust control. He squirted some water Mojito's way. It didn't seem to phase him. In fact he tried to lap it up.

Turning in a Circle

The End of a Good Day

Seventh day of Training--Third Ride

The goal was to ride Mojito. Before Matt got on, he saddled Mojito, lunged him in both directions and then mounted him. Mojito is catching on!!!!


Matt rode Mojito early in the morning and again in the afternoon. No problems.

Side Passing

Mojito side passes through the gate.

Some modern art in Mojito's apartment

Although it's not his favorite decor, he's getting used to it. Horses typically are afraid of things flapping-- big ole tarps, slickers, plastic bags, paper blowing in the wind etc. But this horse is amazing and so is his trainer!

Day Six of Training--Matt rides Mojito AKA Steve

It wasn't the best day weather wise. The wind was whipping and there was lightening and thunder in the distance. However, Matt had made the goal to ride Mojito AKA Steve and Mojito didn't seem bothered by the weather. It started out like the last few days. Matt saddled him (had to buy a new smaller cinch,) ran him in the corral, mounted him. I thought, that horse is so mellow this will be a nice easy ride for both of them WRONG. Mojito made his displeasure known. Really, put yourself in the horses place. Here you are walking along and someone you may just be starting to trust puts this big awkward backpack on you. Well, you guess you'll tolerate it and then, what the heck, he puts a big ole bulldog in the backpack and to top it off the big ole bulldog is trying to get you do something and you don't speak bulldog. The bulldog is heavy and maybe the bulldog wants to eat you (remember the horse is a prey animal and to have something on his back could mean he is going to die---as in the case of a mountain lion.) Well, I can't think anymore about the backpack/bulldog analogy -----but just consider and I do mean consider the horses feelings. I'm not a cowboy. I think at times I understand cowboy but mainly I understand Indian. This horse is your brother who walks on four legs. Better treat him with respect--try to be understanding.

After Matt came off, like a true cowboy he got back on and this time Mojito didn't even offer to buck. He just seemed confused. He'd turn left and right over and over--that's what they had been doing as ground work so it was familiar to him. Finally, Matt asked his Uncle Jed to get in the corral and walk in front of Mojito. It's like he had an invisible lead rope. Mojito seemed to say," Well, all I needed to know is what you expected of me." I'd say considering everything that happened it was a successful day. Matt is taking ibuprofen and the swelling is going down.....at least it will be a memorable day

Mojito is getting ready to buck. He'll tuck his head between his front legs and "all hell will break loose!"

Ride'm cowboy!

Matt said that this was just about the time he was trying to figure out where he would get off---Mojito helped with the decision.

YEE-HAW !!!!!!!

Literally, another one bites the dust.

Double Wipe Out!

Synchronization

It's kind of like synchronized swimming but with no water or pretty girls--But hey, check out the way the are gracefully :) arising in synchronization.

Forward---------

Mojito AKA Steve didn't seem to understand the forward concept so Uncle Jed got in the corral and Mojito followed him. It's understandable that Mojito would be confused since he's always gotten his direction from the ground.

Dismounting

This can be a scary time too. The horse sees Matt's leg swinging and feels the shifting weight. However, with a minimum amount of movement from the horse, Matt was safely on the ground.

All righty Then!!!!!!

Wow! All is well that ends well. In spite of a "Shaky" start, it was a great ending.

Day five training

The goal today was to have Steve accept Matt's weight when he is in the saddle. He also wanted Steve to get used to seeing Matt above him--something prey animals aren't too comfortable with. Tomorrow Matt wants to ride him. Pray for them both.

Flies are pretty bad so Matt sprays him. He just stands there. We commented on how none of our other horses would stand still for this. Diego his neighbor, certainly went balistic .What's up with this horse?I looked through his hay to see if there were any marijuana leaves mixed in---something to mellow him out---but no, just plain ole alfalfa.

Matt is sending him away and then asking Steve AKA Mojito to give him his two eyes--face him. He does this exercise so he can send the horse in the direction he's pointing. He does this so that in the future he can hold a gate open and send him through.

Steve is moving his hind quarters. Today he's improved his movement left and right.

That perked him up!!