Rope me down and call me dogie!

See All These Horses.......

2010-02-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

And Those--Every Last One of Them-- Dewormed!!!!!

2010-02-13T16:56:00.000-08:00

Yahoo! Nineteen horses dewormed. It took all morning and more than a few--especially the babies, did not want to be caught and have that stuff shot down their throats. Matt had to rig up a squeeze chute to accomodate those difficult ones.

But it's over and in thirty days, we get to do it again!

What a good man Matt is to take care of them!

Yes, I too am good!

Yes, even the babies!

2010-02-13T16:40:00.000-08:00

The four new babies even had to have half a dose.

Nanceets

2010-02-13T16:38:00.000-08:00

Probably not the tastiest stuff!

2010-02-13T16:34:00.000-08:00

Proof that she can be caught and yes, even stand still long enough to have her hooves trimmed.

Not Your Standard Pedicure

2010-02-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

Since he had her caught, Matt decided to take care of her hooves which had grown long and uneven.

The Wild Paint

2010-02-13T16:29:00.000-08:00

Now doesn't she look so gentle? Matt too!

Open, Open, Open.

2010-02-13T16:26:00.000-08:00

Fuego-one nice horse that didn't give Matt grief!

Sarah Plain and Tall

2010-02-13T16:17:00.000-08:00

Here we have a new horse. No, we didn't need one. However, she was offered and Matt wanted her. She's a standard bred horse and although she doesn't have the big, round butt that Matt adores on a horse, he loves to watch her gait. She holds her tail up as she runs and it's quite enjoyable to see.

Why the long face?

2010-02-13T16:09:00.000-08:00

She doesn't have a name yet--except the one she came with--Peaches. That is her default name. We sometimes call her Flacka (that may be misspelled) which means skinny in Espanol or Bonua (which may also be misspelled.) It means tapeworm in Tongan. "Whatshername" has a sweet disposition. She is so tall---well compared to our Mustangs, she is tall and as is indicated by her names, quite slim. She hasn't found her place in the herd yet. We've had her three weeks and the others are still chasing her away. Wally and Tachamp were way down in the pecking order and they've found their places. It is only a matter of time and this little Missy will also be accepted.

2010-01-12T05:33:00.000-08:00

Tasunka, horse, was born May 1, 2007 sometime in the early morning. We knew The Gray would be having her baby soon and so we had her in a small corral next to Diego. When I went to check on her before school, here was this cute little garulla horse colt who had slipped under the fence and was in the corral with Diego. Mom and baby were visibly upset and Diego seemed bewildered too! I got them together and watched the baby start to nurse. That was his beginning. His end was on January 9, 2010 sometime in the early morning. Tasunka coliced and died. I wish I could say it was a peaceful end. It wasn't. Colic is a catch all term for innards getting all screwed up--literally. We could tell he was in pain although Matt gave him a shot to ease it for a while. Don't want to spend a lot of time on this. I only want to record that he was here and was a fine horse. On a positve note, he had never been ridden and went home with all his parts. We will miss him.

Tasunka

2010-01-11T21:50:00.000-08:00

We had planned to take care of Tasunka's body--send him home properly, but first I needed to go exercise since I hadn't done it for a few days. While I was on my way, Matt called to see how I was doing since I was so upset. We talked for a while and then instead of one of our usual parting statements, Matt said. " I love you. Be good." Be good? Why in the world would he say that? It's not like I would go "postal" at Curves! He said he didn't know why he said it. Well I know. It was one of God's tender mercies.

My dad, who has been gone for over thirty years, was a cowboy. He loved his horses and I'm sure was heartbroken a time or two when his horse died. Anyway, when I would leave my parent's home, his standard farewell was, be good. Even when I was an adult he would say, be good. I know that this was God's way of letting me know that my dad was aware of my pain and wanted to comfort me.

Arizona Sunset

2010-01-01T23:28:00.000-08:00

Beautimus, no?

2010-01-01T23:22:00.000-08:00

Oops. It's not really an Arizona sunset because yonder where those teeny mountains are, is Califonia. I guess it doesn't really matter. This was taken on the rez, just south of Parker on December 26th

Outside my classroom backdoor

2010-01-01T23:06:00.000-08:00

By the time I took the picture, the snow on the fence had melted. However, on the day it started snowing at 7 a.m. and didn't stop until 2:30, I took my ruler out and measured it--only 8 inches.

Muy Frio

2010-01-01T22:57:00.000-08:00

It's cold!!!!

2010-01-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

Well, actually it's rather balmy today- maybe 32 degrees---but in days gone by, rope me down and call me doggie, it was cold. One morning, when I got to school, it was 2 degrees. Alas, I had no camera for proof. The next day when I had my camera, the temp had increased significantly- up to a whopping 4 degrees.

You Can't Trust Everything You Read!!!

2009-12-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

We know that horses are herd animals and Matt says studs get mean if they are kept off by themselves. Diego's corral was pretty much isolated and we both felt bad for him because just a hop, skip and 14 jumps away was "the herd." He had heard that mares can't get pregnant during some winter months so we decided to look it up on the internet. Yup, that's what it said. From November to February mares don't have an estrous cycle or come into heat. Well, we turned Diego out with the other horses in November 2008 and he was a happy boy. Hmmmmmmm....along about August and September the mares were looking kind of plump or in Kasoos' case, plumper. And then son-of-a-gun, along about the first week in October here's Nauage with a filly and then just like popcorn popping on the apricot tree, here's The Gray with a horse colt and Kasoos with a filly and Cessa with a filly. Now it is December 2009 and Diego is in solitary confinement. Poor guy!

Mojito, one fine caballo! Matthew, one fine man!

2009-11-29T21:47:00.000-08:00

I can't say "all's well that ends well." However, it did end. Matt decided that if he at least walked Mojito through the course and let folks see him, he'd have a chance of being adopted, which really was the point of the whole competition. Yeah, there was the whole "make a lot of money and get some recognition" thing but ultimately it's about getting the horse adopted. And that sweet horse did get a new home. He's up yonder in Heber. I really miss him.

In spite of things not turning out the way we had hoped. It was a good experience. Of course this is written by a person who was not slammed into a fence and had to have knee surgery and may yet have to have shoulder surgery---but I'm the one doing the posting.

I got to witness some amazing things from both Matt and Mojito. I saw a "wild" horse who was so friendly right from the 'git go' and who seemed so willing to please once he understood what was wanted.

And Matt...wow...what a very good man. He could have taken Mojito back to the BLM and been done with it. He knew he'd be embarrassed when he walked Mojito through the course but he put Mojito's best interest above his own. You gotta' admire a man for that. So I don't know...maybe it really did end well.

I will say, I'm looking forward to next year!!!!!!!!!

Enticing Mojito with an Apple

2009-11-29T20:17:00.000-08:00

We kept Mojito in the backyard over night. Then it's off to Heber in the morning.

Practice Walking the Course

2009-11-29T20:12:00.000-08:00

I'm Not Afraid of Chickens!

2009-11-29T20:05:00.000-08:00

Over the Bridge

2009-11-29T20:03:00.000-08:00

Walking the Course

2009-11-29T20:01:00.000-08:00

Waiting at the Outhouse

2009-11-29T19:58:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for the auction

2009-11-29T19:45:00.000-08:00

My last good bye

2009-11-29T19:43:00.000-08:00

Waiting to be adopted

2009-11-29T19:42:00.000-08:00

2009-11-29T19:35:00.000-08:00

post surgery

2009-10-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

Matt is recovering from surgery. The doctor said everything went well and in six months he should be good as new.

In the trailer buddy, you're going to jail!!!!!

2009-09-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

As I tell my kindergarteners, it was a sad day, a sad day indeed. The sad day was Tuesday September 8th. After a good training day on Monday (and remember Monday's are sort of scary) Matt worked with Mojito in the round corral and then saddled him anticipating another good training day. He started out by riding him around the corral, and practicing stopping and turning. Then Matt kicked him into a lope. They came around the turn and Mojito saw the tarp waving on top of the haystack. Mojito freaked! He went into a dead run, straight to the end of the round corral bucking all the way. He bucked Matthew onto the round corral metal pipes.

Long story short---and it is a long story, Matt's "good knee" has torn ligaments and tendons. His shoulder was dislocated and the biceps and triceps are torn. He'll be having surgery sometime soon.

So what does this mean concerning the Extreme Mustang Competition? The options are to drop out or show him "in hand"--which means, Matt won't ride him but will show what he can do on the ground.
The goals were to:
1. Get Mojito adopted and live happily ever after.
2. Have Matthew show the world--or whoever views the competition --what an amazing trainer he is.
3. Win lots of money.

We're still hoping Mojito will get adopted and of course Matthew is an excellent horse trainer (just not much of a bronc rider :0) I'm sure folks will recognize that at the competition...........But winning lots of money? That is definitely "iffy."

So now we are doing more ground work--reviewing past lessons (sound like a teacher don't I?) Yesterday, I had him get in and out of the trailer and walk over and through some obstacles. He balked at the trailer entrance but once he decided to get in, he did it with no hesitation--same for the obstacles--no hesitation. We are still expecting great things from this horse.

What about Matt? You know, even the best riders get thrown and even the best horses can spook. That just comes with the territory!!!

One Month Today!

2009-09-07T14:41:00.000-07:00

It's Monday, Labor Day, and Mojito hadn't been ridden for two days. Mojito has a habit of bucking if he hasn't been ridden for one day. So we were a bit anxious. As Matt says, Mojito "thought" about it but Matt had him under control and it turned out to be a very good day.

Mojito needs to get used to being in unfamiliar environments so on Friday, Matt took him to the Spanish Fork fair grounds indoor arena to train. Mojito was leery of light shining through the doors and some spooky picnic tables but he settled right down. Amazing horse-Amazing trainer!!

2009-09-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Matt is teaching Mojito to cross over with his front legs and pivot off the back.

Buck, Bad Luck!

2009-09-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

Mojito and Uncle Jed

2009-09-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

Yee-Haw

2009-09-02T19:07:00.000-07:00

So what are Matt and Mojito up to? Plenty. I've been busy with school and haven't been able to take pictures. However, Matt's Uncle Jed has been taking pictures,watching Matt train and helping him out too. It's nice to know someone is there............just in case. Matt and Mojito are still doing the basics but have progressed to trotting, loping and working on stops and backing up. Matt explained that "in the wild" horses rarely have to back up so this is new to Mojito. Mojito is still mellow on the ground, let's Matt get in the saddle but when he asks Mojito to move it's anybodies guess as to whether or not he will buck.

Day ten of training, plus a detour.

2009-08-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

What's best for Mojito?

2009-08-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-08-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

The End of a Good Day

2009-08-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

Seventh day of Training--Third Ride

2009-08-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

Mojito side passes through the gate.

Some modern art in Mojito's apartment

2009-08-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

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

Ride'm cowboy!

2009-08-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

YEE-HAW !!!!!!!

2009-08-16T16:46:00.000-07:00

Literally, another one bites the dust.

Double Wipe Out!

2009-08-16T16:45:00.000-07:00

Synchronization

2009-08-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

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---------

2009-08-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!!

2009-08-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

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

Day five training

2009-08-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

That perked him up!!

2009-08-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

Putting weight in the stirrup. Matt had to buy a smaller size cinch because Steve is such a skinny fella. Matt needed to make sure the saddle didn't slip. That would cause a major blow-out--even for a docile horse like Steve.

2009-08-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

Matt leans way over and pats him. He wants to make sure Steve sees him with both eyes.

2009-08-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

Matt shares his water with Steve. He told me to make sure I write his(Mojito's) name on the bottle.I think Matt is afraid of horse backwash.

Day four

2009-08-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

Matt is again teaching the basics. Teaching him to yield his hind quarters and fore quarters and back up.

2009-08-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

Umm....pretty much the same as the next one.

2009-08-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

Matt is trying to get Steve to move his front end and leave his back end stationary. After this he saddles him.

2009-08-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

Steve joins up.

2009-08-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

Matt and Shirley

2009-08-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

So here we are in Denver. That's
Michael Martin Murphy in the background singing "What's Forever For" .

cowboy and Indian

2009-08-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

I don't always wear my regalia but Matt wears his cowboy gear alot (that is when he doesn't look like a biker

This is us

2009-08-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

So this is us. Matt and Shirley Clawson. We live in Orem, Utah although Matt's from Idaho and I'm from Arizona. Matt has always loved horses and mostly I've been afraid of them (although I have loved them from a distance.) Matt also loves to ride his Harley and he loves me--although not necessarily in that order. Matt drives a truck for a living--Those big diesel things. I teach kindergarten and on most days love it. We are "horse poor" but happy!

Steve and Matt BFF

2009-08-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

Matt saddled him and worked on side passing from the ground. He also worked on picking up Steve's front and back feet. I'd have pictures to prove it but his photographer, moi, had to get to work!

2009-08-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

I wish it said Mojito. However the freeze brand sure looks like it says Steve.
I read kindergarten writing and so it's not hard to imagine. The other business before is anybodies guess. Someday we'll decode it "for reals". We do know that it says he was captured near Delta, Utah July 13,2007 and he's from the Swasey herd.

2009-08-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

Matt is getting him used to things flying around his head.

2009-08-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

Getting him used to the saddle pad and blanket

2009-08-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

He locks on and pays attention.

2009-08-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

Each day Matt starts with the basics. He's moving his feet better everyday.

Goal for day two

2009-08-11T20:33:00.000-07:00

The goal for day two was to get Steve AKA Mojito saddled and also to get him to move his feet more. He really ran today!

2009-08-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

First Steve sniffs the saddle blanket and then Matt rubs it
over his body.

2009-08-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

Steve gets to know the saddle.

2009-08-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

No way!

2009-08-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

Matt got the saddle on his back but didn't have time to secure it before Steve objected!

Getting Steve saddled

2009-08-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

Steve did not like the other saddle. It's heavier than this Mexican saddle. He didn't seem thrilled about this one either. But, hey, he let Matt put it on him and he stood still too.

2009-08-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

2009-08-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

Desensitizing

Foot in the stirrup

2009-08-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

Matt put his foot in the stirrup and put some weight on Steve.

2009-08-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

Getting Steve to move his feet.

Desensitizing Steve

2009-08-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

Matt spent some time slapping the saddle on Steve AKA Mojito. He just stood still.

First day of training-August 10, 2009

2009-08-10T21:07:00.001-07:00

We arrived at about 8:00. Watered and scooped poop. This would be the first day of training since Matt was wiped out after taking the young women and leaders from our church on a camp out and horse back ride. His horse had an altercation with a pit bull and bucked Matt off. Naturally, he wasn't at his best Saturday when he came home. He didn't feel up to training the "wild mustang." He doesn't work on the Sabbath and he won't work horses either so here we are today. He had hoped to start training by working the horse in the round (oval) corral and eventually getting a halter on him so he could lead him around the pen. He met these goals--surpassed them even!!! The pictures say it all.

2009-08-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

2009-08-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

2009-08-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

2009-08-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

2009-08-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

2009-08-10T20:44:00.000-07:00

2009-08-10T20:43:00.001-07:00