Kirstin's Mustang Project 2011

Sunday-Auction day!

2011-10-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Auction day! Kirstin and Remy were the fourth horse in the auction ring. Being a yearling, people just weren't interested in her. Not one single person bid on her. Even at just $125 there was no one that wanted a very well trained yearling. Kirsin was heart broken when she left the arena because she knew that if no one stepped up to adopt her, Remy would go back to the BLM and all the work that she did would have been wasted. The Mustang Heritage Foundation had her come back in the arena and offered to pay the adoption fee if someone was willing to give Remy a loving home.

Kirstin was brought back into the arena. She demostrated Remy's skills, sidepassing, backing, trotting at a lead, stopping, turning. Remy does it all very well, she just didn't do well for the show. Finally a nice lady raised her hand and took Remy. At least Kirstin knows that Remy is going to a good home. She was able to speak with the new owner briefly and was assured that she will be well loved and taken care of.

Goodbyes are always the hardest part of these shows. Many asked why we didn't want to take this horse home. Simple we already own 6 other horses and the reason Kirstin does the makeovers is not to get a cheap horse, but to hopefully introduce people to what she already knows; that the Mustang is a wonderful horse and partner.

Tennessee Extreme Makeover

2011-10-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

We arrived very late on Thursday the evening before the competition. This didn't allow for much time for Remy to adjust to her new surroundings. The horses; with all of the neighing in the barn, were really making her very nervous and you could tell that by watching her in the stall. One of the main disadvantages to living on a farm and not stalling your horse at a stable. Another huge disadvantage that Kirstin and Remy faced was the fact that we never took her anywhere off of the farm so the long trip and the new surroundings really added to the overload. We knew better from past experience, but we simply ran out of time. Kirstin has been so busy with her senior year that something always seemed to be on her schedule. All that considered, I guess Remy did alright. However, she would not load on the trailer which was a shocker since she has been loading on a trailer since week 2 and she wouldn't back which was a bigger shocker since Kirstin really focused on backing and Remy is a good backer.

Walk thru for the in hand portion of the show

Catch and release portion of the in hand course. Remy did alright but she really liked being set free and didn't want to be caught.

In hand portion. Remy was extremely nervous. Mostly our fault since we were never able to get her off the farm to any other competitions. We know from past experience that the taking them to other shows is extremely important to the horse being able to calm down. She was nervous until the auction which was on Sunday. She did great at the auction.

Kirstin wanted to do a Breast Cancer Awareness theme for her stall decorations. She had a banner at the top that read "Fight Like a Girl!"

Sept. 13, 2011

2011-09-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

Remy appears to be flying. Kirstin's dad is in the process of building some new jumps for her. This is one of the jumps, there will be a series of 4

Remy trotting over the posts. Love Remy's head carriage. She has a very natural, low head carriage.

2011-09-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

Look at this surprise that was in front of our garage. This is a baby copperhead snake frozen in the striking position. It was dead and we are not sure why it froze in this position-coiled with his mouth wide open. The only thing that we can figure is that it got caught under a tire and coiled up like that and died. Either that or someone is playing a very, very horrible trick on me! EWW, I HATE snakes!!!! esp. poisonous snakes.

Remy Sept 11, 2011

2011-09-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

Remy has come so far since Kirstin picked her up in July. Isn't she a beautiful horse.

Working on the side pass. Kirstin can side pass Remy around the square. It isn't the best yet but she is working on it daily. Hopefully by show time, she will be able to do a nice side pass all the way around the square.

Sept 2, 2011 Tarp training +

2011-09-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

Kirstin introduced Remy to the tarp. She doesn't mind walking across the tarp and will even run across the tarp however, she isn't to fond of the tarp being placed on her.

With a little bit of help from Kirstin's boyfriend, they were able to desensitize her enough that were able to lay the tarp over her neck. But, she still doesn't like it very much. She will require a little bit more work on this one area.

Kirstin was showing how Remy doesn't mind having her legs handled. She lifted up her hoof and then stretched Remy's leg out a little. Remy liked being stretched like that.

Aug 26, 2011 Remy checking out the heifers next door.

2011-09-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

There are a few heifers that we keep on our place. Remy doesn't see these very often so one day when they happened by during training, Remy was more than just a little interested in getting a closer look at these creatures. She approached slowly at first and then...

she stuck her head through the fence to get an even closer look.

August 21, 2011

2011-08-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Kirstin is still working of perfecting the jump. Remy will now jump from a standstill.

Kirstin was shocked the first time she tried to get Remy on the pedestal and she walked right onto the pedestal. Not this time, she was having nothing to do with stepping up on the pedestal.

After several tries, Kirstin was finally able to get Remy to step up onto the pedestal.

And then both of them took a much needed break!

2011-08-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

Remy was outfitted with her protective boots today. She didn't mind having these on at all.

Remy jumping the barrels.

Working on a bow! Not real good looking just yet, but will keep working on it.

Pedestal training. Kirstin was shocked when Remy walked right up to the pedestal and didn't hesitate taking the step up onto the pedestal.

She gets a short break while on the pedestal! What a good girl Remy is!

Remy update

2011-08-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

Remy meeting Eli! Eli wasn't too sure about her sniffing his ear. I think he was afraid that she would bite him.

Remy the first time Kirstin tried to make her jump. She is now jumping barrels. Pics to come soon!

Kirstin's nephew; Daniel, sitting on Remy! He loves all of Kirstin's horses but claims Patriot as his horse.

Kirstin using the one and only domestic horse that is on our place to pony Remy. Trigger is the most reliable horse in the world; calm with an easy going attitude! Trigger is the first horse that Kirstin took an interest in 11 years ago! He is the horse that turned her into the horse person that she is! The remaining 5 horses on our place are all Mustangs!

What a difference a year makes

2011-08-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

Patriot a year ago; July, 2010


Patriot now; August, 2011!!! He has grown so much in just one year! He is a beautiful horse!

Bath time

2011-08-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

Kirstin had the neighbor's girl hop on Remy's back. Remy doesn't mind having someone on her back.

After this training session; Kirstin decides it is time to introduce the water to Remy. Remy is very itchy so Kirstin wanted to give her a bath with some special shampoo. Remy did very well with the bath.

Trailer loading

2011-08-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

Remy has been in this trailer once and that was the long trip from Oklahoma. This is Kirstin's first try to load her since she started training her! Most horses will not go in on the first try without fighting it a little bit, but not Remy. She really trust Kirstin and follows her right onto the trailer.

She loaded Remy 2 different times just to make sure Remy got the lesson. Kirstin was even able to back Remy out of the trailer the first time. Usually she turns them around and then leads them off because they don't have the backing down real well, but Remy learned backing in the first week and backs willingly off the trailer even better than some of our older, more experienced horses!

Remy meeting Eli!

Trotting

2011-08-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Trotting at a lead always seemed to be a problem with other horses that Kirstin has trained, but not Remy. She loves to trot at a lead!

Remy's first time in the open arena!

2011-08-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

When I received a portion of my inheritance, the first thing that I had done was a riding arena! With a total of 6 horses, and plenty of people coming out to ride all of the time I felt it was important that we had an enclosed riding area. But also knowing that Kirstin might be training a yearling again was a major reason I wanted the arena. The nearest arena is 30 miles away and was hard to get to on a regular basis so Kirstin never got to do much arena work. Now she has a full size arena that if the horse escapes, can't get out of! This was Remy's first time out of her pen since she came home a little over a week ago. She was a little nervous at first, but calmed down very quickly. Kirstin walked her around the entire arena.

Then she trotted the arena. Remy did great!

Worked on stops. Remy has a great stop!

Fly spray and spraying medicine on Remy has never been a problem! Kirstin started using Vetericyn the very first day we arrived with Remy. The cut that she received on our trip home is looking great. Hair is already starting to grow back.

Chilling while Kirstin talks to all of us onlookers.

2011-08-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Working on standing still! She is doing really well.

Working on turns.

Picking up hooves. She doesn't mind this at all.

What horse doesn't love to be brushed??? Remy loves the grooming time.

Picking up the rear hooves. She doesn't mind this, but she loses her balance very easily!

Progress update on Remy! End of week 1

2011-08-01T11:41:00.000-07:00


	One week since bringing Remy home and she is doing amazing. She is a very smart horse. Kirstin already has the basics down. She is leading at a walk and a trot, stopping, backing, picking up all four hooves, turning on both the fore quarter and hind quarter. She has started lunge work on her and Remy is responding nicely.

Remy doesn't mind sprays either. Here Kirstin is treating Remy's cut that she got on her way home from Oklahoma. We use Vetericyn for all wounds now and love how quickly it works. The cut is directly above her eye and then she also has a small scratch on her nose. One week of treatment and the hair is already growing back.

OK, so Remy is learning ground tying which she does really well. On a whim, Kirstin decided to see if she could cross under Remy's belly. No problem, didn't even phase Kirstin. The little girls in the picture are our neighbor's daughters. They absolutely love Remy and are trying to talk their dad into adopting her when the competition is over. They love to groom her.

The youngest; Brianne, asked if she could go under her as well. Kirstin said yes, told her what to do before she crosses under and she goes. No big deal for Remy!

Just a really sweet picture! Remy is just so well behaved! She loves people and especially loves to be brushed.

Meet Lil' Miss Remington, aka Remy

2011-07-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

On July 22, we picked up Kirstin's new yearling for this year's Extreme Mustang Makeover. Kirstin is pleased to introduce to everyone Lil' Miss Remington; aka Remy! The trip from Oklahoma went pretty well except for the one time that an idiot cut right in front of us causing us to slam on our brakes. We heard Remy hit the trailer and when we got to our next stop we saw the cut above her eye. It isn't bad but just the same if people would just realize that they can not cut in front of a trailer it would be soooo much nicer. Love Remy's eyes! They are so calm looking which just happens to be Remy's personality! She is very calm and extremely trusting. The pictures below are from the very first evening after we unloaded her. Kirstin gave her about an hour to get used to the new surroundings and then......

After a near tragedy our first year with having the rope attached at the facility we no longer do that so Remy is free to roam around without tripping or stepping on a rope. Remy is in relatively good condition. She is pretty tall for her age. Based on previous medical history we estimate her to be about 15 months old. She needs a little more weight on her but all in all she looks really good. She has the curliest mane that we have ever seen.

After moving Remy around the pen for a few minutes Kirstin was able to approach her. All it took was a few scratches on her withers before Remy was convinced that Kirstin was the best thing to enter her life. The very first evening and she is already able to lean on her without any concern what so ever from Remy.

All of this in less than an hours worth of work! Pretty amazing for both horse and trainer! Kirstin is sooo excited about this horse! She has a different personality and demeanor about her than her other horses. She is learning at record speeds! To date, Kirstin has already taught her to lead, stop, back up, pick up hooves, trot at a lead and has crawled under her belly(all of these pics are to come)! All in under 1 week!

Kirstin & Kryptonite 6/18/2011

2011-06-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

Kirstin has finished the drill team training with Kryptonite. He is now her main drill horse. Especially since another drill team member is borrowing her other drill horse; Trigger. Krytonite really did great in his drill training. Even though he hasn't been doing this even for one year, he is better behaved than just about every other horse on the drill team. Kirstin was honored this weekend to have been selected to post the colors for the drill team at her home town rodeo. What an experience. Above is a picture of Kirstin & Kryptonite during the posting of the colors. Don't they look great!!!!

The end of the National Anthem the posting horse comes up the middle and stops then leads the drill team out of the arena. The crowd doesn't look very big, but you can't see the stand on the opposite side. The sun is full at this point so every one sets on the other side. It was very crowded in that stand. All of the kids and their horses did a fantastic job.

This is the kids during their regular drill. Kirstin and Kryptonite are lead horse/rider for this drill as well. Look how close they have to be to one another. Not every horse can stand being this close to another horse.

This is the pass through on the regular drill team 1 and team 2 cross in the middle of the arena. One second off time and a collision can occur. The kids range from 10 to 17 years old but are very dedicated to the drill team and their horses and it shows. They did such an amazing job, they were asked to come back next year!

The parade was earlier in the morning. The CCSP youth drill team were in the parade. Kirstin is the Princess of the CCSP. Look at the smile on her face. Kryptonite was great during the parade as well. We have been really blessed with the horses that we have adopted through the Extreme Mustang Makeover. They are all such a wonderful addition to our family. We now own 5 Mustangs and we have the 1 "domestic" horse that we started with.

Extreme Mustang Makeover 2011

2011-06-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

Kirstin just found out that she has been selected as one of the youth trainers for the 2011 Extreme Mustang Makeover to be held in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in October! She is super excited. Stay tuned for updates!

2011 Comal County Sheriffs Posse Court

2011-04-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

Duchess Shelby Nichel, Queen Daniela McCarthy and Princess Kirstin Koehler

Kirstin and Kryptonite getting ready for the main drill performance. They were lead team for this performance. Krytonite is starting to really like drill team performances.

CCSP Playday 4/23/2011

2011-04-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

Trigger loves to run barrels and he always give 150% when he sees those barrels come out.

Kirstin is still working with Kryptonite on speed events such as barrels and poles. He is not super fast just yet, but she is also holding him back a little while he is learning. He has fantastic lead changes though.

Kirstin shares her love of horses! 4/23/2011

2011-04-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

CCSP playday shortly after the drill performance. Kirstin and her boyfriend; Levi, are cooling down the horses. Both of her horses were in the drill. Kirstin has been working on Kryptonite and this is the first year that he will be her main drill horse. Her old drill horse; Trigger, was borrowed by another drill team member whose horse isn't ready to perform in a drill. Kirstin was so proud of her boys; both Kryptonite & Trigger, they were awesome. Trigger was one of the lead horses for the grand entry and Kryptonite & Kirsting were the lead horse/rider for the regular drill.

Look at those smiles. They love spending time together!!!

Kirstin's life is not all about horses!!! Prom 4/16/2011

2011-04-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have followed Kirstin through the years, this will be hard to believe. She is a junior. She started her Mustang training when she was just 14 years old and many of you have watched her grow up through this blog. She can ditch the blue jeans and boots and slip on a dress on a very rare occasion-Prom being one of those. Her and her boyfriend(Yes, boyfriend-very nice guy-you all would approve!) went to prom and had a blast.

But isn't she gorgeous all dolled up!!!!

2011-03-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

Vet came out yesterday to give shots to all of the horses and do a coggins on the ones that will be traveling this year. This was Patriot's first time to receive a shot and have blood drawn for a coggins since we picked him up last year. The vet started before Kirstin and I made it home. He started out with Patriot. He walked into Pate's pen, no halter on Pate, walked up to him and gave him his shots and then drew the blood for the coggins. Yes, you read right-no halter on Patriot and he just stood there like it was nothing. Amazing, that he is. Wish I could say the same for Kryptonite, he hates needles. They have to put him in the chute and it is a major ordeal to give him shots of any type. TAZ, Dynomite and Trigger did great as well. Sakari didn't like the shots either. Luckily our vet has a wonderful technician who is extremely patient and knowledgable about horses.

Kirstin rides Patriot!!!!!

2011-01-31T07:03:00.000-08:00

This was just this past weekend, Saturday 1/29 & 1/30. Kirstin started out very slowly just getting Patriot used to having her above him and then worked to getting him used to having her weight on him. She was really unsure about getting on top of him completely. Just wasn't sure what his reaction would be. She remembered his first reaction to having the saddle on him-he had quite a bit of buck at that time.

He seemed OK with her full weight on him, so with a litte help from her dad and boyfriend Kirstin made the leap all the way over to his back.

He was a little dancy prancy so with a little bit of help from some hay, he stood still and let Kirsin set on his back. She moved all around his back just letting him get used to the feel of a person on top of him.

Sunday was all Kirstin. She put the bridle on him-first time for that- and then got on him. He had no problems today with her being up on him. He even moved on cue and was responding to the bridle when Kirstin asked him for a turn.

She tried giving him a hug, but it just made him lower his head.

Walking around, getting used to the leg cues and rein cues. She is taking it slow as he is still very young. But she as super excited that he didn't have any big problems with someone being on his back.

Merry Christmas from Kirstin & Kryptonite

2010-12-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

A very Merry Christmas wish to all and here's hoping for a wonderful New Year! Kirstin took Kryptonite to his first parade. She was riding in this parade as the upcoming 2011 Princess for the Comal County Sheriff's Posse. Krypt did amazing. He did get a little concerned when some airplanes did a low level fly over(as did others), but by the third pass he was ok with them.

We're Home!!!!

2010-10-28T06:40:00.001-07:00

A little late in posting this, but we are trying to recoup from a extremely long trip. 17 hours; each way, driving time pulling a horse is not fun. Actually Patriot was a real trouper. He did excellent the entire trip. Kirstin and Patriot finished in the top ten-Tenth to be exact. They went into the finales on Saturday and placed 9th overall. Patriot decided that Saturday afternoon in front of everyone, he was going to act like a 2 year old. He did not want to stand still or walk-trot was great, even got a lope but not what Kirstin was wanting. So she was not able to do most of her finale's performance, but they did well just the same. Patriot is now back home and happy to be out of a stall. Kirstin will start training him to ride in the near future so keep watching for updates. She now has a job of getting Dyno back to riding. He is a little difficult to ride right now, not enough time spent on his back. But he is well trained and it should not take long to accomplish this.

Tennessee Makeover 2010

2010-10-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

The inhand trail course and showmanship are over. Kirstin and Patriot did really well. Patriot just didn't want to back today. Go figure, it is always something. Kirstin was the only youth trainer that could call her horse to her in the catch and release. She walked into the pen after letting him go, stood there called his name and he came straight to her which the judge had told them at the beginning that would be bonus if they could do that. He did all of the course great with the exception of backing-he backed, but she really had to cue him. Ground tied for picking up the hooves, loaded right away into the trailer and trotted like a champ. Went over the poles without a single click on the hoof. Showmanship came and he wanted to sleep-trotted but not great, set up prefectly and stood like a perfect gentleman during the question portion, but Kirstin forgot to back. She thought she blew it. But, I think the judges could really see the connection between the two. It was very apparent that they had something that not all trainers share with their horse-a true connection. She made the top ten again this year and will once again be performing a free style routine tomorrow afternoon. We are so proud of these two!!!

Kirstin & Patriot's busy weekend

2010-10-18T07:23:00.001-07:00

Part of Kirstin's job as an American Mustang Representative II requires that she give a presentation to both a youth group and an adult group. This weekend Kirstin gave the presentation to both groups. As about a 10 minute speech on the mustang, their plight as well as some training tips, Kirstin took Patriot out to the arena to run through what she has planned for a possible finale. He did fantastic of course.

Kirstin answering questions after their performance.

Kirstin showing one of the guest how to cue Kryptonite for leg reining.

The RyKo Wilson Band(half of it anyway) was the entertainment for the afternoon! Great music! Derrick is the lead singer and just happens to be Kirstin's brother. And Ryan is like Kirstin's second brother. So we are very lucky to have both of these guys around.

Kirstin and Patriot doing part of the finales that they plan to do if they make the top 10.

Isn't he gorgeous!!! For those of you who have followed Kirstin for the past 3 years, you know that she has always put her yearlings up for adoption. Not this year, she will be bringing Patriot home with her. As her parents, we feel that she is ready to finish her first out completely and Patriot is the perfect student for her to learn on.

Kirstin also did a short reining pattern with Kryptonite. The people there could not believe that a year ago, he was a wild horse. So many could be heard saying "He's a Mustang" Like a mustang looks any different than a domesticated horse. But, I think what was more impressive was the way both Kryptonite and Patriot behaved. They were awesome, both of them. We had a couple of other Mustangs there as well and all of the attendees were able to ride afterwards if they wanted to.

Kirstin explaining to the crowd about the freeze brand on Mustangs.

2010-10-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Took Patriot to the vet yesterday to get his health certificate and to have some bumps checked out. He did great, didn't even flinch when they took his temp. Turns out that he has rain rot. I have never seen rain rot before and we have 5 other horses. I thought that he got bit by some insects such bees. We are treating that condition now, but he will have spots still showing when we go to the show. Bummer. He is such a beautiful horse, I hate to have those bumps all over the place. The vet was impressed with Patriot and how well behaved he was. Also got the papers signed for the title to both Kryptonite and Dynamite, so they will be officially ours shortly.

Patriot and fire!

2010-10-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

As you can tell, he really could care less about the fire. Maybe it is because Kirstin is next to him. He trust her completely and knows that she will never put in him in harm's way.

More saddle practice. This is a child's saddle so it is perfect for him. He is really starting to accept having something on his back.

More tarp work. Kirsin wants to make sure that he is ready for just about anything.

Blanket. Not sure of where Patriot is going from the show, but we are pretty sure that a blanket will be need. Kirstin thought it best to do that work herself so that he is ready for whatever happens after the show.

Kirstin has one problem and that is with trailering. Not getting him into the trailer. He walks onto a trailer without any cueing what so ever. The problem is getting him off. He just does not want to leave the trailer. He truly likes it in there. He doesn't back out yet, so Kirstin would turn him around and lead him out. Before his last outing that was never a problem, but ever since it is. I think he likes to go places and we don't take him places often enough for him. That will end as the next couple of weeks will be on the road each weekend.

Patriot's first show 9/18

2010-09-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Patriot's second outing, first show. We took advantage of a local horse show in town to expose Patriot to a show environment. When we first arrived, he was a little nervous, but it took him about 2 minutes to calm down. This was a pretty big show with a lot of horses. But that didn't bother Patriot at all. He ended placing 3rd in the halter class and 7th in showmanship. Pretty awesome for this little guy.

Showmanship class. Keep in mind that Kirstin does not show horses, so this is all new to her. The judge really liked Patriot she said that he reminded her of a horse that she used to own when she was younger. She especially loved his ears. He has the cutest ears ever.

This was the beginning of the showmanship class, Kirstin was waiting her turn to go.

She entered a color class as well, but didn't place in that class. This is from the color class.

There is little Patriot and Kirstin waiting to go into the color class. Notice all of the horses around Patriot and notice how calm he is. Even when horses backed into him, he would just turn his head as if to say, hey watch where you are going!

Going back to the stall. His first time ever on cement. That didn't bother him one bit. He even walked through water puddles without a problem.

Halter class.

Beginning of halter class.

Getting love from Kirstin and Jamie.

Just a waitin around.

We were really proud of Kirstin and Patriot. Patriot was very well behaved, acting better than many of the seasoned show horses there. Kirstin didn't go there expecting to walk away with any ribbons, so she was thrilled to get the two that she received. She is now more confident than ever about how Patriot will behave at the real show. She also got to pinpoint some things that she still needs to work on, like trotting at a lead and sidepassing.

Patriot's first outing.

2010-09-20T06:53:00.000-07:00

Took Patriot to the arena on Sunday; 9/12. This was his very first outing, very first trailering since pick up and he did wonderful. Kirstin was a little concerned that he might be a little nervous, but it was like he had been going to the arena on a daily basis.

He even trotted very nicely. Kirstin is still having issues with the trot, but I think he's getting it.

We did trailer him with Mr. Reliable; himself. Trigger is the most level headed horse in the world. He is Mr. Reliable, we turn to him anytime we need help. We did have to separate them though, because Mr. Patriot kept wanting to nuzzle Trigger's side which Trigger mistook for a bite. Didn't want to take any chances. It was a fantastic trip. Patriot was very calm the entire way and he got to meet all of the horses from Kirstin's drill team. Great Exposure. Everyone loved him.

2010-09-10T10:33:00.001-07:00

Kirstin hasn't done much this week. On Tuesday she had oral surgery to remove 2 teeth and to have an impacted tooth exposed. Now the orthodontist gets to manipulate the impacted tooth into place. Sounds like a ton of fun doesn't it. She is still very sore and swollen from the procedure. Today was her first day back at school. She attempted going back yesterday, but was in too much pain so she called us to pick her up. She didn't train much at all, yesterday she spent about 15 minutes with Patriot and that is all the training he has had this week. But, even still he is doing fantastic. Things should get back to normal this weekend.

TAZ & Kirstin

2010-09-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

Kirstin is runnig for the Posse Rodeo Queen. They have to do a reigning pattern. She hopes to use TAZ. He is a smooth riding horse, he has fantastic lead changes, spins and has the look to boot. TAZ did not like the house next to the arena. She plans to practice with both TAZ and Kryptonite so that she has a back up horse. Both are former EMM contestants. TAZ from 2008 and Kryptonite from 2009.

Monday, Sept 6, 2010

2010-09-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

Trailer training. Patriot loads into the trailer without a problem. Kirstin can lead him onto the trailer or drive him onto the trailer. Today, her dad moved the trailer around a little bit just to see what Patriots reaction would be. He was OK, but a little more work needs to be done before we hit the road.

Putting a little bit of weight on Patriot.

Leaning completely over Patriot.

Fun stuff

2010-09-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

Introducing Patriot to the big ball. He is not terribly sure, but is willing to let Kirstin play around.

Kirsin's nephew; Daniel, giving Patriot a kiss! Isn't that cute!

Patriot checking Daniel and the big ball out.

More new stuff for Patriot.

2010-09-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hey what are you doing? But, it didn't seem to bother him one bit. The look on his face was so funny.

Intro to the saddle. Dad is helping Kirstin out with this one. He is just holding on just in case Patriot is against having the saddle on his back.

No big deal with this one either.

Walking around with the saddle on.

Lungeing with the saddle on.

Removing the saddle. None of this was any big deal for Patriot. He just does not care what Kirstin does with him.

2010-09-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest update. As you can tell, Patriot is having no trouble learning new stuff. He's picking up the pivoting in the box nicely.

Introducing the saddle pad to Patriot....

Doesn't even faze him....

Kirstin even leaned up against him with the saddle pad and he was as calm as ever.

And then....the dreaded horse eating tarp...

"You want me to do WHAT on this horse eating tarp?"

"So this blue thing....it won't eat me....right?"

Walking all over the tarp...after he realized it doesn't eat horses

"Okay so I've conquered walking over the horse eating tarp... now what am I suppose to do? Wait, wear what?"

Like this?

"NUH-UH!!!! No way!! I thought this blue thing wasn't going to eat me!!!!"

Ok...so maybe if I stand real still it won't eat me....maybe...maybe it'll just go away...

2010-08-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

So in order to post pictures(since I used to do this from work-which is now blocked) I have to have my older daughter(who have high speed internet) post the pics and then I go in and post the comments. These 2 pics are from Kirstin's favorite past time-Drill team. She was lead horse/rider in this past weekend's rodeo. Kirstin uses Trigger(not a mustang) for Drill team, but next year she will also be using Kryptonite. He is one of the mustangs we adopted at last year's makeover. Kirstin really loves drill team and Trigger is probably the most dependable horse on the team.

Update on Patriot

2010-08-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

Below are some pics of Kirstin and Patriot from the past couple of weeks. Patriot is doing so well. He is a very level headed horse and nothing really seems to faze him. Kirstin has now trailer loaded Patriot. She was very shocked when he followed behind her the very first time she attempted loading him. I simply told her that's what happens when you have solid ground training done and that you have really earned his trust. She has been doing a lot of work above Patriot to get him used to having people eventually above him. She did lean on him just to see what type of reaction she would get. She even put her full weight on him and he didn't seem to care. Obviously, due to his age, he is no where near ready to be ridden, but a little prep work can't hurt. Kirstin is back in school, so training is only once a day now, but Patriot is a quick learner and a hard worker so I don't expect that to affect either of them.

So these are in reverse order, but you get the jest of the pictures. Kirstin standing on the barrel decides she wants to see what would happen if she leaned on him and then decided to hang over his back. No big deal!

Second attempt at trailer loading. Patriot follows Kirstin right on to the trailer. He wasn't too sure about backing out of the trailer. He would get to the very end, put 1 hind hoof on the ground and then go right back on the trailer, so Kirstin turned him around and he walks off the trailer so nicely.

Even paused for a bite of grass.

Backing is coming along quite nicely.

The very first attempt to load Patriot. He walked right on behind Kirstin. He really trust her.

Ponying with Kirstin's horse Trigger.

I can jump higher than you!!! More spooking in place.

Spray down after a workout. Sure feels good to have the cool water splashing on them.

Patriot loves to be sprayed in the mouth.

Checking out the trailer the day before attempting the first loading.

Not too sure about this thing.

Update

2010-08-12T04:53:00.001-07:00

Not real sure what is going on, but I can not load any pictures. I will have to go to the library to see if I can get some loaded this weekend. Recap from last week, Patriot didn't get much work. Kirstin's older sister got married Aug 7 so we spent the entire week prior to the wedding getting stuff done like decorating the hall, getting the food ordered, bachelorette party...We weren't home that much so when Kirstin was around she would do a quick reminder training. So when things finally calmed down on Sunday, Kirstin went out to see exactly what Patriot remembered. He is an amazing horse, he remembered everything and did awesome. He is pivoting on both the front and hind quarter beautifully, starting to back softly, leads like a puppy dog, picks up hooves. Patriot managed to escape Monday and was out in the big field with a few of our other horses. Kirstin's brother attempted catching him, but Patriot really doesn't know him, so he would not let Derrick any where near him. Kirstin went out into the field and walked right up to Patriot, slipped his halter on and lead him back to his pen without any problems. So, she decided that it was time to move her training out of the round pen and into the wide open. Patriot did great his first outing, he was a little wide eyed, but listened very well to Kirstin. Kirstin is moving very slowly with Patriot, but I think it is working out better than before. He remembers his lessons, really tries to get the right answer which actually comes very easy for him and loves to be with people.

Week Two down!

2010-07-30T05:50:00.000-07:00

Week two down. As you can see Patriot and Kirstin are moving right along. I do not believe that I have ever seen a horse who is so willing to please as Patriot is. He is doing everything that Kirstin has asked and he is doing these things really well. She has been working on turning. A big problem she had last year with Tuff was turning of the fore quarter, not with Patriot. Patriot is making great fore quarter turns, not turn pivoting turns yet, but turning very easily. Of course, hind quarter turns are a piece of cake and he is pivoting quite nicely for them. Lungeing is going well and he is picking up on voice cues. Leading, he follows like a puppy dog, picking up hooves-he is at the point that he anticipates the next hoof and has it ready to be picked up. Kirstin introduced fly spray last night. Fly spray has always been a little bit of work to get any of her past horses to accept. It didn't happen in one night for them. But,Patriot could care less. He didn't move an inch when Kirstin started spraying him and he stayed perfectly still for both sides. Kirstin was amazed, she was prepared for a fight. Not happening, She also worked on backing using the Clinton Anderson method as just applying pressure didn't work. This is working, by the end of the training she just had to waive the stick to get a back. Patriot trusts her that much already!

Mustang Patriot Week 1

2010-07-26T05:59:00.000-07:00

Week 1 has been absolutely amazing. Patriot has been very cooperative with Kirstin. He is a very quick learner. I don't think that the bond has formed just yet, at least not in the way that Tuff did. But, Patriot now views Kirstin as lead horse and although he might not always want to do what is asked, he does so out of repect. I'm beginning to think that this is better than the way Tuff was. Tuff was so laid back and at times came across as lazy or half doing things. I am hoping that this is different with Patriot. Patriot has to try for the right answer and he is trying very hard, you can see that he is looking for the right answer. Luckily Kirstin makes that easy on him. She has become much more clear and concise in what she is asking for and has become very easy to read. She has learned so much with each and every Mustang that she has worked.

Mustang Patriot Week 1

2010-07-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

Patriot's beautiful face!

2010-07-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

Patriot's ears are not the normal horse ears, they turn in at the top point. I am sure that this will revel some of his background, just not sure what that might be.

A Bond is Formed!

2010-07-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

No other words are needed for this!

2nd day of training-flag and rope training!

2010-07-20T05:51:00.001-07:00

2nd day, Kirstin worked with the flag and rope. Patriot didn't mind the rope as it reached some really itchy parts but the flag was a different story. He was pretty sure that this thing was going to eat him. It didn't take long though for him to accept the fact that this thing wasn't going to leave him alone, nor was it going to eat him.

Patriot's first day in his new home and 1st training session

2010-07-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

Obviously, these are not in order. But Kirstin started her first training session with the can pole. Patriot was not overly concerned by the pole. Kirstin was able to touch him all over with the pole even under the tail and in the flank area which can be a huge concern for a horse who was gelded just a few months ago(like Patriot was. She did sneak an actual touch in there, but Patriot wasn't too sure about that move, he preferred the distance of the cane pole between them.

Patriot's second day in his new home.

2010-07-19T12:26:00.000-07:00

Notice Patriot's face, what's missing? The escape artist in him showed up sometime between us waking up and eating breakfast. We woke up and the halter was on, Kirstin went out to do her first training and the halter was off. I; being her mom, was a little concerned, but not Kirstin. She just said it was no big deal. She would get it back on. She did 3 training sessions yesterday. She started out with the cane pole and worked her way up to her petting him by the third session. She was beside herself, she just couldn't believe this was happening so fast. Last night she came in and said guess what? She showed me Patriot's neck rope/number and then told me she got his halter back on. Go figure, mom and her camera was not outside to capture that!

2010-07-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

Mustang Patriot coming out of the chute in Piney Woods, Mississippi. We walk right into the chute, let them halter him and walk right out of the chute into our trailer. No freaking out or anything. Isn't he a beauty!!! The ride home was long but uneventful. Patriot took the long ride like a champ. Didn't seem to be in least bit stressed out by it, he drank and ate at every stop that we made.

Mustang Patriot

2010-07-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

Pictures will be coming soon, hopefully tomorrow. My computer here at home is just too slow to try to upload photos. We made it to Mississippi on Friday evening, located the pickup in Piney Woods, MS and then settled down to a very rainy evening. Saturday morning we were up and ready to roll by 7:00am, we wanted to make sure we were one of the first couple in line. We were the second ones to arrive there. Pens were full of beautiful mustangs. Kirstin was anxious to find out which one was to be hers. She was assigned a beautiful black gelding from Wyoming. He has a beautiful full mane and tail. He is a lot taller than Tuff was, but appears to be realitively calm in nature, but not so laid back that Kirstin will have to work to get him to work. He walked right into the chute and didn't give the handlers any problems getting the halter on. He then walked very calmly out of the chute and right onto our trailer. It didn't take him anytime at all to settle in and get his trailer legs. He stood backward the entire trip. We made several stops along the way and opened up the middle gate so that he could walk around. We gave him hay and water at these stops which he gladly consumed. We were relieved to see that he wasn't so stressed out. He moved easily back into the front of the trailer when it was time to hit the road again. We didn't arrive home until about 11:00pm, backed the trailer up to his new home. He wasn't to sure about leaving the trailer, didn't know what awaited him in the dark. Patriot finally decided that it couldn't be all bad, so he calmly stepped down into his new home.
Went out this morning, when all of the other horses started neighing, he neighed. He had his halter on at this time. But, when Kirstin went back out after breakfast, he had removed his halter. So, now he is halterless. He was calm enough that Kirstin started training. She was able to rub him all over with the cane pole on both sides. He appears to be very one sided right now, but it won't take Kirstin long to get him over that. He has approched her, but she is taking it slow for now. She is on his time schedule right now. The day will come very soon when he is on her time schedule. Check back, hopefully sometime tommorrow I will get pictures posted.

We leave today!

2010-07-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

We are leaving in a couple of hours for Mississippi to pick up Kirstin's mustang. We are making a stop over tonight to visit a friend in Louisiana and will leave there tomorrow morning to head to Mississippi. We will spend the night in Mississippi and then hopefully be one of the first, if not the first in line to pick up Patriot. That's the name that Kirstin has picked out.
Kirstin is soooo excited about finally getting her yearling and can't wait to get him or her home to start working with it. She has grown and learned so much since her first year. We love to watch her when she trains because we saw how she was that first year and how she is now. She has so much more confidence in what she is doing and it shows. She learns right along with the horse. They learn from each other which makes for the perfect partnership. Photos will be posted as soon as possible so check back.

Mustang Pickup

2010-07-07T05:38:00.000-07:00

Kirstin was anticipating picking up her yearling this weekend, but due to some problems that the BLM was having getting the necessary paper work completed, the pick up date has been moved to next weekend. She will be picking up her mustang on June 19. She is extremely eager to get started and this delay really is getting to her.
Kirstin was also hired as an American Mustang Representative II through the Mustang Heritage Foundation. One of the requirements is running a social media page such as a blog. She has started a separate one for this. Please visit www.kkmustangs.blogspot.com. I will keep this one running and she will run the other one. Her second one will not only contain updates on her new mustang but Kirstin will incorporate the requirements for her new job which is bringing awareness to the Mustang and its' plight. She is learning a lot about the history of the mustang and will share that as well.

TAZ

2010-06-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

Kirstin isn't the only one who likes to sit on TAZ in the middle of the field. So does our neighbor's daugther. Kirstin is teaching Victoria how to ride. Victoria is quickly learning to love horses as much as Kirstin.

Some round pen work. TAZ likes to cut corners, if possible in a round pen, so Kirstin has to keep reminding him that he needs to stay on the fence.

Dyno

2010-06-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

Jamie works Dyno most of the time. Dyno is still very young at heart and can at times show his youthfulness. But, he is still a sweetie of a horse. Loves to be with people. Just needs a little extra time in the round pen to ensure that all of his spunk is out of him.

Kirstin rides all of the horses, practicing all of the cues that they know so they don't forget them. Look at that shine on Dyno, he is a real pretty horse.

Mustang pickup

2010-06-16T05:44:00.000-07:00

Kirstin is so excited, she has just a few weeks left before she gets her Mustang yearling for this year's makeover. We will be picking up the yearling on July 10 in Piney Woods, Mississippi. She is already coming up with different names. Of course the name has to have meaning behind it. She is still training Maddie for our neighbor but plans to have her completely finished by the time the yearling arrives. She is just fine tuning her now. Our neighbor wants her to be neck reined so that is what Kirstin is focusing on now. Other than that, Kirstin has her rock solid for the young girls to ride.
Can't wait to watch as Kirstin develops her Mustang yearling into a willing partner.

Manicure for the boys

2010-06-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

Friday, all of the boys on the place got a manicure. We were a little concerned about Kryptonite and Dynamite as we have not had to have their hooves done since bringing them home. We are very fortunate and live in sand so usually all that is needed is shaping. Kirstin and Jamie have been working with both Krypt and Dyno. Krypt is perfectly fine with anyone handling his hooves so we weren't too terribly worried about him, but Dyno had been fighting the girls when they attempted to pick up a hind foot, kicking out and then when they would pick up a front hoof, he would attempt to bow. Well, on Friday our farrier came out and she went straight to work. She started with our old gelding, Trigger who picks up his hooves for you. All he needed was shaping. Next was Krypt-no problem at all with him. He got a trim and shaping. Dyno came after Krypt and I was surprised to hear that he did relatively well. He did attempt to kick out when Sara picked up his hind hoof, but she is very patient and held on. When she was doing his front hooves, he did try to bow several times. She was able to trim and shape both Krypt and Dynos hooves. Yeah!!! TAZ is still leery of having his hind hooves handled, no problems with the front one though. Ever since that vet took a cattle prod to his hindquarters, he doesn't like anyone doing anything around that area. Kirstin had to work forever just to get him to accept being brushed back there again. Thanks Dr. So & So. Luckily his hooves are in good shape, but Sara really wanted to try to get him to accept being handled on the rear hooves. She was able to get him to accept touching the hoof with the rasp and she stopped there. Stop while your ahead.

Kirstin is teaching the 2 girls from down the road how to ride. She will also be picking up her yearling in about a month. She is so excited to be training for the Mustang Makeover for a third year. She has also applied for the position of Mustang Representative II and is hoping to be accepted for that position.
Pics to come soon.

2010 Extreme Mustang Makever!

2010-06-02T14:51:00.000-07:00

Just heard that Kirstin has been selected as 1 of the 25 youths for the Tennessee makeover. I did a quick scan of the trainers and although I could be mistaken I believe Kirstin is the only youth trainer to have competed in all 3 years since they started the youth mustang makeovers. She is going to be so excited!!!!!!

We just could not do it!!!!

2010-05-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

We; Kirstin's parents, had decided that Kirstin would not be able to apply for this year's Mustang makeover. The distance for both yearling competitions is just so far away from us. We had talked to Kirstin and of course she understood, was disappointed, but understood. As the time approached for the application due dates, we discussed it more and more. How could we not let her do this. She has learned so much, met so many fantastic people and has grown so much. She is definitely dedicated to promoting the Mustang and not too many teens her age are willing to put forth the effort to support a cause such as this. But, Kirstin is and does with out any second thoughts. So how could we?
WE COULDN'T!!!! I just faxed Kirstin's application for the Tennessee Makeover barely under the deadline. After much discussion we just could not keep her from doing what she loves. Keep your fingers crossed that Kirstin will be doing this for a third year in a row!

TAZ

2010-05-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

These pictures speak for themself. TAZ has grown into the most beautiful horse that we know. And he has the personality to boot.

It's very hard to get a good picture of this guy. He sees you and he automatically wants to come to you, to be with you. That's who he is. And sneaking up to him is out of the question.

Trailer training Maddie

2010-04-08T05:47:00.000-07:00

Again, as I have already stated, we don't know what Maddie has been trained to do. We know what she wasn't as it was evident when Kirstin started training her. Maddie was ponied to our house so we weren't sure how she would react to a trailer. The first time Kirstin tried trailering her was a couple of weeks after Maddie arrived at our house. She would not go anywhere near the back of the trailer. So, Kirstin figured that trailering was something that Maddie has not done a lot of. Fast forward a month later, trust has been built between Maddie and Kirstin and look what Maddie did without hesitation...

Maddie followed Kirstin right onto the trailer. That was the easy part. Maddie is getting really good at backing on the ground, but in the trailer was a completely new concept to her. I thought there for a while that she wasn't going to get off the trailer.

Kirstin was really having to cue her to get her to back. Maddie would take a couple of steps and then stop and think about what she was doing.

Looks like Maddie is thinking to herself, "You want me to do what???"

Like this????

Maddie finally made it off the trailer. I was afraid when she got her hind hooves on the ground that she might explode out of the trailer, but she didn't . She finished backing out very quietly. Kirstin loaded her up again, Maddie didn't go on right away, but she decided that Kirstin got her through the first time, so why not.

On another note, we are down to 5 horses of our own. My other daugther was able to find a good home for Summer. Summer never really quite fit in with all of our horses. She was the low man on the totem pole so to speak. We didn't use her much and really needed to decrease our herd size. Summer is going to a fantastic home, where she will be spoiled rotten. We fortunately know the person taking Summer as she graduated with one of our older daugthers. She was looking for a horse that an inexperienced rider could ride and that is Summer.

Maddie

2010-04-05T05:45:00.000-07:00

Maddie is really coming along quite nicely. She has her off days as do we, but Kirstin has no problem working her through those days.

At a trot. Maddie goes into a trot quite easily now. She didn't always though. She would be the happiest horse in the world if she could walk everywhere she went.

At a canter. Kirstin has been working up to this. She doesn't stay in a canter for long, but Kirstin has been able to increase the time-we made half a round pen, know let's go a full round pen, etc... Maddie is definitely one of those horses that can not be pushed, she doesn't do anything dangerous, she just gets confused easily. The canter has been slow to come, but Kirstin wants to make sure that Maddie is confident in what she is doing because one of these days Maddie is going to be carrying 2 young girls.

The back. Maddie had no clue how to back in the beginning. Now she backs softly on cue.

Another thing Maddie didn't do real well before Kirstin got a hold of her-picking up her hooves. Maddie now lets Kirstin pick up her hooves. She hasn't perfected it yet, but she is standing more quietly with each day. Maddie is a very sweet horse, who loves to be with people. She will make a wonderful horse for the 2 little girls who are waiting for Kirstin to finish her out.

TAZ-Sunday 3/28

2010-03-30T06:00:00.001-07:00

Big boy TAZ gets a spin also. Kirstin has a lot of fun working all of the horses in one day. She does opt to ride some bareback. TAZ is her favorite to ride bareback. He has such a broad back that he is actually very comfortable to ride bareback, even for a guy! Here is the friend of the family on TAZ.

He was amazed that he could ride TAZ with just his legs-no reins needed to steer him around. He has never ridden a horse using leg reining.

Kirstin can't resist the opportunity to ride TAZ. He is so much fun to ride.

Kirstin showing Andy that you can ride TAZ with no hands.

Kryptonite-Sunday 3/28

2010-03-30T05:58:00.001-07:00

Kirstin & Kryptonite. Kirstin would love to start using Kryptonite for some of her playday events so she has been practicing barrels with him.

Kirstin & her nephew cowboy Daniel. It won't be long before this little guy is riding on his own.

Rounding barrel one.

Knocked over barrel 2 and toooo lazy to get off of Kryptonite. But as usual Kryptonite is willing to tolerate Kirstin's antics.

Barrel 2 uprighted.

Friend of the family riding his first Mustang.

Kryptonite has really grown a lot since bringing him home. He is looking real pretty, grown a little and packed on a few pounds.

Dynamite-Sunday 3/28

2010-03-30T05:56:00.000-07:00

This is Jamie working Dyno on barrels. Jamie has taken claim to Dyno & he to her.

Dyno has been doing pretty good. He is still so young and at times it comes through-he likes to play. He neighs as if he is talking to us. Sometimes, I think he should be called Mr. Ed. We can

be right beside him, talking to him and he will quietly neigh at us as if in answer. Of course, if we aren't paying him any attention, he is loudly neighing at us.

Playday season begins 3/27/10

2010-03-30T05:53:00.000-07:00

First playday of the season, Kirstin & Trigger are lead for the drill.

Trigger loves to perform in front of a crowd.

Flag drill.

Kirstin & Trigger taking off running the Poles event.

They didn't get a time on this event, Trigger broke pattern. He gets so excited at the last pole, he thinks he is suppose to keeping running straight, and Kirstin couldn't get him turned before they broke the timer barrier. They had a fantastic run other than that. Kirstin & Trigger also competed in Cloverleaf barrels and straight away barrels. They came in 5th out of 19 in each event. Not too shabby for a horse with no formal speed event training. Trigger has sooooo much heart, I have never seen a horse quite like him. His only desire in life is to please his rider. We were truly blessed when we bought him. He wasn't always like this though. I have seen this horse do a 180 since Kirstin started using him for drill.

Meet Maddie

2010-03-26T05:41:00.000-07:00

Kirstin has had Maddie a little over a month now. When she first came to Kirstin, Maddie had no problem being saddled or someone sitting in the saddle, but she didn't seem to have the go forward cue down. Kirstin felt bad because she had to kick so hard to get her going. So Kirstin decided to start from the beginning as if Maddie had no training what so ever. Ground work-Maddie led great, but that was about it. Kirstin began round pen work with her and things started changing, Maddie started to trust Kirstin and really wanted to please her. Here a some pics from the last few days of training.

Last night Kirstin was feeling a little lazy, she didn't want to drag all of the tack out, so she decided to see how Maddie would do bareback. To the best of our knowledge Maddie has never been ridden bareback. She wasn't too sure at first, Maddie knew something felt different when Kirstin got on, but it only took her a little while to get used to it and appreciate the fact that she didn't have to wear that heavy saddle.

Without the saddle, Maddie almost seemed to understand the cues better.

She went straight into a trot and maintained the trot for a long time.

Obstacles are no big deal for Maddie.

Watching Maddie back while Kirstin was riding bareback was the most amazing thing. Maddie is just learning to back, but without the saddle on, Kirstin barely had to cue her to get the back. Kirstin would raise the reins slightly, wiggle her butt and Maddie would back right away-not just one step either multiple steps, softly backing. By the time she was finished, Kirstin barely had to lift up on the reins to get the back. I think she might do a lot more training bareback.

Some round pen work. Maddie really needs this every time before she is ridden. She definitely listens better when she begins with the round pen.

Changing directions.

At a lope.

Job well done, Maddie coming in for her reward!

A good scratching from Kirstin. Maddie loves to be scratched.

In the saddle.

Kirstin has only taken Maddie out of the pen a couple of times. Still working on directional cues, but she is starting to venture out more and more. Maddie has made a lot of improvement since she has been here. She is a sweet natured horse and her age sometimes I think works against her(she's 7yr old) but she is responding well to Kirstin.

Kirstin's brother-the hero

2010-03-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

Not really, but we are still very proud of him. Derrick has made the decision to become a firefighter. He is currently a volunteer firefighter and is going to EMT school. He is the guy working on the lady, he is a red hat meaning he is no longer a newbie, promoted to the next level. He really loves what he is doing, esp driving the fire trucks. He admits that there have been some pretty rough moments to deal with, but the good outweighs the bad. The lady is doing fine, it was a pretty minor accident-if only they could all end like this. Makes you appreciate your life even more & treat it with more care & respect when you see things through the eyes of emergency personnel-they have seen a lot.

Kirstin passes her love of horses on to our neighbor's daughters!

2010-03-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

Last summer, Kirstin babysat for our neighbor's daughters. These 2 young girls had the time of their life with her. At that time, Kirstin exposed them to her love, her horses. Kirstin was heavy into the training of Tuff for the makeover, so the girls would spend that time watching Kirstin train him. Although the family owns horses, the girls would not have much to do with them other than petting them. Kirstin changed that. They now want to learn to ride and their dad is happy to see them getting interested in horses and hopes that they will stay involved with them like Kirstin has. He says, if only we had more young kids like Kirstin, she has such a passion and drive for what she does and it is so obvious that she loves what she is doing.

Brianne is the youngest, she doesn't quite fit in the saddle yet, but she loves to ride. Funny story, I caught her standing up on Trigger's back and she said that she always wanted to do that but couldn't because her dad was always around. I wasn't concerned as I know Trigger, he is a do anything type of horse, he really doesn't care what you do with him. Trigger is about 16 years old and does a little bit of everything. He loves barrel racing, carries a flag, is the horse that Kirstin uses for drill team, carries little kids on his back and knows they are little & takes care of them, carries adults who claim to know how to ride and will show them that they really DO NOT know how to ride.

Brianne likes to trot.

This is Victoria, she is the oldest of the two. She wasn't real sure about trotting.

Victoria learning how to turn Trigger.

Trotting.

Brianne learning the barrel pattern.

On her own!

Bringing it home! Trotting by herself.

Victoria's turn. Trig knows the barrel pattern and he really wanted to run it, but he stayed at a trot for Victoria.

Victoria bringing it home!

Kirstin is training a horse for this neighbor. It is the first saddle training that she has ever done. Although Maddie(7 yrs) came to Kirstin already saddle broke, she would not move, Kirstin would have to kick & kick to get her moving, she didn't back-not even on the ground, didn't pick up hooves. Kirstin started at the beginning with a lot of ground work. She now has Maddie moving under saddle at a walk and trot, backing on cue and is working on teaching Maddie neck reining as our neighbor wants her to be necked reined. She is very smart and a very fast learner. Pics to come soon.

Vet day

2010-03-10T13:06:00.001-08:00

Had the vet come out yesterday to give shots and do coggins on our horses. All went pretty good until it was Kryptonite's turn. The most laid back horse on our place turned into wild man when they gave him his first shot. I wasn't there at the time, but the vet said, "yeah he's laid back, laid back on his houches." Evidently we have found the 1 thing that Krypt does not like-shots. They ended up having to put him into the chute to finish his shots & coggins test. Luckily our chute is 8 feet high as he tried to jump out of the chute. Krypt got finished up and then the next challenge was Kirstin first Mustang Sakari. Sakari has not had a shot since we brought her home, not that we haven't tried, it's just that she hates them and is still very much in touch with her wild side. Fortunately, this time around, the vet tech was very knowledgeable about horses, took her time, and with the aid of Kirstin, Sakari got her first round of shots. TAZ & Dynomite took the shots & coggins like Champs-they didn't even flinch. It has been so rainy here that we felt it paramount to make sure all of the horses had their west nile before the mosquitoes came out. The other horses on the place also received their shots & coggins. A total of 6 horses sure does run that bill up quickly, but they are all protected now.
Kirstin is in the process of saddle training a horse for our neighbors. It is her first official training job, so she is uber excited. The horse who didn't know how to move forward on cue is now trotting under saddle on cue. I will post pictures soon.

Adoption, Kirstin & Kryptonite make the paper

2010-02-18T10:46:00.000-08:00

http://seguingazette.com/story.lasso?ewcd=a06d5fee72ea720d

Mustang Adoption-Seguin, TX-2/12 & 2/13/10

2010-02-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

This past weekend the BLM brought their mustangs to Seguin for an adoption. Thanks to a good friend of our(thank Karen) we had read about her taking her mustang to adoptions for meet & greets. Kirstin contacted the BLM and they were more than happy to have her bring one of her Mustangs for the meet & greet. Our plan originally was to take TAZ on Friday and Kryptonite on Saturday. Even the best laid plans get changed. Friday morning TAZ would have nothing to do with getting on the trailer. Kirstin has to practice trailer loading every week and TAZ has been jumping right onto the trailer every time. But Friday morning he was having nothing to do with it. Kirstin was really disappointed as she feels that TAZ emits personality and people are drawn to him. I, on the other hand feel that all things happen for a reason-fate. We might not know right away what that reason is. We turned to Mr. Reliable-Kryptonite. He jumped right on. Krypt is normally not a horse that openly shows his personality-he takes a while to warm up to you. But not on this day. We got to the adoption and Krypt was like a different horse. He became Mr. Personality. People coming up to him and Kirstin all day and he loved every minute of it. These pictures are from both days and are in no particular order.

Friday before the adoption began. Kirstin, 2 of her friends and her sister volunteered all day. They were there first thing to help feed and water the mustangs.

This was the only thing that freaked Krypt out. The table cloth was flapping in the wind. But once Kirstin got him up to the table he was fine with it.

Some guy taking footage for U-tube. Interviewed Kirstin and

asked her to ride him around.

Young and old were curious about the mustang.

This lady spent about an hour loving on Kryptonite.

One of the many pony rides that Krypt gave.
You have to click on this picture and the one below to

see this little girl's expression on her face, it says it all!

Another pony ride.

Local newspaper taking pictures.

More pony rides

Too cute!!!!!!!!

First ride!!!!!

Both days were great. At the end of the adoption, I was a little teary eyed to see so many not be adopted. Believe me if I had the room and the money I would love to take them all in. Kirstin and Krypt did what they came to do-promote the mustang. They did a wonderful job. A lot of

people spent time talking to Kirstin.

Merry Christmas from the Koehlers & their Stangs!

2009-12-16T11:19:00.000-08:00

TAZ is just a little camera shy, can't you tell. What a ham!!! He posed for the camera for about 15 minutes without moving. We primped and posed Kirstin and he just stood there. He loves the camera and the bright red Poinsettias that we used to get his attention didn't hurt. He's grown quite a bit this last year and is truly the most beautiful horse that I have ever known.

The model on his back isn't too shabby either. Kirstin and TAZ were made for each other and have the most incredible bond. It shows in the photo!

Just TAZ!!!!

His mane has gotten soooo long. It is almost hanging past his neckline.

The Koehlers & their Stangs wish everyone a very Merry Christmas & a Blessed, Happy & Healthy New Year.

Kirstin and Kryptonite

2009-12-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

What a good boy Kryptonite is! Look at him standing so nicely...

But do you know what happens when a horse spies a flower on his breast collar.

He just can't resist the urge to check it out! Hmm what's this brightly, colored thing right here???

Nice color but doesn't offer much in the taste category.

Pretty decoration removed and horse and girl looking pretty as usual.

Kirstin goofing around with Krypt

2009-12-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

I told you that Kryptonite was a very laid back horse. Kirstin can do just about anything she wants to on him, he could care less.

Jamie & Dynamite

2009-12-16T05:57:00.000-08:00

Jamie is Kirstin's older sister and she is staying with us while her fiance is in training for the Navy. It's because of Dyno that she has taken up riding again. He chose her and they have become quite the pair.

Jamie & Dyno posing for their Christmas photo.

The girls riding around after pictures.

Dyno is a little buddy sour. He doesn't like Kryptonite riding away without him. We have since then separated the two so that it doesn't get any worse. But he is still a sweetie.

Kirstin's brother's band RyKo Wilson

2009-12-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

Kirstin's big brother has started a band. Here is a cool shot of the group. Derrick(Kirstin's brother) is the cute guy carrying the guitar. He's lead vocalist and has a wonderful voice. The group has quite a few songs of their own and they are really, really good songs. They have a myspace and a facebook page, so go check them out. This was a picture that I(Kirstin's mom) took this weekend.

Photoshop is tooooo cool. This is from the same picture above, but just Derrick.
If anyone has suggestions as to how to get this group listened to by the powers to be, let me
know. They deserve a chance or at very least their songs do.

Kryptonite's new winter jacket!

2009-12-07T06:17:00.000-08:00

Krypt wasn't too sure about the mysterious thing on his back. Putting it on wasn't a big problem, but moving with it on was. He froze after his first step. Almost as if to say whoa, what's that on my back and is it going to eat me. Kirstin started lunging him and for the first time ever, I saw Krypt lose it. He totaly freaked. But Kirstin has become so confident in handling horses that she took it all in stride, kept a hold of him and they eventually worked it through together.

It helps that Krypt trusts Kirstin completely. He knows that she would never ask something of him that would hurt him.

After about 5 minutes of Krypt not being to sure of his blanket, he now has no problems with the extra layer of warmth. Kirstin is riding him around with just the halter and lead rope. It is so cool to watch these 2. Krypt is so responsive to her and he loves to be ridden.

Krypt's newest trick-smiling on command!

Krypt says that he loves his new winter coat and says hi to everyone(especially Matt!)

Dyno gets his new winter coat!

2009-12-07T05:56:00.000-08:00

Dyno also gets a new coat! He was much more accepting of the coat on his back, he was a little bit
bothered by it at first but it only took a few steps for him to realize that he wasn't getting eaten and that he was much warmer than before.

Dyno is a lunging pro. He is so easy to lunge and listens so well to Kirstin-look at the ear pointed at her. He stops on command and turns when asked. He strikes us as being really young. He still looks like a baby, but he is so well behaved.

How can such a big horse disappear in his field.

2009-11-27T05:51:00.000-08:00

This is the view from outside our dining room window. I can always look out it to check on TAZ, but there are times I swear that he is hiding from me just to freak me out and make me come out to check on him thusly he gets extra attention. I will look and look and not see him and then I go outside to find this.......

exact same location just different angle. But he gets his attention and that's all he wants.

TAZ & Kirstin having some fun!

2009-11-27T05:48:00.000-08:00

TAZ has the most beautiful mane. It now is past his neck line and has the prettiest wave in it.

Kirstin goofing off with TAZ.

TAZ getting a little kiss from Kirstin.

TAZ is such a big guy-look at the size of his head against Kirstin. He's the world's biggest puppy dog, at least he follows us around like a puppy dog. If anyone is out in his field-he is right there beside you, he just loves to be with people.

TAZ still has the most amazingly smooth lope and trot. Even in this old round pen where the sand is super deep. He's a little out of shape so Kirstin has been gradually increasing his work out times. But, he loves to ride-you put the saddle on him and he is ready to go where you want him to go. No questions, no balking just point me in the direction and I will go!

Still has a pretty good stop also. Notice the smoke in the background. Kirstin's dad was burning leaves-when you have 100 acres of oak trees-you have a ton of leaves. TAZ isn't fazed by fire, Kirstin can walk him right up to it. Look at that mane flying in the breeze.

Krypt & Dyno, Kirstin & Daniel

2009-11-27T05:45:00.000-08:00

Kirstin & Kryptonite just riding around. Look at that no saddle. Kryptonite just enjoys being ridden. He takes on a whole new appearance when someone is on his back. He is so laid back and just goes with the flow. Daniel of course had to jump on with his Aunt Kiki. Daniel is our cowboy in training. He absolutely loves horses-already taking after his Aunt.

Dyno's turn with Daniel. He's probably wondering what the heck's hanging on his neck.

Too cute for words.

Daniel gets a kiss from Dyno.

15th Annual Wild Horse & Burro Expo

2009-10-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

Kirstin's dream finally came true. She got to post the colors on one of her Mustangs. She has always wanted to be able to that. She feels that as the American Icon, the Mustang should be the
one bringing in the American Flag. She rode Kryptonite for the posting of the colors and he did a wonderful job especially considering that this was his first time to participate in a drill like this. Kirstin was so proud of him.

Kirstin & Kryptonite did fantastic at the show. They didn't place in any of the halter classes, but once that saddle went on, they were a force to be reckoned with. They placed 1st in the Youth Trail Class, 2nd in the Youth Western Pleasure class, 5th in Barrels. They won Champion Greenbroke of the entire show and also won the Youth award presented by the MHF for high point MHF horse. Not too shabby for the first show for both of them. Kirstin has never competed in a horse show like this. She had no idea what to expect when she went into the arena for Western Pleasure and this was the first time for Kryptonite to ever run barrels. The Trail course was a piece of cake for Kryptonite. They were the only ones to sidepass while opening & closing the gate, his leads were spot on and stops and backs were great.

Kirstin's sister also showed Kryptonite and placed 3rd in the Adult Western Pleasure class.

Kirstin & Kryptonite with all of their ribbons.

Kirstin & Kryptonite waiting for the placing in the Western Pleasure class

Kirstin & Kryptonite opening the gate during the Trail Course.

Kirstin & Kryptonite during pole bending. They didn't place due to a broken pattern. Kirstin said he was just going to fast and couldn't make that last pole. But they would have placed pretty high if that didn't happen, Krypt was booking it.

These last 2 are of Kryptonite's first ever barrel race. He really seemed to like barrel racing. His time wasn't to bad 23 seconds. Not bad for his first barrel race.

Kryptonite bringing it home. He is a really fast horse.

By the end of the show, everyone there knew who Kryptonite was and they knew his story. The BLM folks were great about exposing the Makeover and what can be accomplished with these horses in a short time. They were all impressed with Kryptonite and his behavior. I can easily say that he was one of the best behaved horses there. Nothing spooked him.

We were planning on taking Dynamite also, but at the last minute he wouldn't load in the trailer. We tried for a little while to get him loaded, but he just wasn't going. I didn't want to push it and make trailer loading in the future even more difficult. Kirstin just has something else to work on. She'll get it done. Time and patience is all it takes, both of which we didn't have Friday evening when we were trying to get him loaded.

Sunday when we got home, the two girls hopped on our other two horse, Trigger and TAZ and rode them down to our neighbor's house for a birthday party. The 2 little girls who Kirstin babysat with over the summer were having a birthday party. The 2 horses were the hit of the party, both giving "pony rides". Both of them were as expected perfect gentlemen and the people at the party thought that TAZ was the most beautiful horse they have ever seen(and he is!) Kirstin even got asked to start working with our neighbor's horses so that his little girls could start riding them. Of course that made Kirstin's day.

Wild Horse & Burro show

2009-10-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

We are leaving this afternoon for the Wild Horse & Burro show that is being held in Belton, TX.
We are taking the 2 new Mustangs; Dynamite & Kryptonite. Kirstin is super excited, she is
posting the colors at the show with a couple of her friends from her drill team and she is bringing in the American flag. Another dream of hers coming true. Plenty of pictures to follow!

Kirstin & Tuff make the local newspaper

2009-10-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

Check out the article our County newspaper did on Kirstin & Tuff-E-Nuff. Pretty good, they misquoted a couple of things, but all in all they did a great job. You can even leave a comment on
the page if you would like.

http://www.wilsoncountynews.com/article.php?id=24916&n=agriculture-today-local-girl-dedicates-mustang-finals-to-breast-cancer-awareness

Dyno's turn with the flag!

2009-10-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

Kirstin and her older sister worked with the flag with Dynamite. As you can see he wasn't in the least bit bothered by it. He also looks great carrying the American Flag, doesn't he?

After the work, came the play. The 2 girls went for a long, leisurely ride. Here they are coming back from down the road. I went outside to snap this photo and all I heard were the two of them singing at the top of their lungs. Jamie is holding up her phone which is playing the music they were listening to while they rode. Too funny, but I love to see the 2 of them getting along so nicely. Horses are the best medicine for just about anything including sisterly friendship.

Kirstin & Kriptonite

2009-09-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Kirstin is detemined to carry the flag on a Mustang. She has to post the Colors at a playday in November and would love to do so on either Kriptonite or Dynamite. As you can see Kriptonite has no problem what so ever with the flag. It was a little unsure at first and took just a couple of steps back, but Kirstin kept talking to him, reassuring him that he was alright and look at him now. She let him chase the flag around for a little bit before waiving it around his head. "Chasing" a scary object is less scary than the object chasing him, so horses seem to accept it faster.

No problem going over the rump.

And her final destination was on his back carrying the flag at a lope and being able to control him. He did great in the round pen, soon we will take him to the arena to see how he does in a larger more open area. Kirstin was beaming from ear to ear.

Kirstin & her nephew rides Kriptonite.

2009-09-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has read Kirstin's blog knows that her nephew who is only 15 months old can not pass by a horse without riding him. He loves horses and calls all horses KiKi which is his name for Kirstin. We took him out to meet the new horses and of course we heard him throw a fit until he got to ride. Kriptonite was a perfect gentleman keeping his pace slow while Kirstin took Daniel for a ride.

Daniel gives Kriptonite a hug for the ride. Isn't he cute!!!

Our newest additions-Fist Full of Dynamite & Kriptonite

2009-09-29T10:35:00.001-07:00

Introducing our two newest additons to our growing Mustang family. We brought home from the Extreme Mustang Makeover Fist Full of Dynamite(Dyno). He was trained by Joe Weitekamp and placed very high in the Idols prelimanary and competed in the Idols finals where they place 10th overall. Kriptonite was trained my Matt Replogle. Anyone who knows Matt, knows that he rode his horse both last year and this year from Las Vegas, so he really has a lot of miles on him. Kriptonite placed 11th. Both are so laid back and the girls are really enjoying them.

Kirstin riding Dyno who is very easy going.

Kirstin riding Kriptonite, who is also very easy going. We gave both horses most to the week off, they were exhausted from the show, the girls are riding them daily now.

Kirstin's sister, Jamie, riding Kriptonite. Kriptonite reminds Jamie of her favorite horse that we had to put to sleep several years ago.

Kirstin & Dyno just posing for the camera.

2009-09-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

No real rhyme or reason to these pictures, but here are some more from the Makeover. The first one is a picture of Kirstin riding Careen Hammock's horse Surplus. Kirstin was so excited when Careen asked her to take Surplus for a ride. I'm thinking that Kirstin was probably the only 15 year old at the Makeover riding one of the newly trained horses. But, Surplus is so much like TAZ that both Careen & I felt confident that Kirstin & Surplus could handle it.

The dreaded trailer. I have pictures of Tuff loading in a trailer since the second week after we brought him home. Kirstin practiced trailer loading week in and week out. What does he do at the contest? He wouldn't step up onto the trailer. Go figure. The trailer is quite a bit higher than the stock trailer that we use and it had shavings in it which was something Tuff wasn't used to . Something to keep in mind if you are taking a horse to Tennessee. They got points for effort but he never got up into that trailer.

The only other problem spot was the backing through an "L" Tuff just wasn't wanting to back. Kirstin remained patient and tried 3 different times. On that last time, she told Tuff, "Just one more try" You could she her talking to him and then he decided that he would do one of the best looking backs ever. She got a roaring applause from the audience for her patience and perserverance which paid off.

The rest of the course was spot on. Tuff trotted around the cones like a pro, stop and stood for his hooves to be picked up, did the walking while she texted, and the release and catch was a piece of cake. We knew that she was on the fence as far as making the finals would be concerned. She was so excited when they called her hip number. She place 10th in the prelims, barely making it into the finals. But she made it, and that was all that mattered to Kirstin.

Sunday, saying goodbye to Tuff was hard on all of us. I know that Kirstin misses him terribly, but we know that he went to a great home and we can't wait to see how he develops over the years to come. He is going to make a great horse and Kirstin knows that she has done some good work with him, and that he is probably the most bombproof horse any of us have ever seen.

2009-09-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Kirstin with Tuff getting ready to go into the arena for the adoption process. Tuff was getting a little tired of the whole process, he no longer wanted to stand still like he had all weekend long, he was on his best behavior when it mattered most! He looks good in green doesn't he.

Tuff and Kirstin entering the arena for the finals. She had Tuff saddled, tarp over the saddle and blindfolded. Shortly after entering, she removed the tarp. She didn't remove the blindfold until after she turned him both directions and lead him onto a bridge. As she entered the arena, you could hear a collective gasp from the audience, it's not often that you see a yearling being willingly lead around blindfolded. The finals performance was something that Kirstin put together the evening before, she just showcased exactly how bombproof this little guy is. They didn't get to finish(ran out of time) but it was a great performance anyway. They both did a fantastic job. I am so proud of both of them.

This one is of Kirstin speaking to Robbie Daughtery. We have met so many wonderful people through this venture, it is great to be able to speak to them in person. Robbie, you & Element did great and it was great finally getting to meet you and your family.

This one is of Kirstin, Tuff, Careen Hammock & Surplus. You all might remember Careen from last year. She is the trainer of our TAZ from last year's makeover. She won last year's Idols Division with TAZ and she also won this year's Idols Division with Surplus. He is a great horse and his new owners are extremely lucky to have a Careen Hammock original.

This last one is Kirstin's stall kind of towards the end of the show. The first day we put the stall decorations up, Tuff didn't bother them at all so we didn't do anything to them when we left. We came back the next morning to find a portion of the curtains chewed on. We should have known better, he puts everything in his mouth-has to taste everything. So we had to cut off the chewed up portion of the curtains, but she still received 3rd place for her stall. It was decorated in Pink Ribbon material and we had made pink ribbon pins, people left Kirstin notes of well wishes. The large basket on the left is the basket full of Jelly Belly Jelly Beans that Kirstin won as most dedicated youth trainer. Pretty cool.

Tuff & Kirstin

2009-09-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

Here they are just before the adoption. Sunday was a tough day for all of us. Tuff exceeded all anyone could ask of him. He is such a level headed guy and his new owners are the luckiest people in the world.

Correction to last post.

2009-09-22T05:58:00.000-07:00

I have to make a correction to the last post. The Jelly Belly basket was given to Kirstin by NFR Champion Michael Jones. It really meant a lot to Kirstin to be presented with that award and she loves the jelly beans. I still haven't found out how Kirstin was selected, but hopefully will know more soon.

We're home!!!

2009-09-21T05:50:00.001-07:00

What an amazing trip. Kirstin & Tuff were awesome. They placed 10th in the preliminaries and went on to the finals where they came away with 6th place. Not bad for someone who really didn't have anything planned for finals. Kirstin just showcased how bombproof Tuff is and it worked out great. Even better Kirstin won a prize for being the most dedicated trainer. This was a basket full of Jelly Belly Jelly beans presented by Jelly Belly. Pretty cool! Asked the Mustang Heritage Folks how she was selected and they couldn't tell me. It was not a planned award which makes it that much sweeter, pun intended. They are trying to get me more details on it. I will post pictures and hopefully videos from this weekend very soon. Tuff was adopted by some great people who work with for the BLM and is going back to their ranch in Oklahoma not to far from where he came. We didn't come home with an empty trailer though. We brought back with us Fist Full of Dynamite trained by Joe Weitekamp. Dynamite placed 10th in the Idols division and we also brought home Kryptonite trained by Matt Replogle. Kyptonite placed 11th in the Legends division. Both are resting comfortably in their new pens. I am sure they are glad to be away from all of the commotion. Lots more to come later.

They did it!!!!!

2009-09-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

Tuff & Kirstin are finals bound! The competition was a little tough, Tuff didn't want to get in the trailer and at first didn't want to back through the L but Kirstin was patient and worked him through it perfectly after a couple of tries. Never trailered him, but the rest was spot on. Tuff trotted on the spot which was Kirstin's biggest concern. More to come later.

What a difference!!!

2009-09-15T05:46:00.000-07:00

What a difference in this little guy. It's amazing what some good quality food and plain, old fashioned TLC can do for anyone or anything. Tuff was a rough looking guy when Kirstin first got him. Now he is a beautiful horse with great potential. He is going to make someone a great working horse. For the past couple of days, I have left Kirstin & Tuff to themselves to spend some quality alone time before the competition. She is no longer worried about training him, she goes through their paces, practices different things that Tuff can do but it is a very laid back session. More fun time than anything else.

We leave tomorrow morning. We are taking J-Dub on his offer to spend a day at his place. Something new and exciting for both Tuff & Kirstin. Hopefully, it will help to get some of the jitters of travel so far out of both of them. That will put in Ft Worth first thing Thursday morning and Kirstin will have all day to get Tuff acclimated to his new surroundings. Can't wait to see all of the trainers and their horses, everyone has done a wonderful job as always. Be careful on your trip to Ft Worth, See everyone soon!

Rain, finally!!!

2009-09-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

I have been reading about all these people getting a much needed rain only to look out at our very dry grass wondering where our rain was. We finally are getting the much needed rain, just a week away from the competition. I am not one to look a gift horse in the mouth though, so I am not complaining. Sure it will cut down on training time that Kirstin has with Tuff, but I guess if he doesn't know it by now...I looked outside yesterday at the rain coming down only to see Kirstin working with Tuff in the round pen. I stepped outside and hollered the obvious at her, "hey, Kirstin it's raining" (duh) and she just replied back, "it's only a little bit of rain." What determination she has! I wished that at 15, I had just half of her drive & determination. That will really take her far in today's world. As her parent, I am definitely blessed and couldn't be more proud of her than I am right now.

Monday-Tuff goes back to the arena

2009-09-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

Tuff went back to the arena this morning and he was the complete opposite from last weekend. He was so well behaved even trotted when asked. He only kicked up his heels a couple of times, but Kirstin quickly put him in his place and he decided that it was much easier to behave because he had to do extra work when he misbehaved. Last week, Kirstin went back to the basics working only on leading and watching her cue and release. Kirstin has become more aware of her cues and release and Tuff has begun to listen better. I think taking that step back is going to pay off in the long run. They both did an excellent job this weekend.