The Foal shed gets a permanent roof

With winter coming it was time to replace the tarp that served

as the temporary roof for the foal shed.

So April gathered up the supplies, put out the call

and we made the change.

Tom K, John F. and myself took on the task

of making the shed safe for snow.

Paprika the pony, who was with us during the build. Gives her stamp
of approval by using the shelter.

The roofing crew.

Natural Horsemanship week 2

Kaylee's training using natural horsemanship continues.

We started this week with the YO-YO game.
Making them back up, and then bringing them forward.

Here is the rope wiggle to get her to back up.

Here Linda pretends to pull on the rope

to get kaylee to move forward.

Then, a new tool is introduced.

The Handy Stick. A good way to

desensitize while keeping a safe distance.

Rub it everywhere and if you find an "OH NO"

spot your safe to keep working. As I found out while
working her right hind quarters and she kicked out
three times. But with slight corrections with the rope and halter,
Kaylee quickly learned that the kicking would not be tolerated
and she relaxed.

Natural Horsemanship Training

With the help of Jen V who has graciously stepped forward and

offered her knowledge of Pirelli training, Kaylee will no doubt

become even more of a well behaved and properly trained

little horse.

Jen and Fling go over today's lesson

 

Jen demonstrates tossing the lead over

Fling's back. This gets the horse used to blankets, saddle pads,

saddles and anything else that needs to be put on them.

Linda practices making Kaylee back up
with actions and not words.

Kaylee shows her stubborn side.
But she is new to it and did pretty well overall.

Jen gives Linda some pointers, notice the distance between them.
Kaylee is relaxed enough not to come up close.
This seems to be working.

I even gave it a shot, here I try to make her back up
by staring her down. She held her ground, but at least she looked me in the eye
and payed attention.

This training is just what is needed, and not just for Kaylee.

We have been doing little things up until now.

The things we learn here from Jen will not just make us more

in control but also safer, as Kaylee learns to trust us

and what will be expected of her.

Kaylee looking good in her new rug.

Bella and Sox have a new home

It's official. Bella and Sox have been adopted.

They were taken home to Sturbridge

this morning.

Cindy we wish you the best of luck with

your new babies.

It was very strange to go to the barn tonight

and only have Kaylee and Lucky there.

I am amazed that in its first 6 months of existence,

Lucky Horse has managed to rescue eight Foals and find owners for all.

What started out as a handful of volunteers with large dreams has turned into a successful little organization that seems to grow steadily week by week. I think we can look forward to great things from this group and I am excited to see what the future brings.

Six months ago when Linda told me she wanted to adopt this baby horse, I figured I would stop in from time to time to visit as this was "HER" thing.

But low and behold as time went on this little horse had quite the effect on me. I actually look forward to going to the barn each day for our visit. It has been fascinating to watch her grow in size and personality. I can only imagine what the coming months will bring as she gets older and we can begin to really get into training and ground work.

BENEFIT FOR BABIES NOW AND FUTURE

Tonight was a night to celebrate what has been and will be.

A barn dance to raise money for Lucky Horse.
There was a live and silent auction.

Bagpipes and and dance performances.

And of course what would a barn dance be without Square dancing.

 

It was a fun night for all, with Lucky Horse raising much needed

funds for the upcoming

foaling season.