KAYLEE

Training takes on a new direction

2011-06-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

With her 2nd birthday passing, it's time to up the ante on training.

Starting with the basics of desensitizing.

followed by some free lunging

In both directions of course.

The beginning of figure 8's.

Going well.

Reward for a job well done!

More basics, backing up.

Lunging on the lead.

A whole new perspective for Kaylee, and not to sure what to make of it.

She figured it out quickly that he hasn't steered her wrong yet

so she put her trust in it.

Handling the boot on the back rubbing gently.

Ok you got my attention!

I was impressed, this is the first time Kaylee has gone through

this training. She didn't jump or get squirmy.

She merely to a step forward so we took it as a good win and called it a day.

The lesson for us today, Kaylee is ready to begin the backing process. Linda and I

Will start with putting a bareback saddle on her (first attempt went off without a hitch).

After a few walks with just the saddle we will add the stirrups.

Linda is nervous (which for those who know her would expect nothing less), I

on the other hand am excited to see the time and effort of

everyone who has touched Kaylee's life come to fruition.

A day at the barn

2011-05-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today was a day for a walk and a bath.

Linda discussing the plan with Kaylee, She actually looks like she's listening.

She loves the clover.

Mommy Love!

Can you believe the tail? A far cry from dreads of old.

Back with her BF Charlie!

We love to see the mane fly

Training continues with Linda building confidence

2011-05-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

Linda has been working with a trainer, not so much with a focus on Kaylee.

But a focus on herself, to feel more confident when she is working with Kaylee.

It's paying off, Kaylee is getting softer.

She senses the stop much better.

when she stalls, a quick tug moves her along

Backing up like a pro

It was a very successful training session for both Linda and Kaylee

Overdue update- Part 3

2011-02-21T17:47:00.000-08:00

9 months ago she could barely

get her nose over this gate.

She's not so little anymore!

She still likes to get up close and personal.

(aka begging for a treat)

Overdue update- part 2

2011-02-21T17:38:00.000-08:00

Kaylee is very curious about her surroundings.

Especially when her Mom is riding

another horse.

Kaylee loves running, she will be grazing
one moment and the next she is just takes off.

Which will get Tell running, but he doesn't

have a prayer of keeping up with her.

She gets a good jump on Charlie,

but the big Thoroughbred over takes her

within 100 yd.

No matter what she always stands proud

after a good run!

An overdue update-part 1

2011-02-21T17:18:00.000-08:00

It's been quite awhile since I've updated,

So here is an array of pics from Aug 2010- Sept 2010.

In August we continued round pen work.

Kaylee is now grazing full time.

With no belly issues!

Romping in the fields with her

buddy Charlie is a daily occurrence.

Kaylee is part of the herd and loving

every minute of it.

Kaylee's growing and we visit an old friend

2010-08-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

A similar pose as the blog header,

Shows her progress quite well.

Over the past month Kaylee has had a growth spurt.

We have used a tape to estimate her current height 13.2 hands.

Mommy has a mint for her.

The "baby face" is gone.

Kaylee is filling out quite nicely.

The muscle tone is getting there.

Getting the head out the stall is a little easier now.

While Linda and I were out looking at new

houses, we ran across and old friend.

Kaylee's old stall mate Lucky!

He has certainly grown, he is estimated to

currently be 15 hands.

He seemed to remember me and came right over to greet me.

He was as affectionate as always until his older paddock

mate ran him off for getting the attention.

Two weeks in with the boys

2010-07-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

It's been 2 weeks since Kaylee jumped the fence to be

with the boys and things couldn't be better.

4th of July vacation went off without a hitch. A far cry from last year

when the belly problems and diareha began.

She has learned her place in the herd, but she is not harrased

or bullied by any of the others.

Her pasture buddy remains Tell and she sticks close by

as I think she feels he is her protector.

Time for dinner- race you to the barn.

Kaylee is truly a happy healthy little filly who

is enjoying the freedom of running and playing again.

Kaylee takes the plunge (or Jump)

2010-06-25T19:46:00.000-07:00

06/22/10 we stand in the barn discussing putting Kaylee with the boys.

We decide that June 30, 2010 will be the day.

Kaylee however had another plan, so on 06/24/2010 she decided enough was enough

and hopped the fence that had been seperating her and the others.

None of us were there to see it but we were lucky enough

to have caught it on video. No running or hesitation, she simply hopped a 3 foot high fence.

and hasn't looked back since.

Above is kaylee in her roped off pasture- notice the

small posts with the lines. This is what she went over to be with the herd.

Kaylee and Irish, Irish is the herd leader.

Kaylee and Tell, She prefers to spend most of her time with Tell as he

is a younger horse.

She really has adapted well to being with the herd.

By deciding her own time to join the boys in the big pastures,

she took the stress and anguish off Linda who was

very anxious giving Kayless past history.

Kaylee continues to flourish

2010-06-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a month at the new place

and Kaylee is doing great.

We continue to keep her off the hay and on the forage.

But we have begun to allow her to graze in the pasture.

It was a cautious start allowing only 10-15 minutes.

She is now up to 4 hours and no adverse effects.

We have also been introducing her to

the other horses. She has been chased a bit so we have created

a pasture within a pasture. All the horses can investigate and

get to know each other but Kaylee can feel secure that

they can not enter her area.

Kaylee and Tell share some time in one of the pastures.

Tell is a three year old Dales Pony who seems to

be the most tolerant of the newbie.

She's looking more like a "big horse" every day.

It amazes me every time I watch her run.

She seems so care free as she gallops,trots and canters

all over the paddocks and outdoor ring.

And as you can tell from the pic above,
The shaved spots have finally filled in
and her spots look normal again!

She's quite content

2010-05-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

2 weeks in and Kaylee is quite content.

She has truly settled in and is doing GREAT!

She is putting on weight and muscle,

The running room has done wonders for her.

Kaylee enjoys showing off in the outdoor.

She can really build up a head of steam.

Kaylee enjoys her daily runs in the outdoor ring.

She can show off for the boys.

I think she has even grown a few inches taller.

Looking goofy in a fly mask.

Even though she does look silly with the black flies

being out the mask is a needed.

She's a happy little filly in her new home.

2010-05-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

Kaylee has settled in quite nicely into her new surroundings.

She enjoys running in the pastures and outdoor ring.

I can actually see in her eyes that she is relaxed and confident.

A beautiful sunny day to frolic in the field

I haven't seen her strut like this in quite some time!

She has a blast running and kicking and bucking

every time she is in the outdoor ring.

But when on the lead she is still a

respectful little horse.

A new chapter in a new location

2010-05-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

A huge milestone today!

With Kaylee recently turning 1 and the belly still not 100%,

Linda and I made a decision to move Kaylee to a small barn in Sutton. It was not a decision made easily

as we have made great friends and enjoyed our time at CMS and LHER.

We would like to thank all of you who came by to wish us luck and see us off.

Today was not goodbye!

Linda and I still will be involved with LHER. We will

be doing a foal feeding shift and I will still be there for the building projects.

This move was made in the best interest of Kaylee.

The new location is a private home barn owned by

one of Linda's friends who is very passionate about horses and is very

interested in helping us with Kaylee's development and well being.

Kaylee is one of four horses and has her own stall and for the time being a paddock to herself.

We are continuing to keep her on a strict Forage diet that seems to be

helping to keep the belly on the road to recovery. As she progresses we will

work on introducing her to grasses slowly with the hopes of someday

allowing her to graze in a large paddock as a horse is meant to do.

Kaylee eating her forage. In the

background is her new buddy

Charlie.

Looking out the door to the paddock.

The training continues

2010-03-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

The weekly natural horsemanship training

has been progressing quite well.

Kaylee has learned to be

patient while between drills

In her rope and knot halter

Linda working where she likes best,

up close and personal.

Learning to use the rope over the neck

to safely remove or put on the halter.

As Jen says... You just know she's going to kiss her!

Linda has been keeping up with

her lessons also.

She needs to be ready when it's time

to ride Kaylee.

Living Outdoors... No worse for the wear!

2010-03-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

With Lucky leaving and Kaylee's never ending

allergy list, It was time for a move to the

great outdoors.

The first attempt with Daisy and Koda ended quickly

as Koda wouldn't stop pestering her. But with her new paddock mate Acorn

Kaylee has faired much better.

Always there to greet people at the fence

Kaylee's new pal Acorn

She stills loves her afternoon

siestas in the sun

I don't think she was to

happy that I woke her

A new chapter begins

2010-02-28T16:59:00.000-08:00

Kaylee begins this new week on her own.

Lucky, her stall mate for the last 6 months has left for

a new home.

Lucky waits with for the trailer with Carol

Lucky gets ready to board the trailer

for his new home.

Good luck to John, Carol and Lucky.

Unfortunately Kaylee was unable to see Lucky off

as she had another bout of belly troubles. So our day was spent walking

her and this time trying something new. She was given a

heaping dose of mineral oil which helped lubricate her intestines

and move things out. We also gave her Maalox to break up the

gas bubbles. Hopefully she can out grow this.

Kaylee's first night alone went much better

than I ever anticipated. We returned to the barn at 10:30pm

to check on her from the days events. She was alone in the stall

and to our amazement was not crying or circling.

Training Continues

2010-02-27T17:07:00.000-08:00

Weekly training has been progressing quite well.

Linda has learned a little discipline is

necessary for Kaylees development,

and no matter how uncomfortable it makes Linda it

must be done.

This week Linda put alot of time

into getting Kaylee to Lunge.

Kaylee tested the waters, but a firm hand had her

giving it her best shot.

Moving a little to fast and close.

Still running and pulling.

Settling down and giving it her best.

Moving better, Kaylee still has

a lot to learn for lunging

but she is making great progress.

Kaylee has visitors

2010-02-20T17:32:00.000-08:00

Kaylee had some visitors today.

Nicholas and Dominic made a trip

to the barn to see her and take a tour .

The boys had a good time visiting with Kaylee

and going around to all the paddocks

to meet all the horses and ponies.

Linda's father came to watch her

give Kaylee her weekly training.

Here Linda and her dad rub Kaylee

all over, this helps her being comfortable

when the vet visits.

Kaylee goes for a taste of Bill's hand.

A little reprimand was in order.

Mini lunging saw Kaylee making Linda

move out of the way quickly. Kaylee was

doing her best to intimidate Linda and she had the

upper hand until Jen stepped in.

Kaylee put up quite the battle, but in the end Jens

experience had Kaylee behaving.

Kaylee goes to Tufts

2010-02-04T18:37:00.000-08:00

Kaylee went to Tufts Veterinarian School/Hospital

today. It was time to do some testing on the belly.

All the Doctors and students were great with Kaylee

and kept us fully informed throughout all of

the days procedures.

Linda and Ron get Kaylee loaded for the trip.

Kaylee walked right on without a fuss.

Kaylee arrives at the isolation barn.

First thing is to step on the scale.

560 Pounds

Time to draw blood.

Then an endoscopy. Everything looked good.

One small gastric ulcer that was already healing.

Next came the ultrasound. A mild thickening
of the duodenum (the segment of small intestine
leading from the stomach) and some excess fluid
in a portion of her large colon (this could be the result
of mild stress from trailing and the days procedures).
There was also a rectal exam performed with no abnormalities found.
Two rectal Biopsies were collected for further testing.

Relaxing after all the testing. The light brown
coloration is from Kaylee being
shaved for the ultrasound.

All in All it was a good day with no initial major
issues found. The results of the blood work, salmonella testing
and biopsies will be in next week and the doctors
can make the final analysis of what direction to
take to make Kaylee a happy healthy little filly.

Weekly training

2010-01-23T11:41:00.000-08:00

The weekly training continues, last week Linda was away so

I took the horse by the lead and did it myself.

Unfortunately there are no pictures but I had Kaylee kicking and bucking

as I worked her hind quarters and began the mini lungeing. It was just as well I was alone

as the corrections and discipline needed are sometimes more

than Linda wants to see. So instead here are some pics from

last weeks training.

The usual start with backing up.

Otherwise this is where Kaylee wants to be.

String desensitizing, Kaylee has

become oblivious to this. (a very good thing)

Jen useing Kaylee for demonstrating

moving side to side.

Loving for a job well done.

Kaylee and Lucky sharing

a hay pile in the paddock.

THE RESULTS ARE IN

2010-01-09T18:45:00.000-08:00

With Kaylee still having the occasional bout

of belly problems, It was time for allergy testing.

So the blood was drawn sent to the lab and, 25 positives and 5 borderlines.

Mostly grasses,weeds and trees.

But the one that stands out to me is "OATS" and a borderline on Alfalfa.

So now the food gets changed to cracked corn. See how her belly reacts

and go from there. But atleast there is finally a direction to take towards

giving her a better quality of life.

Training pics from 01/09/2010

It's been approx 5 days into the switch

to corn and there was a noticeable difference

with Kaylee at training today.

Instead of the usual 3-4 manure piles,

there was only one.

Kaylee has really learned to relax during training.

She doesn't feel the need to hide next to us.

She can actually stand at a distance and watch the other horses.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-02T17:48:00.001-08:00

It was a nice snowy start to the new year.

Kaylee enjoys being in the snow.

But just like all little ones, Mom demands she bundles up!

A little exploring was in order today. As we skipped the training

and just hung out with Kaylee. She needs this bum around time

to just be a baby horse.

Eventually Mom let her walk around without

the blanket. She's furry enough that she stays warm.

Time for a little clean up.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-10T18:40:00.001-08:00

Kaylee and Casey wish everyone a

Merry Christmas

and

Happy Holidays

Training Week 5

2009-11-28T19:27:00.000-08:00

The weekly training sessions with Jen V.

are showing results.
I would like to thank Karen T.
for taking pictures for me so
I could work with Kaylee.

Backing up doesn't take much

effort anymore.

Here Jen demonstrates looping the rope

over the head. It didn't bother her a bit.

Here Linda gives it a try.

My turn.

After some time in the indoor, it was time to

head up the hill and work outdoors.

The trip up the hill was quite the adventure.

With the wind swirling there was a lot of resistance and

jumpiness in the babies. It made for some tense

moments for the handlers.

But once in the ring they all calmed down

and resumed the training.

The above is Linda trying to get Kaylee

to yield the hind quarters. Now most people

think Kaylee is the sweetest most gentle

baby there is. BUT!

Here are the results.

A startling reminder of why

we are doing the training classes.

I was quite impressed as Linda
stuck with it and corrected
Kaylee. it is a tough thing for her
to use the Handy Stick on her baby.

The training is not just for adults.
Here Taylor T. works with Tye.

New Pics

2009-11-08T18:25:00.000-08:00

It's been hard to take pics and learn to train at the same time.

Kaylee is more interested in the camera and what I'm doing

than paying attention to lessons.

Kaylee continues to blossom with every passing week.
She is progressing well in the training. Showing she understands
what we expect quickly, but also having moments of defiance
and down right stubborness when she wants no part of what we are doing.

I had her kicking and rearing last week when we were trying to teach
her to move sideways. I held my ground and she hers. We called it a draw
and will continue next week.

So here are some recent pics from when Linda's dad came to the barn to see her.

It was a busy day at the barn, lots of little visitors

from the pony party.

The Foal shed gets a permanent roof

2009-10-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-07T19:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-03T18:19:00.000-07:00

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.

Foal Training after the scare

2009-09-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

It's been two days since the colic? scare. This roller coaster ride
is playing havoc with the nerves and heart strings.But it is also an incredible journey
watching Kaylee grow up.

Tonight we do the foal training keeping a close watch

on how Kaylee reacts. Luckily all went well although we did limit her participation.

Walking over the rails

Having fake flowers rubbed on

the body got a little reaction.

She just keeps getting bigger, she

truly looks like a little horse now.

They are still babies and do

get spooked.

But they know how to have

a little fun too.

They had a big visitor, and none

of them were freaked out.

Another Scare - This is as nerve racking as when the kids were little

2009-09-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

Where to begin:

Today Kaylee threw a BIG scare into us.

When we arrived at the barn she was out with the others.

I filled a 5 gallon bucket of water for her and Lucky which they polished off in about 5 minutes.

I thought it was strange but, I'm no expert when it comes to this stuff.

I proceeded to re-fill the bucket to make sure they had water when they needed it.

Linda groomed Kaylee while she waited for foal training to begin.

She noticed that Kaylee's manure was greener and looser than

it has been in quite some time.

Foal training began with Linda lifting Kaylee's legs for hoof cleaning, But she could tell Kaylee was

just not feeling up to it today.

She then was working with Jen V. on tapping the hooves and such to get them ready

for when they see the farrier. And that's when it began. Kaylee wanted to just lay down.

This may not sound like much but in the middle of the day while working

with people, this does not just happen!

So we stopped the lessons and starting walking her around the ring. All the while she would stop to

relieve herself. DEFINITELY NOT NORMAL!

Finally She just kept laying down. What the hell is going on. We just recently witnessed an incident of this nature two weeks ago with a devastating outcome. All Linda can think is the worst.(and quite honestly myself , as evident by the horrible picture and a lot of others felt the same way)

After foal training we took Kaylee back to the paddock where she proceeded to lay down again and we waited for the vet. Linda gave her a sponge bath with cool water and we got her on her feet again.

Dr. Boulay from Backstretch Veterinary responded.

She gave Kaylee a thorough once over, listened to her stomach and lungs. Kaylee had the gurgles in the belly and some raspy sounds in one of her lungs. Dr. Boulay gave her some Banamine to relieve the discomfort and Bio-sponge to firm the stool. By the time the Doctor left, Kaylee was up and munching hay with Lucky like nothing at all had happened.Linda and I went home around 4:30pm but returned at 8pm, 1:30 am and back again at 7:30am Sunday morning to check on her.

We know we will never be sure what happened, but I feel it was the immense amount of water that was consumed in such a short period of time that caused her already delicate system to overload.

A little braver still

2009-09-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

Kaylee had a new lesson today, going into the outside wash stall.

getting over this hurdle will go a long way in in keeping her clean

and white. She was very brave and actually stayed in for

almost a full minute with no treats to keep her there.

I know what she's thinking.

"BOY THOSE FLOWERS

LOOK TASTY"

But we are on a mission and

need to keep focused.

I had to stand inside first,

But she came right in.

Success, a little nervous but

holding her own

Even a few sniffs to see

who else has been here.

Ok time to head back to the

safety of the lower grasses.

Standing tall and very proud

of herself for handling the

new experience.

Lazy Saturday

2009-09-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

Bella and Sox were off to a show today to do there part in raising awareness for Lucky Horse. So Kaylee and Lucky got to spend a lazy day together in the paddock.

Having the time to just watch, it was amazing to see how much Kaylee has grown.

Kaylee 05/30/09

Kaylee 09/19/09

We spent a couple of hours just relaxing and grooming her
which always helps to strengthen the bond.

All together in the paddock

2009-09-13T13:43:00.001-07:00

After a week seperated by a temporary fence, it was time for all four of the foals to be together.

Bella wasthe first to investigate the new freedom.

They both seemed to appreciate the bigger area. And had a good

run for themselves.

While Kaylee and Lucky were unimpressed.

I'm ready for my close up Christine!

In the end they all seemed to be getting along fine.

Kaylee's new blanket

2009-09-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

Training pays off - no fuss no fight when trying on the blanket for the first time.

Unique Art

2009-09-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

From this

TO THIS!

(yes that's a 36 inch saw mill blade)

Nice use of artistic license Jeff.

This piece will proudly adorn Linda's fathers garage somewhere in Maine.

Sites we see going to and from the barn

2009-09-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

Sunsets over Wachusett mountain and wildlife from Sawyer Hill Rd in Berlin.

A little friend at the fishing hole.

Paddock clean-up Thanks to all the volunteers

2009-09-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

With Wonder away it was time to bring Kaylee back to the street side paddock. She immediately started to graze on everything in site. This may be part of her recent belly problems. So, time for a cleanup. The call was put out on a friday night and the next day we had 9 volunteers to help clear the way.

Right side of paddock before.

After

Left side of paddock before

After

Thanks Ron for hauling away the 5 truckloads of brush.

Jai doing what she does best

2009-08-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

Jai demonstares the proper way to lift a babies leg for hoof cleaning and inspection. A wise lesson to learn lest you wear a baby knee to the head. They may be little but they are STRONG.

Foal training is growing

2009-08-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

With every passing week more and more volunteers show for foal training. It's a great way to spend some time with the babies and take part in their development.

Kaylee learning its ok to have things on your back.

Good training for when the blanket is needed in the fall.

Jen P. with Bella. learning to adapt to changing surfaces.

Carol leading her baby Lucky over the flowers.

Christine teaching one of the new volunteers how to control Cole.

Sox being led around the ring.

New Faces in the barn

2009-08-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

New rescues have arrived, Bella and Sox now call Lucky horse home.They are shy for now but as we have seen in the past that will quickly change

Sox a big white face and one blue eye.

Bella, Finally another Filly for Kaylee

A sad day for some, Joyful for others

2009-08-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

My buddy went to his new foster home today, For the past 4 months our daily visits to the barn had me splitting my time between Kaylee and Wonder. I hadn't realized at first but he was a big reason I was beginning to enjoy the visits more and more. While he was intimidating, nippy and pushy to most, he almost always showed me respect in the stall or paddock. Of course there were times he wanted no part of it (but then again he was still a baby even though he didn't look it)

Jen we wish you the best of luck with Wonder. I know he will teach you as much as you teach him.

He has the right amount of spunk and attitude to make it fun.

Kaylee goes to the fair

2009-08-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

Big day today, Kaylee, Wonder, Lucky and Cole went in the trailer and to the Bolton Fair.

It was a big day, time to show them off and raise awareness for Lucky Horse.

There were foal training demonstrations.

Jai and Linda doing desensitivity training with Kaylee.

Linda leading Kaylee after going over the blocks

A treat for tasks performed!

Even Linda got in on the action trying her hand at the Women's 2 person saw pull.

AND THE WINNER IS

FINALLY SEEMS TO BE GETTING BETTER

2009-08-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

It's been over a month, multiple visits from the vet, blood work and tests. Can you beleive all the tests were negative with all levels and electrolytes normal. What the H**L!!!!

It appears it may have been a feed change and some bad weeds in the paddock. Kaylee and Wonder have been moved up the hill to a paddock with sand and no weeds. Low and behold shes getting better and they actually seem to enjoy it up here among the larger horses. They have plenty of running room and have a ball playing when turned out.

She's not feeling well

2009-07-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

06/27/09

As we head off for our annual fourth of July in Maine, Kaylee has developed a case of diarrhea. Hope fully it is just a little bug.

07/05/09

IT'S GETTING WORSE! The poor thing you can just see her discomfort. Her back end is getting irritated, but she still is as good spiritred as ever.

07/11/09

Still Bad- last pictures for a while as we spend our time cleaning and talking to the vets trying to figure out what is causing this.

Linda washing Kaylee- this is a daily ritual with her being sick. Lucky for Wonder he has remained unaffected.

Look who became friends

2009-06-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

Kaylee and Wonder have started to bond to each other.

They are sharing a stall with a barrier between them, but somehow Kaylee finds her way to the other side to be with Wonder. It looks as though they can be stall mates after all.

Paddock visitor

2009-06-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

The grain is not just for the babies!

Moose and Mimosa last days at Lucky horse

2009-06-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

It won't be long now, Moose and Mimosa (AKA Duncan and Magnolia) will be leaving soon. We wish them all the best in there new home with Andy and Karen.

This does present some serious questions. Being pack animals the babies need companions. Up until now the pairings were Wonder and Moose, Kaylee and Mimosa and Lucky with Coal. We all have seen how Wonder picks on Kaylee so how is this going to work.

06/15/09

Poor Wonder, All alone in a stall. His spirit has gotten the best of him.

Kaylee is put with Lucky and Coal.

New Friends

2009-06-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

Today two new foals arrived at the barn, Lucky and Coal.they are not in the best of shape and extremely skittish.But with time and the care Lucky Horse and it's volunteers will provide they should be happy and healthy in no time.

Amazing Progress

2009-05-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

We are now almost 2 months in and the growth and progress of Kaylee has been amazing. She seems to have doubled in size. The time and effort Linda and all the Lucky Horse volunteers have put in is really paying off, We can take Kaylee out on the lead for walks or to graze in the tall grass by the paddocks with little worry.

1 Month at the barn

2009-05-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

It just a few days shy of our first month at Lucky Horse. It's amazing to see the progress of all the foals, they have grown so much. I can see the bond between Kaylee and Linda getting stronger with each passing day. Kaylee truly is a little sweetheart who can make you lose track of time while your in the barn or out in the paddock.

Wonder at approx 1 month

Moose and Mimosa had some special visitors today, Karen and Andy. They have since adopted both and they are now known as Duncan and Magnolia.

The Babies get a shelter

2009-05-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

Today was a busy day at the barn, it was time for the babies to get an outdoor shelter. A place to get out of the sun and have a drink of water.

Nothing fancy Just your basic three sided shelter with a tarp for the roof.

When the job was done the babies got to play, and what a time they had showing off for the crowd that had gathered.

It's Official

2009-05-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

05/01/09 Linda officially adopts Kaylee, will life ever be the same? I must admit i'm being sucked in by this little pinto. I've never been a "horse person" but with every visit to the barn i'm beginning to see why Linda has always loved them.

Kaylee is extremely friendly and quickly becoming a hit with the kids who ride at the barn.

The first few weeks

2009-04-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

She's so young, maybe 5 days old. She doesn't want to eat. Being an orphaned nurse mare foal she hasn't had the best start to life. Linda is already getting attached. Is this the right thing to do.

A new halter. You guessed it, there's no turning back.

The adoption is in the cards.

The Gang

2009-04-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

Kaylee has not been alone in this adventure, she was accompanied by three other foals.

First there is a little chestnut by the name of Wonder

He has a thoroughbred look about him

Secondly there is the big lug Moose.
They say he is part draft.

And last but not least the little palomino Mimosa.
She is quite the cute little filly.

THE BEGINING

2009-04-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

She arrived Easter morning, a small discarded and struggling but oh so cute Pinto. A by product of the nurse mare farms she would have died in the fields or been sold for slaughter had it not been for Linda's sponsorship and the caring of the newly formed "Lucky Horse Equine Rescue". I knew as soon as I saw her Linda would have to take her as her own.