OFF to the Trainer!!!!! :) So excited!

This summer I had Shannon Moore train Xashi for 60 days. She did amazing work getting Xashi sacked out. She also got her broke to ride by my dear friend Kristin Talbott, a talented young rider still in high school. And although they both did amazing work with Xashi I have decided that I still do not feel like she is quite there yet. The thing about Xashi and me is that we have this bond. It is honestly indescribable. She and I were made for each other. I see so much potential for us.

Shannon asked me several times while she was working her if she could pull out a shotgun in a joking manner, but sometimes maybe not. I know Xashi is a special horse. She is not for the faint of heart and she is going to make you work for it. But somehow that makes our bond that much more special. Shannon also told me to NEVER trust my horse on the ground or otherwise. But I don't know, I totally see where she's coming from, I meant that girl can be stubborn. But I also see that I have total trust in her as crazy as that is.

I have spent so much time over the last almost two years building something special with her and I think she has decided I am her human. A friend of mine always says that Xashi has decided that I am hers and she is going to make sure everyone knows it even me. That always makes me laugh because with Red Hawk now in the picture getting some of HER attention from me, I see what he is saying. Xashi never fails to put him in his place when I am around, lol.

I am really excited about my decision to further her training. The trainer I chose is actually an friend of mine. We met when I ALMOST bought another horse. She is an amazing trainer. She is all business yet soft and forgiving. I have seen her work a horse and I trust that she will do right by my Xashi. Her name is Jennifer Kuster.  I think she is known for her work with Arabians. She is now a trainer at Heritage Arabian Farms. Xashi will be in good hands.

The funny thing is that I was so afraid that once I started working a horse that was better trained, Red Hawk, I thought that I would be envious of my own kid for her horse. I thought that I would fall in love with Red Hawk, and I have but not IN IN LOVE, and regret Xashi. I do love that boy. He is right for our family. But I also know that because I have been spending time with him I now appreciate my bond with Xashi that much more. She is the right horse for me. I know there might be others but there will always be Xashi first and last. She makes my heart shine.

So my Sunshine will transfer into Jennifer's capable hands as of March 1st for two months!!! What the heck am I gonna do without my girl for two months???? Oh yeah, ride out that gelding til he's putty in my hands! :)

Red Hawk

Well. It has been a rough couple of months with the passing of my dog, Max. But some good things happened too. I bought a horse for my niece (more like daughter) to ride in the future. So here is the process to which I bought this specific horse: I needed a horse that I could afford. I wanted him to have a decent amount of training. To get those two things, I had to purchase a younger horse, one that I would have to put miles on before Scyla could ride him herself. That's when I purchased a five year old gelding, previously named Scooter but now called Red Hawk. (No Indian war pony could go by the name Scooter and pass as even partly Indian! lol) He is registered half Appaloosa and is half Arabian. Now let me tell you I NEVER thought I would purchase an Arabian anything, lol. They have never called to me, but when we drove all the way up to see him in Bonners Ferry, I tried very hard to have an open mind. We were just looking, getting a feel for what we could purchase for our budget. I didn't actually think I would buy this Red roan "few spot" gelding. In fact, the woman I bought him from was a little surprised too because he was throwing a little fit when she was lunging him and then again when she got in the saddle to show he was broke. She said, "He has never bucked or reared or anything." lol He made her a liar, but being the consummate horsewoman he became obedient, but only that. She asked me if I wanted to try him out. I was a little surprised but I thought I better try him out. I got on him. He turned into putty in my hands. Nice slow respectful walk, low head, pricked ears. Then the trot was nice and slow and balanced. His canter was to die for. As I rode him, his real name came to me. His name was Red Hawk. It just came to me and I knew I would buy him.
When he arrived at Valley Chapel Farms, where I board, I was sure that the magic would continue. lol But of course he is a horse and he has an extreme need to feel attached even though he is afraid to attach. He has been our horse for more than two months and we are just now starting to bond in any real way. I have worked him two to three days a week, usually three, and it has taken that long for him not to get an angry face when I approach. He even waits at the gait for me now. I think he has decided that he isn't going anywhere and that I really care.
Now. Xashi has decided that as Head Mare that Red Hawk is her personal play thing. No she doesn't abuse him but she makes sure he knows that he only exists in this world by her good graces, lol. It makes me laugh. I actually think they are a really good match in personality. And Xashi IS fair despite her show of aggression when I come to the gate.
So. We are going to start taking lessons, Red Hawk and I. I have full faith that Red Hawk will be ready for Scyla when the time is right. She is taking weekly lessons building her horsemanship as well. And I have decided that I am going to send Xashi off to a trainer. I would imagine it's more about my fears and insecurities than about her possibly doing something dangerous. When Red Hawk misbehaves I have confidence that I can address him, but with Xashi I don't even feel safe or in charge going at the trot. So, when the budget allows, I will be finding a trainer who can help work with both of us to build our confidence and to put some solid rides out of her.
I am so excited to have two horses that I love and look forward to the times when we are challenged and the times that are just a woman and her horses. Happy New year! Lets make 2012 the best horse year ever!