Updated 12/15/05
Christi has decided to start working on loading Willow in the trailer. The first thing she did was bribe Roland into the trailer. Once Roland was loaded, she worked on Willow. Willow made several attempts loading her foot but she didn't pick it up enough. Christi grabbed three 4x4's and put a small piece of plywood on top for Willow to use as a "step". It worked and Willow loaded herself into the trailer. Christi removed Roland and proceeded to feed Willow her dinner in the trailer. After Willow finished her dinner, Christi unloaded her and put her back into the pasture.
Christi plans on working with Willow several times over the next month or so. She wants to gain her trust so the next time Willow has a vet visit scheduled, Christi won't have to pay the farm call.
Updated 12/06/05
Christi has been working Willow in the round pen for the past few months to see how she is moving on her shoulder. Willow now trusts Christi to put her blanket on her without being tied. Christi has also put a saddle on her on a few occasions.
The last time the Ferrier was here Christi asked him if he would be willing to trim Willow since she is not very cooperative. The Ferrier said he would block a little extra time and see if he could trim her feet up.
The Ferrier came on 11/30 to put front shoes on Chloe. After Chloe was finished Christi went to get Willow. Willow was extremely cooperative on her right side for both her front and back legs. When it was time to do her left side she wasn't as cooperative. The Ferrier tried several times to get her feet up and she kept putting them down. Christi asked the Ferrier if it was alright if she picked Willow's feet up for him to trim and it worked. Her feet look really nice and hopefully she will be better in the future. The Ferrier had just enough time to trim Roland as well. All three horses are now on the same feet trimming schedule.
The vet came to the house to give Willow her second Rhino (anti-abortion) shot on 12/2. After giving her the shot, the vet had Christi run Willow up and down the hill. He said she looks good and confirmed that it is a possibility that she can be broke to ride in the future.
Updated 10/05/05
My neighbor had the vet come to her place on 9/26. She contacts those of us that have horses so we can share the farm call.
Chloe and Willow had their booster shots and won't be due until spring of next year. Roland is due in the spring of next year, so they will all be on the same schedule.
Willow had her first Rhino (anti-abortion) shot and will be receiving another in a couple of months. Her shoulder is looking good. She no longer favors it and seems to be recovering nicely. After she foals, I will have another examination of her shoulder and see if she can be broke to ride.
Updated 6/17/05
I had the vet come out on 6/07 to check and see if Willow was bred. It appears the breeding was successful and we should have a foal around the first of March in 2006. Willow is looking really good. I turned her loose in the larger pasture and she is thriving.
I went on a trail ride with my new neighbor, Brittany, last week. She rode Tony's horse, Hannah, and I rode Chloe. Chloe did really well considering she hasn't been on a trail ride in over a year. We only rode for an hour and a half because I didn't want to overdo it.
Roland is growing up nicely. I put his first fly mask on him and he acted like he was born with it on. He is such a nice gentle colt.
Updated 5/02/05
The night of 3/20 Willow either dislocated or broke her shoulder. The vet said that we would know more in three months. He told me that since she is registered and has foaled before, I should go ahead and breed her.
I found a stallion that has the same sire as my mare, Chloe. His name is Montana Winner. I went to see him and I liked what I saw. Since I don't know whether or not Willow will be sound for a few months, I'm going to breed her.
I had the Ferrier shoe Chloe on 4/05. I plan on riding her this weekend when the weather clears up. I need to longe her awhile before I ride her in the pasture. Once she is ready to be ridden again, I will take her on trail rides with my neighbors.
When the Ferrier was here, I had him trim Roland again. He is such a nice, calm colt that I am having a hard time deciding whether or not to sell him. He leads without a halter or rope. I put my arm around his neck and he walks everywhere with me.
On 4/13, I took Willow to K-L Quarter Horses to be bred by Montana Winner. I am getting to know the Lawson's because I try to go to their ranch and see Willow daily. I feel very fortunate to have met them. They are extremely helpful and I look forward to continue my relationship with them.
The Lawson's told me that Willow was bred to Montana on 4/26. The Lawson's rebred her on 4/28. If everything goes the way it should, she will come home Monday, 5/2, or Tuesday, 5/3.
I have added more pictures on the Horse Photo Gallery page.
Updated 3/19/05
I have decided to sell Willow and Roland. I took Roland to the vet and had him gelded on 3/3. He is back to normal. I have been working with Roland and he leads, halters, clips, ties, trailers, bathes, and stands still for the Ferrier. He isn't afraid of anything.
I have been working with Willow and she leads, halters, clips, bathes, and picks up her feet. She trailers and ties, but needs more work. I will be adding current photos within the next few days.
I finally had front shoes put on Chloe, but she threw a shoe within 24 hours of getting shod. The Ferrier hasn't been able to get back to me yet so I haven't been able to ride her.