Trick pictures today

Except for weight and one spot on his face he's healed and feeling great! 

Arius

The Horses

Sometimes I wonder why I keep so many horses, then I have a shit of a day at work, come home and do chores and look at every single horse and know exactly why I have each and every one of them. They all have their "thing" to deal with, that I've spent years to get them over whatever it is for each particular horse. I'm more successful than not, some come around sooner than later, one has taken years. None will ever leave here again. I'll be 60 and still training horses. Mark my words. Some were abused severely, some were neglected,  others came here as babies or born here and have never seen a moments harm, abuse or neglect.  A couple of my mini's have health issues I have to watch closely,  but I give them the best life they can have. 

Josie has been with me the longest, being my daughters 2nd horse. She's in her mid 30's and doing amazing.  Retired her in her late 20's to live like a queen. There's nothing wrong with her, could still be ridden but earned her place to be retired after having been ridden by my daughter, my granddaughter and myself. Never a mis-step or a bad behavior with anyone. She earned her right to be retired. We've had her well over 25 years and is the oldest one here. 

Frog is 28 years old, belonged to a friend who passed and well most people have no use for a 28 yr old ranch horse that worked every day from sun up to sun down and beyond. She's earned the right to retire and just be a part if our family, something the grand kids can be trusted on. Live her life in luxury until the day she is reunited with her old partner who was a hell of a real cowboy. She was actually given to the daughter but since she can't take her it's been agreed that the best for Frog to come here. 

Belle is 23 yrs old this year, I've had her more than 10 years. She's been through some shit in here life prior to my getting her, slmost starved to death at one point but gave me 2 beautiful foals. One of which is her last foal who is my blue roan that wss born right here on the ranch. She'll always be here, the both of them. Most of who I have wrre given to me or were rescues. Over time I'll try to cover everyone and tell their stories. 

Might take a bit because there are about 27 or 28 of them. But it's something I've wanted to write about for a long time. 

Most I've had 5 years, 10 years, 25+ years. A handfull were born here and are still here. They are all my cream of the crop. 

More later snd I'll cover a few more. I love them all dearly and would protect them with my life. Just ask my neighbors or anyone that has come around to mess with any of them. Without permission and supervision it's an absolute NO NO! 

Ringo aka Booger

My Booger is growing so fast. A little over a month old now and WOW is he a big solid boy, but so so loving and sweet. 

Dede is such a wonderful mom too. 

Boog was imitating a kangaroo this morning,  jumping straight up off the ground. Then he was trying to kick his mom. Lol. 

Best personality ever. We can already touch him all over. 

These are pictures from this afternoon.  He was being lazy. 

Trick

After his bath he looked fabulous.  We are still putting weight on but we've made it. It was expensive but there is no price on love and I knew he wanted to live, so did my vet. 

I love this horse. Thank you for fighting my boy. I'll fight along side of you every day you need me too. He's still having to wear his full face mask. But we are almost throught it all. Last part will be bloodwork to check his organ function. 

Frog

For those that do not know this mare was the beloved horse of a special friend.  I had the honor of meeting Frogs person, beloved "dad" who passed a year and a half ago, in the barn, in the very chair you see and today it was nice to talk about Ken today with his wife and my friend Deb. A year ago we delivered Buck to Ken's son and his family. It was a good trip. Today was like Ken was around and no doubt shaking his head because I'm loving all over Frog and pampering her. He loved this mare as much as he did Buck and possibly a little more. She's 28 years old and was a true Cowboy horse. Worked cattle and she worked sun up to sun down and beyond I'm sure. She was a working ranch horse. It is my complete and total honor to now say Frog is ours to be retired to cart kids around and enjoy the life my mid 30's mare does of mostly retirement. Don't get me wrong, this gal could probably still work but won't have to. She's hauled special needs children around, numerous grandkids around and special needs adults around for therapy as well. She is the true been there done that mare. She got lots of kisses, which no doubt, ken was looking down saying she's not suppose to do that but she took to me right away, would look for me too. Deb was in awww. I was called and asked if I knew anyone she could retire with and pretty much without skipping a beat I said well the only answer for her is to be here. Mind you I turned down 4 free horses in a week but this was just like Ken was  asking. It was honestly the easiest decision I've ever made concerning a horse. Another friend texted me yesterday said I needed more horses didn't I, my quick response was absolutely not. Well I went to see her today and groomed, brushed,  combed tale and mane and she looked like a red dun princess. She is an absolute doll and honestly the first true Ranch horse I've ever had. I hope I can come close to filling the roll of mom as he did as her dad. I hope he's smiling down upon her and us and watch over us for many more years. Thank you Ken, my friend, and Deb also my friend for the honor and privilege of trying to be half of what he was to this girl. She rested her chin on my shoulder and soaked up my attention and my talking to her. She was very receptive to us. It was all very surreal but it wasn't we were talking about Ken not being there, it was like he was there. The barn was calm, it was cool and very peaceful. It felt very welcoming and a peaceful place to be. I hope Ken, that you are smiling from above and you have met Amber's mom and we are all sure she had a part in this. It was something I never expected at all but welcomed as easily as if it was absolutely suppose to be. Frog will never be taken out of Ken's name, a tribute to him,  I am merely  her earthly guardian and protector and if I can fill half his shoes I'll be happy. Frog, I can't wait for you to come home. Yes this is your home now until you can rejoind Ken. She's a beautiful red dun. 

Now I know why I turned the others down. Ken was up there arranging things through my best friend Amber. It never ever crossed my mind one time of ending up with one of the most important horses in his life. Wes got a huge surprise being given Ken's saddle for his horse. I got Frogs bridle set up so she'd be in what she was use too. I can never express to Deb the light within my heart or how much it means to me to be bestowed something so special.  Truly Debra Cooper you will never know whats in my heart because there are no words to Express it. 

Some will say this is sappy, well go ahead, but I'll tell you every word is truly from the heart and could I have brought her home today I would have. It's been a long time since I got a horse I was excited, truly deep down excited, to take on another horse but we need each other. There was just no other answer for her and I told Amber there was no other answer for her but to come live here. 

We all talked fondly about Ken, I told her I almost didn't set anything in "his" chair but then I know it would be ok. How lucky he was to pass where he loved to be the most, the barn in with his horses. He was a true cowboy and his horses were his world like they are mine. So now she will never end up in a feedlot, kill lot, sale or on a truck bound for hell. There will be arrangements made for all my horses should something happen to me but especially Josie and Frog. So Amber Barker you will be the Frogs person should something unforeseen happen to me. This horse will live in the lap of luxury the rest of her days whether it's a year or 20 more years. 

Welcome to our family our big ole Frog. Heck I have a horse named Cat so why not a Frog too. Josie will be happy to have a senior that matches her personality perfectly.  There was just no other answer than me saying just bring her here where I know she will be protected the rest of her life. I hope you, Debra Cooper, you don't mind me sharing this with my family of horse people. I have never had such a calmness over getting another horse. Wes didn't even disagree. And get this, Ken's middle name is Wesley! I mean seriously I didn't know until today about that and it just reinforced that the right decision was made. 

Thank you again even  though a mere thank you is so not enough.

Trick

Trick at the beginning 

Trick now

I know it's probably been mentioned a million times but when faced with what we have for over a month you instantly think back on the day Trick arrived, or how you coveted him for so long before he became mine, or how your going to handle the moment he falls over dead, because the first day of this experience I truly thought he was lost to me. He didn't know who I was, where he was or what was attacking his body so relentlessly. My heart broke but at the same time the fight in me started. Something kicked in, not tears, just the will to make him well, to keep him with me , to give him a reason to fight. My love for him, his life being worth saving, worth living, being loved. I'll admit I said a lot of prayers. Obviously answered. Now for those that know me know I'm spiritual not necessarily religious. I have determination and a gift for just knowing what to do but backing it up with consultations with my vet. Yes I have veterinary knowledge but not continuing education to keep up on the tricks of the trade, just a 6th sense it appears I don't really know, but dedication. As a kid I hated chores as does any kid but it's served me well in the dedication aspect. This was not a solely effort alone. This success was a few people that were happy to help or consult or let me purchase the meds he needed without a farm call every time. Twice not even an office charge for consultations. Friends stepped up to offer and help even though I said no because it's my responsibility as a steward for the one that has no voice, or does he? He was not willing to give up, even when he could barely stand. He never went down. He tried his hardest, he lost a lot of skin he lost so much. But we managed to beat it. So far. I've heard over and over why didn't you put him down? In two words he fought. I joined his fight. So many people were in his corner fighting for him. It was unbelievable, and we all won but the one who had the hardest fight was the greater winner. He is my loving, wouldn't hurt a fly kind of horse. Worth his weight in gold. In my life I've never seen such a fighting spirit and will to live. He's 15 years young, could have easily been his final age but we were blessed. He's not once asked to go back out with his herd. Has been a cooperative patient for the most part. Told me in his own way what he needed and thanked me. I'm not saying he hasn't talked to his herd but when they realized he was not out there they flipped out screaming and looking for him. He answered them and everyone has been fine since. Horses talk if you just listen with your heart and eyes. Some may not agree and simply say it just a horse, should have put him down. To those I say I hope you never own a horse, you clearly do not listen or have any type of bond or communication with your horse. I fell one time, he walked over and put his head down, I put my arms around his neck and he picked me up. This time I put my arms around him and picked him up in a manner of speaking. Many will understand this, many won't. I owe Trick a great debt for always taking care of me, it was my turn now. He took care of me when I was afraid to ride again. He takes care of me. Now it was my turn. We trust each other. Some will shake their head and roll their eyes but true horse people will understand. Is he a show horse? No. Was he a million dollar horse? No. But to me he is all those things and more to me. I drained my bank account on his first vet bill. I think I had $6 left on that day. Funny thing is, he doesn't act the same when others ride him. Two people can ride him with basically no issue which is my daughter and me. Has nothing to do with his training, has everything to do with dedication and bond. Make fun if you wish but he is my horse and I'm thankful every day that he fought to stay around. Expensive? You betcha but remember horse ownership is more than just feeding, watering and riding. It's the bad with the good, it's owners responsibility to be their voice and put their best interests first. My horses eat before anyone, I strive to give them the best for each of them. Do I care less for my others? Absolutely NOT! Everyone gets cared for according to their individual needs and it's not a one size fits all philosophy. Horses are expensive, they should take priority over a lot of things because they depend on YOU, their care taker, their family, their mentor and their voice. They take your time and they should and dedication. Sorry for the long post. I see to many that do not adopt this philosophy. It's hard work. I can not stress that enough. You get what you pay for, you get out of it what you put into it. Yep it's hot, or storming or up all night when you have to work the next day, or it's negative temperatures in the winter, your hands are numb trying to get them protected, you can'tjust say screw it I'll feed tomorrow. You get stepped on, bit, kicked, thrown, the list goes on. You do not get the luxury of doing nothing if you're sick. You drag your ass out there and take care of them. Seriously, horse partnership is so much more! Strive for the best for your horse partner. Keep learning because I can personally guarantee you will NEVER know it all. EVER! Strive to understand what they need from you as well as what you need from them. Stepping off the soapbox now. Again, horses are expensive. Also be mindful of the ones that take care of them if you aren't lucky enough to have them live with you. Whenever possible it will benefit all concerned to have your horse partner at home. It's hard to learn things when it's someone else living with your horse partner. I realize not everyone can, heck I use to have to board my horses when I had 3 horses. My daughter and I were out with them daily unless we just couldn't get there. I cleaned their stalls, I fed them, I trained one of them, mine, and I learned a lot, and I did all of this working full time and paying for full care. Ok NOW I'll climb down off my soapbox and shut up for real. This incident with Trick I wish on no one but it made me rise to a whole new level of appreciation and dedication. Which is why my horses go no where and I trust no one but me with them.