Saturday May 14th, 2011, Hodges "H" arrived to our Ranch from Blaze Rescue located in Jones, Oklahoma. This handsome Bay QH gelding is going to give a run for everyones money! Big things come in small packages.
His estimate age is 4 years of age by teeth examination. He is small for his age that could be due to possible stunt growth or he just needs time to grow. Some horses have a big growth spirt later on than others.
He looks to be going into a growth spurt with his hindquarters. This is a horse that requires a patient calm soft handler that gives no limits to ground work until he is able to handle an adult rider.
I will be doing a vet check at half way point prior to placing any bigger significant amount of weight beyond a saddle to make sure his knees and body is ready for that advancement. He does have some swelling in his hind left pasturn caused by a possible injury before placed in rescue's care on March 25th, 2011. So far, he has not shown any signs of lameness, infection or pain. It is a possible callcium-scar tissue, but will be examined to be on the safe side on June 17th, 2011.
I am learning right beside him. I already can see it now that I will cry when that time comes.
Things that this boy does like a pro:
His quiet and calm personality makes loading, travel and unloading from the trailer smooth and easy.
He leads very well with no jumping or invading space. Attends to be slow pace at the walk.
He is quiet and relaxed in stall for feedings and attends to be covered in his shavings from a nice good roll.
Grazing. A horse who loves his food.
Things that this boy is learning to do:
Being caught. "Neener Neener can't catch me".
Touching: Don't like face, ears and hindquarters touched too much yet, but sure do like a good rub on neck and back. He is tolerant with his face and ears touched if touched slow, soft and give some patience to his dislike.
Spray: Not a fan of some "magical smelly mist" fly spray going on his coat, but he is tolerant of the chest and shoulders now.
Legs/picking up: He likes the five second rule. After five seconds, he wants his two front hooves back on the ground.
Escape Artist: Round pen poles slightly too high. He figured out he is short and sneaky! (20 mins later my other gelding figured it is short enough to Jump his big butt over it. hmmm how do I figure this issue out? ).
Vocal commands: Whoa, walk, back up and turn fore and hindquarters away.
Curiousity kills the cat?: Tarps, Bobcat machine, hammering, chainsaw, radio, saddle/saddle pad, dogs. Lots of noises and exploring those noises in the last few days.
Goals to work on for week of May 16th - May 22nd:
Fly spray acceptance towards legs, under barrel and hindquarters.
Extend touching to his hindquarters and back legs.
Standing tied with out digging or pulling back.
Ground tie introduction to hobbles.
Walk and back over tarp.
Walk in puddle of water with no hesitation.
Continue vocal commands/ques for lunging/warm up.
Continue with obsticles: walking over/onto, going through/opening and exploring environment.
Come to me upon asking haltered and unhaltered (will be a continued goal).
Begin "pony leading" with H while on Rosie or Wiatt.
Begin introducting H to Wiatt in a controlled environment to limit injuries. Wiatt is a gelding that is dominate of my two mares and his "environment" until pecking order is set.
http://blazesridetotherescue.weebly.com/the-competition.html
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