Monday, December 22, 2008

Where's My Face Rake???


This was the way we raked the Sandy...

I delved into Sandy's files this evening to see what kind of things we were doing during week 3 of training and came across this photo. Two major differences can be found in between my two boys. First, Sandy is in mud while Steve Holt! is in snow. Second, and more importantly...where is my face rake??? That little rake was a wonderful tool with Sandy as allowed me into his space from a safe distance as well as let him feel pleasure at the same time.

I've no clue where it's disappeared to. Thankfully, Steve Holt! has been able to cope without it. Getting close is only a problem when catching. Once he's on a lead, he allows me a lot more liberty within his personal bubble.


Steve Holt! had just one work session today. I hadn't really intended to work him much at all, just wanted to lead him out for a bit of trotting time at the end of the lunge line so he could stretch his legs a bit. Of course, even play time is learning time at this point. Pulling off his blanket allows him to once again experience something coming and going from his back. I also manage to work in a little bit of face handling.

In the end I couldn't resist hauling the saddle pads out and plunking them down on his back, followed by the saddle. He's back to moving around a bit, but he's getting the hang of it. Doesn't he look handsome???




I want to thank Jessie for the prize I won over at her blog! I never win anything...this is a most wonderful surprise. It's also inspired me to do something similar here. While most of us love to see and read the comments, I think I'm going to change things up a bit and ask for something else. I love to see those little icons showing up, listing those of you who've signed up as followers of this blog. As I'm typing, that number is at 34. I'd like to see it at 50! So once we (you and I) hit that number, I'll draw a name from the list and offer up an 8x10 photo of your choice. You know...like one of those pretty wild pinto pony photos. So if you've not signed up as a follower yet, now would be the time. You don't even need to have a blog to do it! To get a better idea of some of the photos available, visit Mesteno Wild Horse Photography.

12 comments:

Cave BlackFyre said...

Now see the snow is oh so much nicer to work in then the mud and also more pleasing to look at, lolol...

Sandy has sure filled out a lot since last year and yes SH! looks handsome in his saddle... Waiting to see you astride (Grin!)

Rising Rainbow said...

I do remember that rake.......maybe Sandy took it and has it stashed to scratch his back.

Steve Holt is definitely coming along. It's easy to see he has more confidence than Sandy did at this point.

Nuzzling Muzzles said...

My horses line up to be "raked" by my manure basket when I clean stalls. I'll bet your rake is buried under the snow.

Anonymous said...

Good idea on the "Blog Followers," I'm known as "Violet" on blogger. ;) ...After my favorite sheep of course.

Steve Holt! looks stunning w/ that saddle blanket! Great job Tracey!

Connie Peterson said...

I have never tried "following" so I'm going to do so, for the first time, on this blog. It will be interesting! I guess I rarely pop over here, as I read your other blog more often.

You are doing so well with the horses! Good luck in the snow - winter is not a fun time to do chores!

gtyyup said...

Tracey, he looks great under saddle! That lil' rake is a good idea too.

I've always used the bamboo pole and then sometimes attached a long-handled brush to the end of it.

Tracey said...

That rake was my favorite tool, outside of my rope of course. I've been using long, dead alders in place of the bamboo pole and with Steve Holt! I grabbed a small pvc pipe for the same effect. But the rake...oh, that rake was great!

froglander said...

That saddle looks good on him! I hope this snow eases off soon so you can haul him somewhere :)

Shirley said...

Gotta love those bay boys! Steve Holt! is going to be an awesome horse.
Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family!

Deanna said...

This is totally off topic but...

Since I'm still fairly new at your blog, I quietly lurk as I try and find out where you came up with the name Steve Holt! Can you tell me please, because that name is adorable.

One of the girls at the barn renamed a horse that was once named Orion who is now called Waldo Elizabeth, which I find cute too.

Kate Wood said...

Merry Christmas, Tracy
I am still lurking, reading your blog nightly, I really enjoy it!
Is there a way to post a photo with signing up? I bet you anything you'll have 50 by the first of the year.
Kate
orcas Island

Tracey said...

Kate, I think you need to sign up...but you don't need to have a blog. Don't ask me how, I just see that others have figured it out :)

Glad you're still lurking!