Prince Charmer....update 1/9...PICS!

[hotmadusa]

Okay, you guys.....hi, great to be here! Thanks, Falseimpression, for inviting me. I don't even really understand what happened, but onward and upward!

A new Prince thread.....well, I don't know how to import the previous stuff into here, but I will do an update.

We are two weeks in our new home and His Royal Highness is loving life. I HAVE to take pictures and as soon as this crazy fog lifts I will. He is looking so gorgeous and becoming.....well, himSELF. Still so talkative at feeding time. He does this little tap, tap thing with his right foot when he is eating his grain...not pawing, but tapping. So dang cute. It's ohhhhhhh man, I LOVE this stuff! He is really filling out, even his face and just looking so great.

We have done some round penning, very light...mostly walking with just a tiny bit of trotting around. I don't want to push too hard and hurt him. He still moves a bit short on that left fore, but it's getting better. The tendon continues to shrink. The other day I put a saddle on him and he was great. I'm so excited to get on him, but will give him another couple of weeks, I think.

This Prince has stolen my heart. I can't explain how giving him good care and food and watching him bloom makes me feel. Seeing his beautiful, long thoroughbred face looking for me when I open the barn door....hearing his nickers when he hears me coming, that neck stretched out to me.....couldn't replace that for a million dollars. I don't even care if he isn't rideable, just having him here with me is something I would never trade.

I know you guys know exactly what I mean.

[rainydayride]

I am so glad Prince found a home with you... he has always been one of my favorites.

Let's see, with Prince and HRH Twist, sounds like there is a royalty sub-culture evolving in the rescue horse world.

[lessonlearned]

Glad to hear that Prince's reign in your beautiful kingdom is going well. He is definitely a keeper

[hotmadusa]

RDR.....lol, I think you may be right about this royalty thing....hey lildun...maybe we should introduce the two monarchs?

[hotmadusa]

So, you guys don't seem to mind us bragging about our guys daily so here is today's blurb....

Prince and I went into the round pen today and did some free lunging......light again, but I did get him to a short canter a couple of times. He still seems a bit stiff, but also seems to loosen up after a few minutes. I think I can kind of relate because our chronological ages are pretty close (I'm 43.. and I know I have stiffness and aches and pains when I haven't been working out!

So, we did our little session. He is so good. He is starting to respond to my vocal cues and doesn't need so much body language as when I started. I don't know much about natural horsemanship, just the basics, but when we were finished, I did the turn shoulder away and look down thing and just waited.....stood there quietly. Watched his shadow and listened to him. He stopped. Stayed where he was. I heard some chewing and a sigh.......then a few steps toward me. Stopped. Chewed some more. Then I turned a bit more away from him. He walked slowly over to me and wrapped his head around me! Do we call that join up? I think that's the lingo.

Anyway, I of course (big sap that I am) welled up.

We went in and the boys went out to play.

This little stuff is like gold.

[pdevlieg]

HM - love your updates on the sweet and gentle soul. He sure wrapped my little girls around his hoof when they met him. Hope his tendon keeps getting better, our old lady (23) is all better and sound after a tendon injury so I know there is hope!

Isn't join up amazing...when the horses chose you it is such a wonderful feeling. These really are majestic creatures that we get to enjoy!

[hotmadusa]

Peri, perfect word....majestic. I wish you could see him now. He looks awesome. Even his expression is more relaxed and content. It is amazing that they will even interact with us, isn't it? These powerful, regal things. It blows me away.

BTW....continuing on that supplement you started him on. It seems to be doing wonders. Thanks so much. You should come visit and bring your girls....

[lildunhorse]

hotmadusa said:

RDR.....lol, I think you may be right about this royalty thing....hey lildun...maybe we should introduce the two monarchs?

Gosh, I was just thinking they might be related with all the toe tapping and pinky pointing at meal time! ;D

[hotmadusa]

Too cute.... ;D

[hotmadusa]

Our first ride today, guys. Can I just say again I love this guy? He was very good. A bit nervous, probably not sure what to expect, but quiet and settled down quickly. We just walked around the round pen just a few times in each direction is all. At first his head was up and he was really looking for Joey (my 4 year old and his buddy) but I rubbed his neck along the top, talked to him and he started relaxing right away.

I told him how much I loved him and what an awesome boy he is. Everything new I do with this boy, I am almost expecting something to happen, like he explodes at the canter or something. But it just doesn't. He is so good. I just can't believe where he had ended up.

I did not feel any lameness and he looked really good as I was free lunging him before I got on. Next step....on to the arena! Walking walking, I think for a while. We will feel our way along.

I do plan to have Hannah Evergreen out to reassess the tendon, maybe an ultrasound.

This is controlled elation, guys......I'm so happy.

[rainydayride]

hotmadusa said:

This is controlled elation, guys......I'm so happy.

Quite understandably so... this is so good to hear.

[hotmadusa]

bryn said:

oh boy oh boy oh boy. . . you are on your way! Perhaps we can do a cyber trail one day - you and Prince in Washington and Kona and me in Ohio.

lol bryn.....I do wish we were closer, how fun would that be?

[hotmadusa]

Today we went down to the arena.....a lovely big outdoor we have here on the property. Mr. Prince, poor guy was very nervous! We walked around with me on the ground for a little bit. Then I got on him and we attempted to walk around easily, but it was too much for the poor guy. He was really nervous, started to jig around and then didn't want to stop. I wasn't sure how far he would go with the behavior, so for the good of both he and I, I bailed off!...

It made me a little sad, but then I have to be philosophical about it. Who knows what he's been through? So, we will just take it easy and I will leave him be for a bit. It looks like we will have to do some work before he feels comfy and I don't want to stress that leg.

So, the saga continues...

[hotmadusa]

Hey guys....just wanted to give a quick update on the Prince of Charmers.....he is doing great. I have decided to just let him be and heal for now. Let him be a barn buddy, at which he is great.

Joey and he are the best of friends. When I turn them out they do this little routine....they both have a roll, then they play this "who is the biggest stud?" game. Snake their necks around, toss heads and pretend to bite each other with little half rears. Never do they hurt each other......it's pretty darn cute. Then they just settle down to graze, almost always right next to each other. Joey worships Prince......it's so good for him to have this big gentle guy there.

He continues to be very vocal, especially at meal times, always a nicker when he hears me coming.....I love that!

So here we are. It's a good life and I think he is relaxing into it and enjoying himself. He always comes to visit me when I go into the pasture, very friendly and sweet.

We will be doing a trim and worming soon.....should be an adventure!

Anyway, ta ta all......hope you guys are all doing well. Sorry I've been missing the chats....I work evening shift so it's always too late when I come home. Hopefully will catch one soon.

Kirsten

[hooti4me]

Thank you for your wonderful updates. Can't wait to see updated pics of The Prince... *hint, hint*