shekaberry
SAFE Volunteer
SAFE Volunteer Coordinator
Posts: 1,521
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Post by shekaberry on Feb 18, 2008 11:27:18 GMT -5
I took Cedar out yesterday to work on her ground manners and do some light free lunging to start getting her back in shape. She still does not like her hind legs handled and will threaten a kick if too much time is spent on them and she spooked at the leg straps on her blanket when I unfastened them (such a TB!); but stood like a doll for the rest of her grooming. Her wooly mammoth coat is starting to shed and she is getting super shiny and her weight is right about where it should be.
Out in the round pen, she was kicking her heels up and bucked a couple times, so we know she is feeling better! Although she is still a bit shy towards people, she is really starting to come around and will let you walk up to her in the paddock and rub her forehead. She is really a sweet mare and I can't wait to start working with her under saddle!
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Post by monicabee on Feb 24, 2008 11:29:34 GMT -5
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Post by akoehmstedt on Feb 25, 2008 9:42:09 GMT -5
She is looking good!
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Post by monicabee on Mar 8, 2008 16:43:19 GMT -5
I gave Cedar a good brushing out yesterday. She is beginning to emerge from under the Yak coat, shedding out already around her eyes and muzzle and on her shoulder - I bet the beard will be last to go, though. She and I tried to get into condition with some in-hand work on the exercise track. Willy and Majique came racing up in the pasture when they saw her. Her head went up and although she started to jig, she did not lose it.
She had a slight nasal discharge, but it wasn't affecting her energy levels. Her condition is improving steadily - no ribs to speak of any more. Now it is a matter of gradually building up some muscle tone and her feet, of course. Oh yes, and working on handling the hind feet.
Maybe there will be pictures of Alison riding her this Sunday!
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Post by monicabee on Mar 10, 2008 11:17:30 GMT -5
Cedar got not one, but two rides this weekend. Julie got on her in the round pen Saturday, and I took her out on the exercise track and in the field yesterday.
Since she is still rehabbing, we only did ten minutes of walk - but I think she has more than just track training - or she is naturally responsive to the leg and seat aids. She has a natural inclination to carry herself well and was focused and had a steady tempo.
Julie worked on her back feet too, using a soft leadrope to get her to pick them up in response to pressure without cowkicking. There was much improvement but still more work to be done there.
We will start to do this three times a week and gradually build things up. You can tell there is effort even at the walk to carry a rider. The muscle wastage from being starved should not be underestimated, but she definitely feels willing to try.
I swear she looked better just standing in the pen after the workout, like a lightbulb had gone on. Both Julie and I think she has the potential to be quite a nice ride - well worth the effort of rehabbing her slowly.
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Post by cat67 on Mar 10, 2008 12:13:38 GMT -5
That is great. I'm glad she's in knowledgeable hands where she won't be pushed. Slow conditioning is so important for these horses!
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Post by schwung on Mar 10, 2008 13:10:50 GMT -5
Wonderful update! Any photos, Monica?
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shekaberry
SAFE Volunteer
SAFE Volunteer Coordinator
Posts: 1,521
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Post by shekaberry on Mar 10, 2008 13:26:47 GMT -5
That is awesome to hear! I wish I could have been there.
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Post by monicabee on Mar 10, 2008 14:26:30 GMT -5
Julie's daughter Jordan took some pictures! It will take a day or two to get them and post them.
Alison, you were missed but we figured you were more needed at Jaime's and took matters into our own hands. Dolce got her first ride too, but Julie will be posting about that.
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shekaberry
SAFE Volunteer
SAFE Volunteer Coordinator
Posts: 1,521
|
Post by shekaberry on Mar 10, 2008 18:39:33 GMT -5
Sadly, I was down with a bug on Sunday; still feeling it. I'll be back for action this sunday, barring any tremendous rain!
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Post by jaybird on Mar 11, 2008 21:27:50 GMT -5
Cedar is available for adoption now. Adoption fee is $600. She is located in Monroe WA. If you are interested in adopting Cedar, please look over the SAFE Adoption Policies, and then fill out and submit an adoption application. Once we have an application in hand, we will set up a time for you to meet the horse. Adoption policies and applications can be found here: www.safehorses.org/about/policies.html
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Post by monicabee on Mar 14, 2008 13:31:27 GMT -5
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Post by cat67 on Mar 14, 2008 15:43:57 GMT -5
Monica, it's so nice to hear about someone who really understands the importance of slow conditioning for a horse like this (or any horse who has been out of work for a long time!) I hope you are able to continue working with her. She looks great!
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Post by monicabee on Mar 31, 2008 8:49:57 GMT -5
Cedar's coming along well under saddle in her walk sessions. Twenty minutes at the walk is not actually boring, because of the degree of improvement that you can feel . She goes from short, tucked and a bit jiggy to a nice, long, reaching walk when you encourage her to step under.
She's also in heat, and a bit of a, well, mare on the ground right now. In front of the girth, she is emerging with a sleek, shiny coat, while behind she still has her winter woolies. Time for some new pictures soon.
Nothing dramatic to report, just a steady improvement.
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Post by schwung on Apr 2, 2008 3:56:14 GMT -5
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