HAPPY BIRTHDAY ENZO!!!!!! XOXOXOXOXO

You made it to your 3rd birthday! Yeahhh, and I am looking forward to many, many more years! So stay out of trouble Enzo!!! On on my way to the barn now! To give you lots of kisses, hugs, and apples!! I so LOVE you Enzo! You make me smile!

XOXOO, Janine

HORSES AND HILLS!

Now that the weather is bearable again. I have been able to play with the boys some more. Yeahhh! We still could use some more rain for the grass pastures though! Anyway, Enzo has stifle problems, since he was 2 yrs old. He used to trip and it would be noticeable on both rear legs. But lately, Enzo mainly has stifle problems in his rear right leg pretty bad and the left rear is pretty normal now. His rear right stifle can lock up at every step! And some times Enzo drags his right rear hoof, because he cannot get his leg to pick up all the time. Backing can even be worse. It will just lock and Enzo cannot back up. Enzo has even gotten apprehensive about moving forward, or trotting. I would too, when your leg keeps failing on you and makes you trip! Poor boy! I have talked to 2 of my vets multiple times about this stifle problem for a while now. There is nothing medically that I can do. Both vets really think Enzo will grow out of this by the time his is 5 yrs old. Enzo is currently 3 yrs old. I sure hope they are correct!!! It kills me to see Enzo like this. Medically they can basically burn his ligament to make it stronger. But it is very painful to the horse and still lots of times this medical procedure won't help. I would never put Enzo through this pain and down time. The last resort medically is cutting the ligament all together so the ligament cannot get stuck. But again, major down time, pain, and your horse could still never be the same!! And of course, there could be other risks. Again, most vets don't recommend this! And I would again never put Enzo through something like this. Sooooooo, the only option is HILL work and and Cavaletti work!! To build up the muscles in that area. I can do that!!!  And I am sure Enzo can do it as well. Lucky for us where I board there are 2 pastures behind the arena that are hilly! There are hills around the property, but this way my horses will be confined if they want to leave me, LOL. Sometimes my 22 foot rope gets under the tummies and I cannot get them to stop. So it's just easier for me to let them go and then re-coop and start again. So being confined in a pasture with hills is awesome!!! Anyway, I have taken Enzo out to the hilly pasture a few times now and Enzo loves it! I loved it also! It was fun and something different! Even if your horse has no stifle issue. I would recommend hill work anyway. It really helps the horse with figuring out their own balance! I can already see a balance change in Enzo in the 4 times I have been out there. Totally awesome! Since I noticed the balance help! I decided to take Kaspin on the hills! Wow, was Kaspin unbalanced also!! I figured! I have only taken Kaspin out on the hills 2 times and he so far hasn't figure his balance out as of yet. But he will get it soon! What fun and great work! I also took Enzo to the arena one day and set up a few cavalettis to keep the work plan always different and fun! I guess, I never really noticed how high horses have to pick up their back legs to clear a cavaletti! Again very good work out for Enzo's knees! Love it! In the past 7 days that I started this. I have noticed Enzo getting around better! He isn't locking almost every step. He isn't dragging his right rear hoof, and he is back to moving around without looking scared now. I still see him trip once and while and I don't expect over night this will disappear! But I can see how hill therapy and cavalettis will help his knee joint as he still matures over the next 4 more years! And at least I know this is safe for Enzo and won't cause him any medical pain:) 

Have you gotten a break from the weather and been able to play with your horses??? 

Keep it natural! Janine, Enzo, and Kaspin!!!

CRAZY WEATHER!

Needless to say, with all this heat. I don't have any fun stories of Enzo or Kaspin. We are all just trying to beat the heat! I wish I could bring my horses into my home for the air conditioning and away from the bugs. I live near Detroit MI and weather here has been nuts. First we had hardly any winter! Ok that one I won't complain about! It was one of the nicest winters I have ever seen. It was so nice to not get the snow blower out every other day. Wear so much clothing that you cannot bend. Or hide in your home because it's -20 degrees outside with the wind chill. Then spring came and we got no rain! That is supposed to be our rainy months! Ok, except for the poor plants and my water bill. I guess, spring was pretty nice. Now we are at summer and still no rain and the heat has been beyond amazing! Just yesterday was another record heat of 102 degrees! We finally have had some crazy rain storm the last 2 days, due to the amazing heat. I am thankful at least for the rain! But the high heat continues. 100 today and 100 tomorrow. Hopefully 87 by the weekend. I sure hope so! My poor electric bill and water bill! I know the heat and weather has been crazy all across the USA! How are you doing and what are you and your ponies doing to stay cool? Or out of mother natures way?? Keep it natural Janine, Enzo and Kaspin!!!

Arnica contest!

Go check out Bitless horse blog http://www.bitlesshorseblog.com/! She is having a fun Arnica contest! All my pets and I use Arnica daily! It is wonderful stuff!


More info on Arnica. ENJOY!!!! Janine
What is Arnica?

The perennial arnica grows from 0.3 to 0.6 m. Oval-shaped, opposite leaves form a basal rosette close to the soil surface. Arnica has bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that, when dried, are the primary parts used. However, the roots and rhizomes are also utilized. Arnica is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and southern Russia. The unrelated plant monkshood (Aconitumspp.) is referred to as wolf's bane.

What is Arnica used for?

General uses

Arnica and its extracts have been widely used in folk and homeopathic medicine as a treatmentfor acne, boils, bruises, rashes, sprains, pains, and other wounds. Overall, there does not appear to be sufficient evidence to support the use of arnica as an anti-inflammatory or analgesic agent, or to prevent bruising; however, heterogeneity of doses and delivery forms (as well as indications) in available clinical studies makes generalizations difficult.

Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses

Internal and external preparations made from the flowering heads of arnica have been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Arnica was used extensively in European folk medicine and alcoholic tinctures were produced by early North American settlers to treat sore throats, as a febrifuge, and to improve circulation. Homeopathic uses included the treatment of surgical or accidental trauma, as an analgesic, and in the treatment of postoperative thrombophlebitis and pulmonary emboli. It has been used externally for acne, bruises, sprains and muscle aches. In addition, it has been used as a general topical counterirritant and a CNS stimulant, as well as an antibacterial for abrasions and gunshot wounds. Arnica is also an ingredient in hair tonics,dandruff treatments, perfumes, and cosmetics.

What is the dosage of Arnica?

Arnica should not be administered orally or applied to broken skin where absorption can occur. No consensus exists on topical dosing, and evidence from clinical trials is lacking to support therapeutic dosing. In homeopathic use, less concentrated strengths such as 200 C, 1 M (1,000 C), and 10 M (10,000 C) (C = centisimal dilution [1 part in 100]; M = millesimal dilution [1 part in 1,000]), are recommended for use pre- and postsurgically; clinical evidence is lacking to support therapeutic dosing.

Is Arnica safe?

Contraindications

Contraindications have not yet been identified.

Pregnancy/nursing

Uterine stimulant action. Avoid use.

Interactions

None well documented.

Side Effects

Homeopathic doses of arnica are unlikely to exert any adverse reactions because of the minimal amount ingested. Arnica irritates mucous membranes and causes stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Allergy and contact dermatitis have been reported.

Toxicities

The plant is poisonous and ingestion can cause gastroenteritis, dyspnea, cardiac arrest, and death.

ANOTHER FUN PARELLI LESSON!!

Last night was another lesson with Parelli Professional Meggie Andrews! She is leaving soon for the internship, so I am really glad we got to squeeze in one last lesson before she goes. I bet she will have a wonderful time, but my horses and I sure will miss her! I hope she keeps up on her blog http://meggieallen.blogspot.com/ . So I can follow her trip/externship in CO.

Anyway, I had this lesson with Kaspin. I wanted to work on his canter on the circle game. And I wanted to learn steady rein. And lastly I wanted to try Meggie's Parelli General Purpose Fluidity saddle.

Meggie gave me some super pointers for the canter. I am to work on my traveling circles. And in the circles work on a slow trot and a fast trot. Then when I get the fast trot correct and steady with Kaspin in a nice frame of mind. I can ask for a change of direction and get the canter going the opposite way. I got one really nice change with Meggie there last night and it felt really good to me. I am sure Kaspin thought the same thing! I will keep practicing!!!

Wow, I now love the steady rein!! Once I got more of the idea!! For a short explanation. It really is kind of like a half halt. It's just enough for the horse to listen back to the human and check in for a moment. Once you horse has the idea again. You let them go back on the track they were on. As soon as they wander from their track. You steady them and get them back on track. It's really cool I do have to say myself. The biggest thing to remember. Is to not use the reins to turn or steer, and after the horse is back and steady again. Let go of the reins and go back to neutral. Fun!

Then came the saddle. My very first impression was, I didn't like it. The seat was wider than I was used to and it felt hard! But I kept walking around in it. We made the stirrups my length for my leg and I walked around some more. I started to get used to it. And I didn't notice the wide, or hard seat anymore! It was already gone. I finally decided, I should at least trot in it while I had it. So I asked for a trot and I was in LOVE!!! This saddle is AWESOME!!! My body wasn't tipping forward, or back. It felt perfect center! My heals stayed down with NO problem at all!!! I found my balance point so easy! And I could still feel my horse and my horse could still feel me!! Even Meggie said, my seat looked sooooo much better and I looked so much more comfortable! Oh gosh, I think I will eventually invest in a new saddle. But I will have to find this saddle used! Brand new they are $4000.00 dollars. Used is about $2500.00. I want the Parelli dressage fluidity saddle. It has a little deeper seat and I have always used dressage and prefer them over General Purpose.

All in all, I had a super fun night. I sooo love Meggie! And Kaspin was the best horse ever as always!! I couldn't have asked for a better night!!! Thanks Meggie and Kaspin!!!

Keep it natural, Janine and Kaspin!!!

Pat Parelli - Equine Behavior Lecture at Colorado State University (Part 1-4) A must watch!

Want to learn more about Pat Parelli's philosophy. Then these videos are for you:)










All very inspiring and enjoy! Keep it natural, Janine

Chris Cox's daughter needs prayer.

Please keep Chris Cox and his family in your prayers, his daughter was kicked in the head by a horse yesterday. From what I have read she has a skull fracture and a broken jaw, but is stable. My prayers go to the family!

Isn't she cute!

WOW! WHAT A PARELLI LESSON I HAD! A NOVEL, LOL.

Wow, what an eye opener I had last night! And what fun my boys and I had last night! Meggie Andrews Parelli professional showed up at perfect time and we got started right away. I knew, I wanted to ride Enzo last night. Since I have been having a hard time with Enzo understanding forward more than 4 steps at a time. With then a long pause till Enzo moves again. And then I get confused of what to do and that never helps the situation. So I made sure Enzo was all saddled and ready to go when Meggie got there. We went and Played with the Parelli games on the 22 foot line first to warm us both up. I got help with my Parelli Figure 8 game. I am still too slow and need to direct the NOSE sooner. Then, I worked on the Parelli S pattern and things went great. We then worked on falling leaf Parelli pattern. I really learned a lot on this. Because I found out that I am not disengaging Enzo's hindquarters at all. I was basically trying to make it an S pattern but walking forward and that doesn't work. We also worked on Enzo cantering on the 22 foot line for longer periods of time. Meggie gave me strategies to keep Enzo motivated. Then we got to the riding. Enzo sidepased over to the fence to pick me up and never moved. What a good boy! Meggie asked me show her my phases of asking Enzo forward. I pick up the reins, I am looking up and looking where I want to go, I use all 4 cheeks, then my thighs, then my calf's, then I use my micate rein to cause commotion behind me, then I touch Enzo on the back end with micate rein if needed. Most of the time Enzo will walk forward by all 4 cheeks or sometimes commotion behind me. Meggie did notice how nice Enzo walks off, but doesn't walk very far. Meggie then asked me to go through all my phases again but faster. I did and Enzo moved just fine but again only 4 steps. Meggie said, make sure you are picking a SPOT you want to go to. Basically Parelli point to point. I made sure I really knew my spot and went through my phases again. This time Enzo went to the spot. It was slow, but we got there!!!!! Meggie had me practice farther and farther away spots and if Enzo stopped while getting there. Then I need to ask again fast and go through my phases faster. Before I would just let Enzo stop and I really didn't know what to do and I would pet him and hang out. Then I would go through my phases again slowly. I also noticed that if I really have a FOCUS of where I really want to go and once Enzo gets there, I take all the pressure off. It gives Enzo a clear idea of what I want. And when we get there and I release all the pressure of thinking we are on a mission. Enzo starts to get the idea we really have a job! I can even give Enzo grass once I get to my point. But Enzo is very food motivated so I just have to make sure the grass idea is still my idea and not his eventually. I told Meggie I was all good for tonight with Enzo and riding. Since I don't ride him that long either, due to his age. I then got off and we let Enzo go for the evening:)

Next on the list was Kapin. I knew my main thing for Kaspin was trailer loading. I have gotten Kaspin where he can load onto the trailer all by himself very nice and come off very nice. But I have a slant load and I have been teaching Kaspin to load into the front stall and then I need to close the slant gate behind him. That is where my problems are. Kaspin is still not confident having the slant load closed on him. Kaspin then wants to fly out. I can load Kaspin with 2 people and basically make Kaspin stay on the trailer, while someone else shuts the slant gate and the door. But I want to do it all by myself and I want Kaspin 100% confident in the trailer with slant and doors shut. So Meggie helped me with Kaspin. I am to have Kaspin only get in with one or two front feet and then I ask him to come off. Not Kaspin deciding when to come off on his own. I should get kaspin really good at going back and forth. Maybe with 1 foot in then eventually 3 feet in and then back off again. I am sure that will help us tons. I also showed Meggie I would practice opening and closing the slant gate and the back door. And when Kapsin wants to get off, I let him off.  Meaning, if Kaspin gets worried about the slant or the door. I don't slam them shut and make Kaspin stay on! Meggie said, that was perfect, but she would stop swinging the doors before Kaspin feels the need to get off. AHHH HHAA,  great idea! So the next time I do trailer load practice with Kaspin. I will swing the doors and get Kaspin off the trailer before he thinks of coming off. Yeahhhh!!!

In the beginning of our lesson, I asked Meggie to really watch the horsenality of my horses. I say Kaspin is an LBI that can go RBI and I wanted to make sure I was correct? Meggie confirmed I am correct, yeah.  Now with Enzo I have been a bit confused. When I first purchased Enzo I got a horsenality test done on him and he came back as an LBE. Which I figured being super young made sense. As I have owned Enzo his feet have gotten much slower. Which makes me think Enzo is going to be more LBI. But after our lesson Meggie informed me that Enzo still is innately LBE!!!!!! WOW, was I surprised. I guess, I shouldn't be surprised! But I guess, in the back of my head I was really hoping Enzo would be LBI instead. Because my last horse was an LBI and I am just used to this type of horse an they usually don't move too much. Meaning safe. Lucky for me though Enzo is an LBE with low spirit. Meaning he still wont run as a far as an Arabian when spooked! Which is good for me to hear!!! But this means I really need to get more interesting for Enzo and keep his mind even more entertained, than I have been doing. That was another reason Enzo's feet don't really move as much as he would like. Enzo is bored at times and I need to keep my games changing more and keep them interesting more. I noticed with the lesson with Meggie we really had Enzo move his feet and really used his brain and Enzo loved it! It was really cool to see Enzo like this! Wow, a lot to chew on!!!!!

So of the whole evening the most that blew me away was wow, I really do own an LBE!

Keep it natural, Janine, Enzo and Kaspin!

Parelli Lesson tonight!

I am pretty excited I am going to have a 2 hour lesson tonight with my 2 boys! With my Parelli instructor Meggie Andrews!!! I'll have to let you know how it goes!!! Janine

Enzo nose pics June 11th 2012 update.

So this is what Enzo's nose looks like now. His injury happened Aril 30th, 2012. The cut on the nose is finally healed at least. The bump is smaller and over the next year or so?  I hope for the lump to get even smaller! I hope! AND Enzo please stay out of trouble!! Love your mom! 

Front view of course.

Side view of course, LOL.

Please click LIKE for our Parelli Columbus Tour Video!

Ok, we are now on ParelliTube!!!!! Please watch this Link and PLEASE CLICK LIKE! The video with the most LIKES wins!!!!! Thanks, Janine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgIhmSti4Cc&feature=em-uploademail

Parelli contest rules:
http://www.parellinaturalhorsetraining.com/become-a-social-media-superstar-and-win-at-the-parelli-horse-and-soul-tour/?utm_source=FBPNH_Wall&utm_medium=SM&utm_campaign=FBPNH

Parelli Horse and Soul Tour Columbus, Ohio 2012 VIDEO

My best friend Kim Veenstra and I created this video at the Columbus, OH Parelli Soul and Horse Tour this past weekend. We really had a fun time making this video and I hope you enjoy it as well. We will be entering in the video contest(I listed rules below) that the Parelli's are offering also. Even if we don't win! We learned so much this weekend, met new friends, and left with more great horse knowledge!!! Please enjoy!



Parelli contest rules. http://www.parellinaturalhorsetraining.com/become-a-social-media-superstar-and-win-at-the-parelli-horse-and-soul-tour/?utm_source=FBPNH_Wall&utm_medium=SM&utm_campaign=FBPNH

Keep it natural, Janine