How time flies! Memory pics of Enzo as a baby.

The day I left a deposit on Enzo and agreed to buy the little "monster", LOL He looks huge, but I am short and angle of shot.
Enzo all innocent enjoying the morning sun.




Enzo at his 3rd barn already(where he lives now), LOL He probably was a yearling in this picture.

About 8 months old at the 2nd barn in our first winter together!

About a month old. Love the mane. At barn he was born at.

Enzo about 6 months old out for a walk at 2nd barn.

Enzo 5 months old hanging out together.(2nd barn)

Also 5 months old at 2nd barn.

Hard to believe it's been 1.5 yrs already of me and Enzo together! We have come a long way! From a baby who had no respect for anything, including his mother! To a more mature boy who respects me and had his first few rides already! I am so looking forward to our continued partnership together. Keep it savvy, Janine and Enzo!

Food rewards article:)

Very interesting article from Carolyn Resnick. I like her thoughts on this, that I just had to post. There is a part 1 and part 2. Enjoy! Janine


Part 1 http://www.carolynresnickblog.com/understanding-the-treat-philosophy-and-how-to-keep-the-connection-alive-and-feed-treats-at-the-same-time/

Part 2 http://www.carolynresnickblog.com/treating-in-the-moment-of-connection-part-ii/

I so want this course, LOL!!!

My NEW Haflingers 2nd ever Parelli ride!

Ok, here is my 2nd video from this past Sunday of me riding Kaspin. Please look at past post for the video of me riding Enzo Sunday(and other post, since I have been busy taping)! I cannot figure out how to load more than one video on a post at a time and it not take 3 hours to load? Please leave me pointers if you have any? Currently, I load my videos to you tube and then share them to blogger from there. It's the only way that it goes fast for me. Anyway, Kaspin in 6 yrs old, and he is 15'2 hands and that is large for a Haflinger. The haflinger breeder never started him till he was 4yrs old. To let his bones and joints mature slowly. Plus, they taught Kaspin some bad manners. Like being super heavy, won't halt without dragging(they even used a twisted wire bit before!), bucks when cantered, hangs on the halter even for leading, etc. So basically, I am going to re-start Kaspin the Parelli way! Meaning, even though Kaspin is 6yrs old, he is as green as Enzo basically. So this video is also very slow, since I am just going through the basics with Kaspin at a walk. Kaspin doesn't even understand the mounting block(don't forget, I mount from both sides of my horses). It took me 20 minutes to get Kaspin close to the mounting block and for me to even get on Kaspin. Don't worry, I took that long part off of the video, LOL. I spent lots of time bending Kaspin's neck to continue teaching the Parelli porcupine game while riding and to hopefully end up with an emergency stop later. Just like Enzo, Kapsin likes to use his mouth also on my shoes, laces, pants, etc! But again, I don't make a big deal of it and it will go away over time. Enjoy! Janine Kaspin, and Enzo!

Enzo's 5th Parelli ride in his life:)

Hello!! So after my last surgery re-check appointment Sept 8th. I got the all OK to go ride again. So I rode both boys today! Kaspin video will be posted another time. Ok, for you non-Parelli people out there this riding might look a little bit different. You exaggerate to teach! That is why you see my legs move around so much and I point my arms in the direction I would like to go. But hey, I don't like to toot my own horn! But this is my second baby I made partners with and not once did either of my horses buck, when they were introduced to a bareback pad, treeless saddle, or me!!! I think that is pretty outstanding and I am pretty proud of Enzo also!!! This video is a bit slow, since we of course are taking our time and making it another great experience about me being on his back. I also teach my horses to be mounted from both sides(In case you were wondering).Enzo also uses his teeth to play with my shoes, laces, pants, and anything else he can get into his mouth. So you will see me pointing my leg forward just so Enzo cannot reach it that well. Other than that, I don't make a big deal about it! It will go away over time. But lots of practice on bending the neck! You can also see Enzo has no idea about moving forward with me on him! I take my time and I am teaching him to move forward with my butt checks. If that doesn't work I close my thighs. If that doesn't work? I close my calf's. Then I cause commotion behind me by taping myself first. So far that is as far I seem to need to go with my phases. I would like him to walk though, when I engage my butt checks. Enzo will get it soon enough one day. I only start my horses in a halter and lead line and bareback pad. If I go to an outdoor arena someday, then I might use my saddle just to have a little more stability, since young horses can move fast. But I stay in the rope halter. I need my horses to really understand the Parelli porcupine game and to release from the pressure on their face. If I cannot get them to turn or bend on a halter. Then I won't get them to bend or turn on a bit later in life. Try to watch the video till the 6/7 minute mark. I move the camera while I am riding Enzo and then we do a fun thing! Either way, I rode both boys yesterday and I had fantastic Sunday!!! I hope you enjoy the video!!!!! Keep it natural~Janine, Enzo and Kaspin!!!

Photonic Red Light Torch (Enzo)

I got a used phononic red light torch to help with any aliments on my horses. Currently I want to use it on all their feet and Kaspin seems to have issues with his stifles? Probably from his feet! I found out Kaspin has really flat feet/soles, because he has an impossible time crossing over any rocks. I currently switched to a natural equine podiatrist to do their feet. Which she is doing an awesome job and Kaspin already walks MUCH better! She learns from this school, if you want to check it out http://www.appliedequinepodiatry.org/iaep/index.html . I just ordered their book and DVD set! I am sooooooooooooo tired of knowing nothing about horse feet! So far the book is amazing! Also, Kaspin is on a major diet now!!!! He is at least 100 hundred pounds over weight and this will help his feet and stifles also!!! Anyway, I try to stay as natural as I can when it comes to treating my horses(homeopathic meds, natural fly sprays, natural ointments, shoo tags, etc). That is why I purchased a torch. You can check out this site of how a photonic red light torch works, if you like http://www.photonictorch.com/scientific-new.html. It can also be used on small pets and humans as well! So I am giving it a try as well! Since I have genetic hip issues and I have already had a left hip surgery this year. I'll keep you posted!
Keep it natural~Janine,Enzo and Kaspin!

Enzo loading on the trailer!

Here is my video with Enzo getting on the trailer. This is how I would load him if I were to go somewhere. I then go to the horse window and take the lead off. I don't tie Enzo, since he stands fine and the stall is so small. Plus Enzo has no where to go anyway. If I were to tie him, which I did when he was younger. I use a Clinton Anderson tie ring and a break away halter. You can never be too safe. This way the tie ring can give, if your horse were to fall down, or if something happened?? Plus, you would have the break away halter, in case the tie ring for some reason didn't give? Once I get to my destination. I go to the horse window first. I replace the lead line on Enzo's halter. Then, I go to the back door and slightly pull on Enzo's tail hairs to have him back out. Once he backs out, I catch the lead line then. Keep it natural~Janine and Enzo

Super fun yesterday and trailer loading Kaspin!

I got a chance to go see the boys yesterday(Saturday). I sure have to say my hour drive to the barn seems even longer lately, that I have not made it out there as much. Due, to my hip surgery in July. Either way, when I first get to the barn I usually call the boys from across the field. Enzo always comes with no problem and even offers a trot, or a canter. It always makes me smile so big. Kaspin doesn't know me well enough as of yet. So usually when I call them, Enzo will come and Kaspin just keeps eating grass as if I don't exist. Well yesterday for the first time. When I called them both, Kaspin popped his head up also!! I thought in my head, WOW. Well, now lets see what happens? Well, Enzo started on his way and Kaspin came as well!! I couldn't believe it! This has not happened to me as of yet. I eventually left the pasture with Enzo and went to the indoor arena to play Parelli games with him(which he did great by the way) . Then I came back to get Kaspin from the pasture. Kaspin was back with the herd in the back pasture. So I called him again. Of course, thinking there is no way he will come again. Well I couldn't believe my eyes! Kaspin came a 2nd time that day!! How sooo cool is this! I was thrilled he offered it once, but to do it twice in 1 day was soooo cool! Then, I went and worked on trailer loading Kaspin. The past owners had taught Kaspin to get onto a trailer only if the person leads him in(with some persuasion as well). I prefer that my horses are confident enough to get on a trailer all by themselves as I just point to the trailers back door entrance. Plus, kaspin's old trailer had a ramp and my trailer is a step up. So Kaspin also had to learn a step up trailer now. Kaspin of course, has a harder time figuring out how to step out of the trailer backwards without seeing anything behind him. So yesterday I loaded him 2 times on, with me walking ahead of Kaspin, just to build his confidence again, that yes, he can get on and off and won't fall of off the back of the trailer, lol. Kaspin loaded 2 times without a hesitation! And backed off of the trailer just as super! When I first bought Kaspin. He of course, didn't know me and didn't trust me. Plus, Kaspin was worried of my trailer and step up. So when I first would go load him he wouldn't even go into my trailer until some time was put into it(at least half and hour or so). So I realized then, we need to get the trailer loading 100% confident with everything. Then yesterday, after I walked Kaspin into the trailer 2 times. I went back to practicing with Kaspin on the outside of the trailer at the back door with me just pointing to the trailer door for Kaspin to load himself into the trailer, as I throw his 12 foot lead over his back. I had worked on this many times already, since I cannot ride, due to my hip surgery. And Kaspin has been doing great! But it still takes us up to 20 mins before Kaspin might offer the nose, neck and maybe the front 2 feet in the trailer(patients is the key and I reward the slightest try always). This all shows me that Kaspin is still not confident about the trailer by himself. Because as soon as I lead him into the trailer, Kaspin jumps right on. But yesterday I got Kaspin to load himself onto the trailer under 2 mins no problem at all!!!! Kaspin over the last month has loaded himself on the trailer about 4 times so far. But usually, not this fast! So this was the first time Kaspin loaded himself that fast, Yeahhh!!! I was soooo thrilled. I gave my introvert Kaspin a bunch a cookies and ended that session on a super note!! If it doesn't rain today? Maybe I will try to get a video of the either Enzo or Enzo and Kaspin coming to me! I am not sure if I can video the trailer loading by myself though?

Ok, keep it natural and always have fun! Janine, Enzo and Kaspin!

Walgreens - FREE 8X10 Collage!

I just used this for KASPIN and it came out super! Maybe you want to try with your horse, or horses??

Living On the Cheap: Walgreens - FREE 8X10 Collage!: Go here , click on the banner advertising this promo (like the pic above) and create your collage print. Use coupon code PRINTONE during c...

Enzo my bleached out Friesian, booo hooooo

Yes, Enzo supposed to be a black Friesian, LOL. Just like the rest of the country. We too have had the horrible heat and more sun than ever in MI. They're claims that some frisians stay black all year and there are variations of many bay colors as most friesians do fade from sun exposure. I have read an article in Horsemans Journal that black horses usually are deficient in copper and zinc. Zinc and copper help grow a healthy and strong hair shaft that won't bleach out as easy when it is healthy. These are also responsible for healthy hooves as well. So I have added zinc and cooper to Enzo's diet. But I started off with a small amount and maybe too late this spring?? But either way, I thought I would try it. I just increased the dose yesterday and of course, I will wait to see in anything changes in Enzo's coat color this fall. I also added some oil, but the sun rays just seem to be stronger, LOL. Also some Friesian people leave their horses in during the sunny day to keep their horses from bleaching. But I could never do that to my horse, just to keep him black. These pictures were taken today to give you an idea of how bleached Enzo is as of Aug 2011. Anybody else have remedies to keep their horses dark???

Keep it natural, Janine and Enzo!

Happy Belated Birthday ENZO, my bad!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ENZO!!! 2 YRS OLD, JULY 12TH.

I had my left hip surgery on July8th and I was soooo busy, that I totally forgot Enzo's Birthday! WOW!!! What a boob I am and I feel so bad! I cannot wait until I heal 100% from this surgery and can go back out and play with my boys all the time again. I miss them very much!!! I still go and visit and feed them carrots over the fence once and a while. But of course, it's just not the same. Plus, I am thinking the carrot idea will be short lived real soon. There are 4 horses in that pasture. Enzo and Kaspin are the 2 low horses in the herd. When I would go and feed them carrots, I never feed carrots to the other top 2 horses in the herd. Since, I didn't want the top 2 horses to get the idea to fight for the carrots. But, slowly the top 2 horses are getting the idea there might be something worth fighting for. Since they hear and see all the crunching, LOL. Plus, Kaspin is even starting to bite Enzo, to also get more carrots than Enzo. Bad Kaspin, LOL, but you cannot blame him. In this summer heat I am sure the carrots are refreshing! I cannot even give an update on how tall or what Enzo's weight is currently? It will be interesting to check though someday, when I can run around again. Well keep it natural out there and Happy Birthday Enzo, Love mom!!!

HUMAN STALL REST=BORED, BORED, BORED

Well, now I know how a extrovert horse on stall rest feels, LOL. I had left hip surgery on July 8th and I have to stay home for 4 weeks and if I do walk around I need crutches. In short, I had my left hip joint kind of cleaned out. The surgeon took out a bone spur or two, cleaned up torn cartilage, and they had to cut some of my bone that caused the torn cartilage in the first place. It's along story, but not a hip replacement as of yet. I am too young for that currently. So that is what I have been up to lately and that is why the post lately are slow. Either way, I am extroverted person and I have to move. I have had lots of friends tell me to read, or take up knitting. But no way! That would entertain me for about 1 minute! I need to move my feet! So now I really know why extroverted horses need to move their feet! That energy has to go somewhere! I have 2 more weeks of solitary confinement. That means staying at home and pretty much doing nothing, super yuck!!! After the 2 weeks, I can finally start physical therapy. At least, I can go somewhere and start moving my feet, LOL. Yeahhh!!!

Other than that, the boys are doing just fine and I am sure they're loving their vacation of pretty much doing nothing. I am paying one of my Parelli friends to play with my 2 boys once a week until I am back? So at least my 2 boys won't forget how to respect and play with humans, LOL. I have had a chance to get out to the barn at least 3 different times to at least pet and feed carrots to my boys over the fence! That has been lots of fun! Today was the 3rd visit. Both boys seemed happy and after I fed them, I sat down and just watched them for a while. Enzo and Bally, a girl horse at the farm were grooming each other for a while and it was soooo cute! I then wished I had brought a camera. Maybe next time! Kaspin pretty much did his own thing and was just enjoying nibbling grass. It was nice for me to feel the sun, and feel the breeze on my face. I also enjoyed all the smells that I had missed. The nice smells of the new stored hay and of course, that lovely horse SMELL!!!!! I also smiled, since Enzo and Kaspin are now really good buddies! I was kind of trying to find Enzo a younger horse when I was looking. So the 2 horses could play together! And it turned out great!! Those 2 boys are constantly goofing around and loving every minute. You should see the sparing marks all over both of them, LOL.

Keep it natural, Janine Enzo and Kaspin!