Shikoika's Journal

Ok so we had suspicions that Duke was cut proud ( meaning when he was gelded, it wasnt complete so the hormone that says he is still a stallion is there), and we were right.

I found out today that he tried to mount the black and white paint mare ( who has a two week old foal) FOUR TIMES!!!

So he was put in a stall dirty , cut on one side , and upset and wanting to be with the other horses . He calmed down when I spoke quietly and stroked...

Shikoika

Ok so took Casanova out today to ride. We found a touchstone and began to udnerstand him more. He was such a ruby today. I love him so much!

First off, we've figured out that since he was a theriputic riding horse, he's used to a person constantly leading him. As long as no one is on the ground and in his sight, he will follow his rider. Also, he best responds to voice commands rather than legs,( although they are needed as well).

So I got him trotting....

Shikoika

ok, so today, I tried join-up with Casanova ( pepsi), and he simply did not understand the "away" factor . he just didnt get it . Eventaull,y He would walk around with my leading by a fnger through the halter, and then I woudl let go and he'd follow me almost anywhere in the round pen. And he gave me the "want to be friends" signal, alternatly chomping and working his tonuge, with his inside ear on me much amount of the time. So I figure I got somewhere.
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Shikoika

ok Duke is turning out to be a veyr big handful. We knew he was afraid of the hitch post, but when Puala and my mom made him tie... he leaned back so far, he sat on his haunches, he reared and tried to climb over the hitch post. Thankfully, she'd tied him short enough, he couldn't do that. but omg I was like what have I gotten myself into?

Casanova that same day did well followed me fine and I rode him bareback, at a walk, and he did fine. little distracted...

Shikoika

Ok, so horses are finally moved and settled in. It was soon discovered that Casanova could not be kept with the mares because he would constantly chase them and wouldnt let them alone , and with one mare very close to dilivery time, and the other already with a only days-old foal at her side, we couldn't have that. So Paula put Casanova in one of the pipe stalls across the paddock. Poor boy.

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Shikoika