Fun with the Kids! ~Days 30 - 50

Here are some more random pictures of what Pete has been doing with Isaac.The kids have been having fun playing with & on Isaac (by kids i mean Pete too!). I have noticed that Isaac will take good care of Thea but he doesn't really like her!! A typical jealous big brother! It is kind of cute how he only tolerates her!! She will be happy as a clam leading him around and he is following with a look in his eye like "i know i am bigger then her and can get away" - But he never even tries!

Extreme Cowboy Race --- 1st Place!!

Pete and Isaac competed in the Extreme Cowboy Race in Fort Farifield, ME on Sept. 6 and they won 1st place in the Pro Division. Isaac had only 50 days of training at that point and handled the trip and competition like he'd done it his whole life! The competition consisted of 13 obstacles (i.e. jumping, ground tying, sprinklers, bareback riding) and was timed. Riders were judged on speed and horsemanship.

Everyone was so impressed with Isaac and Peters amazing work! They qualified for the national event in Kansas but we will have to wait and see what happens to Isaac after the Mustang Makeover Competition! Only about a month away!!

Week 5 - Mustang Update!

I have lots of catching up to do! Pete has named his mustang "Isaac"! They have been working together almost everyday, even though its been extremely hot! They have been continuing their riding in the ring and on the trails. He has ridden Isaac to our house from the farm a few times. It is about a mile through an airport, on a busy road and by lots of cows! Isaac handled it better than the other horses on the ride!

At the last Gymkhana at the farm Pete rode Isaac around the chaotic farm and even led Thea in the barrel racing on him! Isaac didn't seem the least bit faced by all the horses and racing around!

We also took 6 horses and riders on an overnight camping trip this past weekend. Isaac trailered fine and was again great on the trails. Pete did have to do some bareback riding due to the start of some irritation in Isaac's girth area. Thea rode with her daddy on Isaac on one hour long trail ride too! Pete also introduced Isaac to swimming and he seemed to enjoy getting in the cool water!

Day 11

Pete has been riding him with other horses in the ring now as well as in the indoor. He was not very brave when they approached him but is gaining confidence and is getting braver each day. He continues to be a champ on the cross ties and while working around him on the ground. Today he loped under saddle for the first time. He was smoother than Pete had anticipated. He is starting to give to the bit very well and to bend in both directions. Today was also the first time trotting over ground polls. Again he was a bit nervous at first but got better each time!

DAY 6

Pete has been riding the Mustang with a saddle and halter & lead rope for two days. He put a bit in his mouth on Day 5 for the first time with no issues. Day 6 was the first time out of the round pen and riding in the ring with a bridle.

After Pete played around with him (standing in the saddle and jumping off both sides!) He gave the farm girls pony rides on him! Everyone was so impressed with how well he was doing and the girls were all really excited to ride him!

DAY 3

On the third day, Pete was able to brush him all over on both sides and pick up his feet. He even had Thea sitting on his back!

Extreme Mustang Makeover 2009

Peter is one of 100 trainers chosen to compete in the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Tennessee. He will have 100 days to train a wild mustang and then must return to Tennessee to compete against the other trainers and horses.

We picked up the 3 year old Bay gelding in TN on July 17, 2009 and returned to Orange, MA with him on July 18, Day 1. Pete noticed right away how curious he was and did not seem too worried about us peeking in on him in the trailer. Once at the farm, kids were reaching into the round pen and feeding him grass.