mir·a·cle
[mir-uh-kuh
l] 
Show IPA noun
l] Show IPA noun 1. an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.
2.such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.
3. a wonder; marvel.
I believe that Badge falls into all of these categories. Every time I look at him, I marvel at him, where he came from, what he was and what he means to me. Do you see the look in his eyes as well?
On June 18 I took him to a local clinic as I accompanied my friend Linda with her mule, Fig. The clinic was held by Susan Wirgler, (http://www.susanwirgler.com/) and I really like her style of connecting with horses.
[IMG]http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w296/QHRules_CA/park004.jpg[/IMG]
In my long range plan for Badge, I hope to be able to ride him and have that "connection". I didn't really have any plans other to take him to his first outing since getting him in such poor condition. I was truly ready for anything, but my preparation was minimal since I was only auditing, not actual participating and Badge was going to be a spectator as well.
So early on Saturday morning Badge donned his white sheet and I led him down the hill to where Linda's trailer was waiting. After checking out the interior of Linda's trailer he felt the accommodations met his criteria and hopped right in. We left the back portion open so his huge body could take up the back space of the 3 horse trailer and off we went.
When we arrived about a half hour later, he started calling out from the trailer. Seriously? Did he think he had returned to the track? He came off of the trailer and just stood and looked around as if it were no big deal. We walked up to where the arena was and he just stood and watched all of the commotion going on. Such a gentleman! He stayed tied up to a tree and everyone marveled at his size and more... ("No, he's not a Holsteiner, yes he does resemble a Warmblood, No, he's a Thoroughbred.", "No, I don't know how tall he is.", "Yes, we do like each other.", etc.")
At the conclusion of the clinic, most of the participants went on a short trail ride, while Linda and I and another participant went back down the property with our horses. I put Badge in the round pen, where he promptly began to roll in the fine sand. Then, Linda put her mule Fig in the round pen and Badge thought it was time to play. Here is a video of him, trying to engage Fig in a game of play. Fig, was not going to have anything to do with this, and at one point in the video, I'm not sure exactly what the exchange was, but surely Fig didn't appreciate what Badge had to say! Enjoy!
Next up, a semi-private lesson where we continue to discover where Badge is in his recovery and ground work and under saddle in July.
Special note: I had the opportunity to recently step up to the plate to take in one or two more TB rescues, but I was glad to learn that they were taken in by another rescue in Oroville. My heart said, "Yes", but the analytical/rational part of my brain, (which by the way dear readers can fluctuate from large to small on a daily basis) said "CAUTION", as the there is uncertainty in the future as hay prices remain high based on late rains. Over-extending one's self is easily accomplished by taking on more that you can handle. In the end, I chose not to step up to the plate, deciding to sink more dollars into Badge, his training and recovery. How many times have you heard of horse that was rescued, only to be rescued from the rescuer? Over-extension. It's easy in the world of horses. The trap of the good-hearted person.
Meanwhile, a shout out to Linda Tiller who has been incredibly generous in donating to Badge's recovery and well being. I recently received a 35lb tub of Ms. Pasture's Horse Cookies from Linda. These cookies can best described as a horse's version of pure Heaven! Thank you so much Linda!
To Sally Hugg, who provided the CA Trace Mineral pellets, which I sincerely believe aided Badge's recovery. If you wonder where Badge gets his brilliant coat and condition from...this is it! We appreciate it so much!
To the group of individuals (you know who you are) who continue to cheer Badge and I on with continued support and good wishes for Badge, I am forever grateful. You gave me hope in the beginning when I didn't know how this endeavor would turn out.
More in July...:)
I believe that Badge falls into all of these categories. Every time I look at him, I marvel at him, where he came from, what he was and what he means to me. Do you see the look in his eyes as well?
On June 18 I took him to a local clinic as I accompanied my friend Linda with her mule, Fig. The clinic was held by Susan Wirgler, (http://www.susanwirgler.com/) and I really like her style of connecting with horses.
[IMG]http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w296/QHRules_CA/park004.jpg[/IMG]
In my long range plan for Badge, I hope to be able to ride him and have that "connection". I didn't really have any plans other to take him to his first outing since getting him in such poor condition. I was truly ready for anything, but my preparation was minimal since I was only auditing, not actual participating and Badge was going to be a spectator as well.
So early on Saturday morning Badge donned his white sheet and I led him down the hill to where Linda's trailer was waiting. After checking out the interior of Linda's trailer he felt the accommodations met his criteria and hopped right in. We left the back portion open so his huge body could take up the back space of the 3 horse trailer and off we went.
When we arrived about a half hour later, he started calling out from the trailer. Seriously? Did he think he had returned to the track? He came off of the trailer and just stood and looked around as if it were no big deal. We walked up to where the arena was and he just stood and watched all of the commotion going on. Such a gentleman! He stayed tied up to a tree and everyone marveled at his size and more... ("No, he's not a Holsteiner, yes he does resemble a Warmblood, No, he's a Thoroughbred.", "No, I don't know how tall he is.", "Yes, we do like each other.", etc.")
At the conclusion of the clinic, most of the participants went on a short trail ride, while Linda and I and another participant went back down the property with our horses. I put Badge in the round pen, where he promptly began to roll in the fine sand. Then, Linda put her mule Fig in the round pen and Badge thought it was time to play. Here is a video of him, trying to engage Fig in a game of play. Fig, was not going to have anything to do with this, and at one point in the video, I'm not sure exactly what the exchange was, but surely Fig didn't appreciate what Badge had to say! Enjoy!
Next up, a semi-private lesson where we continue to discover where Badge is in his recovery and ground work and under saddle in July.
Special note: I had the opportunity to recently step up to the plate to take in one or two more TB rescues, but I was glad to learn that they were taken in by another rescue in Oroville. My heart said, "Yes", but the analytical/rational part of my brain, (which by the way dear readers can fluctuate from large to small on a daily basis) said "CAUTION", as the there is uncertainty in the future as hay prices remain high based on late rains. Over-extending one's self is easily accomplished by taking on more that you can handle. In the end, I chose not to step up to the plate, deciding to sink more dollars into Badge, his training and recovery. How many times have you heard of horse that was rescued, only to be rescued from the rescuer? Over-extension. It's easy in the world of horses. The trap of the good-hearted person.
Meanwhile, a shout out to Linda Tiller who has been incredibly generous in donating to Badge's recovery and well being. I recently received a 35lb tub of Ms. Pasture's Horse Cookies from Linda. These cookies can best described as a horse's version of pure Heaven! Thank you so much Linda!
To Sally Hugg, who provided the CA Trace Mineral pellets, which I sincerely believe aided Badge's recovery. If you wonder where Badge gets his brilliant coat and condition from...this is it! We appreciate it so much!
To the group of individuals (you know who you are) who continue to cheer Badge and I on with continued support and good wishes for Badge, I am forever grateful. You gave me hope in the beginning when I didn't know how this endeavor would turn out.
More in July...:)
