Southeastern Louisiana Farrier Shout-out!

After reading about the horrors of the Monica Thors scandal, it made me realize how lucky I am to have found a farrier that knows what he is doing in the area.  I know he covers large areas between Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Hammond-ish, and probably more, if you ask him!

JW PEREZ

My testimonial:

After several bad farrier jobs on my older TB gelding by several different farriers, the final straw came when the last farrier literally crippled my TB to the point that he couldn't walk.  It was so bad, I thought FM had foundered.  He was VERY VERY VERY sore and had to be on stall rest for almost two weeks with wraps on >:(

JW was recommended to me by my old vet, Dr. Lindsey Schuell (now in Houston).  I have been using him for approximately a year now and FM has NEVER been sore after a trim (even on gravel). He has literally changed the way my gelding moves (much freer and with less stiffness).   I refuse to let another farrier touch FM now because he is so much better after JW.  He is a completely different horse.

Scottie actually has decent feet, but for the months that I was constantly battling abscesses, JW came out more than one time on a text message asking for help.  He comes out "just to make sure" there is no problem.  She is now totally sound and barefoot (even on rock)

After I moved barns, I was terrified that JW would not come to my new barn but he does :)  He goes above and beyond for his clients, and will come out for an emergency ASAP!

If you would like his contact information, please email me at howard.annie@gmail.com and I will provide it to you!

I CANNOT RECOMMEND JW PEREZ ENOUGH!!

Seattle Slew grand-daughter broodmare FREE TO GOOD HOME - Midway, Kentucky

"Any Old Port" by Seattle Sleet by Quimperle by Hold Your Peace, she's a 2001 model, chestnut with white - flashy. 16.2 hands, selling as BROODMARE sound only.

REFERENCES REQUIRED!  If interested email me at howard.annie@gmail.com with 2 references, one being a vet.  Buyer 100% responsible for shipping!

Previous client has to say:

"She has had 7 foals 4 to race 4 winners, she has a 2y/o that has not started, think it's turned out, they normally break her babies, train for 60-90 days and then turn them out till the fall. That baby might go to Oaklawn for the winter or they might wait till next spring to start it back. Then there's a yearling that is being broke now and a weanling. 

She would be great for a state bred program or show horse broodmare - she's got big grass feet. The  man who owns her is one of my old clients, the mare use to board with me when I had my farm in KY - he is getting out of the breeding business.  She is free to good home.

Here's some old pictures of her - the filly by her side is Hard headed she fractured her skull and me and Jennifer saved her - against the advise of one of the big surgeons around here, lol - girl power. She broke her maiden earlier this year, so proud of her.

I can't guarantee that she's sound enough to ride, never have been unsound for any reason I know of while living with me and she lived with me for 5 years, the occasional hoof abscess. Keep in mind she has probably not had a person on her back since 2004/05 when she was bred for the first time. She was strictly a broodmare for the past 10 years. With her flashy markings she will throw color, people like the chestnut mares to breed for color, use to know the reasons but haven't done it since late 90's, a bit foggy but do remember they always would take a flashy chestnut TB mare."

Yearling Thoroughbred for Sale ("Tee Mike") in Louisiana - SOLD

SOLD!!


"Tee Mike"  Louisiana Jockey Club COLT (still intact).  Born April 2013.  UNBRIDLED lines.

FLASHY, and LARGE. ROSE GREY/ GREY ROAN.  Parents are 16.3 and 16.2, so he should mature to be at least 16 hands. 

 

We have been trying to find him a home for MONTHS.

Mikey has been handled EXTENSIVELY since birth.  He is sound, chill, and awesome.  He is extremely friendly.

He has no inbreeding in 5 generations.
\http://www.equineline.com/Free-5X-Pedigree.cfm?page_state=ORDER_AND_CONFIRM&sire_reference_number=7179396&dam_reference_number=7721010&color=+&sex=+&hypo_foaling_year&breeder&nicking_stats_indicator=Y&x=36&y=7

He has a conformational flaw with an offset front knee.  This DOES NOT AFFECT HIS SOUNDNESS.  He will have have no problem being pleasure/low-level mount.  More pics available upon request.

Owner is asking MINOR fee, which covers his registration.  Gelding, vet checks, and transportation are 100% cost of buyers, but we can help arrange transport and vets.

Here are several videos that you can see on You Tube.  Additional pictures of knee are available upon request.

http://youtu.be/Ss8Tvrs23og

http://youtu.be/dId1YIY66Io

http://youtu.be/BXXzsajLIac

http://youtu.be/HeDNxSC8hdI

http://youtu.be/yzxY6J_B1S8

REFERENCES WILL BE CHECKED.  REQUIRED TWO REFERENCES (ONE BEING EQUINE VET).  References are non-negotiable.  If you can't provide reference, you can't buy the colt.  GOOD HOME A MUST.

Owner realizes there may be challenges (farrier work, etc) with knee.  Preference given to show/pet home.  Back-up plan is necessary.

*Range of pics in this post is probably 4 - 5 months (i.e., they span that long  Yearling in some of the smaller pics).  Obviously, larger pics = more recent colt.

Please email me at howard.annie@gmail.com if interested!  Thanks!!

What I Learned About Moving Horses Less than 30 miles

Small summary: Scottie blew an abscess and was off work for almost two months.  Then we moved to a new barn 30 miles.  Now we are back in work.

SO  Scottie blew the abscess.  And it was summer.  And HOT.  AND at the same time, I decided to move myself and the dog (apartment) AND the horses essentially "across the river" to my side of town.  Good idea in August in Louisiana, right?

Well, I found an AWESOME place.  GRASS paddocks.  Turnout 24/7.  All feed/hay included.  Indoor arena.  Gorgeous barns.  Trails.

Well, instead of giving 5 days notice, I wanted to give my old barn owner 30 days,  because I thought it was the best business practice since honestly, I was probably one of the highest paying customers and I didn't want to leave him in a lurch.  BAD IDEA.  Barn had a strangles outbreak.

LONG STORY SHORT... Not bad, no one in my barn had it, I tested with multiple tests on both horses previous to moving, all is fine (POST LATER).  However, ENTIRE MONTH OF JULY = STRESSFEST waiting for strangles.  Both horses tested negative and never got sick (THANK GOD).

Both of my OTTBs loaded with no problems (granted we had practice weekend).  Traveled fine.  Got to the barn. Settled fine.  Threw them out in grass paddock... no running, no jumping paddocks, great, right??  I gave them about a week before riding to settle.  I groomed them and bathed them and grazed them, but did not separate.

Well, FM and Scottie decided they were BFFs in that week.  When I would separate one from the other they SCREAMED back and forth.  Whoever was left in the paddock would run around and be an idiot.  Luckily, at the time, Scottie wasn't sound enough, and FM wasn't young enough to jump the fence (Scottie has a history of clearing paddock gates, BTW).

So, if I rode one, I brought the other and tied them in the arena while I rode.  I am sure no trainer recommends this, but actually worked out well.  Both were quiet and got good rides in.

The owner discovered my trick and decided this was ridiculous (which it was, but I couldn't risk injury).  LUCKILY, she moved them to the paddock where the horses can see each other both from the tack area AND the arena.    The hollering has now been reduced to about 1 per ride (leaving one in paddock) and they are back to not giving a sh*t about each other (they did NOT care) at old barn.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Give the horses time to chill, realize that horse relationships are super complex (afterall they are herd animals).. therefore, even though mine weren't really friends in a mixed herd, when they move to a new place and only know EACH OTHER, they are BFFS.  Once they are comfortable, they are back to their old selves.

This is Scottie after 1 month.  She is borderline obsese.  TIME TO GET BACK TO WORK!!

UPCOMING POSTS:
Strangles drama
Scottie's new personality after moving
Greatness of older horses 

THOROUGHBREDS IN LOUISIANA NEEDING HOMES JULY 2014

These are courtesy postings only.  I am not affiliated with any organization and I cannot guarantee any of the horses.  I am simply networking these horses for their owners.   I only know what I am given.  Please contact me at howard.annie@gmail.com for more information.  These horses were listed as of July 2, 2014

2001 Thoroughbred Stallion "Bob's Proud Moment." 17 hands.

SUNSET, LOUISIANA. $5500 (neg).
 
Lovely, balanced individual. GREAT MOVEMENTS. The owners feel like he would make a fabulous addition to a sporthorse breeding program. He has been worked with since the track, and is a pleasure to ride, although he is not finished. He LOVES attention and to be fooled with, but the owners haven't had the time and want him to go to a great home.

Please see the website for more information:
http://www.fanlewfarm.com/BobsProudMoment.html
 
http://youtu.be/hP9DQLcKO1U
http://youtu.be/w7zHj3AhIsc

This is not my horse. I am listing for someone who needs to find Bob a new home. If interested, please email me and I can put you in contact with owner.

" Mikey", yearling UNBRIDLED COLT, $500

PRICE REDUCED. COLT MUST GO! $500
LAFAYETTE, LA.

Large, flashy, grey roan, UNBRIDLED colt yearling "T Mikey".

Foaled April 2013, Louisiana registered colt. Mom and Dad were 16.3 hands, so this will be a BIG horse. Grandpa is Unbridled Song and great-grandpa is Unbridled.

He has been handled extensively, so he is well-mannered and quite the ham.

He has no inbreeding for 5 generations. Here is his pedigree:
http://www.equineline.com/Free-5X-Pedigree.cfm?page_state=ORDER_AND_CONFIRM&sire_reference_number=7179396&dam_reference_number=7721010&color=+&sex=+&hypo_foaling_year=&breeder=&nicking_stats_indicator=Y&x=36&y=7

Priced to sell. Know he is a youngster, but will grow into a nice, big horse. Left front knee is a bit crooked, but should pose no problems with good farrier corrective farrier work as he grows. If you have time to wait for this horse to mature and grow, he will be worth the wait. WHAT A LOOKER!
This horse is not mine. I am courtesy posting and helping screen homes. Owners have too many horses and need to downsize NOW! Please PM me. More pics in comments section. Asking $500 (HALF ORIGINAL PRICE), price negotiable to good home.

"Miss K Lee" 2009 mare, $300  - MARE IS SAFE AND REHOMED!  THANK YOU!

URGENT. ONE WEEK TO FIND HOME OR WILL GO TO KILL AUCTION/SLAUGHTER. LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA (FROM JULY 1)

Tons of speed, would make a nice broodmare for Appendix-breds or polo ponies. Lovely short cannon bone, great body, love her big butt! And big ears HONEST PERSONALITY. She is in LOVELY condition.

Chips in front knees. Horses with chips in knees can go onto become nice pleasure and lower-level mounts, but she is not recommended for upper level or high impact sports.
Short story: My friend is FORMER owner who sold her to a man to race. She did quite well for him, but he does not breed and when they are done racing, they go to Dominick's Livestock Sales (aka kill auction). My friend was asked if she wanted the mare, otherwise to kill. She cannot take in any more horses, but she convinced the guy to give us ONE WEEK to find a home (Wednesdays are slaughter days).

He wants $300 because that is what he can get for her at slaughter.
If you want the LONG story and more information, either EMAIL me at howard.annie@gmail.com OR leave your email here. I can't access facebook at work, so need emails!

If you can purchase her in next week, my friend will board her until you can arrange transport to come get her.

PLEASE serious inquiries ONLY. This mare WILL go to auction if not rehomed by next Wednesday. Thanks!

Not that I think anyone is reading... BUT

Sooooo..there hasn't been any recent updates is that Scottie was off for about a week, blew an abscess last Sunday and we are still dealing with that THIS Sunday.  I assume she was off due to the abscess, but obviously have to get this healed up before can do additional investigations.

I'm also happy it is ONLY an abscess (as I am sure we have all experienced) because she had not blown out last Sunday, and I was starting to think soft tissue injury, which makes me panic.  I LOVE my horses. LOFF THEM!  But, I can really (barely) afford two.  And one of them is 23 year old FM, who I have promised his retirement.  So, if someone has to go, it is Scottie :(  So an abscess is good news because it will likely heal well.  Soft tissue is so up in the air.

My next post is planning to be "my abscess treatment" which was very much influenced by Dr. Lindsey Schuell who is now in HOUSTON!!!  So if you need a good equine vet, look her up!!

http://www.ontherunequine.com/

Before that, we were working with Sue Bruns on dressage lessons, which were going.... well?

Scottie has the BEST personality, so she is so willing and TRIES to do everything you ask.  Between me "not being  dressage rider" and her being basically "track broke", I am very impressed with what Sue has been able to accomplish with us.  Sue hasn't given me a webpage yet, but will post when I can.

Scottie is literally the "most chill" horse I have ever dealt with. She takes everything in stride, behaves for almost everyone (unlike FM, where the smallest deviation from normal can cause internal chaos haha), and seems to get along with other horses really well. 

I have to admit that I am a little nervous as her owner because I got her from such good people for so cheap and she is SO GOOD.  I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop.  I'm probably over babying her for the abscess, but I have such hope for her and she is such a good girl that I want to make sure she's comfortable.  She is obviously so easy going that she will work with pain and not do anything (behavior wise) to let you know.

In which I remember how hard circles are OR in which I remember why I prefer hunters over dressage

So, I started dressage lessons two weekends with Scottie.  As I mentioned before, I really want to start Scottie right, and dressage is the discipline that handles the correct bending, contact, and all that jazz.  I was fortunate growing up that both of my trainers emphasized a solid dressage foundation for jumping.  Both of them made me learn basic leg yielding/pressure, how to collect, correct circling, aids/cues, etc.  However, the fun part was obviously JUMPING, so as time went on, I tended to remember a lot about the jumping, and not so much about my flat work.  Fortunately, since I started with a good foundation from a young age, some of these skills stuck with me from muscle memory even when my brain wanted to forget :)

For my first lesson, I wanted to work on correct amount of contact, and correct bending both ways around the circle.  As with most OTTBs, Scottie can ride a straight line really well, but struggles on the turns. 

To the left (counterclockwise, opposite trackways), Scottie likes to lock her neck/jaw slightly to the inside and DIVE to the inside on her shoulder.  To the right (clockwise, trackways), she is a little better, but had a massive bulging problem in the last 1/4 of a circle.  ENTER DRESSAGE.

TURNING ON THE FOREHAND
The first thing my new dressage trainer had me do was work on some turning on the forehand exercises so that the hind end and front end start working independently of each other.  The main purpose of this exercise to get the horse moving off your leg reliably.  It is also a good exercise for the rider to start paying attention using CLEAR cues for independent actions. At this point, we are working on just one step, not a complete 180 or 360.  At first, Scottie did not understand what I wanted, but she is getting better.  The reason I like this exercise is because its very easy to include while warming up, in between trotting or cantering work as a break, or even out on a hack/trail. 

CIRCLES, CIRCLES, and MORE CIRCLES

It is amazing how difficult making a circle while on horseback can be.  It seems simple.  Turn the horse in the direction you want to go.  I had forgotten how difficult riding a correct circle can be. 

Going to the left is much harder for me than going to the right.  Going to the right was improved pretty quickly by simply solidifying my outside cues (outside rein/leg).  Going to the left is getting better now that I have worked on it a few days, but is MUCH harder.  Scottie really likes to lock that jaw and dive to the inside shoulder, so we can make it about 1/2 way around and then I really have to work on pushing her over with my inside leg, and making sure that I use my inside rein to "bend" her to the inside instead of having her locked to the inside (without dropping my outside rein....and blah blah blah... I could make this the world's longest runon sentance!!)

There is a reason that I am not a dressage trainer/rider.  As you can probably tell from my post, I have a hard time articulating the discipline.  However, the lesson was helpful because when I am on the horse, I can tell when I am doing it correctly, because Scottie really does soften and bend much better.

It will take a while to get her totally supple/bending, mostly due to my bad work schedule and really only consistently being able to ride her 3 days a week.  However, as it is staying lighter later, I am being able to fit in a few workouts during the week. 

Until next time.