Breeding

Having just finished reading a post on the breeding horses I had a thought.  Am I being ethical and moral breeding Whiskey?  It's true the world is filled with unwanted horses.  But it's also true that (in my opinion) the vast majority of those horses come from uneducated breeders breeding unregistered horses.  Just take a look on Kijiji to see some of the most interesting breed combinations.  I have to ask:  what are those horses purpose in life?

Yes, a tremendous chunk of the reason I bred Whiskey is that she is no longer sound.  But you could also say that she (her genetics) are the last of a long, venerable breeding program from a historic ranch (she was purchased in the dispersal sale).  You could also look at her trainablility, personality and athleticism.  She is a stellar creature to be around.  And was a wickedly fun ride.  (I've NEVER had a horse pick up and do flying lead changes the way she can.)  Is she proven?  No.  But that's my fault and shouldn't reflect upon her ability.  

The stallion I'm breeding to is proven.  He's won money at reining events.  Plus, he has the added bonus of old genetics up close (he has King on his papers).  As well, he demonstrates an excellent disposition and high levels of athletic ability.  These are all qualities needed to make a performance horse.  

And this baby will be headed into the performance arena.  Preferably cutting, but if not suited to that world it will be trained in a discipline that suits it and be a constructive and contributing member of the horse world.  Responsible?  Or adding to horse overpopulation? 

Getting Close

Reba and I are getting closer and closer to having puppies.  According to my vet and information on the web when you have a pregnant bitch you should take their temperature every day.  When their temperature drops they will whelp within 12 hours. 

One of the websites about whelping stated that when the temperature drops below 99 degrees Fahrenheit then they will be in the pre-whelp stage.  Today's temperature was 99.5 F.  I'm predicting puppies around the end of the week.  Her official due date is Sunday.  

Soon, puppies are coming soon...

Sad State of Affairs

Tessa has been struggling with incontinence.  This means I have been struggling with incontinence.  I had purchased some doggy diapers in size large - according to the package that was the size for a Border Collie.  The vet had also prescribed a medication to help Tessa.  Unfortunately both the diapers and the meds weren't cutting the mustard. 

Sam (the vet) said that I would notice a difference after 5 days on the meds.  The evidence in the diapers showed they weren't making a big enough difference.  Which meant a phone call into the vet to get some new and stronger dope for the dog.  Lynsey (vet tech) had to call the dispensary to order the drugs as the clinic didn't have any in stock.  Because I didn't want to wait until after the weekend I drove into the city and picked up the drug from the pharmacy.

Tessa got her first dosage and another diaper last night.  Unfortunately the diapers which I've been trying to use just don't fit her particularly well.  Last night, after she had been out and diapered she came to the side of my bed where I was reading.  She wanted up for a cuddle.  So I hopped out, lifted her up, where she promptly snuggled into my side and lay down with her head in my lap.  When I was ready for bed, I put her back on the floor.  Only to freeze in dismay...  Can you predict what happened?

Tessa had leaked on my bed!!  Exhausted and emotional, I gave her some pets because she looked so distraught, changed my sheets and cried myself to sleep.  I was horrified and I hurt for her.  When she leaks it seems to upset or unsettle her.  It's as though she knows somethings wrong but can't seem to fix it.  (And I'm sure me being upset about it doesn't help!)  

Today, once more I drove into town and made the pet store loop looking for extra large dog diapers.  Tonight we'll try these ones out.  And wait for Monday to come and go when we should have a pretty good idea if the new drugs are working.  

A Little Help From a Friend

Watching Jeanne walk up to Izzy, toss her arms around her neck and catch her in 0.3 seconds made me say some not nice words in my head.  Smile firmly in place I trotted out to where she was at the gate, horse in hand.  Stunned, I asked how on earth she did that because that was NOT how the horse had been acting for me.  

We grabbed some brushes and Jeanne had some bonding time, then put Izzy through her "natural" paces.  I sat back and watched.  When Jeanne asked if I wanted to work on anything I jumped on it "Let's practice haltering!".  Heh, heh.  And yes, spunky monkey Izzy returned.  Breathing a deep sigh of relief, I was happy it wasn't me!!  

Jeanne and I spend a good portion of the afternoon working with her.  Trying to work her through this strange phase she's entered.  It was nice to have some help.  It definitely confused the horse.  She wasn't entirely sure which human she should be running from.  

We ended the day with Izzy haltered.  And I'll keep working with her on the haltering issue.  Hopefully it's just a phase that she grows out of soon.  Very soon...

Wild Child

The darling, quiet and well behaved Izzy has morphed into a wild child.  *Cue music here*  She has suddenly and out of the blue stopped letting me catch her.  In fact, it's a bit of a challenge to even touch her.  This behavior is so unusual that it's left me befuddled.  Why?  Why would her behavior change?  I can't quite figure out what is causing her to act this way - but I sure don't like it!

She raced around her dirt corral while I played the natural horsemanship game with her.  I had to laugh.  My DNA typed, well bred AQHA filly really reminds me of my old Arabian show horse.  See for yourself.  Could you guess the breed based on the photo?

She does have GREAT movement for a quarter horse.  Some days I think she'd be better suited to dressage instead of cutting.  Too bad she's going to mature out around the 14'3 hh mark.  She'd make a lovely three day event horse.

The look on her face says it all, "Catch me if you can!!!!!"

Reba's Dad

On Sunday I hopped in my truck to go watch the always well run Lloydminster Arena Trial.  I had a great time soaking up the sun watching the dogs work the sheep.  One of the competitors was Corey Perry who owns Reba's sire Ben.

Ben is a great arena dog and has won quite a bit trialling.  I really enjoy watching him work and can see him in Reba too.

Ben is a good listener, responsive and is able to work his sheep quickly.  They led the open for most of the day, ending up second.  

Here Ben watches at the pen.  Waiting for the command to help Corey with the sheep.

Undignified

Poor Tessa gets to spend her first night wearing diapers.  I bought her pretty diapers but it's still pretty undignified to have diapers on when you are almost 10 years old.  She is NOT impressed!  Let's see if they last the night or get chewed off...

Update:  The diaper stayed on!  And she seemed okay with it in the morning!