Midwest Extreme Mustang Makeover

The girls did great at the Midwest Horse Fair!

Our in hand course was stressful for both of them, they didn't handle the crowd very well, but we at least attempted and got credit for every obstacle.

Both girls did great in the riding course. That part really bumped up our scores, and Rennie finished 20th overall and Reva finished 22nd.

The auction was stressful, Reva went first and she was pretty tired and cranky after the long weekend. The coliseum was pretty scary, with lots of people and commotion over the bidding. She started rearing, so I dismounted and tried to calm both her and myself down. Tommy Garland, one of the three judges, got on the microphone and told the crowd that "he'd trained horses for 7 or 8 months that reacted the same way in this kind of environment. Give this young girl a round of applause, because she is the future of horse training." I feel so honored for this compliment! After that the bidding actually went up to $850.

Rennie went in next, and she handled the crowd a lot better. The same couple that bought Reva bought Rennie, she sold for $550. Congratulations to Rosemary and Howie-and thank you for providing a wonderful home for both of the girls.

I had a wonderful time, and I am so grateful that I got to meet the mustang trainers. You guys really did become more like family members over the weekend, and I am so glad that I tried the mustang challenge-it was worth it just to meet all of you!

Special thanks to:

My friend, room mate and business partner Becky-who pushed me to take on two mares. Without you the girls would have never made it home or to the fair, or made the progress that they did. Thank you for helping at the fair as a supportive friend and groom-Rennie's clip job was awesome. You are the best.

Cathy, my friend and business partner. Thanks for helping with the entire training process with the girls. I wouldn't have even applied if it wasn't for you.

Brian Pogue-I am so glad I met you! Thanks for all the help throughout the weekend, and for making me smile on sunday when all I wanted to do was cry.

Debbie Vandevelde, Kristina Ellis, Bobbie Coulter, Wess Hicks, Dennis Auslam, and all the other trainers. I am so happy that I met all of you!

Mustang Preview Tomorrow Night

Hey guys!

We are having a Preview tomorrow night from 6-8pm at the ranch. If you are around and don't have anything better to do, stop by and wish the girls and I good luck! We leave for Midwest Thursday morning. There will be refreshments and door prizes.

The girls have been working hard the past two weeks. They got their feet done last monday, baths this weekend, and lots of riding! Both mares have been out on the trails, they love it! I also bought a horse ball, and they love playing soccer. I've spent lots of time trailer loading too, they both jump in when I point at the trailer.

The mares are all ready to go, the question is am I? Only 2 days left!

Renegade Video

As Promised:

Rennie's Road Trip

On Saturday I loaded Rennie up and took her to the University for a Steve DeFrang Reining Clinic. She did great! She loaded ok into the trailer, unloaded nicely and stood tied to the trailer quietly to be saddled. She settled into the arena just fine, and didn't even blink at the people on the bleachers or the loudspeakers.

We obviously are not advanced enough to work on the reining maneuvers, but I got quite a few good pointers on colt starting. Everyone there was amazed at how nice and quiet she was.

Youtube is down right now, but I promise I'll upload video from the clinic!


Reva is doing good, we are trotting and cantering. She prefers the left lead, and unfortunately will take it 9 times out of 10. Just more things to work on. I will also get photos of Reva, I know, I have been terrible about getting photos of her.

Photos of Rennie

I'll add photos of Reva later

Update-28 Days Left

Both mares are doing great.

Rennie went for her first trail ride last weekend, she led the way the whole ride. She also got a hair cut-I roached her mane, and is also doing great for baths-its been warm the past few days so she has been enjoying getting hosed down after her workouts.

Reva is doing much better, she is walking, trotting and cantering under saddle. She still doesn't enjoy her head and feet being touched, but she is getting a lot better.

Midwest is in only 4 weeks!

I'll add photos and maybe video this weekend.

Quick Update

Rennie rode great last night, the arena was busier than normal with 3 other people riding around. She didn't care at all. I also bridled her for the first time and let her carry the bit for awhile. I'll probably keep riding her in the rope halter hackamore though, since she is doing so well with it.

I also stepped in the stirrup and leaned over the saddle with Reva, she was unsure and moved her feet around in a circle. It will probably take a few days of repeating this to convince her that its not the end of the world.