Here is a link to his youtube video from May 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RifA8ib5i3k

6 Days till spring, and Will be 3 in 17 days... Where does the time go. 

These pictures were from this past years obviously when we still had green grass.  I almost forgot what it looked like.  He's a tall lanky guy right now, I haven't properly sticked him but he's got to be pushing 16.2hh. 

The first 5 photos are of him when he was a 1 1/2 yrs old.  The remaining are from his 2 yr old year, with the first one from the spring and the last ones from the fall.

He's doing very well, and has spent the winter turned out with 2 others and he's the boss of them both.  He's still curious and friendly, but a bit cautious when need be.  He does get himself into a bit of trouble, as we've had so much snow that the electrical fencing isn't working like it's suppose to, so the odd time I've found him in the neighbouring field.  (goof)  It's all sorted out now, but it sure has caused a bit of frustrations this winter.  He is still gorgeous as ever that much hasn't changed. 

Fall Update

I didn't realize just how long it's actually been since I last wrote on here, and realized it was before he got his nip tuck.  This summer has just been insanely crazy, but good crazy. 

I don't have new pictures right now, but I will get some for you I promise!!! lol.

Will's gelding went off without a hitch, he took to the tranquilizer very very very well, and snored away in la la land for over an hour.  He healed up quickly and smoothly, and Gwen was happy that her friend finally toned down on the frisky business.  He's is much more of a gelding now and with the exception of a few happy moments in privacy he's basically what you would expect after such a surgery. 

Summer was fortunately un-eventful.  He did have a moment late spring where we had transitioned him into the paddock south of the house.  It had gotten a bit slick and he was running, he tried to stop and went through the electric fence.  He was completely fine thank goodness, but completely domolished the fence, so guess what, we are getting a brand new one to replace the old one that is now no longer.  I did always think things happen for a reason.  Fortunately for Will nothing serious occurred from his experience except a few moments of freedom to much on the greener grass on the other side of the fence.

For now I just get to continue to watch him grow and flourish.  Training will have to start soon as he's turning into Andre the Giant, although much more handsome.

Till next time...

Oh boy he's a boy!!

Well the little bugger is getting huge (I know I constantly am saying that) and boy oh boy does he know he's a boy.  I think he's getting a little sexually frustrated as a result of all these hormones coursing through body, and he doesn't know exactly what to do with it except paw the ground and chase/play with Gwen constantly.  Fortunately for him Gwen is a tough cookie and puts up with his shenanigans, although she does instigates the odd time.  However recently it's been all his doing.  He's getting bold, and saucy and needs a little boot camp to learn the rules again.  He's getting his colt nipping and doesn't quite get it when he gets a bop in the nose.  So I've been delaying the inevitable, mostly due to time constraints and $ but I don't think I can do so anymore.  So Monday morning my vet is going to get another call from me and the appointment is going to be booked.  Say sayonara to your little friends my dear Will because when I'm through with you your going to be a little less manly.

I suppose you can expect another post soon with the results, for those that want I'll try take some pictures of the whole thing.  I'm sure that would be just w

I was actually quite surprised by him, he has his vaccinations last week and he handled it like a champ, he barely flinched.  What a brave man.

Wish me luck!!

Will and Gwen's spring fling

William is officially over a year old now, and he's just a monster in size that is, not temperament.  He's got to be the largest foal I've ever had. He's pushing 15.3 hh at the hip. He is inquisitive, kind, smart, and just a delight to watch. 

I know I've posted many times before that I'm going to get video up of him running around, we'll I finally jumped at the oportunity when him and Gwen were running around because I was mowing the lawn.  She's the instagator he just follows suit.  Go figure they even had the energy as it was pushing 30 degrees celcius at that time.  This is actually a common occurance, not the heat but the running around, and it still never seizes to amaze me how he doesn't hit anything. 

Anyways heres the link for your viewing pleasure, enjoy! 

Oh so handsome... :)

My good friend, and stallion owner, and amateur photographer Shannon came for a visit this past week.  She brought with her, her camera and took some much updated (and beautiful) photos of Will.  He is just shy of 1 yr old. (born March 31/2011) and is just HUGE! I'm 5'8" by the way, so as to give you some perspective. 

I've am pleased to report he is fairing his first canadian winter (if you can really call it a winter) very well.  In the spring I am  going to have to give him a make over because he's starting to look a bit like a wooly mammoth.  Although his brown highlights in his mane make him look like a rock and roll artist.

Anyways enjoy!!

A much needed update

Finally I'm giving you all what you wanted, an update that includes pictures and video. 

This video is from his first outing into his paddock.  See the previous post to know what I'm talking about. 

It's kinda lengthy, I didn't really edit it just threw all the clips together and added a title.  He was 1 wk old when this was shot.

I know now why it's taken me so long to get these posted, my damn computer and internet are just so FRIGGIN TEMPERMENTAL!! it took me WAY too long to get these photos on for all your viewing pleasure, I still have a few more that I wanted to get posted but ran out of time because it had gotten so late. 

But here are a few to get you started.  I appologize as they are not exactly in chronilogical order, once again due to the unruly nature of the program, my computer, and internet. 

This picture he would be a couple mo's old at least, I want to say this was from late august. 

Here he is hanging out with his buddy, and my other filly Goldwyn AV (hann X dutch)

This one is very recent as you can see the snow.  Having a nap. :)

Clearly from the summer, chilling in his paddock, as you can see he is able to navigate quite like a normal horse. Yes it's electric fence, yes it's on, and yes he knows where it is.

The last 2 are from just prior to going out in the large field.  Mom and him would go out for walk/grazing sessions with Tony daily.  Mom was always happy to have fresh green grass and always stayed close to home and will would meander around closely monitored of course.  He was smart, he was also allowed to walk around freely, and the rope was no bother to him, and allowed us a way to catch him if needed without startling him. 

Always happy to have a good scratch on his neck.  About 1 mo old in these 2 photos. 

He continues to grow like a weed, and becomes more and more independent, playful and social with every passing day.  If I can ever get lucky enough to catch him on film tearing around the paddock I'll try to get up for you to see.  It's pretty miraculous to watch how he'll run around like a normal yearling, and avoid all the obstacles in his path.  He'll literally run straight towards the fence/shelter you think "eeks he's going to hit" then in just a few mere feet remaining he will stop and/or turn. 

Wow it's been ages... Weaning time is just around the corner.

I'm finally back for an update.  I know a few of you have asked for one and I have failed you :( I'm sorry.  This summer has been intense so much stuff on the go, including trying my hand at eventing, from working, training, teaching, haying, and just general barn chores.  Oh yeah and finding time for Tony ;) Really though it's been quite uneventful with Will.

He's growing like a weed, and he's finally figured out he has a friend outside of mom.  Him and Gwen are good buddies now.  They hang out all the time, she tries to play with him, although he doesn't engage as much as she would like.  Once she is 4 mo's they will both be weaned, I seriously think he'll be ok with the process, as he's used to being on his on every now and then, when the group leaves him and heads to the other end of the field.  He'll handle it better than her I bet, she's a bit of a momma's girl, and mom will just be changing paddocks not farms. This process will be starting in about 2 weeks, so I'll have something more eventful to report on.  His mom however will be leaving us and heading out to attempt to start a riding career.  

Will who seriously gets called Maximus more than Will now a days, is growing like a freaking weed.  His but is just below my shoulder and I'm 5'8". 

Poor guy did sustain a good cut to his face in July it was rather large, and fortunately he was a dream to clean it.  He shook his head in protest but that was it.  Everyday I would truck out there, I was wondering if after a few visits he would hear me and start to head in the opposite direction but no, not once did he attempt to do so.  It's all healed up now, and healed really well.  :)

They also got their first trimming in July, and he was awesome.  I've had sighted foals that were way worse than him.  He wasn't perfect but considering the situation I'd say he handled it really well.  I was interesting watching him react to his friends gettting done,  he was freaked out by the scent of the farrier, and the sound of the rasping.  What was more interesting was watching him run towards the electrical fence, then turn away 2 feet from the fence.  

I will try to get some new photos of him up soon for you to see.  And I'll be back to report on his weaning.  I should also report that he has fully shedded out and is completely black now... He's so handsome.

Were on to larger pastures!!

So, I come home one day and their field is empty! I mildly freak out wondering where they are, I thought maybe Tony moved them inside, but no he didn't.  But he did move them.  Apparently he's been taking them into the larger field to accustom the kid to the larger paddock and to let mom stretch her legs.  Well he let the kid loose and he's been out there since.  He is handling it very very well, he walks around very slowly and doesn't go anywhere fast.  He's bonked into a few things but overall makes out very very well.  Who knew?? 

It is electrical fencing, and when he touches it he just turns around and ventures off somewhere else.  Has been out in the large field now for almost 2 weeks, and I'm pretty pleased to say the least.  I'm glad now I don't have to worry about what I'm going to do with him come the crappy weather.  And now he has a few other friends, not that he thinks they are friends right now.  The other broodmare is decent enough to him, he can actually hear when she comes at him and he jumps away.  He's so smart it's scary.  Sometimes I swear he can see the way he looks at me. But I think his hearing has just become that intune to the environment that he can hear the subtlest of noises.

So now I just have to introduce a new friend so he can be adjusted before mom gets weaned.  It's official she is heading home upon weaning so he's going to have to find a friend within 2 months because he will most likely be weaned by 4 months. I did find a great option but tony was wondering why get another horse when we have so many others.  Makes sense, but I hate the idea that I may sell them then he's going to lose a friend.  It would be nice to have a constant figure in his life.  But for now he'll probably have to deal with the other filly in his field and I may be able to move over Encino my 2 yr old by my stallion who is just so laid back.  They can be temporary friends.

Growing like a weed!!

This is basically going to be a picture post, there really isn't much new to report.  He's doing really well, he's getting more and more independant.  Mom and him get out for a graze practically everyday, he gets to go loose for the most part as he stays close to mom, and doesn't go far when he's scared.  I think he's finally learned the no bolting lesson.  I have this feeling he's not going to be much of a problem, as he takes most things in stride and since he can't really see what we are about to do to him  he tends not to over react, which you would think would be the opposite.  He did cut his leg sometime between yesterday and today so today we had to clean it, there was a mild fuss but overall he delt with it better than most sighted horses I know.

 Here we were learning not to over react to my weight lightly on his back... he's a fast learner. 

 Really he's not that bumb high there is a bit of a dip where his front legs were...

My favourite thing to do is cuddle with him, he's just so DAMN cuddly. 

We are officially 1 month old!!!

Yeah, we've made it a month and things are definitely looking up.  I'm falling more and more in love with this guy.  He's is turning into a social butterfly, and has really begun to learn how to follow his ears.  Now when we go up to him he begins to investigate with his nose, and will stick it right in your face to get your scent.  Weather has been miserable the last few weeks, so the paddock has been less then desirable.  I usually go get him when I'm still in my work clothes, so the last thing I want to have to do is go into the paddock to get him if I don't have to, and I don't!! He will now follow my voice and comes to the gate all on his own.  He knows now where it is and that he has to step up to get out, however he's still hesitant about stepping down into the paddock, once it starts to dry up some more I want to get some screening in to fix that, but it will have to wait for now. 

Will has received his first visitors outside the family.  My good friend and her boyfriend came up to see him, it was interesting because he knew they were there, and he knew they were strangers.  He was more spooky when they came up to him initially and a little more alert, which he no longer is with Tony or I.  But he enjoyed their company and soon was investigating them with his nose. 

He's just so smart, I love watching how he investigates his surroundings, and is starting to adjust whenever it's necessary.  Poor kid needs a friend though, mom isn't too happy about being stuck in the paddock all day, and wants desperately to go back out with her buddy Eliza.  She's always running up to the gate if we go up to it for any reason, and she is becoming a little less tolerant towards her kid when it comes to nursing.  He tries to play with her but she just gives him that old broody look (even though she isn't old at all) of get off of me you goofy child, and go play with yourself. 

BOY has he grown though, he's getting so tall, and big and HANDSOME!!!  I think he may just be the most attractive blind horse in the world!!  His back is getting strong, and his chest is so wide, his neck is muscular, and he has the most handsome expression in his face that a camera just doesn't capture.  I smother him to death with contact/affection, and where I used to be able to wrap my arms almost all the way around his girth area I can barely do that now.  Fortunately I did enough work with him when he was younger that he doesn't fight as bad, or as long now.  He usually gives in pretty quick and thats the end of it.

Soon I'm going to forget that he is blind, he's handling his environment that well. 

Anyways I'm out thats my update for now, there isn't too much to say lately... so I'm sorry for the delay in updating. 

Thanks for reading.  :)

3 and a bit weeks picture montage...

"See I can nurse all on my own!!"

A close up of his eyes... His condition is: Microphthalmos or a small eye is a common ophthalmic congenital defect in the foal.

He LOVES being scratched... he'll stand for hours and just enjoy. 

(he looks just so damn cute in this one below)

and try to scratch back... 

                                                                  On the rocks.... oops...

and off the rocks.... thats better!

Just one more because he looks so damn cute in this one...

and you can see the blind horse head tilt.

I actually had a hard time getting photos because he was following me, which is one of the first times he has.  Finally his hearing is starting to really tune in to specific noises, like feet walking in mud... :)



I'm a bad blogger...

I've been swamped with work and horses, but I've finally found some time to sit down and write this post. 

The little dude has been doing GREAT!! I'm pleased to announce.  He is getting really big, I'll try to get some new pictures for you.  He's starting to look more and more like a normal, non blind foal.  His circles are becoming less and less, however I doubt they will ever go completely away.  He doesn't have as much of a head tilt, and he is way more respectful towards his handlers!!

He's is finally starting to become more affectionate, he's cuddling with me a lot more now, he's less scared when I walk into the stall or up to him.  And he's just freakin cuddly!!! I can snuggle up to him when he's laying down, he no longer jumps up in fear, and now he'll lean into me, as well as groom me.  He is most certainly Mr. personality though.  A true character in every sense.  He's so playful, and rambunctious.  Although he no longer is running into things as badly. 

I don't really have anything major to report on so maybe that is another reason you haven't heard from me in a while. 

They have had to stay confined to a stall a little more than I would like due to all this crappy weather we've been having.  But he deals well.  Mom on the other hand is starting to look a little frustrated about her smaller than normal confines.  I think I may have to consider the idea of getting him a play mate earlier on and weaning him a month or 2 earlier than I would a normal foal. 

He has been wearing a foal blanket lately due to the sudden changes in weather (thank you Shannon) and he's grown so much that he has almost outgrown the blanket that he's only been wearing for a little over a week!! crazy!! 

We've had to have a few lessons, and I know with him, they are going to have to be an ongoing thing, and much more frequent than an average foal.  We've had to really work on touching him behind his butt, and back legs, he has some rather big opinions on that one.  Tony has helped a bit in holding him while I picked up his back legs, he got over that one surprisingly quick.  However tony thinks it's funny that he tries to kick out when you touch him on his bum, not really helping me so much on that one but oh well.  It's funny for now, but not for long as he continues to grow as fast as he is. 

I'll get more pictures soon... thanks for staying tooned... :)

Just a few links to what some blind horses are capable of.

I thought you might like to see a few links to some very capable blind horses. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFl8JK6QHGM&feature=player_embedded#at=261

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Y_lW9JqLrYM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9SBX3L-bZg&feature=player_embedded

Finally!!

It's been 3 days in a row that he has been out in his new field.  He didn't go out on Sunday because it was just pouring rain all day long! I also turned the power on to the electric fence that is around the top of the fencing because I found that he would run into the fence then stand and push into it constantly.  His ears would touch the wire but because it wasn't live he would just shake his ears, and continue to push back on the fencing. So on Monday the power went on, and out we went.  I walked with him around the perimeter again for about 5-10 min to ensure he got the idea, and it made a difference.  Finally he would turn and get away from the fencing a lot quicker.  He is unfortunately not the fastest learner out there, but I'm pleased to say that is he finally starting to get the routine. 

He is walking beside me much nicer and straighter, and he's starting to pay attention to noises, and what he feels under his feet.  He's looks like he is slowly starting to plot out his field, and when he wants mom he will call for her, listen for her and finally walk in the right direction.  Before he would just run in circles instead of exploring.  I feel so much more confident about him today.  He was just so cute when I put him out, he very quickly moved off the stone, he wasn't running in tight circles like a reining horse, and he was looking for mom.  I even saw him napping outside which I haven't seen before.  He doesn't act as stressed out now, and he's finally starting to chill out.

When we go back inside, he just trucks along beside me bumping into me along the way.  He's starting to get accustomed to the sounds of the barn, and he knows when he's going into his stall.  He is also getting better at following me and not just over reacting to every little thing.  He is getting better at waiting, although we did have to have a little lesson about that a few days ago.  I think he's starting to trust me more now, as he doesn't just jump up when I walk into his stall anymore, he'll stay napping and let me come in and do my thing.  He's starting to try his hand on eating hay too.  He knows where it is in the stall and he tends to run straight for it and attempt to eat like mom even though I know it's all just an act right now.  He still thinks highly of himself though, and when he back into buckets he'll kick back at them as if to tell them off, and it's not a fearful thing because he'll keep backing into them and kicking at them with the typical colt type of mentality. 

So my next step is letting them stay out longer and longer as the days get better.  Eventually I would like him out 24/7 but I have to trust the weather a little more before that happens.  I also need to start figuring out what kind of buddy to get him.  I want to slowly introduce whoever/whatever I get for him early enough so #1 mom doesn't try to kill it, and #2 so Will can get familiarized and bonded before I have to wean him.  But I have months still before that has to happen. 

I'm feeling better now because I think the worst of it is over, and I'm referring to him running into things.  Now I just have to keep his routine constant and we'll be heading in a good direction!! 

Done, 2 hurt fingers, 4 volunteers, and many tedious jobs later.

Sorry you haven't gotten any updates, however it's because I've had to really hunker down and get that paddock done.  Practically 2 full days working on with with the help of 3 amazing volunteers.  I just want to send a HUGE thanks out to Chrisinda who came for both days, Anita who helped on Friday, and Shannon who picked up Chrisinda and helped out on Sat.  You all were amazing, I don't think I heard one complaint from anyone, and you all worked so hard.  I don't think Thanks is truly enough. 

It was extremely tedious work, but we got the fence tightened, that was interesting in it's self.  I put a few holes in the fence along the way. oops.  We reinforced it with T posts, and spread the gravel out.  For such a small paddock that task took FOREVER!!  That was until tony showed up and man up the whole operation and finished the last long side in what seemed like a matter of minutes. 

Better late than never right?  Mom and kid finally got outside in their own paddock at about 7 o'clock.  But it was a GORGEOUS day, the sun was out, we exceeded our high by at least 5 degrees, I think more, and I finally got some colour on my face.  So out they went and stayed out for quite some time. 

It was interesting, I kept him on on the line, and walked him around trying to show him stone meant fence... stone fence... stone fence... I don't know how useful I was.  Once I felt a little more confident that he wasn't going to run around like a crazy horse I let him loose.  I would start to think "he's really getting it!!"  he would go on to the rock then turn and go the other way, but then he would run into it again.  All I can say is he better figure it out sooner than later because that poor little nose of his is going to be SO sore!   He did book it once I'm not sure what sent him flying but he bounced off that fence so far!!  This tough love business is painful to watch sometimes. 

I let them stay out for the night... it was warm out, and it's no difference to him if it's light or dark out, and all the weather stations said rain for Sunday with thunderstorms.  So I made their stall up all fluffy, and just brought them in in the morning for a rest. 

I'm slightly worried that his flight instinct is a little too strong..  He literally runs in blind fear still.  I know it's still early, but seriously how many times do you need to run into things before you realize that bolting is more dangerous than just taking it slow.  And he pushes back against his boundaries.  When he hits them, he has to hit it about 2 more times before he thinks of trying another route... BAH!! this is definitely going to be hard. 

However I have to remind myself that his only other option is euthanasia.  And he's not that bad yet.  I just have to give him the opportunity to learn. 

So now they are all tucked back inside for the day, as it's already started to rain, and the thunder has begun.   So for them it's nighty night, even though it's almost 10 in the morning.

Sorry it's taken me so long....

I know I'm over due on these pictures so I apologize to you!!  But I've been completely swamped with work and haven't had a chance to get to the computer to update. 

I'm going to start by getting pictures up and out of the way.  So... I hope your ready there are a few of them.

The first few pictures are from day 1 and 2, the last 2 are from 2 days ago.  Poor little guy's right hock is swollen pretty bad, I think it's from walking in circles over and over again.  I'm going to have to put yet another call into the vet. 

When I see the last 2 photos it makes me just want to scream with frustration that he is blind, because he's just so damn handsome!!! GRRrrrr.... I truly believe everything happens for a reason but some days I just don't get the reason.  (oh and mom has no lead on because she follows us around loose, I was just holding her still for the camera) We've been going for walks in the back 40 acres, she gets to run around like a goof and burn off her excess energy, and I let baby run around on the lead rope, and boy does he try to book it.  I have to be careful and try to divert him when mom gets in the way, but we manage.  I wish I could just let him go, it's got to be so frustrating to be vibrant and healthy otherwise yet not be able to take advantage of the excess energy because you constantly run into things. 

I'm finally done nights now for this rotation so once I've caught up on a bit of sleep, I'm going to really crack down on the paddock.  I'm hoping to have it done in a day or 2 max.  I worked a bit on it last night before work, and pulled down most of the old electric fencing I'm not going to be using, and started prepping.  But I hit a slight road block when I was trying to put up the wire mesh, I've never really put up wire mesh before, and I realized that I can't just tighten it with physical strength (duh right??)  So I had to post pone for the remainder of the day and go on to the Internet and do a bit more research on what exactly I have to do to stretch the fencing properly.  I know now what I have to do, thank goodness for trucks.  I'm going to weave an old broom handle through the fencing, tie ropes to it and connect it to the truck, very very slowly drive it forward until I get the tension the way I want it then nail it up and keep doing that until I have it as tight as I want it, and done all the way around.

This is the relatively the same fencing I got for the little guy.  He'll be able to just bounce right off of it with little injury, I've seen it before with a sighted foal that was trying to run away from me, he misjudged where he was going and he just ricocheted off this fencing like it was a trampoline, it was a sight for funniest home videos.  

I'll post more photos of his first day when he finally gets out of the stall.  Maybe if your lucky I'll video it, but don't hold your breath. lol.

I did have to give him his first needles though, that was an interesting little venture.  He doesn't like needles.  I think I've been pretty spoiled when it comes to that sort of stuff, most of my others have handled needles quite well.  I'm not surprised obviously as he can't see it coming and it genuinely frightens him.  He's freakin strong!  Fortunately he's still small enough I out muscle him, I just hope I can familiarize him enough with all the routines before he gets too strong for me to hold him tight. 

I still work on trying to desensitize him to touch, he's not a fan of that either.  His belly, and in between his front legs are no touch zones apparently.  As well as his umbilical, and scrotal areas, we still have to continue to work on those areas.  At least he is just like his mom in the sense that he LOVES scratches on his shoulders, and the front of his chest.  He's relaxes, and curls his next and tries to groom back.  Quite adorable.  This is my way of making up with him after I stick him with the dreaded needle!! 

Anyways I'm going to bed... Yes I know it's only 8:30 am but I've been up all night...

Nighty night... ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz