Casey has learned a lot in the few weeks she's been here. Since the previous owner acted like he couldn't be done with her quick enough, he also hasn't been there to ask questions about her background or what she does or doesn't know. In everyone's best interest, it's better if we just act like she doesn't know anything at all. Totally green is our plan. 

Because of this- we have been working on a lot of things. Let's start with what she knows how to do. She does know how to be haltered, leads, ties and now crossties. She loads fairly well, hauls quietly and unloads too with no ramp. She has been hosed off once and stood well for it. She seems to like to be brushed and is good for brushing out her mane and tail. Casey likes treats but when taking them from your hand will start to take them with her lips and then try to bite down hard on whatever is holding them. Not sure why she does this but she also does it when eating too. She now accepts and wears splint and bell boots on the front legs. 

What she didn't know how to do is trust anyone picking up her feet or messing with her legs. The farrier had offered to stop by the 2nd day she was here and trim her. I had to let him know she doesn't like her legs touched or feet handled so let me get her to the point where he can safely work on her and then we'll talk. She was also very reluctant to being wormed. That was quite the task. Lunging was another no. Carrots are a hard pass on her part too. 

What she is learning- lifting all four feet for cleaning and she is not going to die in the process. She's been more reluctant about lifting her left hind and the other night she was a pistol about it. We worked thru it though and she's getting better. 

Lunging- she kind of had an idea how to go one way but that was it. She would start off going the other way and given the chance would quit and try to turn around again. That was pretty easy to fix and she can add that to the list of Knows How.  

The other night I went over her back and butt trying to get off some of the dead skin and hair from the rain rot. I didnt want to get too aggressive and take off too much and she stood quietly the whole time. 

Her left hip missing hair 

Her right hip missing hair... 

Her mane was trimmed a little and shortened. Could still take a little more off but in time. 

She's still showing ribs a little but starting to pick up weight and come around. Then of course the other night she had to roll in the mud. At least I know she cleans up nice.  

Distinguished marks

The new pony has so many cool things going for her. At the barn there's a lot of people in her quickly growing fan club. It's kind if nice having everyone talking about my pony. 

Working with her on getting hee feet up and handled- tonight I was able to clean out her hind feet. It was a different and safer way of going about it, but it worked so I'm not one to argue. 

A lot of people have asked about her breeding. Since there are no papers- it's anybody's guess. The left side of her neck and shoulders has leopard appy spots. These are also on her legs. 

Then of course there's the big dark brown spot covering her flanks on both sides. The dark bay  coloring of her head and her dark bay colored spot in her tail. 

Add to that her half blue eye and question mark blaze and she is quite a well marked pony. 

I mean how adorbs is this face?  The difference in her blaze and Izzy's is the direction. She's just such a unique pony. While I questioned her age a few weeks ago, it looks like her knees are closed so she is very likely the 3 years old as represented. (I could check the teeth but more on that in my next post.) This could mean that she may be part P. o. A. instead of Appy. Regardless she is just plain cute and super sweet. What else matters?

Steps forward

We have two workouts in so far. Casey is learning to go both directions, verbal cues for everything and showing what she's all about.

With Mazy I learned it is easier and better to take short videos and go back later- frame by frame, screenshot the good bits and look on in amazement. 

She already has nice movement and you can see bell boots are in order... They're coming. Just waiting for everything to show up. The other night I told her that boots are a way of life from here on out. 

She is really pushing off from behind here and looks like she may actually lope but doesn't. She has yet to go any faster than a trot and its not even a fast trot. I'm fine with that.

And one day her front legs will no longer look like they both come out of the same hole. 

I ramped up her feed to some complete alfalfa pellets, grain and plenty of hay. That will help put weight on her and give her energy to build muscle. She also gets some Manna Pro to help add energy without her being psycho and amped all the time.

Worming the other night was a chore. Lord knows how things were done before and it was a bit of a shitshow but we got thru it. Was only going to give her half but the thing spun and the whole dose was used. Should make sure everything is cleared out at least. 

She has also been fitted for a blanket and when she grows out of hers this year- a friend of mine has spoken for the hand me downs. Which will help cover the next size up...