Monday, June 28, 2010

Insanity Doesn't Run; It Walks Calmly

Some of you may think I have completely lost my marbles after my last post.

See? I didn't. Here they are.

I apologize for the length of that post. I should have split it or not done such a brain dump in the first place. Sincere thanks to those who took the time to read and comment.

I announced I had abandoned my quest to buy Quaker, my little one-eyed, Steady Eddy QH buddy. I also revealed that Heather had offered me Daltrey (nee Streak) and part of the deal if I keep him is that he needs to remain intact until O's last foals are born at Heather's in 2011. I can see where you might think I had a heat stroke or something.


"Fry," you might say, "you are closer to 60 than you are to 50 and you're a mediocre novice rider at best. Where the hell do you get the cojones to take on a Stonewall foal, much less a stud colt? At your age and experience level, you should be sticking quarters in the ponies at WalMart."


For your consideration:
  • It is not a done deal. Daltrey will come here for a visit when he is weaned, which could be as soon as next month. We'll see how he does with the Boyz, see if he bonds with me and Mr. Fry, how the land does with a third horse, and quite frankly, see if I am up to the task of bringing up a baby. Umm, I can be kinda lazy. Sometimes two feels like too many.
  • If at any point, it's not working, I can send him back. I can keep just my two or I can try another one. That's the way they roll at Iron Ridge. I am not in this alone. I have all the expert help and support I need.
  • These horses have amazing temperaments both as a product of their selective breeding and the way they are handled. They do seem to be born "old souls". The draft in them makes them so sweet. They have their moments, like they all do, but by-and-large, they are people-oriented, compliant, and even-tempered. Most milestones, including their first ride, are non-events.
  • If you handle a stallion from birth, accepting nothing less than perfect manners and respect (as they do at the farm), it's no different than handling any other youngster that's full of itself. Having hosted the then-2-year-old Stonewall stallion, Scorch, I can tell you that I had not one problem with him. If his genes are needed, Daltrey will be collected — no live cover — and he'll be gelded as soon as his jewels are dispensable.
  • Stonewalls and Sugarbushes (drafts in general) mature much slower than lighter horses. It's not abnormal to wait until they are 4 or older to even start them under saddle. Jaz is 11 and Poco may be 14 (no way to know for sure). Both are sound and healthy, and unless something unforeseen happens, I plan on a lot more years of improving my riding skills with them. God willing, we have all the time in the world to work Daltrey up. I won't ride him until we're both ready. Others might, but I won't. It's that closer-to-60 thing...
And there you have the method to the madness or the biggest crock of shit you ever heard. Take your pick.

12 comments:

Tammy Vasa said...

When we got our first horses in the year 2000, I thought I still knew how to ride -- but I learned that I never did know - I just knew how to stay on. Not only did I need a suitable horse for me, but for my young kids, too. Really, we all needed the SAME horse. So whenever I found one that worked for me, one of my boys would start riding it.

We bred my husband's mare & ended up selling the foal as a yearling. Meanwhile, I continued my quest for the perfect horse for me. Three years later, I saw this yearling we had sold - now a beautiful 3 year old & knew I had to have her back. I can't explain the connection I had to her. No, I didn't need a 3 year old green broke horse. At the time I was almost 45 yrs old, had a cast on my leg and was almost 40 pounds heavier than I am today. But the heart ruled the head.

It hasn't been easy, but my connection to her and her to me has persevered (sp). I've ridden her for 6 years now. She's my horse.

Don't let age fool you. You have the mentors to help and the desire to try. Go for it!

Cactus Jack Splash said...

Sounds like a method to your madness.
You know what will be the right thing to do for you

Anonymous said...

#1 I love the marbles. Keep up the blogging, I have been reading them all. I know you love your horses and they give you a challange. I know nothing about them and you help give me some insite. Good luck and you are not mad. Fl Fan.

Paint Girl said...

Boy, I sure missed a lot while I was gone!! Sounds like you have it all worked out! He is adorable and can't wait to see him grow up!! Babies are so fun!

Unknown said...

Leah.

Please. It makes no sense to even HAVE horses. Remember, we are here because we are women who DO NOT let logic get in the way of passion, okay?

You love that baby, you go get that baby. You're smart enough to do right by the horse, get help when you need it and cowgirl up when its called for.

Leah Fry said...

You guys are also the best friends ever and the most evil people on the planet at the same time. As Mr. Fry is wont to say, "You need no encouragement." Poor man.

Tammy, thanks for stopping by. I don't have that connection to Daltrey. But the opportunity to have a horse with 2 bloodlines I admire is awfully tempting. And he IS cute as a bug.

Winter, ROTFLMAO! You're so right, though. I had to wait 50 years for my dream to come true. It was the passion that refused to be quelled even though there was every reason in the world not to.

Fantastyk Voyager said...

Leah- you do what your heart tells you and take care!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm with the others who have already commented on this post. You are so fortunate to be following your dream... go for it Leah! No one but you can possibly know what's right for YOU. :)

Laura said...

I think it is great that you have such a great arrangement with Heather and her farm.

What a great opportunity to try working with a young horse and a stud colt. You have a great network of support, so I'm sure you will be fine.

An acquaintance of mine has a Newfoundland Pony stallion and she shows him and even gives lessons to some kids with this horse. He has been handled well and is a total gentleman. It can be done...

And - bonus to us - we'll get to see lots of pictures of that adorable little guy!

Pinzgauer said...

I think the best part of this deal, is it makes weaning him easy for me. It lets you decide if you do have, or will have that bond with him, and in the end, no one loses out!

If he's not for you, then you won't have to sit there and wonder. If he is for you, then my "clauses" for his sale will help push you a bit outside your comfort zone. (And I get to keep him "in the family" as it is).

Don't over think it. Just have fun with the baby while he's there, and if it works out, then great! If not, then no loss to anyone.

And if Quaker keeps sticking his nose in your business... then it's not like you can't go that route either.

And the third option (no new horses!) is always a good one. Not like you don't have enough to play with at my house.

Once Upon an Equine said...

Sounds like you've got several exciting options. Streak is really, really cute. And how nice to have a special horse like Quaker as an option too. Good luck with your decisions.

Once Upon an Equine said...

Sounds like you got several exciting options. Streak is really, really cute. And how nice to have a special horse like Quaker as an option too. Good luck with your decisions.

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