Posts Tagged ‘chincoteague minnow
Snow Pony
Today we’re getting a substantial amount of snow, as in we’ve already got 15+ and more is on the way! Yikes!
As much as the snow can sometimes be a hardship on us, I’m pretty sure it doesn’t really bother the ponies as much. I mean just look at that smile on Boomerang!
These photos were taken last week when we still had a pretty good covering of snow on the ground. As you can see Minnow was happy to take an afternoon roll in the white stuff!
I asked Boomerang to lay down in the snow, and he was more than happy to oblige. I think the boys like doing their tricks in the snow….it makes for some extra cushy spots.
Blitz of course wasn’t going to let his little brother have all the fun! Oh brotherly love.
So while you’re all digging out from the massive amount of snow we’re getting, perhaps we should take Boomerang’s advice….and just keep smiling. After all, snow does melt!
The Chincoteague Ponies take to Sledding
Finally this past weekend I got a chance to do something I’ve been waiting to do for a while now! With some snow that stuck around long enough for me to enjoy it I lugged one of my snow tubes to the farm to go sledding with the ponies!
We rigged up a make-shift harness with an old breast plate and an elastic wrap to keep it tied around their middle. Now if your horse is already accustomed to pulling a cart than pulling a sled isn’t much different, however none of our ponies have ever pulled a cart.
Having already exposed all three of our chincoteagues to dragging objects behind them (old grain bags, tarps, etc) we figured they’d probably take to pulling a sled too. Boomerang was the first pony we brought out because he’s probably the most laid back and willing.
All it took were a few clicks and rewards to reinforce him for pulling the sled (which I did by walking on the ground with him first) and he pretty much knew the drill. I went another round and placed the Humber Sport Ice Fishing equipment on the sled and he did just fine.
Eventually I hopped on him bareback and asked him for more. Pretty soon he was cantering around happily – in fact he was so ok with it that we eventually broke out the snowboard too!
I love how the clicker training I use with my ponies has prepared Boomer so well to try anything. When I reward him for his efforts he’s so willing to give me all he can – positive reinforcement goes a long way!
Minnow was next and despite being a little cautious about the sled at first he was very willing to pull along a passenger. Minnow will always try his heart out for me, and I had no doubt he’d be willing to pull the sled if I asked him.
Blitz took a turn with the sled too, and my mom even hopped on him bareback (something she hadn’t done since she had her accident while riding bareback with him several years ago).
We had so much fun that now we have something to look forward to the next time it snows!
Have you ever been sledding with your horses?
The Ponies Get Jolly!
For Christmas Santa brought Minnow, Blitz and Boomer an apple flavored Jolly Ball! Oh boy were they excited….
It’s so much fun watching the boys have fun!
We also wanted to wish you all a happy and healthy 2014! We’re looking forward to the new year, and can’t wait for warmer weather so we can get back to some exciting adventures!
And if you haven’t done so already, make sure you snag one of the ponies’ 2014 Calendar! We have a few left in stock!
The Super Painting Ponies
Halloween is one of my favorite “Holidays”, mostly in part because I have always loved creating costumes. None of my animals are safe during Halloween time, and even the ponies got in on the fun the other day as they so kindly allowed me to dress them up as Super Ponies!
Our adorable trio make for some pretty striking Super Heroes!
Our two brothers, Blitz and Boomer, made for a particularly adorable pair. And I’m pretty sure Blitz was convinced that younger brother Boomer was dressed as his sidekick.
Of course somehow Boomer always manages to steal the show…..
But Blitz was determined to be top Super Pony, and he showed us just how fast he can fly!
I’m pretty sure if I was in need of rescuing I’d want these Super Heroes to save me!
Meanwhile on the sidelines, adorable Ammo was in charge of all costume changes….
If you want to check out what Ammo dressed up as for Halloween, be sure to check out his blog post!
Ponies in the Press
Leading up to our week down in Chincoteague for the Annual Pony Penning the ponies were fortunate enough to be in the press quite a bit.
You can check out all of their recent articles in the news HERE.
Chincoteague Beachcomber Article – July 18, 2013
Daily Local News Article – July 21, 2013
Chincoteague Beacon Article – July 25, 2013
