Posts Tagged ‘horse
Out of the Sea
So since I just finished reading A Pictorial Life Story of Misty, I had a new book on my summer reading list. “Out of the Sea: Today’s Chincoteague Pony” is a book written by Lois Szymaski, and is a great resource for information on the Chincoteague Pony.
I didn’t know much about his book, but had been planning to purchase and read it for a while now. I was familiar with the author, Lois Szymaski, and knew that she was a founding member of The Feather Fund, an organization that helps children purchase Chincoteague Ponies.
This book started out wonderfully as it explained how the ponies ended up on the island, what is done to care for them, and even how their breeding has evolved over the years. I actually found myself learning a lot!
For example in 1939 the fire company purchased twenty wild mustangs from the Bureau of Land Management and set them free on Assateague Island to help the Chincoteague Pony breed evolve, and keep from inbreeding. Over the years Arabian blood was also introduced into the herd, and a popular Arabian Stallion named Premiere was also introduced, but went missing – never to be seen again – the next day.
I also learned that Chincoteague is an American Indian word that means “beautiful land across the waters” and George Washington owned a Chincoteague pony named Chinky.
Boomer's photograph published in the book "Out of the Sea"
And then I got about halfway into the book and I saw it. A picture of Chesapeake Boomerang, as in “Boomer” MY CHINCOTEAGUE PONY! I had no idea that Boomer’s photo was in a book! Not only that, but there was even an excerpt on him about his days living in North Carolina.
Burta Boysen of 1000 Welcomes Farm in NC (my Blitz and Boomer’s birthplace) had written a wonderful account of the process she goes through when breaking and training their young Chincoteague Ponies. Burta stated that most ponies are started under saddle at the age of two, but then goes on to say that sometimes its best to wait as sometimes ponies take longer to mature.
Blitz & Boomer's father in the book Out of the Sea
“Boysen said their pony Boomer is a prime example of a pony that should have waited. “He was just too immature and not ready,” she said, “so we put him up for awhile and now he’s doing great.” These days, you can find Boomer in the show ring.”
The text then goes on to detail the training technique they use for starting their ponies under saddle. Basically roundpen work, with roping of the ponies – including their feet, and introduction to “whoa” as well as plastic bags, lariats, and old shirts.
Later on in the book there are photos of the Boysen’s stallion, Chesapeake Powhattan’s Promise (blitz and boomer’s father), and a story about how “Squat” got his name.
I was totally surprised to find that Boomer was in this book – but I also found it even more interesting to hear about his immaturity level and the process he undoubtedly went through to be readied to ride. From the day Boomer came to live with me in 2008 I knew he had a lot of growing up to do. He could barely carry himself (let alone a rider) down a hill, and had trouble finding his footing on the trail. He was wiggly and was easily toppled to the ground with a rider’s weight shift. Within the two years I have had him he’s come a long way, he now has solid steps on the trail, and he’s even grown into his body more. I think he’ll just always be one of those ponies that take a long time to “act his age”.
Learning about the methods used on Boomer to start him under saddle were eye opening. They probably attribute a lot to the fact that Boomer is pretty much unflappable. He doesn’t spook, and rarely have I found anything (or any situation) that rattles him. He’ll touch anything and try anything, and is a very trusting pony. I just might have to practicing roping each of his feet to see just what he knows!
Anyway this book definitely gets my vote as another must read – and not just because one of my ponies is in it!
Photos are reproduced from the book “Out of the Sea” by Lois Szymaski
A Pictorial Life Story of Misty
Recently I just finished reading the book, “A Pictorial Life Story of Misty” by Marguerite Henry, which is a must read for anyone who is a fan of Misty or Chincoteague for that matter. I had a lot of fun learning about Misty’s true life – in fact a lot of things I didn’t even know about her! Along with the wonderful photos of Misty and her friends, it also detailed Misty’s life from the day she met Marguerite Henry, author to the famous children’s book, Misty of Chincoteague.
I thought I’d share with you some of my favorite facts from the book.
– Misty was not born wild on the island of Assateague (as I’m sure many think), her parents (Phantom and Pied Piper) were island bred ponies.
-Misty was purchased from the Beebe’s by Marguerite Henry when she was just a few days old. Since she was too young to leave her mother at the time, the Beebe’s had Misty shipped in a wooden crate no bigger than a dog kennel to Illinois to live with Marguerite.
Misty in her shipping crate
-Misty’s most famous trick was standing on her stool and shaking hands (just like Chincoteague Minnow)
-Misty shared her home at Mole Meadow in Illinois with Friday, a morgan horse, Brighty, a donkey, Alex, a Dachshund, and Mom-cat, the farm cat.
-Alex the Dachshund entertained children with his ability to jump through a hoop, he also enjoyed pony rides on Misty, and had great fun with Mom-cat. (just like Ammo the Dachshund and his cat Cricket)
– Misty attended the American Library Association Convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was allowed to sit in on meetings and even rode the elevator to attend a party in her honor. Misty was the only four footed member of the American Library Association.
Alex the Dachshund and Mom-cat
– Misty had wonderful Birthday parties every year to celebrate her Birthday, July 20th. The children would get out of school, and the whole town would congregate to see Misty.
– Marguerite sadly returned Misty to Chincoteague (and the Beebe ranch) to have her foal, a promise she had made to Grandpa Beebe when she purchased Misty as a foal.
– Misty’s first foal was dubbed Wisp O’ Mist when the winning name was picked out of the many children that entered the contest to name Misty’s foal.
Misty shakes hands with Marguerite Henry
– When Misty was in foal to her third baby, a terrible storm swept over Chincoteague. Misty was pulled inside the Beebe’s house to help her weather the storm, as everyone evacuated the island. Homes were destroyed the the town was left in rubble. Misty survived the storm and soon after had her third and final foal, Stormy.
-As Chincoteague Island tried to recover from the storm Misty became a source of hope. She made appearances with her new colt to raise money so that the island could thrive again. Its because of Misty that the tradition of Pony Penning
All photos are from “A pictorial life story of misty”
2010 Dachshund Races
Ammo in his stuntdog gear with his ribbons
On June 13th I took 1 1/2 year old Ammo the Dachshund to the Keystone Dachshund Races in Lewisberry Pa. We had been last year, but this year was different because not only would Ammo be racing, but he was also asked to perform a variety of his favorite tricks.
I was excited to see if Ammo would behave differently in the races this year, as he was now a full year older and had a lot of training under his belt. Like the Trick Ponies, I like to train Ammo using clicker training – food is a great motivator for all animals, and dogs are no exception.
Immediately when we arrived Ammo was excited to see lots of long and low dogs just like himself. He wanted to meet and play with EVERYONE. This was a change from last year as at 8 months old he was shy and a little nervous – I was excited to see that all my socialization with him had paid off by making him much more confident. Although, I should have guessed that his added confidence only hurt him when it came time to race. See Ammo (being the loveable Dachshund that he is) picked out the lead dog in every race and tried to entice him to play as they raced towards the finish. I admit I would have preferred Ammo to come bounding out of the start box towards me as he lept into my arms, but seeing him excited to play with other dogs his size also put a smile on my face. At the end of race day Ammo came home with 3 second places, a third, and a fourth and the title for fastest dog went to Mr. Monkey the Dachshund.
Ammo returning to his box after each trick, something he learned a week earlier
At around 2:30 it was Ammo’s turn to take center stage. I was pretty nervous as to whether or not he’d actually do ANYTHING I asked of him. See if you know Dachshunds, then you know that they can be VERY stubborn. Classified as one of the hardest breeds to house train, Dachshunds certainly have a mind of their own. And while I knew Ammo wanted very much to please me, I wasn’t sure if the temptation of other smells, other dogs, or other people would sway him from performing his tricks. I was relieved as Ammo performed just about every trick I asked of him, including jumping through his hoop with his stuntdog gear on. Yet despite his willingness to execute the tasks, Ammo’s enthusiasm was lacking a little. I think his all day play session with the other racers had worn him out, not to mention it felt like it was 90 degrees inside the covered arena where we were. Overall I was pleased that he atleast tried for me, and thats all I could have asked. I’m not sure if he will ever have the “presence” that the Trick Ponies command, but I can be sure he’ll atleast be able to perform alongside them in the future.
Auction off one of Ammo's works of art to benefit the Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue
I look forward to racing again next year with Ammo. Perhaps one of these days we’ll be able to bring home a blue!
To see more photos from Ammo’s Performance be sure to visit his facebook page.
Stuntdog
Ammo the Dachshund has his VERY FIRST performance tomorrow at the Keystone Dachshund Races. I don’t know if he’s nervous, but I’m nervous for him. We’ve been nonstop practicing his tricks all week, and I think he’s pretty prepared. Ammo is a little bit on the shy side (although you would never guess if you follow along in his adventures on Facebook), so it will be a big surprise to everyone what he decides to do as the center of attention in a crowd of Dachshunds.
I’m pretty confidant he will know just what to do! (or at least I hope!) During his performance Ammo will also be creating one of his original scratch art pieces which we will be auctioning off to benefit the Coast-to-Coast Dachshund Rescue.
Oh and not to forget Ammo will also be racing! Last year’s performance was a little bit embarrassing for him, but in his defense he was only about 8 months old, and he had no clue what he was doing. This year he’s a year older, and a year more confident. Not to mention he passed his level one training class and he’s nearing completion of his level two training. I’m so proud of him!
If you are in the area tomorrow be sure to stop by the races (even if you aren’t owned by a Dachshund), its sure to be a good time, and the profits benefit a good cause.
Visit Ammo’s Facebook Page to see more photos of him in his Stuntdog outfit! Isn’t he just the cutest thing?
P.S. if you like Ammo’s outfit check out Kalyxcornucopia! See the neat videos that Baxter made below…
Baby Boomer
A newly born Boomerang, March 21, 2003
I’m so excited to share these!! Last week I got a package of Boomer baby photos in the mail from Boomer and Blitz’s breeder. Both Blitz and Boomer were born at 1000 Welcomes Farm in Chapel Hill, NC. The pair share the same stud, Chesapeake Powhattan’s Promise, but different dams. Boomer is out of Tidewater Sufer Chique (a Sufer Dude daughter) and Blitz is out of Tidewater Fable.
As I’m sure you can tell I LOVE both Blitz (originally “Lucky”) and Boomer, so I’m a big fan of the foals that their stud “Squat” produces. If you are in the market for a pony be sure to check out their sales list, one of their foals, John Henry, is already competing under saddle…and he’s gorgeous! John Henry would make an awesome mounted games pony as he looks to be pretty unflappable (I saw a video!) just like my two boys. I’d take them all home if I could!
Anyway, enjoy a trip down memory lane – way back in 2003 when Boomerang was first born.
A yearling Blitz looks out for little brother Boomer. How cute!!
