Post by twisting on Oct 22, 2008 20:16:00 GMT -5
Kevin mentioned that some of you were interested in a Keno update so here goes.
Keno is doing great; he's here on Oahu and will be stuck in the Quarantine pen for another 40 days. After that he's got a nice big paddock with a shade tree and stall access (and a cute Trakehner mare next door). I'm giving him a few weeks of vacation time to adjust to the climate change before I really start working with him. He was pretty miserable in his winter coat when he first arrived, but I took care of that today. He's sporting a new tropical hair cut and is much happier.
I couldn't be happier with his attitude and behavior. He's so mellow. He fell asleep while I was clipping him. I hopped on him for a few minutes the other day just to see what he was like and I was amazed at how sensitive he is. I can hardly believe he's only 4.
My next project is to find a bit he's comfortable with. I'm using a plain snaffle right now but I think the nutcracker action might be a bit much for him. Think I'm going to try a French link and see if that makes him a little happier with maintaining contact.
No one here can believe he's a mustang. They all want to know what he's crossed with. Word of Keno is already spreading around the island. I went into the feed store the other day and was recognized as "the girl with the cute mustang". The store owner had heard about Keno from the shipper who'd picked him up at the airport. I guess she couldn't stop raving about him, with good reason.
I'm counting the days until he's out of quarantine and I can go riding with others. We have pineapple fields to gallop on, miles of trails to explore, and a cross country course to learn how to jump. I'm sure Keno would enjoy "the O Pond" as well. It's an 8 acre pasture full of elephant grass with paths carved through it. The grass is so tall the horses literally disappear in it.
I'll post pictures as soon as I finish the final touches on his hair cut. I shaved it all off today but I want to go back tomorrow and do touch ups. He can't be seen on the 'net with bad hair!
Kate
Keno is doing great; he's here on Oahu and will be stuck in the Quarantine pen for another 40 days. After that he's got a nice big paddock with a shade tree and stall access (and a cute Trakehner mare next door). I'm giving him a few weeks of vacation time to adjust to the climate change before I really start working with him. He was pretty miserable in his winter coat when he first arrived, but I took care of that today. He's sporting a new tropical hair cut and is much happier.
I couldn't be happier with his attitude and behavior. He's so mellow. He fell asleep while I was clipping him. I hopped on him for a few minutes the other day just to see what he was like and I was amazed at how sensitive he is. I can hardly believe he's only 4.
My next project is to find a bit he's comfortable with. I'm using a plain snaffle right now but I think the nutcracker action might be a bit much for him. Think I'm going to try a French link and see if that makes him a little happier with maintaining contact.
No one here can believe he's a mustang. They all want to know what he's crossed with. Word of Keno is already spreading around the island. I went into the feed store the other day and was recognized as "the girl with the cute mustang". The store owner had heard about Keno from the shipper who'd picked him up at the airport. I guess she couldn't stop raving about him, with good reason.
I'm counting the days until he's out of quarantine and I can go riding with others. We have pineapple fields to gallop on, miles of trails to explore, and a cross country course to learn how to jump. I'm sure Keno would enjoy "the O Pond" as well. It's an 8 acre pasture full of elephant grass with paths carved through it. The grass is so tall the horses literally disappear in it.
I'll post pictures as soon as I finish the final touches on his hair cut. I shaved it all off today but I want to go back tomorrow and do touch ups. He can't be seen on the 'net with bad hair!
Kate
...I would be counting the days as well for when you can take off down the trails. Thanks so much for the update on Keno', I can not wait for pictures of his sporty new haircut and tropical new home. 
