Tonto Update:

Lani, It happened May 10 '06 so coming up on a year and a half. I rode him for a little bit yesterday. He and Jet were racing on the fence line before so he was already tired when I got him. We did some groundwork and I rode in the pen. It was windy and hubby was back-firing a tractor so I left it a short session. I really need to make myself ride him. It is so easy just to hop on Jet and go. Last week TGrammy and I were going to ride and PW (trainer that I assist) was coming by. I told PW to bring a saddle and she could join us. I rode Tonto and PW rode Jet. Tonto did exceptionally well since his security blanket Jet was along. So maybe we should do that more often.

OK, I guess that makes sense it was just a bit before I got Stryder.  A year and a half, and he's back to work.  I know you were concerned he'd make it let alone rideable! 
 
Oh, I'm so glad he's doing so well! []  If it helps to have Jet along could you maybe pony Tonto a bit? Allow him to work without the encumbrance of a rider?  Maybe help him to build up his endurance?  Just a thought, anyway.  I'm just glad he's doing so well.  It's really awesome!

Great suggestion about ponying. Except Tonto is a mischief maker. He is always bugging, nipping, nudgeing etc... I will have to try it in the round pen. I don't think we would get far before there was a rodeo. I rode him last night with TGram and he did very well again. I know I am a little insecure about his strength on the trail.

[sm=sad.gif] Tonto is injured again. I called them up to the barn friday morn so I could go for a ride with TGram. I threw each an alfalfa snack and went back to the house to grab my water bottle. When I came back Jet had gotten into Tonto's pen because I didn't latch the gate. Jet had kicked him so hard that he punctured his shoulder. My poor horse. [sm=sad.gif][sm=sad.gif][sm=sad.gif] I can't believe this happened and it's my fault.

I had to take him back to Vet on Mon. because he had some torn muscle tissue poking out the hole. [:'(] Sorry gross. Vet cleaned out the dead tissue. We have finished antibiotics but are keeping him on bute for now. He is using more of a stepping action now instead of dragging his leg. He isn't able to let me pick up the good front leg yet. I am continuing hydro and will review with Vet tomorrow. He seems improved today.

Geez,  I hope he gets better soon.  That boy has been through the ringer hasn't he?  These things seem to happen at the worst time it. It says alot for his spirit and your devotion to him. I'm happy you two have eachother. [sm=happy.gif]

My goodness!! Poor Tonto! Does Jet wear backshoes?  Is that how it happened?  Gosh, I'm so sorry MK!  I hope he gets better soon.

I agree whole heartedly with Terry.  It speaks so much about you dedication... good on you and I hope you are rewarded with another miracle []

Oh no! Poor Tonto, he's had more than his share of injuries. But I'm sure he'll heal up quickly under your wonderful care.

I had him trot a couple times around the pen. He is still a little lame so I guess we will give it some more time.[&o]

Okay, He was shod last Monday and farrier thinks he is sound. I put him in the round pen with the saddle yesterday. Free lunged, backed, yielded and flexed. I got on and rode a little bit and he seemed fine. So everyone cross your fingers and pray for no more injuries please.

Yay for repaired horses []  I'm so glad to hear that the Tonto is doing well... finally!  How's Jet? 

Hey stranger! Glad you are back. I was getting worried about you.[]
Jet is fine. Except since we switched to the snaffle and parelli work he has become very heavy. I have been riding with the halter or haltamore and he makes me work. TGram came and rode him in the round pen because her Dillon is lame. I want her to ride Jet so I can put my time on Tonto. He was very uncooperative for her on the snaffle. I seriously think I am going to go back to the tt bit and neck reining for him. Out of the mouth on the tt has to be better than heavy in the mouth on the snaffle. I want my old horse back. I rode Tonto with just the halter and tied the lead for reins so maybe I will keep him in the haltamore for awhile and see how it goes.

How is it going with Stryder?

Why do you think the horsemanship has changed him, MK?  That's kind of bizarre.  .. maybe he just needs a refresher course with the TT?.... remind him that he should appreciate things like a haltimore and snaffle?  Sorry to hear about Dillon.  How's her new mare? 
 
Stryder is *GREAT*!  I'm so proud of that boy.  We trailered about 45 min. away to another place to trail ride a couple of weeks ago.  He and his friend, Romeo, loaded like a dream. They were a little nervous at first, but settled right in.  Stryder had a BLAST!  It seemed to have been a very welcome change for him. He's been very motivated and a lot less spooky and much more mellow since.  I think he enjoyed it tremendously.  We were just there for the day and trailered back that evening.  They re-loaded even better than the first time and then unloaded and grazed immediately off the trailer.  They both seemed happy to be home, but not to the point of barn sour.  Just relaxed.  His training is coming along like a dream.  And he's learning some new tricks []  I taught him to bow, and I've now taught him to do it from his back.  Now I have to create a cue for it, sitting up []  Right now, i'm still giving the cue I give him from the ground.  But were getting there. 
 
I love that boy!  Thanks for asking.  BTW - dare I ask if you ever got that email?  I have an attachement i can't send if it's not via email, just FYI. Lemme know []

Lani, I don't have a clue or an explanation. But he went from the perfect horse to a struggle to ride. And I am NOT happy about it. I rode him the other night with the haltimore. In the pen he seemed okay although he hates being in the pen. I rode over to TGram's to say hi and then wanted to go down the road. It literally took everything I had to get most of the way down the road. My arms and shoulders are still sore. I will be seeing R and discussing it with him but Jet is going back in the tt bit and back to neck reining. I never thought going backwards in his training was a good idea. (from neck reining back to direct reining) And the same for Tonto. I was working very hard at finishing his neck reining before he got injured.
That is cool that Stryder did well trailering. Both my boys like to go places. Tonto especially loves the trailer. I have to tie or pen him or he jumps in if the trailer is open. How is the dressage training coming along?

Dillon is down for 2-3 months or so and then TGram will re-evaluate? Anyone had tendon experience?? Lack of time and poor weather has hampered working with the mare. Catching her is the main problem. Once she is caught things go well. We put an english saddle on her the other day with no issues. So once she is catchable and flexes well then things can proceed. But in the meantime I wanted TGram to be able ride Jet while I worked on Tonto.

Thanks, we did get the sig. (but no update? [sm=no no smiley.gif]) The email seems to be working OK again.

I have been remiss with my updates. We have been going out on the trails and Tonto has been doing very well. TGram has been riding Jet out with us. Only misshap was once when we rode a ways away from Jet and Tonto decided to dash back to him. I knew something was going to happen just didn't expect 0 to 60 mph. [sm=eek.gif] We one-rein stopped, flexed and continued on.

Yesterday we rode for about an hour and Tonto and I did all the gates perfectly. Even TGram applauded our beau-ti-ful side pass steps into the gate. [sm=clapping hands smiley.gif]