Getting to know Woody, by Peter Schumann

When I arrived at Hidden Cave Ranch the day of the Tornados (Friday) and Woody was in a box in the barn.
He watched me curiously when I did approach…



Such a cute face…

Used to my nine very well handled and approachable Curlies in Germany it was the first time I had to deal with a “wild” horse.
He was very shy and it was quite a difficult task to put his halter on. As he did not let me approach from his right side I had to put a lead rope around his neck (which was quite a difficult task… ;-) …) and then tie the open halter to the lead rope and pull it around his neck … Finally the nose into the halter and a knot… and the halter was on…
Marion opened the barn door and as he was about to get nervous and wanted to get out…
Now… I pulled at the halter… and guess what happened… I ended up with a nice hoof imprint in the back of my knee/upper thigh...
You could say “Love at the first kick”… ;-)
I started to understand that things would be much more difficult than expected and that he would not show the same reactions as my other nine do…

After a short break to recover from his “kiss” Marion and I started to work with him in the round pen.
He has a wonderful trot… and what a sensitive boy… Just looking at his butt made him move… Very very sensitive and eager to please…
But very shy and nervous as well…



He did not get tired even after working more than 2 hours with me and Marion and also Jaro.
Always after we finished some “exercise” he waited and was looking on us… like “Hey… when it is going to continue?”

Next morning when I wanted to capture the sunrise with my cam he already waited at the fence… What a heartbreaker… ;-)



We started to bond further and at the end of the second day he was approachable from both sides… We made good progress all together…
(Video?)
Finally in the evening I had to say good-bye and entered the paddock.
This time he did not escape… Standing in the middle of the paddock… no fence… not blocked… no pressure… He could leave but waited by his own will…
He looked at me and I could touch his nose with my hand…
What a nice way to say good bye… Like he would know that I had to return to Germany the next morning…

On my way out Hercules (who stays with him in his Paddock) approached me and I caressed him a bit…
A few seconds after I left I heard Woody beating him up… like telling him “that’s my human… don’t get in my way…” … ;-)
It was really a funny scene…



When I arrived I was not sure if I really want “Horse #10” … but I think he is a special boy and he really found his way into my heart.

I’ll return early April to continue to work with him together with Marion so he will be able to travel and join us in Germany.
Looking forward to two more exciting weeks at Hidden Cave Ranch with Jaro, Marion and Woody.

Update Woody, Cinderella and Sam

I am running a little behind with recent updates on our horses but here we are.

Woody,
Peter Schumann Woody his owner, has visited us and worked with Woody. I witnessed a beautiful blooming relationship. It was beautiful to see how these two individuals grown together in such a short time. Peter also made some beautiful pictures. Maybe he wants to tell something in his own words.

Cinderella had her first night in a stall. We had severe weather and lots of big hail so I wanted the girls in overnight since they don’t have a shelter in the field. It took me a while to catch her and I was soaking wet by the time I got her. But after that she was great. Of course a little ski dish in the beginning but just like Woody and Sam she is very sweet and trustful when she is convinced. After this experience she is much better and easier to handle. She is a sweetheart.

Sam, well he surprised me the most. He was the only one who’s feet looked not so good. His toes where very long so he really needed to be trimmed.
I practiced and wow was he a good boy. First I used my carrot stick and see what he would do. He kicked with his hind legs at first but very quickly he was fine. So after a couple of times I thought he was ready for the farrier. And boy he was, He just stood there like a full trained horse I could not be more proud of him. The farrier ( or really need to say barefoot trimmer since that is what he is specialized in) was impressed too.
I also took him true my obstacle course, and again he surprised me big time. He went true the “carwash” the pool noodles the ramp he did it all to bad I don't have pics of it. What a champ we have here..