Stalking the Wild Shortcake | Chickens in the Road

Aug
19

I think her name is Shortcake simply because I can’t decide on anything else and I’m getting used to it.

When I took Shortcake, they told me she had three issues:

1. She doesn’t like to be cross tied. She’ll fling herself around and be all crazy-like.

2. She doesn’t like to be washed. She’ll fling herself around and be all crazy-like.

3. She’s hard to catch in a field. No flinging or crazy stuff, just like who are you and why are you trying to kill me, I’ll just keep walking. Like that.

Otherwise, she’s a doll.

Mike-the-trainer can only do so much in less than a week, but he broke her of the cross tie and washing stuff for me. He doesn’t put up with stuff like that. As if!!!

Shortcake in the cross ties at my farm. That’s right, I did that. Which must mean she’s thoroughly over that because I’m no horse trainer.

However, she’s tough to catch.

I’m keeping her up close in the fields around the barn so as not to give her too wide of a world to evade me until we develop a closer relationship.

Our relationship is currently based on peppermint-flavored horse treats.

They’re hard to resist. (And the hardest part is keeping Zip out of my back pocket while I’m trying to seduce Shortcake.)

That’s right, you’re thinking about it, missy! And–

–ha!

Then I rode her. She’s awesome. She’s so easy and calm and short. She does everything I tell her to do and makes me think we could ride over the moon. Though we haven’t left the barn yard yet.

She makes me feel like a horse crazy teenager. I’m in love with this horse. I want to go to the barn and sleep with her. IS THAT WEIRD?

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8-19
9:05
pm

So totally not weird! What’s weird is that that’s the way I feel about my new bike! It was a present from my honey for my 48th birthday and it’s so comfy and fun to ride–plus it’s so pretty that I keep going in the garage to admire it!

In a battle of weirds, you’re not going to beat me.

STH

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8-19
9:33
pm

Uummmm, I’m 46 and I love hanging out in the barn with my horses, including sleeping.

Country Blossom

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8-19
9:37
pm

I don’t think it’s weird. I think you’re lucky. I knew from your first post about her that she was the perfect horse for you. I also knew that subconsciously you had already named her. You’ve bonded with her and she needs to do the same to you. Have you been doing any ground work with her? You could always have Morgan teach you. Has she been riding Zip? I can’t wait to see the two of you riding. Happy trails!

Cheryl LeMay

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8-19
10:27
pm

I adore her name! Fits perfectly! Woo hoo so glad you are horse crazy like me, nothing makes you feel better than a good sniff of horse, ahhhh love the smell. Thrilled you have two wonderful horses!!!

doubletroublegen

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8-19
10:38
pm

I keep thinking back to the post of you talking to Morgan about the farm and how there’s so much room to have horses, unlike your current place…. all before telling her you really bought the farm. You have horseS now! Two of them! I felt from the start that Shortcake was going to stay. Sad about Patriot, but he’ll get another chance at a forever home. I hope Morgan loves Zip. Sounds like these two horse-gals are perfect for the both of you!

beforethedawn

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8-19
11:29
pm

I’m so happy for you. Shortcake suits her so I am glad you decided to keep that as her name. I’m not sure anything else would have ever “fit” her. This last year has certainly brought your family a multitude of blessings. I wish you many more to come!

P.S. My four year old granddaughter is horse crazy and wants one so badly. I pull up your website and let her look at the pictures of the horses and she just swoons!

lifeisgood/ Melinda

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8-19
11:46
pm

LOL! NO, it is not weird!!! I spent many a night curled up in the pasture by my gelding.. I think Shortcake is just gorgeous and am so glad you found her

lesliedgray

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8-19
11:58
pm

Suzanne…I’m no horse trainer, but I have a gelding that used to be like she is. I was told by a trainer and close friend to keep him in a smaller area for awhile and to keep him moving until he decided that being caught wasn’t bad. So, I ran him. (When I went to catch him.) I ran him until his cute lil’ ears twitched and he just stopped for me to get him, or he would walk to me. He doesn’t have any issues with it now. Took about a week of doing that a few times a day and *Poof*…a cute little catchable sorrel gelding. I’m no pro, but something that worked for me. Good luck, she is a cutie!

Almost Heaven, WV

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8-20
1:04
am

I’m so glad you will keep Shortcake. She’s a beauty & I love her name. Sad that Patriot had to return to HOP, but I agree that it was the right decision for you, Morgan & Patriot. I hope he will find a happy forever home & a new best friend.

liz2

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8-20
4:21
am

Sounds like the start of a beautiful relationship! For catching her, ask your trainer about ‘approach and retreat’ techniques. I know the treats work, but repeated tid-bitting can make a horse get pushy and demanding and also cause trouble between horses sharing pasture as the dominant horse can (quite rightly in terms of horse society) get agitated and annoyed about the other horse getting all the attention and treats. If Zip is posturing to warn off Shortcake from the treat supply or vice-versa it makes safely catching then up harder.
Above all, congratulations on finding such a wonderful mare!

Janine E

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8-20
5:11
am

Wonderful!

SarahGrace

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8-20
7:57
am

Janine, yes, I’m doing that some, too, just petting her and walking away. I don’t always use the treats or she’d get fatter than she is already, LOL.

Suzanne McMinn

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8-20
8:36
am

She’s beautiful! You’ll be BFF’s in no time!

wildcat

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8-20
10:34
am

Awe, she is to good looking!!! I love the name::Shortcake, why not add Strawberry to it:: you could dress her in a all the cute “Strawberry Shortcake” gear that you could find & or make::: it suits her and she suits you! congrats to all of you, you gave her a “forever” home, and she I’m sure will give you nothing but love & friendship:)
Sandy

fowlers

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8-20
10:45
am

Not weird at all. I think that’s quite normal for a person with his/her first horse. Did you ever in your born days think you would have a horse of your own?! Thank you for adding this pretty little thing into our days. We are loving her, too! Have fun!

Barbee

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8-20
1:02
pm

Is Zip in the same pasture/field? Won’t Shortcake take a cue from Zip, noticing that you’re a friend? (rhetorical questions) Happened each time I brought a new rescue dog into my home with an existing pooch.

bonita

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8-20
1:12
pm

That’s great, Suzanne. She’ll come around in no time. I love how much more confident you are with her, always a good sign. (I just can’t ride a horse I don’t trust, I’m too old to take too many falls!)

Janine E

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8-20
3:19
pm

She is so beautiful, I am so happy for you guys! Suzanne, as long don’t ever try to milk a person, I think you’re okay!

stacylee

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8-20
7:06
pm

What a wonderful post! I am so excited for you both, she is such a pretty girl. You have two good horses, now since you own a working farm, it is time to put them to work. I can’t think of anything else but riding fence lines, but I’m sure your readers will think of some more tasks for them, it’s good form them. Herding goats? Riding to the closest market? Pulling a little wagon?

kbryan

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8-21
1:14
pm

Wonderful post. I’m glad you are bonding with her. As for her being hard to catch, maybe talk to your trainer for tips regarding that. If you have a round pen or small paddock you can rectify that situation pretty quickly. Bascially she is finding release by walking away from that mean scary predator person that is going to make me do work. You want her to associate you with release instead and find that release when she stands and faces you. This is where the round pen (or small paddock comes in handy making it less work for you). When you approach her never walk up with a “purpose” because thats a predator thing. Walk up like in a zig-zag I-have-nothing-on-my-mind way. When she walks away you make her run and continue to run until she accepts and respects you. You’ll see it by lip licking or she’ll turn her inside ear toward you. Once you see that you cut her drive line off (get infront of her front leg basically) and she should face you. Repeat until she gets the point that its easier to face and deal with you than to “work” and run around. Good luck with her. I’m so glad you found her and she found you! Also, I like the name Shortcake, its original and fits!

stacey3940

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