So I have been waiting around for a decent day of weather, some sunshine, and a day when I wasn’t quite so busy in the office. That day finally came on Wednesday, and I finally had a chance to go back out to the Education Barn in the Kentucky Horse Park to visit the KyEHC horses. Well, mainly Cutter, the recovering Thoroughbred. If you missed the introduction to Cutter, check out the blog from November 10, 2009.
Anyhow we’re past due for an update, but I have a feeling it’s been somewhat quiet compared to the activity that will come when the student education program begins on January 7. There should some be some fun updates then as the students start working with the five horses as they learn all sorts of horsey info.
So while I waited for Ellen Hamilton, the manager for the equine education department at the Kentucky Horse Park, I enjoyed being out in the park early in the morning. There is always something so peaceful about being on a horse farm before the activity of a day begins. Although technically people had already been there to feed the horses, so I certainly wasn’t the first out there—just the only one for a short time. I made friends with Penelope, the barn cat. Or perhaps she made friends with me. She wouldn’t stop following me around. Everywhere. It was very hard to actually get a picture of this sweet little cat. Personality-wise she reminds me of my cat, Xander, but he’s a tabby…different coloring.
It was so quiet as many horses were eating—you gotta love that munching sound. So I visited with the two Warmblood stallions in the barn…some very mellow horses. Ellen, Todd, and another Mandy Alexander showed up after being out in the park. The great update on Cutter is that he is finally allowed to go outside now after being cleared by the vet. So he gets to go out for an hour or two each morning. Ellen mentioned that they should be able to add an hour each day, but Cutter hasn’t cooperated so much with that. He still has some excitement, but the goal is to keep him calm.
She said he’s turning into quite the people horse, always seeking attention. I could see that as I tried to pet on him, except he still tries to “chew” or “nibble” on things, or people, so you have to watch it. So Mandy walked Cutter out to a large round pen, and of course, he went straight for some hay. You can tell by the photos that he likes to get a little dirty. And he likes to pose. He’s very photogenic. At one point he got a little excited and started trotting, so we decided to leave him be so he could mellow out.
Ellen let me know that the two broodmares are doing well. They are still pregnant and due in March. They are hoping to get the foals adopted out.
As for Truffles, she has had the most activity, except lately, since the students are away. She has been walked up and down the big aisle in the barn, worked in the round pen, lunged and been under saddle at the walk and trot. I can’t wait to see her in action.
JuneBug on the other hand has been taking it easy out in the field. They are saving her to work with the students. She’s a bit spooky, according to Ellen, so they will be doing a lot of desensitization with her. The next entry won’t be until after the New Year, so I hope everyone enjoys the holiday season and has a great New Years!
Below: (left) The first thing he enjoys about the Great Outdoors is the hay. (right) I love how he's just eyeing me with my camera. He's such an expressive horse.
Below: (left) Did I mention he's a bit of a ham?
(right) Just from a few trot strides, Cutter looks like he is a good mover.
Not really encouraged though right now.
Below: And here he comes for some attention.
