Boggle- USA bound!

[Auslander]

I’d like to add linseed but can’t find it.

Have you tried looking/asking for flaxseed?

 

[CanteringCarrot]

There are quite a few flax products available. Triple Crown sells flax seed, Simply Flax, Omega Flax and Omega Horseshine (used that ages ago) are also flax products. A feed store will often just sell sacks of plain flax seed too.

 

[Michen]

Aha! Thanks both

 

[CanteringCarrot]

There are tons of feed options, so it's hard to generalize what feed is like here. As a generalization I think soya is used in more feeds here. It wasn't soo common in Germany. Chaff is more common in the UK and not as popular in the US, or even Germany. A lot more ration balancer options here, and those are useful for the more good doer types.

The usual straights are always available (my barn mainly uses straights), maize, barley, oats, alfalfa pellets or cubes (actual cubes), hay pellets, beet pulp, etc.

Supplements are plentiful through a company such as SmartPak or many other retailers.

Mine will get some straights and a vit/min. I just need to talk to the barn owner later because she tests the hay and grazing so I need to get a feel for what it lacks or has a lot of. She said it's usually high in protein, for example.

I think Ronaldo will lose weight this week while being on paddock quarantine. He's not thrilled about it, but thems are the rules. They had an outbreak last year (stomatitus something) so are very cautious. I've also seen a strangles outbreak before, and it ain't pretty. If all seems well, he will go on the field on Saturday. I think he will easily gain it back once he's on the field and into the herd. They're all in good weight and/or fat out there.

After his initial remodeling of his living quarters, he's not thrilled, but doing ok in the paddock. BO checks him frequently. I saw the metal panel and it's literally in half and he hasn't a mark on him and seemed sound yesterday (man, he's got a nice trot). The panel just separated him from another empty paddock. So now he just has both paddocks. Idk, I guess he wanted more of a spacious accommodation.

It's a huge ask to ask him to be alone, and I hate it, but understand it at the same time. I think I'm going to grab some ulcer meds or aloe juice. He's already on some probiotic gut support.

He's semi feral at the moment, but handles reasonably well. Just can't really focus on me, but does lead, back, turn, not jump on me, etc. We had a discussion about being polite when a human removes your halter and not yanking your head out of it as soon as a buckle is undone.

It was down pouring and I forgot my phone, so I'll have to get pictures today. He's probably going to resemble an unfortunate looking mule this week, so bear with me.

 

[palo1]

There are tons of feed options, so it's hard to generalize what feed is like here. As a generalization I think soya is used in more feeds here. It wasn't soo common in Germany. Chaff is more common in the UK and not as popular in the US, or even Germany. A lot more ration balancer options here, and those are useful for the more good doer types.

The usual straights are always available (my barn mainly uses straights), maize, barley, oats, alfalfa pellets or cubes (actual cubes), hay pellets, beet pulp, etc.

Supplements are plentiful through a company such as SmartPak or many other retailers.

Mine will get some straights and a vit/min. I just need to talk to the barn owner later because she tests the hay and grazing so I need to get a feel for what it lacks or has a lot of. She said it's usually high in protein, for example.

I think Ronaldo will lose weight this week while being on paddock quarantine. He's not thrilled about it, but thems are the rules. They had an outbreak last year (stomatitus something) so are very cautious. I've also seen a strangles outbreak before, and it ain't pretty. If all seems well, he will go on the field on Saturday. I think he will easily gain it back once he's on the field and into the herd. They're all in good weight and/or fat out there.

After his initial remodeling of his living quarters, he's not thrilled, but doing ok in the paddock. BO checks him frequently. I saw the metal panel and it's literally in half and he hasn't a mark on him and seemed sound yesterday (man, he's got a nice trot). The panel just separated him from another empty paddock. So now he just has both paddocks. Idk, I guess he wanted more of a spacious accommodation.

It's a huge ask to ask him to be alone, and I hate it, but understand it at the same time. I think I'm going to grab some ulcer meds or aloe juice. He's already on some probiotic gut support.

He's semi feral at the moment, but handles reasonably well. Just can't really focus on me, but does lead, back, turn, not jump on me, etc. We had a discussion about being polite when a human removes your halter and not yanking your head out of it as soon as a buckle is undone.

It was down pouring and I forgot my phone, so I'll have to get pictures today. He's probably going to resemble an unfortunate looking mule this week, so bear with me.

This seems really positive @CanteringCarrot. He sounds intelligent and tough so the nice trot is a really lovely bonus!! I hope you can settle a bit now you are all in one place as it were, as too with @Michen. Both horses are lucky to have such good ongoing thought and care. I can't wait to hear USA updates - here on a windy Welsh hillside it is a complete tonic to have news from across the pond lol!! Both hill pony and domestic horse herd here are literally agog to contemplate the journeys and culture shock of these 2 brave travellers (horses lol but me too re: human travellers). Bravo all of you!!

 

[Michen]

A few quick photos. Just visited him in the field as I’m heading to the airport in a bit.

I’m feeling a fair bit of guilt tbh. I won’t be back until Thursday and he can’t touch another horse from his turnout (I’m relieved about this compared to other barns I’ve seen photos of because boggle strikes out a lot and I could imagine an injury putting his leg through the bars).

His stable also doesn’t have a neighbour but I chose that as he really hates horses next to him with bars to stick their noses through. Gets very grumpy and possessive.

I just feel sad he has no horsey interaction until summer when they go on pasture in pairs a few hours a week. But even that I’m unsure on as Bear is the only horse I’ve ever managed to turn him out with. And that’s because Bear doesn’t put his ears back ever so Bog feels happy he’s always in charge and doesn’t need to regularly beat him. But he’s always had horses next to him to groom over fence etc and although everything has to be on his terms he did hang with them.

It’s tricky. I suppose the solution is at some point find another Bear but Boggles monthly costs are coming in at nearly 2000 dollars with livery, training (compulsory) and shoes so to double that I’d need to really smash this job ?

For now I just need to make sure he gets lots of scratches and attention from me. Which is why I feel so guilty he won’t see me tomorrow. I’ve hauled him across the world, taken him from his friend. Told myself he’s best off with me to ease my guilt.

The good news is he seems totally happy and content and not remotely stressed. And the barn is great, lovely people.

Little video too

[video]https://youtube.com/shorts/PeygxUu0CV0?feature=share[\video]

 

[Michen]

Also how do I find another Bear lol..

ummm excuse me does your horse EVER put it’s ears back? Nope? Great I’ll have him. Maybe I’m better off buying a goat ?

Kinda want a mustang though. Lol.

 

[nagblagger]

Good excuse to buy another?

 

[palo1]

Also how do I find another Bear lol..

ummm excuse me does your horse EVER put it’s ears back? Nope? Great I’ll have him. Maybe I’m better off buying a goat ?

Kinda want a mustang though. Lol.

Ooh yes!! A Mustang would be great and probably cope well with Boggle's world domination plan...

 

[Michen]

Good excuse to buy another?

Yeah but as per my post it’s only Bear in 5 years of owning Bog, or maybe it’s 6 actually, that’s worked to have him in a field with. Plus the ££££, board is SO expensive here unless he goes on pasture only which I really don’t think will work for him in snow etc.

Can’t believe I ever thought livery in the UK was expensive haha. Now the pound and dollar are basically equal..

 

[Michen]

Argh. Just feel bad. Should have not sold Bear and shipped him too but I’d have had to sleep in stable with them ?

 

[AmyMay]

Argh. Just feel bad. Should have not sold Bear and shipped him too but I’d have had to sleep in stable with them ?

Bog will be fine. And you’re bound to buddy up with someone to hack out with, so he’ll get his horsey fix in no time.

 

[Michen]

Bog will be fine. And you’re bound to buddy up with someone to hack out with, so height his horsey fix in no time.

Thanks Amymay it would be easier if he wasn’t such a little shit with other horses, he doesn’t help himself!

That said I do think he’s mellowed over the years/since Bear. Maybe ?

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I actually wish I would've bought a Mustang instead of importing this poor PRE baby. Would've been less stress possibly lol and less money. There are some nice Mustangs out there and some with Spanish influence. Buying one through TIP is fairly simple and affordable. Buying from the BLM can be too, but then they're totally feral and have more special requirements. Great hardy little horses though, and some do go on to do great things.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Bog seems like the strong independent type. I'm sure he will be fine in your abscense, but happy to see you when you return. It'll be a nice little vacation for him to settle in.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

This seems really positive @CanteringCarrot. He sounds intelligent and tough so the nice trot is a really lovely bonus!! I hope you can settle a bit now you are all in one place as it were, as too with @Michen. Both horses are lucky to have such good ongoing thought and care. I can't wait to hear USA updates - here on a windy Welsh hillside it is a complete tonic to have news from across the pond lol!! Both hill pony and domestic horse herd here are literally agog to contemplate the journeys and culture shock of these 2 brave travellers (horses lol but me too re: human travellers). Bravo all of you!!

He seems reasonably intelligent. I'm just hoping he can accept or know me as his person eventually. My 10 year old was like an extension of my own body, so it's hard not having that anymore.

I'm just worried (I worry, it's what I do) that we won't click or will be wrong for each other...or whatever other worse case scenarios my brain likes to make up ?

 

[palo1]

He seems reasonably intelligent. I'm just hoping he can accept or know me as his person eventually. My 10 year old was like an extension of my own body, so it's hard not having that anymore.

I'm just worried (I worry, it's what I do) that we won't click or will be wrong for each other...or whatever other worse case scenarios my brain likes to make up ?

Yeah, it is really hard just taking a horse on and hoping that you can form a partnership. Young horses learn well though and there was something about this young horse that persuaded you to take him on. That may have to be enough for now! But I am sure that at the very least you will have a partnership of mutual respect which is really a lot more than some animals ever get!! When I bought my senior horse as a youngster, it was shortly after having lost the dearest, dearest friend. I knew I wanted a youngster but really struggled to invest emotionally. Well that young horse was absolutely fine with that and I was able to work with him with real clarity too so that was good for both of us. I love him so dearly now, have such respect and admiration for his generosity and character that I know that when it is his time to leave, the heartbreak will be no less than for his predecessor.

I became a much better horse person thanks to this horse too; I really had to listen to him and adapt my own ways, thoughts and habits. I am eternally grateful for that. I am sure your young horse will bring much that is good for you - it may not be what you imagine but there is still an exciting journey for both of you.

 

[palo1]

Thanks Amymay it would be easier if he wasn’t such a little shit with other horses, he doesn’t help himself!

That said I do think he’s mellowed over the years/since Bear. Maybe ?

Boggle will be fine; if he doesn't like other horses particularly it would potentially be worse for him to be stuck with a paddock pal he loathed! Things will change and you may find a friend comes along naturally, or that he has all he needs as is. You are doing all you can to make things good for him.

 

[Michen]

Bog seems like the strong independent type. I'm sure he will be fine in your abscense, but happy to see you when you return. It'll be a nice little vacation for him to settle in.

I thought of you earlier when he kneed me once the treats stopped. I'm still in that honeymoon phase of being so delighted to see him that everything he does is enchanting. And he knows it! Taking full advantage and he's executing full Boggle cuteness at the moment.

 

[Michen]

Boggle will be fine; if he doesn't like other horses particularly it would potentially be worse for him to be stuck with a paddock pal he loathed! Things will change and you may find a friend comes along naturally, or that he has all he needs as is. You are doing all you can to make things good for him.

Yeah I hope so. Seems silly to not have had the stable where he could touch noses through a window but he just really doesn't like it. Bear used to cran his neck around as he had an open stable and stick his nose through the bars and Bog would just get so angry and annoyed. Same at camps when he had other horses next to him, once at Banfield equestrian he sulked away from his hay all day cos he didn't like his neighbour!

ps thanks, the guilt is ebbing away I just know if I posted the set up on here as a random person everyone would be horrified lol!

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I thought of you earlier when he kneed me once the treats stopped. I'm still in that honeymoon phase of being so delighted to see him that everything he does is enchanting. And he knows it! Taking full advantage and he's executing full Boggle cuteness at the moment.

I do just love his character ?

I cannot for the life of me get Ronaldo to eat from my hand. Which isn't the worst thing, and to be fair, my last PRE (got him as a green rising 5 year old) also didn't know hand feeding.

I also forget sometimes that I had a rough start with my last horse. Couldn't catch him so easily the first few days. Couldn't get on him properly for a few weeks...after being dumped twice while attempting to mount, I realized he was terrified and wouldn't let a single person in his back. He'd just run sideways or sort of scurry off away from the rider. He was very wary of people around or behind him too. Such a nervous one, but became the most solid horse to mount.

 

[nagblagger]

Maybe Bog wants a girlfriend? he just hasn't found the right one. I'm sure we could start looking for one.
Seriously, Bog will be fine, it sounds as if he is not a sociable animal, gets stressed ( like a lot of humans i know.). You are honoured to be allowed to serve Bog - know your place!

CC a relationship will develop, it takes time and you've only been together a couple of days, try not to worry as Ronaldo may pick up on this. Have you tried holding a bucket of food, does he eat from that? if so put your hand in and give him some of the food. He will soon learn about treats.

 

[BBP]

He seems reasonably intelligent. I'm just hoping he can accept or know me as his person eventually. My 10 year old was like an extension of my own body, so it's hard not having that anymore.

I'm just worried (I worry, it's what I do) that we won't click or will be wrong for each other...or whatever other worse case scenarios my brain likes to make up ?

I think you just have to drop all your expectations. I bought my yearling this time last year. I had visions of him being like BBP and being in my pocket all the time, but actually a year on he is so independent he really doesn’t give a stuff about me. It’s easy to feel disappointed but I think that will become his greatest strength, he will have the independence and bravery to hack and do all the stuff that BBP worries too much about. So I’m dropping any timeline of expectations for him to become my best mate, let him be a horse and just hang out with no pressure on either of us. The relationship will come over time.

 

[ElleSkywalker]

Argh. Just feel bad. Should have not sold Bear and shipped him too but I’d have had to sleep in stable with them ?

Get a quarter horse. I had one as 'my' horse in the states and loved him, we did everything together and he was just the jolliest little chap. He was bay too to kinda looked like Bear/Bog. Am getting major American Equine Life flash backs reading this thread ?

 

[palo1]

Yeah I hope so. Seems silly to not have had the stable where he could touch noses through a window but he just really doesn't like it. Bear used to cran his neck around as he had an open stable and stick his nose through the bars and Bog would just get so angry and annoyed. Same at camps when he had other horses next to him, once at Banfield equestrian he sulked away from his hay all day cos he didn't like his neighbour!

ps thanks, the guilt is ebbing away I just know if I posted the set up on here as a random person everyone would be horrified lol!

I have a horse here (my daughter's hill pony) that I would NEVER put in a paddock or next to another in a stable for the pure sake of company - she would simply combust with rage and stress! She is perfectly 'normal' as a horse but far less tolerant of other horses than most I have met. Even my very opinionated older horse does 'tolerance' better. The mare would be absolutely miserable if company were forced on her at close quarters and would likely beat the crap out of another horse or, as Boggle, sulk and refuse to eat if it meant at close quarters. It really may be safer for Boggle and less stressful for him to have exactly what you do at the moment. You just have to take what they tell us sometimes, even if it contradicts what we would like lol.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I think you just have to drop all your expectations. I bought my yearling this time last year. I had visions of him being like BBP and being in my pocket all the time, but actually a year on he is so independent he really doesn’t give a stuff about me. It’s easy to feel disappointed but I think that will become his greatest strength, he will have the independence and bravery to hack and do all the stuff that BBP worries too much about. So I’m dropping any timeline of expectations for him to become my best mate, let him be a horse and just hang out with no pressure on either of us. The relationship will come over time.

I know. I also just don't know what expectations to have for a horse his age...but if I have none, maybe that solves the problem.

I think it's just hard transitioning from my last horse to this one.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Today we walked over to the small indoor area for some scenery change. Walked forward, back, and yielded to pressure to move sideways. Today's new antics included planting and one strike out. I sharply corrected the latter and he took note. I'm not sure if he wanted to strike out or dig at the ground to test it out, but either way, no front hooves come out lack that when the human is attached. Maybe he will really master the Spanish walk later in life, but now is not the time.

I could get him unplanted by pack up or turning, but ultimately he didn't want to go back to his paddock (I get it, dude). As if I didn't feel bad enough about it. I ended up backing him into his paddock and he was like "oh shit, I'm in here somehow" and he was better about taking the halter off today. He then did some impressive gymnastics in protest and settled in. When I left he was resting in his shelter.

I actually don't know if I will be able to catch or bring him in once he goes on the big field with a herd. He might not ever want to leave a herd again. Cross that bridge when we get to it.

He doesn't like his ears touched, but I don't know if that's him or there's something in his ears. They're so hairy and he's not a fan of me looking. He did get better about ear touching by the end of our short session today, and I'll continue it.

I've got a peppermint from the YO and will offer him that later this week. I'll force it into his mouth if he doesn't take it, and usually once they get that taste, they're interested. I've had success in the past with some little treats here and there during training, and always teach them to look away/they cannot nag, hound, or be rude for treats.

The hay here is a nice variety of mixed grasses, same with the pasture. YO doesn't give a toss if he lays on it or wastes it either. He gets as much as he wants.

 

[Michen]

Not sure if this is of interest to anyone but thought I’d post the non horsey USA experience so far!

It’s definitely a rollercoaster and mostly a good one. When this was first an “idea” I posted in the club house and it seemed a bit rogue to give up a very good job, a lovely house, amazing close friends all around and a perfect yard/horse set up with lots of eventing and fun. But…I had this weird itchy feeling of “is that it”.

So I’m definitely getting the odd wave of omg what have I DONE. But mostly that’s related to Boggle. I’m still undecided what would have been more stressful, bringing him over here or leaving him in the UK in someone else’s care and without me. I think the latter- I hope. But it definitely has added a whole other element of heightened emotion to the whole thing because it’s not just my life, it’s his too, and he didn’t get to choose. Though I feel like he’d have said yes!

America. It’s so BIG. Everything. The roads, the shops, Denver airport (where I’m sat now). The food portions, even the sandwiches have 3 x the filling and 3 x the thickness of bread… it’s so bizarre! The vastness of it all is kinda cool, kinda overwhelming and at times a little bit ugly and others beautiful. But Colorado itself so far has lived up to all my hopes. I didn’t actually visit this place before I moved mainly because I knew I’d arrive and be critical, and I thought I’d talk myself out of it. I figured by seeing it when I got here I was committed and had to get on with whatever I found! Well so far the people have been amazing. Not just my colleague who I’m living with, but the company and every other person I’ve met since being here whether it’s at a store or a restaurant. It feels warm and it feels genuine and cheerful.

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to looking across a road and seeing the mountains. Yesterday they were clear, this morning they are snowcapped. AMAZING. I cannot wait to go skiing (my third love after horses and diving!)

It’s still a big thing to have left all my close friends and family but I’m lucky with where I’ve landed and my living situation. That has made a HUGE difference and I have two wonderful people just upstairs which is a massive comfort. I also have several connections from friends to meet up with (I’m seeing one this weekend) so I have a bit of a head start on the getting to know people front which is cool. Every hour of the day I have a different emotion. Fear, excitement, happy, sad, overwhelmed. But it’s mostly positive and what’s cool is I am loving the intensity of it all. I literally feel like I’ve had life breathed back into me and that’s because I am in a state of constant challenge and frankly, it’s good for me! I got lazy in my easy happy simple UK life. This job is going to make me really up my game and that can only be a positive.

So yeah, bit crazy to have chosen to move to the other side of the world but… so far so good. I’m sure there will be plenty of downs as well as the ups but it’s kinda nice to just embrace it all and enjoy the moments. I am really excited to head back to Mexico over thanksgiving to see some friends, to be 4 hours on a flight away from some of the best diving in the world is a huge plus for me.

I wonder if I ever won’t feel like a tourist, however long I stay.

I feel like as long as Bog is all good I will continue to be too ?

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I still feel like a tourist and I've lived in this country before.

There's also just so much food here. Lots of food. Everywhere. All of the foods.

 

[SBJT]

Not sure if this is of interest to anyone but thought I’d post the non horsey USA experience so far!

It’s definitely a rollercoaster and mostly a good one. When this was first an “idea” I posted in the club house and it seemed a bit rogue to give up a very good job, a lovely house, amazing close friends all around and a perfect yard/horse set up with lots of eventing and fun. But…I had this weird itchy feeling of “is that it”.

So I’m definitely getting the odd wave of omg what have I DONE. But mostly that’s related to Boggle. I’m still undecided what would have been more stressful, bringing him over here or leaving him in the UK in someone else’s care and without me. I think the latter- I hope. But it definitely has added a whole other element of heightened emotion to the whole thing because it’s not just my life, it’s his too, and he didn’t get to choose. Though I feel like he’d have said yes!

America. It’s so BIG. Everything. The roads, the shops, Denver airport (where I’m sat now). The food portions, even the sandwiches have 3 x the filling and 3 x the thickness of bread… it’s so bizarre! The vastness of it all is kinda cool, kinda overwhelming and at times a little bit ugly and others beautiful. But Colorado itself so far has lived up to all my hopes. I didn’t actually visit this place before I moved mainly because I knew I’d arrive and be critical, and I thought I’d talk myself out of it. I figured by seeing it when I got here I was committed and had to get on with whatever I found! Well so far the people have been amazing. Not just my colleague who I’m living with, but the company and every other person I’ve met since being here whether it’s at a store or a restaurant. It feels warm and it feels genuine and cheerful.

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to looking across a road and seeing the mountains. Yesterday they were clear, this morning they are snowcapped. AMAZING. I cannot wait to go skiing (my third love after horses and diving!)

It’s still a big thing to have left all my close friends and family but I’m lucky with where I’ve landed and my living situation. That has made a HUGE difference and I have two wonderful people just upstairs which is a massive comfort. I also have several connections from friends to meet up with (I’m seeing one this weekend) so I have a bit of a head start on the getting to know people front which is cool. Every hour of the day I have a different emotion. Fear, excitement, happy, sad, overwhelmed. But it’s mostly positive and what’s cool is I am loving the intensity of it all. I literally feel like I’ve had life breathed back into me and that’s because I am in a state of constant challenge and frankly, it’s good for me! I got lazy in my easy happy simple UK life. This job is going to make me really up my game and that can only be a positive.

So yeah, bit crazy to have chosen to move to the other side of the world but… so far so good. I’m sure there will be plenty of downs as well as the ups but it’s kinda nice to just embrace it all and enjoy the moments. I am really excited to head back to Mexico over thanksgiving to see some friends, to be 4 hours on a flight away from some of the best diving in the world is a huge plus for me.

I wonder if I ever won’t feel like a tourist, however long I stay.

I feel like as long as Bog is all good I will continue to be too ?

Lol it will take time for you to adjust, and even after 14 years of seeing the Rockies I still love it every day. Think of it like a great adventure to see a different side of living, and horsemanship too. It’s not better or worse, just very different. Just enjoy the ride and take a wait and see approach, Bog will tell you if he’s not happy with something and then you figure it out. It’s a life changing experience that not everyone gets the chance to make, and we’re all rooting for you.