Our Horses

What is
Network for Good?

What is GoodSearch?

The Challenge | The Trainers and Students | Event Information

Sunday, September 7

One advantage of a short horse...	Oh NO!!! Amigo's head fell off!
By far the fastest horse I've ever rode.	Has anyone seen my bridle?

> Back to the Trainers and Students

Wednesday, August 20

Amigo performed as expected at the WSCA show held at the county fair. We arrived before the show to let him acclimate, which he did quickly. He cautiously walked around the arena looking at everything, and was pretty much over it after the second loop around the arena.

First was egg and spoon. Amigo was flawless, but his rider (me) let the team down. I started paying more attention to the horse crowding us into the rail then the egg, and I dropped the egg. Despite my poor efforts, Amigo left the arena with a 3rd place ribbon. Amigo never took a bad step. His first pole weaving wasn't great, but we made it through to receive a time.

His second pole weave started out very impressively. Smooth and fluid the whole run, until we came to the second to last pole of the run. He decided not to turn that pole at the last second, so no time.

Despite never setting up a "key" at home, we also entered the key race. The closer we got to the key, the slower he went, not quite sure what to make of it. Though we were down to an uncertain trot by the time we reached the key, he went through the tight space, turned, came back through the key without issue and ran 'home'. I wasn't asking for speed in the speed classes, so no ribbons, though he did receive times for 2 out of 3 runs.

Since the show, Amigo has been riding in a Myler comfort snaffle and working on becoming more proficient and consistent on neck reining, backing, side passing, correct leads, and maintaining the speed asked for at a walk, trot, and canter. He's going over some low jumps. He also took a potential adopter for a trail ride on the Murphy-Hanrehan trails where Amigo made his second visit to the lake and this time entered the water without a problem.

Typically, I don't allow other people to ride young horses I am training until they are further along in their training. But Amigo is such an exceptional little horse, close to a dozen people have rode Amigo already. From an 8 yr old boy taking his first ride on a horse to a 58 yr old inexperienced rider. And Amigo always has his guest riders smiling by the time they finish their ride.

Amigo has muscled up and rounded out so much, my saddle was no longer fitting properly. I had to dig out a very old saddle that had been sitting unused for at least 10 years. An uncomfortable saddle for me, but Amigo seems to like it, so I endure it.

Wednesday, August 6

Amigo got his first set of shoes today, Once again, Amigo rose to the occasion like a seasoned pro and stood quietly for the farrier without leaning or pulling away. Amigo was hot shod. After the first hot shoe was applied and removed, Amigo did calmly circle a couple of times trying to find out where the smoke and odor was coming from, but otherwise seemed unaffected by the entire process.

I am planning to haul Amigo to the WSCA show at the Dakota County County Fair this coming Saturday (9 Aug) in Farmington, MN. The show starts at 8 a.m. I anticipate leaving when they break for lunch. Anyone at the fair Saturday is welcome to come say hello to Amigo. We'll be easy to find. Just look for the big bearded hillbilly on a pretty painted pony.

Sunday, August 3

Friends had a play day at their farm for their staff, family and friends. So we hauled Amigo 20 miles to the farm thinking it would be a good outing for him. There was only a total of 15 horses/riders that participated and less then a dozen spectators. None of the horses and few of the riders had any training or experience with the play day events. Not a competition, just a day of fun with horses, family and friends.

We all ran 8 timed events/games (points for 1st -3rd place each event), then the top 5 scores ran 3 more events/games to determine the winner for the day. Amigo not only qualified for the "finals", he finished 2nd for the entire day!! 3 firsts and 2 seconds overall. I went today planning to participate only up to Amigo's comfort level. He far exceeded any expectations I had of him.

I haven't worked with Amigo past a canter at home. But today, every time I ask for more speed, he gave it. Before days end, he was running all out when asked, yet immediately slowed into a completely calm flat walk when asked. None of the hyperness and excitement all the running was creating in some of the other horses. Amigo was a huge hit and much talked about. First the comments about being pretty and cute. Then impressed by his behavior and performance through the day. I must admit, he made a huge impression on me today also, lol. I saw this as a training opportunity for Amigo, and Amigo turned it into a fun filled day for me. Amigo will have a much deserved day off tomorrow and then back to work. Amigo will get introduced to a bit this week.

Tuesday, July 22

My assistant trainer , Jake, practicing loading Amigo	Jake working Amigo through a stack of tangled ground poles
Jake's ground work obviously paid off...	The Three Amigos

> Back to the Trainers and Students

Saturday, July 19

As I was preparing to work Amigo at home, four neighbors came riding by and invited us along for the ride. Amigo did great on a 3+ hour ride through various terrain with 4 horses he had never encountered before. He was content leading, trailing and riding in the middle. We took a brief break at a lake which Amigo seemed to enjoy. He was a bit cautious about entering the lake at first, but walked right in once he had time to assess the situation. I actually had more trouble getting him to get out of the lake then to getting him in. The cool water was obviously feeling rather refreshing on his legs and belly.

Amigo received numerous compliments from the other riders throughout the trail on his behavior for such a green horse under saddle. I doubt they would have even realized Amigo had only been under saddle for three weeks if I hadn't told them. He just keeps getting better with each day that passes.

> Back to the Trainers and Students

Thursday, July 17

So far, Amigo has been living up to expectations of excelling in his training.

Amigo is under saddle riding on the Murphy-Hanrehan Preserve horse trails and has shown no fear of passing traffic when riding along the road. Amigo is very responsive to leg and rein cues, and is also responding to verbal commands from the saddle and on the ground. He'll change gaits and 'whoa' on verbal commands alone. A light tap below the hock or knee with the command "up" and Amigo lifts the leg high enough to place his hoof in your hand for hoof cleaning.

So far, not much seems to phase this young horse and he learns quickly. He seems to enjoy having other horses along for the ride, but has no problem riding out alone either. Amigo has already been given a few jobs here on the farm. I often use Amigo to drive the farm herd to and from the far pasture for twice a day grazing. Amigo doesn't react to me riding with a longe whip or even "cracking the whip" to encourage a straggler back to the barn. Aside from ponying well from another horse, Amigo is also used to pony other horses to an arena 1 mile away. Amigo stands tied patiently waiting for his turn for arena work.

To date, Amigo has been ridden in a smooth leather noseband that has neither pressure points or curb. Yet still remains light and responsive to the reins. Amigo will be introduced to riding in a bit in August.

Amigo's beautiful pinto markings combined with his quick intelligence, calm accepting demeanor and friendly personality make him a true treasure. I'd encourage anyone looking for a GREAT family trail horse ( for a child or small adult) to get your adoption application submitted and approved before September.

> Back to the Trainers and Students

Tuesday, July 1

HS Pinto is now being called Amigo. Not very original, but everyone seems to feel it suits his personality.

Amigo had his teeth floated yesterday by the same vet that was involved with his rescue. She was quite pleased with his present physical condition. He weighed in at 825 lbs and the vet estimated he'd fully mature between 900-1000 lbs. The vet mentioned Amigo was difficult to catch when she first met him. I could only chuckle and reply "Just try to get away from him now...". Amigo readily seeks out attention and interaction with people. He's charmed every visitor to my farm since his arrival.

We've been working on quietly standing tied for grooming, hoof cleaning, spray bottles, bathing, etc... I haven't been able to ask much of him due to the condition of his long neglected hooves. He stood quietly for the farrier today and is finally ready ( both mentally and physically ) to begin a full training regimen.

I haven't seen any evidence of previous training, but Amigo has such a calm, willing, and accepting personality combined with an active curiosity and obvious intelligence, I have no doubt he will not only enjoy full time training, but also excel quickly in his training.

I'm greatly looking forward to the coming weeks with this wonderful little pinto gelding.

> Back to the Trainers and Students

Monday, June 16

HS Pinto arrived 'home' with me today, without incident, and has quickly settled in.

As he was a relatively recent addition to the Rescue, he still needs a few groceries, has a dental appointment for Wednesday (June 18th) and a much needed farrier appointment on Thursday of next week. He also needs a real name. Until then, we'll slowly acclimate him back onto grazing pasture with hand grazing for short periods twice a day and give him lots of TLC that he seems to truly enjoy.

> Back to the Trainers and Students

About Amigo: Originally named a rather unoriginal "HS Pinto", Amigo came to us as a humane case, and unfortunately, we don't know too much about this fellow because he was with us a very short time before he went off to the Challenge. The vets who checked all the horses out assured he was in good health (although needed dental and hoof work) and was thus allowed to leave for the Challenge. We estimate that he was foaled around 2004, but we don't know how much "Paint" he has or if he's registered or not. He's an attentive fellow, is fine with the halter, but we're not exactly sure of his training. And if you're wondering where the name "Amigo" came from, you can thank Mitchel Carson, the trainer working with Amigo for the Trainer's Challenge.

To get in touch with Mitchell regarding Amigo, or to set up a time where you can meet them both, please feel free to send him an e-mail.

About Mitchell: While growing up on an Appalachian hill farm, Mitchell received his first pony when he was five years old and was training horses for others by the time he was 14 years old. Very active in 4-H during his teenage years, he graduated high school at 17 and from there began a five year stint in the military followed by five more years working as a traveling contractor. Aside from regular training, Mitchell also enjoys working with and training horses in rehabilitation - horses that have been severely abused or mishandled. His full-time riding horse is an 11 year-old, 15 hand Paso Fino that started out as one of those rehabilitation projects seven years ago and just became one of those "permanent" projects. Mitchell is currently employed as a trainer in the Jordan, MN area in addition to taking on a limited number of clients at his farm where he offers training, lessons, and coaching.