A few months ago, I attended a free laminitis seminar at a local barn. It was there that I struck up a random conversation with the girl behind me in line, waiting to ask questions at the end. Who knew, from that, a new and wonderful friendship would start. Don't you love that?! It's the power of horse love (er obsession) for sure too, that bonds us horse-girls so quickly.
Anyway, you all know J9 from her blog "Hoof Prints of Enzo" and a few weeks ago, we made a barn date for me to come out to where she boards, to meet her beautiful...I mean BEAUTIFUL Fresian colt, Enzo.
J9 has had many horses her whole life, has done a lot of different training methods (for the past 8 or so years, it's been Parelli) so I wanted to see them in action. She attests her Parelli training for keeping her horses safe, sound minded and gentle, happy creatures. I am a witness to that!
Meet Enzo!!! What a Prince!
He's not even 2 yrs old yet and he has (now b/c of her hard work) such manners and LOVE!!!
He is very playful mouthy and funny!
Look at that Fresian neck...it makes him seem like the tallest baby
My skill of photo taking this day, sucked the biggest you know what. These do NOT do sweet Enzo justice, but I still had to post. Look at those eyes......swoon!
His Fresian fur was quite coarse. He has such a noble feel to him.
J9's barn where she boards, is just beautiful. Private, lots of land, great pastures, stalls and an indoor (jealous!) and gorgeous Fall colors were popping that day too.
Walking to their indoor.
J9 and Enzo have been doing the majority of their training/playing in the indoor because he concentrates better. She is now venturing out to the outdoor with great success. He is such a smart boy! I watched them for a couple hours, training and he picks up quickly on her body language. I can see how he could be a challenge, but they have figured it out nicely. At under 2 yrs old, he already has most horses I know, beat in the ground manners department
Oh lovieness! Indoor!
I didn't take pictures of their training as to not distract Enzo AND I really wanted to watch and observe how they worked without being a presence in the room. It was really fascinating.
J9 taught Enzo how to stand with his rope quietly, no pulling, no fussing. He was ALL EYES on her. It's a great testament to her training and commitment to him, because he actually had a meltdown and I saw what he does when he gets frustrated. She told me, he used to do that much more than now. You can tell, now, Enzo is beginning to understand and really enjoy his job.
What a sweet boy!
Oh...and what I didn't get on camera either, is how insanely awesome this baby loads and stands in a trailer!! Like a PRO!!! Wow.
On my way out...such a beautiful place. Michigan does offer some gorgeous views I must say!
Thanks to J9 and Enzo for allowing me to watch them in action!
Fresians are my favorite, after TBs! He is so cute. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful place, and beautiful boy - nice to see someone taking such time and care with a young horse - all that foundation work will come in handy later.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous farm! Glad you had a good time. I'd be interested in watching some Parelli stuff too. To be honest, I've read a lot of bad things about it, but you (and J9) make it sound pretty great!
ReplyDeleteFriesians are my favorite that's for sure. What a pretty boy.
ReplyDeleteAwwwhhh, you make me cry Kristen!!!! You write soooo lovely!! Can you write my blog for me, LOL!! Yes, Enzo is only 14 months old. Beleive me! Enzo has kept me on my toes and I have learned a lot from him. I am glad I have stuck with it. Because someone once told me... Enzo is going to be a super horse 1 day, just give it some time! I decided to take a deap breathe in and give it some time and I am certainly glad I did. Enzo is really catching on and makes me smile everyday. Thanks again KRISTEN! You're soooo SWEET!!!!! Love you guys!
ReplyDeleteI am DROOLING over that farm!! Absolutely stunning -- and quite the handsome horse, too. Looks like a fun field trip. :-)
ReplyDeleteI totally wish I lived closer so I could make a barn date with you to come meet Laz!!! Even though I feel as though I already know him :)
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the fall foliage, and what a cute baby! Sounds like he is in really good hands.
ReplyDeleteUmmmmm WANT!!! What a CUTE baby! And a lovely farm. Making great horse friends is worth its weight in gold. I wish we could all do a cross-country trip to meet the equines who inspire these blogs!
ReplyDeleteSooooo envious of gorgeous, gorgeous Enzo! My Chrome is a cutie, but he can't hold a candle to a purebred Friesian. :) Sounds like Enzo is doing really well. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
ReplyDeleteI am also lover of horses and fan of horses.This is such amazing saddle and comfortable for horses.
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