Worth his weight in gold

Soon really proved his worth today when it counted.  He and I paired up with another horse/rider combo from the barn and did a five mile hack on the surrounding roads.  It's all country gravel roads, surrounded by soybean and corn fields.  Soonie gets more and more chill with every hack down the road.  Today we walked and trotted out, turned down another road, and took a little trot/canter detour between two fields he was fantastic as usual, even cantering behind the other horse.  While the canter jazzed the other horse up, Soon fell right back into a loopy rein walk and we continued further down the road.

We trotted down and back another mile or so into new territory.  Soon was content to stay in the back, and he trotted along in a beautiful, forward, and relaxed trot.  He even spent most of the trot stretching down into the contact all on his own!  We turned back for home, stepped back into a trot, and all the way he was like a 20 year old trail horse who had been doing it all his life.  No jigging, no drama, just relaxed, happy horse.  Lovely boy.  :)

The scary parts were where his great mind and temperament really came in, though.  On the way home, we encountered a large farm tractor hauling a very odd, yet huge and terrifying, piece of field equipment.  We all stopped in a nearby driveway and hung out about 15 feet off the road for it to pass.  Unfortunately, the driver did not bother to slow down.  The sight/sound of the oncoming beast freaked the other horse out, and he promptly lost his shit.  He began to fling himself backward and into the oncoming tractor.  I swear that horse/rider missed it by probably six or so feet.  The horse then jumped forward and just about collided with Soon, who stepped out of the way.  He was perfectly well behaved and I cannot say how much I appreciate that!

Just afterward, a red pickup truck came along from behind us.  We made our way to the very side of the road, getting as far over as we could.  I signaled politely for the driver to slow down, but instead, he decided to buzz us.  Not only that, but as soon as he came up behind the other horse (who was behind Soon and I at this point), the asshole stepped on the gas and sped off right by us.  Unbelievable!  The horse behind us didn't flip out like before, but it didn't help him.  Soon, meanwhile, didn't miss a beat of his walk as the red truck flew by.  It is so, so nice to have a horse that is level headed.  Situations like that, with horses spooking and throwing themselves into traffic, get very dangerous, very quickly.  Soon really proved something to me today, and it's that his quality is something incredibly special.  I am very thankful for him.

Having said that, I am totally aghast at the lack of common sense and common courtesy I have seen with drivers on those roads.  Coming from back east, it seemed folks had a little more awareness, but here, I feel like a target on horseback.  I  wish I was packing heat and that Wild West rules still applied.  It would have been nice to shoot that truck's tires out.  Can't drive a vehicle responsibly?  Fine, don't drive it.  That's why you can't have nice things.

Otherwise, it was a beautiful day with perfect weather, and despite the near death experiences, a lovely hack.

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And just to make myself feel better and not throat punch the next person I encounter, here's a cat in a shark costume riding a Roomba, being chased by a duck:

Second Jump School Videos

Soonie's second jump school was pretty much amazing. :)   He is SO damn smart, so willing, and happy to do what you ask.  Even on the longer distances, I said "Go," and he said, "Okay!"

 

Second video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0i0xSp51sk

Here are some photos of his jumping form.  Not bad for his first time actually "jumping."  His knees are up, he's using his head/neck and showing a hint of a bascule - I'm thrilled!  I haven't jumped in awhile, so I'm just trying to stay soft and out of his way, and make sure he doesn't get popped in the mouth.  Thus far my following hand hasn't completely left me, and will only get better the fitter I get, so that comes in handy with a horse that really uses themselves over the top of the fence.

And this is why being soft over the top of the fence is a good thing:  this was our second attempt at the oxer, and it was a very quiet distance.  You can see he's just trying to get himself out of the way, and is actually using himself decently in order to do so.  Obviously with a more forward ride and better distance, he improved (above pictures).  :)

Just keep swimming!!  Good boy  :)

He just seemed very relaxed and happy to be doing this stuff.  We ended the day with a nice, long hand graze and found a couple new grassy spots.  Hanging out with him on the ground is just about as much fun as the progress undersaddle.  He's just so sweet and cute, it's almost not funny!

"I did good!"

Love  <3

Soon's Track Videos (jog)

So these are the jog videos the CANTER volunteers took for Soon's listing back in June.  Just thought it might be interesting to post.  And since Blogger and YouTube are having a pissing contest, I'll have to link them the old fashion way:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy2VY6xoCMw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umD7cvJ28No
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTQwxdddXus

I loved his demeanor in the videos.  He's obviously a little tight from the track, and he really is a thoughtful/careful type in a jog.  Soon also had a great race owner/trainer who took incredible care of him.  It was a great situation all around.  :)

My next endeavor is to try to get one or two of his win photos.  I would love to have one hanging in my office!  :)

I love my horse.

Soon had the whole week off, and with some construction going on in the turnout areas all week, I'm not sure he's getting a full day of turnout either.  No matter, because I hopped on him tonight and he was the same, laid back sleepy boy as always.  Even with the wind whipping around outside, horses in different paddocks creating a stir, horses lunging in one end of the arena, and MASSIVE CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES creating a mess just on the other side of the indoor arena wall, Soon was a total rock.  It literally had no effect on him.  He wanted to nap.  :)

We had a great flat school, focusing more on forward from behind.  It's a work in progress, but I felt like we made some at the walk and some at the trot.  And it is so nice to be more confident on that right lead canter depart!!  He picked it up on the third try, with the second try also being correct, but he once again fell back into the trot, because I didn't have enough leg.  But again, I still praised him, and telling him he did great by picking up that lead really seems to sink in with him, and he's picked it right up afterward fairly consistently the last couple of rides.  Tomorrow I'll try the left lead canter first, to boost his confidence and give him the official "hey we're cantering now" nod.  I think maybe he'll pick up the right lead quicker and be even more confident.  We'll see!

After a nice cuddle session I gave him his first dose of his Omeprazole ulcer meds.  Many horses coming off the track (many performance horses in general) have ulcers to some degree.  I decided to buy some and give it a week trial to see if there is any difference.  He had dropped some weight at the end of Aug, but that was probably due to the heat, ridiculous bugs, and not immediately upping his grain ration when I started him in work.  His weight looks good now, but I figured a week on the
Omeprazole wouldn't hurt.  If it has positive results, I'll keep him on it for the month, which should clear anything up.  He's not a fan of pastes, but after some of his favorite horse cookies and a nice hand graze (on what grass is left on the property...), he seemed like he was pretty content.  He is such a love.

WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?

Just because it's catchy and fun.  Though it's been my experience that the fox says, "Check this shit, I'm going to run in a giant circle all day and see how long it takes the humans to figure it out.  Suckers."

I love you Charlie!!  :)

Getting on the bit

Good video discussion about getting a horse properly on the bit and connected:

Just what I needed

I love my horse.  LOVE HIM.  He is just what I need in my life right now, for so many reasons I won't get into.

GREAT flatwork session tonight.  I thought it might be a little dodgy because it was cool and windy, and he seemed distracted initially, but he settled down and worked really hard for me.  Long story short: good walking warmup moving off the leg into the contact, good trot work (same stuff), and we had a great, crisp walk to right lead canter transition!  Took a couple of attempts, but he got it!  He's getting that right lead canter quicker and quicker.  He had two before that as well, but I didn't give him enough leg to sustain - more of a one step on the right lead then fell out.  Still praised him though, as that first step is the hardest.  But that one transition was very solid, and he cantered off into a nice right lead.  He worked well both directions at the canter (kept that short), and then back down to the trot.  He is really learning to carry himself well at the trot now - no weight at all in my hands.  I am just amazed at how incredibly soft his mouth is.  I do not touch the reins on this horse - just squeeze with my lower leg and he seeks the bit and finds the contact at whatever length of rein.  He's able to carry himself in a nice, soft outline on the bit a little longer each time as he gets stronger, and he just feels to well connected during those moments.  It really blows my mind, when I stop to think about how much he has learned in such a short time.

After the ride was just as fun.  It is so nice right now to just hang out in the quiet barn, just Soon and I, and he's happy to do that, and let me spoil him.  Just having those little moments mean so much to me at this point in my life, I can't really put it into words.

Small brag

No accompanying photos tonight, just wanted to say that Soonie went hacking again in a group of three, walked and trotted out happily on a loose rein (did a GREAT stretchy trot up the hill!!), and also cantered/hand galloped in a group.  In the back.  Did not lose his shit.  Stopped when I asked him to.  I LOVE my horse!  

He is really impressing other members of the barn as well.  They can't believe he's recently off the track, and they love his attitude.  Each ride proves more and more why I'm so lucky to have this horse in particular.  Thus far, he really is the complete package.

Oh...did I mention that he's getting to be a gate expert?  Yep, he stands like a rock and I can lean way over (way more than some seasoned hunt horses would let me do) and unlock the gate, and while I use my crop to drag the gate open, he navigates the opening perfectly.  On the second try.  He did the first try pretty damn well too.  I'm telling you, he's a genius.  So cool.  :)

The Lone Ranger

My horse is a genius.  Why?  Because Soon and I went down the road by ourselves today!  :)

He was so good on Friday, that I decided it would be good to try the same route by ourselves today.  Nature threw the gauntlet down, as today was significantly cooler and windier than it has been all season.  But I figured, if he could go down the road today without killing me, everything should be fine.  Thank goodness I was right. ;)

He marched right along all by himself.  His ears were up and he moved forward pretty relaxed, but alert.  We even trotted and cantered on the road, with no drama of any kind.  When I asked him to go a little further, he complied.  When we met up with some neighbors' horses out in the pasture, he kept his cool.  He was very forward moving coming home, but maintained the walk and did exactly what I asked.  He'll eventually figure out that the barn isn't going to sneak away while he's gone.  He was quiet enough coming home that I could still take my phone out and take pictures, so hopefully that gives some idea of how harrowing the walk home was.  ;)

I am just seriously so impressed by his great work ethic and willingness to do what I ask...he manages to impress me all the time! 

Crossties as head rests

Soonie also got a new turnout sheet today.  Temps should be good this week, but I expect that fall will eventually show up, so I wanted to make sure he was outfitted with some cool new clothes.  I spoiled him and got the fully lined sheet.  Yes, he looked adorable in it.  I've also been crosstying him lately instead of tacking up in the stall - I wasn't entirely sure if he crosstied coming off the track, as some just don't.  And since I failed to ask, I just assumed he didn't.  Well, Soon either knew crossties already, or he figured them out that quickly, because he's a rock.  Actually, his new thing is to walk all the way forward on the crossties, lean on them, and fall asleep.  Like, knee buckling falling asleep.  Life is SO tough...

Distinguished gentleman

Hacking Out and the Goat Adventure

Leading the way!

So tonight Soonie went on his first official hack down the road and was a STAR!! :)

Went down the nice country road with four other members of the barn.  We had a nice, lovely long walk, the majority of which Soon led the whole group and marched along on a long rein.  He tolerated cars, the new environment, and the accompanying dog like it was all old hat for him.  I was totally thrilled and impressed.  He got a little worked up on the way home, as one of the riders (who was very inexperienced and didn't know better) took off trotting right by us, and the rest of the group followed.  Soon and I quickly found ourselves at the back of the pack, and his inner racehorse came out  for a few minutes.  The trot was only a minute or two, and I allowed him to go along and move out.  While somewhat "up," he was still very easy to handle and I had a hold of him with just one hand for the majority.  He jigged for a bit afterward, but did eventually settle to a relaxed walk before we got back to the farm driveway. 

Overall, an extremely productive and FUN end to a pretty great Friday the 13th.  I love hacking out so much, and have missed that.  I can't stay in a ring for too long, because I get bored, as do the horses.  I am very happy with Soon's behavior out hacking, and I'm looking forward to getting him out there more.  I'd love for him to be a hunt horse at least part time, so the more he gets out on the roads, fields, and over different terrain and property, the better. He's going to need to learn to be just as comfortable in the back as he is in the front, but baby steps.  For his first outing, this was a great success and he seemed pretty happy out there!  :)








So last night, I got to the barn and discovered a roving herd of goats had invaded the farm.  We have some resident wild turkeys (whose nightly routine I have timed down to the minute), but no farm animals.  Apparently they belong to a neighbor and occasionally come over for social hour, but still...GOATS!?  Goats and I don't get along.  Back when I was a staff member at a summer horse camp, and had to drag the two goats (whom I referred to as Lunch and Dinner) out of my feed bins every morning, I decided goats were not my friends.  So imagine my amusement when I rolled up to the barn and found four large adults (with big horns) and their kids (kids are adorable, I won't lie).  Horses were snorting and kicking as the herd moved down the barn aisle (except for Soon, who couldn't be bothered to be distracted from his hay).  Thankfully the large male goat just wanted to be my friend and not impale me, so I ushered them out of the barn, and they wandered around for awhile before eventually departing.  But still.  Goats.  Random.  Goats.

Soonie thought they were toys

Pictures of playing ponies

I don't even know what you're doing, but wow.

Soonie with his turnout buddy

It's nice to see this guy enjoying being a horse  :)

  

So cute I cannot even stand it.

GIFs say what words can't really...say.

This stuff is just hilarious.  I could go on and on in my own unnecessarily verbose manner, but that would be really dumb. 

Eventing Nation: 16 GIFs that perfectly articulate how you feel about eventing

Eventing Nation: 16 more GIFs that perfectly articulate how you feel about eventing

A look inside a racehorse

For those who have not seen it (and are not squeamish about a horse being dissected), the Inside Nature's Giants series did a spectacular episode some time ago on the racehorse.  This is indeed a very insightful, scientific look into what makes the modern domestic horse (not just racehorses) the extreme biomechanical machines they are.  Fascinating.

I did several equine necropsies in school.  Two were on freshly euthanized horses (terminal illness and irrecoverable lameness), and one was a freeze dried specimen (admittedly not nearly as interesting as the freshly deceased ones).  I also dissected many (I quite literally forget how many) speciments of legs, hearts, lungs, etc in our anatomy lecture.  Suffice it to say, anatomy was my favorite class.  Ever.

It helps to know that the horse is dead and gone, and not feeling any pain.  I have no problem grabbing a knife and jumping in, as horrible as that might sound to other horse enthusiasts.  I even assisted the local hunt one day, in taking apart a pony that had recently come to the end and been donated and euthanized (via gunshot) for the hounds to feed from.  I happened to be there waiting on someone, the staff needed a hand, and what the hell...give me the knife and step aside.  I'll take that front leg off at the scapula in about ten swipes.  Here you go, Fido.

(THAT SOUNDS HORRIFIC I KNOW... but it is kind of fun.)

Bottom line, if you can handle it, watch this video.  It's fascinating.  Like, I wish I was there helping kind of fascinating.  It gives you a great look at the unique anatomy and structures of the horse's body, and how they perform.  It gives you a great appreciation for the horse's strength, and the fine line they walk between that strength and fragility.

Breed Du Jour?

There has been a lot of talk about the increasing popularity of the Off the Track Thoroughbred (OTTB).  It seems that there are now numerous programs for rehoming and retraining ex-racehorses, where 10 years ago they did not exist, or simply were not known.  There is SO much talk now that some folks are going to far as to call the OTTB the "breed du jour" - meaning, they're the popular or fashionable item in the horse world right now.  I can't say I disagree.

For your reading pleasure, a beautifully written and spot on article by the founder of Three Plain Bays Farm:
OTTB's: A Cautionary Tale on the Breed Du Jour

I have spent the last four years or so having very little to do with horses, I admit.  Two years were spent completely removed from the horse world, and the last two I spent riding casually, paying only the occasional bit of attention to recent trends.  When I got back into horse ownership this summer, I realized exactly how much more popular the OTTB had become, and I was frankly pretty surprised.  The power of the internet and social media has been a catalyst for spreading the good word about the Thoroughbred horse (whether off the track or not) and what they have to offer.  For me, this was wonderful to see!  I had long loved the Thoroughbred, and always thought it was a bit sad that the galloping Thoroughbred hunters of the 1960's and 70's were gone, and in the 1990's the imported European warmbloods (WB) took over as the fashionable horse in the show rings.  Don't get me wrong - I LOVE a good WB, and have enjoyed many WB horses over the years of various breeding.  However, the Thoroughbred seemed to be a second class citizen after awhile; its good traits outshone by the brilliance of the fancy WBs, and the bad stereotypes taking precedence ("crazy," "hot," "flaky," etc).

I had my heart set on an OTTB for the last year or so, after a couple of TB/WB cross horses fell through for potential purchase.  I decided that taking one off the track was what I needed right now.  I needed something inexpensive, with no expectations.  Whatever the horse turned into (hunter, jumper, eventer, field hunter, etc) we would do.  I just needed a horse with a great personality, one that I could have fun with, and not take things too seriously.  I didn't need to spend a ton of money on a big, fancy horse when I didn't even know what discipline I wanted to call home.  And because of my old mare and several other great TBs I knew, I felt like taking in an OTTB and giving it a second career was truly the right thing for me at this time in my life.  It made me feel good.

So my tale was one that was decided on my own, without the increasing pressure and popularity of the OTTB movement.  I suppose I'm explaining that so I don't seem like one caught up in the movement, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.  Again, the TB is a fantastic horse!  Each horse is an individual, and each individual is different, but the TB breed in general has so much to offer, that has been sadly overlooked in the last decade or two.  So YES, I am very excited that the OTTB, and Thoroughbreds in general, are enjoying a little bit of the spotlight these days.  I am glad for the programs like CANTER, Re-Run, and all the other great OTTB placement programs.  I am grateful for the Retired Racehorse Training Project (RRTP), Thoroughbred breed shows, and other public expos of the TB breed and retraining of the ex-racehorse.  I am glad that the educational material is starting to get out there.  However, popularity always has a price.

The critics of the OTTB movement state that the OTTB is being marketed too broadly.  Examples of OTTBs with small children are thought to be dangerous and misleading (giving the layman the idea that they can buy a horse straight off the track for their young rider...generally always a BAD idea).  There was a rather long discussion on the COTH forums regarding this issue and whether or not the OTTB movement was getting out of hand.  Personally, I feel that the marketing and presentation of the Thoroughbred as a breed needs to be to all aspects of the horse world.  I truly believe there is a Thoroughbred horse out there for just about every type of rider.  However, the folks behind these OTTB placement programs, retraining programs, indeed all OTTB owners and advocates, need to reinforce that not everyone can handle an OTTB.  No, little Susie who has been riding for two whole months but just loves horses so much should not get a 4 year old straight off the track because his $750 price tag was in Daddy's budget.

Or maybe that low level dressage (or hunter, or event) rider doesn't need that brilliant and extremely affordable OTTB mare.  Perhaps the right TB for that particular rider is the one that has been off the track for several years, and has plenty of mileage already in that chosen discipline.  Again, I believe there's a TB out there for everyone, but not every rider can take one off the track.  I thought the RRTP does a good job of hosting retraining challenges with riders of various experience levels (mostly pros, but several seasoned amateurs, even some talented teenagers), while also explaining the need for access to a knowledgeable, capable trainer for those that don't have all the experience themselves.  Previous demonstrations such as the Dressage for Ex-Racehorses and Jumping for Ex-Racehorses demos by Steuart Pittman at the PA Horse Expo had TBs from various levels of experience (directly off the track to several years in their competitive disciplines), as well as various levels of riders (professionals and amateurs).  These demos and the levels of horses/riders within them illustrate the journey of the ex-racehorse in its new career, and help show how much work and training can be involved.  The RRTP, as well as many of the OTTB placement programs, offer educational resources for prospective owners to review prior to getting a Thoroughbred.  However, just because you put the info out there, doesn't mean people will read it.

There will always be people that see a demo like one of the ones above, and rush out to the local track two weeks later, whether they have the training resources or not.  There will always be people that buy a completely unsuitable horse because it's "pretty," or "sweet," or perhaps just the fashionable breed (ie. Gypsy Vanners or Friesians).  There always have been and always will be people who make poor decisions when purchasing a horse (seriously, does that 5'1" little old lady REALLY need that 17.3h 5 year old brilliant moving Hanoverian when she can't sit his trot or handle his canter?).  What the OTTB advocates need to be careful is which message they put out.  Yes, there might be a TB out there for every type of rider, but we need to ensure that folks know how to find those older, more experienced TB horses that have so much to offer.  They, too, can benefit from the current popularity of the OTTB movement.  OTTB advocates need to continue to be open and honest about the type of training and resources are required by taking a horse off the track, and be realistic about expectations. 

There was an interesting comment on that COTH forum thread that someone made, in response to a somewhat elitist attitude of some OTTB owners and the apparent disdain they had for such widespread marketing of the OTTB.  The comment basically said that it seemed that some OTTB owners were upset that their fashionable little club was going to expand.  To me, I think that is a great thing.  I think Thoroughbreds should be just as celebrated as any other breed out there.  There is no OTTB club.  It should just be horse owners enjoying their well matched, very capable and fun equine partners, and reveling in the joy that is horsemanship with one of the greatest breeds in the world.  Everyone should get to experience the heart of a Thoroughbred at one point in their lives.

The lightbulb moment

So the right lead canter departure is rocky (putting it lightly).  In fact, it is probably the ONE thing that isn't going incredibly well right now with Soon.  He is a delight to handle.  He is a delight to ride at all three gaits, and hacks out on his own.  He has outstanding ground manners, is quiet and kind, and funny.  He even falls asleep while I pull his mane.  But we just can't seem to "get" the right lead canter. Until today.

I love this boy!

Saturday's school took several attempts from both the walk and the trot.  I remained totally neutral and brought him back to settle if he got worked up (which he always settled quickly).  We eventually got the lead, and had a nice quiet canter and a quiet stretchy trot to end the day.  Today though, I decided I'd try the right lead canter fairly early on in the ride, and before any left lead canter.  After the third attempt, I did a right rein lateral flexion exercise to get him back into walking forward into my contact on a right bend. Then did the same at the trot.  I then asked for the canter, and I felt him start to shift to that left lead.  BUT, then he noticeably ceased that and shifted to pick up the right lead.  It really felt like he had that little lightbulb moment as if to say "Nope, I think she wants this lead so here I go."

I was totally thrilled!  Such a little thing, but it means the world.  It is nice that he and I are both cool customers, and even after a few misfires, we can still have a perfectly calm, relaxed ride.  His canter is lovely, as previously mentioned.  It was just nice to feel him figure it out.  He felt much more balanced and deliberate in that transition than ever before.  I will replicate that exercise in hopes that we get the transition sooner, and reinforce what we're learning.

Looking forward to his ride

Once again, I am thoroughly impressed by his work ethic, attitude, and intelligence.  His trot work is getting VERY good.  He's carrying himself so much better, he's soft in the bridle and rides very well off the leg and into the contact.  I don't even have to touch the reins, just maintain my hands and the contact, and push him off that inside leg into the outside rein.  He pushes forward from behind and gets round on the bit.  SO cool!!  It's just so nice to feel from where he started, and how easy and quickly he's learning.  He also is much better balanced around circles and other school figures.  He's getting stronger.  :)  He is such a soft, light ride and it makes me very happy and excited.  If we play around with any horse trials or three-day events in the future, we should have some decent dressage. 

We ended the day with a walk down the driveway.  Afterward he had a nice cool shower and an hour long hand graze.  He definitely earned it.  He is unbelievably sweet and I can't gush enough about how much I love his character.

Trot work coming together

I am so completely in love with this horse.  :)

Great ride tonight after he had a few days off.  Worked on our connection at the trot, going forward into the contact and stretching down.  He had great moments of stretchy trot with good energy from behind, and carried it when I shortened up the contact and asked him to shorten his outline as well.  He's getting it!  Soon is just a naturally athletic type, and is a blast to ride.  Such a good boy!!  :)

"I'm following you because you taught me to follow you."

"So, NOW you want me to stand and look cute?"

First time over fences = success!

Soon was awesome today in his first jump school. We started with some poles piled on top of one another, then progressed to a small cross rail, and by the end of the short lesson, we had progressed to doing a mini course of cross rails.  He was his usual, laid back self today.  Very soft, very quiet (almost too quiet, holy crap I wish I had worn my spurs!), and took everything in stride.  As you can see:

Afterward we went for a quick walk down the driveway/road with another horse.  Soonie just walked around like he owned the place, on a loose rein and very happy to just chill.  He even conquered the farm's Scary Corner of Doom.  I'm hoping we can get on some real trails and maybe even an open field here shortly to play around and have fun.  I can't stand being in the ring all the time.  Overall, today was an awesome day.  I love my boy and feel very lucky to have such a star.

Hat of Shame

Aww man.

So Soon's a cribber.  Not a huge problem for me, as my TB mare was a constant (CONSTANT) cribber.  Like, she had little nubs for top incisors kind of constant cribber.

Soon has been a little more persistent and shameless about it than I liked, so I finally broke out his miracle collar tonight.  To his credit, he pretty much moved right on to his hay, then tried to con me into taking it off by being cute and falling asleep in my arms.  No dice, Buddy.  You earned the Hat of Shame for awhile.  Sorry man!

Hopefully it deters him from cribbing as much.  Should earn him some good ribbing from his horsey friends if nothing else (seriously, it's like the kid showing up in those big puffy moon boots).