Kittens n stuff
September 26th 2008 03:32
Here they are, de babies....
I told you, its impossible to work out the inside of a cat den. But there they are. A dark one, a grey one, a mottled one and a ginger one. Anyone interested in giving one of these prettys a good home do not hesitate to PM me for details. They will be ready to go in approx 3 weeks. I havnt examined them yet, so I dont know whos boy and whos girl.
Worked the boys yesterday, and I gotta tell ya, I feel bad. Im still recovering from my illness whatever the hell it is, my heads still pounding and food is a tricky issue. I ate last night and even though I havnt ejected the meal its not sitting well. I havnt eaten today.
But yesterday, head pounding not withstanding, ignoring body weakness I went out to wrestle the two and a half year old Zayf and his five year old brother.
Oh, and if your wondering? I havnt had a drink all week. Hows that? Not one drink, nothing. Water water and a little tea is all Ive drunk. As for the rest, I told you I was out, and thats the end of that.
Annnyway.....So I go out to work the boys. Get Zayf all strapped up in saddle and bridle. His heads too big for the nose band, so I take it off. Risky. With no noseband, he can open his mouth to avoid the bit. We work on transitions - he's a young rev head, and learning to obey my command for walk and trot, back to walk, back to trot....Its intensely boring for him, but he's got to learn it. At the end, I decide on a little backing test. Ive been up on him before, but its been a long time. So up I go - lay my body over the saddle.
Instantly a sigh of contentment moves through my little fella. "Thank Equus - we are finally going for a ride!" And begins to move off.
From my position laying over his back, I cant help but smile. I manouever the reins - let me tell you this horse is going to have one hard mouth, he just doesnt care - to keep him still and stroke him and talk to him, but he doesnt need any of it. He swings his head one way, to nibble my toe, then swings it the other way, to give me a wry look. Like "Well.....Are you getting on properly mum? Lets go for a RIDE!! Find some CHICKS!!"
If you dont know horses, you cant possibly understand my pride. Ive trained, halter broke and ground broke countless horses - that means teaching them from babies to stand still for brushes, pick your feet up politely and have manners when you are being led about, not to mention standing still for a rug. Horses all take this training differently but most accept and get on with it.
But then. Some horses are freaks. Mums horse is seven, and cant stand having a rug on or off. And it happens everyday.
But it all changes once you start TRAINING. Your fun relationship now becomes one of boss and slave. Of course, I dont agree with that - you and your horse should be a partnership, have mutual respect and work together. Something I learned in a hurry is not all horses are worthy of this level of respect. Magnus and Shakir are horses such as this. They lie, they fake injuries, they have temper tantrums when things dont go their way, and use any tactic they can to disrupt the work, distract you and distract them. They are their fathers sons. Lazy and precious with a serious god complex. Also if they work for too long (in their minds) they are liable to rip the rope from your hand and take off in utter fury. Magnus is not above trying to take you out with a flat gallop barge, kick or bite, and he doesnt hide his intentions. He flashes out those hooves with every intention of killing you. Shakir, slightly less spoiled, will not openly take you out, but may try and sly a hoof onto your toe.
When the saddle was introduced and regular lunging and pace work began, both of them became basket cases. They spent so much time convincing me that they couldnt do it it would have been easier to focus and get the work done. Its harder for Shakir - he's never shown or ever been asked to do anything, and even though he's keen to please, he's more keen to please himself. Magnus on the other hand loves to show and loves to win, and will happily put in an hours hard labour everyday - so long as he's rugged and fed double feed 3 times a day and gets to go to show and bring home another trophey for his effort.
You should see him when he comes home after winning. Seriously, a swagger like that needs a red carpet.
But always, the first time with the saddle is sniffing and snorting and WHAAAT is that thing? They may only wear it a few minutes. The first time I went to put it on Zayf I was speaking softly, reassuring as I went. He took one look at it, looked me in the eye and said, "Mum. Its a saddle. Big whoop." And proceeded to lunge for 20 minutes as if it wasnt there.
Same with the bridle. To this day, Shakir refuses to wear one. He will not put a bit in his mouth. Magnus got used to his but it took weeks. The first time I put it on Zayf he went, "Hey! A bridle! Now Ive got all the gear!"
He didnt try and spit out the bit, rub the bridle off his ear, or chuck a tantrum over the hard thing in his mouth. Usually, the first day they have a bit, thats all they do. Zayf went out and worked. He loved every minute of it.
And the first day I got on him, after a few tries of him holding my weight I carefully slipped a leg either side - Zayf got so excited. He was ready to ride.
How does a two and a half year old horse understand being ridden? How can he know, exactly whats happening? Mum often berates me for not discplining him enough - he nips sometimes, and chews my clothes. Honestly, I know thats "THE RULES" especially for stallions, but to me, Zayf deserves the benefit of the doubt, he deserves the RESPECT of being allowed that leeway. Why? Because he truly is a great horse. He assesses situations and listens carefully to what I ask. He controls his wild hormones and great power - he doesnt bulldoze through our fences even though nothing could stop him, he doesnt herd or fight the geldings, and he makes his feelings known to Teshan but makes no attempt to break through to her. He always listens to me, and is gentle and careful with his awesome strength. This is a horse who deserves that extra touch. With Mags and Shakir it quickly becomes "Do or die" but with Zayf I will never, ever push him like that. And its not just because I love him. I love them all. But I know horses - and a horse that can moniter - and control - his own power and energy is something Ive never seen.
He is the only horse Ive ever met that understands his actions have consequences. Magnus, on the other hand, bashed a hole in the side of the house and is still trying to figure out why he's been banished.
But, way up there, I said I felt bad for working them. I dont, not for working them. I feel bad for me.
Where I learned to ride, one thing and one thing only mattered. Speed. Your horse had to be the fastest, the quickest, the most sure footed, the most daring. To WIN our races - whether they were on nice flats, vertical drops, mountains or sheer rock faces - was the ultimate goal.
While on Zayfs back yesterday he wanted to go for a ride. Since Mags was still in the yard, I had terrible images of being carted around the yard while they played chasies. Not cool. Opt out. Then, while riding Mags.....I had the moment.
Mags doesnt like to move. He believes, if he can stand stock still long enough, you will give up and get off. All the tricks for moving a young horse away from your leg do not work. So, I went and got the crop.
He knew I had it as I climbed back up. He started moving forward and I decided, we will follow the fenceline up, turn around, walk back, and finish. Thats plenty. So up we go, and its all fine....Until we turn around.
It feels like his front feet arent touching the ground even though they are - currents of electricity - adrenaline - are rippling across his skin. His ears are pricked WAY forward and all the muscles against my legs are rock hard. He's not listening to me. He starts tossing his head, letting me know, he's about to blow, and its then I realize.....
I took the nose band off! Magnus has a much more slender nose than Zayf, and I NEVER get on Mags without it. He's his mothers son - he knows a little move that she must have taught him, a twist of the head that disconnects the riders hands from the bit. With a noseband on, he cant do it.
I realize Im sitting there, his nose is pointing towards the feedshed, he's about to blow his stack, and Ive got absolutely no control over him.
Shit.
I get off.
OH, THE HUMANITY!!!! Do you have any idea what young Kleo would have done in that situation?
Whooped like a drunken cowboy, waved the whip in the air and booted him in the guts for all he was worth.....And ridden the wicked speed and lovely bucks all the way home again.
Instead of meekly leading him home and trying to pretend like it doesnt bother me. Yeah, its the smart thing, the right thig, what any good horse person would have done. Dont ever EVER start a battle without the right equipment. EVER!! If you find yourself in battle without it, get it. So, I did the right thing - Go back on another day, with the noseband on, repeat the performance and win graciously. The horse doesnt learn bad habits that way - the rules are black and white and easy to understand, instead of the horse thinking, "Well, that ONE day I got away with it...How did I do that?"
But once upon a time, the feel of dirt grazing my skin from hard speed friction would not have entered my mind. The smashing impact of force and the jarring joint injuries for days to come, danger to the horse and worries about his future training - None of that would have even whispered to me. Or even if it did, I wouldnt have been able to hear it, as the call for adventure, danger and the thrill of speed would have been too much to pass up. All that would have been in my mind years ago would have been the feel of wind on my face, pounding hooves and strong horse under me - and how Im going to go from here to there in 3 seconds or less. And we are doing it NOW......
Im very, very, disappionted in myself. I am wuss, I am sook, I make excuses.
I gotta remember what riding means.
I told you, its impossible to work out the inside of a cat den. But there they are. A dark one, a grey one, a mottled one and a ginger one. Anyone interested in giving one of these prettys a good home do not hesitate to PM me for details. They will be ready to go in approx 3 weeks. I havnt examined them yet, so I dont know whos boy and whos girl.
Worked the boys yesterday, and I gotta tell ya, I feel bad. Im still recovering from my illness whatever the hell it is, my heads still pounding and food is a tricky issue. I ate last night and even though I havnt ejected the meal its not sitting well. I havnt eaten today.
But yesterday, head pounding not withstanding, ignoring body weakness I went out to wrestle the two and a half year old Zayf and his five year old brother.
Oh, and if your wondering? I havnt had a drink all week. Hows that? Not one drink, nothing. Water water and a little tea is all Ive drunk. As for the rest, I told you I was out, and thats the end of that.
Annnyway.....So I go out to work the boys. Get Zayf all strapped up in saddle and bridle. His heads too big for the nose band, so I take it off. Risky. With no noseband, he can open his mouth to avoid the bit. We work on transitions - he's a young rev head, and learning to obey my command for walk and trot, back to walk, back to trot....Its intensely boring for him, but he's got to learn it. At the end, I decide on a little backing test. Ive been up on him before, but its been a long time. So up I go - lay my body over the saddle.
Instantly a sigh of contentment moves through my little fella. "Thank Equus - we are finally going for a ride!" And begins to move off.
From my position laying over his back, I cant help but smile. I manouever the reins - let me tell you this horse is going to have one hard mouth, he just doesnt care - to keep him still and stroke him and talk to him, but he doesnt need any of it. He swings his head one way, to nibble my toe, then swings it the other way, to give me a wry look. Like "Well.....Are you getting on properly mum? Lets go for a RIDE!! Find some CHICKS!!"
If you dont know horses, you cant possibly understand my pride. Ive trained, halter broke and ground broke countless horses - that means teaching them from babies to stand still for brushes, pick your feet up politely and have manners when you are being led about, not to mention standing still for a rug. Horses all take this training differently but most accept and get on with it.
But then. Some horses are freaks. Mums horse is seven, and cant stand having a rug on or off. And it happens everyday.
But it all changes once you start TRAINING. Your fun relationship now becomes one of boss and slave. Of course, I dont agree with that - you and your horse should be a partnership, have mutual respect and work together. Something I learned in a hurry is not all horses are worthy of this level of respect. Magnus and Shakir are horses such as this. They lie, they fake injuries, they have temper tantrums when things dont go their way, and use any tactic they can to disrupt the work, distract you and distract them. They are their fathers sons. Lazy and precious with a serious god complex. Also if they work for too long (in their minds) they are liable to rip the rope from your hand and take off in utter fury. Magnus is not above trying to take you out with a flat gallop barge, kick or bite, and he doesnt hide his intentions. He flashes out those hooves with every intention of killing you. Shakir, slightly less spoiled, will not openly take you out, but may try and sly a hoof onto your toe.
When the saddle was introduced and regular lunging and pace work began, both of them became basket cases. They spent so much time convincing me that they couldnt do it it would have been easier to focus and get the work done. Its harder for Shakir - he's never shown or ever been asked to do anything, and even though he's keen to please, he's more keen to please himself. Magnus on the other hand loves to show and loves to win, and will happily put in an hours hard labour everyday - so long as he's rugged and fed double feed 3 times a day and gets to go to show and bring home another trophey for his effort.
You should see him when he comes home after winning. Seriously, a swagger like that needs a red carpet.
But always, the first time with the saddle is sniffing and snorting and WHAAAT is that thing? They may only wear it a few minutes. The first time I went to put it on Zayf I was speaking softly, reassuring as I went. He took one look at it, looked me in the eye and said, "Mum. Its a saddle. Big whoop." And proceeded to lunge for 20 minutes as if it wasnt there.
Same with the bridle. To this day, Shakir refuses to wear one. He will not put a bit in his mouth. Magnus got used to his but it took weeks. The first time I put it on Zayf he went, "Hey! A bridle! Now Ive got all the gear!"
He didnt try and spit out the bit, rub the bridle off his ear, or chuck a tantrum over the hard thing in his mouth. Usually, the first day they have a bit, thats all they do. Zayf went out and worked. He loved every minute of it.
And the first day I got on him, after a few tries of him holding my weight I carefully slipped a leg either side - Zayf got so excited. He was ready to ride.
How does a two and a half year old horse understand being ridden? How can he know, exactly whats happening? Mum often berates me for not discplining him enough - he nips sometimes, and chews my clothes. Honestly, I know thats "THE RULES" especially for stallions, but to me, Zayf deserves the benefit of the doubt, he deserves the RESPECT of being allowed that leeway. Why? Because he truly is a great horse. He assesses situations and listens carefully to what I ask. He controls his wild hormones and great power - he doesnt bulldoze through our fences even though nothing could stop him, he doesnt herd or fight the geldings, and he makes his feelings known to Teshan but makes no attempt to break through to her. He always listens to me, and is gentle and careful with his awesome strength. This is a horse who deserves that extra touch. With Mags and Shakir it quickly becomes "Do or die" but with Zayf I will never, ever push him like that. And its not just because I love him. I love them all. But I know horses - and a horse that can moniter - and control - his own power and energy is something Ive never seen.
He is the only horse Ive ever met that understands his actions have consequences. Magnus, on the other hand, bashed a hole in the side of the house and is still trying to figure out why he's been banished.
But, way up there, I said I felt bad for working them. I dont, not for working them. I feel bad for me.
Where I learned to ride, one thing and one thing only mattered. Speed. Your horse had to be the fastest, the quickest, the most sure footed, the most daring. To WIN our races - whether they were on nice flats, vertical drops, mountains or sheer rock faces - was the ultimate goal.
While on Zayfs back yesterday he wanted to go for a ride. Since Mags was still in the yard, I had terrible images of being carted around the yard while they played chasies. Not cool. Opt out. Then, while riding Mags.....I had the moment.
Mags doesnt like to move. He believes, if he can stand stock still long enough, you will give up and get off. All the tricks for moving a young horse away from your leg do not work. So, I went and got the crop.
He knew I had it as I climbed back up. He started moving forward and I decided, we will follow the fenceline up, turn around, walk back, and finish. Thats plenty. So up we go, and its all fine....Until we turn around.
It feels like his front feet arent touching the ground even though they are - currents of electricity - adrenaline - are rippling across his skin. His ears are pricked WAY forward and all the muscles against my legs are rock hard. He's not listening to me. He starts tossing his head, letting me know, he's about to blow, and its then I realize.....
I took the nose band off! Magnus has a much more slender nose than Zayf, and I NEVER get on Mags without it. He's his mothers son - he knows a little move that she must have taught him, a twist of the head that disconnects the riders hands from the bit. With a noseband on, he cant do it.
I realize Im sitting there, his nose is pointing towards the feedshed, he's about to blow his stack, and Ive got absolutely no control over him.
Shit.
I get off.
OH, THE HUMANITY!!!! Do you have any idea what young Kleo would have done in that situation?
Whooped like a drunken cowboy, waved the whip in the air and booted him in the guts for all he was worth.....And ridden the wicked speed and lovely bucks all the way home again.
Instead of meekly leading him home and trying to pretend like it doesnt bother me. Yeah, its the smart thing, the right thig, what any good horse person would have done. Dont ever EVER start a battle without the right equipment. EVER!! If you find yourself in battle without it, get it. So, I did the right thing - Go back on another day, with the noseband on, repeat the performance and win graciously. The horse doesnt learn bad habits that way - the rules are black and white and easy to understand, instead of the horse thinking, "Well, that ONE day I got away with it...How did I do that?"
But once upon a time, the feel of dirt grazing my skin from hard speed friction would not have entered my mind. The smashing impact of force and the jarring joint injuries for days to come, danger to the horse and worries about his future training - None of that would have even whispered to me. Or even if it did, I wouldnt have been able to hear it, as the call for adventure, danger and the thrill of speed would have been too much to pass up. All that would have been in my mind years ago would have been the feel of wind on my face, pounding hooves and strong horse under me - and how Im going to go from here to there in 3 seconds or less. And we are doing it NOW......
Im very, very, disappionted in myself. I am wuss, I am sook, I make excuses.
I gotta remember what riding means.
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Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
I think you'll find neighbours who will take them, but, unfortunately some won't look after their kitten well, and there can be disasters. I've witnessed that, it is very depressing.
But such a wonderful mixture there, are you not going to keep just one for its mum.
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Food Slate
I miss having pets...sigh...
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Hey, there are about 4 animal posts over there in recent posts....Zayfirs big heart, horsey ramble, the catbirth....
You are very perceptive. I feel one of the darker ones might be a girl if so it will stay.
At least two fathers. Who knows?
Lara
The mottled one is actually pretty cute, he seems to have hidden mischief, and the cutest brown stripe on the back of his head!
Im sorry you cant take one right now, but keep the feelers out if anyone else does.
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
Oh you know I would keep them all, especially that litlle gin... nope cant bear it ... I would keep them all. no joke. I have had two cats that have had kittens. The first time they all died by three weeks with lung worms .. wtf? I kept one in foil in the freezer to take to the vet for an autopsy, which is how it was discovered. Apparently the worms are as large in the adults as the kittens, poor things, damn broke my heart.
Although, I will never forget when a couple of my friends came around scrounging for food as always, which had begun to erk me ... and quite innocently they were all ready to gorge on something yummo from my freezer, slowly unwrapping the ... kitten!!!($@**(~!! oh you should have seen the look on their faces!
Classic, I'm still laughing till this day and they never bothered to come back to eat at my place. Oh the Grace of God, I tell you.
Second time, I kept all four kittens, no joke. I couldnt part with one of them... so you'll understand me when I tell you that I am really quick to desex my cats these days in my surburban prison, where i can only have a three cats maximum.
Theyre all gone now, poor old Stroggy was the last of that line, although her brother Tigger reincarnated into my Ninja Megs of today. Long story, but its him alright, except now its her and she is absolutely wonderful.
I will raise a huge request to the Great Computer In the Sky to organise good homes for them all Kleo, and bless you for trying to locate them all before having them put down.
Oh they are just so cheddar ... and I am so pleased to see you on the mends, I don;t think you are a wos, just moving on, perhaps?
Thanks again for taking and sharing the pic.
Lilla ...
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Im going to take more pics today, she moved them to the laundry. Its a long, drama filled story....
But in case you havnt been following, we have five indoor cats that are desexed. A few months ago we adopted the feral Juliet - but she did a bunk and took the kittens leaving us heartbroken. Zenith is Juliets daughter, returned to us when she became pregnant. She loves me - for a cat actually born in the wild with no human contact, how does she know to come to me? But she wants in the house and just wont take no for an answer. Zenith is a universe given familiar, and her daughter, but.....Where shall I put them?
Wish me up a bigger house and property Lilla - Im quite happy to set up a rescue centre - Im running one already!
I will have more pics soon so keep an eye out - all four have their eyes open today!