Update On Ginger

Has it really been a month since I've posted on the blog?! Time sure does fly. I wanted to share an update on Ginger the horse we rescued back in December. You can read about that by clicking here. These are photos I had taken of her as soon as we unloaded her from the trailer. She was so pitiful; just about starved to death. 

The photo below is the most recent one.  She sure has come a long way.  It's amazing what a little TLC can do.  She got plenty of feed for the first month along with hay.  Then she was turned out to the pasture with the other horses and could have all of the forage her heart desired.

so healthy and shiny

We didn't have a clue as to what breed she was.  We noticed the white markings on the left side of her neck, and suspected it to be a freeze brand.  We're thinking that she is a mustang that had been adopted.  She's very skittish and flighty. We've both worked with her a little and are able to lead her on a rope.  It doesn't cause her to jump out of her skin when I raise my hand to scratch my ear now either (she was very flighty with any sudden movement). 

checking out the saddle

One thing I have noticed is that she is a very quick learner.  Everything frightens her at first, but with us working with her, she gets a little easier with it.  Yesterday, Shane decided to get her introduced to the saddle.  The day before he was able to get her to take a bit.  He put on all of the head gear too.  She did very well, considering.

still not sure about it

It took a few tries for the saddle.  She really thought it was a monster in the beginning!  Finally she was able to handle it coming towards her  and then being placed on her back without flipping out.  

finally calming down with the saddle on her back

Then Shane decided to try stepping up on the stirrup.  She didn't like that too much either, but eventually calmed down.  Hopefully she will come around.  It does look like a long road ahead.  We are really thinking that she is going to be a "rodeo" for someone to break completely.  It may have to be left up to the trainers.  A friend of ours that has been injured before told Shane " No horse is worth a $20,000 new knee.  There are too many other good ones out there."  I must say that as wild as she is, I still really like her and want to keep her.  Who knows what we will end up having to do.....

It's a shame that someone adopted her and who knows how many times she was passed around.  Shane found this website showing how to read the freeze brand.  We just may try to decode it and contact the BLM to see a little of her history.  I think that will be very interesting. 

Hope y'all have a great weekend!