Kinson.me V2.0 "Into the Sunset"

 

Wow! It's been 4 months since I updated the blog even after promising new updates. But! Kinson.me is now on v2.0 "Into the Sunset." I think the change is much needed and quite nice! Maybe it'll inspire me to update more. There has been a lot of changes around Eohippus Miniatures/Hippology Farms (there's one right there-the addition of the farm name for all the other animals/non-minis/everything else!). We said a sad good bye to Jude due to aggression issues (he's found a much better home now with out me or Kia to aggravate him) but gave a warm welcome to Karma, Corrie, and Rae Al (a dog, a mare, and a stallion respectively). This means Eohippus now boasts two stallions, a mare, and a gelding in addition to having Missy around all the time and Cody. Corrie is a driving machine, well, champion really. Rae Al is a green driving horse but national halter horse. I'll keep you updated on their training as well as mine as we enter the 2013/2014 show season!

Merrie Ribbons Dream Realized, aka "Rae Al" is a 2006, 33" silver grulla stallion.

Desert Shadows Corrina Moon, aka "Corrie"

A 2003, 32" grulla tobiano mare; descendant of Rhoten's Little Dandy. She mostly does single pleasure dirving but will be doing more classes this fall.

Karma is a smooth collie x greyhound who is 3-4 years old and was adopted from Lucky Dog Rescue in Scottsdale, Arizona.

More pictures, stories, and information to come!

Happy 4th Birthday to Me!

It's been exactly a year since I've updated my blog. Once again it's my birthday! I'm four years old today and a lot has happened in the past year. I'll take the next few days to do detailed posts over all the excitement that has happened but I want to highlight the major updates now.

The first piece of major news is I'm finally permanently registered! When a miniature horse turns 3 years old they become eligible for permanent papers. In order to get their permanent AMHA papers the horse in question must be 34" or under in height and have temporary AMHA papers (they receive these as a foal born from two AMHA papers). My final official measurement? 25.5". I'm a tiny little guy in size, but what I lack in height I more than make up for in personality! With my permanent papers I can continue to show and be a registered miniature horse. 

The second piece of exciting information is Mom joined a roller derby league (Arizona Roller Girls aka AZRG) and became a founding member of the team named the "Shipwreckers." I was nominated as the official mascot. I will be attending all Shipwrecker fundraisers so come support a good cause and come out and visit me! I also got to attend a derby practice where I was able to sport a pretty rad derby helmet. I wonder if they make them in miniature horse size... I can't skate yet but it sure does look like a lot of fun to be moving so fast on all those wheels! Derby names are pretty cool too. Mom's is Jackalope. I think I need a derby name too; Salty Sea Dog? Scurvy Dog? Salty Senor? What do you think my derby name should be? I could get it on all my blankets and my derby helmet-if I ever find one.

Mom also adopted another dog as my guardian. His name is Jude. I'm not so sure what to think of him just yet. He looks like he would be a good playmate but he's not quite sure what to do with horses. He's coming up on 2 years old and still very puppy like at heart. Since he's a rescue he's a bit behind in training but he's catching up quickly. I guess he's ok after all. I'll write a full post on him soon and give better pictures. For now this is just a tease. You can see he's not that big-he makes me feel like a full sized horse...Almost. Ok, maybe a pony.

The final piece I want to share with you today is the first fundraiser I will be at will take place next Saturday, March 16th in Tempe, Arizona. I know you all bought me birthday gifts and this will be the perfect time to give them to me! And if you didn't get me a gift the best gift is to come out and see me and donate money to Mom's roller derby team. The Shipwreckers are holding a bake sale and there will be all sorts of yummy treats available for a small donation in return. The best part is I will be there! Come out and support your local Roller Derby league and the best derby team ever! The bake sale will be held at Rocket Resale at 23 W Southern Ave, Tempe Az 85282. I even got to make it on a nifty poster advertising the bake sale:

For tonight that sums it up! I wont wait until next year's birthday to post! I'm also going to have Mom do new art for my site. The California beach theme is cool and all but I'm ready for a change-maybe something a little more Shipwrecker...

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my Birthday! I don't remember exactly what time I was born, but I was born 3/3/09, which is pretty cool. Mom's favorite number is 9 and 3 x 3 is 9! None of that matters to me though, the only thing that matters is that I get cake, treats, and plenty of love! I'm officially an adult horse, I'm now entering the show ring as a "senior" stallion. Pictures to come tomorrow!

Here are some of my first pictures ever! That's me with my horse-mom on the left and just little baby me on the right. I was an adorable baby! Now I'm a handsome stallion. Once my stallion portrait pictures are done I'll do a mini-time line of photos so you can see the change.



I'm off to go gorge myself on treats!

Happy Leap Day!

Happy Leap Day every one! As all of you should know, today is February 29th, meaning we have an extra day this year. Unfortunately this also means I have an extra day until I get to celebrate my birthday on March 3rd. I'll be the big "3" this year! I'm now considered a "senior stallion" when showing, but I'm still a baby I swear. While I'm done getting any bigger my bones are still fusing. In fact, all 3 year horse bones are still fusing. The very last bone doesn't actually fuse until the horse is 7! The last bone to fuse is a vertebrae in the neck. Maybe this is why Mom babies me so much. Except for yesterday. Yesterday she tortured me.

You see, yesterday Mom decided to deliver me to the nest of the flightless white vultures you two-leggeds call "veterinarians." Once there I was drugged, knocked out cold so they could perform their terrifying and horrifying experiments on me. I don't care what Mom says. They weren't "floating" my teeth! They were testing some sort of deadly ray gun for horses. I just know it. Mom, however, insists I was just getting a routine procedure that every horse must go through. She says I even had it done last year. I don't really remember through... They must have drugged me then too. I guess even you two-leggeds have to go to the dentist and get your teeth looked at and examined too. Only your mouth is shallow compared to a horses. It doesn't hurt us any to have our teeth floated-which means the vet files (yes, files) off the sharp edges of our teeth. When horses chew they grind their teeth down, but luckily for horses we have very long teeth that keep rising up as we grind them down. When we're old we eventually run out of tooth and our teeth fall out, but until then we have to maintain the health of our teeth. If the teeth aren't worn down evenly they create sharp points on the edges, otherwise known as "hooks." These hooks can cause cuts and ulcers on our tongues and in our cheeks, so its important to keep up on your horses dental maintenance-even if we don't always like it. Luckily for me, Mom feels its important to go to some one certified to do this. Even more lucky, our vet is! So, once a year Cody, Avalon, Missy, and I load up and head to the vets for our dentals. And, once a year, we all end up looking like this:

But its ok! By the afternoon of the same day we're back to our regular selves. We're able to eat better and our tongues and cheeks are no longer sore or getting cut. As much as I hate going to the vulture nest and having this done, I sure do appreciate how great my teeth and mouth feel the next day. Plus Mom makes sure to give me extra cookies if I'm a good boy. Speaking of cookies... This Saturday is my birthday! Don't forget to wish me a happy birthday! I'm going to be 3!

Also, don't forget to give me lots of cookies and gifts!

New hair cut and new friends

I know, it's been double the time since I promised I'd update. I've been a busy little stallion though! Two things first. Most importantly and easiest to see, I've been clipped! In order to keep track of my weight and muscling for my big show Mom clipped off all my winter coat this past week. Aren't I quite the handsome little horse? Second thing is that the Touch of Class has announced its show premium. I'll be in classes 147, 153, and 162. I'll possibly be in 158, Mom hasn't decided. I'll also be in the lunch time costume class. All my other classes will be after lunch.

I have so much more news still! Most people aren't aware that horses do have a set of baby teeth that they lose as their adult teeth come in and push the baby teeth/caps out. I've been losing my for the past month or so. Mom had found one front tooth and now, today, one molar too. She found it in my feed dish. Any one know a place that does jewelry from horse teeth? I'm thinking of mother's day... Ha! Just kidding. But Mom is looking into getting some equinite jewelry done. I think the idea is neat way to have a bit of your horse always with you.

In other news-as continued preparation for the show March 24th and 25th-I received a brand new custom halter by Victor. Victor is well known in the Scottsdale area and Arabian industry for his custom tack and fine show halters. He used to make the harnesses for Queen Elizabeth! Mom was delighted to have a halter by him for me. She says its part of my birthday gift. I also had a blanket customized with my name and the Eohippus logo. Now that I'm a big boy Mom says its time to start advertising and making myself known. I'll be doing a photo shoot in a week or so to get some professional stallion pictures taken. Stay tuned!

Last, but not least, there's a new addition around here. Well, two new additions really. But they count as one. Do you see them in the background of my picture? Yes, that's right: sheep. Miniature Cheviot Sheep to be exact. They're two ewes-that's female-named Polly and Butterfly. Mom didn't name them but she's not one for changing names. Besides, they sort of know them. They're rescued sheep so they're a little on the crazy side. They frighten me. This picture was taken moments before I bolted. I mean, I'm a big rough and tuff stallion but these things are scary.. Look at them! They're smaller than me and look like some sort of dog-camel-goat hybrid.

Mom says I'm going to have to get used to them; they're here to stay. What ever, I'll always be her favorite. Did you know my Mom's name (Rachel) means "ewe"? I guess she's one of these things. They're family or something-that has to be why she likes them so much. They sure don't look anything alike. Distant relatives twice removed I think. What ever. I'm still far more cute, I mean, handsome. Dashingly handsome and oh so studly. Yes, that's it.

Superbowl

Superbowl! I bet most of you watched it, if not for the game then for the commercials. I know that's why I watched it! I don't really understand football and there's no horse version of it. I much prefer soccer, but that's ok. Mom didn't buy me a football jersey so I had to use whatever I could find...Baseball is close enough, right? Please? It doesn't matter anyway, I wasn't rooting for either team playing. I personally like the Colts and Broncos (Mom, however, says we root for the Patriots). It was a close game, a shame the last play at the end didn't work at the Patriots planned. More importantly, however, the commercials were excellent. I'm a big fan of the Budweiser Clydesdales. One year I might try to dress as one for Halloween. I also loved the french bulldog in the sketchers commercial. I didn't get to go out for any big barbecues, but I did get a few extra treats. Kia, on the other hand, was all dressed up and ready to do some cooking.

On a non-superbowl topic... The Pinto Horse Association horse show in  Queen Creek is next weekend. Because my real Dad is a visually identifiable pinto/paint I'm qualified to be registered in the PtHA. While eventually I will be registered with them and showing on their circuit, I'm sitting out this show. Mom will be going to check out the mini's that dominate their ring and see if I stand a chance. How could I not though, I mean, have you seen me? If you'd like further information on the show you can visit the Pinto Horse Association. They have their shows listed along with the contact information. I'll keep you posted on shows I'll be attending.

For now, I'm late for my daily run!

Support your local Sheriff Show

Mom says times are tough right now. She says the horse market isn't what it was a few years ago and showing has taken a big hit too. When I first attended the Arizona Touch of Class Miniature Horse Show it was actually two shows, each two days long and held a day apart. This meant the horses were there for five days with four of showing. It was great! There were tons of horses, not just from Arizona but from all of the United States. Last year the show was reduced to just one show, but it lasted three days. This year the show is again just one show but only lasting two days. I'm sure its becoming harder, or at least more expensive, to travel to out of state shows. Not to mention the EHV-1 epidemic scare over the summer probably hasn't helped. This is why now its more important than ever to support your local shows.

Showing can get expensive-fast. Mom talks about it with me all the time. Together we review how I did, how much it cost, how much she enjoyed herself, and whether or not I had an enjoyable time as well. She claims the last two are the most important, however, I know its the first and the last. While we try to do a few "big" shows a year (registry supported shows/nationals qualifiers) we often have the most fun at the "local" shows. These are shows that are not just near by but smaller. They don't have the vendors that others do, if they have any at all, they're usually a part of a series, and put on for fun by a person or ranch. More often than not they don't cost much but provide valuable experience for both horse and rider/handler. Judges seem to be more willing to explain why something is the way it is, why they placed a certain horse how they did, and what they're looking for exactly. This is all knowledge that every show-human should strive to constantly attain. Even if you're not showing a horse because you don't have one or can't show yours at the moment there are always volunteer options for these small shows. They run off volunteers! Or, if you can't commit the time, just show up and support the show. Support any vendor that's there or make a small donation towards the show. It helps horses like me who need these shows for training, those who can't show with a registry show (or don't want to/can't pay the money to), and most importantly, these are where kids start showing first.

Grab a Bridle & Bit. They have local shows listed. Head out and cheer on the best looking horse there, or even better, show your horse!

Getting In Shape

On Sunday Mom brought a guest over and we headed out with Avalon for a neighborhood hike/walk. I always enjoy getting out on the trail. The roads around my house are all dirt, there are a few roads with some pavement but they always have dirt shoulders. This is nice because I never have to worry about walking or slipping on pavement. Getting out of the yard is just plain fun too. I get to see all sorts of creatures; birds, rabbits, coyotes, other horses. It's also something different from my normal work outs. More often than not when ever some one sees me out on a walk they think I'm a big dog before they realize I'm just a little horse! Often Mom is asked "what can you do with a mini any how?" Well, there's a lot. Even if you're not into showing simply having a buddy when out on a walk can put a smile on any one's face. While miniature horses are very different than dogs (and as much as I hate to admit it, we should be treated like horses and not dogs-even if I want to lay in Mom's lap all day!) you can do much of the same things with them as you can dogs. Plenty of people enjoy talking their dog for a walk or even a jog. Plenty of times I even go jogging with Mom, she likes it because it keeps us both in shape!

Speaking of getting in shape... The Touch of Class Miniature Horse Show, otherwise known as "the biggest littlest horse show in Arizona" is no officially two months away. I work out 5 to 6 days a week now, but I need one or two days off to rest. I'm going to be ripped come show time! The show schedule hasn't been released but I promise as soon as it is I'll post it here and what classes I'll be in. We're all hoping that the show will be broadcast live online through Iequine again. I should be there both days, all day. If you come down you should stop by and say hello!

Hopefully I have more updates and stories for you next week!

P.S. - If you come to visit me at the show, I like gummy bears and cheezits!

Horse Soccer and Weekly Updates

It's been a while since I've done an update. Summer is slow for me and I don't get out much due to the heat. The fall brought very long days for Mom which allowed for very little computer time for me. However, Mom and I sat down and did some New Years resolutions. The main one being that I need to update my blog with some consistency. I've decided that by every Monday I'll have a new post. If I can't post something specifically about me or my adventures I'll post something horse related and interesting. Fortunately for every one I do have some interesting stuff to show you that has to do with me!

About a year or so ago horse soccer was getting really big and my feeding-lady decided to invest in one of these soccer balls. Although I'd been given the opportunity to play with the soccer ball I didn't really understand how until this year. When Mom decided to see what I'd do with it I took to it like a dog to a bone! She was kind enough to film me playing with it. It's about a minute and a half long (give it time to load).

The "biggest littlest horse show" is coming up in March. Unlike last year this show is only 2 days long (Saturday + Sunday). Mom is a little disappointed as this means the show has become smaller than in the past, however, I'm excited because with the show being on the weekend more people can come. The class schedule hasn't been posted yet but the dates are March 24th and 25th. It's the 25th year the show has been running (its also my first year with the adult stallions)! Its thanks to this very show 15 or so years ago that Mom got into miniature horses. Pretty neat huh?

End of EHV-1 & My New Pool

For those of you who didn't know there was a horse show in Utah where a horse that tested positive for the neurological form of EHV-1 attended. Other horses that attended the show got sick and in return set off a chain reaction of the spread of EHV-1. Well even though this should was with full size western horses it trickled down all the way to me. Don't worry, I'm safe! I don't have EHV-1, but our property did go under a quarantine to help stop the spread and for safety. Well yesterday our quarantine ended. This meant I got to see Missy again and I wasn't couped up any more. To celebrate Mom went out and bought a bunch of party hats, or, what ever silly hats she could find. Some how I ended up being a pretty pretty princess. Missy came over and celebrated too and another I couldn't run free with her Avalon and Cody did. We were all happy to finally be able to see and visit with each other at last! The EHV-1 scare isn't totally over and it's helped Mom realize how dangerous the horse world can be, especially showing. She's going to take extra precautions for me at shows now so we play on the safe side should this ever happen again!

Then today Mom went out and bought me a present. It was an over sized water bucket! Mom called it a pool, whatever that means. I wasn't so sure at first, in fact its obnoxious color and childish print scared me a little. But she said it was ok so I headed in for a closer look. I've never seen so much water before! I just had to check it out. As it turns out playing in water with your feet is a ton of fun! I soaked my self and flooded the ground and even climbed into the pool and tried to roll. That didn't work out so well. Mom says I'm going to love it even more when its the middle of the day and its sweltering out.

Tomorrow is Mom's birthday, I talked to Kia and Avalon about it and we all decided on a present. I can't say what because she proof reads my blog (blame all my typos on her eyes! Understand its hard to type with hooves) but I'll post about it after tomorrow. I hope this birthday thing works both ways and she got me something too, though I'm sure she'll say my new pool is my gift. If that's the case I'd much rather treats!

Well, that's it for now. I'm out!

 

Finally, an Update

The Arizona Touch of Class Miniature Horse Show came and went. Mom was super busy during the show and after as school and my training occupied most of her time. This of course made her neglect to give me time on the computer to update my blog. I kept trying to tell her all my followers would be disappointed in me and here we are, almost two months later and I'm only now getting to update my blog. So I'm sorry for the delay!

This year at the show I had my own custom set up. I'm pretty sure that the trailer was bought solely for me so that I'm able to have a stall at my shows, though Mom insists its also to haul the other horses in. With some nifty miniature horse sized stall panels, some hay, and a bucket of water I instantly had a place to relax while waiting in between classes at the show. Friday I was even nice enough to share some extra space with Missy. I had a lot of visitors come up and pet me while I was waiting for my classes, I always enjoy meeting new people and they seem to enjoy meeting me just as much!

I ended up being the smallest full grown miniature at the show with my official measurement being 25.5 inches. Friday I had three classes: Open two year old stallions under 28", amateur junior stallions, and liberty. I placed third, second, and fourth respectively. While fourth may not seem so great for liberty that class was the largest I've ever been in. There were 14 horses! I was not only the smallest but the youngest. As soon as the music started and I felt Mom take off my halter I took off running! The judges said if I had only trotted just a little bit more I would have place much higher, if not have gotten the blue (first). That gave Mom and I a goal for next year: more trotting!

Saturday I only had one class and that was costume. I was up against a pretty little filly dressed up as a male trainer (yuck!). I'm happy to report that I took first place in my pinata costume! The crowd went wild over me. After the class a few people came up for pictures and just to meet me. All I wanted to do was follow that filly. Even if she was dressed up like a man I was in love! Mom had to ruin my new found love by reminding me about Missy who was waiting for me at home.
On Sunday I didn't have a class so I stayed home while Missy went to show. She had three classes that day: open senior mares under 28", amateur senior mares, and solid colored mares. Mom was showing Missy in the open class and got second place then reserve champion out of all the senior mares. Amanda showed Missy in the amateur class and got first place! Unfortunately Missy wasn't exactly thrilled about showing (she's not like me, she'd much rather stay at home than be in the lime light) so by the time the champion class came around her attitude was sour and she wouldn't put her ears forward for the world. It cost her a championship. Maybe next time Missy! In her color class she placed third, not too bad.

Since the show life at home has been pretty quiet. I've been training and conditioning with Mom but I haven't gone to any more shows. The last show here was an AMHR show. Mom didn't think I had AMHR paperwork and wanted to wait a little longer before hardshipping me into the registry. Turns out that I DO have AMHR paperwork! Mom was updating my breeder on how my show went and discussing future plans to hardship me into AMHR when Janet told my Mom that she had filed the stallion report just didn't finish actually registering me. All Mom has to do is send in the paperwork and I'll be fully registered. This is a huge relief as it wont be even half as complicated to register me now as it would've been to hardship me.

I didn't end up going to the Phoenix Pet Expo, sorry if you were looking forward to seeing me there. Mom's car had been having problems and she didn't want to risk getting stuck far away from home with me. She was keeping my safety in mind, like all good mothers do.

Mom is done with school for the summer, well, save one online class. Next fall she starts her student teaching then she graduates with her bachelors. Until fall comes though her days will be devoted to me. Maybe I'll even get to go to her work again like I've done every summer. I love seeing the kids!

Oh, I also got a twitter so that I can do small updates through out the day or at least during important events like the horse show. Follow me to receive fun updates on my life @thekinson

Well, that's it for now! I promise I wont let Mom keep me from updating for so long again! Until next time, I'm out!

Touch of Class Miniature Horse Show

The Touch of Class Miniature Horse Show hosted by the Miniature Horse Association of Arizona starts tomorrow. I packed up all my things and I'm ready to go! I've been (re)clipped, had a bath, and groomed to perfection. Today I went to get measured in and came in at a whopping 25.5 inches tall! My measurement last year was the same-I think I'm done growing! The show starts tomorrow at 8 a.m. I'm in classes 5, 10, and 37. I hope to bring home the blues for Mom and qualify for nationals! Wish me luck! Saturday I'm in class 60-something (62?) which should be about midday. Sunday I won't be at the show but at home relaxing, so make sure you're there any time Friday or in the afternoon on Saturday to stop by and say hello. If you forgot the show is being held at West World of Scottsdale and is completely free to the public.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today I turn 2 years old! Mom is sick today but promised that we would celebrate my birthday this weekend. Of course I get extra cookies today because it is my birthday after all! It's been a fun two years and I can't wait to see what the next 30 or so years of my life bring. In the mean time I though you all might enjoy some pictures from when I very first arrived in Arizona to what I've matured into today. The top picture is one of my mom's favorites, its when my eye was half blue and half green. Unfortunately the green has since faded into blue.

 The first picture is from the week I arrived in Arizona to be with my new (and still current) Mom. The second picture was when I was clipped this year and the last picture is from my show on February 6th. Haven't I matured nicely?
Until next time (when I will update you with all my birthday goodies!) I'm out!

 

Missy's First Show

The first show of 2011 happened over the weekend and as it turns out, I'm not the only winner in the family.


Missy and I took the show circuit by storm. Our Moms looked almost as good as we did. The only bad part about the day was how cold it was and how early I had to get up! We had to be at the show grounds by 8 am, unfortunately we didn't get there until almost 9 so everything was done in a rush. Thankfully Missy and I were groomed the day before so there wasn't much that needed to be done.

We knew the show would either be full of other minis, preparing for the big upcoming show, or there wouldn't be any there besides us. We were wrong on both counts! There was a decent sized turn out but not a huge amount of minis and all were mares. Missy beat them all though and walked away with the blue. Since there were no other stallions I got a blue by default then had to compete for the championship.

I didn't exactly want to beat Missy but I didn't want to loose to her either! The championship would show who really is the best Mini. I'm happy to report that your favorite stallion, that's right, me, Kinson, took the championship! Missy's mom claims it because she didn't have Missy set up and look her prettiest but I think its just an excuse. After all, aren't I the most handsome mini you've ever seen? Mom keeps telling me to be modest because this was a small show and the judge isn't an AMHA judge. March is when we'll see how good I really am.

Mom can say what she wants. I'm proud of my ribbon and I know she is too. Small show or not it still takes a good horse to win. Lucky for us there's two great horses in this family. I can't wait for the AMHA shows in March, especially Touch of Class, where there will be many other mini's and we'll really have to strut our stuff. We're hoping to make enough points to qualify for nationals. Wish us luck!

As good as Missy and I look in blue ribbons, we look even better with championship rosettes and sashes!

Mom is trying to decide if I will continue to compete in the Show Circuit shows or if we'll switch to Blue Ribbon series. Show Circuit has specific mini classes but Blue Ribbon offers better high point rewards and is an overall better show. For now I'll be competing in both, until one can be decided on. I will fill in my Tour Stops for April and May soon, I've been really busy with all this show prep!

I do know that I will be at the Phoenix Pet Expo on May 7th. Hopefully Missy will be there too, but I can't make any promises. She's not as portable as I am! She demands a whole trailer when she travels. Pffft! I just need myself and a car to get me where I'm going! Missy also doesn't like a lot of strangers touching and petting her, so she needs to get over that if she wants to come with me. Come see me at the expo if you're there! Just follow the crowd that will be following the cutest pet there.

Until next time, I'm out!