Slippin' and Slidin'

I know it has been a while since we have posted, but the crazy weather around here lately has put a "damper" on getting alot of work done. We have had record breaking rainfall here in Southern Nevada over the past week or so, and in turn we have been left with lots of mud. The rain has been great for all of us here in the Mojave though, we definitely needed it. Plus, it has provided us with some beautiful scenery as the mountains have been covered in snow and it has sometimes been an adventure getting through the pass as we are heading to the ranch. These are some great pictures taken around our surrounding areas over the last two weeks.

Wild to Mild

Wild to Mild
Mustang/Colt starting Clinic

Joe Weitekamp will be picking up a new Mustang for the Norco Extreme Mustang Makeover on February 12th 2010 and will be holding a clinic on February 13th and 14th. Come on out and join him as he starts his new Mustang.

What to expect:Joe will be working with his Mustang and explain what he is doing and why as he starts laying the foundation of trust, respect and leadership, that is required for further training.

There will be question and answer periods where you can ask more specific questions

This Clinic will be audit only

Where: 8425 Jakes Pl.
When: February 13th and 14th
Time: 9:00 am to ?
Refreshments: Cold drinks will be provided however food will
not. Please bring a picnic lunch.
Cost: $30 each day or $50 for both (If purchased by
February 10th)
$40 each day or $70 for both ( if purchased after
February 10th)

Please visit www.diamondwranch.net to reserve your place or call 702-664-4381. Space will be limited so reserve yours early. All purchases are final and non-refundable but they are transferable.

(Photos from Joe's clinic in November, working with Iceman)

Iceman Update 1/16/10

Iceman enjoyed a day off from work and just had some fun today in the large arena with his pals. He was really kicking up the dust, and they all had a great time stretching those legs. Sharil spent some more time with Iceman in the afternoon and they are becoming fast friends.

Iceman Update 1/14/10

Eric and Iceman had a great day today! After their usual walk together, they made some great progress. Iceman will finally allow Eric to pick up all four of his hooves. The front left has never really been an issue, but once it was lifted it was always quickly put right back down. Today Iceman decided he was completely comfortable with this activity and stayed very calm and trusting. Iceman kept each hoof up until Eric decided to let them down and on top of that, he stood still and relaxed for Eric as he had his hooves picked for the first time! You would have thought Iceman was a professional, haha. Anyways, this means that Iceman's next trim may just be a walk in the park for him....and once that is accomplished, they can move on to bigger and better things.

Speaking of bigger and better things, we will have Iceman's title probably sometime in April. If any of you are interested in adopting him, or know someone who may be looking for a Mustang, then let us know. We imagine he will be a hot item once he is able to be adopted, and he is going to be one heck of a horse.

After Iceman's day was done, he and his pal Boone decided to take a nap together and enjoy each others company. They have become such great friends, and it is so nice to see that comraderie.

Shiloh's Stance on the Wild Mustangs

I just wanted to clarify Shiloh Horse Rescue's stance on our Wild Horses. (Sometimes our stance differs from Eric's. We can agree to disagree on some things!)

Shiloh Horse Rescue believes that our Mustangs should be left in the Wild, here in the West where they belong. We do not agree that they should be rounded up and sent back east. We feel the BLM has completely mismanaged and mislead people about the Mustangs.

As Sally and I drove up to Fallon a few weeks ago, we only saw four Mustangs out on the range. But we did see lots and lots of cattle and barbed wire. The hills looked healthy, green and lush for Nevada and the areas around the natural watering holes were full of tall green grass and trees. Of course, these watering holes were fenced off with barbed wire and the areas filled with cows.

Seeing the horses who were recently rounded up- they all looked healthy and in good condition. Of course the twenty year old mare who was "euthanised" (actually shot in the head), was thinner than the rest, as would be expected at her age. This was Mother Nature taking her course- not a starving horse who needed to be run miles and miles, rounded up and then killed!

Anyway, Shiloh thinks these majestic and beautiful animals should run free out on the range. What a horrible shame it will be if the only Mustangs left in the State of Nevada are on our State Quarter.


Mustang Rally at Red Rock:

Thanks to everyone who showed up to support our Wild Mustangs! Robin and Daria attended and I know other friends of Shiloh were in the crowd. It is important that we make our voices heard as we all try to keep our Mustangs free!

Here are some photos from the Rally:

Thank you to everyone and we are so sorry we missed it!

Lets keep our Mustangs free in the West where they belong!

Iceman's Weekend 1/10/10

It was another busy weekend for Iceman...

Sharil and Iceman were able to spend some more time together in the morning. They are slowly but surely getting to know each other, and Iceman is starting to allow her into his space. He is still a bit hesitant with the initial approach, but after a few minutes Sharil was able to attach the lead. They worked a bit with leading, and before too long Iceman followed Sharil through the gate and they enjoyed some bonding time. After that, Iceman was turned out for the rest of the day with a few of our Boarders' horses. He hasn't spent that much time with new horses and it was fun to see him try to socialize. He has had a few stallmates since he has been to Shiloh, but never just thrown into the mix. He did great, and always has a good time stretching his legs in the soft sand.

Eric and Iceman 1/7/10

Eric and Iceman make a great team. They spent most of the day together and the weather couldn't have been better. It was in the 60's and felt like Spring was already here.

As usual, they took a long walk together all over the property very early in the morning. Iceman is getting better and better with this, and is not as spooky as he used to be. He is slowly broadening his comfort zone when it comes to other horses, he isn't nervous to walk through the barn and other sheltered areas, and walks through any gate without hesitation. Eric and Iceman spent most of their time together in the Round Pen working on various exercises and proceeded to get fully tacked up. Iceman allows the pad, saddle, and bit like a champ. After the work was done, Iceman spent the rest of his day having fun with his friends Boone and Liberado in the sandy turn out. Lots of dust was kicked up and they all had a great time. It was a great day for Iceman.