Caught on Camera

Mom says that I'm a spoiled brat. I have to disagree. I'm not spoiled, just well loved. I'm not a brat either, just a little boy. And sometimes a little boy has got to do what a little boy has got to do, be it playing in the mud or rough housing with the older boys. Today I was feeling extra frisky and decided it was time to play like a real stallion with Avalon. Mom caught me not only with a few still shots but in a video too! In case you thought I was all teddy bear, watch the video and see me when I act up-I'm quite the stud!

Merry Christmas!

 

 Merry Christmas!!

I hope Santa was as nice as you as he was to me. If he wasn't maybe its because you forgot to leave carrots out for his reindeer? I hope every one had a wonderful time with their family, even if they only got to visit over the phone or through skype.

Around here we all got some pretty neat stuff. Kia got lots of toys and bones plus a new juicy collar and leash set from Amanda. I got a personalized face brush, zebra print halter bag, and the camo blanket I've been wanting from Amanda!! Mom got me a new zebra halter though... Its not here yet because I'm so little it has to be custom made. Santa know exactly what a young stallion needs though and brought me lots of treats! Avalon got custom sleigh bells for dressing up and when he pulls the buggy. He also got a custom made red plume-the exact kind the draft horses wear but scaled down just for him! We're all very spoiled kids.

Wishing you a merry little Christmas.

Christmas Eve

Happy Christmas Eve every one!! I hope you all are as excited as I am for Santa to come tonight. Amanda already gave me my gifts, but I'll wait until tomorrow to share them all with you so that I can share everything I got.

I hope every one has a fun and safe Christmas and gets to spend time with their family, both human and furry. I'll be going to bed early tonight so I can be sure to be asleep when Ol' Saint Nick comes by! I think you all should do that same, hopefully you've been good this year!

From Missy and I, Merry Christmas!

 

Avalon and the Christmas Pagent

Doesn't Avalon just look dashing? Mom made him get all dressed up, along with her new Buggy and my personal servant, for a Christmas photo contest hosted by Lil' Beginning's Miniature Horse Forum. There were two divisions to enter in: horse and cart or horse and barn. While not many people entered at first towards the end there were a lot of entries, all were very nice!!

Below you can see the full image of Mom's entry.

 

Mom went with a more Victorian theme and did elegant instead of overwhelmingly Christmas. It came together pretty well for me not being in the picture! Oh and in case you're wondering, that's not Mom in the buggy. That's my personal servant, all dressed up in fancy schmancy clothes. The buggy and harness have faux sleigh bells on them and mom hopes to get a real heirloom set of sleighbells soon. She says they sound pretty or something, I don't remember. I wasn't listening.

In case you're wondering how Avalon did in the contest, well... He won first place in the horse and cart division! The first place prizes were donated by a very generous person but kept a mystery until they arrived in the mail. They were the same kind of halter Mom had been wanting by Red Haute Horse! Its just big enough for Avalon and much too large for me. Thats ok though, I didn't want a Christmas themed halter and Avalon doesn't look as good looks much better than I do.

Christmas is quickly approaching. I can hardly wait!! Have you done all your shopping yet? I know Mom has and I have! The stores are getting crazier by the minute so if you still have shopping to do, you better do it quick. I hope ya'll mailed your letters to Santa too. Conditions to the North Pole have got to be pretty bad by now so I don't think many letters are able to get through any more.

So exctied for Christmas,

Holiday Pet Festival

 

I got to see Santa in person when I went to the Holiday Pet Festival!! I can't believe he took time out of his crazy busy schedule this time of year to make a special trip to Arizona, just to listen to pet's Christmas wishes! Kia and I both got to tell him our Christmas lists in person. I wish he would have brought some of his reindeer for me to meet though. Oh well, maybe next year.

The pet festival was a lot of fun. Mom and Amanda didn't think that it would be very busy, or that there would be a lot of dogs there. They were both wrong! The festival was hosted by Tranquility Trail Animal Rescue and the turn out was amazing. Just about every human attending had a dog with them. I didn't see any other animals but dogs brought. Though, some of the vendors were actually rescues and had some animals-like cats and guinea pigs-available for adoption. I'm used to Kia, who is much smaller than me, and Nikki, who is the same size as me but there were dogs there that were BIGGER than me! There was a lot of... I think Mom called them cape grains? Or was it great danes? I don't remember, but there was a lot of them there! One was only 19 months old and already 37 inches tall-that's bigger than Avalon and Cody! There was another who wasn't quite as told, but was older, and his legs were as thick if not thicker than Avalon's. I couldn't believe how big they were. I really wanted to play, and so did they, but our Moms said no.

Aside from all the dogs, and the attention I got for being the only horse there, I got to do some shopping with Mom. There were many different vendors there, a lot of breed rescues (including a Great Pyrenees rescue! I remember those dogs from when I lived in Wisconsin), some non-breed general rescues, dog boutiques, artists, crafts, and cat trees. I had a lot of fun and was glad to have my friend and sister, Kia, there. When it comes back around next year you can bet I'll be there and you should be there too!

Happy Hanukkah! Until next time, I'm out!

Christmas Wishes

It's finally december! Do you know what that means? That means Christmas is only 24 days away! I'm so excited, I can't wait to see what Santa brings me. Mom already got one of her Christmas gifts; she even bought it for herself which seems a little unfair-especially because seh got it a whole month before Christmas!

 

Its an antique piano-box buggy! Its perfectly scaled down to miniature horse size so Avalon gets to pull it. He's not too thrilled about that but he pulls it anyway.  Mom tried to say it was an early Christmas gift to Avalon but he says you can't give gifts that you wanted for yourself. I guess he's right! I think the buggy is really neat looking and Mom says she's going to decorate it for Christmas when we all go looking at Christmas lights.

Now that it's December I can finally post my Christmas list to Santa, though, if you want to get me something off it... I surely wouldn't mind...

Dear Santa,

I sure have been a real good boy this year! I learned lots of new things from Mom, Cody, and Avalon. I tried my hardest to do my best at everything they tried to teach me, I even behaved myself where ever Mom took me. Sure, there were some times when I was tired and couldn't handle it any more and broke down... There were a few tatrums here and there... And a handful of times I tried to drag Mom down the street... But I am a growing boy and can't always be held accountable for my actions, right? I only bit a few people this year and only left one welt from a bite! I didn't kick at any one, even the little children who swarmed up behind me at every event I went to. Because I've been such a good boy I feel that I am deserving of most, if not all, of the items on my list:

 Treats! Just about any kind will do. I'm really fond of apple and mint flavors, though I love a good home baked treat too! Just make sure they're small enough (roughly quarter sized) for me to eat, other wise I choke!

A new Blue Camo Rain Sheet! I'd love a rain sheet so when it rains I can still be out with the big boys, not locked up in my stall. Mom says I can't play in the rain and get wet if its not Summer. I'm ok with that, I hate cold water!!

Zebra Print Halter! Well, either zebra print, argyle (red, blue, green, or grey/black), red tartan, red plaid, or red paisley-I'm flexible. I want to be the best looking stallion on the block in 2011 and a brand new designer halter from Red Haute Horse would really help me out!





I know that shouldn't be too much for some one as great as you, Santa, to do! After all, I have been a really awesome horse this year.

Love,

P.S. Christmas Cards from me are on their way! Closer to Christmas I'll post the pictures on my blog here for every one else to see!

Halloween Contest & Trick-or-Treating

I can't believe its been a month since I've been able to update my blog! Sorry to all my loyal minions watchers! With the temperatures finally being cooler, shows going on, and Missy around I've been one busy little boy.

Last month, if you remember, I was in the Cave Creek Wicked horse costume contest at Back Mountain Feed. The turn out wasn't as great as it was last year but there were still quite a few horses and a lot of great costumes. There was a thoroughbred dressed as Secretariat, a horse dressed as Uncle Jessie from Dukes of Hazard, Dino and Pebbles, the Titanic, a mini dressed a a pumpkin, another mini dressed as a zebra, yet ANOTHER mini as "bridezilla", and a little girl and her pony just dressed up for fall/Halloween. Every one got goodie bags just for entering-inside were treats! Unfortunately they're much too large for me so I had to share them with the big horses at home and go different treats instead. They had up to fifth place but only first through third got a prize. Secretariat took third, second went to Uncle Jessie, and first went to... ME! I won a gift certificate to Black Mountain Feed/C & H Hay barn. Mom says I can't spend it all on treats, that I have to buy a new blanket for winter and rain.. Yuck!

In the photograph to the right you can see me and Mom next to Bridezilla. On the other side are the two other minis that entered the contest. The pumpkin is kind of hidden behind the zebra but if you look closely you can see orange.

After winning pictures, attention from the crowd, and some pictures of our own, we headed home. Boy I was sure glad to get that costume off!! I don't mind wearing it but... It does have an awful lot of pink for a stallion...

The next day, on Halloween, we went down to the Granny's house to do some trick or treating. My very first Halloween (when I was a sheep and Mom was Bo Peep) we went down and did trick or treating at the Granny's. Now its become a tradition and there are even people who expect and can't wait to see me! I love getting out and seeing all the neat decorations (and getting treats from the houses that are expecting me!). This year I wasn't the only one of Mom's kids who went. Kia came along, dressed as a witch. That dog needs to get out more; she tired half way through our trick or treating. She's a trooper though and trudged on.

Most people thought I was a dog (because my costume covered me up so much and Kia was walking with us) so I didn't draw a huge crowd. Its not that I don't like visiting with my fans or getting attention, just every so often we celebrities like to be able to just blend into the crowds and be a normal person horse for once.

To the left you can see Kia in her costume. She wasn't too happy about wearing it. From what Mom says she has to wear a lot of costumes/clothes so I don't know why she hates them so much! I actually kind of enjoy wearing any crazy outfits Mom puts me in. I like the attention that goes with it.

I don't like attention from the vets, otherwise known as the flightless albino vultures. The came the first week of November to give fall shots. They're tricky vultures. They try to make you think they're your friend. They butter you up by giving you lots of oh-so-good scritches and scratches then... When you're list expecting it.. JAB!!! They stick you with a sharp metal poker and fill you with who knows what! They claim that its only to keep you happy and healthy but who really knows what they're putting in you! I didn't get just one shot, oh no, I got five. At least I don't have to go through that for another six months. Avalon hates shots more than I do. While I'm just scared of the vultures Avalon loathes them and fights back. Because of it he's sore for almost a week after and I'm not allowed to play with him. Don't worry though, he's back to normal now!

The holiday season is now upon us. Mom has been busy holiday shopping and I've been writing my list to Santa. It's not done yet but when it is I'll post it here! I hear Santa just got the Internet way up there in the North Pole so putting it on my blog is the fastest way to get him my list. Missy and I will also be sending out Christmas Cards. If you want one be sure to email me with your address so Mom can mail it to you.

Thanksgiving is this week. Make sure you give your furry kids, especially your horses, their own little Thanksgiving feast, or at the very least treat! I hear I might get my own place at the table...

Until next time, I'm out!

Halloween Costume Finished

What you've all been waiting for is finally finished! My pinata costume is complete. I guess I'm excited-well, as excited as a stallion wearing pink and other various neon colors can be! Of course these pictures are only a preview of the costume. For the contest on Saturday Mom's going to wrap my legs in purple vet wrap to match my face and complete the costume. Let's hope I win! Remember the contest is at Black Mountain Feed in Cave Creek. It starts at 12pm. You know I'm your favorite little stud muffin so come cheer me on!

Let me introduce you...

Let me introduce you to the future Mrs. Houck's Grande Kinson. Ok, maybe we're not quite there yet but someday! The rumors were true, Amanda did buy a little filly. Her name is Sparkle Plenty Supreme Misty Morn though she's just called Missy around the barn.

She's not much bigger than I am; about 28" tall and super petite. She's like a little Arabian (which Amanda loves). Her official color is silver bay roan; I like her because she's blonde. She's full of attitude and doesn't like me very much yet but that will change. She can't resist my charm for long-no one can!

Missy is six (what can I say? I like the older ladies) but Mom and Amanda say she has a lot of training to do. We'll be learning and schooling together.

On another note, I didn't make it to the show over the weekend. There was too much excitement with picking up Missy and me meeting her that we ran out of time for the show. Come the next show she'll be at my side.

My costume is still being worked on. Don't forget that I'm going to be in the costume contest at Black Mountain Feed on October 30th! Also, pick up your newest bridle and bit-I made the back cover.

That's all for now, I'm out!

10/10/10

The Arizona Fall Youth and Amateur AMHA Miniature Horse Show was on Sunday (which also happened to be 10/10/10, Mom says it's a really neat date and wont happen again for a really long time). We had been working towards this show but Mom wasn't sure she was going to be able to go up until the morning of the show. You see, my personal servant (Also known as my Mom's Mom) wasn't sure if she would be able to go or not until the very last minute. Mom doesn't like going alone and Amanda was out of town. On Saturday I got another full clip (I had, to my Mom's surprise, grown an astonishing amount of hair in one week), a bath, and a quick lesson to prepare for Sunday. Sunday morning Mom got the ok to go and everything was a rush. We hadn't registered for classes, I had to be measured in, and Mom had forgotten to prepare everything the night before. Oops! Needless to say we were running late when our neighbor called in a favor. His dinner from the previous night gave him a bout of food poisoning and he needed help feeding his horses. So my personal servant ran over to feed while Mom tried to put everything together so we could leave as soon as she got back.

Thankfully at 6:45 am on Sunday in Cave Creek/New River traffic is nonexistant and it took no time to get to Arthur Ramirez's trainign facility-where the show was being held. Once there Mom signed me up for my one class: Amateur Halter Junior Stallion Level 1 then took me over to get measured in. I'm 25.75"! That means I've grown  1/4" since the Touch of Class show back in March. I'm on track to top out at 26" (miniature horse colts tend to stop growing in height between 18 months and 24 months). Mom elated that I'm going to stay so small. The show started about a half hour late and classes were running slow. Before my class I had to stand around for five long hours. I did get to meet some of the fillies from I Am Ranch. Let me say, they sure were purdy! I really liked Joy, their palomino filly. But she didn't share my affections as right after I said a suave hello she squealed and struck out at me. Her mom says its because she likes her men taller. pffft. To put size in perspective: in the photo you can see Joy and I. She's about 8 months old and the same size as me... I also met a lot of people who had just come to see miniature horses. All of them fell in love with me and wanted a horse just like me! Maybe one day they can own one of my sons or daughters. Every one, owners, trainers, breeders, showers, and guests a like kept commenting on how nice of a stallion I am, especially for being so small.

Finally the time came for me to go into the arena and strut my stuff! I'll admit I get a little nervous being in that arena with people watching me. It makes me forget my training some times. It also didn't help that Mom forgot my treats so my attention wasn't always on her (like any boy the key to my heart is through my stomach). We did our best though. When it came time for placings the loud speaker announced that the judges had placed unanimously. This is a very good thing if you place high (but can be bad if you place low). The loud speaker called out the horse numbers and their placings, "Unanimous first to number 130"! That was me! This meant I had to go back for the Amateur Stallion Championships and more waiting. It was hot in the sun but not bad in the shade but either way I was ready to go home. Finally  my last class came. I was too tired to be nervous. The judges all agreed, once again, on the placings.

You can now cal me the "Unanimous Champion Amateur Stallion". I took home the champion under both the judges. We took out winning photo (there was sadly no photographer in the ring) infront of the "trailer" that brought me to the show (a tradition Mom started with Avalon). Only our "trailer" happened to be Mom's car. Even though I did very well in this past show Mom and I both know we have a lot to do before the big show in March. We would both like to go to the World Show in 2011. Until then we're continueing to train and for now, work on my halloween costume (pictures soon, I promise!). I haven't been able to prove the rumors about Amanda getting a filly true nor false. I guess I'll just have to sit back and watch the gate to see if any fillys stoll on by. I have a feeling Mom knows but isn't saying.
Until next time, I'm out!

A Long Awaited Update

Sorry it's been so long since I've had a chance to update everything. Mom's computer broke so she's had to make do with using a temporary one, which isn't exactly Kinson proof, making it hard for me to bring you updates! I finally managed to convince Mom to let me update my blog, as a lot has gone on!

On October 2nd Mom and Amanda took me down to down town Phoenix. I've never been into the city before. I can't say it was my favorite place but I didn't mind it. I walked along the streets, unfortunately wearing the newest contraption Mom purchased (its so she doesn't have to "clean up" after me when I have to go), visited A.S.U. and went to Rainbows Fest which was being held in Heritage Square Park. There were so many people, but I let all who wanted to pet me do so. Mom said I was a really good boy for being so calm. When you have so many fans its whats expected, right?

In addition to gathering hundreds of new fans and visiting A.S.U. I also got to meet Chase Bank's mascot. I'm not sure his name but he sure was excited to see me! I've never seen a dog so big, or so blue. Mom wanted a photo, and so did the dog. He happened to find one of my favorite itchy spots on my whithers, so I guess he was alright! It got me thinking though... I want to be the mascot of some where! I've decided to take over A.S.U. and replace Sparky. Mom is doubtful I can pull it off, but just you wait.

Just a few days after my big day in the city (and a few days after being clipped!) the worst storm I've ever seen hit. Mom felt horrible because she had clipped me on Saturday to go into the city and for my show next Sunday, but thankfully she had clean blankets for me. There was massive wind. It was so strong I was worried I was going to blow away! Then the wind paused for a moment and chunks of ice started to fall from the sky. Mom calls it hail. I've never seen hail before and I don't want to again! It was huge, most pieces were the size of grapes but there was many that were golf ball sized! It hurt when it fell on me. After the hail stopped the rain started. I hid under the porch until it stopped. Then, of course, I had to take advantage of my wet coat and the wet sand by rolling! I was a mess-a freezing mess! Mom cleaned me up then blanketed me. Then just when it started to look like the day was clearing up and my blankets were removed it started all over again. I love this cooler weather but man I don't always love the water works.

My next show is just around the corner. I'm a little under prepared but Mom and I agree that we're after experience more than anything. There's rumors that Amanda may be getting a miniature for herself (once you meet a mini you just have to have your own!) but I can't confirm that at this point in time. I sure hope its a real nice looking filly-with long legs and blonde hair!! Halloween is quickly approaching and Mom and my personal servant are busy working on my costume. Hopefully the weather keeps cool from here on out, especially for Halloween, but it doesn't stay so rainy!

Stay dry every one and blanket your horses if you need to! Until next time, I'm out!

New feet, New costumes, and New halters!

 

Good News! The halter Mom had made for me came in. It fits like a charm and is a nice accent to my dark color. Its hand crafted and very durable, or so she says. I like it because its different than all the other show halters you see my rivals sporting. It arrived just in time for all my fall festivities. Of course Mom likes this one so much that she wants to order me another from the same creator. One that's all bead work to show off my gorgeous head! She just has to decide on a color... Personally I like green and blue.

Its finally Friday and I'm glad. This week has been a busy one! Mom had a lot going on between school, work, and play. She went to see Paramore (along with Tegan and Sara) in concert. This meant I got a day off! Though, I have to make it up on Saturday... The farrier was supposed to come out that day too but his truck broke down and he couldn't make it out until today. I've had my feet trimmed plenty of times by Mom and her mom but never a farrier. I was kind of glad I got to wait until Friday! It isn't that I was scared to get my hooves trimmed but I've heard many farrier horror stories! Mom reassured me that my farrier knew what he was doing...

Turns out Mom was right! The farrier came and gave all my hooves a good trimming. The whole thing took about five minutes (I bet that was the fastest he's ever earned his paycheck!). It didn't hurt but I don't like having to hold my feet up for some one for so long, plus I don't like the sound of the nippers clipping off my hoof. Mom held my head and played with my lip the whole time to keep my mind off things. I have to say my legs feel much better now that my hooves are correct again! I mean, they weren't bad before, Mom does a good job maintaining them but every so often its nice to have a professional pedicure!

 

Now here comes the embarrassing part of the week... Mom had been talking about how funny it would be if for Halloween I could dress up as a yellow submarine and she could be some sort of character from the Beetles movie or a Beetle herself. Well she made a trip to Target and found me this. Its a yellow submarine outfit. Its extra large dog size and fits me how they say its supposed to (Mom wants to lengthen the belly band so that its not so stretched and looks more like a submarine and less like a saddle). This isn't going to be my actual Halloween costume (Kia is going to wear this instead) but I now have it in my wardrobe! I can wear it where ever; costume parties, horse shows, just for fun. I don't exactly like wearing it but Mom likes it when I do so I'm forced... I still think Kia looks better in it than I do, don't you?? She seems to hate wearing it just as much as me though!

Mom's still working on my actual Halloween costume so I'll keep you posted on that.

Until then, I'm out!,

Getting There

I think I'm finally getting the hang of this whole setting up thing. I'm not exactly sure why Mom makes me do it but I know how to and that I get a treat after. That's all I care about! Before leaving to go run some errands for the day Mom snapped this picture of me getting into my halter pose. I was sleeping when she came out (full out laying down sleeping) so I was still groggy and tired when trying to set up. I usually do better than this and look a little more lively. The more we practice the better I'm getting and the quicker I can do it too. Of course now I'm certain that every time that some one, be it Mom or another human, stands in front of me I should set up then get a treat. I'm just plain convinced that if I just set up when seeing a human I deserve a treat!! These next couple weeks its more training, more show prepping, and getting my Halloween costume put together. Oh, and of course, lots of pictures of who else but me!

Stay tuned for more, I'm out!,

Back to School

Training officially started yesterday. Today it was in full swing more than ever. I'm exhausted! Through out the day Mom comes out and teaches me various things for 15 to 20 minutes then I get to relax for an hour or two. Its different than last year where I did one or two long sessions a day. I much rather these short sessions. I'm young and can't stay focused for that long! I retain the information much better this way too. Already I've got how to square up down. I may not do it perfectly every time but I'm learning. What I'm really after is the treat I get when I square up just about perfect and cant hold it. I can't get enough treats! Of course now that its show season I'm on a diet so I'm limited in my treats. Sometimes I get these "low fat" ones. Mom can give me more of those than the other kind. I don't notice a big taste difference so I'd rather have more of the low fat kind!

Each day Mom has made a lesson plan for me (is the teacher in her obvious or what?!). We focus on one main thing (today was squaring up) then have breaks of lounging in the round pen. I'm learning and building my up muscles (and trimming my fat!). Another thing Mom is focusing on is in hand trail. She mentioned getting me to pivot and bend my body better. Trail looks like more fun than the stuffy halter classes I'm always entered in. I get to do more than just stand there (that means more treats, right?). I heard that if I compete in trail I get to have a new halter. I love buying new halters and looking my best!

After my training was mostly over for the day (we do a little bit in the evening after Mom gets off work) and Mom was busy doing homework my good buddy, Cody, decided to open our gate and let us into the grassy yard. I knew that he was good for something! It was a good half hour before Mom caught us. I may have to work out extra tomorrow but it was more than worth it!!

I'm out for now!,

  P.S. - Sorry for such an old picture of Cody and I. Mom promises to take a new one!