"Night Riders" with Robert and Watson Challenge Painting #106



This week with Watson(Robert Carlson) and Tango (Madeleine LeClerc)  We have a painting of Robert and Watson.



"A Very Useful Horse"

8 by 9 inch watercolor
By Linda LMartin



In an effort to  steadily work toward the Ft Collins Makeover where both horses will be up for adoption. Team R&M Performance Horses Spent some serious time doing a variety of activities under the lights.  Not only did they bring the two Ft Collins horses, they also brought several horses in  different levels of training including one of their new TIP horses and Their Tennesee Extreme Makeover winner Artista.

In-sync
Photo by Amy Spivey
Used by permission

Because Makeover  events are held underlights in an areana with strange people and horses, its important especially to aclimatized the horses to  noises and lights and of course the shadows that make every thing normal in daylight seem frightening to some horses. Night work become as much play time as it was serious work.



Saddling up
Photo by Amy Spivey
Lighning Bug Creek Photography
Used by Permission



To read more about Robert and Madeleine and their Ft Collins Makeover Horses training for the June event go to their Facebook Page for 2011 CO Mustang Makeover with R&M Performance

The amazing reference photo and the photograhy on this page are provided by Amy Spivey of Lightning Bug Creek Photography. I found out earlier that she is running a photography special for the month of May. Amy is a very special photographer in that she is able to capture the passion and the intimacy in each shot she shares.

Lowering the Head
Photo by Amy Spivey
Lighning Bug Creek Photography
Used by Permission

Please check out her page on facebook for more information about her photo special. She can do event  photos, portraits of children, landscapes and of course horse and animal portraits. As a mom, a horsewoman and a mustang owner she is uniquely qualified to bring her special charm to each photo she takes. And she will gladly accomodate groups.http://www.facebook.com/LBCPhotography

"Luck of the Draw" with Madeleine and Tango Challenge Painting #101

Madeleine and Tango "Luck of the Draw" 

Training for the Ft Collins Mustang Makeover



"Versatility"
Tango and Madeleine LeClerc
8 by 10 inch Watercolor
by LindaLMartinArtist



Madeleine LeClerc is training the mustang Tango for the Fort Collins Makeover in June. Tango is showing some possible characteristics that would make him not only a great trail and pleasure horse but he has some athletic ablitity that suggests dressage as well. 

Madeleine is part of the R&M Performance Horses, The partnership of Robert Carlson and Madeleine LeClerc. Roberts horse for the same makeover evernt is Watson. Each week leading up to their compitition, I am alternating a painting between Tango and Watson

Each mustang makeover event, sponsored by the Mustang Heritage Foundation, is a bit different. In this makeover event the trainers are give 100 days to train a mustang from the wild  and take it to show case compititon so that the horses can be auctioned off to the highest bidder.  The goal is to put a lot of basic training and handling into the horse so that they can be assessed for thier potential, handled safely and then specialized later.



Madeleine and Tango  working on the bit.



All the horses are  what horsemen call "very green" when they reach the auction stage. Meaning that a beginner or intermediate rider cannot begin to find the mustangs useful unless there is addtional training put on the horse and the rider.  It is Madeleine's and Robert's job to expose the mustang assigned to them, to as much as possible so the potential adoptor can see what the horse might be best suited for.

Added to the challenge is that each of the horses is matched up to the trainers in this challenge in a blind number assignment, so that until the number is revealed and matched to the horse; the trainer really has no clue what his horse lookes like, its personality, its athletic ability or where it came from spacifically.

The interesting thing about mustangs is that  because of the historical circumstances surrounding the release of domestic horses from time to time into the original Spanish indigeonous stock, the horse could exhibit any trait introduced by  European settlers. 



The  training of the horses for  the compititon takes this into consideration by the type of tests that are set up. There are certain basic things that every horse must do to make it safe in any circumstance. Then there is the free style part of the exhibit that allows the horse to show case its spicific abilities and unique experience. This can be anything from draft horse, to gaited horse, to thoroughbred or arabian to any other purebred horse brought in by European settlers, plus other more American developed breeds like horses that drive such as pacers or trotters, to cattle horses with short little burst of speed gaits like quarterhorses, and even horses that might have potential as dressage horses, hunters, endurance or polo ponies.



Madeleine and Tango working on trail
obsticals.



The  trainer opens up the possibilites through assessing the horse, then  builds a freestyle program that would showcase those special tallents that could be developed into a competive edge, or a great service animal or a wonderful family pleasure horse.

It is important to notice that again, these are just the beginings of training. Keep in mind that some of these disciplines take years to polish. More importantly to the new owner, is that a wild horse has some special needs, because it not only is a horse, but it is a horse that learned to think for its self in the wild and learned to problem solve.*



This is the reason that R&M Performance Horses offer as part of the adoption package additonal training for the new owen to put polish on the horse and train it for the specific needs of the owner. Robert said it this way: " We want a successful happy partnership for every horse we train, but also our reputation is on the line." Robert and Madeleine want the best of their horses and the best partnership for the person who adopts them.

You can read more of Robert's and Madeleine's training blog on facebook:

2011 CO Mustang Makeover with R&M Performance

Also for those who would be interested in learing how to start a Mustang R&M Performance will be offering a two Day seminar: Supreme Extreme Mustang Starting Clinic on May 13th and 14th

You can also link in and contact Robert and Madeleine at their website:  http://www.westernclinics.com/



Robert and Watson



Side Note: Wild horses arent nearly as dependant on humans, thus an example might be that if  you are late to the barn and the horse is out of water, a horse raised in captivity will wait until you get there to give him water. A mustang will try to figure out how to get to the water and give himself a drink. This might mean he already knows that the water comes from a faucet and that to get to that faucet he has to unlatch his stall door. You can imagine the rest. It has also been reported that since mustangs have the herd experience that not only will he get water for himself he might make sure the entire barn has it too.

While this can be comical there are times that it might be really inconveint for an ower when his mustang hasnt bonded with him into a working partnership. Putting in the extra training and miles will give you a common history and help you bond so that you have a dependable life time Mustang friend.

"Going for a Spin" with Robert and Watson Challenge Painting #96

Robert and Watson "Going for a Spin" 

Training for the Ft Collins Mustang Makeover

"Going For A Spin"
Robert Carlson and Watson
8 by 10 inch watercolor
by Linda L MarinArtist

Today’s painting features Robert and Watson and is based on a wonderful photo by Amy Spivey of Lightning Bug Creek Photography of Robert literally taking Watson for his first spin. What starts out as a warm up exercise to help the horse soften to turn in both directions will eventually  be able to work into a reining spin.

Taking a Mustang through the stages of training can be one adventure after another on a good day. But try  keeping to your training schedule when you are threatened with a tornado, hail and more severe weather than you can imagine and the treat of raging brush fires all in the same week.

Madeleine and Tango crossing the bridge.

The Last few weeks have been a steady  introduction of new things  and  consistent repetition  of  what the mustangs  Watson (Robert Carlson) And Tango ( Madeleine LeClerc) have learned.  Besides introducing the horses to all sorts of obstacles one would find on the trail, both horses have been trailered to different locations to be ridden in doors, outdoors , with strange horses and through strange obstacles and at one location through a stock tank.

Robert and Watson loping in full saddle and
cowboy halter.

The most dramatic location training session was when Robert was  riding Watson at a lope as a threatening storm loomed up. Through the high winds, a churning sky, and sirens, Robert rode Watson until Watson was calm and the two could end on a positive note.  This was probably not  what Robert had originally planned for this location training session, but it was definitely an opportunity to build more into to the partnership. Every opportunity must be taken to help the horse reach that level that requires a wild horse to trust the human  and build confidence in all situations.

To read a more detailed account of all the training activities of the  Madeline and Robert  log into facebook and  follow their daily updates on their Fort  Collins Makeover blog  page.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/2011-CO-Mustang-Makeover-with-RM-Performance/119433394800806

To see more of Amy Spivey’s wonderful Photography check in to her facebook page  for Lightning Creek Photography: http://www.facebook.com/pages/2011-CO-Mustang-Makeover-with-RM-Performance/119433394800806#!/LBCPhotography

 Photographs provided by Lightning Bug Creek Photography. Used by permission.

"Lean On Me" Tango and Madeleine ~ Challenge Painting #92

 Fort Collins Makeover Horse Tango and Madeleine LeClerc:

At this point in the training both Madeleine LeClerc and Robert Carlson are consistent and repetitive, adding a little more activity to the horse to give it confidence and build a connection.  Every thing is serious work, but it is also fun for the horses. There is lots of affection and encouragement. Already they have both ridden their horses, led them through an obstacle course, ramped up their grooming by teaching them to pick up feet and yield their feet. And Both horses have had their first bath. These are just a few of the daily activities the two trainers from R&M Performance Horses have accomplished with their Fort Collins Colorado Makeover Horses.



Madeleine and Tango. In this photo Madeleine is
getting on and off Tango on the wrong side.
 Generally the proper side to mount is the left side.
 However, in an emergency or in the case of
someone who is unable to use their left foot
 to mount, it is helpful that the horse be trained
 to mount from both sides.

 One very important thing in the training of any horse is teaching it to feel comfortable receiving weight.  The horse should be quietly unconcerned and attentive to its handler whether that weight is just someone leaning on its neck, standing on its back, leaning across the saddle, or mounting on either side.  Really good trainers teach the horse how to accept weight very early on in the training. Not just the weight of someone sitting on their backs but weight that shifts, weight that pushes, weight that drags and weight that pulls. All of these aspects of training not only keep the horse safe  for those riders a little on the clumsy side, it also prepares the horse for all sorts of opportunities to partner with its rider on the trail,  in unexpected  pleasure riding activities and in work.



Robert  and Watson working
on mounting and dismounting.

 This painting "Lean on Me" shows Madeleine leaning with her arm on the saddle with the reins on either side. This is the first step to mounting alone. Through this exercise she stands with one foot in the stirrup, then actually sits in the saddle, then dismounts. Then repeats, sometimes getting on and off on the wrong side. Sometimes she standing with one foot in the stirrup, so that Tango becomes use to having someone high above him. 

You can follow Madeleine LeClerc's and Robert Carlson's  weekly training updates and more amazing photographs provided by Lightning Bug Creek Photography documenting the training of their  Fort Collin's Makeover Horses Tango and Watson on their facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/2011-CO-Mustang-Makeover-with-RM-Performance/119433394800806

Prints of this painting are availalbe for sale begining Wednesday of this week on http://www.fineartamerica.com/  Search LindaLMartinArtist

Reference Photography for this painting were provided by Lightning Bug Creek Photography and used by permission.

" First Touch" Fort Collins Mustang Makeover ~ Challenge Painting #77

"First Touch"
8 by 10 inch Watercolor
by LindaLMartin Artist

“First Touch”

Painting number 2 following the Fort Collins Mustang Makeover with Madeleine LeClerc and Robert Carlson.

The first step in gaining the trust of a mustang is being able to have them accept your touch. Everything else is on hold until you get to that point.  Getting there is step by step almost a dance of acceptance.  Entering the space, the small world step by step until your hand is gently on the horse’s shoulder and he doesn’t flinch, he doesn’t move away.. There is an intimacy there that the horse connects with the handler. With a mustang it cannot be forced it must come by degrees so that the horse is not only willing to receive but he wants it and comes willingly.

Madeleine LeClerc using the whip
to make first touch.
Its not to threaten or beat the horse,
 but just used as an extension of the hand.

The first time I ever saw a horse worked with in this way I discovered that the whip as a tool was really an extension of the hand. The lunge whip, that whip with the long leather on the end, folded around the whip and touching the horse, making space between the handler and the mustang but touching. When touched first with the whip.. soon he will except the hand.  The key is touch

To follow the ongoing details of Madeleine and Robert you can like their Mustang Makeover page at this link on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/2011-CO-Mustang-Makeover-with-RM-Performance/119433394800806


Robert Carlson Making first touch with his hand.
Photo illustrations and reference by Lightning Bug Creek.
Used by permission.



Adoption: "Tavaci" From Nevada Wild Horse Range- Challenge Painting #57



"Tavaci"
5 by 7 Watercolor
by  Linda L Martin Artist

     Tavaci was adopted by photographer Amy Spivey and her husband, Christopher,  in September 2010.
Tavaci, was rounded up in July of 2008 from the Nevada Wild Horse Range. He was born in 2007 according to his Bureau of Land Management Tatoo.  The sorrel gelding with the long silver flaxen mane and tail was trained by Texas trainer Robert Carlson. 
According to Amy, Robert, along with Fiancé Madi LeClerc, have both worked with Tavaci.  
Readers may remember that Artista and Riley in previous Adoption posts where both horses that came out of Robert and Madi’s  Training Facility. In addition to training TIP and adopted mustangs, as well as other horses, both Robert and Madi compete in the Mustang Makeovers held by the Mustang Heritage foundation .org.

"Tavaci"
Reference Photography by
Amy Spivey/Lightening Bug Creek Photography
Used by permission

Amy’s Lightenning Bug Creek Photography documents the training activities of Robert and Madi through out the year as they prepare for competition in the Mustang Makeovers.
Amy says that Tavaci is to be her husband’s trail horse.