Wow, it’s been three weeks since we left, crisscrossing the country before flying to Spain and then the UK. I’m busy playing ‘catch up’ because that’s a long time to be away, so I’ll take more time this weekend and tell you more about my time with Luis Lucio in Spain. I learned some wonderful things concerning Principle #7 “Horses Teach Riders” because Luis had me ride five of his horses in training and as always our conversations are rabid!
But back on a personal note, coming home to the dogs was great. I was a bit concerned that having only had Moxie for two weeks before we left for three, might mean that she would just treat me like everybody else. I knew she would know me, but… well, you know how we can think some times!
We arrived rather late and Ann Kiser (Campus Chief of Staff and official nanny for Moxie and Vinny when we go away!) was outside with the dogs enjoying the lovely Pagosa evening. As we walked into the house Vinny ran in all happy to see us but Moxie started barking and was hanging back a little. As soon as she heard my voice she came tearing over, excited beyond self-control and trying to climb up my legs. So cute!! She didn’t stop wiggling with joy and now she won’t let me out of her sight.
The first thing we noticed is how much she’s grown, which Ann couldn’t really tell because she’s been with her every day. Her nose has grown about 1/4 inch and her body is longer, she’s starting to look like a dachshund. And she is feistier than ever, her play drive is higher than Vinny’s! As I write she’s stretched out on the couch next to me and Vinny is up on the back of it, keeping an eye on the garden for rodents.
Vinny has become quite the hunter. Yesterday he caught a mouse and crunched on the whole thing for lunch – it was gone in about 20 seconds, yich. It’s amazing to watch that instinct developing in him. He’s a lot of dog, dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers (not the miniatures, but the instincts are the same) and hunting is now part of his every day ‘duty’ although he doesn’t always catch something. When I went to feed my horses this morning he almost caught a squirrel in my feed room! It was just about as big as him but that didn’t deter him at all – and it was about twice the size of Moxie. It ran right past her, out from under the feed bin with Vinny in hot pursuit, although he couldn’t fit under there – lucky for the squirrel!
Nature is sure a powerful force. It makes me think about our horses and what they’re bred for and how strong the need in them can be to fulfill that desire… and this is over and above their Horsenality. More musings on that too at another time 
.
Yours naturally,
Linda
PS I also have to tell you about the lesson I gave on Savvy Club Sunday in Ohio… huge. I had actually written it before getting on the plane to Spain and then pressed some button that deleted the whole thing, and I couldn’t get it back!!
In the office with Moxie and Vinny
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Linda, I was also at Savvy Club Sunday in Ohio and was so inspired by your determination, focus and patience. I thought I was patient, until I watched your catching game!
I went home and vowed not to give up on my ‘uncatchable’ mare. I’ve worked on our catching game in each session since (in the large paddock), and have caught her each and every time! Our longest game so far was 46 minutes, our shortest about 30 seconds. Her previous owner hadn’t caught her in 6 years!
Thanks so much for your dedication and inspiration!
Well done Linda. It’s not easy to read horses, sometimes what they try to tell us is so subtle. But once you know what you’re dealing with, Horsenality will help you immeasurably. That and PATIENCE, as you said. When you really get it, time stands still. You become totally unaware of how much time passes because you are 100% present with the horse. When you take the time it takes the first time, it takes less time after that.
L
‘Over and above their Horsenality’?? Hmmm … curious about that and would love to know your thoughts .. Welcome back to your home, I hope to see you and Pat in Fresno
Linda, I am very excited to hear your thoughts about the lesson on Sunday in Ohio. I was there as a volunteer, but was fortunate enough to watch that lesson. It was incredible! I especially loved when you changed what you were doing because the horse needed something else to help him.
Linda, I saw you in the UK on Savvy Club Sunday and you were amazing! I really enjoyed watching you work with Andy and you impressed me with your relaxed attitude and profesionalism when things got a little difficult (losing first the rider, then the saddle!) but you carried on and continued to teach and inspire us. I was really dissapointed when you announced that this was the end of the event – i was hungry for more! I hoe you return to the UK sometime soon, in the meantime I hope you enjoy being back in your own home for a while
Funny, or not, about the delete button. I did that the other day with a huge homework assignment. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. We too have a weiner dog whom we call “Twinkie” that I adore. Please keep the inspiration comming.
Linda Parelli! Not only are you about the nicest person, but you must be about the cutest woman on the planet as well! Cute dogs! Cute owner! And married to the cute Horseman! You’ve got it all going on! :0)
Lovely to come across your blog. Your new babies are just too precious, we have two crazy street dogs that have joined our family on the farm and love to chase our horses. One was kicked the other day. I would love to see the video of Pat with Caeser if you could let me know where I could find it.. or I guess I could google it. Thank you for four years of incredible inspiration!
Jeanene,
Click the center tab that says, “video”
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/dog-whisperer/3735/Overview#tab-Overview
This video actually has dogs that try to nip at horses!
Kali
Hi Linda,
So glad you got home safe and sound, I was at the savvy sunday in the uk, (lady in the spotty dress at the front who said she read your blog) and it was so fantastic to see you and pat so close and the sessions were great my husband and I went home inspired yet again after seeing you.
Your dogs are so cute, I love mini’s..
Keep blogging I love reading them x
I’m so looking forward to reading about your lesson in Ohio on Savvy Club Sunday! I was was there…. and you were AMAZIMG!!! (as always!).
Seeing your post about your pups made me remember watching the episode of Dog Whisperer with Pat and Cesar Millan. I put the show on just to see Pat. I have now read Cesar’s books and really enjoyed the way he talks about leading a balanced life so your animals can stay in balance. Thanks for sharing your dog and horsey life
Linda, I always enjoy your blogs — but the mention of Ann Kiser’s name is what really made me smile this time. She wouldn’t remember me from anyone else, but I will never forget how above-and-beyond kind she was to me in 2004 at my first Parelli class in Pagosa!
Linda, I had a mini doxie once. She was 8 weeks old when I got her. Saved her from being a Pit Bull’s lunch. (Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against Pits, just their owners). She died in my arms at 12.5 yrs old. Her name was Precious and she lived up to it. You will find that once a doxie bonds with you, nothing or no one can break that bond. Moxie has bonded with you or it wouldn’t bother her if you were out of sight. Minis have a way of getting into your heart like no other breed I know of (and I’ve had LOTS of dogs in my 55 yrs). They are special and what characters! Oh, I could tell you some of the silliest stories……Precious was a good rat dog. She would snap their necks and then drop them at my feet and say, “Look Mom, Look what I did!!” with the biggest smile on her face. (Yes, they DO smile). I love reading your blogs. They somehow bring you into our home as a friend, not just a celebrity. With your hectic schedule, you taking the time to write to everyone is very heartwarming and means alot. Thank you. Hugs to you, Vinnie and Moxie
We saw you in Ohio, but not on Savvy Club Sunday. Wish we could have stayed all day, but only stayed for the first half. Thanks SO MUCH for saying “hello” to me! I loved it. I had a GREAT TIME.
I love you and Pat!!
Hi Linda…
It is so good to know you and Pat are back home safe. I love to read your blogs…you are just so real…down to earth, I wish I could sit down with you for a cup of tea an just chat. Thanks for being you and for all of the inspiration you instill on us.
AWW! SO CUTE!
I love how much you love those dogs. You have always been one of my favourite people because of how much you (and PAT!) have influenced my life with horses, but seeing how crazy mushy you are about your dogs adds a whole new dimension! LOVE YOU LINDA! You are an amazing soul.
How tiny and cute! Our Bran (A Patterdale terrier cross) is 16 weeks old tomorrow. I introduced her to my horse Charlie (Chazbo) when she was 8 weeks and she really wasn’t too sure about the ‘big fellar’ and piddled on my boyfriends jumper. My 3 dogs and horse have made my life so rich. I couldnt imagine life without them. My facebook is covered in pictered of them. Keep up the great work you guys do… Love from the Highlands of Scotland.
Linda – We here in Pagosa always are glad when you & Pat return. Just knowing you are here inspires us. I want to personally thank you for sharing your learning with us. I am inspired and every day seem to have some sort of BFO.
I know that you miss the dogs very much and are extremely fortunate to have Ann K as your nanny.
See you around the pasture.
OH, they are so cute, Linda. Please tell us more about the UK and Ohio trips. I’ll be seeing you all in Fresno soon.
Glad for a great trip for you all. Also very glad to hear you are home safe and sound. I am sure the puppies when thrilled to see ya. Enjoy your blog very much. Always inspriring and full of info. Looking forward to seing the blog on your lesson you gave on Savvy Club Sunday in Ohio.