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KO

KO

Article in the Barrel Horse News

November 2011

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I have wrote.  2011 has really been a tough year.  A storm blew part of our barn down, my in-laws indoor arena was lost in a tornado, then Rick was in an automobile accident that he's lucky and blessed to have survived, then the gate to our pasture was accidently left open and one of my top prospects got out and was hit and killed on the highway in front of our house.  Plus I have suffered more severe Lupus attacks than ever before.

But with all that's happened, I still know without a doubt that we are blessed and I am so thankful!

We are blessed that Rick is still with us, we're blessed that Kami and Koda are both healthy, and we are blessed with some great horses that are all sound and healthy right now.

So with that said, we are looking forward to seeing each and everyone of you at the barrel races. 

June 2010

Sorry I haven't updated in a while.  Been working with several colts.  Took Scat back to my vet for his checkup since it has now been 1 year and received great news, I am now starting to leg him up to compete.  I plan on spending 3/4 months to get him in shape.  We've been patient this far so there's no reason to rush it now. 

Kami, Jackie (KO Lets Go), and Mattie (Matts Dun Dale) have really been doing good, Shrimp (KO Living On A Prayer) is also really starting to come on.    Roany is continuing to consistently progress and is so fun to ride.

I am also legging Striker (KO Aint Misbehavin) back up to get him ready to run.  He has been turned out since the first of December.

Also have a new string of colts I am working with.  As usual it's been extremely busy around here.  Kami plays basketball and softball on 2 summer leages and Koda is playing baseball on his summer leage, not to mention Kami is also involved with showing goats.  Needless to say we are on the run all the time...  lol...

~ Hope you have a very blessed, fun, and safe summer ~

February

February has been a pretty tough month on all of us.  The weather hasn't permitted me to do my job like I need to.  I've actually spent more time getting ready for the spring livestock shows than working with the horses.

I will be starting several new colts in March and am looking forward to legging Scat back up around April or May.   KO Aint Misbehavin is still on break but has healed up nicely.  I finally found a 7 horse trailer to haul my colts in so I will be busy, busy, busy this year....

January, 2010

I'm back to work and starting the year out on KO Livin On A Prayer aka Shrimp.  So far he is showing alot of promise and I'm enjoying him so much!  Also, my training video has hit the market and I hope and pray that it is beneficial to those who purchase it.  I'm looking forward to learning more this year and I wish you all a very blessed and prosperous 2010~

December

My horses and I are taking a break!!!    Hope everyone has a very wonderful and Blessed Christmas!!  Please don't forget to give thanks and be compassionate to others...  It's so much more fun to give than to receive. 

Reminder:  My training video will be coming out in January, 2010...  I can only hope and pray that it will be a blessing to someone.  If I can help just 1 person then it's all worth it!   I am so thankful to God for allowing me to learn and grow through these years and to share some of what I have learned with others.  I pray that I will never stop learning, caring, or growing as a child of God...

November

* Took a step back on my superstakes colt "KO Aint Misbehavin" aka Striker.  He fell @ Shawnee exhibitioning a couple weeks ago and really knocked himself out of wack, plus the fall weakened his confidence level.  As said in my article, training colts is always like climbing a ladder.  You take 3 steps forward, 2 steps back, 2 steps forward, 3 steps back.  It is always so important to be totally aware of each step taken.  To know your horse and to keep climbing that ladder in a positive, confident matter is what helps make them last for the long haul.  Even with a setback you can still keep your horse in the same grade - sometimes they just need a segment of special ed to keep them progressing on to get ready for the next grade.

* Excited about "KO Lets Go" aka Jackie.  She now gets a monthly shot to keep her out of heat and we have seen great response.  She was never marey acting, but was in so much pain that she dreaded her job during her cycle.  Since starting her on the shots her whole attitude has changed and her willingness to please and excel is back - Thank God!!!

* Also excited about my other futurity colt "KO Livin On A Prayer" aka Shrimp.  He is really starting to turn it on.  He loves his job and loves to please so I'm anxiously waiting for the 2010 season.

* Scat is still on the mend.  He is fat, sassy, and full of himself.  I just thought he was arrogant before the accident, but now he's putting a whole new meaning to the word arrogant!!!!! 

My vet says I can start legging him back up in January but I am going to stick to my original plan and give him more time.    I honestly believe that extra time and prayer will allow him to come back stronger than ever.  He not only has such a huge heart but he also loves to run barrels and although that's an awesome combination it can also work against us.  He could re-injure without me knowing it until it's too late....  (Can't forget - he fractured at the beginning take off of his run - I felt him stumble but then he kept going not giving me any indication that I needed to pull up!  He still worked, turned 3 barrels, AND ran a 1D time, ALL with a fractured hock - and no he was not on drugs - it was pure grit and heart (the main component of a true champion that no trainer can add). 

I guess that's it for now....  Hope you have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

October

* Just completed the training video.  There will be a winning tips on the December DVD, then my training video will come out in January and can be purchased through www.winningruns.com

* Took Scat back to be re-checked.  He is doing good and I should be able to compete on him next year.  I'm walking him now and should be able to start exercising more come January.

* This fall is has been extremely busy.  Trying to get colts ready for the futurities...

Please remember to count your blessings and be kind to others!!!!!

November 27th

* Had to take Striker back to my vet to be looked at.  He is really sore.  Going to give him a few days off and then give it a whirl at OKC.  Then we have decided to give him 3 to 4 months off, not run him at Ft. Smith, and bring him back for the fall futurities.  He is very mature mentally but very immature physically and needs more time to grow.  Thanks so much Dr. Jill Mixer for caring and getting me in day after Thanksgiving to look at him.  I know that was supposed to be your day off and I appreciate it so much!!!

Rick and Karla Oller / rdksoller@aol.com / (580) 541-1704 or (580) 541-1429

            

                                                                        

                 

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