| Nikko at Pauls Valley holding facility |
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| June 9th 2007 Pick up day |
| Coming down the isle |
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| Getting ready to load up |
Pick up day was about one month after we were notified that we were picked. We had a 7 hr trip to go to the Pauls Valley
OK holding facility. With 3 other friends for support, we arrived to find that my assigned horse was the cutest 14h. bay gelding
with a beautiful blaze and the kindest eyes. I fell in love with him, I was very happy with my "draw". He was a challenge
from the start.
| 2 days after arriving |
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| Showing a nice extended trot |
| Showing natural curiosity and bravery |
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| A GOOD SIGN |
Our first real breakthrough was not for a month.
We had played alot of approach and retreat but he still wouldn't let me touch him till 7-7-07. I finally got to lay a hand
on him. After that things went pretty smooth.
| 7-18-07 |
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| First trailer load |
| 7-18-07 |
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| First saddling, everthing went Great! |
By 7-11 he was letting me approach and halter him and then came the saddle pad and the tarps. He took everything
in stride. By July 18, he was carring a saddle and loading in the trailer.
Then came my personal challenges. Some family problems, the birth of a new grandson and then the death
of my grandfather.
Nikko got put on hold until the Sunday before we were to leave for Texas. With my daughter's help, I rode
him for the first time. So by show time he had 8 rides on him. Sun thru Sat he got rode, and by the time for our ride Sat
afternoon, he was trotting, backing and giving to my leg pressure. Dropping his nose nicely and doing some lateral work. He
even backed thru the L shape with his nose tucked. He looked great, from the pictures I saw.
Nikko sold for $1000 to some folks from here in Warrensburg. They traveled to Texas to buy an Extreme Makeover
horse. They are having me finish him. It turned out much better that I could have hoped for. I now have a hand in being able
to tailor his training to fit his new owners. It turned out to be a win, win, win situation for all 3 of us.
I will apply for the 2008 Extreme Mustang Makeover, as long as my situation has improved. Hope to be able
to help represent MO in this Challenge again.
| Nikko and Diana Caldwell- hip #40 |
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| Ft. Worth TX Sept 22nd 2007-Backing thru the L |
| In-Hand competition. |
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| WE WERE THE FIRST TO GO! |
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