It has been soo cold lately! Okay, admittedly mostly in the 40's - 50's with only one night below freezing, but combine that with constant drizzle/rain for about a week and it seems darn right cold outside! The horses are all in their waterproof blankies, except for Charlie who is a Belgian/TB mare from Canada. When it is really raining and cold, they all stay in and enjoy the barn and extra hay. But otherwise they all do well out in the field, coming in for a few hours twice a day to eat and relax. My favorite part is when they lay down in their stalls - I may not see them do it, but the fresh shavings in their manes & tails gives it away.
I put blankets on the horses over a week ago now - I was hoping to take them off today but it never warmed up like it was supposed to. Even Arwen (my foster horse) took to having a blanket on like she'd had it done a million times (as would be expected for an ex-racehorse). I figured she would, but was extra careful just the same. You never know what might scare a horse or bring back a scary memory for them.
25yo Arthur enjoys his special hot beet pulp every meal. It sets out to soak for the next feeding for about 12 hours, and the water is so cold! I couldn't imagine eating it that way, so before I take it to the barn, I soak it with hot water, and Arthur slurps up every bit. He likes being in panels next to the hay where he can reach between the bars and nibble on as much hay as he'd like. He also has hay in his stall, but he prefers the stuff that is more challenging to get to.
I sometimes look at Sweetie and can't believe that we have been together for 19 years! I wonder what the first 3 years of her life were like, and hope in her mind she appreciates being with the same owner all these years - spoiled rotten! :) I guess she wouldn't know the difference. Her son, Rocky, certainly doesn't - he's been with me since the day he was born 13 years ago. Geez, is he really that old? It seems crazy how much time has passed!
I did get to ride about 3 weeks ago - I hopped on Sweetie and rode in the ring and we had a nice, relaxing ride. I've also given Sammie a few lessons on Arthur since I last wrote. But we humans have had our share of illnesses the last month, and now with the weather, it has been difficult to get out there and ride. Hopefully it will clear up this weekend and we will ride again!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Arthur - Laminitis Management
After such a long drought, Texas is finally receiving a ton of rain! We actually have moved into an excess amount of rain for the year, although we still have not caught up for the last two years. So, as you can imagine, the grass has been growing like mad - and has been for about 2 months now.
Arthur was being kept up in a small paddock by the barn to keep him off of the grass as it first started growing after the drought. He has been doing really well with the emergency diet from the Equine Cushings Yahoo Group. Now, the group is of the opinion that you should never, ever let a cushings horse/pony out on any kind of grass. Hard core, no grass at all. But I have been struggling with that idea - and I can tell very quickly when Arthur is getting owie. I know for certain that when the grass grows either after a drought or first thing in the spring, that it is too much for Arthur. But he was eating the grass all last summer without trouble (when it was dried and brown). I have also read that the fall grass is actually the safest grass (lowest in starch). That combined with the consistent rain we have been getting made me feel that our grass is not stressed at this time, and I wanted to give Arthur the opportunity to be out with the herd (not to mention his paddock had become quite a muddy area, and I wanted to get his feet out of that situation as well). So I started letting Arthur out on the grass at night (when the grass is lower starch than during the day) for over a week and saw no sign of laminitis, so we started letting him out both day and night about mid-October. Actually, it was Oct. 10 to be specific, since that was the Horse Expo, and I had to use the panels that make his paddock for the Expo. Arthur has been out on pasture (coming in for 4-5 hours a day over 2 feedings of beet pulp and hay) for over 2 weeks now, and he is SO Happy to be a horse out with the herd again! My main concern are his feet, which I have been watching very carefully for the first sign of soreness. But so far, so good. I will continue to monitor him at every feeding and will keep him up again if I need to. But it appears we are to the "safe" time of fall grass, and soon it will all die off and then we will be home free until next spring.
So, I know that the wonderful ladies at the Equine Cushings group would probably admonish me for letting him have any grass at all, but I feel it is important to look at each horse individually. In another situation (a severely foundered horse/pony), I would be much more careful. But for our Arthur who has had mild laminitis a few times that we were able to clear up quickly with a change in diet & keeping him off grass when it was dangerous/starchy, I feel confident that with close monitoring of his comfort, I'll be able to make changes accordingly. At his age (25), quality of life is also important, and I want him to be happy. Not to mention that moving around with the herd all the time helps keep his arthritis from bothering him. In the last two weeks, on several occasions, I have seen him trotting and even cantering to come up for feeding time, which I have not seen in a while. To me, that's what being a horse is all about - feeling well enough to be out there running with the herd, free as can be.
Arthur was being kept up in a small paddock by the barn to keep him off of the grass as it first started growing after the drought. He has been doing really well with the emergency diet from the Equine Cushings Yahoo Group. Now, the group is of the opinion that you should never, ever let a cushings horse/pony out on any kind of grass. Hard core, no grass at all. But I have been struggling with that idea - and I can tell very quickly when Arthur is getting owie. I know for certain that when the grass grows either after a drought or first thing in the spring, that it is too much for Arthur. But he was eating the grass all last summer without trouble (when it was dried and brown). I have also read that the fall grass is actually the safest grass (lowest in starch). That combined with the consistent rain we have been getting made me feel that our grass is not stressed at this time, and I wanted to give Arthur the opportunity to be out with the herd (not to mention his paddock had become quite a muddy area, and I wanted to get his feet out of that situation as well). So I started letting Arthur out on the grass at night (when the grass is lower starch than during the day) for over a week and saw no sign of laminitis, so we started letting him out both day and night about mid-October. Actually, it was Oct. 10 to be specific, since that was the Horse Expo, and I had to use the panels that make his paddock for the Expo. Arthur has been out on pasture (coming in for 4-5 hours a day over 2 feedings of beet pulp and hay) for over 2 weeks now, and he is SO Happy to be a horse out with the herd again! My main concern are his feet, which I have been watching very carefully for the first sign of soreness. But so far, so good. I will continue to monitor him at every feeding and will keep him up again if I need to. But it appears we are to the "safe" time of fall grass, and soon it will all die off and then we will be home free until next spring.
So, I know that the wonderful ladies at the Equine Cushings group would probably admonish me for letting him have any grass at all, but I feel it is important to look at each horse individually. In another situation (a severely foundered horse/pony), I would be much more careful. But for our Arthur who has had mild laminitis a few times that we were able to clear up quickly with a change in diet & keeping him off grass when it was dangerous/starchy, I feel confident that with close monitoring of his comfort, I'll be able to make changes accordingly. At his age (25), quality of life is also important, and I want him to be happy. Not to mention that moving around with the herd all the time helps keep his arthritis from bothering him. In the last two weeks, on several occasions, I have seen him trotting and even cantering to come up for feeding time, which I have not seen in a while. To me, that's what being a horse is all about - feeling well enough to be out there running with the herd, free as can be.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Arwen at the Expo
Arwen at the Expo
Isn't she gorgeous??!!
Becky brought Arwen to the Expo for me early Saturday morning - she loaded perfectly, but not before rolling in the mud... *rolling eyes*... So I had plenty of grooming to do - it really was too cold to give her a bath and I didn't have that much time while I was running between clinicians.
If I had any question as to whether Arwen was actually raced or not before the Expo, I am 100% certain now. Becky pulled her out of the stall during our live auction to walk her around and get comfortable with the new location before I was to take her in the ring and present her in hand. Well, the auctioneer's voice sounded very much like a sportscaster calling a horserace... Arwen's heart was racing and nearly pumping out of her chest when Becky first walked her out of her stall. Arwen's eyes were intensely aware of her surroundings and ears perked forward looking around for the race she assumed was going on.
It took Becky nearly 30 min to convince Arwen that there wasn't really a race and that she could calm down and relax. We also put my saddle on her - with a little work. She surprised both of us and kicked the first time we went to girth her up, but I'm not convinced that it wasn't related to being concerned about going to a race.
When it was time to go into the ring, Arwen was relaxed and perfectly behaved. We trotted along the rail when we were called and Arwen followed my pace easily and never tried to get in front of me or misbehave. I was so proud of her! She had a few people asking about her for a possible barrel prospect - I sure hope someone is interested in her! I would love to see her go to her forever home soon!
Isn't she gorgeous??!!
Becky brought Arwen to the Expo for me early Saturday morning - she loaded perfectly, but not before rolling in the mud... *rolling eyes*... So I had plenty of grooming to do - it really was too cold to give her a bath and I didn't have that much time while I was running between clinicians.
If I had any question as to whether Arwen was actually raced or not before the Expo, I am 100% certain now. Becky pulled her out of the stall during our live auction to walk her around and get comfortable with the new location before I was to take her in the ring and present her in hand. Well, the auctioneer's voice sounded very much like a sportscaster calling a horserace... Arwen's heart was racing and nearly pumping out of her chest when Becky first walked her out of her stall. Arwen's eyes were intensely aware of her surroundings and ears perked forward looking around for the race she assumed was going on.
It took Becky nearly 30 min to convince Arwen that there wasn't really a race and that she could calm down and relax. We also put my saddle on her - with a little work. She surprised both of us and kicked the first time we went to girth her up, but I'm not convinced that it wasn't related to being concerned about going to a race.
When it was time to go into the ring, Arwen was relaxed and perfectly behaved. We trotted along the rail when we were called and Arwen followed my pace easily and never tried to get in front of me or misbehave. I was so proud of her! She had a few people asking about her for a possible barrel prospect - I sure hope someone is interested in her! I would love to see her go to her forever home soon!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Arwen - A few days with a Trainer
Arwen went to stay with Becky Strassner (a Frank Bell certified trainer) this week to be evaluated. We went knowing that Arwen had been raced as a 2 and 3 yo, (she is now 9), she let me tack her up and sit on her, but did not want to move her feet at all - she did not understand any cues I was giving her. Becky started out with ground work (as all good trainers do!) and I made time to go over and watch to learn as much as I could. I took Arwen over on Monday evening, and Becky spent some time with her out in the field just letting Arwen be a horse and spend time with her to get to know her. On Tuesday, she did groundwork in the field using a rope halter - and a rope lead - that does not have any metal hardware on it! I have taken the time to study the Parelli methods a bit, and although I can see the effectiveness of their methods, that big piece of metal that connects the lead to the halter slamming in to a horse's jaw just seems a little excessive to me.
On Weds. I got to see Becky work with Arwen in the roundpen on the ground. Arwen was very responsive and seems to be a very fast learner. But she worries sometimes - as is the nature for Thoroughbreds to be sensitive. The good part about Arwen is that if she does get worried - she comes back to her handler quickly and is able to return to the task almost immediately. She tried very hard to learn & understand what Becky was asking her to do. Becky felt that she would have no trouble tacking her up on Thursday.
Thursday came and Becky had Arwen in the roundpen with her personal horse, Bugs. The goal was for Arwen to see Bugs go through the steps, and to see what she wanted her to do. (and for me to practice wit Bugs so I could learn proper signals). Becky started off by working both horses on the rail to teach Arwen to join up. As soon as Becky took the pressure off, Bugs immediately turned and came in to Becky and would stay at her side whatever direction she went in. Arwen, on the other hand, was not as easy to join up. Arwen would stop and give Becky her attention, but did not understand to come in to her and follow her at her side. So Becky gently guided Arwen with her arm under her head and hand on her cheek, to show Arwen that she wanted her to stay with her. Another thing they had practiced a lot was being in step with each other - when Becky stopped, Arwen learned to also. Both of their feet moved and stopped at the same time. Then Becky worked with giving to pressure - lowering Arwen's head by gently milking the lead pulling downwards. And then doing the same to each side. She would get Arwen's head to one side, and then rub her face, eyes, ears, and nostrils to teach her that it was okay to be close with a human. She rubbed down her back to her tail and helped he relax and gently rub the underside of her tail - all of these things are rather intimate for a horse and help them know they are safe and can relax.
While standing on the near side, we put the rope on the far side and ran it along their far side all the way behind their rump, and then gently let them turn around to the right to follow the rope, and using "pressure", asking them to move off in a circle. When you are done, you "wind them up", asking their hindquarters to engage and step deeply across one another 3 times in a tight circle. What was interesting was that Arwen had no idea how to do that at first - she would shuffle sideways with her back feet, stepping on herself occasionally, but it took some practice before she would really cross over with her back legs.
Arwen also learned to back both by giving at the poll and also by using your body energy to push them backwards. Everything that she learned on the ground translated directly to the saddle.
Becky first got on her bareback - she said that you can feel their muscle tenseness much better when it's directly under you. Arwen stood well for mounting, but preferred to follow me riding Bugs bareback in order to move off. Becky encountered the same thing I had seen before - she had no idea what any leg cues were, and did not understand to move forward gently. But she was quick to follow Bugs, as any racehorse would know to do as they are often ponied around when they are not galloping down the stretch.
Becky put the saddle & pad on her back - letting her smell them first - and Arwen stood fine for both. At this point, I was back on the ground leading Bugs just in case Arwen was silly. Becky worked her on the ground first, asking her to move, circle, step under herself in a tight circle, until she was confident that Arwen would be okay for her to mount up. Mounting was uneventful, but she still preferred to follow Bugs for a while until she got the hang of things, and eventually, Becky was walking her around away from us. She even trotted her around once or twice, but Arwen seemed concerned, so she stopped.
Overall, it was a great first ride, and I learned a lot. My favorite part about what I learned from Becky was the gentleness of it all. Of course, I tend to be very calm, so I did have to use more energy, but I felt good about all the things she was asking me to do. I never put Bugs or Arwen in a place where they seemed concerned or uncomfortable.
On Weds. I got to see Becky work with Arwen in the roundpen on the ground. Arwen was very responsive and seems to be a very fast learner. But she worries sometimes - as is the nature for Thoroughbreds to be sensitive. The good part about Arwen is that if she does get worried - she comes back to her handler quickly and is able to return to the task almost immediately. She tried very hard to learn & understand what Becky was asking her to do. Becky felt that she would have no trouble tacking her up on Thursday.
Thursday came and Becky had Arwen in the roundpen with her personal horse, Bugs. The goal was for Arwen to see Bugs go through the steps, and to see what she wanted her to do. (and for me to practice wit Bugs so I could learn proper signals). Becky started off by working both horses on the rail to teach Arwen to join up. As soon as Becky took the pressure off, Bugs immediately turned and came in to Becky and would stay at her side whatever direction she went in. Arwen, on the other hand, was not as easy to join up. Arwen would stop and give Becky her attention, but did not understand to come in to her and follow her at her side. So Becky gently guided Arwen with her arm under her head and hand on her cheek, to show Arwen that she wanted her to stay with her. Another thing they had practiced a lot was being in step with each other - when Becky stopped, Arwen learned to also. Both of their feet moved and stopped at the same time. Then Becky worked with giving to pressure - lowering Arwen's head by gently milking the lead pulling downwards. And then doing the same to each side. She would get Arwen's head to one side, and then rub her face, eyes, ears, and nostrils to teach her that it was okay to be close with a human. She rubbed down her back to her tail and helped he relax and gently rub the underside of her tail - all of these things are rather intimate for a horse and help them know they are safe and can relax.
While standing on the near side, we put the rope on the far side and ran it along their far side all the way behind their rump, and then gently let them turn around to the right to follow the rope, and using "pressure", asking them to move off in a circle. When you are done, you "wind them up", asking their hindquarters to engage and step deeply across one another 3 times in a tight circle. What was interesting was that Arwen had no idea how to do that at first - she would shuffle sideways with her back feet, stepping on herself occasionally, but it took some practice before she would really cross over with her back legs.
Arwen also learned to back both by giving at the poll and also by using your body energy to push them backwards. Everything that she learned on the ground translated directly to the saddle.
Becky first got on her bareback - she said that you can feel their muscle tenseness much better when it's directly under you. Arwen stood well for mounting, but preferred to follow me riding Bugs bareback in order to move off. Becky encountered the same thing I had seen before - she had no idea what any leg cues were, and did not understand to move forward gently. But she was quick to follow Bugs, as any racehorse would know to do as they are often ponied around when they are not galloping down the stretch.
Becky put the saddle & pad on her back - letting her smell them first - and Arwen stood fine for both. At this point, I was back on the ground leading Bugs just in case Arwen was silly. Becky worked her on the ground first, asking her to move, circle, step under herself in a tight circle, until she was confident that Arwen would be okay for her to mount up. Mounting was uneventful, but she still preferred to follow Bugs for a while until she got the hang of things, and eventually, Becky was walking her around away from us. She even trotted her around once or twice, but Arwen seemed concerned, so she stopped.
Overall, it was a great first ride, and I learned a lot. My favorite part about what I learned from Becky was the gentleness of it all. Of course, I tend to be very calm, so I did have to use more energy, but I felt good about all the things she was asking me to do. I never put Bugs or Arwen in a place where they seemed concerned or uncomfortable.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Trying out the Ankle...
This morning was beautiful here in Texas, and I have been anxious to ride - it has been well over a month since the last time I rode - before I hurt my ankle. As I said before, Sweetie is always the first horse I get back on after a time off from riding. She loved the grooming, and the apples! I know that my ankle is still sore sometimes, but I just couldn't stay off the horses any longer. So we went out to the ring, and I mounted up - OUCH! It was pretty significantly painful. What did I think would happen? It was my left ankle, the one that you put your foot in the stirrup first, it holds all your weight. I was even using a mounting block (although not a huge one, and I was getting on a 16hh horse). It took several minutes for the pain to subside, and I quickly decided that we were not going to do more than walk this lazy Sunday. So we went out in the field to walk the fence a bit, and check out the pond ("tank"). Sweetie has never been one to really enjoy going away from the barn - even after all of these years. I had to straighten her out to stay the direction I wanted to go several times. But she did not fight it too bad for her. As we approached the pond, I could feel her anxiety building, and the moment I turned (no longer away from the barn, but perpendicular to it), she lifted up her front feet and began to get ready to bolt to the barn. Haha - I was ready for this - I know how she is - and I half-halted with my body to bring her back. As I continued to do the rest of the way back up the hill to the barn. I did not have to use a one-rein stop as she did not make that strong an effort, but it was all I could do to keep her walking the whole way back.
The good news was that the pond was full again after all the rain we have received. :) I liked that. :) And I took Sweetie back into the ring to dismount - for two reasons. 1) to teach her that we don't dismount at the barn and 2) it has much softer footing (sand) for my ankle :). I managed to dismount very slowly and only put weight on my good ankle first, and had no trouble from there.
So, I have come to the conclusion that I need to teach my horses to be mounted from the off side for a month or so while my ankle continues to heal. I suspect that although my horses will be initially surprised, they will take to it easily. It's me I'm worried about. :) I don't know if I'm that coordinated anymore. :) My body is so programmed to mounting from the left, I worry I'll mount up and end up looking backwards. :) (Not really... well, maybe. :) ) So we'll see what happens there.
I also took my foster horse, Arwen, out to the ring for some nice, calm, ground work. She was very relaxed, and always came back to me easily. Although I have not "played" with her as much as I'd like, she's learned that I'm pretty laid back. Every time she would come in to me, I would rub her forehead, and she would close her eyes and chew a little. You could just see how relaxed she was. It feels good to know that she trusts me and that we have built a bond even if it is based just on our daily interactions - grooming, a gentle rub on the forehead every time I pass her stall, etc.
Rocky had been sore in his front feet for a few weeks (not laminitis like) - like the change in weather to all the wetness made his feet hurt as the old sole shed off. It has progressively improved, and I took him out to longe him to see how he was doing. I put him out on a circle and asked him to trot - and he told me what for as he took off bucking/kicking/galloping and then came down to the trot. He did that both directions. I don't know if he was saying, "it's about time, Mom" or "how dare you make me work after all this time off." :) Something tells me it's the latter, as he would buck into the canter as a sign of resistance when we were riding regularly. But it was good to see him feeling better - and although I am anxious to ride him - he is 17hh and I've gotta get this off-side mounting thing down before I try to get on him. :) I don't think my ankle could handle the extra 4 inches right now.
It felt so good to ride again today! Here's looking for more of that!
The good news was that the pond was full again after all the rain we have received. :) I liked that. :) And I took Sweetie back into the ring to dismount - for two reasons. 1) to teach her that we don't dismount at the barn and 2) it has much softer footing (sand) for my ankle :). I managed to dismount very slowly and only put weight on my good ankle first, and had no trouble from there.
So, I have come to the conclusion that I need to teach my horses to be mounted from the off side for a month or so while my ankle continues to heal. I suspect that although my horses will be initially surprised, they will take to it easily. It's me I'm worried about. :) I don't know if I'm that coordinated anymore. :) My body is so programmed to mounting from the left, I worry I'll mount up and end up looking backwards. :) (Not really... well, maybe. :) ) So we'll see what happens there.
I also took my foster horse, Arwen, out to the ring for some nice, calm, ground work. She was very relaxed, and always came back to me easily. Although I have not "played" with her as much as I'd like, she's learned that I'm pretty laid back. Every time she would come in to me, I would rub her forehead, and she would close her eyes and chew a little. You could just see how relaxed she was. It feels good to know that she trusts me and that we have built a bond even if it is based just on our daily interactions - grooming, a gentle rub on the forehead every time I pass her stall, etc.
Rocky had been sore in his front feet for a few weeks (not laminitis like) - like the change in weather to all the wetness made his feet hurt as the old sole shed off. It has progressively improved, and I took him out to longe him to see how he was doing. I put him out on a circle and asked him to trot - and he told me what for as he took off bucking/kicking/galloping and then came down to the trot. He did that both directions. I don't know if he was saying, "it's about time, Mom" or "how dare you make me work after all this time off." :) Something tells me it's the latter, as he would buck into the canter as a sign of resistance when we were riding regularly. But it was good to see him feeling better - and although I am anxious to ride him - he is 17hh and I've gotta get this off-side mounting thing down before I try to get on him. :) I don't think my ankle could handle the extra 4 inches right now.
It felt so good to ride again today! Here's looking for more of that!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Injuries - of the human sort!
What a frustrating year for injuries for me! Almost a month ago now, I bent my ankle way too far to the outside when I stumbled just plain jogging to open a gate at the end of the driveway - enough pain to make me suddenly feel ill and shock-like. I'm doing pretty well now, but still sore. I used a brace for about a week, walked on it more than I should have, and then muddled through limping to help it get stronger. I have not yet attempted riding with it, but that is next on my list. I think I'll go with Sweetie first. :) She's always the safest bet, and doesn't mind being lazy (so long as we stay up in the ring!)
I have also started doing some hoof trimming on my own. My wonderful farrier of 9 years suddenly stopped communicating - I have called him a few times to reschedule, but he has not returned my calls. So, I am trimming my own horses right now. I have been watching the process for the last 20 years, and actually bought the tools about 5 years ago. I can say with certainty that I am improving each time, and I'm actually not half bad. You really have to focus on what the hoof looks like to start, where you want it to be, and then BALANCE. I have also learned how much easier it is to do my horse of 18 years who pretty much holds the hoof up for you compared to a 1/2 draft mare that doesn't like to hold her feet for you. :) And then there is the aspect of being completely relaxed and patient with the horses. I get a little nervous/concerned when the kids are with me in the barn when I need to do a trim, and the horses can tell. But when it's just me in the barn, they are much better behaved!
I trimmed two horses all the way around this Sunday morning (in lieu of using that time to ride... *pout*) and my back is pretty sore - it is much better today (2 days later) but on Sunday evening, I had a few shooting pains in my back that made me catch my breath when I bent over. Some advil, and some ice along my spine really helped make it feel better. But I am again being very careful about my body!
I guess I am being forced to realize that my body is not quite as limber/elastic as it once was, and I am putting more thought into my own safety. I ride 16/17 hh horses, but am pretty sure that the next mount I get for myself will be about 14 hh :) Much closer to the ground! A nice quarter horse will do. :) Not that I don't love my TB, I DO! But she will always have the quick reaction of a thoroughbred, and is very sensitive to any stimuli from me or around her. Even after years of showing, trailering, and pleasure riding, she still reacts quickly to things (although not as severely as she once did). But I still trust her more than any other horse in the barn - well, except for Arthur the pony, but I'm far too big for him. :) Sweetie has been with me through so much over the last 18 years - we've done so many things together - I know how she will react - she is nothing if not consistent in her behaviors.
I guess this concern comes from not riding as much as I had been. I felt this way when I started taking lessons again over a year ago. But I haven't had a lesson for about 6 months now. As cliche as it sounds, I just need to get "back on the horse."
I have also started doing some hoof trimming on my own. My wonderful farrier of 9 years suddenly stopped communicating - I have called him a few times to reschedule, but he has not returned my calls. So, I am trimming my own horses right now. I have been watching the process for the last 20 years, and actually bought the tools about 5 years ago. I can say with certainty that I am improving each time, and I'm actually not half bad. You really have to focus on what the hoof looks like to start, where you want it to be, and then BALANCE. I have also learned how much easier it is to do my horse of 18 years who pretty much holds the hoof up for you compared to a 1/2 draft mare that doesn't like to hold her feet for you. :) And then there is the aspect of being completely relaxed and patient with the horses. I get a little nervous/concerned when the kids are with me in the barn when I need to do a trim, and the horses can tell. But when it's just me in the barn, they are much better behaved!
I trimmed two horses all the way around this Sunday morning (in lieu of using that time to ride... *pout*) and my back is pretty sore - it is much better today (2 days later) but on Sunday evening, I had a few shooting pains in my back that made me catch my breath when I bent over. Some advil, and some ice along my spine really helped make it feel better. But I am again being very careful about my body!
I guess I am being forced to realize that my body is not quite as limber/elastic as it once was, and I am putting more thought into my own safety. I ride 16/17 hh horses, but am pretty sure that the next mount I get for myself will be about 14 hh :) Much closer to the ground! A nice quarter horse will do. :) Not that I don't love my TB, I DO! But she will always have the quick reaction of a thoroughbred, and is very sensitive to any stimuli from me or around her. Even after years of showing, trailering, and pleasure riding, she still reacts quickly to things (although not as severely as she once did). But I still trust her more than any other horse in the barn - well, except for Arthur the pony, but I'm far too big for him. :) Sweetie has been with me through so much over the last 18 years - we've done so many things together - I know how she will react - she is nothing if not consistent in her behaviors.
I guess this concern comes from not riding as much as I had been. I felt this way when I started taking lessons again over a year ago. But I haven't had a lesson for about 6 months now. As cliche as it sounds, I just need to get "back on the horse."
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Return of the Barn Cat
I blogged about our new barn cat a few months ago, and shortly after he was "free" from the confines of the tack room (thanks to a skilled vet for neutering and shots), he disappeared during the day. He would return sometime at night, every night, to eat, but I never saw him... until last week. Suddenly, and completely, our barn cat has become, a BARN cat - he stays in there all day and sleeps on the hay or the area above the tack room. It's almost kinda funny to see him poking his head out under the eaves to watch me come to the barn every morning. (I need to take a photo!)
I don't know whether it is that we now have a huge stack of hay for him to sleep on, or if it has cooled off enough to make the barn bearable, or what. But he has been out there every morning and evening feed - and was even there this afternoon when I carried fresh grain in. He is very vocal and talks to me as I approach the barn, and I always pick him up and pet him for a few minutes which immediately quiets him down and starts him purring.
And the kids are so excited to have their kitty back! Sammie and Christopher have been asking, "When will we see the kitty again?" and now I can take them out there with me to pet him. He actually tolerates the kids really well, thank goodness, but you can tell he prefers the adults. :) And I'm so happy to have an affectionate cat around to keep the mice away!
I don't know whether it is that we now have a huge stack of hay for him to sleep on, or if it has cooled off enough to make the barn bearable, or what. But he has been out there every morning and evening feed - and was even there this afternoon when I carried fresh grain in. He is very vocal and talks to me as I approach the barn, and I always pick him up and pet him for a few minutes which immediately quiets him down and starts him purring.
And the kids are so excited to have their kitty back! Sammie and Christopher have been asking, "When will we see the kitty again?" and now I can take them out there with me to pet him. He actually tolerates the kids really well, thank goodness, but you can tell he prefers the adults. :) And I'm so happy to have an affectionate cat around to keep the mice away!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Cushings/Laminitis & Diet
As you can read from my last post, we were so excited to get in some fresh hay for the winter! It feels so good to know that my stash is about half full, and know that the other half will be here in a few weeks. But the new hay had some unexpected consequences for Arthur, our 25yo pony. A few days after we started feeding the hay to him (he is up in a dirt paddock because he tends to get owwie feet when the grass comes in after a drought), he started showing signs of laminitis again. I had not made any other changes, and it seemed surprising to me that the hay could cause his feet to be sore. It wasn't grain overload or a ton of green grass - just hay? A very smart lady said it sounded like cushings - and I spent some time researching it. My best source by far was this group: Equine Cushings Group
I quickly learned that the hay could very well be too high in sugar/starch for Arthur, especially since it was grown during a drought time in Texas (although it was well irrigated and fertilized). So the solution was to soak the hay for 30 min (hot water) - 1hr (cold water) before feeding it to him. I was also advised to discontinue any grain, and use soaked/rinsed beet pulp instead, supplemented with vitamin E, flax seed, salt, and magnesium.
Within one week, this change in diet took him from a very ouchy laminitic pony who had started laying down for a few hours in the afternoon to get off his feet, to one who looks completely comfortable again, and has even been trotting around! He also seems much brighter, and the gook in his eyes he has had for the last year has completely cleared up. Amazing what diet can do!
I feel silly for not thinking of Cushings earlier - I knew Arthur had foundered in his past, and that he tended to be laminitic sensitive, but always thought "old foundered pony" - not Cushings. And then I remembered how hairy he had been this winter, and how he continued to shed (blankets!) until almost June before his coat looked nice, short & shiny.
My next steps will be to get a baseline ACTH, insulin, and glucose. And to have my hay analyzed so I can do a more specific diet balancing. Right now, though, we are through the hardest part of getting him stabilized and knowing what to feed him to keep him healthy and happy! I am so glad I found the Equine Cushings group and I am learning as much as I can for Arthur's sake.
I quickly learned that the hay could very well be too high in sugar/starch for Arthur, especially since it was grown during a drought time in Texas (although it was well irrigated and fertilized). So the solution was to soak the hay for 30 min (hot water) - 1hr (cold water) before feeding it to him. I was also advised to discontinue any grain, and use soaked/rinsed beet pulp instead, supplemented with vitamin E, flax seed, salt, and magnesium.
Within one week, this change in diet took him from a very ouchy laminitic pony who had started laying down for a few hours in the afternoon to get off his feet, to one who looks completely comfortable again, and has even been trotting around! He also seems much brighter, and the gook in his eyes he has had for the last year has completely cleared up. Amazing what diet can do!
I feel silly for not thinking of Cushings earlier - I knew Arthur had foundered in his past, and that he tended to be laminitic sensitive, but always thought "old foundered pony" - not Cushings. And then I remembered how hairy he had been this winter, and how he continued to shed (blankets!) until almost June before his coat looked nice, short & shiny.
My next steps will be to get a baseline ACTH, insulin, and glucose. And to have my hay analyzed so I can do a more specific diet balancing. Right now, though, we are through the hardest part of getting him stabilized and knowing what to feed him to keep him healthy and happy! I am so glad I found the Equine Cushings group and I am learning as much as I can for Arthur's sake.
Monday, August 10, 2009
120 bales happier...
Saturday we loaded up 120 bales of beautiful coastal hay into my 24' stock trailer to start filling my winter stash. I've bought hay from the same guy the past two years - clean, fertilized, irrigated - and I am lucky he had as much for me as he did this year. He had 2 other customers to fill before me, but he ended up with more than he expected, thank goodness! The drought in my area of Texas is "exceptional" - it has been 100+ most of the last 2 months, and we have had hardly any rain.
And yes, it was over 100 while we were loading. No way around that. But we got 'er done, and Sunday night we stacked it all in the barn. Arthur will be in heaven as he can reach it through the panels that make up his stall. Best news - I saved $360. Hay is selling for $9/bale at the feed store, and I got this for $6 out of the field. (Isn't that what the feed store was selling it for a few years ago??! ) The price of hay came down briefly to $8.50 for a few weeks in June then went back up to $9. If that's where it is right now - I can't imagine where it will be in winter! I hope to get another 100-150 bales from the same guy mid-September, if the grass recovers well. It has been so dang hot!
Praying for rain...
And yes, it was over 100 while we were loading. No way around that. But we got 'er done, and Sunday night we stacked it all in the barn. Arthur will be in heaven as he can reach it through the panels that make up his stall. Best news - I saved $360. Hay is selling for $9/bale at the feed store, and I got this for $6 out of the field. (Isn't that what the feed store was selling it for a few years ago??! ) The price of hay came down briefly to $8.50 for a few weeks in June then went back up to $9. If that's where it is right now - I can't imagine where it will be in winter! I hope to get another 100-150 bales from the same guy mid-September, if the grass recovers well. It has been so dang hot!
Praying for rain...
Friday, August 7, 2009
Another Colic Episode...
Everything was normal when I let the horses in this morning, and thankfully I puttered around a bit in the barn before running back inside to get out of the heat. Within a few moments, I heard Sweetie pawing and knew immediately she was beginning to colic. I put a halter on her and walked her into the yard - she was not interested in grass, and laid down and rolled up on her side. I watched her for a few minutes, and things did not seem to subside, so went in for some banamine. When I got back out to her (laying down), I heard the strangest noise - it sounded like she was trying to burp - a very fluidy burp - from her chest up in to her neck. I watched a few minutes more as she got uncomfortable, and stood up - the burp sound continued rhythmically, and she looked more stressed and stretched her neck out. Some green slobber dripped from her mouth and a tiny bit from her nose - which seemed like a choke, but she wasn't coughing or attempting to. I called the vet and let them know I would be on my way - and asked if it was okay to give her the banamine, which they said so long as it was IV it would be okay. I gave her the shot and then ran to get the trailer hooked up. I pulled the trailer around to the barn, and by then Sweetie was standing calmly by the fenceline - I went over to check her out, and if she looked completely normal, I would not have taken her to the vet. But I heard that weird burp/fluidy sound again and was not taking any chances - I have had Sweetie 19 years, we've been through a handful of colics that have all been very similar, and I had never heard this noise. I prayed it wasn't reflux.
Sweetie did not want to get on the trailer - I couldn't really blame her. I pulled out the lead with the chain which always did the trick when she was younger and more energetic - and that did it first try. Just knowing it was across her nose was enough to coerce her to get in.
By the time we got to the vet's (15 min later) she seemed pretty normal to me and was no longer making any weird throat noises. They drew blood which had a normal PCV (37 I think?), and did a protein test that was slightly high at 6.8, but not horrible. She tubed her, there was not any obstruction at that point (if there had been), everything seemed normal. She got a gallon of mineral oil and some water. The rectal palpation was also normal, everything was soft, no large amounts of gas or fluid anywhere, all seemed pretty dang normal.
What I was worried most about was some kind of obstruction, either in her neck, or something that would cause a reflux (fluid to come up from her stomach into her mouth, that would only happen in the most serious of colics where there was an obstruction). So my worries were calmed, and I decided to go ahead and take her home and watch her. My instructions were to not let her eat until tomorrow morning, and then start her on a half ration of her grain. Well, that, and I could hand walk her once this evening and let her graze on grass.
Everything started about 9am, and we were already home by 11am. But by 3pm, Sweetie had not drank a single sip of water while in her stall. She normally doesn't, the water was fresh... she prefers other water sources. So we grazed for 15 minutes at 3pm and then I took her to the trough where she sipped 3-4 gallons of water. But still not as much as I'd hoped for. I put her back in her stall, hoping to see at least one bowel movement. By 4:30, she still had not drank any water from her bucket, and still no poop. But the water issue was more concerning than the poop at that point - the vet had pulled out a fair amount during the palpation. If she wasn't going to drink water in her stall, we'd have a lot more serious issues to deal with soon - talk about impaction! So, I made the decision to let her out in the field with everyone - and pray that there was not anything seriously wrong with her. Sweetie went straight down to the pond and drank for 2-3 minutes before moving on. I also have a trough that I keep fresh water in, but I guess the pond water was cooler. (It is 104 here today). She looked completely normal as she grazed on the grass, and wandered off with our little herd.
I just went out to check on her - about 9:30pm - in the beautiful moonlight! And she was just fine, munching on some grass with her pals, not a worry at all. I am so thankful that she is doing well, and I know that I made the right decision for my horse. Every time in the past when she has had a mild colic that she has worked through, I have always let her back out in the pasture with grass, skipped a meal and then started back with 1/2 or less the next meal. She has always done fine that way, and I hope that she always will!
But if she does start colicing more frequently - weekly/monthly, then we may need to scope her to look for ulcers. But they want to keep them without food/water for a while before that - and that just doesn't make any sense in this heat (or at all for that matter- horses are supposed to eat all the time, I don't want to interfere with nature). So, it would have to wait until a cooler season at least, if I ever were to go that way. If I do get concerned about ulcers, I'll buy some Stomach Soother (half the cost of scoping) and go from there. I've already seen that work great on a rescue horse.
I also got a call tonight that my hay guy will be baling tomorrow, so we will be loading up 100-150 bales tomorrow in 100 degree heat. And drinking LOTS of water! But I will save 1.50-3.00/bale by doing it this way - that works out to $300-450 in savings! Gotta do it while the price is right - and this may be my last chance to get any hay this year out of the field. The drought down here has been horrible on crops of all kinds. Here's hoping for rain soon!
Sweetie did not want to get on the trailer - I couldn't really blame her. I pulled out the lead with the chain which always did the trick when she was younger and more energetic - and that did it first try. Just knowing it was across her nose was enough to coerce her to get in.
By the time we got to the vet's (15 min later) she seemed pretty normal to me and was no longer making any weird throat noises. They drew blood which had a normal PCV (37 I think?), and did a protein test that was slightly high at 6.8, but not horrible. She tubed her, there was not any obstruction at that point (if there had been), everything seemed normal. She got a gallon of mineral oil and some water. The rectal palpation was also normal, everything was soft, no large amounts of gas or fluid anywhere, all seemed pretty dang normal.
What I was worried most about was some kind of obstruction, either in her neck, or something that would cause a reflux (fluid to come up from her stomach into her mouth, that would only happen in the most serious of colics where there was an obstruction). So my worries were calmed, and I decided to go ahead and take her home and watch her. My instructions were to not let her eat until tomorrow morning, and then start her on a half ration of her grain. Well, that, and I could hand walk her once this evening and let her graze on grass.
Everything started about 9am, and we were already home by 11am. But by 3pm, Sweetie had not drank a single sip of water while in her stall. She normally doesn't, the water was fresh... she prefers other water sources. So we grazed for 15 minutes at 3pm and then I took her to the trough where she sipped 3-4 gallons of water. But still not as much as I'd hoped for. I put her back in her stall, hoping to see at least one bowel movement. By 4:30, she still had not drank any water from her bucket, and still no poop. But the water issue was more concerning than the poop at that point - the vet had pulled out a fair amount during the palpation. If she wasn't going to drink water in her stall, we'd have a lot more serious issues to deal with soon - talk about impaction! So, I made the decision to let her out in the field with everyone - and pray that there was not anything seriously wrong with her. Sweetie went straight down to the pond and drank for 2-3 minutes before moving on. I also have a trough that I keep fresh water in, but I guess the pond water was cooler. (It is 104 here today). She looked completely normal as she grazed on the grass, and wandered off with our little herd.
I just went out to check on her - about 9:30pm - in the beautiful moonlight! And she was just fine, munching on some grass with her pals, not a worry at all. I am so thankful that she is doing well, and I know that I made the right decision for my horse. Every time in the past when she has had a mild colic that she has worked through, I have always let her back out in the pasture with grass, skipped a meal and then started back with 1/2 or less the next meal. She has always done fine that way, and I hope that she always will!
But if she does start colicing more frequently - weekly/monthly, then we may need to scope her to look for ulcers. But they want to keep them without food/water for a while before that - and that just doesn't make any sense in this heat (or at all for that matter- horses are supposed to eat all the time, I don't want to interfere with nature). So, it would have to wait until a cooler season at least, if I ever were to go that way. If I do get concerned about ulcers, I'll buy some Stomach Soother (half the cost of scoping) and go from there. I've already seen that work great on a rescue horse.
I also got a call tonight that my hay guy will be baling tomorrow, so we will be loading up 100-150 bales tomorrow in 100 degree heat. And drinking LOTS of water! But I will save 1.50-3.00/bale by doing it this way - that works out to $300-450 in savings! Gotta do it while the price is right - and this may be my last chance to get any hay this year out of the field. The drought down here has been horrible on crops of all kinds. Here's hoping for rain soon!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Spontaneous Healing
Wow - it has been far too long since I last wrote on here! Vacations, busy schedules, have kept me away.
I rode Sweetie briefly last weekend - she was very good - we just walked around in the field a bit. And I rode Rocky this morning - lots of trot circles/figure 8's. He was also very good. Sammie has ridden Arthur a handful of times - our new favorite thing is to walk him down to the pond/"tank" and back up to the barn.
The good news is that Penny has been on her treatment, "Marquis", for EPM for about 2 weeks and I can already see the difference in her demeanor! She is much perkier and happier in general. Her hind end seems to be moving more naturally - not such a hesitation when we go in/out of her stall. I played with her a bit this morning. Only about 10 minutes of "work" if you can call it that - I played some Parelli games with her, and then asked her to go both ways on a circle, first at the walk and then at the trot. To the left seemed a bit harder on her. (Her "lame" leg is her LH). You could also tell when moving her hindquarters around that she would not cross over her back legs to move that way like she would to the right - a clear sign of lameness. But she finally did cross just barely one time and we quit there.
I also need to get Penny ready for Sammie to ride, and so I practiced mounting/dismounting a few times with Penny. She was so good, let me lean over her on my belly and scratch her everywhere before swinging my leg over.
And then the good news about Arthur's facial paralysis - over the last two weeks, I have started to see some improvement! His ear is now moving with the other ear at about 85% capacity it seems, and his nostrils are now about even instead of the right one drooping down lower, and his lower lip on the right is only drooping the smallest amount now in comparison. I'm so glad I didn't attempt to put him through an expensive treatment/surgery to correct this and that things are improving so well! It really is amazing to see. I was so worried about him for a while.
The other thing that has happened is that about a week ago, we finally got some rain here in TX. So the drought grass full of sugar has started to come up, and I have had to keep Arthur & Penny up in a dirt paddock so that their laminitis issues don't flare up. Thank goodness they keep each other company so well! They are enjoying all the hay and their feet are not aching, so I know I'm doing the right thing. In a week or two, I will start letting them out for a few hours in the morning, and work up to being out at night again. All for now!
I rode Sweetie briefly last weekend - she was very good - we just walked around in the field a bit. And I rode Rocky this morning - lots of trot circles/figure 8's. He was also very good. Sammie has ridden Arthur a handful of times - our new favorite thing is to walk him down to the pond/"tank" and back up to the barn.
The good news is that Penny has been on her treatment, "Marquis", for EPM for about 2 weeks and I can already see the difference in her demeanor! She is much perkier and happier in general. Her hind end seems to be moving more naturally - not such a hesitation when we go in/out of her stall. I played with her a bit this morning. Only about 10 minutes of "work" if you can call it that - I played some Parelli games with her, and then asked her to go both ways on a circle, first at the walk and then at the trot. To the left seemed a bit harder on her. (Her "lame" leg is her LH). You could also tell when moving her hindquarters around that she would not cross over her back legs to move that way like she would to the right - a clear sign of lameness. But she finally did cross just barely one time and we quit there.
I also need to get Penny ready for Sammie to ride, and so I practiced mounting/dismounting a few times with Penny. She was so good, let me lean over her on my belly and scratch her everywhere before swinging my leg over.
And then the good news about Arthur's facial paralysis - over the last two weeks, I have started to see some improvement! His ear is now moving with the other ear at about 85% capacity it seems, and his nostrils are now about even instead of the right one drooping down lower, and his lower lip on the right is only drooping the smallest amount now in comparison. I'm so glad I didn't attempt to put him through an expensive treatment/surgery to correct this and that things are improving so well! It really is amazing to see. I was so worried about him for a while.
The other thing that has happened is that about a week ago, we finally got some rain here in TX. So the drought grass full of sugar has started to come up, and I have had to keep Arthur & Penny up in a dirt paddock so that their laminitis issues don't flare up. Thank goodness they keep each other company so well! They are enjoying all the hay and their feet are not aching, so I know I'm doing the right thing. In a week or two, I will start letting them out for a few hours in the morning, and work up to being out at night again. All for now!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Sweetie Colicked - again...
What was I saying about these episodes happening maybe once a year? Again, yesterday morning, approximately 1hr after breakfast I found Sweetie in a sweat in her stall, pawing, anxious. So I took her out to the yard again to let her walk around and see how she was doing. This time it was clear the colic was a little more serious than Sunday's, so I did give her 6cc of Banamine (I know the full dose is 10cc, but I only have 6cc syringes on hand right now, and if it didn't help, we would be looking at more serious stuff anyways). I even gave her the IV shot while she was laying down, in the shade, thankfully. And also, thankfully, about 20 minutes later, she was back to her normal self, grazing as if nothing had happened.
So - I started to go through what might be causing this. Someone recently suggested ulcers - and although it is possible, I doubt it due to the way the horses are managed. They are out on pasture 24/7, always with something in front of them, and they are only in the barn for about an hour, twice a day, for feeding times. What bothered me about it was that the colic both days was exactly 1 hr after feeding. So, it made me look to the feed. Sweetie has been on Aussie Logic's "Kool & Kalm" for about a year now. This was her first colic since being on that grain - she gets one 3lb coffee can at each meal, which is the approximate volume she has been receiving for the last 19 years in my care. Kool & Kalm is an extruded feed, primarily made from alfalfa, but low in starches, and it actually looks like dog food. It is however, what the local holistic vet highly recommends, and up until this point, I would have too. My horses have looked great on this feed, but they have also looked great on others.
Recently, dealing with Arthur's facial paralysis, I have begun to wonder more about the feed. When it gets moist, it becomes a gritty mash - and when Arthur is done, the dribbles and drools on his bucket turn into a very hard, rough surface. It does come off pretty easily in water, but I've never had a grain that was quite that consistency - kindof reminded me of cement (yikes!) So for dinner last night and breakfast this morning, Sweetie ate a handful of Manna Pro apple treats for her meals, followed by a flake of hay, and both times she was completely fine. I can't say for sure that it was the grain, or possibly the last bag I opened, but either of those is NOT okay by me - and Sweetie, my precious 1st horse, is also my most sensitive digestive system, so if she says something is wrong, I will go by that.
I used the end of my Kool & Kalm this morning, (timing is everything!) and this afternoon purchased Purina Equine Senior for Sweetie, (and Arthur will probably get a tiny bit) and then Nutrena's SafeChoice for everybody else. Man, the horses were delighted! Arthur kept licking his bowl long after his tiny 1/2 lb was gone - everyone else was happy, too. I know to start switching everyone over slowly, of course, but for 3 or 4 of them, the 1/2 lb is all they are getting anyways (the piggies :) ) And we will slowly get up to where we should be for Sweetie and Arwen.
I also dosed Sweetie with half a tube of Probios and started her week of Sand Clear. So hopefully, we won't have any more of the episodes any time soon. Fingers crossed!
So - I started to go through what might be causing this. Someone recently suggested ulcers - and although it is possible, I doubt it due to the way the horses are managed. They are out on pasture 24/7, always with something in front of them, and they are only in the barn for about an hour, twice a day, for feeding times. What bothered me about it was that the colic both days was exactly 1 hr after feeding. So, it made me look to the feed. Sweetie has been on Aussie Logic's "Kool & Kalm" for about a year now. This was her first colic since being on that grain - she gets one 3lb coffee can at each meal, which is the approximate volume she has been receiving for the last 19 years in my care. Kool & Kalm is an extruded feed, primarily made from alfalfa, but low in starches, and it actually looks like dog food. It is however, what the local holistic vet highly recommends, and up until this point, I would have too. My horses have looked great on this feed, but they have also looked great on others.
Recently, dealing with Arthur's facial paralysis, I have begun to wonder more about the feed. When it gets moist, it becomes a gritty mash - and when Arthur is done, the dribbles and drools on his bucket turn into a very hard, rough surface. It does come off pretty easily in water, but I've never had a grain that was quite that consistency - kindof reminded me of cement (yikes!) So for dinner last night and breakfast this morning, Sweetie ate a handful of Manna Pro apple treats for her meals, followed by a flake of hay, and both times she was completely fine. I can't say for sure that it was the grain, or possibly the last bag I opened, but either of those is NOT okay by me - and Sweetie, my precious 1st horse, is also my most sensitive digestive system, so if she says something is wrong, I will go by that.
I used the end of my Kool & Kalm this morning, (timing is everything!) and this afternoon purchased Purina Equine Senior for Sweetie, (and Arthur will probably get a tiny bit) and then Nutrena's SafeChoice for everybody else. Man, the horses were delighted! Arthur kept licking his bowl long after his tiny 1/2 lb was gone - everyone else was happy, too. I know to start switching everyone over slowly, of course, but for 3 or 4 of them, the 1/2 lb is all they are getting anyways (the piggies :) ) And we will slowly get up to where we should be for Sweetie and Arwen.
I also dosed Sweetie with half a tube of Probios and started her week of Sand Clear. So hopefully, we won't have any more of the episodes any time soon. Fingers crossed!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Test riding Arwen
The rescue has heard from some people that may be interested in adopting Arwen, so I needed to find out what she really knew under saddle. I have lots of fears about riding a horse for the first time - especially after being thrown off Kiley so recently, but I did my best to remind myself that she *is* an OTTB that was raced, and Sweetie was also one when I first rode her 19 years ago, so although she might be quick, the chances of going into a bucking fit were smaller, I hoped. After bringing all the horses in the barn for breakfast, I sat down in my barn chair and listened to the horses peacefully munching away. I stood up when Arwen was done and had put her head out of her stall and rubbed her forehead and then let my hand follow her neck back to her withers for a good scratching. Arwen enjoyed the scratches and then I went inside the house to put my britches on.
Back at the barn, I pulled Arwen out of her stall, and started grooming her with the curry, and then heard Sweetie pawing in her stall. I stopped and went over to Sweetie's stall and watched her for a minute - she continued pawing in each corner of her stall, with her nose down - a clear sign that she was beginning to colic...
I sighed and put Arwen back in her stall in the middle of our grooming routine, and put the halter on Sweetie and brought her out. I started by grooming her just to see her response - it distracted her for a minute, but her respiration was still a bit elevated, and then she started pawing again, so we went for a walk in the grass around the house (that is much greener). She half-heartedly took a few nibbles, and then pawed a few more times, so I left her there in the yard while I went to get some banamine. It took me a few minutes to find the syringes, etc., and when I came back out, shot in hand, Sweetie was eagerly eating some green grass. I watched her for several more minutes, and she didn't paw anymore, and seemed her normal self. So I put the banamine away and took her back to the barn.
Sweetie is known for having mild colics occasionally that she usually works out on her own. I have previously kept her on Fast-Trak with good results, but had thought that the probiotics in the grain I am using would be sufficient for that. I guess it is also a good reminder that it has been a few months since I did a round of Sand Clear - so I'd better do that again soon. Thankfully, this time, Sweetie seemed fine and back to normal after we were in the barn. So I decided to continue with Arwen.
So many dang fears about getting on a horse I don't know... I can't afford to get seriously hurt - I'm a mom of two youngsters that need me. I have to trust in my own judgment of the horse and how they are responding at the time. (I should never have gotten on Kiley... if I had been paying attention to all the signs, I would not have - I put pressure on myself to do it, there were other people there, etc...) Anyways, I got Arwen out and resumed grooming her where we had left off.
Arwen absolutely loves grooming. And she acts like she very much wants to trust me as a human, but is also cautious, not sure of my expectations. I let her sniff the saddle pad, and then the saddle and girth in succession as I put them on her back/belly. She stood well for the saddle. And I wanted to use a bridle- even though she had mouthed the bit so much and seemed so anxious before, I felt it was a safety issue (my safety, that is). I used a Dr. Bristol (is that the right term for it?) It has two joints instead of the one in the plain snaffle, and a flat piece that goes across the tongue. She accepted it the first time, but the bridle I had did not fit her, so I had to put the bit on a smaller bridle. Arwen watched me as I worked on it, and when I was done, I adjusted it some more while standing in front of her and she walked up about 5 feet to get closer to me and what I was doing - as in saying yes, she was okay with the bridle, she wanted to be a part of what I was doing.
With the bridle finally adjusted correctly and my helmet fastened, we walked to the ring. She was mouthing the bit constantly again, but she did not seem as anxious as she had the last time, and she was picking the bit up and chewing on it, but was not opening her mouth wide like she had last time. (So I think the change in bit was appropriate). Another funny thing is that although she is only 14.2, she has the girth of a horse that is 16 hands. She is very broad for a TB, and the girth fit her the same way it fits Sweetie.
We played some friendly game and asked her to move her hindquarters away from me both directions. We did a few circles, and through everything she seemed calm. So I asked her to "walk on" and "ho" being sure to put pressure on the reins to make sure she was okay. Still was fine. My fears were there in my mind, and I decided I would at least try to lean over her, and maybe that would be enough for the day. (She had not stood still at the mounting block last time we did that (but I did not have a saddle on her that time) - every time I leaned towards her she wanted to take a step. We finally did get to the point that she would stand still last time we worked together). But this time, Arwen did not move. I leaned on the stirrup with my hand from the ground and she stood quietly. So I took her to the mounting block. She did not even move as I leaned towards her and over the saddle. And she stood quietly as I put a foot in the stirrup. Up until this point, she had been chewing on the bit constantly. But the moment I put my foot in the stirrup, the chewing stopped. Suddenly and completely, the chewing was over. The way she was standing so perfectly still encouraged me to bring my leg over her back and sit down - and she continued to stand. I dismounted and remounted and she continued to stand still. So I remounted, and she stood still and then took maybe one step backwards. I sat there, pleased that it was so far uneventful, and then began to ask her to move forward, using the lightest of aids. The last thing I wanted was to ask too hard and end up galloping around the ring. So I clucked quietly, repeated "walk on", squeezed ever so gently, and Arwen stood completely still. I wiggled around more in the saddle. Rubbed her withers, her neck, and her chest (she is only 14.2, so I could reach) to tell her how good she was being. I reached behind me and rubbed her rump and she continued to stand. So I started shifting my weight around a bit, squeezing a little more firmly (but no kicking, of course), and still, she stood. So I tried the "turn their head and hold it until they take a step" idea, without success. Well, I guess that depends on your definition of success. She willingly gave me her head, turned it all the way around and touched my toes, both directions, and I held it there for 30 seconds or so while she closed her eyes and relaxed. Still no movement. I felt guilty for holding it for so long and released. Her neck is very flexible, and it seemed like it didn't bother her at all, but I couldn't bear to hold her head around like that in such an uncomfortable position for longer than that. So I gave her more pats, tried squeezing again. Then my husband called out to us from the house which startled us both, and she stepped back, and then planted her feet again. I even tried taking the end of the reins back and forth over her withers (gently) without any response. So, after about 10 minutes of standing there without moving forward ( a step or two backwards), I dismounted and knew I would need to work more with verbal cues on the lunge line to teach her to go forward - or the help from someone on the ground. And as soon as my feet touched the ground, she started chewing away intensely at the bit again.
I have wondered if she was internalizing her response - and then could "blow" so to speak, but her body language did not suggest that. She was perfectly calm when I dismounted. She is very sensitive (her skin, to sudden movements) but never over-reacts like an "afraid" horse. She might move away, but catches herself quickly.
I am sure I could have gotten her to move forward with a crop, but gosh, that might have sent her skyward. My goal was for her to feel comfortable with me in the saddle, to reaffirm to her that I am a relaxed, calm, human being that she doesn't need to fear, and I feel we succeeded there.
Somewhere, it just doesn't make sense that an OTTB that raced a lot did not want to move forward. Seems counter-intuitive. I wonder if the only "forward" cue she has experienced was a crop on her butt, but think to myself that there must have been some other cues. I hope, anyways.
We'll keep playing with it - patiently. Now that I have more information to go on, I know more specifically were to start. So, I would say she is fine with tack and mounting, but has not been trained to move forward with leg signals at all yet. We'll get to work on that. :)
Back at the barn, I pulled Arwen out of her stall, and started grooming her with the curry, and then heard Sweetie pawing in her stall. I stopped and went over to Sweetie's stall and watched her for a minute - she continued pawing in each corner of her stall, with her nose down - a clear sign that she was beginning to colic...
I sighed and put Arwen back in her stall in the middle of our grooming routine, and put the halter on Sweetie and brought her out. I started by grooming her just to see her response - it distracted her for a minute, but her respiration was still a bit elevated, and then she started pawing again, so we went for a walk in the grass around the house (that is much greener). She half-heartedly took a few nibbles, and then pawed a few more times, so I left her there in the yard while I went to get some banamine. It took me a few minutes to find the syringes, etc., and when I came back out, shot in hand, Sweetie was eagerly eating some green grass. I watched her for several more minutes, and she didn't paw anymore, and seemed her normal self. So I put the banamine away and took her back to the barn.
Sweetie is known for having mild colics occasionally that she usually works out on her own. I have previously kept her on Fast-Trak with good results, but had thought that the probiotics in the grain I am using would be sufficient for that. I guess it is also a good reminder that it has been a few months since I did a round of Sand Clear - so I'd better do that again soon. Thankfully, this time, Sweetie seemed fine and back to normal after we were in the barn. So I decided to continue with Arwen.
So many dang fears about getting on a horse I don't know... I can't afford to get seriously hurt - I'm a mom of two youngsters that need me. I have to trust in my own judgment of the horse and how they are responding at the time. (I should never have gotten on Kiley... if I had been paying attention to all the signs, I would not have - I put pressure on myself to do it, there were other people there, etc...) Anyways, I got Arwen out and resumed grooming her where we had left off.
Arwen absolutely loves grooming. And she acts like she very much wants to trust me as a human, but is also cautious, not sure of my expectations. I let her sniff the saddle pad, and then the saddle and girth in succession as I put them on her back/belly. She stood well for the saddle. And I wanted to use a bridle- even though she had mouthed the bit so much and seemed so anxious before, I felt it was a safety issue (my safety, that is). I used a Dr. Bristol (is that the right term for it?) It has two joints instead of the one in the plain snaffle, and a flat piece that goes across the tongue. She accepted it the first time, but the bridle I had did not fit her, so I had to put the bit on a smaller bridle. Arwen watched me as I worked on it, and when I was done, I adjusted it some more while standing in front of her and she walked up about 5 feet to get closer to me and what I was doing - as in saying yes, she was okay with the bridle, she wanted to be a part of what I was doing.
With the bridle finally adjusted correctly and my helmet fastened, we walked to the ring. She was mouthing the bit constantly again, but she did not seem as anxious as she had the last time, and she was picking the bit up and chewing on it, but was not opening her mouth wide like she had last time. (So I think the change in bit was appropriate). Another funny thing is that although she is only 14.2, she has the girth of a horse that is 16 hands. She is very broad for a TB, and the girth fit her the same way it fits Sweetie.
We played some friendly game and asked her to move her hindquarters away from me both directions. We did a few circles, and through everything she seemed calm. So I asked her to "walk on" and "ho" being sure to put pressure on the reins to make sure she was okay. Still was fine. My fears were there in my mind, and I decided I would at least try to lean over her, and maybe that would be enough for the day. (She had not stood still at the mounting block last time we did that (but I did not have a saddle on her that time) - every time I leaned towards her she wanted to take a step. We finally did get to the point that she would stand still last time we worked together). But this time, Arwen did not move. I leaned on the stirrup with my hand from the ground and she stood quietly. So I took her to the mounting block. She did not even move as I leaned towards her and over the saddle. And she stood quietly as I put a foot in the stirrup. Up until this point, she had been chewing on the bit constantly. But the moment I put my foot in the stirrup, the chewing stopped. Suddenly and completely, the chewing was over. The way she was standing so perfectly still encouraged me to bring my leg over her back and sit down - and she continued to stand. I dismounted and remounted and she continued to stand still. So I remounted, and she stood still and then took maybe one step backwards. I sat there, pleased that it was so far uneventful, and then began to ask her to move forward, using the lightest of aids. The last thing I wanted was to ask too hard and end up galloping around the ring. So I clucked quietly, repeated "walk on", squeezed ever so gently, and Arwen stood completely still. I wiggled around more in the saddle. Rubbed her withers, her neck, and her chest (she is only 14.2, so I could reach) to tell her how good she was being. I reached behind me and rubbed her rump and she continued to stand. So I started shifting my weight around a bit, squeezing a little more firmly (but no kicking, of course), and still, she stood. So I tried the "turn their head and hold it until they take a step" idea, without success. Well, I guess that depends on your definition of success. She willingly gave me her head, turned it all the way around and touched my toes, both directions, and I held it there for 30 seconds or so while she closed her eyes and relaxed. Still no movement. I felt guilty for holding it for so long and released. Her neck is very flexible, and it seemed like it didn't bother her at all, but I couldn't bear to hold her head around like that in such an uncomfortable position for longer than that. So I gave her more pats, tried squeezing again. Then my husband called out to us from the house which startled us both, and she stepped back, and then planted her feet again. I even tried taking the end of the reins back and forth over her withers (gently) without any response. So, after about 10 minutes of standing there without moving forward ( a step or two backwards), I dismounted and knew I would need to work more with verbal cues on the lunge line to teach her to go forward - or the help from someone on the ground. And as soon as my feet touched the ground, she started chewing away intensely at the bit again.
I have wondered if she was internalizing her response - and then could "blow" so to speak, but her body language did not suggest that. She was perfectly calm when I dismounted. She is very sensitive (her skin, to sudden movements) but never over-reacts like an "afraid" horse. She might move away, but catches herself quickly.
I am sure I could have gotten her to move forward with a crop, but gosh, that might have sent her skyward. My goal was for her to feel comfortable with me in the saddle, to reaffirm to her that I am a relaxed, calm, human being that she doesn't need to fear, and I feel we succeeded there.
Somewhere, it just doesn't make sense that an OTTB that raced a lot did not want to move forward. Seems counter-intuitive. I wonder if the only "forward" cue she has experienced was a crop on her butt, but think to myself that there must have been some other cues. I hope, anyways.
We'll keep playing with it - patiently. Now that I have more information to go on, I know more specifically were to start. So, I would say she is fine with tack and mounting, but has not been trained to move forward with leg signals at all yet. We'll get to work on that. :)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Priceless help
We've just returned from a week's vacation, and I have to say that there is nothing more comforting than knowing you have the best animal care in the world while you are gone. I am so thankful for the retired farmer down the road who gladly comes down and cares for the 6 horses, 3 dogs, and barn cat. He has had all sorts of animals throughout his lifetime, and does a great job with all of the animals. I think he even enjoys it - it is a break from daily chores for him. This time was the first vacation we have taken since we built the barn, and I wondered how things would go with all the horses going in and out twice a day to be fed. But good ol' Clyde had no trouble at all. I guess it helps that all 6 horses know where their stalls are, but it is just so nice to know how well they are taken care of. I came home to a freshly sweeped aisleway, full water troughs, and happy animals that didn't seem to notice that we had been gone. Well, okay, the dogs were very happy to see us, but they were all in excellent health, and the novelty of our return wore off quickly. :)
Actually, Clyde has been caring for our animals on all of our vacations for the last 8 years, and he always does a wonderful job. I feel so blessed to have found him shortly after we moved here!
Actually, Clyde has been caring for our animals on all of our vacations for the last 8 years, and he always does a wonderful job. I feel so blessed to have found him shortly after we moved here!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Beautiful day for a ride!
What a gorgeous morning here in Texas! And I finally felt well enough to ride. I have had a head cold for over a week now, and there's no sense riding if you don't feel balanced yourself - it's just not safe. So for the past few days, I had been grooming Arthur just for the pleasure of it.
After feeding the horses this morning, I put my riding britches on and headed back out to the barn. As I walked out of the tack room with my saddle, both Sweetie and Rocky had their ears perked up and eyes wide open requesting, "Pick me!" But I already knew I would ride Rocky - it has been a few weeks and I really missed riding my giant red chestnut.
He loved the grooming, and the treats, of course. We tacked up and went in the ring, and I mounted up without any trouble. Rocky was a little excited and walked off as I mounted up. We started out with a relaxed walk on a long rein, and then went up into a trot. We did bunches of circles and serpentines to keep his mind busy, and then I wanted to practice some trot-halt-trot transitions. I have never done those on Rocky before, but thought it would be a good experience for him. I guess I goosed him a little too much and he bucked a little like I was asking him to canter. Now, I knew not to do that today since it has been a while since I have ridden him, but he assumed as much. So instead, we practiced walk-trot-walk transitions until he was calm and understood what I was asking. I also practiced using the smallest signal possible to get him to move forward. Rocky has a very strong personality and he gets mad if you asked for something too firmly and don't give him a chance to move out without goosing him. He much prefers me to ask verbally "trot on" or even just cluck a little and lean forward rather than squeeze with my legs too much. I'll always remember when he was super green and I would squeeze with both legs, and he would stand there at the halt, turn his nose around and look at me. Now I know he was probably just saying I had to ask politely, but I would continue squeezing more firmly, and was even known to kick a little to ask. And Rocky stood there, hooves firmly planted on the ground, and turned and looked at me again... It seems like our relationship has evolved to a much more "polite" friendship - where I ask gently and he responds in kind. MUCH better. :)
More later - after I rode Rocky, I gave Sammie a pony ride on Arthur - and a Jack Rabbit graced us with his presence not 20 yards away from us as he hopped through the ring! :)
After feeding the horses this morning, I put my riding britches on and headed back out to the barn. As I walked out of the tack room with my saddle, both Sweetie and Rocky had their ears perked up and eyes wide open requesting, "Pick me!" But I already knew I would ride Rocky - it has been a few weeks and I really missed riding my giant red chestnut.
He loved the grooming, and the treats, of course. We tacked up and went in the ring, and I mounted up without any trouble. Rocky was a little excited and walked off as I mounted up. We started out with a relaxed walk on a long rein, and then went up into a trot. We did bunches of circles and serpentines to keep his mind busy, and then I wanted to practice some trot-halt-trot transitions. I have never done those on Rocky before, but thought it would be a good experience for him. I guess I goosed him a little too much and he bucked a little like I was asking him to canter. Now, I knew not to do that today since it has been a while since I have ridden him, but he assumed as much. So instead, we practiced walk-trot-walk transitions until he was calm and understood what I was asking. I also practiced using the smallest signal possible to get him to move forward. Rocky has a very strong personality and he gets mad if you asked for something too firmly and don't give him a chance to move out without goosing him. He much prefers me to ask verbally "trot on" or even just cluck a little and lean forward rather than squeeze with my legs too much. I'll always remember when he was super green and I would squeeze with both legs, and he would stand there at the halt, turn his nose around and look at me. Now I know he was probably just saying I had to ask politely, but I would continue squeezing more firmly, and was even known to kick a little to ask. And Rocky stood there, hooves firmly planted on the ground, and turned and looked at me again... It seems like our relationship has evolved to a much more "polite" friendship - where I ask gently and he responds in kind. MUCH better. :)
More later - after I rode Rocky, I gave Sammie a pony ride on Arthur - and a Jack Rabbit graced us with his presence not 20 yards away from us as he hopped through the ring! :)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Training Barn Cats
What is that saying about herding cats again?
We adopted a cat from the local shelter a few months ago to help with the mouse population that showed up in our new barn this winter. He lived in the tack room until he was fixed and had all of his shots, and then we let him in the barn aisleway (with stall doors closed) so that he could figure out the barn. Our first time letting him out of the barn he fearlessly went up to our barking/growling dogs (on the other side of a fence) and walked right through them - for some reason not understanding that yes, they would very much like to eat him given the chance. I have introduced all the dogs separately and on their own, they behave. But I had been nervous about letting the cat out into the world until I was convinced he had some dog common sense.
My dad visited a few weeks ago and installed a series of shelves for the cat to climb up and get up on top of the tack room to get away from the dogs if he needed to. And since then, I have found the cat up there almost every morning. He has started climbing the rafters, and yesterday, he had finally figured a way out of the barn on his own.
So I have left the stall doors open (inside the barn) - as he can effortlessly clear the 4' walls at each window. And although I haven't seen him, he has been back to eat. I put his food up on one of the ledges my Dad built (about 4' off the ground) and the food was nearly gone this morning. So, that's good news! And it appears he learned his lesson about the dogs - whew!
Okay, I'll stop worrying now! :)
We adopted a cat from the local shelter a few months ago to help with the mouse population that showed up in our new barn this winter. He lived in the tack room until he was fixed and had all of his shots, and then we let him in the barn aisleway (with stall doors closed) so that he could figure out the barn. Our first time letting him out of the barn he fearlessly went up to our barking/growling dogs (on the other side of a fence) and walked right through them - for some reason not understanding that yes, they would very much like to eat him given the chance. I have introduced all the dogs separately and on their own, they behave. But I had been nervous about letting the cat out into the world until I was convinced he had some dog common sense.
My dad visited a few weeks ago and installed a series of shelves for the cat to climb up and get up on top of the tack room to get away from the dogs if he needed to. And since then, I have found the cat up there almost every morning. He has started climbing the rafters, and yesterday, he had finally figured a way out of the barn on his own.
So I have left the stall doors open (inside the barn) - as he can effortlessly clear the 4' walls at each window. And although I haven't seen him, he has been back to eat. I put his food up on one of the ledges my Dad built (about 4' off the ground) and the food was nearly gone this morning. So, that's good news! And it appears he learned his lesson about the dogs - whew!
Okay, I'll stop worrying now! :)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Darn Horses! :)
I went out this morning to feed as usual, and saw most of the horses out in the field - and I knew once they heard me rummaging around, they'd be up at the barn in no time. I put all the feed out, opened the barn doors, to see 4 out of 6 horses moseying up to the barn, taking their time. But I couldn't see Arwen or Sweetie (my 22yo TB mare, my first horse). After I got the first 4 up and hollered some more, Arwen, lazily made her way up - but she had been way down in the field. But where was Sweetie? I called some more - nothing - and then I heard my son who had just woke up and had to run in to tend to him for a moment. Came back out - and Sweetie still wasn't anywhere to be seen. What's worse is that the horses were eerily silent. The lead mare isn't around and no one is fussing or worried? Not even her son? That's not normal around here.
I'm worried now, and hastily grabbed a halter and lead - worse case scenarios going through my head. After a 3-4 minute (brisk) walk, I walk up to the top of the tank to get a better look at the back pasture where Arwen had came from. And then I see some movement through the trees - and for a moment I wonder if Sweetie somehow got out in the neighbor's cow field. She must've heard the halter jingling. Filled with relief, I see her take off towards the barn, galloping, like "where'd everybody go?"
Man! First time that has happened - and thank goodness it was nothing serious. I thought colic, injury, wild dogs, I've heard stories about horses staying back with another injured horse - like I thought Arwen had done. Anyways, I'm so relieved and happy to begin my day again knowing all the horses are well & happy! Darn Horses! They can throw your heart for a loop!
I'm worried now, and hastily grabbed a halter and lead - worse case scenarios going through my head. After a 3-4 minute (brisk) walk, I walk up to the top of the tank to get a better look at the back pasture where Arwen had came from. And then I see some movement through the trees - and for a moment I wonder if Sweetie somehow got out in the neighbor's cow field. She must've heard the halter jingling. Filled with relief, I see her take off towards the barn, galloping, like "where'd everybody go?"
Man! First time that has happened - and thank goodness it was nothing serious. I thought colic, injury, wild dogs, I've heard stories about horses staying back with another injured horse - like I thought Arwen had done. Anyways, I'm so relieved and happy to begin my day again knowing all the horses are well & happy! Darn Horses! They can throw your heart for a loop!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day Rides!
This morning my wonderful husband gave me the gift of time with the horses, and so I spent the morning out at the barn! I pulled out Rocky first, hoping to ride him, but he was squinting his right eye - so I put ointment in it and groomed him really well, and put him back in his stall.
Next was Sweetie, of course. I really wanted to ride, so I took her out, groomed all of her itchy spots and otherwise, and saddled up for a nice ride. We did more trotting that we had last week, worked on bending on our turns, and cantered each direction briefly. Sweetie is always such a pleasure!
I promised Harlan I would work with Charlie, too. It has been about 6 months (or more) since she's been ridden, so he recommended I not ride her, but I took her bridle out with me just in case. I went ahead and put the saddle on for her groundwork - it's always a good experience just to have the saddle on.
When we got to the ring, we started out with some groundwork games, rubbing her with the carrot stick, asking her to move away from it, etc. But it was not long before Charlie decided she really wanted to move, so I sent her out and let her trot. Man, this mare is so big and powerful! She did a beautiful trot about 3 times around me then came in and calmed down. So I sent her out the other direction, and she again took off at the trot, went about 3 times around and came back to me. Now, both times I had not asked her to trot - I was only asking her to make a circle around me, did not give her any other cues at all. But Charlie felt it necessary to trot. I wondered if she was having a flashback to her training before we adopted her - they would take her out and lunge her at the trot both directions almost immediately - or at least, that's how they showed her to us the day we took her home. She finally calmed down enough so that she just walked each direction, and then I *asked* for the trot, which she willingly did. Now that she was listening to me more clearly, I decided to practice mounting.
Charlie, in the past, has not stood well when Harlan has gone to mount the first time. So I put her bridle on and took her over to the mounting block, gave her a firm "ho" and leaned on her a bit. I just took my time, making sure she would keep her feet still, which she did. She seemed to understand me clearly, so I went ahead and mounted up. She continued to stand very well, until she couldn't resist the grass blades coming up in front of her and stepped forward. So I asked her to move forward and we started walking. Charlie is a 17hh Belgian/TB mare, and very strong and stubborn through her neck. My goal was to get her to be more responsive to my rein cues. Sometimes, I had to pull very firmly until I got a response from her, but as soon as she turned her head the way I wanted to go, I released. We practiced turning, circles, figure eights, going straight, etc. A couple of times she wanted to move up into the trot without me asking, but I was quick to say ho and ask her to come back to the walk - she needs to learn to trot only when she is asked. Towards the end of the ride, she was becoming more responsive to my rein cues, I was able to make circles both directions easily, and so we quit on the good note.
Next, I played with Arwen again - she loved her grooming, and I took her to the ring without a saddle again. We played the games again, and she improved on all areas - including making a circle around me both directions. I even got her to go around me to the right twice around (an improvement from yesterday!). Again, my goal with Arwen is just to have her calm and not worry about anything. So I took her over to the mounting block and practiced me stepping up onto it until she stood still. She reminds me of my TB mare, Sweetie, who didn't want to stand still while mounting, either at first. I brought her closer to the block and climbed up. About half the time she would take a step back or forward to not be in the "mounting position" so to speak. But eventually, I got her to stand in the right place and leaned over her a few times. When she stood well for that, we quit for the day and she enjoyed another healthy grooming.
After that, I let everyone out and came inside to find the house sparkling, the kids eating their lunches, my lunch waiting for me, next to beautiful flowers on the table. :) Thank you, Sweetheart!
Next was Sweetie, of course. I really wanted to ride, so I took her out, groomed all of her itchy spots and otherwise, and saddled up for a nice ride. We did more trotting that we had last week, worked on bending on our turns, and cantered each direction briefly. Sweetie is always such a pleasure!
I promised Harlan I would work with Charlie, too. It has been about 6 months (or more) since she's been ridden, so he recommended I not ride her, but I took her bridle out with me just in case. I went ahead and put the saddle on for her groundwork - it's always a good experience just to have the saddle on.
When we got to the ring, we started out with some groundwork games, rubbing her with the carrot stick, asking her to move away from it, etc. But it was not long before Charlie decided she really wanted to move, so I sent her out and let her trot. Man, this mare is so big and powerful! She did a beautiful trot about 3 times around me then came in and calmed down. So I sent her out the other direction, and she again took off at the trot, went about 3 times around and came back to me. Now, both times I had not asked her to trot - I was only asking her to make a circle around me, did not give her any other cues at all. But Charlie felt it necessary to trot. I wondered if she was having a flashback to her training before we adopted her - they would take her out and lunge her at the trot both directions almost immediately - or at least, that's how they showed her to us the day we took her home. She finally calmed down enough so that she just walked each direction, and then I *asked* for the trot, which she willingly did. Now that she was listening to me more clearly, I decided to practice mounting.
Charlie, in the past, has not stood well when Harlan has gone to mount the first time. So I put her bridle on and took her over to the mounting block, gave her a firm "ho" and leaned on her a bit. I just took my time, making sure she would keep her feet still, which she did. She seemed to understand me clearly, so I went ahead and mounted up. She continued to stand very well, until she couldn't resist the grass blades coming up in front of her and stepped forward. So I asked her to move forward and we started walking. Charlie is a 17hh Belgian/TB mare, and very strong and stubborn through her neck. My goal was to get her to be more responsive to my rein cues. Sometimes, I had to pull very firmly until I got a response from her, but as soon as she turned her head the way I wanted to go, I released. We practiced turning, circles, figure eights, going straight, etc. A couple of times she wanted to move up into the trot without me asking, but I was quick to say ho and ask her to come back to the walk - she needs to learn to trot only when she is asked. Towards the end of the ride, she was becoming more responsive to my rein cues, I was able to make circles both directions easily, and so we quit on the good note.
Next, I played with Arwen again - she loved her grooming, and I took her to the ring without a saddle again. We played the games again, and she improved on all areas - including making a circle around me both directions. I even got her to go around me to the right twice around (an improvement from yesterday!). Again, my goal with Arwen is just to have her calm and not worry about anything. So I took her over to the mounting block and practiced me stepping up onto it until she stood still. She reminds me of my TB mare, Sweetie, who didn't want to stand still while mounting, either at first. I brought her closer to the block and climbed up. About half the time she would take a step back or forward to not be in the "mounting position" so to speak. But eventually, I got her to stand in the right place and leaned over her a few times. When she stood well for that, we quit for the day and she enjoyed another healthy grooming.
After that, I let everyone out and came inside to find the house sparkling, the kids eating their lunches, my lunch waiting for me, next to beautiful flowers on the table. :) Thank you, Sweetheart!
Arwen & Arthur
Today I just wanted to do some groundwork with her. No saddle, no bridle, just get our communication down. As much as I sometimes get frustrated with the merchandising of the Parelli system, the games really are a great method of communicating with a horse - especially one you don't know well yet.
So I pulled out my rope halter & lead and after a nice grooming, took Arwen into the ring to play with her. We started with the friendly game, and Arwen had no trouble at all with me rubbing her all over with the carrot stick. So we moved on to the "porcupine" game, and she was slow to pick up moving backwards, but very quick with moving her haunches around, and medium about moving her front end away from the stick. Ditto with the driving game - backwards just hasn't been in her vocabulary yet. :)
We moved on to the yo-yo and it took to stage 3/4 to get her to move backwards. I'll have to say that although I don't like the way a horse lifts their head up high to go back wards when you are first teaching them (having to use the bigger phases), in the long run, being able to wiggle a lead back and forth gently and have your horse move backwards can be very handy, if not lifesaving. She finally started to pick it up, and we moved on to the circle game (our disconnect from yesterday while lunging).
Low and behold, she picked it up pretty dang fast. Even to the right! And after several (once around) circles each direction, we quit with that and I brushed her down and took pictures for everyone to see. :)
The best part of today was that without the saddle, she was VERY calm compared to yesterday's going into the ring. She was just as peaceful as she normally is while grooming her and was not worried about anything. And she seems very smart, and was doing a lot of chewing/thinking the whole time.
Afterwards, Sammie and I got Arthur out for a ride - our first in a few weeks since he developed some facial paralysis. She had a wonderful time - Sammie really wanted to be more involved in steering today (she is only 3, so some days she just prefers a pony ride), and Arthur was the perfect 25yo pony. :) I'm so thankful for him - he has been such a godsend. We also dealt with a small bout of laminitis when the grass came in, so he has been up in a mostly dirt paddock until this last week - he was going out for a few hours, and now he gets to go out at night, and he has perked up a bunch! He really doesn't like being kept away from the herd!
Overall, a very wonderful horsey day so far.
So I pulled out my rope halter & lead and after a nice grooming, took Arwen into the ring to play with her. We started with the friendly game, and Arwen had no trouble at all with me rubbing her all over with the carrot stick. So we moved on to the "porcupine" game, and she was slow to pick up moving backwards, but very quick with moving her haunches around, and medium about moving her front end away from the stick. Ditto with the driving game - backwards just hasn't been in her vocabulary yet. :)
We moved on to the yo-yo and it took to stage 3/4 to get her to move backwards. I'll have to say that although I don't like the way a horse lifts their head up high to go back wards when you are first teaching them (having to use the bigger phases), in the long run, being able to wiggle a lead back and forth gently and have your horse move backwards can be very handy, if not lifesaving. She finally started to pick it up, and we moved on to the circle game (our disconnect from yesterday while lunging).
Low and behold, she picked it up pretty dang fast. Even to the right! And after several (once around) circles each direction, we quit with that and I brushed her down and took pictures for everyone to see. :)
The best part of today was that without the saddle, she was VERY calm compared to yesterday's going into the ring. She was just as peaceful as she normally is while grooming her and was not worried about anything. And she seems very smart, and was doing a lot of chewing/thinking the whole time.
Afterwards, Sammie and I got Arthur out for a ride - our first in a few weeks since he developed some facial paralysis. She had a wonderful time - Sammie really wanted to be more involved in steering today (she is only 3, so some days she just prefers a pony ride), and Arthur was the perfect 25yo pony. :) I'm so thankful for him - he has been such a godsend. We also dealt with a small bout of laminitis when the grass came in, so he has been up in a mostly dirt paddock until this last week - he was going out for a few hours, and now he gets to go out at night, and he has perked up a bunch! He really doesn't like being kept away from the herd!
Overall, a very wonderful horsey day so far.
Arwen Update
Arwen is my foster horse with Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society.
I finally got a good read on her tattoo confirmed with my vet, and found Arwen to be: D35990, Lady Carlina, a 2000 TB mare, who had 17 starts, raced as a 2 and 3 year old, and won over $67,000. (Her tattoo did not show the "D", but the numbers were clear, and based upon her age and markings sent in to the Jockey Club and they confirmed her ID). Oh, and she is only 14.2, instead of the 15.2 that is on her webpage.
Arwen is nearly up to weight - just a shadow of ribs showing occasionally. Her back has filled in nicely, and I expect her rump will muscle up a bit more, too, over the next couple of months. I decided to play with her a bit this morning.
She has been soooo good in the cross ties, and stands very well, even for Sammie (my 3yo) who likes to help groom. I got out the saddle just to see, let her sniff it, and then put it on her back - she seemed familiar with it, but was curious/anxious to find out what I was going to do with it. No trouble putting the girth on and tightening it (loosely). I went ahead and got out a bridle with a plain snaffle just to see. She knew what it was, knew to open her mouth, but simply didn't like the bit at all. Her tongue was constantly moving the bit around, playing with it rather firmly, even after properly adjusting it, she was still moving her tongue over and under the bit, constantly mouthing it. I will try a different kind of bit next time - maybe one that has 3 pieces to it instead of the two, so that it might be more comfortable in her mouth. But today, I took the bridle off, and put the halter back on to go out to the ring and play a bit with the longe line.
Arwen was very anxious - no doubt due to her race training. The normally peaceful, calm mare on the ground lifted her head up and was very excited to be going to the ring. I started to play some friendly game with her, but she needed to move her feet, so I let her move out on the lunge line. She did a nice trot (to the left of course), and excitedly took off into the canter a few times, came back to the trot, and I kept her at the trot for a few minutes until she calmed down and halted on her own. My cues no longer held any persuasion with her (and I certainly didn't want her to be too excited about the whip) so I instead brought her in and rubbed her forehead, and started working with her to the right. Any racehorse will look at you like you're crazy going to the right. :) She didn't understand, and we just walked to the right, eventually making a small circle instead of just following me (even though I had my arm out to hold her head as far away from me as I could). We went back to the left, and it seemed as though the longing she had done at the beginning was more of a fluke than actual understanding of cues, and after a circle to the left again at the walk, we quit with lots of pats and treats back in the barn. Oh, that is, after I took her to the mounting block and stood up on it. She knew what I was doing and looked at me like "you can't be serious" but stood still while I rubbed her neck and shoulders, but did not even attempt to mount, of course.
So... her behaviour today suggests that she definitely was race trained (and fits what her Tattoo says she is). My goal is to make her feel relaxed in the ring and with the saddle on, but now that I know where we stand I can take smaller steps and just go slow to get everything right.
Does anyone out there have any experience retraining TB's and have any hints/suggestions? My first horse was a 3yo TB mare, but she was unraced. She definitely had been ridden, just never raced, so didn't have the speed issue that I suspect Arwen will have at the beginning. I'm sure there is plenty of info on the net about it, but just looking for some firsthand experience for a horse that definitely spent some time on the track.
I finally got a good read on her tattoo confirmed with my vet, and found Arwen to be: D35990, Lady Carlina, a 2000 TB mare, who had 17 starts, raced as a 2 and 3 year old, and won over $67,000. (Her tattoo did not show the "D", but the numbers were clear, and based upon her age and markings sent in to the Jockey Club and they confirmed her ID). Oh, and she is only 14.2, instead of the 15.2 that is on her webpage.
Arwen is nearly up to weight - just a shadow of ribs showing occasionally. Her back has filled in nicely, and I expect her rump will muscle up a bit more, too, over the next couple of months. I decided to play with her a bit this morning.
She has been soooo good in the cross ties, and stands very well, even for Sammie (my 3yo) who likes to help groom. I got out the saddle just to see, let her sniff it, and then put it on her back - she seemed familiar with it, but was curious/anxious to find out what I was going to do with it. No trouble putting the girth on and tightening it (loosely). I went ahead and got out a bridle with a plain snaffle just to see. She knew what it was, knew to open her mouth, but simply didn't like the bit at all. Her tongue was constantly moving the bit around, playing with it rather firmly, even after properly adjusting it, she was still moving her tongue over and under the bit, constantly mouthing it. I will try a different kind of bit next time - maybe one that has 3 pieces to it instead of the two, so that it might be more comfortable in her mouth. But today, I took the bridle off, and put the halter back on to go out to the ring and play a bit with the longe line.
Arwen was very anxious - no doubt due to her race training. The normally peaceful, calm mare on the ground lifted her head up and was very excited to be going to the ring. I started to play some friendly game with her, but she needed to move her feet, so I let her move out on the lunge line. She did a nice trot (to the left of course), and excitedly took off into the canter a few times, came back to the trot, and I kept her at the trot for a few minutes until she calmed down and halted on her own. My cues no longer held any persuasion with her (and I certainly didn't want her to be too excited about the whip) so I instead brought her in and rubbed her forehead, and started working with her to the right. Any racehorse will look at you like you're crazy going to the right. :) She didn't understand, and we just walked to the right, eventually making a small circle instead of just following me (even though I had my arm out to hold her head as far away from me as I could). We went back to the left, and it seemed as though the longing she had done at the beginning was more of a fluke than actual understanding of cues, and after a circle to the left again at the walk, we quit with lots of pats and treats back in the barn. Oh, that is, after I took her to the mounting block and stood up on it. She knew what I was doing and looked at me like "you can't be serious" but stood still while I rubbed her neck and shoulders, but did not even attempt to mount, of course.
So... her behaviour today suggests that she definitely was race trained (and fits what her Tattoo says she is). My goal is to make her feel relaxed in the ring and with the saddle on, but now that I know where we stand I can take smaller steps and just go slow to get everything right.
Does anyone out there have any experience retraining TB's and have any hints/suggestions? My first horse was a 3yo TB mare, but she was unraced. She definitely had been ridden, just never raced, so didn't have the speed issue that I suspect Arwen will have at the beginning. I'm sure there is plenty of info on the net about it, but just looking for some firsthand experience for a horse that definitely spent some time on the track.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Horse Tails...
I had hoped to ride Rocky Sunday morning, but as I started grooming him, I noticed a 2' long mesquite branch wrapped up in his tail. For those of you that don't know, mesquite might make your burgers taste good, but it is covered with sharp 2" spikes all over. So imagine that... wrapped up in horse tail, with the top poking at the horse's ... well, private areas... So after 30-40 minutes of tail detangling (amazing what can happen overnight!) I finally freed the mesquite branch and Rocky was thankful. I know he probably would have been fine to ride, but I value my life and didn't want to take any chances. Especially not when my safe, dependable 22yo TB mare was there batting her eyes at me. (Okay, not literally, but she definitely was watching me groom Rocky, hoping for some treats and attention).
So I ended up riding Sweetie. It was a short ride, but a very relaxing one. We trotted (more than Sweetie really wanted to) and cantered around the ring once each direction. It just felt so GOOD to be riding her. I know she's not in show shape, so we took it easy.
Afterwards, I gave Arwen a good grooming. She really loved it. Was a little nervous about the fly spray, but still stood well for it. My favorite thing is that she's learned to accept treats from me. She had no idea what they were when she first got here. I need to take some more pictures to show how much she has filled out! I'd say she's just about up to weight!
The vet was out on Tues. and gave everybody their annual vaccines and coggins tests, and looked at Arthur and Penny. Penny has been moving a little strange in her hind end - for a month or so. She looks very deliberate in the way she "places" her hind feet, and it almost looks like she doesn't know where they are going to land. It's not a specific lameness, per say, and she looks normal out in the field. The only time I obviously see it is when she has to lift her feet up to get in/out of the barn and her stall. So, at my request, we are doing a blood test to see if the EPM organism is in her bloodstream. The antibody titer will tell us if she has been exposed to EPM - and if it's on the high end, combined with her symptoms, we can assume that she has it and treat her. On the other hand, if it is negative or low, it might just mean she has been exposed to it and built antibodies.
For Arthur, about 2 weeks ago, he suddenly had a facial paralysis in the right side of his face. His lip is drooping on that side, his blinking response is diminished (although somewhat there) and it goes all the way up to his ear that is now limp and really only moves in response to gravity. He is eating fine, but I noticed that he is drooling a little (saw that today when the farrier was here). The vet's diagnosis was a possible stroke. But after he left, I received a newsletter that described "temporohyooid osteoarthropathy" which has the exact symptoms that Arthur is experiencing. Apparently, there is a surgery that can correct it, but it's not yet clear to me whether it would require general anesthesia or could be done while standing. I don't feel comfortable putting a 25yo pony under anesthesia, not to mention the expense. But, we don't know for sure what it is, although diagnosis is relatively cheap in comparison (use an endoscope to look in the gutteral pouch on that side). So, more investigation is in order. I just thought that article was mighty timely.
So I ended up riding Sweetie. It was a short ride, but a very relaxing one. We trotted (more than Sweetie really wanted to) and cantered around the ring once each direction. It just felt so GOOD to be riding her. I know she's not in show shape, so we took it easy.
Afterwards, I gave Arwen a good grooming. She really loved it. Was a little nervous about the fly spray, but still stood well for it. My favorite thing is that she's learned to accept treats from me. She had no idea what they were when she first got here. I need to take some more pictures to show how much she has filled out! I'd say she's just about up to weight!
The vet was out on Tues. and gave everybody their annual vaccines and coggins tests, and looked at Arthur and Penny. Penny has been moving a little strange in her hind end - for a month or so. She looks very deliberate in the way she "places" her hind feet, and it almost looks like she doesn't know where they are going to land. It's not a specific lameness, per say, and she looks normal out in the field. The only time I obviously see it is when she has to lift her feet up to get in/out of the barn and her stall. So, at my request, we are doing a blood test to see if the EPM organism is in her bloodstream. The antibody titer will tell us if she has been exposed to EPM - and if it's on the high end, combined with her symptoms, we can assume that she has it and treat her. On the other hand, if it is negative or low, it might just mean she has been exposed to it and built antibodies.
For Arthur, about 2 weeks ago, he suddenly had a facial paralysis in the right side of his face. His lip is drooping on that side, his blinking response is diminished (although somewhat there) and it goes all the way up to his ear that is now limp and really only moves in response to gravity. He is eating fine, but I noticed that he is drooling a little (saw that today when the farrier was here). The vet's diagnosis was a possible stroke. But after he left, I received a newsletter that described "temporohyooid osteoarthropathy" which has the exact symptoms that Arthur is experiencing. Apparently, there is a surgery that can correct it, but it's not yet clear to me whether it would require general anesthesia or could be done while standing. I don't feel comfortable putting a 25yo pony under anesthesia, not to mention the expense. But, we don't know for sure what it is, although diagnosis is relatively cheap in comparison (use an endoscope to look in the gutteral pouch on that side). So, more investigation is in order. I just thought that article was mighty timely.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Taking a break...
I'm taking a break from my lessons for a while. After a month of little exercise due to my fall, I peeked at the scale and I was not pleased with what I saw. I had gained back the weight I lost last year, and it was time to do something! I hope to incorporate riding into my exercise schedule, but for now I'm spending money on personal training instead of riding lessons. It's only fair to the horses that I am in better shape when I ride - I have to maintain my weight and be stronger. My first training session was TOUGH - but it feels so good to be on the right track. Down 2.5lbs in 5 days - not bad! I hope to get back into lessons later this summer.
In the meantime, I will continue to update with my rides at home as they come along. :) (Hoping for one later today, if my quadriceps will allow :) )
In the meantime, I will continue to update with my rides at home as they come along. :) (Hoping for one later today, if my quadriceps will allow :) )
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Chiropractors are Awesome!
Yay! I've had 4 Chiro visits in the last week, and I think I'm just about back to normal, except for a little out of shape for not riding for nearly a month!
I rode Sweetie again this weekend, and was able to walk & trot comfortably. I kept it short and sweet, just to make sure I didn't reinjure myself, and everything worked out great.
This morning, my parents gave me one last gift before they went back to NH and watched the munchkins while I rode Rocky. I was so excited to ride him - and a bit apprehensive - it is amazing the size difference between 16 (Sweetie) and 17 (Rocky) hands! :) And Rocky has much more movement/suspension when he trots, so it uses your back/body a lot more. Thankfully, it was a great, uneventful ride! We walked and trotted both directions, did some circles, and trotted over a few poles on the ground (no jumps), although Rocky did pick up his feet and jump a little over them the first time! :) That was fun! I was surprised by it and Rocky felt my surprise and came right down to the walk to protect me. He has always done that. If I feel at all strange to him and am not actively asking him to move forward, he stops - just to make sure I'm okay. I know that might sound crazy to some people, but I'm serious, and I completely confident in my assessment of his response. If I get off balance at all (even the slightest amount), and I don't have my legs on him asking him to continue forward, he stops. Every time. Such a good horse! Of course, I hope it has something to do with the relationship we have built since the moment he was born and I helped pull him out of his momma - 13 years ago!
I rode Sweetie again this weekend, and was able to walk & trot comfortably. I kept it short and sweet, just to make sure I didn't reinjure myself, and everything worked out great.
This morning, my parents gave me one last gift before they went back to NH and watched the munchkins while I rode Rocky. I was so excited to ride him - and a bit apprehensive - it is amazing the size difference between 16 (Sweetie) and 17 (Rocky) hands! :) And Rocky has much more movement/suspension when he trots, so it uses your back/body a lot more. Thankfully, it was a great, uneventful ride! We walked and trotted both directions, did some circles, and trotted over a few poles on the ground (no jumps), although Rocky did pick up his feet and jump a little over them the first time! :) That was fun! I was surprised by it and Rocky felt my surprise and came right down to the walk to protect me. He has always done that. If I feel at all strange to him and am not actively asking him to move forward, he stops - just to make sure I'm okay. I know that might sound crazy to some people, but I'm serious, and I completely confident in my assessment of his response. If I get off balance at all (even the slightest amount), and I don't have my legs on him asking him to continue forward, he stops. Every time. Such a good horse! Of course, I hope it has something to do with the relationship we have built since the moment he was born and I helped pull him out of his momma - 13 years ago!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Texas Spring
The weather has just been gorgeous this week - 80 during the day and 60 at night... and although I am still sore, I couldn't resist trying to ride today. So I groomed Sweetie (which she enjoyed very much! Still getting rid of the winter coat!) tacked her up, and very gingerly mounted up. I probably felt like a giant brick up there to her at first I was so stiff - but as we walked around the ring, I started to relax my back and loosen up a bit. It was only a few times around the ring at the walk, and Sweetie came to a halt in the middle of the ring (like she used to all the time at horse shows) and I very slowly slid off - trying not to jar myself when I landed. I survived, and those few minutes in the saddle sure healed my spirit! :)
But I will say that I was very aware of taking my life into my own hands by riding today - and had haunting memories of being thrown a few weeks ago. I'm sure I'll work through it, but it is hard to be getting older and feel your mortality. A few rescue members have been discussing body armour that the eventers use, and that's sounding pretty smart right now. I don't know - maybe the proper term is padding, but whatever, the bronco riders use it, and if it protects your body that much, maybe it's worth it for piece of mind. Or maybe just staying off green, unpredictable horses would do it. :)
After I rode Sweetie, I brought Arwen out for a good grooming. She absolutely loved being brushed - especially right behind her ears. And I trimmed her mane to make her even more beautiful, and she was perfectly behaved. I could brush her anywhere, and she stood quietly or even leaned into my grooming because it felt good to her. When a horse who has been neglected is so willing to trust again so quickly, it is hard not to feel your heart melt, knowing how thankful they are.
But I will say that I was very aware of taking my life into my own hands by riding today - and had haunting memories of being thrown a few weeks ago. I'm sure I'll work through it, but it is hard to be getting older and feel your mortality. A few rescue members have been discussing body armour that the eventers use, and that's sounding pretty smart right now. I don't know - maybe the proper term is padding, but whatever, the bronco riders use it, and if it protects your body that much, maybe it's worth it for piece of mind. Or maybe just staying off green, unpredictable horses would do it. :)
After I rode Sweetie, I brought Arwen out for a good grooming. She absolutely loved being brushed - especially right behind her ears. And I trimmed her mane to make her even more beautiful, and she was perfectly behaved. I could brush her anywhere, and she stood quietly or even leaned into my grooming because it felt good to her. When a horse who has been neglected is so willing to trust again so quickly, it is hard not to feel your heart melt, knowing how thankful they are.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
New Horses - "Arwen" and the gelding
I wanted to give everyone an update on these two since we've all been worried about this group. Compared to the rest, I have the two "fatties" so to speak - if you can call them that. Neither was as bad as those that Nan, Carolee, and Sarah have been caring for, but they are both plenty ribby still.
Everyone has calmed down around here and no longer panics during turnout/feeding time, and the fence that keeps the two new ones in the paddock is getting torn up a bit, so I figured yesterday was a good time to let them out into the main field for a few hours to begin eating grass a few hours a day (there is some in the ring, but not a lot at all). (I would not do that with the thinner ones yet, but these two seem to be fine so far). So I let them out for about two hours yesterday.
Here is a link to Arwen's Webpage
Arwen was so excited to be out in the pasture with the grass and galloped around with her tail up. She also strutted her stuff at the trot and I have some great pics of her movement - she is a gorgeous mover!
The gelding trotted a few times, but basically just walked casually around. He did not feel the need to get involved in the excitement at all - which really only lasted a few minutes before everyone was back to grazing. The gelding seemed a bit of a "loner" and I had to always go find him because he was away from the herd - not in distress, not upset at all, just calmly not paying them any attention.
I got the barn ready for dinner, called them all up to the barn, and my herd came up fine - that is, everyone but Penny and the new guys. She was glued to Arwen's side and saw no reason to convince her to come eat. I looked around and found the gelding just standing, relaxing, and brought him in first. Penny & Arwen saw that I had put him in but did not budge from their grazing spot. They made me walk almost halfway across the property to get them! But once I got there, both girls were happy for me to put a halter on, and I walked them in together.
The new guys went back in the paddock for the night since they need their hay, and then I kept them in a few hours this morning to eat more hay before I turned them out in the field again. Arwen was excited to be out and about and she and Penny buddied up immediately again. The gelding found a nice spot on the other side of the ring to just chill - he did not follow the herd around, just needed a nice snooze. But I kept checking on him - and more than an hour later, he was still in the same general spot, just standing there. My grass is short right now, and I remembered hearing his teeth sounding weird once, and realized that maybe this poor old guy had trouble biting the grass off - he has all his incisors - I've looked, but maybe they don't meet quite right or he has something bothering him. He has not been quidding or anything, so I hadn't yet realized there might be an issue. So I put some hay in the ring/paddock, and put him in there until dinner (will get the mare in a bit). Within a few minutes, he had rolled and started eating the hay. I have put the hay in a giant manure-type bucket for them so it doesn't get mixed up with the sand there - a neat trick I learned from the trainer working with some of our fosters!
I also worked with both horses this morning with the help of my 3yo daughter, Samantha. She always comes with me to the barn! We started with the gelding and he stood quietly on the crossties and let both of us groom him together, but tossed his head about - maybe just to hear the crossties jingle, I wasn't sure. :) If I was riding him, I'd want to check his teeth. Sammie was so cute, she said, "Look, he has a cutie mark!" (Cutie marks are what the My Little Ponies have on their butts) :) I explained that it was actually a number 10, but it was still adorable. She also commented on Arwen's "cutie mark" and that it was a number 9. But what blew me away this morning was how good Arwen was. She stood quietly on the crossties and let me groom her - I am always anxious about Sammie grooming a new horse - especially TB's since I have one that has trouble standing still. But since Arwen seemed calm and was standing quiety, I let Sammie come up - she loves to pet the horses on their foreheads, as she has watched me do so many times. And Arwen saw her, and slowly lowered her nose all the way to the ground so that Sammie could pet her forehead, and kept it there quietly while Sammie rubbed, and Arwen even closed her eyes in relaxation.
Sammie also groomed her a little, and Arwen gently turned her nose to look at her - in a very gentle manner, not at all worried. It just touched my heart how gentle she was being with my daughter - and how thankful she must be to be here.
While grooming, I noticed her tail was not yet grown all the way down - like she might be younger than 15, and after looking at her teeth, I am certain she is less than 10, maybe as young as 5 - I'll mess with that again later after I check my charts. I also found that she has a tattoo in her lip - so I'll also have to give that a look to see if we can actually identify her and her breeding, etc.
I've always loved horses, but every once in a while, one of them really touches my heart with something that they do, and Arwen's gentleness did that for me today. And yes, I named her after the beautiful, dark-maned, gentle elf princess in Lord of the Rings. :)
Hugs to all of you and your horses,
Elizabeth
Everyone has calmed down around here and no longer panics during turnout/feeding time, and the fence that keeps the two new ones in the paddock is getting torn up a bit, so I figured yesterday was a good time to let them out into the main field for a few hours to begin eating grass a few hours a day (there is some in the ring, but not a lot at all). (I would not do that with the thinner ones yet, but these two seem to be fine so far). So I let them out for about two hours yesterday.
Here is a link to Arwen's Webpage
Arwen was so excited to be out in the pasture with the grass and galloped around with her tail up. She also strutted her stuff at the trot and I have some great pics of her movement - she is a gorgeous mover!
The gelding trotted a few times, but basically just walked casually around. He did not feel the need to get involved in the excitement at all - which really only lasted a few minutes before everyone was back to grazing. The gelding seemed a bit of a "loner" and I had to always go find him because he was away from the herd - not in distress, not upset at all, just calmly not paying them any attention.
I got the barn ready for dinner, called them all up to the barn, and my herd came up fine - that is, everyone but Penny and the new guys. She was glued to Arwen's side and saw no reason to convince her to come eat. I looked around and found the gelding just standing, relaxing, and brought him in first. Penny & Arwen saw that I had put him in but did not budge from their grazing spot. They made me walk almost halfway across the property to get them! But once I got there, both girls were happy for me to put a halter on, and I walked them in together.
The new guys went back in the paddock for the night since they need their hay, and then I kept them in a few hours this morning to eat more hay before I turned them out in the field again. Arwen was excited to be out and about and she and Penny buddied up immediately again. The gelding found a nice spot on the other side of the ring to just chill - he did not follow the herd around, just needed a nice snooze. But I kept checking on him - and more than an hour later, he was still in the same general spot, just standing there. My grass is short right now, and I remembered hearing his teeth sounding weird once, and realized that maybe this poor old guy had trouble biting the grass off - he has all his incisors - I've looked, but maybe they don't meet quite right or he has something bothering him. He has not been quidding or anything, so I hadn't yet realized there might be an issue. So I put some hay in the ring/paddock, and put him in there until dinner (will get the mare in a bit). Within a few minutes, he had rolled and started eating the hay. I have put the hay in a giant manure-type bucket for them so it doesn't get mixed up with the sand there - a neat trick I learned from the trainer working with some of our fosters!
I also worked with both horses this morning with the help of my 3yo daughter, Samantha. She always comes with me to the barn! We started with the gelding and he stood quietly on the crossties and let both of us groom him together, but tossed his head about - maybe just to hear the crossties jingle, I wasn't sure. :) If I was riding him, I'd want to check his teeth. Sammie was so cute, she said, "Look, he has a cutie mark!" (Cutie marks are what the My Little Ponies have on their butts) :) I explained that it was actually a number 10, but it was still adorable. She also commented on Arwen's "cutie mark" and that it was a number 9. But what blew me away this morning was how good Arwen was. She stood quietly on the crossties and let me groom her - I am always anxious about Sammie grooming a new horse - especially TB's since I have one that has trouble standing still. But since Arwen seemed calm and was standing quiety, I let Sammie come up - she loves to pet the horses on their foreheads, as she has watched me do so many times. And Arwen saw her, and slowly lowered her nose all the way to the ground so that Sammie could pet her forehead, and kept it there quietly while Sammie rubbed, and Arwen even closed her eyes in relaxation.
Sammie also groomed her a little, and Arwen gently turned her nose to look at her - in a very gentle manner, not at all worried. It just touched my heart how gentle she was being with my daughter - and how thankful she must be to be here.
While grooming, I noticed her tail was not yet grown all the way down - like she might be younger than 15, and after looking at her teeth, I am certain she is less than 10, maybe as young as 5 - I'll mess with that again later after I check my charts. I also found that she has a tattoo in her lip - so I'll also have to give that a look to see if we can actually identify her and her breeding, etc.
I've always loved horses, but every once in a while, one of them really touches my heart with something that they do, and Arwen's gentleness did that for me today. And yes, I named her after the beautiful, dark-maned, gentle elf princess in Lord of the Rings. :)
Hugs to all of you and your horses,
Elizabeth
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Two Thankful Souls
These are the two rescue horses currently at my house - they have both been so thankful to have found a place with food, shelter, and warmth. Both of them seem to be in a bit of disbelief that they are being taken care of. :) They are so thankful!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
My Box of Chocolates for the day...
Well, you never know what you're going to get when you volunteer for a horse rescue. :) Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society was awarded 7 horses yesterday from a neglectful owner, and I volunteered to help organize travel arrangements for them to their new foster homes since I live close to the area they were seized. Today was a Wednesday, and we needed to have all the horses moved by Sunday. I went today with the intention of picking up 2 horses - my future foster horse, and another for a member that lives locally.
Upon arrival, I found 7 poor souls - 5 of which that were absolutely emaciated (a Body Condition score of 1 on a scale from 1-9) The other two were slightly better in the BC 2 category. (We had been told that 2-3 were really bad, but upon arrival, it was clear that 5 of them were awful, and the other two were headed that way). I looked around and noticed that none of the group had access to any kind of shelter - they had a few run ins in other pens, but I asked and they were not available. Although I'm sure that the horses were fed at some point by animal control, there was no sign anywhere of any kind of hay.
Our weather has predicted the next 3-4 days will be cold (in the 40's) and rainy - which would make any horse without shelter chilled and shivering. These horses had absolutely no body fat on them, and no hay in front of them to create any kind of warmth. I recalled the two emergency calls I handled for the rescue over the last year (I am third on a list and rarely ever get calls). One of them was for a young horse that was very thin, and got too cold and then laid down, went into shock, and never got back up). I was not about to let that happen to these poor souls - if I left them there for just a few cold rainy days, my guess is that 3-5 of them would not have survived.
So, I made a few calls, and between myself and the other member that I was originally taking one horse, I figured I could take one extra, and the other member had room for the other four! So I loaded up all 7 in my 24' stock trailer and off I went. I have occasionally grumbled about the size of my trailer when I use it so rarely and usually for just one or two horses, but today I'd never been so happy to have it!
Here are some photos of the horses:
A 13yo bay mare - bottom of the pecking order it seemed.
A 9yo bay mare - whose baby was taken from her this morning. Her baby was awarded to someone other than the defendant that claimed to own it.
A 5yo bay mare
A 2yo filly
A 5yo bay gelding.
20yo sorrel gelding I'm holding for a local member
My new foster horse - a 15yo bay mare - and you tell me if that belly looks suspicious to you... oh, geepers. We'll have a vet out to check for sure, and depending on the results and how good I get at my feminine wiles with my husband... we'll see if she gets to stay. I have foaling experience, but I really do have a limit here on the number of horses we have. We'll see what happens. I'll be sure to keep you updated!
It really upsets me when people do this to innocent animals... I have lots of thoughts about that. But right now, I am focused on the fact that they are all safe, warm, dry, and fed. I am so glad that I was able to make arrangements for all of them to stay dry while they wait for their new foster homes. Yay!
Upon arrival, I found 7 poor souls - 5 of which that were absolutely emaciated (a Body Condition score of 1 on a scale from 1-9) The other two were slightly better in the BC 2 category. (We had been told that 2-3 were really bad, but upon arrival, it was clear that 5 of them were awful, and the other two were headed that way). I looked around and noticed that none of the group had access to any kind of shelter - they had a few run ins in other pens, but I asked and they were not available. Although I'm sure that the horses were fed at some point by animal control, there was no sign anywhere of any kind of hay.
Our weather has predicted the next 3-4 days will be cold (in the 40's) and rainy - which would make any horse without shelter chilled and shivering. These horses had absolutely no body fat on them, and no hay in front of them to create any kind of warmth. I recalled the two emergency calls I handled for the rescue over the last year (I am third on a list and rarely ever get calls). One of them was for a young horse that was very thin, and got too cold and then laid down, went into shock, and never got back up). I was not about to let that happen to these poor souls - if I left them there for just a few cold rainy days, my guess is that 3-5 of them would not have survived.
So, I made a few calls, and between myself and the other member that I was originally taking one horse, I figured I could take one extra, and the other member had room for the other four! So I loaded up all 7 in my 24' stock trailer and off I went. I have occasionally grumbled about the size of my trailer when I use it so rarely and usually for just one or two horses, but today I'd never been so happy to have it!
Here are some photos of the horses:
A 13yo bay mare - bottom of the pecking order it seemed.
A 9yo bay mare - whose baby was taken from her this morning. Her baby was awarded to someone other than the defendant that claimed to own it.
A 5yo bay mare
A 2yo filly
A 5yo bay gelding.
20yo sorrel gelding I'm holding for a local member
My new foster horse - a 15yo bay mare - and you tell me if that belly looks suspicious to you... oh, geepers. We'll have a vet out to check for sure, and depending on the results and how good I get at my feminine wiles with my husband... we'll see if she gets to stay. I have foaling experience, but I really do have a limit here on the number of horses we have. We'll see what happens. I'll be sure to keep you updated!
It really upsets me when people do this to innocent animals... I have lots of thoughts about that. But right now, I am focused on the fact that they are all safe, warm, dry, and fed. I am so glad that I was able to make arrangements for all of them to stay dry while they wait for their new foster homes. Yay!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Ouch!
Well, it was bound to happen. Thankfully it was only from 14hh, not 17hh! :) It has been about 6 months since I fell off Sweetie, and today I took a tumble from green GREEN unpredictable Kiley, who sadly is now my former foster horse.
I went to visit her at the trainer's, where the trainer had come to the conclusion that she is unpredictable and needs a bunch of slow, walking work before doing more - and to possibly never be adopted as a riding horse. I heard about it second hand, and went to the trainers thinking the best of Kiley, that maybe she had been overfaced in a few short weeks, and that maybe she had learned to trust me enough that she might trust me more than a trainer, and be more willing for me.
I was wrong.
Kiley has issues - and the trainer saw the same things I had. Although she has a corneal scar in her left eye, she acts like she sometimes sees things suddenly from her right eye - and is very nervous on her right side. Kiley was on her best behavior (as good as she had been for the trainer) when I got there -and she had clearly learned a lot - about having her ears handled, and being ridden. The trainer rode her in the roundpen at the walk and trot, and Kiley seemed fine at those speeds. She kicked/bucked once, but it was not major. And she seemed quiet at the walk and trot so long as you went to the left. But the trainer did tell us that she had taken off bolting (jumping forward) in the field for no apparent reason after being good for more than a week. I got on her and walked, and she was good but nervous. When I asked her to trot (with the smallest of verbal cues, and the lightest ask with my leg) she took off bolting - jumping forward suddenly - for no apparent reason, and I came off - and landed on my tailbone. OUCH! So, I'm sore.
I don't normally let a fall discourage me, but I can explain to you exactly what caused every other fall I have had. (A horse shied from a specific thing, I was not balanced, oh, and then there was the one where I didn't tighten the girth enough... many others) But Kiley's response was unprovoked, and she had also done this before. Been fine, and then suddenly for no reason acted crazy and bolted like her life depended on it. Every other horse I have fallen from has been a specific shy, or a refusal at a fence or such.
I wanted so badly to be "the one" that got through to Kiley - that maybe she had trust in me that she had not found elsewhere. I have never hit her or hurt her in any way, and have always been calm. There are only two times that I have ever raised my voice at her, both when I felt my welfare was briefly threatened and it was necessary. And although she recognized me when she saw me at the trainer's, there was no nicker of recognition, no movement to suggest that she desired to interact with me.
Another thing that the trainer mentioned is that when she feels threatened, she often moves into the person, instead of away from someone. Both she and I got the feeling that Kiley does what she has to in order to survive, but nothing beyond that, and that she is not a "people" horse. I would think that after being at my place for over a year that she might have become more attached, but it just wasn't the case.
I had to really think about what to do. The trainer very specifically said that she would not recommend Kiley be adopted as a riding horse - that she could really hurt someone if they had their guard down and Kiley decided to bolt like she did today. (I guess that was me, eh?) That she was completely unpredictable with her "episodes" - there was no trigger - she did not have a bit in her mouth during any of them. And as much as I wanted to help her, I knew after falling that I would never get on her again. And I probably would have a little more fear towards her and what she might do from here on. And then I thought of my kids, and realized I have always told them to stay away from Kiley and be extra careful around her. Now, I am extra careful as well and don't put them in that position - they are never unsupervised around the horses, but whenever we go out to the barn I have been clear to remind them to not get close to her, that she might kick. I recall mentioning in this blog earlier that Kiley treated the kids like she would a dog - I have seen her pin her ears at them before. I don't fear for myself around her because I can catch on to her cues and I am experienced, but the kids still haven't picked up on all the subtle equine body language.
Anyways, thinking of the kids made the decision a no-brainer. I feel I have done as much as I can for her - I helped bring her back from a BC of 3 (she was a 1 when she was first found stray), and she has gained a ton of muscle back over the last year. I was able to work with her so that she was no longer afraid of being groomed, and stood well for the farrier. She became very relaxed about her daily routine, lets me catch her anywhere on the property. But I have done all that I can - at least, all I feel I can do safely.
Kiley will have her right eye evaluated by a vet to make sure that her vision is not impaired on that side, and then hopefully find another foster home soon. I assume she will probably be considered available for adoption as a companion only. She is a beautiful mare, and would make a lovely pasture ornament and companion to another horse. She has been well behaved for me on the ground, it's just the riding that is the issue. And that she doesn't really seem to like the kiddos (but I can't really blame her - they are crazy sometimes, and she's more nervous than some horses). I pray that she behaves herself and someday finds the right person for her.
I went to visit her at the trainer's, where the trainer had come to the conclusion that she is unpredictable and needs a bunch of slow, walking work before doing more - and to possibly never be adopted as a riding horse. I heard about it second hand, and went to the trainers thinking the best of Kiley, that maybe she had been overfaced in a few short weeks, and that maybe she had learned to trust me enough that she might trust me more than a trainer, and be more willing for me.
I was wrong.
Kiley has issues - and the trainer saw the same things I had. Although she has a corneal scar in her left eye, she acts like she sometimes sees things suddenly from her right eye - and is very nervous on her right side. Kiley was on her best behavior (as good as she had been for the trainer) when I got there -and she had clearly learned a lot - about having her ears handled, and being ridden. The trainer rode her in the roundpen at the walk and trot, and Kiley seemed fine at those speeds. She kicked/bucked once, but it was not major. And she seemed quiet at the walk and trot so long as you went to the left. But the trainer did tell us that she had taken off bolting (jumping forward) in the field for no apparent reason after being good for more than a week. I got on her and walked, and she was good but nervous. When I asked her to trot (with the smallest of verbal cues, and the lightest ask with my leg) she took off bolting - jumping forward suddenly - for no apparent reason, and I came off - and landed on my tailbone. OUCH! So, I'm sore.
I don't normally let a fall discourage me, but I can explain to you exactly what caused every other fall I have had. (A horse shied from a specific thing, I was not balanced, oh, and then there was the one where I didn't tighten the girth enough... many others) But Kiley's response was unprovoked, and she had also done this before. Been fine, and then suddenly for no reason acted crazy and bolted like her life depended on it. Every other horse I have fallen from has been a specific shy, or a refusal at a fence or such.
I wanted so badly to be "the one" that got through to Kiley - that maybe she had trust in me that she had not found elsewhere. I have never hit her or hurt her in any way, and have always been calm. There are only two times that I have ever raised my voice at her, both when I felt my welfare was briefly threatened and it was necessary. And although she recognized me when she saw me at the trainer's, there was no nicker of recognition, no movement to suggest that she desired to interact with me.
Another thing that the trainer mentioned is that when she feels threatened, she often moves into the person, instead of away from someone. Both she and I got the feeling that Kiley does what she has to in order to survive, but nothing beyond that, and that she is not a "people" horse. I would think that after being at my place for over a year that she might have become more attached, but it just wasn't the case.
I had to really think about what to do. The trainer very specifically said that she would not recommend Kiley be adopted as a riding horse - that she could really hurt someone if they had their guard down and Kiley decided to bolt like she did today. (I guess that was me, eh?) That she was completely unpredictable with her "episodes" - there was no trigger - she did not have a bit in her mouth during any of them. And as much as I wanted to help her, I knew after falling that I would never get on her again. And I probably would have a little more fear towards her and what she might do from here on. And then I thought of my kids, and realized I have always told them to stay away from Kiley and be extra careful around her. Now, I am extra careful as well and don't put them in that position - they are never unsupervised around the horses, but whenever we go out to the barn I have been clear to remind them to not get close to her, that she might kick. I recall mentioning in this blog earlier that Kiley treated the kids like she would a dog - I have seen her pin her ears at them before. I don't fear for myself around her because I can catch on to her cues and I am experienced, but the kids still haven't picked up on all the subtle equine body language.
Anyways, thinking of the kids made the decision a no-brainer. I feel I have done as much as I can for her - I helped bring her back from a BC of 3 (she was a 1 when she was first found stray), and she has gained a ton of muscle back over the last year. I was able to work with her so that she was no longer afraid of being groomed, and stood well for the farrier. She became very relaxed about her daily routine, lets me catch her anywhere on the property. But I have done all that I can - at least, all I feel I can do safely.
Kiley will have her right eye evaluated by a vet to make sure that her vision is not impaired on that side, and then hopefully find another foster home soon. I assume she will probably be considered available for adoption as a companion only. She is a beautiful mare, and would make a lovely pasture ornament and companion to another horse. She has been well behaved for me on the ground, it's just the riding that is the issue. And that she doesn't really seem to like the kiddos (but I can't really blame her - they are crazy sometimes, and she's more nervous than some horses). I pray that she behaves herself and someday finds the right person for her.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Rocky's SECOND Lesson
I shouted that it was only his second lesson because it was SO AWESOME! :)
I again ended up taking Sweetie - I had not had a chance to practice loading with Rocky, and he wasn't bad, just planted his feet and refused at the end of the trailer (how I sometimes miss my ramp!). And as soon as Sweetie was on the trailer, he walked right on.
Once we got there, both horses settled quickly at the side of the trailer for a good grooming, and then we put Sweetie in a run (this time she could see Rocky - and Rocky could see her!) That turned out to be a bad move - so she ended up in the barn in a stall, out of sight again, so Rocky would focus. I'm not yet sure if it was the Sweetie issue, or if watching other horses in the ring canter and jump at different directions (there were 3-4 other horses in the ring) just was too much for his brain at the time. :) I don't think he'd ever seen that before.
I lunged Rocky a second time after we put Sweetie up while most of the riders finished up in the ring - when I hopped back on, there was only one rider left, and Rocky seemed fine.
You know - another thing that Rocky probably felt - I hadn't thought of this until just now - I was riding in Kim's saddle - which isn't a big deal, it is a beautiful, well-fitting saddle. But her stirrups are tiny! :) (She has small feet) and every time I put my feet in them I felt nervous that my feet would end up stuck in them if I fell - and after we switched stirrups (yet another "issue" to deal with today) - I felt so much more comfortable - and Rocky also was significantly calmer. I'll bet he could feel the difference. DUH!!!
He still had quite a bit of energy, and we trotted lots of circles to get his attention, figure 8's, that sort of thing. And then we finally cantered - both ways - at least once around! WOW that was awesome!
Finally, it was time to Jump on Rocky! (Yay! My favorite!) We started off with a little X, but Rocky wasn't really using himself and was pretty lazy - so Kim changed it to a vertical (that means the pole is the same height all the way across) and Rocky picked up his knees and jumped over it! It was only 18" or so - but he did it! :) I was so proud! We did it several times and then Kim asked me if I wanted to do the little "gate". Now, the gate might have been an inch or two higher, but it looked more solid, and it had ground poles at the base of the fence on either side, so he would have to do more than just ho hum over it. I was a little nervous, but not that much, really, and Rocky went right over it and really jumped! Not a huge movement for me in the saddle, but I could feel him pick his knees up over it and really use himself! Kim commented how cute he looked over the fence! (Which hopefully means he has good form over fences!)
We trotted each way over the fence and then Kim said, "Now, next week, I will ask you to canter after the fence - you don't have to today since it is the first time jumping like this, but next week, we'll practice it." Well, I got that in my head and kept my leg on him over the fence, and we cantered after it each way beautifully! WOWZERZ! I had NO idea I would end up doing that today - but I'm so excited that we did it! And it is only our SECOND lesson! :) Yay!
I have other things to work on - little things like keeping his nose turned in slightly so he's not always bent to the outside (he was looking at everything today!) and making sure that I keep asking him to move forward over the fences - I was getting him to the fence and then kindof relaxing to let him do his thing - but I really need to keep my leg on him all the way over the fence - and cantering afterwards requires it!
Although it is a bit of a hassle to trailer him for the lessons, it is a billion times worth it! Look at all that we accomplish! :) I'm so proud!
I again ended up taking Sweetie - I had not had a chance to practice loading with Rocky, and he wasn't bad, just planted his feet and refused at the end of the trailer (how I sometimes miss my ramp!). And as soon as Sweetie was on the trailer, he walked right on.
Once we got there, both horses settled quickly at the side of the trailer for a good grooming, and then we put Sweetie in a run (this time she could see Rocky - and Rocky could see her!) That turned out to be a bad move - so she ended up in the barn in a stall, out of sight again, so Rocky would focus. I'm not yet sure if it was the Sweetie issue, or if watching other horses in the ring canter and jump at different directions (there were 3-4 other horses in the ring) just was too much for his brain at the time. :) I don't think he'd ever seen that before.
I lunged Rocky a second time after we put Sweetie up while most of the riders finished up in the ring - when I hopped back on, there was only one rider left, and Rocky seemed fine.
You know - another thing that Rocky probably felt - I hadn't thought of this until just now - I was riding in Kim's saddle - which isn't a big deal, it is a beautiful, well-fitting saddle. But her stirrups are tiny! :) (She has small feet) and every time I put my feet in them I felt nervous that my feet would end up stuck in them if I fell - and after we switched stirrups (yet another "issue" to deal with today) - I felt so much more comfortable - and Rocky also was significantly calmer. I'll bet he could feel the difference. DUH!!!
He still had quite a bit of energy, and we trotted lots of circles to get his attention, figure 8's, that sort of thing. And then we finally cantered - both ways - at least once around! WOW that was awesome!
Finally, it was time to Jump on Rocky! (Yay! My favorite!) We started off with a little X, but Rocky wasn't really using himself and was pretty lazy - so Kim changed it to a vertical (that means the pole is the same height all the way across) and Rocky picked up his knees and jumped over it! It was only 18" or so - but he did it! :) I was so proud! We did it several times and then Kim asked me if I wanted to do the little "gate". Now, the gate might have been an inch or two higher, but it looked more solid, and it had ground poles at the base of the fence on either side, so he would have to do more than just ho hum over it. I was a little nervous, but not that much, really, and Rocky went right over it and really jumped! Not a huge movement for me in the saddle, but I could feel him pick his knees up over it and really use himself! Kim commented how cute he looked over the fence! (Which hopefully means he has good form over fences!)
We trotted each way over the fence and then Kim said, "Now, next week, I will ask you to canter after the fence - you don't have to today since it is the first time jumping like this, but next week, we'll practice it." Well, I got that in my head and kept my leg on him over the fence, and we cantered after it each way beautifully! WOWZERZ! I had NO idea I would end up doing that today - but I'm so excited that we did it! And it is only our SECOND lesson! :) Yay!
I have other things to work on - little things like keeping his nose turned in slightly so he's not always bent to the outside (he was looking at everything today!) and making sure that I keep asking him to move forward over the fences - I was getting him to the fence and then kindof relaxing to let him do his thing - but I really need to keep my leg on him all the way over the fence - and cantering afterwards requires it!
Although it is a bit of a hassle to trailer him for the lessons, it is a billion times worth it! Look at all that we accomplish! :) I'm so proud!
Sunday's Ride
I rode Rocky again on Sunday - and he was really wonderful. I did not lunge him prior, and he was laid back and well behaved. We walked and trotted, circled, and even cantered here at home! He makes it all the way down the long side, but has a little trouble with balance still on the corners (my ring is 60' by 180' - I thought I would be getting into dressage when it was built... oh well :) ) So we cantered both directions, and then trotted over a little X several times. He was just so good, we kept it short and sweet - and it was a beautiful, wonderful morning to be riding!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
PROGRESS!!!
What an awesome lesson today! I finally took Mr. Rock Star ("Rocky" - show name "Visions of Fame") over for a lesson. We had a rough start getting on the trailer - I had built in a little extra time into the schedule just in case of that sort of thing, but I was not planning on 45 minutes to get him to load! I finally got his Momma, Sweetie (22yo TB mare) out of the barn and got her on first, and wouldn't you know it, Rocky walked right on after her... *rolling eyes*.... So, I wasn't taking any chances, and since I had two young children who were very impatient by that point in the truck - off we went, both horses on the trailer! Once there, Rocky was excited and hollering a bit, and we put Sweetie in a stall while I started by lunging Rocky in the roundpen. He finally paid attention to me instead of worrying about his mom - she certainly wasn't worried about him - there were plenty of other horses in the barn to keep her attention. We walked, trotted, and cantered both directions in the roundpen - with no kicking out or bucking at all! Yay! Although it took a lot of coaxing to get him to canter all the way around just one time. :) Lazy boy!
Next I hopped on and we went into the ring and walked all the way around. Something to remember here - Rocky has never been to this location before, and it has been about 3 years since he has been off the property for anything besides a vet visit. (That was a great trail ride through cow fields). Before that, his only other trips have been cross-country from VA to OR and OR to TX. And the last time he was at a big "barn" where there was a nice ring, etc., was in OR in 2000. SOOOoooo... it was absolutely amazing how calm he was! He looked around at everything in the ring - the only jump that looked weird to him was the green rolltop. Everything else he totally took in stride and was laid back and calm about. I was amazed! Then we trotted around the ring - and again - he was great! He had the perfect cadence, not excited at all, and circled easily and listened really well. So the next test was - the canter. I had told Kim how I had figured out that Rocky's kicking out was him acting out - not wanting to work. And she rightfully suggested that I probably had let him get away with it by stopping what I was doing and he had learned that if he acted out, we didn't do any work. Therefore, it was important for me to push through it and keep pestering him until he did what I asked - canter. I'll have to say, it was kind of nerve wracking. But I also remembered my trick that I use to get him to trot sometimes by flipping the end of the reins back and forth over his withers - so I tried that - and after some coaxing, it worked! Our first canter was about 10 strides, and then we tried again and got more than that, and finally, ALL THE WAY AROUND THE RING! It is a BIG ring, too! About 200'x250' - huge! And we also went The Other Direction all the way around the ring!!! :) On the correct lead (after a couple of tries)! Oh, I was so proud!
So, since he was being so good, why not trot him over a little crossrail? I have been trotting him over poles on the ground at home no trouble. So we trotted back and forth over a small X probably a dozen times - and Kim raised it up a little about half way through. Rocky even picked up his knees a few times to get over it. I couldn't believe it! All of this progress in just one lesson! FINALLY! Getting him over there, to a big ring, and he was so well behaved and we accomplished so much! Man, it was SO worth the hassle of trailering him over there - and I'm so glad I didn't give up this morning while loading.
For a second, I might consider wishing I had taken him over there sooner, but you know what, I don't think it would have worked out this well. 1) Rocky is in better shape because I have been riding and lunging him regularly for several weeks now and 2) I am in better shape, and riding really well compared to a year ago. I needed to be in better shape to ride Rocky's bigger, suspending strides, and Rocky wouldn't have been willing to do so well if he was out of shape. It all worked out just perfectly today. I am so thankful and so proud!
Most of all, I am reminded of what a smart, awesome horse Rocky is. In a new situation, he was totally well behaved, and he picked up on the canter and jumping so quickly. He was like this when I started him as a 3yo, and then we had that LONG 10-year break over moving and kids and... geepers. I'm so glad we're finally getting going!
Next I hopped on and we went into the ring and walked all the way around. Something to remember here - Rocky has never been to this location before, and it has been about 3 years since he has been off the property for anything besides a vet visit. (That was a great trail ride through cow fields). Before that, his only other trips have been cross-country from VA to OR and OR to TX. And the last time he was at a big "barn" where there was a nice ring, etc., was in OR in 2000. SOOOoooo... it was absolutely amazing how calm he was! He looked around at everything in the ring - the only jump that looked weird to him was the green rolltop. Everything else he totally took in stride and was laid back and calm about. I was amazed! Then we trotted around the ring - and again - he was great! He had the perfect cadence, not excited at all, and circled easily and listened really well. So the next test was - the canter. I had told Kim how I had figured out that Rocky's kicking out was him acting out - not wanting to work. And she rightfully suggested that I probably had let him get away with it by stopping what I was doing and he had learned that if he acted out, we didn't do any work. Therefore, it was important for me to push through it and keep pestering him until he did what I asked - canter. I'll have to say, it was kind of nerve wracking. But I also remembered my trick that I use to get him to trot sometimes by flipping the end of the reins back and forth over his withers - so I tried that - and after some coaxing, it worked! Our first canter was about 10 strides, and then we tried again and got more than that, and finally, ALL THE WAY AROUND THE RING! It is a BIG ring, too! About 200'x250' - huge! And we also went The Other Direction all the way around the ring!!! :) On the correct lead (after a couple of tries)! Oh, I was so proud!
So, since he was being so good, why not trot him over a little crossrail? I have been trotting him over poles on the ground at home no trouble. So we trotted back and forth over a small X probably a dozen times - and Kim raised it up a little about half way through. Rocky even picked up his knees a few times to get over it. I couldn't believe it! All of this progress in just one lesson! FINALLY! Getting him over there, to a big ring, and he was so well behaved and we accomplished so much! Man, it was SO worth the hassle of trailering him over there - and I'm so glad I didn't give up this morning while loading.
For a second, I might consider wishing I had taken him over there sooner, but you know what, I don't think it would have worked out this well. 1) Rocky is in better shape because I have been riding and lunging him regularly for several weeks now and 2) I am in better shape, and riding really well compared to a year ago. I needed to be in better shape to ride Rocky's bigger, suspending strides, and Rocky wouldn't have been willing to do so well if he was out of shape. It all worked out just perfectly today. I am so thankful and so proud!
Most of all, I am reminded of what a smart, awesome horse Rocky is. In a new situation, he was totally well behaved, and he picked up on the canter and jumping so quickly. He was like this when I started him as a 3yo, and then we had that LONG 10-year break over moving and kids and... geepers. I'm so glad we're finally getting going!
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