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!
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