I had our saddle fitter out recently, she came for a couple of other riders but I needed her services too as it turned out. Charmer went fro being a mild mannered easy going fellow to one that told me to ##$#@!$ off, refused to trot, dropped his back, flipped his head up and swished his tail. All of which told me that there was a problem, checked everything that I could.
Turns out that while the last couple of months off were good for him mentally, it wasn't so good for him physically. He dropped some muscle tone in his back, which caused my saddle to drop down onto the muscles below his withers. That hurts.
Saddle fitter helped me to get it fixed, just need to add a little bit of cushion there for a few weeks/month, just until the muscles build back up. Thank goodness it was an easy fix. But I did talk to her about looking for another saddle, as a traditionalist, I would prefer a leather saddle. I like the Wintec Isabelle but it doesn't fit me very well and I hope that he isn't going to be spreading out in the back too much more.
Saddle fitter suggested a couple of brands, and I went looking. And boy did I find one that I liked. Black Country Eloquence is the name of it. Built for those widebacked warmbloods, which I don't have but I do have widebacked paint. My only problem is the saddle sells for $3000, which given how nice the saddle is, is not such a bad price. Now to figure out if I really like it enough to buy one. Need to find one to sit in and get my hands on so that I can see if I like it as much in person as I do in the photos.
Buggs is doing really well, we had to put him on his winter rations. Had lost a little too much weight over the last month or so, added rice bran to his senior smush. He might be 29 but he looks great, good warm fuzzy coat and bright eyes. Bossy as usual too. His left hock is so swollen though, not sure what else I can do about. Vet said that there really wasn't much to do, just to keep him comfy. The bute helps with the pain but hasn't done much to bring the swelling out of it. Was thinking about maybe getting some IcyHot, and rubbing that on it to see if it would help. Maybe will call the vet before I start slathering stuff on it. I was using DMSO but it is frozen and will stay that way until spring, it freezes at 65 degrees.
School is almost over for the semester, got 2 classes left. Finals are the week after next, got to get to studying. Or should I say studying more. Spring semester should be about the same as this one, one hard class, 1 sort of hard and then 1 not so much. With the end of this semester I have 2 left before I graduate with my BA in Anthropology. Then on to grad school for another 2 years. Oh joy, but if I want to be able to get into the field that I want then I need that upper degree. It should be fun and hard at the same time.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
5 November 2010
Going to a clinic tomorrow with friends from the barn, am so excited about it too. We are going to be spending the day listening to a dressage God, Walter Zettl. He is so wonderfully talented and quiet with the horses, it is going to be an amazing experience. Hopefully we will get some photos.
Charmer lunged really well on Wednesday, my lesson canceled on me so I put that time to good use. We have been working on the canter up transition. I want to make it more comfortble for him to pick up the canter. He did so well, the transitions were so smooth and fluid. I am very proud of my young man, I hope to get back into riding him next week. The weather is supposed to be really nice and I really need to get back in the saddle. The butterflies are still made of iron but they don't seem to be quite as fluttery. They are still there but I hope that I can manage them better and learn to ride Charmer's canter. It is so nice and uphill and the few times that I was able to get him cantering was very easy to ride.
Buggs is going to give me the guilt trip tomorrow for sure. I didn't realize it was going to be quite as cold as it is supposed to get tonight so all he has on his sheet. Mom called a little bit ago and said that it was lightly snowing at home. I am so going to get it tomorrow when I see Buggs. I will see if I can't make it better by getting him an apple or a bag of carrots. Yes, I know it is bribery but if it works then I am for it.
Charmer lunged really well on Wednesday, my lesson canceled on me so I put that time to good use. We have been working on the canter up transition. I want to make it more comfortble for him to pick up the canter. He did so well, the transitions were so smooth and fluid. I am very proud of my young man, I hope to get back into riding him next week. The weather is supposed to be really nice and I really need to get back in the saddle. The butterflies are still made of iron but they don't seem to be quite as fluttery. They are still there but I hope that I can manage them better and learn to ride Charmer's canter. It is so nice and uphill and the few times that I was able to get him cantering was very easy to ride.
Buggs is going to give me the guilt trip tomorrow for sure. I didn't realize it was going to be quite as cold as it is supposed to get tonight so all he has on his sheet. Mom called a little bit ago and said that it was lightly snowing at home. I am so going to get it tomorrow when I see Buggs. I will see if I can't make it better by getting him an apple or a bag of carrots. Yes, I know it is bribery but if it works then I am for it.
Friday, October 29, 2010
I had to sneak up on these two for these shots, it was just too perfect. They were napping in the warm sunshine, it was chilly this am but quite nice in the sun.
I have spent the day moving Cinder to her home. Hope she has settled in with her nanny, Slipper.
I have been having some serious thinking to do about what and how I want to get on my career path. What do I need to do and what sort of education and experience do I need? So I talked with a friend last night, Deb is a anthropology professor and also works for the state. I wanted her opinion about this, she suggested that I get out of the anthro department and go ahead and get into the masters program for public history. I envision myself working in a living history museum as an interpretor/demonstator. I love being a riding instructor, but it isn't going be a long term fulltime career. I hope to be able to keep teaching for as long as possible but I want to do something that will allow me to have a place of my own and to be comfortable, get all my bills paid and such.
I am going to talk to the director of the public history program week after next, to get her take on what I should be planning. I am so close to getting my anthro BA that I am not going to stop that, I am within 2 or 3 semesters from graduating. 2012 will be soon enough to get started in grad school, this way I am in the groove of school and am not trying to figure out what I am doing by trial and error.
I am very excited about being in school, learning new things, and meeting interesting people.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Buddy, my other best barn buddy. He is keeping a watch out for the horses. He is my guard where ever I go.
Charmer and his new friend Cinder. She is a 5 month old TB/QH filly that we had at the barn for weaning. We were hoping that he would play with her but e got bored with that.
Nick and I, he is checking to be sure that I really don't have any treats.
Jack, my barn buddy. He showed up November last year and never left. He truly believes that he is a teacup poodle and doesn't understand why folks cry and groan when he sits on them.
26 October 2010
Nothing much happening at the barn, things are just rolling along so nicely. Buggs is a wooly one, looks like he is a plush toy with his winter coat. It is so black and shiny, he is round and bright eyed. I had to start him back on the bute with the cool weather and I am glad that I did. He has trotted into eat a couple of times, I watch him and just get teary eyed that he feels good. I am so happy to have this horse in my life. I am thankful for everyday that we have had and all the days to come. Having him in my life has made me the person that I am, thank you Buggs.
Charmer has been good to ride, although he has gotten a little spookier lately. I think the cool weather is getting to his little boy brain. I am not complaining exactly, just a sort of awareness of it. He looks at stuff that has been there for months now, and all of a sudden it is going to eat him. Good grief, but I can't get mad or upset with him cause he is just being a horse. I just ride a little more defensively while we are out cause even though he is a big guy he can turn on a dime when the mood or the monster strikes.
We have been having some issues with the leg yield and the shoulder fore, he gets stuck and then gets mad. I don't think it is a pain issue but more of a I don't wannnnnna do this. I am going to break it down into tinier steps for him and also get Teresa to watch us this weekend or early next week to see what I am doing wrong. I don't want him to be a brat about it and get out of working, once I get the movements from him his trot improves so much. I am working him in the round pen a couple of times a week to practice cantering. His transitions have improved to the right but the left is still a little scary. He is a lefty, which is funny since most horses and riders are righties. We balance each other fairly well, good thing too. I am going to really try to canter him next week in the warm up arena. Bigger than the dressage arena and no jumps like in the big arena. I get steel butterflies in my tummy just thinking about it, but if Rebecca can canter her little Tucker than I can canter my big guy. I am going to have to just suck it up and get out there and canter. I am holding him back from moving onto first level. Once I get over my canter issues, we are going to start schooling first level and show training. The new tests make it easier, posting the trot is now an option in first level. Yipppeeee, but we will be working on the sitting trot so that by the end of the season next year I will be sitting so that we can move to second.
School is going pretty good, only a few more weeks left. Got my schedule for next semester ready, going to have to be on campus every day but a couple of those days only for an hour or so. I will still be able to be at the barn to teach and to ride. Although one of my classes next sememster is very hard, it is going to take lots of work to get through it. I am going to manage though, there isn't any other option.
Charmer has been good to ride, although he has gotten a little spookier lately. I think the cool weather is getting to his little boy brain. I am not complaining exactly, just a sort of awareness of it. He looks at stuff that has been there for months now, and all of a sudden it is going to eat him. Good grief, but I can't get mad or upset with him cause he is just being a horse. I just ride a little more defensively while we are out cause even though he is a big guy he can turn on a dime when the mood or the monster strikes.
We have been having some issues with the leg yield and the shoulder fore, he gets stuck and then gets mad. I don't think it is a pain issue but more of a I don't wannnnnna do this. I am going to break it down into tinier steps for him and also get Teresa to watch us this weekend or early next week to see what I am doing wrong. I don't want him to be a brat about it and get out of working, once I get the movements from him his trot improves so much. I am working him in the round pen a couple of times a week to practice cantering. His transitions have improved to the right but the left is still a little scary. He is a lefty, which is funny since most horses and riders are righties. We balance each other fairly well, good thing too. I am going to really try to canter him next week in the warm up arena. Bigger than the dressage arena and no jumps like in the big arena. I get steel butterflies in my tummy just thinking about it, but if Rebecca can canter her little Tucker than I can canter my big guy. I am going to have to just suck it up and get out there and canter. I am holding him back from moving onto first level. Once I get over my canter issues, we are going to start schooling first level and show training. The new tests make it easier, posting the trot is now an option in first level. Yipppeeee, but we will be working on the sitting trot so that by the end of the season next year I will be sitting so that we can move to second.
School is going pretty good, only a few more weeks left. Got my schedule for next semester ready, going to have to be on campus every day but a couple of those days only for an hour or so. I will still be able to be at the barn to teach and to ride. Although one of my classes next sememster is very hard, it is going to take lots of work to get through it. I am going to manage though, there isn't any other option.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
17 Oct 2010
We had a show this weekend, everything went great. So many wonderful horses and riders, they all seemed to have a good time. No body came off, had several stops on stadium and cross country but nothing too bad.
My students did so well, they have all banded together to create a club of sorts. I am so proud of them for including everyone. One of my girls has just started eventing, she comes from a hunter jumper background. We don't have to worry about the jumping, those two are jumping fools. The dressage on the other hand needs lots and lots of work. Pony needs to be rounder and more forward, Claire needs to sit her tushy into the saddle and lengthen her stirrups. For only having been in the dressage arena 3 times ever, she did a GREAT job this weekend.
Anna did a wonderful dressage test, only had a small blip on her second circle. She momentarily forgot where she was going, but corrected it withing a couple of strides. Her overall test was decent, there are still things we need to work on but that is ok, she did a great job. She had a slight meltdown in stadium warmup, I set the vertical up to 2'3" but she refused to jump it. It was no smaller than what she was doing in our lesson on Monday. I told her that if she didn't jump that she wasn't going to be allowed to jump every again.
Thankfully she stepped up and got the job done in stadium. Apache was a snotty pony, he grabbed the bit a couple of times and took off towards the gate. Anna was so good, even though she could have given up she was determined and rode through it. She took the scenic route to a couple of the jumps, but didn't miss any. She came out and we both just started laughing, relieved and happy that she made it. I think that it might be time to put a slightly stronger bit for jumping.
Megan had a wonderful dressage test, forward but slightly round. It was a really good test, her and Domino are becoming such great partners. We need to work on Megans position and Domino getting lighter and more onto her haunches. That will all take time and practice.
Stadium was another matter, it seems that she forgot where she was going and missed jump 6. D stopped at fence 7 but Megan got her turned back to it very quickly. I am very proud of her for being so assertive with D, sometimes she doesn't stay on top of asking and requesting the mare to work. Domino is basically a lazy girl, got good brakes.
Lily was wonderful for her first time doing the pre-intro test all by herself. Scored a 60 something, next time she is going to trot the test. Her momma told me that Lily was thinking about trotting the test this time, thank goodness she decided not too. I don't think that I could have handled that, we decided that next show was soon enough.
I have been so busy with school, classes are going fairly well. I am sort of scared that I am not doing a good enough job. I am such a perfectionist, but with the barn and lessons it is really hard to get everything done. I guess I don't manage my time well enough, I let things like emails and facebook get in the way. I have 2 assignments due Tues that I haven't started but I can't seem to get started. Plus I have a short research paper and a test for my anth of food class. So many things due this week, and I don't want to even do any of it.
I will get my act together and have everything done, hopefully it will be good work and not something that reads a slipshod and thrown together.
My students did so well, they have all banded together to create a club of sorts. I am so proud of them for including everyone. One of my girls has just started eventing, she comes from a hunter jumper background. We don't have to worry about the jumping, those two are jumping fools. The dressage on the other hand needs lots and lots of work. Pony needs to be rounder and more forward, Claire needs to sit her tushy into the saddle and lengthen her stirrups. For only having been in the dressage arena 3 times ever, she did a GREAT job this weekend.
Anna did a wonderful dressage test, only had a small blip on her second circle. She momentarily forgot where she was going, but corrected it withing a couple of strides. Her overall test was decent, there are still things we need to work on but that is ok, she did a great job. She had a slight meltdown in stadium warmup, I set the vertical up to 2'3" but she refused to jump it. It was no smaller than what she was doing in our lesson on Monday. I told her that if she didn't jump that she wasn't going to be allowed to jump every again.
Thankfully she stepped up and got the job done in stadium. Apache was a snotty pony, he grabbed the bit a couple of times and took off towards the gate. Anna was so good, even though she could have given up she was determined and rode through it. She took the scenic route to a couple of the jumps, but didn't miss any. She came out and we both just started laughing, relieved and happy that she made it. I think that it might be time to put a slightly stronger bit for jumping.
Megan had a wonderful dressage test, forward but slightly round. It was a really good test, her and Domino are becoming such great partners. We need to work on Megans position and Domino getting lighter and more onto her haunches. That will all take time and practice.
Stadium was another matter, it seems that she forgot where she was going and missed jump 6. D stopped at fence 7 but Megan got her turned back to it very quickly. I am very proud of her for being so assertive with D, sometimes she doesn't stay on top of asking and requesting the mare to work. Domino is basically a lazy girl, got good brakes.
Lily was wonderful for her first time doing the pre-intro test all by herself. Scored a 60 something, next time she is going to trot the test. Her momma told me that Lily was thinking about trotting the test this time, thank goodness she decided not too. I don't think that I could have handled that, we decided that next show was soon enough.
I have been so busy with school, classes are going fairly well. I am sort of scared that I am not doing a good enough job. I am such a perfectionist, but with the barn and lessons it is really hard to get everything done. I guess I don't manage my time well enough, I let things like emails and facebook get in the way. I have 2 assignments due Tues that I haven't started but I can't seem to get started. Plus I have a short research paper and a test for my anth of food class. So many things due this week, and I don't want to even do any of it.
I will get my act together and have everything done, hopefully it will be good work and not something that reads a slipshod and thrown together.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
2 October 2010
A very sad day here at Red Horse Stables, one of our barn cats was found dead in the pasture. We don't know what happened, he was an older cat so it might have just been his time. There was a feral dog sighting a few days ago so it might have been them. Opus was a lovely black and white tuxedo cat, who as a youngster was stepped on by horse and a broken shoulder. They had to keep him sedated for several weeks while he had a half body cast on. All those drugs did a number on him and he would flop down ANY WHERE to nap. Under cars, under benches, anyplace that was even remotely flat. He was a great kitty, we will miss him very much. Rest in Peace Opus, we will see you on the other side of the bridge.
Still haven't ridden much, weather is perfect for it and I had to go and get sick. A sinus infection has my head clogged up and nose running. I was running a fever several days this week too. Had a midterm on Thursday, I so bombed that test. I could hardly put a sentance together and have it make sense. I really wish that I could have taken the test this week instead, it would have been better. Oh well, it will be ok.
Charmer is so pretty right now, he is sporting his winter coat color. So dark and gleaming. I really wish I could keep his winter color all year. I suppose if I kept him up durung the day in the summer but I would rather him be sane and faded out and not crazy and dark. I love my big goofy guy, really wanting to get back into riding. I have missed it and with a lesson with Greta at the end of Oct, I need to get to working on him. Amanda said she was going to email Greta and have her make us canter. I would be willing as long someone else is going to drive my truck and trailer back cause I am going to need a stiff drink before and after.
Buggs is doing pretty well, he has gotten his winter color too. So dark and shiny. Both of his hocks have swollen now. The right has been for a year or more now but the left has swelled in the last week or so. I have been DMSOing both of them, I don't think that it is really going to do any good. I have a feeling that it is the arthritis that is flareing up. He was walking so slowly the other night that I just started crying. It hurts my heart to see him hurt. I hope that I know when the time comes to let him go. On the other hand, as he walked past me he grinned at me. So I know that he still feels pretty good. I started him back on bute this evening, one gram a day. We will see how he feels in a few days.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
26 September 2010
Friends and I jump judged at Poplar Place Farm yesterday. We got there at 6:45 am and did not leave until 6:30 pm, there were at least 150 riders that ran cross country. It went all the way from CIC 3* to beginner novice. So many wonderful rides but then also lots of scary near misses. Only had to have the EMT's out to pick up riders three times, most of the other riders just bounced back up.
We were at the prelim fence 7 a/b comination, it was a bounce combo so you had to be very accurate coming up to it. There were so many that didn't get the strides right but they had wonderful horses who tried their hearts out. Only one rider came off, she came in too fast and jumped into the combination too long and the horse never had a chance to get up in the air for the second element. Poor thing face planted into the fence, causing the rider to flip over his head. She landed facing him and they both had this look of shock and confusion. Then the horse took off back to the warm up. There was hair and blood on the fence from the horses head. He was ok, just a little bruised and shaken. It is mandatory for horses and the riders to get checked out by the EMT and the vet before they can continue.
One horse was hurt very badly and had to be euthanized on course, he shattered his back leg above the hock.Poor horse kept trying to get up but when they put the tarp up to block spectator view, we knew it was bad. The horse and rider had been having some really hard rubs on the fences. The pair got into trouble at the water complex, and they crashed. All hell broke loose then, officials, EMT's and vets flying to get to the complex. I have never seen so many people move that quickly, I am impressed with the Poplar team, very thankful that they know their job and love the horses. The rider is devastated, she had ridden this horse at Rolex within the last year or so.
I feel so bad for her, it has to be heartbreaking to lose a horse that way. I don't know that I would be able to handle it. It is going to break me when I lose Buggs, he is my heart.
School is going ok, I had to drop my history class. It was just too much for me, I couldn't keep up. Trying to keep everything read and written plus my lessons and riding my own horse was wearing me down. I can make up the class if I need to next semester or in the summer, it isn't the end of the world.
Was going to ride today but it rained all day, I am NOT complaining. We haven't had rain in several weeks and we desperately needed it. Arenas flooded, so may not be able to ride tomorrow either. Although it is supposed to be raining again.
We were at the prelim fence 7 a/b comination, it was a bounce combo so you had to be very accurate coming up to it. There were so many that didn't get the strides right but they had wonderful horses who tried their hearts out. Only one rider came off, she came in too fast and jumped into the combination too long and the horse never had a chance to get up in the air for the second element. Poor thing face planted into the fence, causing the rider to flip over his head. She landed facing him and they both had this look of shock and confusion. Then the horse took off back to the warm up. There was hair and blood on the fence from the horses head. He was ok, just a little bruised and shaken. It is mandatory for horses and the riders to get checked out by the EMT and the vet before they can continue.
One horse was hurt very badly and had to be euthanized on course, he shattered his back leg above the hock.Poor horse kept trying to get up but when they put the tarp up to block spectator view, we knew it was bad. The horse and rider had been having some really hard rubs on the fences. The pair got into trouble at the water complex, and they crashed. All hell broke loose then, officials, EMT's and vets flying to get to the complex. I have never seen so many people move that quickly, I am impressed with the Poplar team, very thankful that they know their job and love the horses. The rider is devastated, she had ridden this horse at Rolex within the last year or so.
I feel so bad for her, it has to be heartbreaking to lose a horse that way. I don't know that I would be able to handle it. It is going to break me when I lose Buggs, he is my heart.
School is going ok, I had to drop my history class. It was just too much for me, I couldn't keep up. Trying to keep everything read and written plus my lessons and riding my own horse was wearing me down. I can make up the class if I need to next semester or in the summer, it isn't the end of the world.
Was going to ride today but it rained all day, I am NOT complaining. We haven't had rain in several weeks and we desperately needed it. Arenas flooded, so may not be able to ride tomorrow either. Although it is supposed to be raining again.
Monday, September 13, 2010
13 September 2010
Getting ready for a show this weekend, lots of grass mowing, painting, jump course setting and straightening up. It is always a crazy time the week before our shows, everyone scattered in all directions. The place looks so beautiful before a show, as picture perfect as we can get it.
We are working on getting the place ready but in reality there may not be a show. We have only gotten a few entries. Several other events going on this same weekend that were scheduled after ours. We may have to change plans, see if the judge would be willing to do some lessons and ride-a-tests, rather than a show. Good learning experiences either way.
I have wanted a tattoo for years, every birthday I ask for that but am never brave enough to actually go through with it. Well this year I was, I got a a tat on my lower right leg, just above the ankle. My art is the White Horse of Uffington, done in a slightly tribal way. Big bold lines. I LOVE it, looks so cool. And it didn't even hurt that badly. It did in a few places but no where near what I had made it out to be, already on the lookout for my next piece.
Charmer has been off work since the first of August, mostly due to the heat. I started back to college as well so that has taken some time away from riding. I am ready to get back into it, getting the passion back. I lunged him a bit yesterday, he was so pretty. Got to work on the canter departs, and my actually riding the canter. Working with the canter from the ground for now, to get the depart a little less scary and out of balance. He did great going to the left, picked up the lead in a good balanced frame. Only had a couple of departs that were slightly unbalanced. When we turned the other way, going right, he flips out and pulls away hard. Runs down the arena with the lunge line flying behind him. Damn horse, finally catch him. Make him do it again, this time a really nice depart. Get a couple more and then he stops dead and pulls back. I make him move on, which he does after being threatened with a beating. I ask for the transition again, get a nice one and then we stop.
Not sure what the issue is, if any issue, with the right lead canter. He is a leftie, so right is going to be slightly more difficult. We will just take it slow, I am going to check my saddle again, his bit/mouth, legs and feet, just to see if there is a problem somewhere that I need to take care of.
Buggs is doing great, looks so good. In good weight going into the winter, had to drop his feed a little though. Didn't want him getting too much heavier than he is now. I know that he needs to go into the winter slightly heavy but too heavy is not good for his feet and legs. A balancing act, something that I am not so good at, a bit of a klutz ya know. He has a ouchied on his right hip bone, when I pulled the scab off a plug of gunk came out. A bit of pus and ick, I had no idea he had a problem, hadn't been hurt there as far as I know. Teresa said it was most likely an abscess, I looked online to find out more info on this but haven't been able to find much. Mostly talk about feet abscessing not parts of the body unless there was a wound. I felt like such a bad mom, he seems ok though. It hurt for me to smush it to make sure there was no more pus. Just putting swat and medicated spray on it so that it heals well. As I write this, both boys are standing in the barn napping. Tails swishing, ears drooping and eyes half closed, life is good.
We are working on getting the place ready but in reality there may not be a show. We have only gotten a few entries. Several other events going on this same weekend that were scheduled after ours. We may have to change plans, see if the judge would be willing to do some lessons and ride-a-tests, rather than a show. Good learning experiences either way.
I have wanted a tattoo for years, every birthday I ask for that but am never brave enough to actually go through with it. Well this year I was, I got a a tat on my lower right leg, just above the ankle. My art is the White Horse of Uffington, done in a slightly tribal way. Big bold lines. I LOVE it, looks so cool. And it didn't even hurt that badly. It did in a few places but no where near what I had made it out to be, already on the lookout for my next piece.
Charmer has been off work since the first of August, mostly due to the heat. I started back to college as well so that has taken some time away from riding. I am ready to get back into it, getting the passion back. I lunged him a bit yesterday, he was so pretty. Got to work on the canter departs, and my actually riding the canter. Working with the canter from the ground for now, to get the depart a little less scary and out of balance. He did great going to the left, picked up the lead in a good balanced frame. Only had a couple of departs that were slightly unbalanced. When we turned the other way, going right, he flips out and pulls away hard. Runs down the arena with the lunge line flying behind him. Damn horse, finally catch him. Make him do it again, this time a really nice depart. Get a couple more and then he stops dead and pulls back. I make him move on, which he does after being threatened with a beating. I ask for the transition again, get a nice one and then we stop.
Not sure what the issue is, if any issue, with the right lead canter. He is a leftie, so right is going to be slightly more difficult. We will just take it slow, I am going to check my saddle again, his bit/mouth, legs and feet, just to see if there is a problem somewhere that I need to take care of.
Buggs is doing great, looks so good. In good weight going into the winter, had to drop his feed a little though. Didn't want him getting too much heavier than he is now. I know that he needs to go into the winter slightly heavy but too heavy is not good for his feet and legs. A balancing act, something that I am not so good at, a bit of a klutz ya know. He has a ouchied on his right hip bone, when I pulled the scab off a plug of gunk came out. A bit of pus and ick, I had no idea he had a problem, hadn't been hurt there as far as I know. Teresa said it was most likely an abscess, I looked online to find out more info on this but haven't been able to find much. Mostly talk about feet abscessing not parts of the body unless there was a wound. I felt like such a bad mom, he seems ok though. It hurt for me to smush it to make sure there was no more pus. Just putting swat and medicated spray on it so that it heals well. As I write this, both boys are standing in the barn napping. Tails swishing, ears drooping and eyes half closed, life is good.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
29 July 2010
Things are just humming right along here at Red Horse Stables. All the horses are handling the heat well, even my old man. Buggs is actually doing much better than I thought he would. Some days he is better off than I am. Teresa, Sydney and I are going to Poplar this weekend, should be fun. Why is it that we can't take only dressage riders, why do the event riders want to go to? They make us have to get up and out so early, then Charmer and Rena have to stand around for hours before we get to show. I think that I am going to park my pony in the barn aisle, some shade there. None near the trailers.
I haven't cantered Charmer yet, working my way up to that. Hoping that by lunging him at the canter we can get the cue for it down. Then when I ask for the canter from the saddle he won't do that out of control legs flying every which way trot. I am nervous about the turns in the dressage arena too, I fear him falling over the rail. He has a LOVELY canter, so uphill and fluid. I know that once I get him going all the fear will be gone. I know better than to push myself to far into the fear though. I will shut down and freeze up, not a good plan. I don't want to make cantering an issue for him. So we will work on it this way for a bit, then hopefully in the next couple of weeks I can then ride the trot/canter transition without crying and shaking.
College classes start in a little over a week, Aug 12th. I am very nervous about it but also very excited. Ready to get going on this new adventure. But do people still take notes on paper with pencil/pens?? I am looking for a laptop so that I can have something to write papers and search the internet with, it seems that computers are the thing these days. Not sure how one would take notes on it, I don't tpe fast enough plus I am weird about mis-spellings. I HAVE to correct it right then and there, no waiting around and to let spell check get it. It makes me crazy, not that I have all that far to go most days.
Well, thats it for now. Will post about the show this weekend and hopefully have some photos too.
I haven't cantered Charmer yet, working my way up to that. Hoping that by lunging him at the canter we can get the cue for it down. Then when I ask for the canter from the saddle he won't do that out of control legs flying every which way trot. I am nervous about the turns in the dressage arena too, I fear him falling over the rail. He has a LOVELY canter, so uphill and fluid. I know that once I get him going all the fear will be gone. I know better than to push myself to far into the fear though. I will shut down and freeze up, not a good plan. I don't want to make cantering an issue for him. So we will work on it this way for a bit, then hopefully in the next couple of weeks I can then ride the trot/canter transition without crying and shaking.
College classes start in a little over a week, Aug 12th. I am very nervous about it but also very excited. Ready to get going on this new adventure. But do people still take notes on paper with pencil/pens?? I am looking for a laptop so that I can have something to write papers and search the internet with, it seems that computers are the thing these days. Not sure how one would take notes on it, I don't tpe fast enough plus I am weird about mis-spellings. I HAVE to correct it right then and there, no waiting around and to let spell check get it. It makes me crazy, not that I have all that far to go most days.
Well, thats it for now. Will post about the show this weekend and hopefully have some photos too.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Lots of stuff has happened since my last update, some good some not so good.
I fell or actually somersaulted off of Charmer on June 19th. He spooked at a poncho that I was reaching down to take from a friend. He spun and bolted and with me being off balance I went over his shoulder. At the top of the hill no less, so I somersaulted down the hill on my head. Landing straight on the back of my head, first thing I said was where is my horse then damn that hurts.
I didn't go to the ER, no health insurance. I knew what I had, a concussion. Knew how to deal with it, rest, anti-inflamitory drugs and a cool dark place. After 3 days in bed, I had to go to the ER, couldn't take the pain anymore. Got a ct scan and neck x-rays, all was ok. No damage or swelling. ER doc said next time NOT to wait, head injuries can go from ok to deadly in no time.
Feeling fine as can be now. Well almost, I have been having back spasms for the last couple of days. Bad enough to make me hold my breath as the muscles spasm. Feeling better tonight, sore now but no spasms lately.
June 26th was the Georgia Equestrian Games Show at the barn. It was our largest show so far. It went great, everyone seemed to have a good time. We hope to get it again next year, most likely will.
The stadium jumps got re-vamped. New paint and designs, they looked great. Did a set of planks in black with the kids doing splatter and handprints and stuff on them. They looked fabulous. Cross country went well, no falls, only a couple of refusals. The ditch seemed to catch the most stops. you never know what will jump out of a ditch.
Dressage went well, ran an hour behind due to time confusion. We are close to the Alabama state line, several new riders came over. They didn't take into consideration the time difference when they left home. The dressage judge was kind enough to wait for them to get ready and ride.
My students did great, everyone had a good dressage test. Anna also jumped and she rocked the stadium course. Courtney and Megan placeed well, Anna was DQ'ed for leaving the arena but other than that the test was pretty good. I wanted to show but with the fall and getting ready there just wasn't time for me to ride.
I did get to show this past weekend, July 10th. Charmer was a fabulous fellow, we scored a 66% on our test. That is our personal best, we got beat by a lady riding the top 3 horses. The top score was in the 70's, typically 66 would have been good enough to win the class. Oh well, I am so pleased with my fellow. We are scoring consistently in the mid-60's so it is time to move on to training level. I fear the kids are going to start stoning me if I continue to ride intro.
I have a plan to get us cantering, going to take my lunging stuff down to the dressage arena and after I ride lunge him at the canter. Hopefully that will help his balance and to associate the term with the action. It is scary that big out of control trot that he does right before he lurches into the canter.
I fell or actually somersaulted off of Charmer on June 19th. He spooked at a poncho that I was reaching down to take from a friend. He spun and bolted and with me being off balance I went over his shoulder. At the top of the hill no less, so I somersaulted down the hill on my head. Landing straight on the back of my head, first thing I said was where is my horse then damn that hurts.
I didn't go to the ER, no health insurance. I knew what I had, a concussion. Knew how to deal with it, rest, anti-inflamitory drugs and a cool dark place. After 3 days in bed, I had to go to the ER, couldn't take the pain anymore. Got a ct scan and neck x-rays, all was ok. No damage or swelling. ER doc said next time NOT to wait, head injuries can go from ok to deadly in no time.
Feeling fine as can be now. Well almost, I have been having back spasms for the last couple of days. Bad enough to make me hold my breath as the muscles spasm. Feeling better tonight, sore now but no spasms lately.
June 26th was the Georgia Equestrian Games Show at the barn. It was our largest show so far. It went great, everyone seemed to have a good time. We hope to get it again next year, most likely will.
The stadium jumps got re-vamped. New paint and designs, they looked great. Did a set of planks in black with the kids doing splatter and handprints and stuff on them. They looked fabulous. Cross country went well, no falls, only a couple of refusals. The ditch seemed to catch the most stops. you never know what will jump out of a ditch.
Dressage went well, ran an hour behind due to time confusion. We are close to the Alabama state line, several new riders came over. They didn't take into consideration the time difference when they left home. The dressage judge was kind enough to wait for them to get ready and ride.
My students did great, everyone had a good dressage test. Anna also jumped and she rocked the stadium course. Courtney and Megan placeed well, Anna was DQ'ed for leaving the arena but other than that the test was pretty good. I wanted to show but with the fall and getting ready there just wasn't time for me to ride.
I did get to show this past weekend, July 10th. Charmer was a fabulous fellow, we scored a 66% on our test. That is our personal best, we got beat by a lady riding the top 3 horses. The top score was in the 70's, typically 66 would have been good enough to win the class. Oh well, I am so pleased with my fellow. We are scoring consistently in the mid-60's so it is time to move on to training level. I fear the kids are going to start stoning me if I continue to ride intro.
I have a plan to get us cantering, going to take my lunging stuff down to the dressage arena and after I ride lunge him at the canter. Hopefully that will help his balance and to associate the term with the action. It is scary that big out of control trot that he does right before he lurches into the canter.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Jump judging at Poplar Place Farm
What a day, spent at a great facility jump judging for prelim through beginner novice. Those prelim riders sure know their stuff and can ride. That fence was HUGE, and wide. Most of them rode it like it was a walk in the park, nothing out of stride. Amazing what those horses and riders can do.
Most of the training and novice level riders did well, only a few mishaps along the course. These are the riders that start making you a little nervous when they jump. Sometimes they are not fit enough to last the whole course and just get in tight at the last fence. A couple of falls in the novice division, nothing serious.
The beginner novice riders are the ones that really make you nervous. So many riders getting their horses in too deep to the base of the fence and the poor horse having to leap like a deer to make it over. I would guess there were 6 falls in this division, nothing serious until the last rider of the day. She fell at fence 3, had the EMS come out and carry her out. They didn't transport her off grounds but it was as a precaution. It seems that all riders who fall have to be checked out by the EMS by the end of the show. New rule put in place over the last couple of years, not a bad rule to have.
The day was long and hot but we got a coupon for reduced show fees or cross country schooling. And lunch out of the deal too. I love getting the coupon, make use of it very quickly I will. Poplar has a schooling show the first of July and then the end of July. Hopefully I will be able to get another one before then.
Most of the training and novice level riders did well, only a few mishaps along the course. These are the riders that start making you a little nervous when they jump. Sometimes they are not fit enough to last the whole course and just get in tight at the last fence. A couple of falls in the novice division, nothing serious.
The beginner novice riders are the ones that really make you nervous. So many riders getting their horses in too deep to the base of the fence and the poor horse having to leap like a deer to make it over. I would guess there were 6 falls in this division, nothing serious until the last rider of the day. She fell at fence 3, had the EMS come out and carry her out. They didn't transport her off grounds but it was as a precaution. It seems that all riders who fall have to be checked out by the EMS by the end of the show. New rule put in place over the last couple of years, not a bad rule to have.
The day was long and hot but we got a coupon for reduced show fees or cross country schooling. And lunch out of the deal too. I love getting the coupon, make use of it very quickly I will. Poplar has a schooling show the first of July and then the end of July. Hopefully I will be able to get another one before then.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Supervising feeding, just to make sure that I do it correctly. Who could resist a face like that? Certainly not me, I gave him a handful of senior.
Megan on Rocker, we are trying to find Megan a horse of her own. In the meantime, she is riding everything in the barn. They had a great ride this afternoon, he is a hard one to get going. He is in his mid-20's and figures why should he.
Christian goofing off and Sawyer looking bored. 
The wind blown look is back. This is what happens after a group of boys head to the creek. We use the air compressor to dry them off. 
This is the turtle that Amanda, Brittany, Anna, Megan and Courtney saved on the way back to the barn from lunch. Our newest resident of the mare's pasture pond, hope he/she stays there and not on the road. 
Our morning visitor. This lovely creature was causing a lot of havoc by laying right next to the fence. My dogs were raising the alert about him.
You can't really see what is happening very well. Charmer has his head under Buggs' tail, using his big brother to keep the flies off his ears.
This is Opus, our poster child for not doing drugs. He was kicked as a kitten and spent 6 weeks in a cast that covered his upper body. The vet wanted him to be kept quiet, so Teresa had to keep him sedated for those weeks. We think that the drugs messed with his brain, Opus will randomly just flop over and go to sleep. Will sleep under cars, looking like a dead cat. On his back with feet sticking straight up in the air. And he is not really to choosy about where he sleeps. Any slightly flat place will do.
This is Opus, our poster child for not doing drugs. He was kicked as a kitten and spent 6 weeks in a cast that covered his upper body. The vet wanted him to be kept quiet, so Teresa had to keep him sedated for those weeks. We think that the drugs messed with his brain, Opus will randomly just flop over and go to sleep. Will sleep under cars, looking like a dead cat. On his back with feet sticking straight up in the air. And he is not really to choosy about where he sleeps. Any slightly flat place will do.
Cool Buggs, he is so tolerating of what ever we do to him. I am so glad that have this horse.
Charmer trying to eat my sun hat. I was out in the big arena building jumps for the stadium course for the show. He was at first scared of my hat, ran off from me. So I started loving on Buggs, and Charmer was having none of that, he wanted his love too. Next thing I know I am close lined by my hat string. He has grabbed it and pulled, so I take it off. Sort of just have it on my head to see what he does. As you can tell from the photo he is no longer afraid of it. 
My jump crew, sliding the nylon pole cover onto the nasty painted pole. You should have heard the comments made about this. Not things that I can write in a public g-rated forum. 
Alex helping to feed the dogs. He is so helpful, always wanting to lend a hand. Sometimes the jobs are just too much for him, but we can't say anything. Like most children, he is fiercely adament that he is a big strong T-rex dinosaur and can do ANYTHING. 
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Rebecca and her little fellow Tucker. They did a great job in the lesson with Charmer and I. Made lots of progress to becoming a dressage pony.
Carole and Seminole Joe, a good pair. Slightly off kilter sometimes but loveable.
Teresa and Nick, looking good together. Nick is a Hanoverian from Germany, and special. He likes to stick his tongue out for you to play with, but only if he loves you. He slobbers all over me so he must love me bunches.
Charmer and I, looking pretty darn good if I do say so myself. I really like this photo with the tree behind us.
My pal, Alex, and his keeper, Patty. We were down by the creek looking for dino bones and such, then we found some huge pinecones to throw into the creek. A good time was had by all except Patty. She went home and crashed on the front porch, a very tired pooch.
Teresa and Nick, looking good together. Nick is a Hanoverian from Germany, and special. He likes to stick his tongue out for you to play with, but only if he loves you. He slobbers all over me so he must love me bunches.
Charmer and I, looking pretty darn good if I do say so myself. I really like this photo with the tree behind us.
My pal, Alex, and his keeper, Patty. We were down by the creek looking for dino bones and such, then we found some huge pinecones to throw into the creek. A good time was had by all except Patty. She went home and crashed on the front porch, a very tired pooch.
The view from the feedroom door, not to worry this was a staged photo. I shooed him out right after I took the photo.
Buggs and Amanda had a rat encounter one day last week. Seems they were both headed for the trash can just to the right of the edge of the photo, a HUGE rat comes scrambling out and scares both of them. Amanda said it was every man or horse for themselves. They were trying to get out of the door at the same time, just a cussing both of them. Buggs went running out of the barn with Amanda right behind him. She was praying the whole time that he wouldn't keel over from a heart attack.
Buggs and Amanda had a rat encounter one day last week. Seems they were both headed for the trash can just to the right of the edge of the photo, a HUGE rat comes scrambling out and scares both of them. Amanda said it was every man or horse for themselves. They were trying to get out of the door at the same time, just a cussing both of them. Buggs went running out of the barn with Amanda right behind him. She was praying the whole time that he wouldn't keel over from a heart attack.
My crows, the twins Grace and Claire and their friend, sitting on the fence laughing and carrying on. 
Bella Grace on Sawyer, cute doesn't really begin to describe her on the pony. 
Maddie and Sawyer, having a bit of a trot, or a jog I suppose since she rides western. I am going to have to work to convert Maddie to the english side.
Maddie and Sawyer, having a bit of a trot, or a jog I suppose since she rides western. I am going to have to work to convert Maddie to the english side.
Tabitha and Apache, doing great for her 3rd lesson. Picked up the posting rhythm really quickly, now I just need to get her to not come quite so high out of the saddle. Don't want to lose her overboard, she is so tiny.
Charmer, looking as handsome as ever.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
09 May 2010
Happy Mothers Day to all, hope that you have a great day.
This is my first attempt at blogging, should be interesting but fun.
Poplar Place Farm was not the place to be yesterday for Teresa, Amanda and I. Started out quietly, everyone loaded onto the trailer well. Got moving down the road, made it to the show grounds without a hitch. I went in to check us all in and that is when the problems started. The entries had not been recieved. WHAT?!?!?! They had been mailed a week ago. AGHHHH!!!! I called Teresa, told her what was going on. They came over to the show office, got signature pages signed, copies of the coggins made but I forgot my coggins. Had to call the barn to get Teresa's husband to fax a copy over. Took two tries, finally got it. Then Teresa had to write a check for the entries, Amanda and I hadn't brought our check books with us. The show secreatary said that the entries would most likely be in this afternoon. Well that doesn't help us much now does it? I had a coupon too, with an experation date of the 15th of May. Everything is settled at the show office, back to the trailer we go.
Meanwhile, while I am at the office, they unloaded the horses. Amanda's horse, KC, tried to come off before he was untied. Darn near pulled his head off. The other two came off nicely. Thank goodness Charmer comes off the trailer like a gentleman. I don't think that I could handle a mouse like him jumping the gun about coming off the trailer.
I stay at the trailer because Teresa's mare, Pepper, likes to pull back and flip out. Usually over nothing, but someone had to stay and keep an eye on her. KC had already pulled back, flipped Amanda's saddle and show pad into the dirt. So Teresa and Amanda head off to warm up KC for dressage. Seems quiet until Amanda sees something on KC's leg, reaches out and touches it. This causes KC to levitate straight up and over onto Teresa's right knee. His front foot grazes the knee but hard enough to leave bruises and swelling.
Dressage goes fairly well, no free walk but they are both so tense it is a wonder they could even walk any way. Get back to the trailer, rest a bit then get KC ready for stadium. Teresa and Amanda go to walk the stadium course. I get a call, please takc KC up, staudium is running a little ahead, trying to walk the course now. I tack crazy red horse up, he heads off with Brittany (one of the fantastic grooms for the day) to stadium. Warm up goes well, but he spooks at the tent and off Amanda comes. She gets back on and they try it again. Mid way through the course KC starts bucking and rearing. Amanda is determined to get him through the course. She was eliminated for the fall but the show organizer allowed her to run cross country.
I meanwhile, still at the trailer with my lazy beastie and the other crazy horse, don't know about any of this. Until they come back, Amanda with a huge dirt print on her right side and desire to take KC behind the barn and beat the snot out of him. I have Charmer tacked up and am ready to head off to dressage warm up. We are going great, although my horse has now been standing tied to the trailer for 3 hours. He doesn't seem to be any worse for wear though.
I see Teresa and Amanda coming down the hill, no one is tacked up. Teresa should be riding said crazy mare. Crazy would be the right adjective for Pepper, when Teresa sat down in the saddle the mare went to rearing, spinning and sitting down. Needless to say she got off, checked tack and then tried it again. Same response, gets off and stays off this time.
Charmer and I are just doing out thing, warm up is going well. He is very looky but seems to be his typical self. THANK GOODNESS. The arena is running a little behind, we are left to just wander around the warm up area. We are up against a cute black pony and little girl combo, a cute but scruffy chestnut pony/girl combo and a gorgeous slender young woman on an ok chesnut mare. I continue warm up, waiting for the others to take their turn.
At the last minute, I completely blank on my test. How stupid is that, I can't remember a walk/trot test. Ugghhh, I can't get Amanda or Teresa's attention to refresh my memory. I think to myself, it is ok, just go in there and ride, you know this test, don't stress about it, the body will remember where to go.
Nope, no remember, I go off course. 2 penalty points, was going fairly well up to that point. Went fairly well afterwards too. The test wasn't one of our better tests, he wasn't quite warmed up enough. We had a long enough warm up but I didn't push for more, I didn't work him hard enough. This was the lowest score that we have recieved in over a year, 58.5%. Still not a bad score but the pretty girl on the mare got a 65%. Oh well, there is always the next show.
The ride home is uneventful and quiet, stop for dinner and off we go again. It was just one of those days, the days that make you really appreciate the good days that you have and the reason that you do this sport in the first place. Even though it was not the best of score or the best showing that Red Horse has had, we had a good time. Or at least I did, hope the others did too.
This is my first attempt at blogging, should be interesting but fun.
Poplar Place Farm was not the place to be yesterday for Teresa, Amanda and I. Started out quietly, everyone loaded onto the trailer well. Got moving down the road, made it to the show grounds without a hitch. I went in to check us all in and that is when the problems started. The entries had not been recieved. WHAT?!?!?! They had been mailed a week ago. AGHHHH!!!! I called Teresa, told her what was going on. They came over to the show office, got signature pages signed, copies of the coggins made but I forgot my coggins. Had to call the barn to get Teresa's husband to fax a copy over. Took two tries, finally got it. Then Teresa had to write a check for the entries, Amanda and I hadn't brought our check books with us. The show secreatary said that the entries would most likely be in this afternoon. Well that doesn't help us much now does it? I had a coupon too, with an experation date of the 15th of May. Everything is settled at the show office, back to the trailer we go.
Meanwhile, while I am at the office, they unloaded the horses. Amanda's horse, KC, tried to come off before he was untied. Darn near pulled his head off. The other two came off nicely. Thank goodness Charmer comes off the trailer like a gentleman. I don't think that I could handle a mouse like him jumping the gun about coming off the trailer.
I stay at the trailer because Teresa's mare, Pepper, likes to pull back and flip out. Usually over nothing, but someone had to stay and keep an eye on her. KC had already pulled back, flipped Amanda's saddle and show pad into the dirt. So Teresa and Amanda head off to warm up KC for dressage. Seems quiet until Amanda sees something on KC's leg, reaches out and touches it. This causes KC to levitate straight up and over onto Teresa's right knee. His front foot grazes the knee but hard enough to leave bruises and swelling.
Dressage goes fairly well, no free walk but they are both so tense it is a wonder they could even walk any way. Get back to the trailer, rest a bit then get KC ready for stadium. Teresa and Amanda go to walk the stadium course. I get a call, please takc KC up, staudium is running a little ahead, trying to walk the course now. I tack crazy red horse up, he heads off with Brittany (one of the fantastic grooms for the day) to stadium. Warm up goes well, but he spooks at the tent and off Amanda comes. She gets back on and they try it again. Mid way through the course KC starts bucking and rearing. Amanda is determined to get him through the course. She was eliminated for the fall but the show organizer allowed her to run cross country.
I meanwhile, still at the trailer with my lazy beastie and the other crazy horse, don't know about any of this. Until they come back, Amanda with a huge dirt print on her right side and desire to take KC behind the barn and beat the snot out of him. I have Charmer tacked up and am ready to head off to dressage warm up. We are going great, although my horse has now been standing tied to the trailer for 3 hours. He doesn't seem to be any worse for wear though.
I see Teresa and Amanda coming down the hill, no one is tacked up. Teresa should be riding said crazy mare. Crazy would be the right adjective for Pepper, when Teresa sat down in the saddle the mare went to rearing, spinning and sitting down. Needless to say she got off, checked tack and then tried it again. Same response, gets off and stays off this time.
Charmer and I are just doing out thing, warm up is going well. He is very looky but seems to be his typical self. THANK GOODNESS. The arena is running a little behind, we are left to just wander around the warm up area. We are up against a cute black pony and little girl combo, a cute but scruffy chestnut pony/girl combo and a gorgeous slender young woman on an ok chesnut mare. I continue warm up, waiting for the others to take their turn.
At the last minute, I completely blank on my test. How stupid is that, I can't remember a walk/trot test. Ugghhh, I can't get Amanda or Teresa's attention to refresh my memory. I think to myself, it is ok, just go in there and ride, you know this test, don't stress about it, the body will remember where to go.
Nope, no remember, I go off course. 2 penalty points, was going fairly well up to that point. Went fairly well afterwards too. The test wasn't one of our better tests, he wasn't quite warmed up enough. We had a long enough warm up but I didn't push for more, I didn't work him hard enough. This was the lowest score that we have recieved in over a year, 58.5%. Still not a bad score but the pretty girl on the mare got a 65%. Oh well, there is always the next show.
The ride home is uneventful and quiet, stop for dinner and off we go again. It was just one of those days, the days that make you really appreciate the good days that you have and the reason that you do this sport in the first place. Even though it was not the best of score or the best showing that Red Horse has had, we had a good time. Or at least I did, hope the others did too.
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