We had a left lead canter last night, a fairly decent one, even. Not so much a right lead canter, so I didn't push it. The right lead is the one that isolates his injured leg, so not surprising that it's harder for him. Tonight he gets shod, so he'll not get worked much at all. I won't try the canter again til Thursday or Friday, I think.
On the other hand, I'm not entirely sure how to go about rehabbing the gastrocnemius (superficial flexor? sounds more plausible?) tendon, which is the issue now, I think. The cut is healing so well that I don't know how much effect it's even having on him. It's down to the size of a half dollar or so, and it's got a good firm base on it. The tendon, though, is still swollen in the area. Since it was nicked, I have to think that the tendon sheath was damaged. I don't want to overstate the original injury to the tendon/sheath though. It wasn't a huge cut, nothing was ruptured or severed, just nicked a teeny bit. A few millimeters only. The fix for that is just time and work, but ... is there a better way to work than what I've been doing?
What I've been doing is riding most nights, with at least 10 minutes of walking on a loose rein, then more framed up toward the end, before we pick up the trot. We go both directions in the indoor arena, and we do 20m circles and spiral in a ways, then back out, both directions. Trotting goes in 1-3 minute intervals, and we do mostly laps of the arena, with 20m circles and changing direction on the long diagonal scattered in there too. After trotting, I'll ask him for some leg yield in the walk, both directions. As he gets sounder, we do more trotting, and I'll be asking for some smaller circles at the trot in the foreseeable future. And we've worked in a teeny bit of canter now too -- a lap of the arena or less on the left lead, as many strides as he's comfortable with on the right.
When I longe him, it's walk and trot primarily, spiraling in and out in both gaits. A little canter lately, as mentioned, but one or two circles of each lead only.
So does anyone have any suggestions about how I could improve this routine? What's a good way to get that gastrocnemius/superficial flexor tendon going?
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Baby steps, sir, baby steps
Good weekend. I still haven't quite struggled out from under the Tired anvil, but I am a bit less sleepy. I suspect the first opportunity to really catch up won't happen until Thanksgiving break. During which I am SO looking forward to sleeping late and getting things done around the house.
Meanwhile, I think I've decided for sure that Apollo needs to get chucked out to pasture instead of into a pen, and I'll just suck it up and get up early. Boy needs to move his feet! We're going to try him with a different, more laid-back group of horses to see if it's easier for him and to keep him from getting hurt again, so I hope that works out. If he can't get along with the northeast pasture (he got kicked in the southeast pasture), I don't know if he'll get along with the west pasture. We'll see! I'd be surprised if he didn't get along with Rocky's gang in the northeast pasture.
So a week of rehab after his last attempt at cantering on a longe line, I decided we'd see where he was this weekend. He was certainly happy to trot out yesterday, with that big hoof-flipping trot he does, and worked out of stiffness well. So I asked for the left lead canter first, so as not to overload the right hind too much right off the bat. He didn't seem to have any trouble with it, no head-tossing or cross-cantering. I only had him do two circles of canter, then back to trot. On the right lead canter, he'd cross-cantered last time I tried, so I was prepared to bring him back to trot within a few strides. However, he gave a true canter, if a short-strided canter, so I let him work into it for two circles, then back to trot. Yay!
Last weekend, he'd been rather off after the canter attempt, but this week he was doing better, so I got on him for a bit. Just to get him really moving, yknow? He needs more time and work. So walk and trot and circles and two-point, and as I was encouraging him to move out in the trot, he offered up the left lead canter under saddle. Whee!! I didn't force him to stay in it, just rode the three or four strides he gave me, then when he started to fall out of it asked him for a trot transition. Tracking right, I asked him for more trot, and he offered a canter transition, one stride, then back to the trot. I didn't want to push it on the first day cantering under saddle, so I just worked in the trot. I heart my horse. :)
Anyway, this is a good sign! I think we'll be back to normal soon. *beam* Or at least in the foreseeable future. Maybe not soon, but I can see it in the distance.
And yknow, as I mounted up on Sunday and Apollo stood still, waiting for me to take my right stirrup, I had to say a little prayer of thanksgiving aloud, right there in the arena: Thank you for this horse. God, the universe, fate, my own intuition, whatever force prompted me to email on his ad or put us in each other's paths, however you want to think of it ... I'm grateful.
Meanwhile, I think I've decided for sure that Apollo needs to get chucked out to pasture instead of into a pen, and I'll just suck it up and get up early. Boy needs to move his feet! We're going to try him with a different, more laid-back group of horses to see if it's easier for him and to keep him from getting hurt again, so I hope that works out. If he can't get along with the northeast pasture (he got kicked in the southeast pasture), I don't know if he'll get along with the west pasture. We'll see! I'd be surprised if he didn't get along with Rocky's gang in the northeast pasture.
So a week of rehab after his last attempt at cantering on a longe line, I decided we'd see where he was this weekend. He was certainly happy to trot out yesterday, with that big hoof-flipping trot he does, and worked out of stiffness well. So I asked for the left lead canter first, so as not to overload the right hind too much right off the bat. He didn't seem to have any trouble with it, no head-tossing or cross-cantering. I only had him do two circles of canter, then back to trot. On the right lead canter, he'd cross-cantered last time I tried, so I was prepared to bring him back to trot within a few strides. However, he gave a true canter, if a short-strided canter, so I let him work into it for two circles, then back to trot. Yay!
Last weekend, he'd been rather off after the canter attempt, but this week he was doing better, so I got on him for a bit. Just to get him really moving, yknow? He needs more time and work. So walk and trot and circles and two-point, and as I was encouraging him to move out in the trot, he offered up the left lead canter under saddle. Whee!! I didn't force him to stay in it, just rode the three or four strides he gave me, then when he started to fall out of it asked him for a trot transition. Tracking right, I asked him for more trot, and he offered a canter transition, one stride, then back to the trot. I didn't want to push it on the first day cantering under saddle, so I just worked in the trot. I heart my horse. :)
Anyway, this is a good sign! I think we'll be back to normal soon. *beam* Or at least in the foreseeable future. Maybe not soon, but I can see it in the distance.
And yknow, as I mounted up on Sunday and Apollo stood still, waiting for me to take my right stirrup, I had to say a little prayer of thanksgiving aloud, right there in the arena: Thank you for this horse. God, the universe, fate, my own intuition, whatever force prompted me to email on his ad or put us in each other's paths, however you want to think of it ... I'm grateful.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Idea strikes at midnight
I only thought I was sleeping, apparently! Ideas strike in the night; it is known, khaleesi.
This one is the solution to my current tack locker storage issue - where to put saddle pads! I can combine the over-the-door towel rack idea with the saddle blanket rack idea, like they have on jeffers equine or whatsitsite. Yeeees. This frees up space on the door and in the locker. And lets pads dry nicely, which I insist on.
Need a saddle blanket rack and an over-door hook. Stet!
This one is the solution to my current tack locker storage issue - where to put saddle pads! I can combine the over-the-door towel rack idea with the saddle blanket rack idea, like they have on jeffers equine or whatsitsite. Yeeees. This frees up space on the door and in the locker. And lets pads dry nicely, which I insist on.
Need a saddle blanket rack and an over-door hook. Stet!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
I heart weekends
Nope, still tired. But the house is cleaner, the laundry is 80% done, and Apollo is as happy a camper as he can be. I got to cook and eat two whole meals today, and I even got to eat at the kitchen table like a civilized human being.
I'm also in bed at 9:30 on a Saturday night. I live the wild life, yo. My weekends are hot.
It was nice to have plenty of time at the barn today, without feeling like I had to hurry home and get the dogs, or get to the gym, or get to the next thing. Apollo is so mentally ready to go back OUT, and working him helps his brain so much. And his leg. It takes about 15-20 minutes for him to really loosen up and work out of the stall-rest and injury-stiffness, but once he does he is delighted to trot and trot and trot. Until he gets sore. Still, it's good to push through that some.
I've also put myself back on saddle restriction -- jump saddle only until 11/11! I can take these two weeks and work on getting my two-point back and solid so I'm ready to go by jump lesson time. Of course, I started this restriction the day after my personal trainer introduced me to the concentrated evil that is the stair stepper machine. Ooof. Sore quads plus two-point after weeks of not even using a jump saddle equals really, really sore quads!
On thinking about how I've been feeling just slammed, running from one thing to the next, it occurs to me that working 8-4 will help, for one. For two, I really do have plenty of time five days out of seven. I can't stay late-late during the week, but there's plenty of time. Especially if I get there early on gym nights - I don't start with my trainer until 7:30, so 4:45 to 7 ish is lots of time. I can probably even make more nights gym nights, which I ought to do anyway.
Anyway, yes. Horse continues to improve. Rider maintains Tired status. Carry on, world.
I'm also in bed at 9:30 on a Saturday night. I live the wild life, yo. My weekends are hot.
It was nice to have plenty of time at the barn today, without feeling like I had to hurry home and get the dogs, or get to the gym, or get to the next thing. Apollo is so mentally ready to go back OUT, and working him helps his brain so much. And his leg. It takes about 15-20 minutes for him to really loosen up and work out of the stall-rest and injury-stiffness, but once he does he is delighted to trot and trot and trot. Until he gets sore. Still, it's good to push through that some.
I've also put myself back on saddle restriction -- jump saddle only until 11/11! I can take these two weeks and work on getting my two-point back and solid so I'm ready to go by jump lesson time. Of course, I started this restriction the day after my personal trainer introduced me to the concentrated evil that is the stair stepper machine. Ooof. Sore quads plus two-point after weeks of not even using a jump saddle equals really, really sore quads!
On thinking about how I've been feeling just slammed, running from one thing to the next, it occurs to me that working 8-4 will help, for one. For two, I really do have plenty of time five days out of seven. I can't stay late-late during the week, but there's plenty of time. Especially if I get there early on gym nights - I don't start with my trainer until 7:30, so 4:45 to 7 ish is lots of time. I can probably even make more nights gym nights, which I ought to do anyway.
Anyway, yes. Horse continues to improve. Rider maintains Tired status. Carry on, world.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Friday, finally
The anvil labeled TIRED has landed on my head. Long week at work, long evenings at the barn and the gym, no real time for relaxing on the weekends ... all this adds up to a very, very tired Rinsie. However, beloved horsie still needs attention, so one more night of busy-until-bedtime it is.
Tomorrow, though? It'd take an act of Congress to make me set an alarm for tomorrow morning. And seeing as how this Congress doesn't get a whole lot done, I think I'll finally catch up on some sleep. :)
Meanwhile, I'm pondering whether I ought to just chuck Apollo back out into the pasture when he's healed, rather than have him in a pen. Pens are quite a bit more expensive, and I can't swing it easily. I'd have to get to work no later than 8, though, during winter hours so I could leave at 4 and make it to the barn before sunset.
I know the rest of the world operates on dawn-time, but ... I have a hard time with that. :/ Early mornings are really tough for me. Really, really tough. The question is whether $(pen board - pasture board) is worth getting up early for. I'm leaning toward yes. Plus, pasture is good for horses. As long as said horses aren't getting kicked by other horses and hurt! ;) I'll talk with the boss tonight.
Also, in theory, we're going back to lessons as of 11/11, at 1100 hours. :) I say in theory because who knows what the horse gods have in store for me? Still, we should be able to walk and trot at least, and trot over ground poles. We can do those things already, actually, and we could probably do a lesson at that level now. It'd have to be a shortish lesson, or at least one with lots of rest for Apollo, but still. Maybe we'll be cantering by then. I would think so, in three weeks. Maybe we'll be able to do cross rails! Gasp!
Though yknow what my unlucky number is? Yep, you guessed it: 11. I have no idea why, but I just don't like that number. 17 is lucky, 11 is unlucky. 17, 3, and 51, all lucky. Ah well. I don't think it'll affect us. Shouldn't. Lucky numbers are superstition anyway, right?
Tomorrow, though? It'd take an act of Congress to make me set an alarm for tomorrow morning. And seeing as how this Congress doesn't get a whole lot done, I think I'll finally catch up on some sleep. :)
Meanwhile, I'm pondering whether I ought to just chuck Apollo back out into the pasture when he's healed, rather than have him in a pen. Pens are quite a bit more expensive, and I can't swing it easily. I'd have to get to work no later than 8, though, during winter hours so I could leave at 4 and make it to the barn before sunset.
I know the rest of the world operates on dawn-time, but ... I have a hard time with that. :/ Early mornings are really tough for me. Really, really tough. The question is whether $(pen board - pasture board) is worth getting up early for. I'm leaning toward yes. Plus, pasture is good for horses. As long as said horses aren't getting kicked by other horses and hurt! ;) I'll talk with the boss tonight.
Also, in theory, we're going back to lessons as of 11/11, at 1100 hours. :) I say in theory because who knows what the horse gods have in store for me? Still, we should be able to walk and trot at least, and trot over ground poles. We can do those things already, actually, and we could probably do a lesson at that level now. It'd have to be a shortish lesson, or at least one with lots of rest for Apollo, but still. Maybe we'll be cantering by then. I would think so, in three weeks. Maybe we'll be able to do cross rails! Gasp!
Though yknow what my unlucky number is? Yep, you guessed it: 11. I have no idea why, but I just don't like that number. 17 is lucky, 11 is unlucky. 17, 3, and 51, all lucky. Ah well. I don't think it'll affect us. Shouldn't. Lucky numbers are superstition anyway, right?
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
How to distill time
Recipe for Tincture of Time:100 ml water
pinch salt
pinch electrolytes
* Mix all ingredients in an Erlenmeyer flask until completely dissolved.
* Place the flask on the counter.
* Perform normal daily activities until all liquid has evaporated.
* Pour contents of flask on affected area.
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| That face, that face, that lovable face! It melts my Irish heart! I'm certain if I fall in love I'm lost without a trace But it's worth it for That face! |
No tears, no sea (more's the pity), but a little bit of sweat. Not much, because it's cold! Seems awfully cold for October in Idaho. But more work than before -- I can push for more trot now, measured in minutes instead of laps. He gets sounder the more he works. Tuesdays and Thursdays are hard for me to get much more than a token ride in, because I go to the gym at 7:30 those evenings, but I put 20 minutes at least on him. Looking forward to a longer ride tonight!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Ask Dr. Internet, DVM
Yep. Feeling better + stall rest + cool weather = bouncy pony.
He was definitely feeling froggy last night. I started out just mounting up and getting going, but I decided that he needed to get some of that energy out without having to deal with a rider, so onto the longe line he went. Still off, but boy, even off ... can that horse MOVE. I think we'll have fun with extended gaits. ;) He flicks his front feet out, even.
On the longe, I asked him to canter for the first time since he's been hurt -- four weeks yesterday -- and he was off, but he was also quite pleased to canter.
So clearly his brain and his muscles are ready for more than his leg is. I do think that working is the best therapy, so we'll increase the time and effort on rides.
Of course, then I start second-guessing myself. Again. Am I dealing with this correctly? Should we have an ultrasound done just to be sure we know what we're dealing with? Should I be walking him only until the swelling around the tendon is completely gone? I should not read COTH forum discussion about this kind of thing, because I hear everything from "it's nothing" to "OMG I only walked my horse for 2-4 months and only then did he heal!" Dr. Internet, DVM is not very consistent. :/ I wonder if I'm assessing his lameness as more severe than it is, or not severe enough. TM said she wasn't worried terribly.
I think more patience is in order. It's funny -- I'm comfortable with the path we're taking (heal the wound, controlled exercise for rehab of the leg) when I don't read about it. When I read about things, all these various situations come up, and I can't decide whether I should worry or not. So ... tincture of time, I think, and I'll know when to worry.
RIGHT??
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Fall friskies, apparently
I wonder if I should be concerned. Miss Katie texted me to mention that Apollo is feeling good today, bouncing up and down and tossing his head. Oh dear. :) Cool weather, healing, and stall rest make for a bouncy pony, I guess.
Depending on how he is when I get there tonight, I might longe him before I get on him. I might just hop on if he seems like his usual self. He's so good under saddle, but I don't want to tempt fate! Plus, it's always good to see how he goes from the ground rather than try to evaluate from the saddle.
I am looking forward to the point when Apollo can go out into a pen. He probably could go to a pen now, but we don't have one available. Soon, I hope. Maybe someone will get shuffled around, or maybe the hay barn stall/runs will get done when TD and ATH get back. We'll see; I'd prefer to have him in a pen or run than back out in the pasture, especially when he's not fully healed, and especially especially because winter is coming. (Yes, I am a Stark.) I think I've mentioned before, but I don't feel at all safe catching my horse in the pasture when it's dark. Time change is coming up November 4th, and it'll be dark by the time I can get to the barn most nights by then.
Anyway, we'll see what the boss says and what develops, and we'll go from there. Rolling with it. :)
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Still chopping wood, carrying water
Funny thing about Apollo: he actively tries to take the bit when I go to bridle him. :) (Have I told you this before?) There's no grace on having straps out of place when I get his halter around his neck, because he starts nosing around for the bit as soon as the halter comes off -- if the straps aren't ready, he tries to bridle himself with the reins! Or the cavesson, or whatever he can find. He wants to GO! I have never ridden or tacked up a horse that bridles itself before. :)
He was much sounder yesterday at the trot tracking left, quite noticeably sounder.
At the trot tracking right, he's still very off. I think this is something we can fix with practice, so lots of going right for us. Balance is important, but we need to strengthen up that leg.
TED recommended Granulex for the wound. Anyone have any experience with it?
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Half-chaps acquired!
Eeeexcellent. I have half-chaps. The FLTS had a set that I think I can work with pretty well -- the Ovation Sport suede variety. The large fit fine through the calf, and they're tolerable in the leg. I can pull them down over my boots, heh. Acceptable! And affordable, especially for the FLTS. The base price would have been lower online, but then there's shipping costs plus time, so this is a great deal. Instant gratification FTW!
I also picked up some interim horse-bandaging things so I can cover Apollo's leg back up before the boxes from Valley Vet get here on Thursday. (Side note: I love that they ship so fast and so cheap, and I adore that they do shipping tracking so quickly! Plug for Valley Vet!)
I also grabbed a cheap bit from the consignment area. The FLTS has this general policy where consignors can state if there's negotiation available on their item and list a price in the book that's a little lower than the tag price. I always ask if the seller is open to offers; I always am when I consign. Well. When I took the bit up to the counter, I asked about it, the owner checked the book, and HMPH! The consignor had put a note in her file saying "Don't bother calling me about offers; all prices are as listed and no negotiation." HMPH, I say again. I'm tempted to put a note in my own file saying if whoever that person is wants to haggle on anything I'm consigning, the price goes UP by 5%! Well, okay, fine, there's no negotiation for her, but not a price increase. Not like I know who it was anyway, but still. Rude!
Last night was actually the first day in three-plus weeks I didn't go to the barn at all. Shock! I wasn't going to be able to make it for any significant amount of time before work, and then right after work I had to do a family thing. My aunt and uncle were in town from Indonesia, so it's not something I could really skip. TW said she or Katie would do the stall this once, so bless them! :) I can't wait to get out there tonight and see how he looks all clipped.
Gym tonight too. My trainer said he's going to have an upper-body circuit ready to go so we don't aggravate the hip flexor. Yay! I was starting to feel kind of blob-like. I really ought to figure out a way to get to the gym daily. I could easily tack it on to the end of the day, if I manage snacks well enough; I already do work -> barn -> gym two days a week, so doing it two more days a week shouldn't be too bad. I could use some extra cardio, plus I want to get further with Zombies, Run! I bought the Zombies, Run! Couch to 5k program, too, so that'll be way fun. :)
And now, today's musical interlude* -- brother of my favorite folk singer** and a superb singer in his own right, Garnet Rogers, singing Small Victory. Guaranteed to get something in the eye of any TB lover. Song starts at 1:18 -- I tried to clip it, but apparently it doesn't work that way with embeds. Anyway, on with the musical interlude!
*: Well, with a horse called Apollo, it's almost mandatory to have lots of music going on around here!
**: Stan Rogers, amazing Canadian folk singer, gone far far too soon.
I also picked up some interim horse-bandaging things so I can cover Apollo's leg back up before the boxes from Valley Vet get here on Thursday. (Side note: I love that they ship so fast and so cheap, and I adore that they do shipping tracking so quickly! Plug for Valley Vet!)
I also grabbed a cheap bit from the consignment area. The FLTS has this general policy where consignors can state if there's negotiation available on their item and list a price in the book that's a little lower than the tag price. I always ask if the seller is open to offers; I always am when I consign. Well. When I took the bit up to the counter, I asked about it, the owner checked the book, and HMPH! The consignor had put a note in her file saying "Don't bother calling me about offers; all prices are as listed and no negotiation." HMPH, I say again. I'm tempted to put a note in my own file saying if whoever that person is wants to haggle on anything I'm consigning, the price goes UP by 5%! Well, okay, fine, there's no negotiation for her, but not a price increase. Not like I know who it was anyway, but still. Rude!
Last night was actually the first day in three-plus weeks I didn't go to the barn at all. Shock! I wasn't going to be able to make it for any significant amount of time before work, and then right after work I had to do a family thing. My aunt and uncle were in town from Indonesia, so it's not something I could really skip. TW said she or Katie would do the stall this once, so bless them! :) I can't wait to get out there tonight and see how he looks all clipped.
Gym tonight too. My trainer said he's going to have an upper-body circuit ready to go so we don't aggravate the hip flexor. Yay! I was starting to feel kind of blob-like. I really ought to figure out a way to get to the gym daily. I could easily tack it on to the end of the day, if I manage snacks well enough; I already do work -> barn -> gym two days a week, so doing it two more days a week shouldn't be too bad. I could use some extra cardio, plus I want to get further with Zombies, Run! I bought the Zombies, Run! Couch to 5k program, too, so that'll be way fun. :)
And now, today's musical interlude* -- brother of my favorite folk singer** and a superb singer in his own right, Garnet Rogers, singing Small Victory. Guaranteed to get something in the eye of any TB lover. Song starts at 1:18 -- I tried to clip it, but apparently it doesn't work that way with embeds. Anyway, on with the musical interlude!
*: Well, with a horse called Apollo, it's almost mandatory to have lots of music going on around here!
**: Stan Rogers, amazing Canadian folk singer, gone far far too soon.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Clever Title!
Apollo's doing well.
 |
| This is Apollo being cute and a bit baffled. This is me laughing at Madison trying to get Apollo to look at the camera. |
TW told me on Friday that she'd chatted with the vet about Apollo, and she had some concern about how he was walking. He wasn't breaking over well or letting the leg stretch out behind him, just picking it up pretty quickly when it hurt. The vet/TW conclusion was that if he wasn't better by the end of the weekend, the best idea would be to bring him in for an ultrasound to check the tendon and tendon sheath. I wasn't bothered by the idea of this at all -- by all means, if he's not improving, let's figure out what's wrong! I think that if he had damaged the tendon or the tendon sheath, it would be pretty minor surgery to get it stitched back together and then heal up from there. Maybe faster healing than what he's been doing so far. But if we can avoid it, let's.
So TW looked at him yesterday, and she was quite positive about his improvement since she'd last looked at him go. Woohoo! So we don't need to worry about ultrasounding him at this point. If he doesn't keep improving, maybe then, but I won't need to worry about it until everyone goes and comes back from Galway. Barring significant change, I think that'll be a good point to reevaluate.
Apollo got a bath yesterday. For one, TED's here to do clipping today and Apollo's on the list for a body clip -- clean and Show Sheened horses clip better. For two, he lays in his pee spot in his stall and gets just disgustingly dirty and smelly. I'm glad he's not in a stall day in and day out as a regular thing, because YUCK. I'd have to figure out a way to bathe him in the winter. Anyway, he's currently cleaner than he's been in a long time, I think. Certainly cleaner than he's been since I bought him. I wish I could have some time with him all clean and Show Sheened, but ... alas, work. It'll be nice to have him clipped!
If I go to a fall event next year, I totally know what design I'll ask TED to clip into him before we go: *grin*
A lyre, of course! It'll be interesting to get a stencil of it, but I'm sure we can figure something out. :)
Let's see ... what else. Ordered a metric shit-ton of Co-Flex and Telfa bandages, and ordered a few rolls of Elastikon. It turns out to be cheaper to buy Elastikon by the roll at D&B than to buy it from ValleyVet, but VV has by far the best price on Co-Flex. I'm not interested in ever running out of supplies again.
I also have to look into trying on some half-chaps, since my tall boots have given up the zipper ghost. Must get those fixed. But in the meantime, half-chaps. I can find some inexpensively, but ... can I find some that FIT me? There's the rub. We'll see. I could go ahead and order a pair, but there's the shipping time and the wondering whether they'll fit, and the extra money for shipping, and whether I choose to buy a nice pair or a good enough pair ... argh. I'm going to hit the FLTS this afternoon and see whether there's anything I can make work, then go from there. I really do need something to ride in.
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| See? Harder to tell in black breeches, but the paddock-boots-only look just isn't too cool. |
Thursday, October 11, 2012
One foot in front of the other
Apollo is such a good sport. We rode for 25 minutes last night indoors, and I even asked him for a teeny bit of trot -- like the length of one wall in the indoor. He was obviously off, but he was a good sport about it. I had thought that I should get myself out of the saddle to keep from unbalancing him or making it harder for him in any way. So the first long side trot, I tried to hold myself up in a weird dressage-saddle two-point. I think that did more to unbalance him than a steady post would have done ... so the opposite direction long side trot, I posted, being careful to post from my thigh and keep my own balance. He appreciated that much more.
The wound is healing well, still. It's got a good base on it, so I decided that I can go ahead and give the Equaide another try. The proud flesh is still there, so we'll see how the Equaide does with it. I am not worried about it irritating the leg now, not with the heal on it we have.
We're also down to once a day care, which works a lot better with my work schedule ... especially because I have to be much better about arrival time. Hmph. I don't like morning. Watermelon, carrots, peas, and elephants. Just because. There's an echo in here lately. Anyway, I am really looking forward to the weekend -- I might sleep in, but then again, my friend will be bringing her horse back to jumping lessons after her horrible injury. I really want to be there to cheer her on! Plus, maybe I can tag along with the 11 AM lesson I am usually in, maybe walk over ground poles or something.
Chop wood, carry water. I wonder how long it'll be until he's 100% again.
The wound is healing well, still. It's got a good base on it, so I decided that I can go ahead and give the Equaide another try. The proud flesh is still there, so we'll see how the Equaide does with it. I am not worried about it irritating the leg now, not with the heal on it we have.
We're also down to once a day care, which works a lot better with my work schedule ... especially because I have to be much better about arrival time. Hmph. I don't like morning. Watermelon, carrots, peas, and elephants. Just because. There's an echo in here lately. Anyway, I am really looking forward to the weekend -- I might sleep in, but then again, my friend will be bringing her horse back to jumping lessons after her horrible injury. I really want to be there to cheer her on! Plus, maybe I can tag along with the 11 AM lesson I am usually in, maybe walk over ground poles or something.
Chop wood, carry water. I wonder how long it'll be until he's 100% again.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Good day at the barn
Well, I wanted to have an ears picture to go with this, but it was not to be.
What is "this"?
I started tack walking Apollo this evening! YAY!! It wasn't a long walk, but it felt good to be back in the saddle. :). He's doing well at the walk and got looser and used the joint better as time went on, so unless he's really unhappy tomorrow, this will be the order of the day for a while!
Yay saddle. Yay Apollo. :D
What is "this"?
I started tack walking Apollo this evening! YAY!! It wasn't a long walk, but it felt good to be back in the saddle. :). He's doing well at the walk and got looser and used the joint better as time went on, so unless he's really unhappy tomorrow, this will be the order of the day for a while!
Yay saddle. Yay Apollo. :D
Monday, October 8, 2012
Horse Five
So the better Apollo feels, the longer I need to walk him. Wandering around the indoor arena at a walk can only keep us occupied for so long ... I walk through dressage tests, do spirals in and out, three and five loop serpentines, 10 meter circles strung together like pearls, figure eights, half circle and reverse, turn on the forehand, turn on the haunches, hands-free direction, back up straight, move this foot then that foot, et cetera. Anything to get that leg working and keep us both from dying of boredom.
At the same time, I'm looking at it as exercise for me. 30-40 minutes of walking through deep-ish sand is great for me. But I have been missing my Zombies, Run! game. I usually use it on the elliptical, because I don't really run due to being prone to shin splints. BUT. It occurred to me that I could stick my phone in my pocket and play Zombies, Run! while walking Apollo! I don't have to use headphones, which is fortunate, because I generally think not being able to hear what's going on around you while you're working with horses is a safety concern.
Anyway, the indoor arena in the evening, with no one else around, is a very quiet place. Hoofbeats, the occasional sneeze or rustle or waterer noise if a horse is in a stall, but that's it. Very conducive to focus, very solitary. Usually, very comforting and zen.
But when you're listening to an episode of Zombies, Run! that has you, as Runner Five, stuck outside Abel Township at night, surrounded by zombies, and the radio operator from Abel has only one-way contact with you, it's deliciously shivery and creepy. In the episode, the radio operator is kind of a voice in the dark, talking to you even though he doesn't know if Runner Five is dead or zombified or lost or what. It was very very fun. :) Very Halloween.
I turned to Apollo at one point -- he seems terribly interested in the noise coming from my pocket -- and said, "It's you and me, guy, us against the zombies. Think we can do it?" :) Runner Five and Horse Five, surviving the apocalypse together.
So the wound is looking good. I've gone to changing the bandage just every 24 hours. It seems to do quite well when the medicine just sits and soaks in. He does bleed more these days, rather than ooze, but I think that's fine. He's moving around more, laying down and getting up and whatnot, and I think that helps the proud flesh slough off. I think it also just kind of breaks the scab a bit, like it would on a person. He's walking well and chipper, so I'm confident. The wound is healing from the bottom (inside the leg) to the top (skin layer) and from the outside in. This is good. We'll keep on keeping on!
At the same time, I'm looking at it as exercise for me. 30-40 minutes of walking through deep-ish sand is great for me. But I have been missing my Zombies, Run! game. I usually use it on the elliptical, because I don't really run due to being prone to shin splints. BUT. It occurred to me that I could stick my phone in my pocket and play Zombies, Run! while walking Apollo! I don't have to use headphones, which is fortunate, because I generally think not being able to hear what's going on around you while you're working with horses is a safety concern.
Anyway, the indoor arena in the evening, with no one else around, is a very quiet place. Hoofbeats, the occasional sneeze or rustle or waterer noise if a horse is in a stall, but that's it. Very conducive to focus, very solitary. Usually, very comforting and zen.
But when you're listening to an episode of Zombies, Run! that has you, as Runner Five, stuck outside Abel Township at night, surrounded by zombies, and the radio operator from Abel has only one-way contact with you, it's deliciously shivery and creepy. In the episode, the radio operator is kind of a voice in the dark, talking to you even though he doesn't know if Runner Five is dead or zombified or lost or what. It was very very fun. :) Very Halloween.
I turned to Apollo at one point -- he seems terribly interested in the noise coming from my pocket -- and said, "It's you and me, guy, us against the zombies. Think we can do it?" :) Runner Five and Horse Five, surviving the apocalypse together.
So the wound is looking good. I've gone to changing the bandage just every 24 hours. It seems to do quite well when the medicine just sits and soaks in. He does bleed more these days, rather than ooze, but I think that's fine. He's moving around more, laying down and getting up and whatnot, and I think that helps the proud flesh slough off. I think it also just kind of breaks the scab a bit, like it would on a person. He's walking well and chipper, so I'm confident. The wound is healing from the bottom (inside the leg) to the top (skin layer) and from the outside in. This is good. We'll keep on keeping on!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Chop wood, carry water - UPDATED WITH FUN!
Hm. Well. A list of facts:
* Apollo's wound is a little puffier and warmer than it was yesterday.
* His hock is a little more swollen than it was yesterday.
* Due to work and other scheduling, I didn't get to walk him yesterday.
* We finished up the doxycycline Wednesday evening.
* I started putting the Equaide on the wound Wednesday evening.
Based on these facts, I decided to stop the Equaide this morning and see how he does with the SSD ointment, if there's any change by tomorrow morning. The idea is to see whether the swelling has to do with stopping the doxy or using the Equaide -- correlation or causation with the Equaide, basically.
It's not a perfect experiment, because I walked him for quite a while today and even asked him to trot a little so I could see how it was doing. (He's able to trot without being shocked, but he's definitely lame lame lame on it. Better than he was, but I'm not going to be asking for much trot this coming week.) My friend and I also swapped little Rhett and Apollo for the afternoon, Rhett in the barn and Apollo in Rhett's pen.
So if the swelling looks way better tomorrow, it'll be hard to tell exactly whether it was the SSD or the exercise. I'm glad to have him out for at least part of the day. It's not an ideal turnout situation, but it's better than nothing. Neither Apollo nor Rhett seems to be having trouble adjusting so far, and Apollo's new neighbor is doing fine too. Of course, Caden has been leaning over the fence to lick Apollo's neck, so ... odd horse.
I don't know if I'm just not giving the Equaide a long enough trial or what, but ... if the swelling stays down and it looks pink and healthy, I'm going to stick with the SSD and the proud flesh ointment the vet gave me.
Overall, the wound looks pretty good.
* Apollo's wound is a little puffier and warmer than it was yesterday.
* His hock is a little more swollen than it was yesterday.
* Due to work and other scheduling, I didn't get to walk him yesterday.
* We finished up the doxycycline Wednesday evening.
* I started putting the Equaide on the wound Wednesday evening.
Based on these facts, I decided to stop the Equaide this morning and see how he does with the SSD ointment, if there's any change by tomorrow morning. The idea is to see whether the swelling has to do with stopping the doxy or using the Equaide -- correlation or causation with the Equaide, basically.
It's not a perfect experiment, because I walked him for quite a while today and even asked him to trot a little so I could see how it was doing. (He's able to trot without being shocked, but he's definitely lame lame lame on it. Better than he was, but I'm not going to be asking for much trot this coming week.) My friend and I also swapped little Rhett and Apollo for the afternoon, Rhett in the barn and Apollo in Rhett's pen.
So if the swelling looks way better tomorrow, it'll be hard to tell exactly whether it was the SSD or the exercise. I'm glad to have him out for at least part of the day. It's not an ideal turnout situation, but it's better than nothing. Neither Apollo nor Rhett seems to be having trouble adjusting so far, and Apollo's new neighbor is doing fine too. Of course, Caden has been leaning over the fence to lick Apollo's neck, so ... odd horse.
I don't know if I'm just not giving the Equaide a long enough trial or what, but ... if the swelling stays down and it looks pink and healthy, I'm going to stick with the SSD and the proud flesh ointment the vet gave me.
Overall, the wound looks pretty good.
And now, a picture and a musical interlude!
(with apologies and thanks to Johnny Cash)
I hear the trailer comin'
It's rolling round the bend
And I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when,
I'm stuck in horsey prison, and time keeps draggin' on
But that trailer keeps a rollin' on down to Galway Downs.
When I was just a foal my mama told me, Colt,
Always be a good boy, don't ever kick or bolt.
But I got into a squabble, got kicked by some mean guy,
When I hear that horn a-blowing, I hang my head and sigh.
I bet there's top eventers with perfect braided manes
They're probably drinkin' water and eatin' fancy grain.
Well I know I'm hurt and injured, I know I can't be free
But those horses keep a movin'
And that's what tortures me...
Well if they freed me from this box stall,
If that trailer trip was mine
I bet I'd move it on a little farther down the line
Far from horsey prison, that's where I want to stay
And I'd let the riding lesson blow my blues away.....
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Equaide
Well, the Equaide seems to be doing well on the wound so far. It's weird and gray, but Apollo's leg looked good this morning.
He had, however, kicked off his bandage. I think it's really itchy now that it's healing. I'm hoping the bandage stays on this afternoon. I wrapped it more tightly, so that should have done it. I might need to abandon the quilted wrap now; we'll see.
Also, this morning Katie described Apollo's ... unique ... method of keeping himself occupied in his stall: he stands a little diagonally, with his head toward the hay net and his butt toward the milk jugs. He leans forward enough to get a bite of hay, then leans back just enough to switch the milk jugs with his butt.
I was wondering how he was getting the tail rubs!! :) It's not enough to make me worry about worms, though I'll deworm him tonight, but I was really curious. Working students for the win!
He had, however, kicked off his bandage. I think it's really itchy now that it's healing. I'm hoping the bandage stays on this afternoon. I wrapped it more tightly, so that should have done it. I might need to abandon the quilted wrap now; we'll see.
Also, this morning Katie described Apollo's ... unique ... method of keeping himself occupied in his stall: he stands a little diagonally, with his head toward the hay net and his butt toward the milk jugs. He leans forward enough to get a bite of hay, then leans back just enough to switch the milk jugs with his butt.
I was wondering how he was getting the tail rubs!! :) It's not enough to make me worry about worms, though I'll deworm him tonight, but I was really curious. Working students for the win!
Don't wanna ...
... sleep. This is going to hurt in the morning. Which has to be an early one.
However, here are the fruits of my sleeplessness. There are two. First:
How, then, shall I sing of you who in all ways are a worthy theme of song? For everywhere, O Phoebus, the whole range of song is fallen to you, both over the mainland that rears heifers and over the isles. All mountain-peaks and high headlands of lofty hills and rivers flowing out to the deep and beaches sloping seawards and havens of the sea are your delight.
It's a Hymn to Apollo, of course. :)
Second, the Equaide arrived! It's dark grey, and it looks like one of its main components is zeolite. It's the consistency of slip -- if you've ever taken a ceramics class, you know what I mean. If you haven't taken a ceramics class, it's the thin, fine slurry of clay and water you get when you throw clay. The friction of your wet hands and dribbles of water suspends the clay in the water, then you slick that off your hands and use it for, basically, gluing wet clay bits together.
Anyway, this is not a pottery blog, so I'll leave off. I'm excited to see how the Equaide works over the next week or so! I think that when I run out of vetwrap I'll see how he does unwrapped. This stuff is supposed to be able to be used without a wrap, so ... yeah. Wound looks good, pink and healthy still. Go go gadget healing.
However, here are the fruits of my sleeplessness. There are two. First:
How, then, shall I sing of you who in all ways are a worthy theme of song? For everywhere, O Phoebus, the whole range of song is fallen to you, both over the mainland that rears heifers and over the isles. All mountain-peaks and high headlands of lofty hills and rivers flowing out to the deep and beaches sloping seawards and havens of the sea are your delight.
It's a Hymn to Apollo, of course. :)
Second, the Equaide arrived! It's dark grey, and it looks like one of its main components is zeolite. It's the consistency of slip -- if you've ever taken a ceramics class, you know what I mean. If you haven't taken a ceramics class, it's the thin, fine slurry of clay and water you get when you throw clay. The friction of your wet hands and dribbles of water suspends the clay in the water, then you slick that off your hands and use it for, basically, gluing wet clay bits together.
Anyway, this is not a pottery blog, so I'll leave off. I'm excited to see how the Equaide works over the next week or so! I think that when I run out of vetwrap I'll see how he does unwrapped. This stuff is supposed to be able to be used without a wrap, so ... yeah. Wound looks good, pink and healthy still. Go go gadget healing.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Hurry up and wait
Not only is Apollo bored with his no-doing-anything routine, I am bored with his no-doing-anything routine. Seriously, I am bored with this. I am not giving up or anything, just ... bored. I want to ride!
Unfortunately, it's very obvious that Apollo isn't up for anything other than hand walking for a while yet. He tried to trot yesterday, and I think he surprised himself by hurting -- his head came up so fast and he scooted forward like he'd been bitten, all the while holding the right hind leg up off the ground and hopping, trying to figure out where his feet should go. Poor guy.
I am anxiously awaiting delivery of the Equaide. Hurry up, goo! The cut is looking good, pink and healthy, but still swollen over the tendon. Sigh. No more yellow ooze, though. This is good. I think the cellulitis is gone. Now just for healing. Without proud flesh, kplzthx.
Waiting for bandages to dry now so I can get out to the dang barn and take care of stuff!! *drums fingers*
Unfortunately, it's very obvious that Apollo isn't up for anything other than hand walking for a while yet. He tried to trot yesterday, and I think he surprised himself by hurting -- his head came up so fast and he scooted forward like he'd been bitten, all the while holding the right hind leg up off the ground and hopping, trying to figure out where his feet should go. Poor guy.
I am anxiously awaiting delivery of the Equaide. Hurry up, goo! The cut is looking good, pink and healthy, but still swollen over the tendon. Sigh. No more yellow ooze, though. This is good. I think the cellulitis is gone. Now just for healing. Without proud flesh, kplzthx.
Waiting for bandages to dry now so I can get out to the dang barn and take care of stuff!! *drums fingers*
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Combating boredom
So Apollo has been given a nibble net for his hay, a milk jug horse toy, and several long walks. I'm hoping this helps to cure the boredom!!
As far as the nibble net goes, I am pretty sure that's working as designed. He's having to work harder to eat, and he's already doing the problem-solving involved in getting the most hay in the quickest manner possible from the torturous device. :) He figured out how to stick his nose in the top, then I rearranged the net, then he found a workaround, and I've rearranged the net again. This is the goal! Busy pony.
It also seems that Apollo is a player-with-toys. :) I caught him nosing at the milk jugs more than once, and he seems to find swishing them with his tail amusing. Let's hope this interest lasts.
Long walks ... I'd been wondering why my ankles and Achilles tendons were so sore lately. It occurred to me that taking long walks in deepish sand while wearing less than supportive shoes might be causing this. Yep, after this morning's walk it's certain. Sigh. Oh well. We'll keep walking. In the sand. Apollo needs more and more walking as he feels better, so walk we shall.
Tonight, more pony care, then gym, then dollar tacos with Little Rhett's owner, who's on her own for a week. :) Fun! Nice to have more horse friends, always.
As far as the nibble net goes, I am pretty sure that's working as designed. He's having to work harder to eat, and he's already doing the problem-solving involved in getting the most hay in the quickest manner possible from the torturous device. :) He figured out how to stick his nose in the top, then I rearranged the net, then he found a workaround, and I've rearranged the net again. This is the goal! Busy pony.
It also seems that Apollo is a player-with-toys. :) I caught him nosing at the milk jugs more than once, and he seems to find swishing them with his tail amusing. Let's hope this interest lasts.
Long walks ... I'd been wondering why my ankles and Achilles tendons were so sore lately. It occurred to me that taking long walks in deepish sand while wearing less than supportive shoes might be causing this. Yep, after this morning's walk it's certain. Sigh. Oh well. We'll keep walking. In the sand. Apollo needs more and more walking as he feels better, so walk we shall.
Tonight, more pony care, then gym, then dollar tacos with Little Rhett's owner, who's on her own for a week. :) Fun! Nice to have more horse friends, always.
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